tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263185352024-03-14T01:25:20.867-07:00I Need Another SkeinThe True Tale of a Novice Texas Knitter who admits to loving yarn more than she loves knitting...Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-69800073328476227822007-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:002008-05-23T06:04:34.070-07:00End of Year Clearances'Tis the time of the year to take advantage of the sales that many different kinds of businesses offer.<br /><br />As a knitter- my favorite end of the year sale is at the local yarn stores. Here in Dallas, we have had several stores with great sales this week - <a href="http://www.theshabbysheep.com/">The Shabby Sheep</a> on Boxing Day, <a href="http://www.passionknitdallas.com/">PassionKnit</a> all week long and even the <a href="http://www.theknittingnook.com/">Knitting Nook</a> over in North Richland Hills on Monday. Of course with this boot on, I've not been able to take advantage of any of those.<br /><br />However, the granddaddy of them all is at the <a href="http://www.woolieewe.com/default.asp">Woolie Ewe</a> - last Saturday of December - the sale of all sales! This year, they opened at 5 AM ! Thankfully, I have a <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/">friend </a>who is as crazy as I am - so we got there at 3:15 am. We weren't first in line - <a href="http://fruitcakeknits.weblogs.us/">Missy</a> was. (But she's a crazy college student who can still camp out overnight without worry.) But, we were second and third.<br /><br />I took my Christmas cash that had been given specifically for the sale - and my debit card (which was cringing at the thought of such a sale) and we hit the door at 5 AM along with a throng of other people.<br /><br />And when I say "throng" - I mean crazyknittingpeoplewhowouldgetupandshopforyarnat5AM.<br /><br />That store was PACKED. But, as usual, Jill and Sue had the Ewe running like a top and while we did have to wait in line, it was fairly swift moving.<br /><br />Best of all - I came out with some change - a whole $3.97 - and the debit card gave a sigh of relief!<br /><br />After the sale and breakfast with the other crazy knitters, I came home and tried to sleep...only to wake up every few minutes having dreamt about either this one yarn I didn't buy (Ella Rae Palermo) or being pushed around stacks of yarn. I guess it was PTYSD (Post Traumatic Yarn Sale Disorder). I thought of going back for the Palermo, but decided that I didn't really need it and was good.<br /><br />And then - after an annual end of year luncheon with some friends - Alek and I did something we seldom do - we went shopping together.<br /><br />See what we came home with??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DVhWA2lRU8WUbQ0bt1UeYaTjOxUTWjL4429q4SaFQBg6LL3AnWBYWCn765lSGrSF733s3_0aBZdlZYgH9BUXu8YQeV0yyMEQYK4Y4xZoh8s1dthklf-ABjcjxf9slJ6Ft8G1gQ/s1600-h/End+of+Year+Clearance+Sales+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149885419206807970" style="WIDTH: 482px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DVhWA2lRU8WUbQ0bt1UeYaTjOxUTWjL4429q4SaFQBg6LL3AnWBYWCn765lSGrSF733s3_0aBZdlZYgH9BUXu8YQeV0yyMEQYK4Y4xZoh8s1dthklf-ABjcjxf9slJ6Ft8G1gQ/s320/End+of+Year+Clearance+Sales+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She makes me smile...<br /><br />...I can't decide whether it's 'cause she is so pretty - or 'cause she means that the POS Cruiser is now out of our lives and no longer draining our wallet. (I've been told it's not enough that the ads show it big enough to<a href="http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/interior-photos.aspx"> fit an alpaca in the backseat</a> - and that I needed to read the fine print that the alpaca was sold separately.)<br /><br />I have to say, this was the most pleasant car-buying experience EVER. (I didn't know it was possible to type "pleasant" and "car-buying experience" in the same sentence without an "un" thrown in there somewhere!)<br /><br />If you are ever going to buy a Honda - big or small - I highly recommend Robert Kurlan (sp?) at<a href="http://hondacarsofmckinney.com/"> Honda Cars of McKinney</a>. I never felt pressured to buy something - when we walked away back in September, I had told him he could call me to see if we had changed our minds and he didn't abuse it - just would call when I had told him that it was ok to check back with us after "X date" and then call back when I told him it'd be a little bit later in the year before we were ready to deal. It was so nice to deal with someone who wasn't overbearing and loud - didn't try to rope us in with feel good stories and loads of crap - just patient and knowledgeable about his product. I wasn't buying the top of the line car - in fact, their smallest model - but you would never know it from the way he treated us. I'd buy from him again in a heartbeat...and recommend him to anyone.Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-68191576573205780012007-12-25T08:41:00.000-08:002007-12-25T08:50:44.902-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >Merry Christmas, <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Y'all!!!</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span></span></div>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-52716295532917926122007-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:002007-12-18T12:04:11.652-08:00Thanks & Bones & Resolutions!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOk7qpktoXDy0Kodw_emxqzr3xsedUsBExWVrsfWEz1Dib2Wpz2rZSjB5CJbCh_MMZqU8IV4AbYaq0KiC8doy4w_82ZzW9LGlf339xkENY5ozGtaHA62eCfwYex6HSnqzccgBSw/s1600-h/new+year.jpg"></a><br /><div><br />Consider this one huge bowl of Catch-up.<br /><br />First of all - I need to send a BIG Ol' THANK YOU! to <a href="http://handmadebyfrances.blogspot.com/">Frances</a> for my Coffee Swap 3 gift! I sent proper thanks to her already - long long ago - but really need to do it publicly. I kept waiting for my camera's battery charger to reappear so I could get a "better than the cell phone" pic...but since the charger is still in hiding, I'm going to have to just use this horrible picture to show what I assure you was one of the best packages EVER!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4c3iSETNNNXIUvpo5wpE9INNC7-wMZuB9g8MVDJISicn-E-i_ONbmr496p3nDB_nkbxxsFBr_fV9aouW2tUqM3AEDppxlJsBR1ZWQwskjdKDE2gysxSHWa3vcNsEdzWhIpy5Zw/s1600-h/Coffee+Swap+Gift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144357885203210418" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4c3iSETNNNXIUvpo5wpE9INNC7-wMZuB9g8MVDJISicn-E-i_ONbmr496p3nDB_nkbxxsFBr_fV9aouW2tUqM3AEDppxlJsBR1ZWQwskjdKDE2gysxSHWa3vcNsEdzWhIpy5Zw/s320/Coffee+Swap+Gift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What is hard to see there is two lovely skeins of SWTC Bamboo in the Esquire colorway and a big ol' skein of the Socka Colori Disco in a blingy light blue. Love them! There was also some cute napkins and adorable coasters not to mention some chocolate (yum) and some Authentic NJ Saltwater Taffy (some of my absolute favorite candy!). And then, Frances also makes these lovely soaps - and I got several of them. Y'all figure out how to buy them from her - 'cause they smell incredible - and there's this one bar called "Kitchen Magic," that does just take all the smells from your hands from like garlic or onion chopping.<br /><br />As far as the coffee goes - which my Alek says is the reason he can get behind this swapping business - she sent a really dark rich coffee called "Twin Lights Fog Buster Blend" from <a href="http://www.jerseyshorecoffeeroasters.com/">Jersey Shore Coffee Roasters</a> which definitely has a bite to it - but it's a good bite. Will definitely wake you up! But the other is my favorite - from <a href="http://www.asburyparkroastery.com/">Asbury Park Roastery </a>- City Roast Bolivia. It's a perfect blend for the two of us - we love it and may have to figure out how to import some more to Texas! HA!<br /><br />But, the best part of the package was the mug - <a href="http://www.wearehappytoserveyou.com/">The coolest coffee mug ever!</a> I loved it all, Frances!! You are definitely a great swap partner!<br /><br />In November, I got to trek down to Austin and the Hill Country not once - but twice. First on vacation with Alek whom I took to the airport half-way through and traded him out for my Mama. It was a fun trip where Alek and I spent as much time in as many <a href="http://www.mozartscoffee.com/">coffee</a> houses and <a href="http://www.cafemagnolia.com/">cheap</a> <a href="http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/">diners</a> in Austin as possible as well as some time in <a href="http://www.gruenetexas.com/">Gruene</a> and <a href="http://www.newbraunfels.com/">New Braufels.</a> When Mama got there, we spent some time with one of her college buddies and then spent a day in Fredericksburg where we shopped (yes, I found a<a href="http://www.stonehillspin.com/"> yarn store</a>) and ended the day watching <a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=17">3 million bats emerge from a cave</a>...it was quite a fun week!<br /><br />The next weekend, I went with this group of sheeple down to the <a href="http://kidnewe.com/">Kid N Ewe Festival</a> in Boerne.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgXpfiAibki3Ngjl3SM_3WFKzg_t53bWsvsxBufWwFyq4aH4faCTKCwNBbdWKXwdVBojuOAXePvH2uNpucYzb_Ug7QQ3KnPaDR_nNGuFdYRezYTHHeKkcZ0J_J5_uEr262BbLtA/s1600-h/Sheeple+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144364980489183442" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgXpfiAibki3Ngjl3SM_3WFKzg_t53bWsvsxBufWwFyq4aH4faCTKCwNBbdWKXwdVBojuOAXePvH2uNpucYzb_Ug7QQ3KnPaDR_nNGuFdYRezYTHHeKkcZ0J_J5_uEr262BbLtA/s320/Sheeple+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had a blast - and blasted through the money we had buying yarn - we bought mostly wools - but these two were there to show us what they could produce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJAUxVutuztPd4Tzjt9h8MD-YGUXWQoDarRQHtmNn3xtjPALcTrqkxzbCUjxBU11W5FLv0Vy3nAcLPqttNoU6G2BIDXdlaxVsYiIgKOH5cY4vaPj_Ph5bRFIAmq-nMuWZUrcQQ/s1600-h/CUTE!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144364984784150754" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJAUxVutuztPd4Tzjt9h8MD-YGUXWQoDarRQHtmNn3xtjPALcTrqkxzbCUjxBU11W5FLv0Vy3nAcLPqttNoU6G2BIDXdlaxVsYiIgKOH5cY4vaPj_Ph5bRFIAmq-nMuWZUrcQQ/s320/CUTE!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't he CUTE?</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHJ6-rXBupBMYTxvwWKbR02Z-wjZsOJqTDlxmZ71y4cEoI9G9ZyzqS3Uhf3wXBZlEaCpp_MGEXdE3SMnwG9ZC54dk1iDJnKUq7bcIMt5E7yUmmJeWdNFYE7iFuFlgNS92sIG9wA/s1600-h/Spinning+Directly+from+Rabbit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144364984784150770" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHJ6-rXBupBMYTxvwWKbR02Z-wjZsOJqTDlxmZ71y4cEoI9G9ZyzqS3Uhf3wXBZlEaCpp_MGEXdE3SMnwG9ZC54dk1iDJnKUq7bcIMt5E7yUmmJeWdNFYE7iFuFlgNS92sIG9wA/s320/Spinning+Directly+from+Rabbit.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXE9C-puwbQml_3hDy59pZAXoBDmx11ZHrmjDyYDEr_RfcUFKuoRtFTThE-CvQANdqfYYFsJ_73lUgCJfyi_HCNCWMmC-z71kZT9cThwyzUPLuIuwDfjgxB9ARSsIBkR6kpQuPg/s1600-h/Spinning+Directly+from+Rabbit+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144368287614001426" style="WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXE9C-puwbQml_3hDy59pZAXoBDmx11ZHrmjDyYDEr_RfcUFKuoRtFTThE-CvQANdqfYYFsJ_73lUgCJfyi_HCNCWMmC-z71kZT9cThwyzUPLuIuwDfjgxB9ARSsIBkR6kpQuPg/s320/Spinning+Directly+from+Rabbit+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She is spinning directly from that bunny!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We also got to go to this new knitting store in Austin - <a href="http://theknittingnestaustin.com/">The Knitting Nest</a>. How cute is this place??? Ok...so you have to click on the link to see the pics - Blogger and some of my pics that I do have aren't agreeing...</div><br /><div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZFlylB4ylGoXf12rcpYDItKo5CgqVrxF37JA44kTZrzG44JfToHJIJ9tx_X4LohoBeto82W8cMFIyo2ToLUreopkIl3VtQLaZPAv3DhDuMTSs1YaZe4j6PdxFW8yczfRSfqtpQ/s1600-h/Wall+of+Cascade.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZFlylB4ylGoXf12rcpYDItKo5CgqVrxF37JA44kTZrzG44JfToHJIJ9tx_X4LohoBeto82W8cMFIyo2ToLUreopkIl3VtQLaZPAv3DhDuMTSs1YaZe4j6PdxFW8yczfRSfqtpQ/s1600-h/Wall+of+Cascade.jpg"></a></div><div>As far as Bones go - the mutant extra bone is gone. (I know you are thankful for no pictures of that!) I'm in a knee high aircast for 6 weeks (two of which are gone) - but that means I am in super cranky mode since I can't drive for another 4. This does not make me happy...but I'll live - maybe. (Some of you have witnessed my dear hubby's driving - so you know what I mean.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On to Resolutions! Knitting Resolutions, that is. <a href="http://texaspurlgurl.blogspot.com/">Dawn</a>, My friend and fellow <a href="http://bigmama1.com/">BigMama</a>/<a href="http://boomama.net/">BooMama</a>/<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman</a> lover (it's her fault I'm obsessed with these three ladies and their lives), has issued a Knitting Resolutions edict - er, um, invitation - to all of the internets...so I shall participate.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOk7qpktoXDy0Kodw_emxqzr3xsedUsBExWVrsfWEz1Dib2Wpz2rZSjB5CJbCh_MMZqU8IV4AbYaq0KiC8doy4w_82ZzW9LGlf339xkENY5ozGtaHA62eCfwYex6HSnqzccgBSw/s1600-h/new+year.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOk7qpktoXDy0Kodw_emxqzr3xsedUsBExWVrsfWEz1Dib2Wpz2rZSjB5CJbCh_MMZqU8IV4AbYaq0KiC8doy4w_82ZzW9LGlf339xkENY5ozGtaHA62eCfwYex6HSnqzccgBSw/s1600-h/new+year.jpg"></a><ul><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #1 - Finish that darned <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html">Clapotis</a>. (It is NOT that hard...and when I pick it up, I enjoy it - enough so that I've got a couple of other yarns that I bought thinking "That would make an awesome Clapotis!) </li><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #2 - Attempt to knit a sweater - not just talk about it. It can be short sleeved - it can even be for a child - just DO it.</li><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #3 - Learn something new - Magic Loop, Intarsia, something</li><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #4 - Actually do a Toe-Up Sock. I took the class, I know the basics - again, just do it already.</li><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #5 - Frog and restart the <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/Galleries/bonus/summer_2007/montego-bay.asp">Montego Bay scarf </a>using that beautiful Woolmeise. It's wonky and I know that I won't be happy with it as is - so Frog it and Restart it!</li><br /><li>Knitting Resolution #6 - Be more dedicated about taking pictures and then actually posting them to my blog. Included in this resolution is to blog more often. This once in a blue moon stuff just doesn't cut it.</li></ul><br /><p>I'm sure that there are more - but this will get me kick-started...(thanks <a href="http://texaspurlgurl.blogspot.com/">Dawn</a>.)</p>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-39712606778031349642007-11-17T10:19:00.000-08:002007-11-17T10:22:29.779-08:00Win a Free Template for Your Blog!<strong>C'mon - you know you want one as much as I do...</strong><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.splatdesigns.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/lkwait/splatcontest.png" border="0"></a></p>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-6075595176071969502007-10-25T09:39:00.000-07:002007-10-25T10:12:54.284-07:00Knit PackingSo, I'm going on a trip starting tomorrow - It's a full week at the <a href="http://silverleafresorts.com/inside_rest_cdr_tx_hcr.jsp">Hill Country Resort </a>down on Canyon Lake. (Tough, huh? I'm just lucky to have parents who chose to spend the day before my wedding sitting at their kitchen table with salespeople from their timeshare who came to get them to upgrade...)<br /><br />Anyway, I'm sitting here thinking of the important stuff - like what Knitting to pack.<br /><br />I know there are things I want to finish - socks (the <a href="http://www.mirasolperu.com/hachoyarn.htm">Hacho</a> socks which are almost finished), the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html">Clapotis</a> (that I actually started during this week LAST year).<br /><br />There are things I want to start - other socks (there's some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6013526">Yarn Ahoy </a>that I can't quit petting), some baby stuff I need to work on, and I really want to do that <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/Galleries/bonus/summer_2007/montego-bay.asp">Montego Bay </a>scarf...<br /><br />But, I'm weird about wanting to wind up my yarn before I know I'm actually going to use it...and if I don't get to those things, do I want to have them wound when I didn't need to.<br /><br />I wonder - just how much room will my winder and swift take up in the car???Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-39505591816753903972007-10-21T16:41:00.000-07:002007-10-22T18:26:38.094-07:00Three Women in a Volvo Take Hwy 80<p>So...remember last year when the girls and I went on that trip up Hwy 80 for <a href="http://sendyarn.blogspot.com/2006/10/garage-sales-jewelry-yarn-and-oh-yeah.html">our "little" garage sale adventure</a>?<br /><br />Well, it's <a href="http://www.us80.com/">Hwy 80 Sale</a> time again!</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC3lzHMmcuf6TRhkP1GjD5Imok_fQjtwQ-48A6y9IFnN84LLEtKiWXebqVmQCttrCyhQKsXnci0C5vIqzzYNxZ9jNQpWAYxPp698pVWXzRi9DkTqKK4beL5yP1naKM8b8MB7acQ/s1600-h/Hwy+80+Sale+Sign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123941164602946626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC3lzHMmcuf6TRhkP1GjD5Imok_fQjtwQ-48A6y9IFnN84LLEtKiWXebqVmQCttrCyhQKsXnci0C5vIqzzYNxZ9jNQpWAYxPp698pVWXzRi9DkTqKK4beL5yP1naKM8b8MB7acQ/s320/Hwy+80+Sale+Sign.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yes...you read that right - From Texas all the way to Mississippi - so <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/">Tasha</a>, <a href="http://yarndeficit.blogspot.com/">Becky</a> and I hit the road again this year to see what we could scrounge up! (We missed <a href="http://knittingrose.blogspot.com/">Lise</a> - but she was off in <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">Rhinebeck</a> - so we don't think she missed us too much.)<br /></p><p>We met up at 6 am (on a Saturday, if you can believe!) - armed with Starbucks and an empty Volvo*</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aDkRbKlXaX2QH1tCSasxNXrMmMovlb05UzIBJ3NghgUqYKSyajkPA3R_faCQC_F7FPZTlhHBZrVvsvQ3UszhwrJJzz5CSR0Zc_2rSs0Mzjemfd5bQjvqig8WFGjmUrItwltTjg/s1600-h/Empty+Volvo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942586237121682" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aDkRbKlXaX2QH1tCSasxNXrMmMovlb05UzIBJ3NghgUqYKSyajkPA3R_faCQC_F7FPZTlhHBZrVvsvQ3UszhwrJJzz5CSR0Zc_2rSs0Mzjemfd5bQjvqig8WFGjmUrItwltTjg/s320/Empty+Volvo.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>We set out putting it out to the Garage Sale Universe - 'cause that's what Tasha's MIL says to do - that we wanted certain things - purse handles, button jars, tea cups, etc... I think Tasha put a little too much emphasis on Button Jars - 'cause I think she ended up with a few. (One of those jars is in the picture of us with the Hwy 80 sign.)<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdgDOYv_ulUU1Sw8m6lkUfTT27O_beSktXh2cu_Bo5LVFIXWKVxXT-7haqaJj_n9AdX5g3akWidcyJu-yIZ7trUxlEhEfsBTyny_qYC4i6ZFiT9y10pSbJGiI8HrQ5mhR4G1K8g/s1600-h/Tasha,+Liz+and+Becky+on+Hwy+80.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123943458115482994" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdgDOYv_ulUU1Sw8m6lkUfTT27O_beSktXh2cu_Bo5LVFIXWKVxXT-7haqaJj_n9AdX5g3akWidcyJu-yIZ7trUxlEhEfsBTyny_qYC4i6ZFiT9y10pSbJGiI8HrQ5mhR4G1K8g/s320/Tasha,+Liz+and+Becky+on+Hwy+80.jpg" border="0" />(Tasha, Me, Becky)</a><br /></p><p>We tried a different approach this year - driving past a bunch of it along I-20 due to the early hour - but after a stop at the Chevron in Canton to get rid of some of those Starbucks cups (yeah, that's the ticket), we decided to just cut on over to Hwy 80 around Mineola and head east, since it was almost 8 am by that time.<br /><br />Along the way we saw tables in parking lots,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6Zs2gMJCFKFZIC5z8yFk6QOFcpmHC8oGcy8FGU-C9AMTEqc55Agq-71vAzFNoHek0HSxlUDnFFHJqsFOsuMHdX64v7OvPnxfZIeUPUJ9kLMBgWR7jzqMWVaX4zNhtOPoqn3aLw/s1600-h/Sale+Table.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942629186794706" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6Zs2gMJCFKFZIC5z8yFk6QOFcpmHC8oGcy8FGU-C9AMTEqc55Agq-71vAzFNoHek0HSxlUDnFFHJqsFOsuMHdX64v7OvPnxfZIeUPUJ9kLMBgWR7jzqMWVaX4zNhtOPoqn3aLw/s320/Sale+Table.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sales on the back of flatbed trailers,<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNFQ3Jyger70Ej6Xe0dcwJE8UGhZrm1WprAQN_NJQFW6v33XANIeTMKMGaNjSuDZbAHdEjISt5nrUOObn0DJvjZser1erk8Dlh4rYI7SqSR0zNdrhxm2-DnjO0S0VdxMsBPDOsg/s1600-h/Flatbed+Sale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942594827056290" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNFQ3Jyger70Ej6Xe0dcwJE8UGhZrm1WprAQN_NJQFW6v33XANIeTMKMGaNjSuDZbAHdEjISt5nrUOObn0DJvjZser1erk8Dlh4rYI7SqSR0zNdrhxm2-DnjO0S0VdxMsBPDOsg/s320/Flatbed+Sale.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>and in front of local shops/garages.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bAYoGvgbrHkVww5wy_w-mM1jfWOn1XuUAz5BOt4PUyVD1nHt7l8ZtNABDHq9R5Cil-6DAOP78yEqQ-7VSgmKjjlpox1biND3jLmFpC_hV6JEAbs-6cfeJ7srnthNbNGrdqNdQA/s1600-h/Auto+Shop+Sale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942612006925490" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bAYoGvgbrHkVww5wy_w-mM1jfWOn1XuUAz5BOt4PUyVD1nHt7l8ZtNABDHq9R5Cil-6DAOP78yEqQ-7VSgmKjjlpox1biND3jLmFpC_hV6JEAbs-6cfeJ7srnthNbNGrdqNdQA/s320/Auto+Shop+Sale.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Sales in front of, behind (and inside of) homes -<br /></p><p>Both the whimsical ones that seem like they are part of a post card...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72tiWT0UfzAQqzTIR9SE9fSTffrEHPkQUb7iw6wD5iI_YUb_3v4YEPXd4NVj9EP6YJ3QuagAipekudzFCdUTcHOnVzMRcgVE_E0DaquvXIhhN2NsBywnjTFWhwuTfYnaYOEQhrw/s1600-h/Halloween+decor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123963382468769186" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72tiWT0UfzAQqzTIR9SE9fSTffrEHPkQUb7iw6wD5iI_YUb_3v4YEPXd4NVj9EP6YJ3QuagAipekudzFCdUTcHOnVzMRcgVE_E0DaquvXIhhN2NsBywnjTFWhwuTfYnaYOEQhrw/s320/Halloween+decor.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>And the ones that we were blinded by the thought of a sale inside - but after looking at them once we were back in the car, made us wonder if we didn't need to be a little more picky...</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk1oYm2U1M7j_6198Upb4QraqtqbEThu4ciWajEpb2gcjSMgv6RYqV3kolqoHkfIsiQkfEbGWRsIFKtOFFFC05Q9nR0hMzCEGHLah99dJK3M0u3UjdAmF5APrnffSiBdAdH23JA/s1600-h/mobile+home.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk1oYm2U1M7j_6198Upb4QraqtqbEThu4ciWajEpb2gcjSMgv6RYqV3kolqoHkfIsiQkfEbGWRsIFKtOFFFC05Q9nR0hMzCEGHLah99dJK3M0u3UjdAmF5APrnffSiBdAdH23JA/s320/mobile+home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124328467573831202" border="0" /></a><br /><p>We fell in love with autumn in East Texas - and found a place tucked away off the highway that we decided should be promptly bought from the owners and turned into a Knitter's Retreat. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0rABV5ZH9rHzAdehcf0mMsEK3Rc2npwfdKj9fNyqFAfMsso89hm6QYMxZLe2Wxb98lQKspTjPzv-i41OSsSr2BiSoQJDfMaFiY6ktc90nQfjBY3HUQrnTgobJ1Qxj7z78gAbjA/s1600-h/Stone+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942624891827394" style="width: 270px; cursor: pointer; height: 135px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0rABV5ZH9rHzAdehcf0mMsEK3Rc2npwfdKj9fNyqFAfMsso89hm6QYMxZLe2Wxb98lQKspTjPzv-i41OSsSr2BiSoQJDfMaFiY6ktc90nQfjBY3HUQrnTgobJ1Qxj7z78gAbjA/s320/Stone+House.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmdP9RITC435CSR6BkMQHieKY6FhU8V8E3Uv8hENM4LoRGVUI0gd6gRGL2lj8YXMivIfA1s7V6Rpv4wknvOjXdJCyhO7haPOu6EgfxCCCDrXjyf9duYP73cVofxPzi4uF8oxVg/s1600-h/lakeside+inn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123965890729670082" style="width: 260px; cursor: pointer; height: 213px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmdP9RITC435CSR6BkMQHieKY6FhU8V8E3Uv8hENM4LoRGVUI0gd6gRGL2lj8YXMivIfA1s7V6Rpv4wknvOjXdJCyhO7haPOu6EgfxCCCDrXjyf9duYP73cVofxPzi4uF8oxVg/s320/lakeside+inn.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>We had to go back to the Parades Family Restaurant for their Buffet with some of the Best Fried Chicken in the State...</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshupYV0H7y4TqPQ9CBbu_tbhLfO_zy7aNB1_Bc-EcCSoFZ72J2YMJ8QNkzp2_p4HwWRNYqHGVWd4JmJ7T-bvn0sO4beG8B6p9ZwaV_GboVfh1f1VmEkmQ1Ai8WJIUESGzIsKW0g/s1600-h/Parades+Buffet.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshupYV0H7y4TqPQ9CBbu_tbhLfO_zy7aNB1_Bc-EcCSoFZ72J2YMJ8QNkzp2_p4HwWRNYqHGVWd4JmJ7T-bvn0sO4beG8B6p9ZwaV_GboVfh1f1VmEkmQ1Ai8WJIUESGzIsKW0g/s320/Parades+Buffet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124328514818471490" border="0" /></a></p><p>And we laughed at the get go that we'd never find another pirate ship like I did last year...</p>But, there in one of the shops we went into - was this "beauty"...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2PonwPc2BBi73TXg8OeODkX48U89xXG01hQEz4TaJ751eBKWVU6xwyZn26NoysI5Y4IQ5B-UXnWV7sMpW9t3t5jk5CY07DMt7Ftyb1d29bY-23gAfRYwHOLTVutLhImq4T95LQ/s1600-h/pirate+ship.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2PonwPc2BBi73TXg8OeODkX48U89xXG01hQEz4TaJ751eBKWVU6xwyZn26NoysI5Y4IQ5B-UXnWV7sMpW9t3t5jk5CY07DMt7Ftyb1d29bY-23gAfRYwHOLTVutLhImq4T95LQ/s320/pirate+ship.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124328493343634994" border="0" /></a><br /><p>No...it didn't come home with us - even though the gentleman who ran the shop offered us an additional 10% off if we could guess his age within five years...<br /></p><p>It was obvious early on that the girls also had a side bet as to how many purses that I would be getting during the day. I think the final count was 6 - if you count the wallet on a strap I bought. It had a long strap, so I think it would count as a purse. But the two of them will have to duke it out as to who won.<br /><br />Tasha, however, had the "Finds of the Day" this year - in two ways...<br />First, she found this cool Owl necklace -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pWK2RgKfDH0d5Z5zJdDTjVwhOzJFmbbnFNpxIP4ognb7qezxvJ9FKaSewj3ntAwnI9dD1-6WZ5tzDPhNt8xxPK09Rf9B7lWZ3vaGUwzbnUkJSHie_7ks2tRuudJUmKHnwDizOw/s1600-h/Tasha's+Owl+Necklace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123943453820515666" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pWK2RgKfDH0d5Z5zJdDTjVwhOzJFmbbnFNpxIP4ognb7qezxvJ9FKaSewj3ntAwnI9dD1-6WZ5tzDPhNt8xxPK09Rf9B7lWZ3vaGUwzbnUkJSHie_7ks2tRuudJUmKHnwDizOw/s320/Tasha's+Owl+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But then, she found the perfect pink purse - vintage - and in beautiful condition! I, the purse ho, was (am still) green with envy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqVRCyR0cM4FHtKbD-FSHSJPxYmWkhLZLskqiwlGi9-IQkIlXSDwDfc7DzUzge17V09Ur4CblQu4TYVnde0J4x0nudrzPUrEEw9k-n78IASyv3X8Cfj_dzZWgxTdLzErJokwM4w/s1600-h/BOTD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942886884832546" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqVRCyR0cM4FHtKbD-FSHSJPxYmWkhLZLskqiwlGi9-IQkIlXSDwDfc7DzUzge17V09Ur4CblQu4TYVnde0J4x0nudrzPUrEEw9k-n78IASyv3X8Cfj_dzZWgxTdLzErJokwM4w/s320/BOTD.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and she paid for this little piece of perfection?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbSjIuJZ2VU7SDx7kxT3lf4VOx7T88tiA6NvmiF65XBJvgCiiniwH7w3pzk8zF0UFkRx3z8vSQ5W5svsxy2QQ1EtO2JdN1W214mk0UqScOoTWoDGXgQ7-v8-9MK0htf9BLDC_4g/s1600-h/BOTD+$.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123943436640646450" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbSjIuJZ2VU7SDx7kxT3lf4VOx7T88tiA6NvmiF65XBJvgCiiniwH7w3pzk8zF0UFkRx3z8vSQ5W5svsxy2QQ1EtO2JdN1W214mk0UqScOoTWoDGXgQ7-v8-9MK0htf9BLDC_4g/s320/BOTD+%24.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />UGH! ;)<br /></p>Critters - We saw Lots and Lots of Critters...<br /><p>We saw Shop cats - <br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPQaaGhfPNPLnhWTYzCaP68AwcykyhxsEi8uE4o_1GPKOof6HmPEefLyRxWsHbAMIHy45cwyOknlcSXVjIMdqJggVoTdl2HQ5BGapPqumqJ3z4y7UWBTw8Sn4inoE6VYA1U75DQ/s1600-h/shop+cat.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPQaaGhfPNPLnhWTYzCaP68AwcykyhxsEi8uE4o_1GPKOof6HmPEefLyRxWsHbAMIHy45cwyOknlcSXVjIMdqJggVoTdl2HQ5BGapPqumqJ3z4y7UWBTw8Sn4inoE6VYA1U75DQ/s320/shop+cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124328450393961986" border="0" /></a></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsZqUZCUaQ82eTXy_O_BsxsrtuVdzffsayNtmWoZkCl0AIT6saBtRn91SQWq8ofZe34TEzIQnLJPRPNwEGzuoLfaDEZtRyMH8uDmQwJCpsO0trCYN3_RD1o9Z4o5-G06zEBNeIw/s1600-h/BBQ+Cat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942873999930626" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsZqUZCUaQ82eTXy_O_BsxsrtuVdzffsayNtmWoZkCl0AIT6saBtRn91SQWq8ofZe34TEzIQnLJPRPNwEGzuoLfaDEZtRyMH8uDmQwJCpsO0trCYN3_RD1o9Z4o5-G06zEBNeIw/s320/BBQ+Cat.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPQaaGhfPNPLnhWTYzCaP68AwcykyhxsEi8uE4o_1GPKOof6HmPEefLyRxWsHbAMIHy45cwyOknlcSXVjIMdqJggVoTdl2HQ5BGapPqumqJ3z4y7UWBTw8Sn4inoE6VYA1U75DQ/s1600-h/shop+cat.jpg"></a><p>Llamas (pre-yarn stage) ;)</p><br /><p> </p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b-dDlZ97sY9udfLSuJMMACb0owGcwWWfWp86KiBQgv4cgpS-VQccT6X5WXKi6q6khnhihXE-ZcL62ow9Km5LSQiEJNoUGZ3LXuo9knrPAMkG4_BkI3yeAfScypl6rJf1yRsIPA/s1600-h/Llama+-+pre+spun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123943458115482978" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b-dDlZ97sY9udfLSuJMMACb0owGcwWWfWp86KiBQgv4cgpS-VQccT6X5WXKi6q6khnhihXE-ZcL62ow9Km5LSQiEJNoUGZ3LXuo9knrPAMkG4_BkI3yeAfScypl6rJf1yRsIPA/s320/Llama+-+pre+spun.jpg" border="0" /></a><p>(I kept encouraging that one to spit on Tasha - just for the picture's sake.)</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLohOusnJbD8MMLD4dyszujC0dX598TxxLbQzRKiFCscrq0jKgjGV6llg5Pk0g_rwKFDbH6KUGYlL_UpcvKexNQ-zH2GgERwhzDQnCseCaR47MT8_YhAyeej0xLdbEHgY3ampbkg/s1600-h/Spit+on+her%21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123965899319604722" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLohOusnJbD8MMLD4dyszujC0dX598TxxLbQzRKiFCscrq0jKgjGV6llg5Pk0g_rwKFDbH6KUGYlL_UpcvKexNQ-zH2GgERwhzDQnCseCaR47MT8_YhAyeej0xLdbEHgY3ampbkg/s320/Spit+on+her%21.jpg" border="0" /></a><p>and a doggie along for the ride.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_yhjDBHdOOD-n69IpKUmpVHMDBx5XHYDc3oLwXhNX0oGxcOrtcH7GX0361AvrkIsIx_X4WDv9sFITuuI78RPrfyCJDZ3ZQ19xn22O0jWhKyPV7XGeHSHBqBfKQhRZXP8P7ZIYQ/s1600-h/How+much+is+that+doggie+in+the+window.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123965886434702770" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_yhjDBHdOOD-n69IpKUmpVHMDBx5XHYDc3oLwXhNX0oGxcOrtcH7GX0361AvrkIsIx_X4WDv9sFITuuI78RPrfyCJDZ3ZQ19xn22O0jWhKyPV7XGeHSHBqBfKQhRZXP8P7ZIYQ/s320/How+much+is+that+doggie+in+the+window.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We saw LOTS of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> mascot <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/frecklegirl/tags/bob">Bob's</a> cousins - even one little baby cousin who had just gone to her new forever home...(No pic of "Shemo" - I was too busy getting Boston Terrier kisses from her to remember the camera...)<br /><p>We even went into a Chevron where they were selling their silly little cars. Of course, with it being October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they were selling Pink Cars - which we naturally gravitated towards - </p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl3wGalBladC89vYNttB8eLHfd2jeVUSZFEWXUZ0wso3UcioyvLPyLeCeUYIVrEsbiMSu9AkYbyrLZpyb7j4SUOZ7c1okJ4jqAl4Qi6OnMHrbk3VtulQTbLkqZXjK95BU0Lno-Q/s1600-h/Pink+Car.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123941168897913954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl3wGalBladC89vYNttB8eLHfd2jeVUSZFEWXUZ0wso3UcioyvLPyLeCeUYIVrEsbiMSu9AkYbyrLZpyb7j4SUOZ7c1okJ4jqAl4Qi6OnMHrbk3VtulQTbLkqZXjK95BU0Lno-Q/s320/Pink+Car.jpg" border="0" /></a><p> </p>Even THAT car had a critter passenger...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji9jBaXwHrOj3MuokS3YWiOzLBKbB4AoFnVJgIqRlJrLkdB2C-VVnUkkpUtMYNU7LnrBLXJAGhvxYYSUGJn8Q3Bvmkmdt2Eum9kQ8nY4-_K4pg9mZk1IZm1N5abO7FNyVV0Otpw/s1600-h/Passenger+on+Board.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123941168897913970" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji9jBaXwHrOj3MuokS3YWiOzLBKbB4AoFnVJgIqRlJrLkdB2C-VVnUkkpUtMYNU7LnrBLXJAGhvxYYSUGJn8Q3Bvmkmdt2Eum9kQ8nY4-_K4pg9mZk1IZm1N5abO7FNyVV0Otpw/s320/Passenger+on+Board.jpg" border="0" /></a><p> </p>(it was a death mobile...)<br /><p><br />Now, Bathroom breaks take on a life of their own with three women in the car and Starbucks, waters and Sonic Cherry Limeades downed along the way. There were times where buying this might have been the "Find of the Day."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8ii8kPyBf_ui5guQY3gghGRF_tD3vLDL84cDwzR1Kds2WO8L7wuyIBGt1SDzUx9NRqV4JYVG3ZsS8ilfdq9-589tg51r3Axfnz9zonHvVRQzJzC83qhtgGfKPIfdkh7Lt5y20g/s1600-h/Anyone+need+a+bathroom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942856820061410" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8ii8kPyBf_ui5guQY3gghGRF_tD3vLDL84cDwzR1Kds2WO8L7wuyIBGt1SDzUx9NRqV4JYVG3ZsS8ilfdq9-589tg51r3Axfnz9zonHvVRQzJzC83qhtgGfKPIfdkh7Lt5y20g/s320/Anyone+need+a+bathroom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Although, admittedly, last year's breaks brought more giggles, we had fun going back to the same bathrooms along the way to see if they were still using strings to pull the handle ('cause people kept breaking it - so why keep fixin' it?) (They had fixed it this year) and whether the signage was still as funny.</p><p>It was.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfOyQ5QGdDlObBgAtDjXuLrlAVGflgSuEdQi25u0JgUzrXi8r9tEMqQwwqlRYJ9T0TTknJkCDtUjlVoT0R87HJF6g7PUh8J3toQMItJKUano8MYfTZSC1gtYqTgrkVQR4t42FDg/s1600-h/Bathroom+Signage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123942878294897938" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfOyQ5QGdDlObBgAtDjXuLrlAVGflgSuEdQi25u0JgUzrXi8r9tEMqQwwqlRYJ9T0TTknJkCDtUjlVoT0R87HJF6g7PUh8J3toQMItJKUano8MYfTZSC1gtYqTgrkVQR4t42FDg/s320/Bathroom+Signage.jpg" border="0" /> </a></p>We also had to find the place with the Candy Cigs - 'cause it's not a Garage Sale Day without the Candy Cigs...<br /><p>It took us all day - but we found it - </p><p> </p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoMcr5Tsc-rDNzlNLMP5KTjBW2oh3SNhTKhCqy15diJ6-gdhTngN2B2xvFpBmHVptLZacWfW5l9RH5OrDJ0VTekKATOLyu-dQZcnmDcEaLmYI11KcujJCV4nerb5CmzA16C__Rg/s1600-h/BBQ+%26+Candy+Cigs.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoMcr5Tsc-rDNzlNLMP5KTjBW2oh3SNhTKhCqy15diJ6-gdhTngN2B2xvFpBmHVptLZacWfW5l9RH5OrDJ0VTekKATOLyu-dQZcnmDcEaLmYI11KcujJCV4nerb5CmzA16C__Rg/s320/BBQ+%26+Candy+Cigs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124328463278863890" border="0" /></a><p>and they had them - and the <a href="http://www.unclerays.com/">Ketchup Chips</a>. </p>(How appropriate that the place is now pink...)<br /><p>Next year, I'm sure we'll go back to the same places - to see if there are strings and candy cigs again.<br /></p>After the Pink Candy Cig place (or, Bill & Mary's BBQ - whatever you want to call it), we turned towards home and just had to make one more stop...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcxIdnFxu9HAs1sgSBWuePDQ4qUvtiH9s8pG1eXOquewaSxZTaWEKDNMPvSvpNAghNjb3v7Zar7HjNhOgn8fEjOdmSCawmzgE1-PknnkfOIXgm4nuRqanCNnQeFsGp29cRd_3wQ/s1600-h/One+last+Stop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123965899319604706" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcxIdnFxu9HAs1sgSBWuePDQ4qUvtiH9s8pG1eXOquewaSxZTaWEKDNMPvSvpNAghNjb3v7Zar7HjNhOgn8fEjOdmSCawmzgE1-PknnkfOIXgm4nuRqanCNnQeFsGp29cRd_3wQ/s320/One+last+Stop.jpg" border="0" /></a><p> </p>Do you blame us???<br /><p><br />We ended up back in Plano where we started about 7 pm - Volvo loaded down...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZFWswwncs0ZwFsyXbx5bOsQZFcBHt7QLIAI8iGdiKNzlyHCeFUhtguer3fW3GsnqUAs8uL63ZB6jxz3m9q6tr4JmmcznxZ7mJ_-oGj5h5e7XG-0GNjCj73z3p1dLPFaXP1rSMg/s1600-h/Home+Again.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123943445230581058" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZFWswwncs0ZwFsyXbx5bOsQZFcBHt7QLIAI8iGdiKNzlyHCeFUhtguer3fW3GsnqUAs8uL63ZB6jxz3m9q6tr4JmmcznxZ7mJ_-oGj5h5e7XG-0GNjCj73z3p1dLPFaXP1rSMg/s320/Home+Again.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tired - and happy - and giggled out.<br /><br />I got home, checked e-mail, took off my shoe and boot, laid down on the bed about 8 pm - and woke up at 8 am Sunday morning.**<br /><br />We're going again next year, right??<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">* In an effort to keep us honest, this pic was taken when we got home after the Volvo was unloaded (see the price tag stuck on the floor?) - the pic when we left would have been MUCH darker...<br /><br />** Another bit o' honesty - I did wake up about 2:30 am - checked email and then went back to bed.</span></p>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-44652186343655978412007-10-15T23:59:00.000-07:002007-10-15T21:59:58.163-07:00Middle-aged Mutant Knitting Woman<div>So...the good news is that my hip is healing fabulously! Everything right on time - only a little bit of weakness that bothers me (like not being able to put my own foot in the car yet) but the Great Dr. A says that this will continue to get stronger.<br /><br />However, when I was in the doc's office - I asked if he would look at my foot 'cause it had been hurting a bunch and I didn't know if I'd strained it or what. He was concerned about a stress fracture - 'cause I had been told in college that I had one and that it "might happen again and again through life." And it has - bothered me a little, but I always knew to wrap it and it would get better. Turns out, I didn't so much have a fracture - as I do have an extra bone! I asked if this mutant tendency would give me HEROES status - but he said no.<br /><br />I decided that this must be the only reason I could do THIS:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbPpTCzwfF-BsjD5qGaz6ijIj5wBz0s2f9PVNUR_aTate6K7rN1jvtOE61YPrbk1c3rAm_dr-Rp9YIo45iAcanYf_abhy0PCxfSQtKvtODW8-N42gBRPYoGXU-ezhrnchp1F9GA/s1600-h/August+Retreat+030.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbPpTCzwfF-BsjD5qGaz6ijIj5wBz0s2f9PVNUR_aTate6K7rN1jvtOE61YPrbk1c3rAm_dr-Rp9YIo45iAcanYf_abhy0PCxfSQtKvtODW8-N42gBRPYoGXU-ezhrnchp1F9GA/s320/August+Retreat+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121793217098478546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y_s6MpLGoloyuWuK_HIL0dbNiKngmRCeczYMJAcit4d1TomSvFiGEuJaOn4WrSgd3DYe4ul5nbzRXZjvKECi1CCP4xH-zLbOolBq5PVal-n2JUFGx8dI42ZQKKSPLZ8pVeqPKQ/s1600-h/August+Retreat+028.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y_s6MpLGoloyuWuK_HIL0dbNiKngmRCeczYMJAcit4d1TomSvFiGEuJaOn4WrSgd3DYe4ul5nbzRXZjvKECi1CCP4xH-zLbOolBq5PVal-n2JUFGx8dI42ZQKKSPLZ8pVeqPKQ/s320/August+Retreat+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121793225688413154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>In other knitting - I've been working on socks, dyeing (but haven't updated the shop yet) and I did a couple of scarves for the Red Scarf Project.<br /><div> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK7duuTDO5IWizdZnXOjDn8vcCCnwcWREktg8wuUc40m-6beFwkepExQhdt8PN11yS4W5NNnmdouMZ2nwsG3BYe9iiYlJIIjeHm5ujq20bPnOzpdKqyWcfio0FacLLO5J6WwWIg/s1600-h/Ravelry+Stash+Pics+075.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK7duuTDO5IWizdZnXOjDn8vcCCnwcWREktg8wuUc40m-6beFwkepExQhdt8PN11yS4W5NNnmdouMZ2nwsG3BYe9iiYlJIIjeHm5ujq20bPnOzpdKqyWcfio0FacLLO5J6WwWIg/s320/Ravelry+Stash+Pics+075.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121793251458216946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I used the new Berroco Comfort yarn for these - and they are the softest things in the world! I'm amazed by this yarn.<br /><br />Now, I'm off to knit some more...<br /><div> </div>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-89594557790543342412007-10-15T18:51:00.001-07:002007-10-15T18:53:48.874-07:00What A Fiberlicious Birthday!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happytexan/1582808660/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/1582808660_6da23f7652_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 286px; height: 217px;" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happytexan/1582808660/">Birthday Goodies (w/comments)</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/happytexan/">lizkiddo2000</a> </span></div>I have such wonderful knitterly friends - I am so very blessed! (Click on the picture and it will give you little comment boxes to see what everything is...)Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-35067273451393159112007-10-12T06:57:00.001-07:002007-10-12T07:21:34.441-07:00Coffee Swap 3Hey Pal!<br /><br />These are the Questions (oh, and the answers.) ;)<br /><br />1. Whole bean or ground? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Ground</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong><br />2. Fully-loaded or decaf? <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Definitely Leaded!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong><br />3. Regular or flavored? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">I like both. Regular, I like something medium roast (i.e., Not too bold, not to wimpy.) Flavored - I like nutty and cinnamon-y flavors. My favorite coffee is from Central Market and is called the "Austin Blend" - which combines the nutty and cinnamon-y flavors with a hint of vanilla. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong><br />4. How do you drink your coffee? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">A little coffee with my cream and sugar, please. (At least that's what my DH would say.) Winter, I like it hot - summer, I like it iced.</span></strong><br /> <br />5. Favorite coffee ever? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">The cup of coffee served at Dupar's in Southern California.</span></strong><br /><br />6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Define fussy. I don't dare drink 'instant' like Sanka - but would do an "International Coffee" if forced. </span></strong><br /><br />7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Dark, dark Chocolate and pecans or other nuts.</span></strong><br /><br />8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">The one flavor I thought I'd love - but vehemently do NOT is Creme Brulee. Who'da thunk it!? In general, though, I don't like vanilla or caramel flavored coffees. </span></strong><br /><br />9. Yarn/fiber you love? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Good wool, cottons, natural fibers</span></strong><br /><br />10. Yarn/fiber you hate? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Cheap, crappy acrylics or "fancy" yarns with eyelashes or fur. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong><br />11. What's on your needles? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Ususally socks and some sort of scarf or shawl.</span></strong><br /><br />12. Favorite colors? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">I love all color - not a big fan of huge amounts of yellow or orange - but appreciate them as accent colors. Blues, pinks, greens and purples are probably my favorites - but I also love lush greys and browns.</span></strong><br /><br />13. Allergies? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">See #10. ;) Scratchy wool does make me itch and I can't tolerate angora. Wish I could - 'cause I love it.</span></strong><br /><br />14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? <strong><span style="color:#990000;">I am fairly easy to please - love doing these swaps and seeing what everyone gets. Have fun with it - and ask any questions you wish!</span></strong>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-59243950535379869622007-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:002007-09-28T12:44:39.502-07:00On Knitting - and Enunciation...So I was out last night with a few friends, celebrating one of said friend's birthday. We went to the Steakhouse at one of those large Fishin' and Huntin' stores - which, if you think about it, is kinda weird - but the food was fantastic - and the drink, well, let's just say I only needed one dirty martini - and probably shouldn't have knit after that one!<br /><br />Now - this tale happened before said martini - but as I believe that if you can't set a good example, you must serve as a horrible warning - I give you this lesson in EEEE NUN SEE AY SHUN.<br /><br />As we were standing by our table waiting to be seated, the host said, "There's a lady upstairs waiting for a group - could she be with you?" and offered to go get her. The way he described her sounded familiar - but then he said that the people she was waiting for wouldn't know what she looked like - which didn't sound like anyone we were expecting. So I said, "Ask her if she's a knitter."<br /><br />Now, this gentleman - who just happens to be African American - did a double take and said, "Excuse me??" I thought he hadn't heard me - so I lifted up my knitting bag and again said, "Ask her if she's a knitter." At which point he broke down laughing saying, "I thought you were asking if she was one of MY people."<br /><br />I mean, I know I grew up in East Texas and all - but I was horrified - and then couldn't quit laughing about it. (Thankfully, he was laughing with me!)<br /><br />BUT - I think from now on, I'll hold up my knitting bag FIRST when asking someone if they are a KniTTer.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>On another note -</strong> </span><br /><br />The DFW Knit Out is this weekend - at <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=dallas&state=TX&address=5803+E.+Northwest+Highway&zip=75231&country=us&zoom=5">Half Price Books on NW Hwy </a>in Dallas. We've had fun planning it and there are some GREAT Door Prizes.<br /><br />I'll be the one with "LIZ" printed on my name tag with a big K on the upper right hand corner of the tag.<br /><br />You know K- for KniTTer!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-14322027326888635172007-08-23T11:12:00.000-07:002007-08-23T11:34:50.073-07:00Is it Friday Yet??I am so ready for this weekend.<br /><br />The gals I went on the retreat with <a href="http://sendyarn.blogspot.com/2007/03/retreat-and-dye.html">back in March </a>are all going back to the <a href="http://www.agardenretreat.com/">scene of the crime </a>for a Summer retreat this weekend. This time we are having a retreat-long class on how to do a top down baby cardigan - taught by our <a href="http://theknittingfairy.com/">Knitting Fairy</a>. I got some of the new<a href="http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/comfort_sh.html"> Berroco Comfort </a>in the Berry Mix colorway so I can make the cardigan for my <a href="http://houstonlawfamily.com/">new goddaughter</a>.<br /><br />I am 90% of the way through the Lady Eleanor shawl from Scarf Style - I only seem to knit on it when I am at the Tuesday Night Knit Night in Lewisville - 'cause their AC is set on Stun most of the time - otherwise, working on a 100% wook shawl/stole in 165 degree Texas weather is just not for me.<br /><br />In sock news, I have officially cast on for the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTrpm.html">RPM</a> socks from Knitty (Summer 2006 issue). I'm using Socks that Rock in the Mystic Kelp colorway. It's kind of cool how they are knitting up - will get pics this weekend - 'cause the RPM pattern spirals down the sock one way - but the color pooling/striping is spiraling down the opposite direction. Part of me thinks it would be cool to have it all spiral together - but the part of me that doesn't like matchy-matchy socks loves that it is opposite!<br /><br />In dyeing news, I played with some new yarn this weekend - Licorice Twist - and really like the outcome. It has three plys and one of the plys takes up dye completely different from the other two - so there's a twisty effect in it. I swatched with some this week at my Tuesday night group just to see what it would look like and really like it! And it knits up very easily. The color that I was playing with was red with blue and gray - and I think I'll be making the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html">Calorimetry</a> from Knitty (Winter 2006) with it since I'm wanting to do some short row stuff.<br /><br />Will post more - with pictures - after the weekend.<br /><br />(Yes, we've warned Rose Path Weaving that we are on our way!!)<br /><br />p.s. - if anyone knows how to make my sidebar pictures and text appear up here at top and not way down there - let me know. It's driving me crazy!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-34702024445080785392007-07-27T22:00:00.001-07:002007-07-28T06:06:45.816-07:00I'm Going to IRELAND!!Ok...so it's a "virtual" trip - but it's so very cool!!<br /><br />My local Knitters group is having a July Vacation Secret Pal Swap - where we send our Spoilee on a trip somewhere.<br /><br />Today, my "Travel Agent," Blogless Janet, called to say she was going to drop by - and she showed up on my door with not only my travel documents, but also my suitcase.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88bQfV2JfG5FzK6IRxptGO7mY6KE7hsyFz96Rgxa_RsVQTAywmLBeE5bPhy3PPCuGlHok9DYrPPonqweU5WqvCUDvyQdjt351IdaQMB5OyUHyoO78WdCxfRHk6KlUslrI0vvsoQ/s1600-h/Chicks+Swap+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88bQfV2JfG5FzK6IRxptGO7mY6KE7hsyFz96Rgxa_RsVQTAywmLBeE5bPhy3PPCuGlHok9DYrPPonqweU5WqvCUDvyQdjt351IdaQMB5OyUHyoO78WdCxfRHk6KlUslrI0vvsoQ/s320/Chicks+Swap+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092108446762139458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My Itinerary included stops in Dublin and Belfast, Cork and Doolin, Wesport and Derry with a stop in the Aran Isles where I can learn more and more about Aran patterning. (My agent knows I'm a Cable Ho.)<br /><br />I opened my suitcase to see what souvenirs I was coming home with and - true to my packing style - that case was STUFFED!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-QGGQpsLkK8TKngQ18UBWBlpagEvKH7AHGUm0uQpN-bn_8ePdrjjgOtD84eB9W_FPHrt8tUn7gFAug4YwVwbmGv1TiDx1DESMvpNCailn_WT8DpvdzPlNMO6ow4a-JYGygqj5A/s1600-h/Chicks+Swap+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-QGGQpsLkK8TKngQ18UBWBlpagEvKH7AHGUm0uQpN-bn_8ePdrjjgOtD84eB9W_FPHrt8tUn7gFAug4YwVwbmGv1TiDx1DESMvpNCailn_WT8DpvdzPlNMO6ow4a-JYGygqj5A/s320/Chicks+Swap+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092110920663302018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got so many wonderful things...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-t-rDKM-KBgiequR_-AeqC4WYthN5M066kk2g9WkiJovTji2anPJVt4WQWp4Ek8kc5dm8QO_vop2MqD5_vo1r8eoRbWdtApAkJ5FDwnNCMCq2BGqqoaP6W0sbZ_cd75C4oXTBQ/s1600-h/Chicks+Swap+007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-t-rDKM-KBgiequR_-AeqC4WYthN5M066kk2g9WkiJovTji2anPJVt4WQWp4Ek8kc5dm8QO_vop2MqD5_vo1r8eoRbWdtApAkJ5FDwnNCMCq2BGqqoaP6W0sbZ_cd75C4oXTBQ/s320/Chicks+Swap+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092108451057106770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got a few patterns - <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Aran+Braided+Socks_PD50505220.html">Aran Braided Socks</a>, a <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/patterns/pdfs/CelticCableScarf.pdf">Celtic Cable Scarf</a>, and a <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20041122014232/www.thesmartyarns.com/Celticknotafghan.html">Celtic Knot Afghan</a>. As all good travel agents do, Janet knows her "customer" and has read the blog and knows that I'm toying with <a href="http://sendyarn.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-frighten-myself.html">doing sweaters</a>...so she also got me a wonderful book - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aran-Sweater-Design-Janet-Szabo/dp/0976802503/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0766543-1128122?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185627894&sr=8-1">"Aran Sweater Design"</a> by Janet Szabo - that looks incredible - not only telling about Aran design, but outlines the anatomy of sweater-making (how to put them together in various ways) and also has a few lovely patterns.<br /><br />I also got Kraemer Yarns in <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/yarn/natural.asp">Eileen</a> - which I've been eyeing at <a href="http://whiterockweaving.com/">White Rock Weaving</a>, but hadn't tried yet - and Knit Picks <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Bare%20-%20Superwash%20Merino%20/%20Nylon%20/%20Donegal%20Fingering%20Weight_YD5420146.html">Bare Donegal Tweed</a> - another that I've been wanting to play with. Of course, they are all nekkid - so I can also play with the <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Jacquard+Acid+Dyes_ADJacquardDyes.html">Jacquard Dyes</a> she got me - in Turquoise, Hot Fuchsia and Lilac (PRETTY!). There were some Cable needles, point protectors and a cute little sheep tape measure!<br /><br />Also, my travel agent knows that I'm trying to learn how to read charts - which will definitely come in handy when I get up the courage to do these cabled sweaters - and she got me the Knit Picks <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Chart+Keeper_AD80314.html">chart keeper</a> and a<a href="http://knitpicks.com/View+Sizer_ND80306.html"> needle sizer</a>!<br /><br />On the goodie front - 'cause what's a vacation without goodies - I got some Irish Breakfast Tea, a couple of mixes for Scones and Soda Bread, some Ghirardelli dark chocolate and some Lily O'Brien's (of course) Chocolate Coated Toffees. yum!<br /><br />And last, but not least, I got some lovely stitch markers that she made:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79iwaaXQyYkeCkVNxjy7UF8dyxMteIdSvkYzi39e-ObkTJFd54S6E2ozG8BTlwJQ3wb-gBWGDugR8MJ19KbnC-qwvuRUnLUPbGOcKQejjuwh1iX5Yk2ZmQYF_qGjAD-tgkhZezg/s1600-h/Chicks+Swap+011.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79iwaaXQyYkeCkVNxjy7UF8dyxMteIdSvkYzi39e-ObkTJFd54S6E2ozG8BTlwJQ3wb-gBWGDugR8MJ19KbnC-qwvuRUnLUPbGOcKQejjuwh1iX5Yk2ZmQYF_qGjAD-tgkhZezg/s320/Chicks+Swap+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092108459647041394" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> *</span></a><br /><br />Thanks, Janet!! You are a FABULOUS "travel agent" - and I'd recommend you to ANYONE!<br /><br />*(yes, my cedar chest is scratched...it's old, like me.)Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-79064421765151152882007-07-27T18:24:00.000-07:002007-07-27T18:30:08.584-07:00We Take A Break From Regular Scheduled Knitting And Dyeing...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />...and I think someone's trying to tell me that this shouldn't include a break from puppy love.*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHIR7_bBaPA4vVKAOb_NUsfGXxYqiG-s2SIEhMbOxK0gNSVRp5lMydIOXUkrBS2zfBL7U__S7ykPOiGPLiNb6hHA5q2l6G76Vhr7vhVOVpqm1oyUG0Jq7k1u7WNUl1K3iPMyH6g/s1600-h/July+27,+2007+096.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHIR7_bBaPA4vVKAOb_NUsfGXxYqiG-s2SIEhMbOxK0gNSVRp5lMydIOXUkrBS2zfBL7U__S7ykPOiGPLiNb6hHA5q2l6G76Vhr7vhVOVpqm1oyUG0Jq7k1u7WNUl1K3iPMyH6g/s320/July+27,+2007+096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092053003029315378" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />* Not that I can't pet and love at the same time - she just demands undivided attention...<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-23636794794641741712007-07-15T06:10:00.000-07:002007-07-15T07:06:46.913-07:00Oh Thank Heaven - for Kwik E Mart?Had a great day yesterday!<br /><br />Spent the morning with my Alek going to breakfast and walking around (ok...down one street - but for me less than 2 months out from hip replacement surgery - it was a major milestone!) <a href="http://www.downtownmckinney.com/frameset.asp?aid=144">Downtown</a> <a href="http://www.visitmckinney.com/">McKinney</a>. We love it there - had breakfast at Aparicio's and then walked over to <a href="http://www.momandpopcorn.com/">Mom & Popcorn</a> - which has all of the cool candies we knew as a child - from wax lips to pop rocks to taffys - and the popcorn! Oh the popcorn! They have about 45 different flavors of popcorn. I try to get a different flavor each time - just to try. Today was Creamy dill - amazingly good! And, of course, I had to get the cheese popcorn to bring home. I do believe it's the best cheese popcorn I've ever eaten. YUM!<br /><br />Then a couple of friends came over and we drove down to Dallas where we did partake in the Beer Biscuits at Barbec's and then visited <a href="http://whiterockweaving.com/">White Rock Weaving</a>. The place was crowded!! They were having a looming class where they took chunks or strips of roving to weave between the strings to make a picture. It was so much fun to watch! We shopped the store - and I actually walked out of there without anything this time!! (Yay, Liz!) Not that I didn't WANT some of the things. :) She has started carrying the <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/">Kraemer yarns</a> - which I love - including the <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/yarn/tatamytweed.asp">Tatamy Tweed</a> in several colors. Blogless Betty is making (or heck, with Betty, she's probably already MADE) a sweater out of this and I might just copy her and make one, too. (That's the 2nd time now I've blogged about making a sweater...I'm thinking this might actually happen.)<br /><br />After WRW, we went to <a href="http://www.passionknitdallas.com/">Passionknit</a> in Snider Plaza. I said I was going there for one set of needles...I wanted the biggest circs I could find - needle size and length wise. They were having a sale and 20% off needles was a part of that! Amazingly, I came out of there with only that one circ (Size 19 - 47 inch circs) - and nothing more! (And with yarn on sale - big sales - I just almost wanted to pat myself on the back for getting only what I came in there for!)<br /><br />On the way home, we were at a red light and looked to the left and there was a <a href="http://www.7-eleven.com/">Kwik E Mart</a>!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkmPXDOpbv864o-wVSmWdBf-KQfDFTqdIkozLbq-B66gT0pcLWqDBWX17Wj_Vq33mcgks_8UD1c9ZFN7EiZRnW3izrU8Z56cXURPgtNXBRPj04-cWkBh2ichRMBcPB3afAZlKSA/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkmPXDOpbv864o-wVSmWdBf-KQfDFTqdIkozLbq-B66gT0pcLWqDBWX17Wj_Vq33mcgks_8UD1c9ZFN7EiZRnW3izrU8Z56cXURPgtNXBRPj04-cWkBh2ichRMBcPB3afAZlKSA/s320/July+14,+2007+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087418036508514066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, I don't watch the <a href="http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/">Simpsons </a>religiously - but I've been known to watch and giggle at it a time or four. But I think it's a hoot that 7-11 Stores have transformed 11 of their US stores - and one in Canada - into the Kwik E Mart to promote the upcoming Simpson's movie - complete with "life-sized" cutouts of the characters, Krusty O's cereal and Squishee drinks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqzHm28xmvGqAZ3NEqhGzCMovHQmdR4ZoWYqtHvVsne13dNkUQufUwXODadhl73xq84SNvCy5c2_7Jso5ZMmYLsD75oFLJzB27fFxmYBx0Zhn7w0ziGCU0FdifFQuoeRivkXCEg/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqzHm28xmvGqAZ3NEqhGzCMovHQmdR4ZoWYqtHvVsne13dNkUQufUwXODadhl73xq84SNvCy5c2_7Jso5ZMmYLsD75oFLJzB27fFxmYBx0Zhn7w0ziGCU0FdifFQuoeRivkXCEg/s320/July+14,+2007+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087418040803481394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhjSn8HIa4Jll3BHqetzGGDJKZMrxGDobhPTWODmNr_tCaADWxdFNKVbnYQ4yEXJa_Yrewx6Eo8IgSySWBOVxptliRdISEeAvTEh9ZLg_TrO_7SdNCBujT0RJIx_gZaV9_TPUAA/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+012.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhjSn8HIa4Jll3BHqetzGGDJKZMrxGDobhPTWODmNr_tCaADWxdFNKVbnYQ4yEXJa_Yrewx6Eo8IgSySWBOVxptliRdISEeAvTEh9ZLg_TrO_7SdNCBujT0RJIx_gZaV9_TPUAA/s320/July+14,+2007+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087418045098448722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And I love all of the little details they did come up with - such as the Bank's sign and the labels for the donuts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HHOBnE8nD_kOhqI5xQ6X46_W4YkXAfxJMmM-3396FM1J3YhDyF8bLhrKC9oQSGxIufO1hOfCiikjVUEqb_yR_rlds3j-Aua87LfGWfn5x1t5ItLHl0vyph_4-CQQIpsRNxdf1w/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+003.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HHOBnE8nD_kOhqI5xQ6X46_W4YkXAfxJMmM-3396FM1J3YhDyF8bLhrKC9oQSGxIufO1hOfCiikjVUEqb_yR_rlds3j-Aua87LfGWfn5x1t5ItLHl0vyph_4-CQQIpsRNxdf1w/s320/July+14,+2007+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087418040803481378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCBPNCFkPy5AR1H3ItWZ6J66oGoKnQs8hry1Gf_Zw6G1CyugKPj-qUMlFdGEQh2QcfMqONjzabZHg61IdUHnT7PXDgvqVa8azkXqDYK7ImSOPAC0U2sD2WtiyPMhcWKMi1b40Pw/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCBPNCFkPy5AR1H3ItWZ6J66oGoKnQs8hry1Gf_Zw6G1CyugKPj-qUMlFdGEQh2QcfMqONjzabZHg61IdUHnT7PXDgvqVa8azkXqDYK7ImSOPAC0U2sD2WtiyPMhcWKMi1b40Pw/s320/July+14,+2007+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087418040803481410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The lines inside were CRAZY - both for the Squishee machine and the cashier - so we didn't buy anything. But it was fun to go in and just see it all.<br /><br />Once we got home, we broke out the dye and nekkid yarn 'cause I need to do some more Knit Clinic yarns so I can update the shop a little. My buddies had to leave and couldn't dye - but then my goddaughter and her mom (my best bud from high school) came over and "helped" me by watching and oohing and ahhing over colors.<br /><br />They aren't dry yet - but here's a taste of what's coming...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8gYQBUdiNH31RDpmh-wVZnlnSJZKNAbw8HEqY_3yLP7qBUWTL8ubEgRik4T7VmsBcu5pTGAMGCqTVu5Q1KiXF-UpUpDLbJieTp83bm7HHhiX_vmsl3UvWHMhgYtaytvb_LnANw/s1600-h/July+14,+2007+013.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8gYQBUdiNH31RDpmh-wVZnlnSJZKNAbw8HEqY_3yLP7qBUWTL8ubEgRik4T7VmsBcu5pTGAMGCqTVu5Q1KiXF-UpUpDLbJieTp83bm7HHhiX_vmsl3UvWHMhgYtaytvb_LnANw/s320/July+14,+2007+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087420141042489186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, it was a very pink and green day - and I can't wait to see what they look like reskeined and in the shop!<br /><br />On a final note - I can't remember if I've said how happy I am for my friend <a href="http://knits4sanity.blogspot.com/">Becky</a>! She gets to go to China in less than 2 weeks - to get her baby girl!! Go <a href="http://2china4paisley.blogspot.com/">here</a> to read about her upcoming trip - and keep her and Dean in your thoughts and prayers as they make this wonderful journey!!<br /><br />Can't wait to meet her, Becky!!!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-54306897402817626452007-07-14T07:07:00.000-07:002007-07-15T07:11:23.619-07:00A Quick Thank YouI keep forgetting - shame on me - to take the time to send a "Thank You" to my SP 10 Pal - <a href="http://knerq.blogspot.com/">Nicole</a>.<br /><br />I can't wait to knit some socks with that Regia Cotton - I've really been wanting to try it!<br /><br />Thanks, Nicole! It's been a hoot for my first SP 10 participation!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-88341998775752393032007-07-07T15:08:00.000-07:002007-07-07T16:04:24.588-07:00I frighten myself...Just a short year ago, I saw someone doing the <a href="http://scarfstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Lady%20Eleanor">Lady Eleanor</a> Entrelac shawl/wrap and thought, "I'll never do that!!" Now I am and am loving it...<br /><br />Just a few short months ago, I sat with <a href="http://www.theknittingfairy.com/">Alissa</a> and <a href="http://knitpsychos.hello-lovely.org/">Manda</a> at the <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Edfw-fiberfest/">Fiber Fest</a> and said, "I can never do a sweater..." Alissa said, "Sure you can!" and I said, "No...don't have the patience."<br /><br />But now I look at that Lady E that I'm almost 2/3 of the way through (pics to follow) and I said, "This has got to be as many stitches as a sweater..." (<a href="http://knits4sanity.blogspot.com/">Becky</a> and Blogless Betty say MORE.)<br /><br />And then today, I was at <a href="http://www.halfpricebooks.com/">Half Price Books</a> and got a bunch of books to look through while drinking my java and when I got to the table and sat down, noticed that every single book was a SWEATER book.<br /><br />I frighten myself...and must now go cast on Socks...<br /><br />...which I <span style="font-style: italic;">also</span> said I'd never do.<br /><br />This will be my 5th pair...Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-21097188421529784782007-07-02T21:26:00.001-07:002007-07-02T21:31:37.850-07:00This Dyeing Thing...So, y'all know I've been playing with the nekkid yarns and dyes...and that it's become a passion of mine - some would say an obsession.<br /><br />So...I've taken some of this nekkid yarn - and mixed it with some of those professional type acid dyes - and Viola!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_fD7lX7_uPVw/RonQVUaNZHI/AAAAAAAAAWI/5JkzN2dIVAw/s1600-h/Logo.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 78px;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_fD7lX7_uPVw/RonQVUaNZHI/AAAAAAAAAWI/5JkzN2dIVAw/s320/Logo.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082822719138784370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097049">Knit Clinic Yarns </a>is now a real live Etsy shop!<br /><br />Stop by and have a gander!<br /><br />Thanks to all who have encouraged this craziness - I'm really having fun with it!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-43216921519533843632007-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:002007-06-24T19:56:13.031-07:00SP10 - Package #3I heard a knock on the door yesterday and it was my friendly postman - delivering a box.<br /><br />Now I THOUGHT it was a present that I had bought for my goddaughter on ebay weeks ago - but no, it still hasn't arrived.<br /><br />It was my final package from my SP10 Pal. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw7NKzJv7pZYCD9-VGm5Tu0vgYToUEeYwkQvVOfVtzpKUXycMmMqqKR9sH2KCM6NoUKxEULtGV0n-Q7cHCwC1VEs-qrPV6tOwMxuSuV28qdVxW0XigoQ8BKo_XHxhIS50h4vgOQ/s1600-h/sp10+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw7NKzJv7pZYCD9-VGm5Tu0vgYToUEeYwkQvVOfVtzpKUXycMmMqqKR9sH2KCM6NoUKxEULtGV0n-Q7cHCwC1VEs-qrPV6tOwMxuSuV28qdVxW0XigoQ8BKo_XHxhIS50h4vgOQ/s320/sp10+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079829745903161314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's a Clover Bamboo Needle Keeper, some Burt's Bee's Raspberry Lip Gloss, a Necklace and a Woolite Sample. <br /><br />Can't wait for the reveal to see who my pal is!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-58549889388620456192007-06-17T08:25:00.000-07:002007-06-17T09:49:46.192-07:00I can sit again......at least long enough to post a bit. (And warning - it's pic heavy.)<br /><br />Hip surgery is not exactly fun...but I'm making it and up and walking with the help of my trusty cane. (I actually forgot it last night when walking from the bathroom to the bed...yes, it's only about 9 feet - but I did it unassisted!<br /><br />It's been four weeks tomorrow since surgery and while I'm not quite where I want to be, I'm not in the same kind of pain that I was in - and this is a good thing!<br /><br />My Knitters really helped take care of me through all of this - <a href="http://texasjoy.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a> and Annise came to see me in the hospital and brought plants and goodies. <a href="http://k-n-p.blogspot.com/">Hanane</a>, Annise and Andrea came to visit and brought dinner. Becky, Betty and Tasha visited, brought goodies and helped me watch movies. And I would get daily calls, emails and cards from different ones - just letting me know that they were thinking about me. You can't imagine how much that means!<br /><br />The worst part about the whole thing was the lack of a good knitting position. I found it impossible to knit laying on my back...which was the worst torture ever. Having all of this time off - and not being able to knit a stitch.<br /><br />Which was double terrible 'cause of all of this that came to me in my stupor:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMv7vYtSMXRaClLlImep-NhQAIBbnQ8HWgyE2pp1rqQrkP-vFgebCPjfYrzphmMHFUbwdl5P25Kb_mlyEode7uIc2HyAZfD1DU5L3pgk7yGYzZdHc3hnm1T_o0qzqmQjpoEXA-Q/s1600-h/White+Willow+from+Becky.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMv7vYtSMXRaClLlImep-NhQAIBbnQ8HWgyE2pp1rqQrkP-vFgebCPjfYrzphmMHFUbwdl5P25Kb_mlyEode7uIc2HyAZfD1DU5L3pgk7yGYzZdHc3hnm1T_o0qzqmQjpoEXA-Q/s320/White+Willow+from+Becky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077056197757325042" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQA5mAz-6dchknVvWLGXgAg3OPIUNrD2QEj1YPSZ___K2F-b_7RJJSBWZbg_88HW_6oyj2LrwVaanABUl628F0sPptg3No5YIl20pkpDULLp7zG2tTHaj_wSsqv57R92HjJSKkgw/s1600-h/matt+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQA5mAz-6dchknVvWLGXgAg3OPIUNrD2QEj1YPSZ___K2F-b_7RJJSBWZbg_88HW_6oyj2LrwVaanABUl628F0sPptg3No5YIl20pkpDULLp7zG2tTHaj_wSsqv57R92HjJSKkgw/s320/matt+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077061282998603602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This beautiful yarn by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=40138">White Willow</a> in the Avalon colorway from <a href="http://knits4sanity.blogspot.com/">Becky</a>. (Who recently got the <a href="http://2china4paisley.blogspot.com/2007/06/we-got-call.html">bestest news ever</a>!) I think she made the stitch markers - she's so crafty!<br /><br />Also - probably the most useful thing she brought me was this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76A5G-clxVuGkj6gWPKY3js2XE5sZaHkrLY7VmfUlWbjO1cUbJ2Qz5Xeb3Tf-T7wYcwpBfEgx6Jp3LkcpJvRXKZs4YURTMZFT2GPlSgsEpuHqDxyjUSJW2_wtxlTOSOnYo0UwVA/s1600-h/matt+009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76A5G-clxVuGkj6gWPKY3js2XE5sZaHkrLY7VmfUlWbjO1cUbJ2Qz5Xeb3Tf-T7wYcwpBfEgx6Jp3LkcpJvRXKZs4YURTMZFT2GPlSgsEpuHqDxyjUSJW2_wtxlTOSOnYo0UwVA/s320/matt+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077062219301474194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This little "Go Knit" Pouch from <a href="http://knowknits.com/">KnowKnits.com</a> was the handiest thing - it snapped to my walker and I could carry my knitting around the house - and it doubled as "purse" to carry my wallet when I needed to leave the house for the doc's office, etc. It comes in multiple sizes and every knitter should definitely have one - you don't even have to be using a walker!! ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE6koi0q66IMmIgR7DP3T455V_GFNGu_zMZb6u6WWWvU818TJuHMonmMCs3wq0IhUOoX8dgY-SacGPcofJNeA_Am48N_BjuNFTSleGAlyXKTHj00IbOgJ2iq5FQmI-acE2STIyg/s1600-h/Cuppa+Joe+from+Betty.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE6koi0q66IMmIgR7DP3T455V_GFNGu_zMZb6u6WWWvU818TJuHMonmMCs3wq0IhUOoX8dgY-SacGPcofJNeA_Am48N_BjuNFTSleGAlyXKTHj00IbOgJ2iq5FQmI-acE2STIyg/s320/Cuppa+Joe+from+Betty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077056206347259666" border="0" /></a> This beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=4375">Sunshine Yarns</a> "Cup O' Joe" colorway from Blogless Betty. (This is a TERRIBLE pic of this yarn - it's rich brown and taupe colors - like a yummy cup of coffee...this makes it look much more orange than it is...) Miss Betty also send me the most luscious Brownies EVER - they are so rich and yummy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDSqZ7g-kZFY6SersbcUNEKV28N_DhH1bRLfFlzqTkUPH3tprPunHEpKDDCzaQzO-7VrC5LdeoAl8LijsNafrajsC_MffY1G66GnpWZ9DJGZiRDF1qTJlrv2K-d2pR5C7XyoL3A/s1600-h/Sophies+Toes+from+Tasha.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDSqZ7g-kZFY6SersbcUNEKV28N_DhH1bRLfFlzqTkUPH3tprPunHEpKDDCzaQzO-7VrC5LdeoAl8LijsNafrajsC_MffY1G66GnpWZ9DJGZiRDF1qTJlrv2K-d2pR5C7XyoL3A/s320/Sophies+Toes+from+Tasha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077056202052292354" border="0" /></a> And this beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47909">Sophie's Toes</a> "American Patchwork" from <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/">Tasha</a> (along with a cool blue jean knitting bag and some stuff to help with my dyeing!) (Tasha also "helped" me in this difficult time of being laid up at the exact time that all of the local yarn stores were having these huge sales by going and buying me the things I "needed" or picking up the things had already purchased over the phone.)<br /><br />This American Patchwork has been the first yarn that I can ever recall it "Talking to me." I've heard of this phenomenon - wherein a knitter hears a yarn calling to her to knit it up...even telling her what the pattern must be.<br /><br />Well, let me just say that this yarn is also schizophrenic. First it wanted to be a pattern out of More Sensational Socks...then it wanted to be <a href="http://magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm">Jaywalkers</a> (which is what is on the needles above...) As of this morning, I have frogged the Jaywalkers and am officially putting the yarn in Time Out. She's beautiful - but a little out of her mind. ;)<br /><br />Once I was able to be upright in my recliner, I was able to finish my <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey</a> socks. I love Love LOVED this pattern and was not sick of it by the second sock...which is a major accomplishment. (I don't know if pain drugs had anything to do with this...but I'm takin' it as I can get it!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqnsyi4LCFvFNXTwo3ApJZnwojr_ApijBRSlw_lOTWE1eDAo7IQPjqlUUKgI0YFim_sdJ37-CBb8y-Q-FqZulj_A8tEssbeV1S3tNL7XOmFZFpq1wL2TYhrmFACeVeSK4S_Z9fw/s1600-h/matt+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqnsyi4LCFvFNXTwo3ApJZnwojr_ApijBRSlw_lOTWE1eDAo7IQPjqlUUKgI0YFim_sdJ37-CBb8y-Q-FqZulj_A8tEssbeV1S3tNL7XOmFZFpq1wL2TYhrmFACeVeSK4S_Z9fw/s320/matt+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077056206347259682" border="0" /></a> They really aren't for someone with club feet - they fit my size 9's perfectly! I just need to break down and get me some blockers!! They are my first pair that are for me Me ME!! (Done in Lorna's Laces in the Aslan colorway!)<br /><br />Right after surgery, I got home to a package that I had ordered from one of the knitters in our local group - <a href="http://3knitsand2rips.blogspot.com/">Teresa</a> is making these BEAUTIFUL sock bags to look like turtles and Froggies...<br /><br />Meet Lilly! She makes me giggle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYkpA_S9iEXvQaGoOKTpYfoJteFJnOFdIlZB1Ws7GfpScNTq3GUjv315GPdyT3WLr6OxbaTAMarUuijB1t-WoQaWSTwYtFK0KFzw33KV6AyQbzUWwlaablahQu7-F909uInEFTw/s1600-h/matt+010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYkpA_S9iEXvQaGoOKTpYfoJteFJnOFdIlZB1Ws7GfpScNTq3GUjv315GPdyT3WLr6OxbaTAMarUuijB1t-WoQaWSTwYtFK0KFzw33KV6AyQbzUWwlaablahQu7-F909uInEFTw/s320/matt+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077061282998603618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXziIrBNoLxMuw48Vr1C4bWaFpi8nEpsoaYYR_7bGKmWieHOp07dOOgTmysTPVH7OeCoB2QfnIWJB4pfp7GgdoTXp7D23bdsFhUvnAtDFXux2PW-AyL0CnQDiPuQtcmy5TsZJmA/s1600-h/matt+011.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXziIrBNoLxMuw48Vr1C4bWaFpi8nEpsoaYYR_7bGKmWieHOp07dOOgTmysTPVH7OeCoB2QfnIWJB4pfp7GgdoTXp7D23bdsFhUvnAtDFXux2PW-AyL0CnQDiPuQtcmy5TsZJmA/s320/matt+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077061282998603634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wv6sPDnN4Ti-sojDddCHUeEi3pDGAnlKv8S4ocxBPOAwNJpFIqN7rxj0HUuqyzcRUvw3XF91uN-aJrhA92VlM6kGfbWTBtVXRLk4mXKCEjswkhfaaylD-eaQmVhPFnr9S0e9pQ/s1600-h/matt+012.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wv6sPDnN4Ti-sojDddCHUeEi3pDGAnlKv8S4ocxBPOAwNJpFIqN7rxj0HUuqyzcRUvw3XF91uN-aJrhA92VlM6kGfbWTBtVXRLk4mXKCEjswkhfaaylD-eaQmVhPFnr9S0e9pQ/s320/matt+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077061287293570946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I really can't let this thing end without mentioning my "nursing staff."<br /><br />Alek has been such a love - doing things that he probably didn't realize he'd have to do when he said "I Do" six years ago.<br /><br />My Mama - I still wish she hadn't gone home last week. ;) She was so good about everything - doing Mama work - and more. I know we drive her crazy at times - but I so appreciated all of the cooking and cleaning and caretaking she did.<br /><br />Oh...and this is my Sabine - the one who has become my best nursemaid and therapy dog...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo06Gz325ZYwT-gqG_LVuzrOEXBL0z_HpZ6c3OO1kyaT_L2gwvLpePgiGgXW6C8ThPeNVJDlQF7-3jqFfj9ztTvIkrYOONuEVX9RXYdcMFqhe4SiJfyYRITvzZggQLih6V3ELmw/s1600-h/matt+029.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo06Gz325ZYwT-gqG_LVuzrOEXBL0z_HpZ6c3OO1kyaT_L2gwvLpePgiGgXW6C8ThPeNVJDlQF7-3jqFfj9ztTvIkrYOONuEVX9RXYdcMFqhe4SiJfyYRITvzZggQLih6V3ELmw/s320/matt+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077056206347259698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She looks all cute there in that pic - but when she's pushing me to do my Physical Therapy, she's all business! (The PT who came to the house wanted to take her with her as a therapy dog...she's such a love!)<br /><br />...now back to knitting. I got the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/JOJOSQUARE">Jojoland</a> Rhythm in the M26 colorway. (Fastest ebay shipping ever - paid for it Friday, got it Saturday! I know I live close to the woman, but still!)<br /><br />This is what it looked like on the auction:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BYe8OD0H1vjgdnQaHDwWE2w4FKklDH-6JMzeE-QF1L7nK_eDS8xzOyJixQQJC_ikQ9VKzkKzfRnkAELUH5v3jILuYVBYGfyMz7LazK63HLKt0BNZO3cS4UfOkkNMx2EhXsAfXA/s1600-h/m26+Jojoland.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BYe8OD0H1vjgdnQaHDwWE2w4FKklDH-6JMzeE-QF1L7nK_eDS8xzOyJixQQJC_ikQ9VKzkKzfRnkAELUH5v3jILuYVBYGfyMz7LazK63HLKt0BNZO3cS4UfOkkNMx2EhXsAfXA/s320/m26+Jojoland.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077073102748602322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is what I got.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRYFmRJb8jgWohniaWv-azqT07_Scq-5EmQTF30NEck3HVJHMnEePxuyXjFAdug2ozqT34bN02z5yTViCrmpXPg2Hvyh0EwG8ahfV9hQKMo6jeTPPOjiWextgU41ppl8gQt4lMQ/s1600-h/jojoland+002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRYFmRJb8jgWohniaWv-azqT07_Scq-5EmQTF30NEck3HVJHMnEePxuyXjFAdug2ozqT34bN02z5yTViCrmpXPg2Hvyh0EwG8ahfV9hQKMo6jeTPPOjiWextgU41ppl8gQt4lMQ/s320/jojoland+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077072432733704098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now... I love it! I also know it bears very little resemblance to the picture on the auction. I also know that this yarn has many layers and that those colors in the original picture will eventually show up. Just for you, I am digging in a ball to give an example:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxq2bN0sSKSA_uCfbkewRBSGYPgI-L7GmYJ0W_uAig0MOrclETt1eOb0ATPXff2YqRbNJJuvxezV-cefdK3B8YAB_QaOX1qtBF77TeuLJEYhAYRArWIaKn61GZ2RtTV9EN5U_3g/s1600-h/jojoland+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxq2bN0sSKSA_uCfbkewRBSGYPgI-L7GmYJ0W_uAig0MOrclETt1eOb0ATPXff2YqRbNJJuvxezV-cefdK3B8YAB_QaOX1qtBF77TeuLJEYhAYRArWIaKn61GZ2RtTV9EN5U_3g/s320/jojoland+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077072437028671410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHOzPvgJsHaD1iwvSNTxBwqbeGSJyfR6eSabAmaHJ8KRSAQmzxhgQ2gLpZCel7IAUwJaJn8dYzEvohYSj4aBe_lujCirkZNc-UtOOtS959SFqMSRiOfmX7L6MpQ7o32PYWQYepA/s1600-h/jojoland+009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHOzPvgJsHaD1iwvSNTxBwqbeGSJyfR6eSabAmaHJ8KRSAQmzxhgQ2gLpZCel7IAUwJaJn8dYzEvohYSj4aBe_lujCirkZNc-UtOOtS959SFqMSRiOfmX7L6MpQ7o32PYWQYepA/s320/jojoland+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077072437028671426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm going to try to do the Lady Eleanor Shawl from "Scarf Style." After taking the <a href="http://www.theknittingfairy.com/">Knitting Fairy's</a> Entrelac class at the DFW Fiber Fest, I think I can do it! And I love this yarn...and think it will be a beautiful shawl with it!<br /><br />Of course with me, we'll just have to see how bored I get with it. ;)<br /><br />We all know I have Knitting ADD.<br /><br />Thanks again for everyone's Thoughts and Prayers. They have meant the world to me...Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-43340847543716169652007-05-20T02:08:00.000-07:002007-05-20T16:28:27.050-07:00What to do with nervous energy...So, some of you know - but most don't - that I've been walking with a cane for the last month or so. The hip has finally gotten to the point where I can't stand the pain - and walking is definitely much easier with it - so I've faced the music and have been using the wretched thing probably 75% of the time.<br /><br />Long story short - I go in tomorrow for a <a href="http://www.birminghamhipresurfacing.com/">hip resurfacing</a> - if they can't do it, they'll do a total replacement. At my age - 40 - we are keeping fingers crossed for the resurfacing. (Hey, me and Floyd Landis (Tour de France winner) ...hip buddies) In any case - beginning tomorrow at 10:30 or so, there will be a whole new life for me...things will be slow at first - and painful - but it will be a new kind of pain - and eventually, a brand new life with lots of possibilities. <br /><br />So...thus the nervous energy...<br /><br />So...what do I do with nervous energy?<br /><br />...well, this time, I made dishcloths - that's what.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqwcsfkJxHN6UGDDRuulhyphenhyphenJPfbuEpNlmAPa5giy6HQxNUtEG0jK3UVLNNqXvF5F286H2xkMI8pOqfm4oZojIvRwYRGi3NKM7erIb23PkxZA5ObQFALO-B3tG5-VbfKbWT56biZw/s1600-h/FOs+038.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqwcsfkJxHN6UGDDRuulhyphenhyphenJPfbuEpNlmAPa5giy6HQxNUtEG0jK3UVLNNqXvF5F286H2xkMI8pOqfm4oZojIvRwYRGi3NKM7erIb23PkxZA5ObQFALO-B3tG5-VbfKbWT56biZw/s320/FOs+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066567802130419554" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.knittingknonsense.com/DW_cloth.html">Infamous DW cloth</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0XbWL5KKdR4pLOdx78vbX60XWHqOD2-H9hMVeZVpYyKdpzzO-5JJr95Zpnr3jOss-3BjTCYy015L7Bl9lu9MYLjaVBf7QakkjcTO8-tURGnCuRLR8sasLO8YBxt52RuaC_Bvkw/s1600-h/FOs+039.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0XbWL5KKdR4pLOdx78vbX60XWHqOD2-H9hMVeZVpYyKdpzzO-5JJr95Zpnr3jOss-3BjTCYy015L7Bl9lu9MYLjaVBf7QakkjcTO8-tURGnCuRLR8sasLO8YBxt52RuaC_Bvkw/s320/FOs+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066567535842447170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZPcNElZ7dRHBhL-DcooR6CLZz61fXRbvsiG8YQb50NgoZQbhvYOEipJT3gkNBKJcoIO_AnLJVVideCKrpG0UFrYAleXVpOmS2-8koG7TnLn1BL8q3-4YNUcJ8yjBgHWF5CPZVw/s1600-h/FOs+041.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZPcNElZ7dRHBhL-DcooR6CLZz61fXRbvsiG8YQb50NgoZQbhvYOEipJT3gkNBKJcoIO_AnLJVVideCKrpG0UFrYAleXVpOmS2-8koG7TnLn1BL8q3-4YNUcJ8yjBgHWF5CPZVw/s320/FOs+041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066567540137414482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.knittingknonsense.com/DW_cloth.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a>And then two random cloths - one is the waffle pattern and one is a takeoff of the Horcrux zig zag - just 'cause I liked that pattern on those socks. (Yes, there are two design elements in there...have no clue what I was thinking there. I must have YO'd on a purl side. Oh well - it's just going to clean my grimy dishes...so it'll do!<br /><br />Til I get back from the hospital - y'all have a great week!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-57801742890628853522007-05-16T22:01:00.000-07:002007-05-16T22:19:57.745-07:00SP10 - Package #2 - and a random FOQuick housekeeping - or blogkeeping? - Somehow, I turned off my comments last week - they are back again - so comment away!<br /><br />Now...to the good stuff...<br /><br />Earlier in the week, I got a cute postcard from my SP10 Pal from her trip to California - to the JellyBelly place. How fun!! Sounds like you had a great trip!<br /><br />Then yesterday, I got a nice surprise in the mail in the form of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSuhjQ7u2oX4Axaw4Cra_Ls4IQe2IA4N5DfFeWdPcQ12sr5g5_4oHFcocCPrNf8Hj3nvkGp0hR7BMO_7-EiNTOWKDS9kWYWJC08vtZX_V3iEZnl4VLyZnp0y0zhMNlqb4HHmNOg/s1600-h/FOs+031.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSuhjQ7u2oX4Axaw4Cra_Ls4IQe2IA4N5DfFeWdPcQ12sr5g5_4oHFcocCPrNf8Hj3nvkGp0hR7BMO_7-EiNTOWKDS9kWYWJC08vtZX_V3iEZnl4VLyZnp0y0zhMNlqb4HHmNOg/s320/FOs+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065391208724582114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got a book "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd with a bookmark that, if I don't use as a bookmark, I can plant it and it has seeds embedded in it. (We all know my luck with plants - so we'll probably have a bookmark for years to come! HA!), some Nestle Smarties candies, a cute little heart-shaped slinky toy, two skeins of Regia Plus Cotton Color in light denim and khaki colors - these will be great for summer socks and will look great with jeans! - and a vintage sock pattern book!<br /><br />Thanks, Secret Pal!!<br /><br />In FO news, I finished the <a href="http://www.knittingasfastasican.com/FreePatterns/Horcrux%20Socks.pdf">Horcrux Socks</a> I was working on - using the Cleckheaton Tapestry 8-ply yarn.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9Folwqhwg1R6NCjs8C0wmPYLjwvrvdhuAMBeXI3YEpy3aq2wwjCThEhXSyYMEryZ-ljh_QtVkKGzqTAJ76UedHWbGhGV_bXS6IQkgCc5ESQhAUPoelXczrBd3HInHOuzrHOPMQ/s1600-h/FOs+030.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9Folwqhwg1R6NCjs8C0wmPYLjwvrvdhuAMBeXI3YEpy3aq2wwjCThEhXSyYMEryZ-ljh_QtVkKGzqTAJ76UedHWbGhGV_bXS6IQkgCc5ESQhAUPoelXczrBd3HInHOuzrHOPMQ/s320/FOs+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065391217314516722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I swear - they look obscene - but they fit like socks!! So, I declare them socks!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP6ya4QbmPXwrOkOMPux0XM7ShXBzSY8Vzb-2kW_7dDFyWqTTlLprMpimpoLHcqcyYr0oHC1zhV7YcWosH4QE3B-j2gcv4x2ZC032Bythv8uWrQclwdS74g0FMt8XtysHiNsQAQ/s1600-h/FOs+037.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP6ya4QbmPXwrOkOMPux0XM7ShXBzSY8Vzb-2kW_7dDFyWqTTlLprMpimpoLHcqcyYr0oHC1zhV7YcWosH4QE3B-j2gcv4x2ZC032Bythv8uWrQclwdS74g0FMt8XtysHiNsQAQ/s320/FOs+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065392471444967202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I enjoyed making them - and hope their recipient will enjoy them, too.Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-3240321854055920722007-05-09T17:36:00.000-07:002007-05-16T22:01:19.650-07:00A Bit of KetchupForgive me - for I have been remiss in my blogging - so I'm taking this huge post to catch up on the knitting life...<br /><br />I've not mentioned the <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emlhobbies/">DFW Fiber Fest </a>yet. What a treat - this was my first year to really participate further than shopping the booths. I was there every day - and really enjoyed it!<br /><br />Now it's not <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/xrx/events.php">Stitches</a> - or one of the big Sheep and Wool gatherings - but it was a great little event for this area's 2nd year Fest.<br /><br />Friday night, we had major weather here in DFW - a factor which seems to be a common occurrence here these days - and by the time dinner time rolled around, the Tornado sirens were going off and we were all herded into the interior of the building to wait out the storm. My buddy <a href="http://knitpsychos.hello-lovely.org/">Manda</a> and I had gone for the fashion show that night and we just sat there and knit through the chaos just outside our doors. Are we Texans or what?<br /><br />Once the threat was over - no major damage in our area happened - the Fashion Show commenced and it was entertaining to say the least. I wish I had brought my camera - 'cause, well, mere words cannot describe the things we saw!<br /><br />On Saturday, I returned to the scene to take a class with <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/">Tasha </a>(and we rooked our friend - Blogless Kathy into taking it, too) taught by our dear friend, <a href="http://theknittingfairy.com/">The Knitting Fairy</a>. We learned how to do Entrelac! It is so cool!! I love this technique! It looks like woven strips of stockinette -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgAMvJ3MHsjTBP7cjQCYIMTOo4yzX8Sg2dZuavapc81nuT__4OTiFbvz-slFhsV8bBasY0TwRKteBq8NaGH_9bdRHaGc-7Wrl_1a7IVObDzmyrc4qoZXppwZgrMdU5cjuCx9ZNA/s1600-h/entrelac.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgAMvJ3MHsjTBP7cjQCYIMTOo4yzX8Sg2dZuavapc81nuT__4OTiFbvz-slFhsV8bBasY0TwRKteBq8NaGH_9bdRHaGc-7Wrl_1a7IVObDzmyrc4qoZXppwZgrMdU5cjuCx9ZNA/s320/entrelac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062738263124352082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The class project was a small bag that could be felted or just kept as is. I've finished the body of the bag, but haven't woven in the ends or knit the handle. It's on my to-do list.<br /><br />I want to do <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=26318535">this scarf</a> now - just have to find (or dye) just the right yarn for it!<br /><br />Sunday, I went back to take a class taught by <a href="http://www.lilychinyarns.com/">Lily Chin</a> herself! The class was called "Reversible Cables" and it was about technique and chart reading and designing.<br /><br />Friday night, after the Fashion Show, I had gone up to talk to her to ask what the homework for the class was since I had just signed up. The room had been very cold that night and I had borrowed the scarf that I had made for my boss last Christmas - you know - this one<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP0xVTWwKKDjsMuHQ7DyLFmf8T015eNw8VbMCh2NLhx1KcCZ80daZRr1vtwyRywwp2Ei6dlV4jIyx0LGtpbOEBPw-PdRaLQQTRAvwLeTcmfHBCL7AfJM3sBpoa1OCQ4eadVBIZA/s1600-h/Copy+of+Misc.+Pictures+006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP0xVTWwKKDjsMuHQ7DyLFmf8T015eNw8VbMCh2NLhx1KcCZ80daZRr1vtwyRywwp2Ei6dlV4jIyx0LGtpbOEBPw-PdRaLQQTRAvwLeTcmfHBCL7AfJM3sBpoa1OCQ4eadVBIZA/s320/Copy+of+Misc.+Pictures+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062740573816757394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway - I was wearing this as I talked to her and she said, "Make sure you bring your scarf to class!!" I just about squee'd right there - but kept my composure because a.) I'm cool like that (HA!) and b.) I just knew she wanted to have it as an example of what NOT to do!<br /><br />When we got to class, she asked, "Ok, who had the red scarf on Friday night?" I pulled it out and she came over - took a few glances at it - and then went about teaching. When it came time to do show and tell with her things, she brought them all around for everyone to see - and then grabbed mine and gave it as an example, too!! A GOOD example!! I just about wet myself!!<br /><br />Of course, I didn't have camera with me this day either...'cause evidently my photography mind was clouded by my knitting mind - so I didn't get any pics of Ms. Chin - but I had a pattern of hers that she signed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmM95KWayW3mZzyIQG5R7pI7B42kqr4XwsWeREhO13FRbLLAvImQb8pkQ9P5F-qK98MVsF-27JlUvF5K6sfQuomuNEK2opbxF-BVo4c7vS4ZO4JPW6zLeYa9Z6mtIwQzK_3j0Zg/s1600-h/FOs+016.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmM95KWayW3mZzyIQG5R7pI7B42kqr4XwsWeREhO13FRbLLAvImQb8pkQ9P5F-qK98MVsF-27JlUvF5K6sfQuomuNEK2opbxF-BVo4c7vS4ZO4JPW6zLeYa9Z6mtIwQzK_3j0Zg/s320/FOs+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062738267419319410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It says - "Hi Liz, Happy Knitting - Think Dirty! Lily Chin" You just had to be there!<br /><br />I tell you what - both classes were well worth the money - I learned so much - and these were first rate teachers! The next few years of the Fest promise to have even more great teachers - starting next year with Joan Schroeder...<br /><br />Which brings me to this past weekend.<br /><br />Our LYS - the <a href="http://www.woolieewe.com/default.asp">Woolie Ewe</a> - is having "The Year of the Knitting Designer" and has had some great designers show up to teach - one of whom is Joan Schroeder.<br /><br />This past weekend, Joan came to town and taught two days of the "Toe Up Sock Class." I took the Saturday class along with Tasha, <a href="http://knittingrose.blogspot.com/">Lise</a>, <a href="http://knits4sanity.blogspot.com/">Becky</a>, Blogless Betty and <a href="http://born2bcrafty.blogspot.com/">Susanne</a>. (We also met <a href="http://knotwattewethink.wordpress.com/">Regina</a> while we were there - she was camera ready and took pics of our little socklets that are on her blog.)<br /><br />Joan's an incredible teacher, too - and I loved this class - even if it DID require some math. I feel like I can tackle any sock pattern now, too. I got doubly lucky 'cause Joan is a friend of Blogless Betty and I was able to have dinner with lovely Joan a couple of nights while she was here. She's a sweetheart - if you ever get a chance to take her class - sign up quick!<br /><br />In other yarny news, my buddy went to NYC and all I got was these two lousily beautiful skeins of KOIGU!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcHLidFk91Wj4gZ5s_snjTziJ3F2ZFXNbFgofyJzzb-5JwISPEa8YtKoWYbLWTWxw0F8bk_0L_HWXpebZgZ8MdNgArRPLSntU3zhMLpnEvRafPu2LwtxT-pqGXHb3PuZvIBo6NA/s1600-h/koigu+from+becky.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcHLidFk91Wj4gZ5s_snjTziJ3F2ZFXNbFgofyJzzb-5JwISPEa8YtKoWYbLWTWxw0F8bk_0L_HWXpebZgZ8MdNgArRPLSntU3zhMLpnEvRafPu2LwtxT-pqGXHb3PuZvIBo6NA/s320/koigu+from+becky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062789356055305378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And while at the abovementioned Sock class - I bought - shocker, I know - SOCK YARN! This is a Lorna's Laces colorway I've seen online and thought I'd like because I like the name (Big C.S. Lewis fan here) - but now know I LOVE it!!<br /><br />I show you - ASLAN!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi_pbHHo3BvsgrmIP04k4Ru5yZGUQk_EqBHwEk2XjnAGe7ZpXd2vILds-fZ9hWHHuHCvvl2ZceS9nvowBAunNG54K8Kgx2HdzDvEUg8Z66M4U69_vWg7ULnraNs09U4b0g-Zjqw/s1600-h/Aslan.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi_pbHHo3BvsgrmIP04k4Ru5yZGUQk_EqBHwEk2XjnAGe7ZpXd2vILds-fZ9hWHHuHCvvl2ZceS9nvowBAunNG54K8Kgx2HdzDvEUg8Z66M4U69_vWg7ULnraNs09U4b0g-Zjqw/s320/Aslan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062789356055305394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These will be socks for ME! I may do them in <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey</a>...because I am a sheep...baaa<br /><br />That's what got me into <a href="http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/archives/000079.html">My So Called Scarf</a> - which is now an FO!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALsFDjssOvc0A6E72hmw9UrHzm_ZlbaUYb5gC7HRlLv5a3cLeYArLJ0oPGLk3DrshRXSgHBjT5gp-DfPpCxbJVemgvG1T9YqArkHLY2FLUGsYoNYq5F7JMHq8Ksf7Hx4R_mAz4g/s1600-h/FOs+018.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALsFDjssOvc0A6E72hmw9UrHzm_ZlbaUYb5gC7HRlLv5a3cLeYArLJ0oPGLk3DrshRXSgHBjT5gp-DfPpCxbJVemgvG1T9YqArkHLY2FLUGsYoNYq5F7JMHq8Ksf7Hx4R_mAz4g/s320/FOs+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062738267419319426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeqqUGS9BYCjOiZLtPu7zV8tKfhqytNWkhDI21WAZSTna3HCxl4vVzo5QmnZhZjh59slhwMPueD09OQBMwgo-1TVEvZPbbPlRFLNhWqy5Q2vQMaqFBPYgjTbN9_3Y9NXqi9ihYA/s1600-h/FOs+027.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeqqUGS9BYCjOiZLtPu7zV8tKfhqytNWkhDI21WAZSTna3HCxl4vVzo5QmnZhZjh59slhwMPueD09OQBMwgo-1TVEvZPbbPlRFLNhWqy5Q2vQMaqFBPYgjTbN9_3Y9NXqi9ihYA/s320/FOs+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062791138466733266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Even Sabine likes it!!<br /><br />And finally - I have dyed some - these are last Sunday's efforts...minus one that is going to live in California with Manda...you can see it on her blog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYumQAClLAMCOK_7QAIKbIcZdpjfT4rXfEoxVtk25BKJgBRr8OTK8k5vhypQLQEVu9RbNzpLGOkEPuBpHira27OmLghvCGopVcJD9AwbN083sge-_8y00Lb7vDDGoOkLfi4aMPFA/s1600-h/Stash+Enhancement+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYumQAClLAMCOK_7QAIKbIcZdpjfT4rXfEoxVtk25BKJgBRr8OTK8k5vhypQLQEVu9RbNzpLGOkEPuBpHira27OmLghvCGopVcJD9AwbN083sge-_8y00Lb7vDDGoOkLfi4aMPFA/s320/Stash+Enhancement+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062789360350272706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I see a lot of knitting time in my future...more on that later.Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-74211545738667509542007-04-23T22:03:00.000-07:002007-04-23T22:27:45.568-07:00Another April FOI finally finished another something - a pair of socks that I've worked on for about a month and a half.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RlYhc7i5qew_sh1m6rx2EX7t9NfgwLM8Yut-p_3Pyrz9_qNCp47QLZpKolnfemPlRtb3HaXwuGcY7YchCaCbEZHLbtvRx_eEVwVNIBa8ciyCokw8IzULrrIFFSu4-NXPaBTEWw/s1600-h/FOs+008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RlYhc7i5qew_sh1m6rx2EX7t9NfgwLM8Yut-p_3Pyrz9_qNCp47QLZpKolnfemPlRtb3HaXwuGcY7YchCaCbEZHLbtvRx_eEVwVNIBa8ciyCokw8IzULrrIFFSu4-NXPaBTEWw/s320/FOs+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056857319198035682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They are done using the <a href="http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/Nasturtiumsocks.pdf">Nasturtium</a> pattern from Kristen at <a href="http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/">Through The Loops</a>. (Happy Blogiversary, Kristen!) I used one of the skeins of yarn that I <a href="http://sendyarn.blogspot.com/2007/02/buying-and-dyeing.html">dyed in my dyeing class </a>at Simpatico back in February. It had shorter yardage - 280 yds - so I wanted to do a shorter pair of socks and these fit the bill! Great pattern - a good kind of easy for a beginning sock knitter. (And, thankfully, done on 2 circs so I didn't have to do math.)<br /><br />I do love the sock knitting, though - just bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564777170/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0485601-8439365?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177391900&sr=1-1">More Sensational Knitted Socks</a> by Charlotte Schurch and am waiting on the delivery of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Socks-Timeless-Designs-Interweave/dp/1596680326/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0485601-8439365?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177391831&sr=8-1">Favorite Socks</a> by Ann Budd and Anne Merrow. And I got the Yarn Harlot's books - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yarn-Harlot-Secret-Life-Knitter/dp/0740750372/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-0485601-8439365?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177391960&sr=1-2">The Yarn Harlot</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Pearl-McPhee-Casts-Off-Knitting/dp/1580176585/ref=pd_sim_b_4/102-0485601-8439365?ie=UTF8&qid=1177391960&sr=1-2">Casts Off.</a> Hopefully her stories will inspire more sock knitting.<br /><br />Also had a dyeing day on Saturday. This time we used the acid dyes and I can definitely tell that I will love Love LOVE the results with using them with the superwash. The colors are so incredible!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN7yPJoIp5Fqek7stAZ0yOxvz2JDphP0dJ5mpoB0_3Ox_1vT9n0b5e2x5nt6po1z70K-Zl5O3EuTD6aA6_AvkzTBD0Edwy6nks1v9SXkt1N-zhNiadcZoXzERgRiFb_UE6wX0vg/s1600-h/Dyeing+Days+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN7yPJoIp5Fqek7stAZ0yOxvz2JDphP0dJ5mpoB0_3Ox_1vT9n0b5e2x5nt6po1z70K-Zl5O3EuTD6aA6_AvkzTBD0Edwy6nks1v9SXkt1N-zhNiadcZoXzERgRiFb_UE6wX0vg/s320/Dyeing+Days+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056857323493002994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The favorites that I did were these two:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU-MWyYKnkQMw7HkLZHBKZXCRIb5Hs4pWk08rAuSPmHsjADt_N_Nf2RJXqgaInoHm29yPDlNAMRLCb8dGpuMXAAnU6h6HVpojrlqFqFLPCRJuOGuFrsLVNIylfM8DHc_ON07Yzw/s1600-h/Dyeing+Days+014.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU-MWyYKnkQMw7HkLZHBKZXCRIb5Hs4pWk08rAuSPmHsjADt_N_Nf2RJXqgaInoHm29yPDlNAMRLCb8dGpuMXAAnU6h6HVpojrlqFqFLPCRJuOGuFrsLVNIylfM8DHc_ON07Yzw/s320/Dyeing+Days+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056857323493003010" border="0" /> </a><br />(which my friends call Safari - and my hubby calls Army Brat)<br /><br />And this one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU-MWyYKnkQMw7HkLZHBKZXCRIb5Hs4pWk08rAuSPmHsjADt_N_Nf2RJXqgaInoHm29yPDlNAMRLCb8dGpuMXAAnU6h6HVpojrlqFqFLPCRJuOGuFrsLVNIylfM8DHc_ON07Yzw/s1600-h/Dyeing+Days+014.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjeoDTyJkwVLR0IbDavFU3bZayZn4CF0fP22OMmadwbeeVIBWLubcP0ccx_IhBAs2blciylEI9uuHw7HScBNIvxBvqnfD5YGIteZlg4p9g4ulFQX1gioUFiCWm69R-T5PilpUw/s1600-h/Dyeing+Days+015.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjeoDTyJkwVLR0IbDavFU3bZayZn4CF0fP22OMmadwbeeVIBWLubcP0ccx_IhBAs2blciylEI9uuHw7HScBNIvxBvqnfD5YGIteZlg4p9g4ulFQX1gioUFiCWm69R-T5PilpUw/s320/Dyeing+Days+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056857327787970322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For which I have no name - but I'm sure <a href="http://texaspurlgurl.blogspot.com/index.html">Dawn</a> or <a href="http://knittingrose.blogspot.com/index.html">Lise </a>or Someone will come up with one for me! ;)<br /><br />I've ordered a ball winder and a swift - so hopefully I can get these in this week and then next weekend play with reskeining them to see what they "really" look like!<br /><br />Now...to take off these socks. It's Texas and April, by gum - which means wool socks are HOT. UGH!<br /><br />But they sure are pretty!!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-3426403617035460072007-04-23T07:08:00.000-07:002007-04-23T07:28:54.311-07:00100 BooksLook at the list of (100) books below.<br />Bold the ones you’ve read.<br />Italicize the ones you own.<br /><br />Movies don’t count.<br /><br />Ok...I've read 42 of them (if I can also add correctly) - and the sad thing is that with the exception of the Bible and the Harry Potter Books - all have been read PKL - Pre-knitting life. Now if I "read" a book, it's with my ears and iPod. :)<br /><br /><strong><em>1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)</em></strong><br /><strong>2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)</strong><br /><strong>3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)</strong><br /><strong><em>4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) (I actually own a first edition - not first printing, though)</em></strong><br />5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)<br />6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)<br />7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)<br /><strong>8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)</strong><br />9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)<br />10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)<br /><strong><em>11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)</em></strong><br /><strong><em>12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)</em></strong><br /><strong><em>13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)</em></strong><br />14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)<br /><strong><em>15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)</em></strong><br /><strong><em>16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)</em></strong><br />17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)<br />18. The Stand (Stephen King)<br /><strong><em>19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)</em></strong><br /><strong>20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)</strong><br />21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)<br /><strong>22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)</strong><br /><strong>23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)</strong><br /><strong>24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)</strong><br />25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel)<br /><strong>26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)</strong><br /><strong>27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)</strong><br /><strong>28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)</strong><br /><strong>29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)</strong><br />30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom)<br />31. Dune (Frank Herbert)<br />32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)<br />33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)<br />34. 1984 (Orwell)<br />35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)<br />36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)<br />37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)<br /><strong>38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)</strong><br />39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)<br />40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)<br />41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)<br />42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)<br />43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)<br /><strong>44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)</strong><br /><strong><em>45. Bible (Only parts)</em></strong><br />46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)<br />47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)<br />48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)<br /><strong><em>49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)</em></strong><br /><strong><em>50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)</em></strong><br /><strong><em>51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)</em></strong><br />52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)<br />53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)<br />54. Great Expectations (Dickens)<br /><strong>55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)</strong><br />56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)<br /><strong><em>57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)</em></strong><br /><strong>58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)</strong><br />59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)<br />60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)<br />61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)<br />62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)<br />63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)<br />64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)<br />65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)<br />66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)<br />67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)<br /><strong>68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)</strong><br />69. Les Miserables (Hugo)<br />70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)<br /><strong>71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)</strong><br />72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)<br />73. Shogun (James Clavell)<br />74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)<br /><strong>75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)</strong><br />76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)<br /><strong>77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)</strong><br />78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)<br />79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)<br /><strong>80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)</strong><br />81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)<br /><strong>82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)</strong><br />83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)<br />84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)<br /><strong>85. Emma (Jane Austen)</strong><br /><strong>86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)</strong><br />87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)<br /><strong>88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)</strong><br />89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)<br />90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)<br />91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)<br /><strong>92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)</strong><br />93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)<br />94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)<br />95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)<br /><strong>96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)</strong><br /><strong>97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)</strong><br />98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)<br /><strong>99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)</strong><br /><strong>100. Ulysses (James Joyce)</strong>Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26318535.post-69841650767812456172007-04-12T04:42:00.000-07:002007-04-12T05:18:14.405-07:00What happens when your Yarn Conscience Takes a Week Off to See MickeySo, my buddy and yarn conscience, <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/">Tasha</a>, took off on Monday to see a certain Mouse - so my willpower was weakened...but I was going to be good - I really was.<br /><br />But then my other buddy, <a href="http://knitpsychos.hello-lovely.org/">Manda</a>, had some car problems that HAD to be fixed - so she lovingly <a href="http://destash.blogspot.com/">destashed</a> some of her lovely yarns. Now Manda, the girl has the good stuff!! And she had Schaefer Anne - in Purples - that she managed to take just the worst picture of so no one could see it's true loveliness...and no one bought it - and no one bought it - and no one bought it...so, without my yarn conscience to guide me, I did.<br /><br />See what you non-buyers missed out on??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sQCxgqbnLToDhWf8f3CUN4Bwwcr0ofcgQ2nsZlK9BGq47xvdgXOkwWoJqEnRZq1ucZrkDEeHJ11XVQTKYlSWvniDjjdHrbWh7InUdVMVcacAuE_mManD5yoDZfQGyd1dXC5TNg/s1600-h/Stash+Enhancement+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sQCxgqbnLToDhWf8f3CUN4Bwwcr0ofcgQ2nsZlK9BGq47xvdgXOkwWoJqEnRZq1ucZrkDEeHJ11XVQTKYlSWvniDjjdHrbWh7InUdVMVcacAuE_mManD5yoDZfQGyd1dXC5TNg/s320/Stash+Enhancement+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052514134009321010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This may go to my secret pal - if I can pry it out of my stash in June for the big reveal gift - so then it wouldn't count for buying yarn. (There must be SOME of the yarn conscience that was left behind...)<br /><br />And then - well, the yarn conscience can't bust me for this one.<br /><br />After a particularly weird week I've had, yet another buddy, <a href="http://2china4paisley.blogspot.com/index.html">Becky</a>, appointed herself my NSSP - Not So Secret Pal - and brought me these wonderful things!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL1bTaOXb6npjvTnw90lQgVsxZlgPq4zhUql55l7CzJ_bJnPC_IgHichJaqanj04MANUn1GRrIz31TS_IYBE_Ud-ccqD3pyu8Eis_Ka6A0bsPp06HAHXQ_tU2_oPacLAS9-lkPg/s1600-h/Stash+Enhancement+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL1bTaOXb6npjvTnw90lQgVsxZlgPq4zhUql55l7CzJ_bJnPC_IgHichJaqanj04MANUn1GRrIz31TS_IYBE_Ud-ccqD3pyu8Eis_Ka6A0bsPp06HAHXQ_tU2_oPacLAS9-lkPg/s320/Stash+Enhancement+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052514134009320994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yep! It's <a href="http://www.knitterlythings.com/shop/">VESPER</a>!!! In the Love Stinks (Yeah! Yeah!) colorway! Squee!!!!<br /><br />But best of all - these!!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-i7d_xlE7AA4fxF0O_PuPuCXxYpHxpvRHMS10Uhh0IfiS_n8N2WaqUNZ_ve_uwJLIwcex6Mkfxm0TrLErdO3JA4ZyktGVe30QEGZiJImBu5rzMMkcxquhTPO01GHVsQjp8-C7g/s1600-h/Stash+Enhancement+002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-i7d_xlE7AA4fxF0O_PuPuCXxYpHxpvRHMS10Uhh0IfiS_n8N2WaqUNZ_ve_uwJLIwcex6Mkfxm0TrLErdO3JA4ZyktGVe30QEGZiJImBu5rzMMkcxquhTPO01GHVsQjp8-C7g/s320/Stash+Enhancement+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052514138304288322" border="0" /></a><br />They are the most adorable stitch markers - instructions for the Kitchener Stitch. I've seen them at the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7140">Girl on the Rocks Etsy shop</a> forever and have wanted them - and now they are mine - alllllll mine! They are the cutest little shrinky-dink type thing I've ever seen...Double Squeee!<br /><br />So - all in all, one part my fault, one part helping out a friend and two parts gifty equal some yummy yarny goodness for a pretty good week!<br /><br />And this weekend is the <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emlhobbies/dfwfiberfest2007/">DFW Fiber Fest</a> and I am going to go to the Vendor Area and Show on Friday evening and hope to take some classes if they are available when I walk up...and well, did you see that word "vendor area."<br /><br />Yep...I'm just going to take down the "X number of days, hours, minutes, seconds since I bought yarn" clock 'til after this weekend...'cause, well, 'cause I don't even want to pretend!!!Liz G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04285043416094085327noreply@blogger.com5