Stitches of Violet

Karen's Retro Rib Socks

2012-02-09T18:28:00.003-05:00

A little late for Christmas, but there probably is some cold weather left in Oregon so she can enjoy them before summer.

Not many people have brown as a favorite color, but the depth and beauty of some browns are at the top of my favorite color list. This is one of those browns.

Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in Winter 2004 Interweave Knits.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Woodgrain.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Simple Woman's Daybook for February 7

2012-02-07T17:21:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY February 7, 2012 ...

Outside my window...
It's a cloudy, cold, damp, blah day.

I am thinking...
That I might be a bit old to be wearing bluejeans. Is that possible? What do senior ladies wear if not bluejeans?

I've moved to the "comfort" style with elastic in the waist and a roomy fit. Surely these are jeans for old ladies. But am I too old?

I love my denim and don't plan to spend much time thinking about this.

I am thankful for...
The mild winter we've had in SW Michigan.

From the kitchen...
When you happily live with someone else for years, there are many little compromises that become part of your life and you don't even think about them anymore.

Part of mourning is an exercise in discovering these things, acknowledging they don't need to exist anymore, and making changes.

Bob liked dark toast, I like light toast. The toaster was set on dark and I compensated by hovering over my toast and manually popping it up by hand. I was very good at picking the right moment and having toast just the way I liked.

Yesterday, six months after Bob's death, I was making toast and realized I could change the setting on the toaster to my preference. So I did. It was a sad moment.

I am wearing...
Bluejeans, an apple green sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
Almost done with Karen's socks and have some gorgeous new Opal from the VanGogh collection.

The blue skein is inspired by Starry Night . . .

The greenish skein is inspired by The Trinquetaille Bridge . . .

I am going...
Yesterday I went to a monthly lunch with a friend and realized it was the first time I'd been anywhere except the dentist, the endodontist, the oral surgeon, and grocery store since the last time we'd had lunch four weeks ago.

I'm still not feeling 100%, but maybe 75%. The trend is toward improvement.

I am reading...
Just finished Her Mother's Hope and Her Daughter's Dream, a multi-generational saga by Francine Rivers. Held my interest, but found all the misunderstandings and noncommunication between generations to be depressing. I might not have finished the two book series if I hadn't been sitting around holding my jaw.

I am hoping...
For a technical innovation that will block political phonecalls and advertisements from my life. They are especially annoying because I've already cast my absentee ballot.

Michigan primary is February 28.

I am hearing...
The very early spring songs of the Cardinals and Tufted Titmice.

Around the house...
Moss grows on the north side of a tree. And this year, due to the mild winter, moss grows on all sides of the trees. Also in the lawn, on the cement structures, on the sidewalks, in the gardens, and up the north side of the house. I've never seen anything like it in my twenty years here.

One of my favorite things...
Almost anything that has lots of calories. This is a problem.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hardly any. Still trying to get my strength back and feel somewhat normal.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Careful back there . . .

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Chat Back for February 4

2012-02-04T12:45:00.011-05:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Betty asked . . .
Would you recommend this brand (Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio) for knitting size 13 men's sock? I want to be sure I don't have to worry about running out and I have bought this before but only for a raffle gift. It was sooo beautiful.
Maybe. This is what I know:

For a size 14 foot sock knit on 72 stitches with a 7 inch long cuff and simple stitch pattern that doesn't eat up extra yarn -

One 50g skein of Regia will get me to the start of the toe decreases.
Stalwart from Slackford Studio is a bit less heavy than Regia, so it requires a few more rows for the same length.
The difference is not enough to require more stitches around.
This year when I selected Stalwart for Dave's socks, I bought two 100g skeins, knit one sock per skein.
I have 53g of yarn left in each ball. Plenty for a pair of women's socks.

Kathy B. asked . . .
Your coffee stained shirt though ,made me giggle. Is that appropriate????
I'm always happy when I can make someone giggle. Especially Kathy B., who has caused me to giggle many times.

Rita asked . . .
I want to know about your tooth ache. Is it better now?
The short answer is: I think so.

I put this question last so I could write a long answer and all readers who don't want to read it can move on to the next blog.

A week ago Friday I thought I was going to have more oral surgery. When I got to the endodontist he did some tests on my teeth and declared that the molar next to the suspected tooth needed a root canal. Even if that wasn't the main problem, it needed to be done in order to find the main problem. I agreed and had a molar root canal and went home hoping to find relief. Then I spend the next few days trying to pretend my jaw didn't hurt as much.

Next Wednesday, back to the endodondist. He suggested removing the tooth that had the root canal and the jaw surgery last spring, the theory being there must be a small crack in the root that was hiding infection. This required a new appointment with an oral surgeon.

Thursday afternoon the most expensive tooth in my mouth (root canal, apicoectomy, crown) came out. My jaw is still sore and healing, but the pain is not radiating up the whole right side of my head anymore. I have optimistic hopes that removing the tooth was the right thing to do and all will be well in a few days.

If not, I'm sure I'll be whining about it right here on this blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T17:21:00.007-05:00

Outside my window...
It's over 50 degrees today. Snow is melting and everything looks blah, but the roads are icefree.

I am thinking...
That this has been the strangest January I can ever remember. Normally we get "a" January thaw that lasts a few days at most. This year I've lost count of the thaws we've had, but I think it's been about one a week.

I am thankful for...
A careful endodontist who checked my jaw before digging in for surgery and found a molar that needed a root canal, which he did. Once the pain dies down my jaw problems may be over. Even if not, the tooth was part of the problem and needed to be treated.

From the kitchen...
Easy stuff. I've been mostly hanging out in bed holding my sore jaw.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a gray sweatshirt with some coffee drizzled down the front, and hand knit socks.

I am creating...
Occasionally knitting on Karen's socks. Both heels are done. One is knit down to the toes.

I am going...
Back to the endodontist tomorrow because my jaw is still hurting. After three weeks, I'm having a difficult time remembering what it feels like to have a painfree jaw.

I am reading...
Cutting for stone by Abraham Verghese. Months ago when I put this on hold at the library I was 24th in the queue. Maybe they should have bought a few more of this title? It's an excellent novel and I'm enjoying it when I feel good enough to read.

I am hoping...
That tomorrow's visit to the endodontist is the definitive end of my jaw problem.

I am hearing...
The refrigerator is humming in the background. Pappy and Sunny are both snoring during their after dinner nap.

Around the house...
I'm looking forward to feeling well enough to vacuum and dust. Now that's a change.

One of my favorite things...
A painless day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Getting better and getting on with life.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Granddaughter Kimmy.

FOR TODAY January 31, 2012...

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Karen's Retro Rib Sock Cuffs

2012-01-25T16:08:00.002-05:00

Last week I was on steroids for my jaw ache and as soon as I tapered off the pain came back worse than it was. My jaw is not healing from the surgery I had last spring, so I'm going to have additional surgery on Friday.

Do I need a new blog post label "Dental agony"?

Working on a pair of socks for Karen to send off with brother Dave's huge red wonders. I would like to get these mailed out before Dave and Karen's Oregon winter is over.

Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in Winter 2004 Interweave Knits.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Woodgrain.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Socks for Brother Dave

2012-01-24T15:25:00.005-05:00

Finally finished brother Dave's socks.

Pattern: A variation on basketweave.

Multiple of 6 stitches: (I used 72 stitches for a man's sock)

X O X X X X Row 4: p4,k,p
X O X O O O Row 3: k3,p,k,p
X X X O O O Row 2: k3,p3
X O X O O O Row 1: k3,p,k,p

X = purl
O = knit

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Passage to India.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Crockpot Corn Chowder Recipe

2012-01-23T12:36:00.006-05:00

5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
16 oz frozen corn
1 tablespoon butter
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Eckrich smoked sausage sliced thin and cut in half

Throw everything in the crockpot and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Notes:

Medium spicy. If you want more, up the cayenne but be careful.
Sausage comes two to a pack. If you want more meat, use both. If you want less calories, use turkey sausage.
The salt in the sausage and broth is plenty for my taste. You may want more.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 17

2012-01-17T10:06:00.011-05:00

FOR TODAY January 17, 2012...

Outside my window...
It's 40F and so foggy that some schools in the area had a two hour delay this morning. The fog wasn't gone after two hours, but at least it was daylight.

This picture was taken about 10 AM.

Later today it's supposed to get much much colder and snow.

I am thinking...
That my life right now is nothing like it's going to be a year from now. At least I hope that's true, with changes for the better.

I am thankful for...
Son John has been posting pictures of Granddaughter Sydney on Twitter. They always make me smile. More please.

From the kitchen...
Made a crockpot full of corn chowder Sunday and will be working on that all week. It's a favorite so I won't get tired of it.

I am wearing...
Gray sweatpants, a plain light pink sweatshirt, and handknit socks. Always the handknit socks.

I am creating...
Pounds. I've been gaining weight and have to stop before I gain back everything I worked so hard to lose. It's that diet time of year.

I am going...
Back to the endodontist tomorrow morning to see why the tooth that had a root canal and surgery to have the end of the root ground off last spring is hurting so bad I'm almost non-functional.

I am reading...
Time and Newsweek. Subscribed to both for the fun of reading about the 2012 presidential race and the fun of getting something interesting in the mail.

Time boggles my mind. Sometimes they use small yellow print on white, small white print backed with light blue, and graphics that hardly make sense at all. They certainly don't tell a story at a glance, they just cause forehead wrinkles when I bother to try and figure out what they're trying to show.

Granted, most of their readership is probably reading electronically and only us older people are still working with the print edition. But it's just my demographic that can't deal with yellow print on white.

I won't be renewing Time.

I am hoping...
The roads are decent tomorrow morning so I can get to my endodontist appointment. They're covered with thick ice and slush right now and I don't understand why they're not getting plowed off before it starts snowing again.

I am hearing...
Dave Ramsey in the background because I didn't turn off the radio in the bedroom. Will take care of that next time I get up.

Around the house...
Not much is getting done. Less jaw pain if I don't move. Fortunately I have a wealth of good books to read.

One of my favorite things...
My faithful friends and family who don't intrude, but make sure I know they're still with me and available as I go through this transition time.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
No plans until my jaw stops hurting.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
My maternal grandfather, John Kern, a Swiss engineer who came to this country as a young man and did well. He would have loved computers.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 3

2012-01-03T12:17:00.019-05:00

FOR TODAY January 3, 2012...

Outside my window...
The first big snow of the winter.

I am thinking...
Wayne State University has released its fourth list of 10 words the Detroit school says deserve greater use such as erstwhile, Sisyphean, supercilious. It might be fun to try writing a blog post using all ten. If I do, I will include definitions.

I am thankful for...
After two months physical therapy finished last Friday. I’m exercising at home for now.

Every time I went in she asked me what percent better I was and I annoyed her by saying I couldn’t tell her because I had no idea how much better I could get. She never offered an opinion on that. Finally Friday I told her I was 95% better, which I hope isn’t true, and we said goodby.

I am more flexible and “decompressed”, but things still hurt way more than they should.

From the kitchen...
I'm still trying to get used to the empty look in the refrigerator that comes from living with oneself.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a green sweatshirt embroidered with little flowers and leaves, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
My file folders for 2012 paperwork.

I am going...
To keep precise track of my spending in 2012 so I have some idea of how much I can afford to spend on a new place to live, assuming I decide to move. I have the ledger sheets and categories all set up and ready to go. This should be interesting.

I am reading...
Blog reader Carolyn sent me the entire series of Alex McNight mysteries by Steve Hamilton.

The fictional McNight lives in Michigan's upper peninsula in a little town called Paradise (it really exists) on Lake Superior near the Soo Locks. Just reading these books makes me shiver with cold and thankful for our much milder SW Michigan winters.

They are a good read and I'm enjoying them. Thank you Carolyn!

I am hoping...
That 2012 is all you hope for plus a little extra.

I am hearing...
The little mail truck just went down the other side of the road and will be back here in a minute.

Around the house...
We, the little dogs and I, are getting used to being without Glory.

One of my favorite things...
A Christmas gift from John, Anne, and Sydney. I told them when I was young I read and enjoyed a lot of science fiction/fantasy, but haven’t tried any in years and didn’t know where to start. Then I suggested they pick out the first book in some of their favorite series so I could try out various authors that they've enjoyed.

I decided to leave the books unopened until I was ready to start reading one, so I won’t have to agonize over what looks good to read next. Surprise is much more fun.

The first one I opened and read was the Crystal Singer. A very pleasant and entertaining read. I liked it enough to check that the library has the second two in the series and I plan to read them.

Then I opened The Eye of the World and could hardly tear myself away from its 800 pages to do the things that needed to be done. Totally enjoyed the writing, the story, the maps, and the glossary. Have ordered the next two in the series from Amazon and, since there are twelve books in all, if nobody hears from me the rest of the winter it’s all John, Anne, and Sydney's fault!

Just started Game of Thrones last night and haven't gotten into it enough to have an opinion except to note there seem to be an overload of families and characters to remember.

I'm hunkered down for winter with two little old dogs who like to sleep, so I'm doing a lot of reading alternating the McNight mysteries with the fantasy books.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Yesterday's lunch with a friend was snowed out. We're going to try again next week. We both spent decades driving to work on slippery roads and enjoy staying home now on bad driving days.

Supposedly it's going to warm as the week progresses and the reads will clear. Then I need to go to the grocery store and drive to Kalamazoo for a haircut.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Looks like Santa was very good to granddaughter Sydney.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Glory Byrne 1996 - 2011

2011-12-26T14:30:00.003-05:00

December 23, 2011 Glory went to be with Bob in heaven.

We were dogless when Glory came to live with us fourteen and a half years ago.

DH Bob overhead a young man in Paw Paw say he had a six month old lab mix puppy that was tearing things up in his apartment and he had to "get rid of her". She ended up in the cab of Bob's truck.

Upon arrival, Glory jumped out of the truck, ran around the perimeter of our five acres, checked out the pond, checked out the creek and was from that day on a very happy, well-behaved dog who never tore anything up. She was too busy running, swimming, catching frogs, and guarding her new home from rodents, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife.

She was a wonderful, intelligent, faithful dog. She will always be remembered with love.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

Santa and Grandaughter Sydney, 6 years old, 2011.

Chat Back for December 10

2011-12-10T13:25:00.019-05:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Judy S. asked . . .
I made your orange spiced nuts the other day, and they were yummy. Have you tried them with cereal for breakfast?

I've made them several times in a double batch to take to various get-togethers. They weren't a big hit so both times I had plenty left over to munch on at home and I totally enjoyed doing that at all times of the day and night, although I never ate them at the same time as my cereal. Sounds like a great combination.

Mrs. Susan Wike wrote . . .
Try Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. It makes you feel like a real French baker--and there's bread dough ready in the fridge for a loaf whenever you want one.

Haven't tried this yet, but it's on my list of things to try someday. I gain a pound every time I think about it.

Susanne asked . . .
How are the bathroom reno's coming along?

The important, urgent things are under control. No more leaking into the basement, no more dry rot in the floor.

The past two months I've been doing physical therapy and it's been painful, so I haven't been painting and I keep telling myself there is no hurry. I half believe that.

It will get done. If I'm not able to manage it by spring, I will hire it done.

Lola wrote . . .
If the hard drive is making noises, it's a signal that the drive will fail soon, at any time. Make backups of essential files NOW and start looking for a new laptop sooner rather than later. Hard drives do have a shelf life, and it soulds like your laptop is pretty old.

Don't worry. I know all that.

I am backed up. I do intend to buy a new laptop soon. If the laptop dies before I'm ready, I'll cope with it. I have Bob's desktop as a backup CPU, although it's probably easier to set up a new laptop than to change his settings to mine.

NMJewel asked . . .
One of these days, you'll surprise us all with... socks! Eh?

Blame the physical therapy. I haven't figured out yet how to knit without getting into a posture I'm not supposed to get into, and most of the time my shoulders and neck hurt too much to enjoy knitting anyway.

This will not go on forever. I am getting better. So yes, one of these days I will surprise you.

Judy wrote . . .
In the midst of all the sorrow I pray you will also experience peace.

Thank you Judy. I do have peace.

Last week’s Griefshare lesson was about how we can’t know God’s ways, we can only know that He is good and He loves us. I worked though most of that before Bob died, so I have it all fresh in mind to keep me going.

The key to understanding God is knowing that we can’t.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are my ways higher than your ways
And my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

(Isaiah 49:8-9)

Kathy B. asked . . .
I am so sorry to hear Glory is nearing her end. Will an image of her running to your husband help??????

I think that's exactly what she wants to do. She's still waiting for him to come back, and soon she's going off to find him.

Janna wrote . . .
And I agree with Donna -- check out Louise Penny's books. Try to start with the first one (Still Life) and work your way through.

This is an excellent mystery series that you really do want/need to read in order.

I just finished the second book and it would have been a challenge to follow if I hadn't read the first.

Sherilan asked . . .
Have you read the Sheriff Gastner mysteries by Steven Havill? I came late to the series, the first is "Heartshot" and there is a new one out in December, I think.

This is on my list to read. Because I'm a non-resident, I can only order three library books at a time.

Thanks for the recommend.

Marcia asked . . .
I'm wondering who the author is of your copy of the Taste of Home's Cooking for 1 or 2. I looked on Amazon and there is one published in 2003, Heidi Reuter Lloyd and one published in 2006 and written by Mark Hagen. I'm at the point where I think I could use such a book.

Mine is Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two from 2003 edited by Heidi Lloyd. I bought it second hand from Amazon. Not sure if it's still in print. Maybe directly from Taste of Home?

Simple Woman's Daybook for December 6

2011-12-06T17:40:00.010-05:00

FOR TODAY December 6, 2011...

Outside my window...
We still haven't had any snow.

I am thinking...
About the pronouns I use. I say things like, "We have five acres", and once "we" is out of my mouth I realize that it's not "we" anymore. But I haven't yet got to the point where it feels normal to say, "I have five acres."

I guess if I include the dogs, plural still works and "we" do have five acres.

I am thankful for...
These last days with Glory, my 15 year old dog who is terminally ill with kidney failure. Her appetite is very poor and she's getting too thin, but she is still enjoying her walks, especially when we go out without the little dogs.

She can't be bothered to even sniff dog food anymore. This morning she had a scrambled egg and a peanut butter cookie. This evening she had some chicken but she wouldn't eat her Zinger. Not a good sign.

From the kitchen...
Butterscotch Bread Pudding from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two. It was good.

I am wearing...
Navy sweatpants, a plain pink sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am going...
To get up in a few minutes and do my ball exercises.

I am reading...
Just finished the second Louise Penny book, A Fatal Grace. Excellent. Thank you so much to Janna and Donna who suggested the series. I like them so much I'm giving the entire seven books to my mother for Christmas.

I am hoping...
To emerge from this winter as a better, stronger person.

I am hearing...
Since it's a week into December and we haven't had any snow yet, the rumor is that January and February are going to have record snowfalls.

In Michigan we like to scare ourselves with severe weather predictions.

Around the house...
There's not much going on.

One of my favorite things...
Sunny waiting for me to sit down with my laptop so she can settle in and take a nap.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Physical Therapy Wednesday and Friday. Not planning much else in case I get as sore as I usually get after my PT.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
The only down side to no snow is the lack of pretty winter pictures.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 22

2011-11-22T15:17:00.013-05:00

FOR TODAY November 22, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
It's a cold, rainy day.

I am thinking...
This blog post needs some color, so I borrowed a picture from August.

I am thankful for...
Many things. Even on bad days I never have trouble thinking of things to be thankful for.

Today I'm especially thankful that Glory is having some good days and is dragging me out for walks in this miserable wet weather.

From the kitchen...
I made a big batch of macaroni and cheese for Glory and she's been enjoying it with a raspberry Zinger for dessert. She eats small amounts multiple times a day.

Today I bought her a pizza, which she's also been enjoying. It's hard not to give her more than a little at a time when she's so ready to eat, but I know more is not better if she barfs it. Whatever happens now, she's had a few good days and enjoyed some good food so that will be a pleasant memory. Bets are she has no intention of ever eating dog food again.

I am wearing...
Jeans, an unadorned aqua sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
Still working on Dave's very long socks.

I am going...
To figure out if it is possible to knit more without undoing the good the physical therapy is doing for my back, neck, and shoulders.

I am reading...
Justice by Karen Robards. Three and a half stars out of five on Amazon. That's about what it deserves. It's not awful, but I'm finding it slow moving. Maybe that's because I thought it was a mystery and it's only half a mystery. The rest of the time I'm reading the inner thoughts of the heroine as she contemplates the body of her former boyfriend who is assigned to protect her. Why does this take pages and pages?

Still Life, the first Louise Penny book, is on its way to the Oshtemo branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library for me to pick up. I hope to have it before the week is over.

I am hoping...
That the eaves troughs get cleaned out before the first real snowstorm. I know the man who is planning to do it is very busy trying to get his own house ready for winter.

I am hearing...
The heating system pipes clicking as the hot water flows through.

Around the house...
It's very quiet.

One of my favorite things...
White chocolate.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Against my better judgement, I'm going to the grocery store tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving, to pick up a few things I need for cooking for Glory. I'll probably be the only person there wanting to buy raspberry Zingers for Thanksgiving. Also plan to stop at the library.

Mom and I are going out for Thanksgiving dinner. It won't be the same as home cooked, but it will be something different and I need that. Friday is physical therapy. I'm not shopping on Black Friday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
November pictures are pretty boring when there's no snow. I like snowless, boring November pictures.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 15

2011-11-15T19:39:00.011-05:00

FOR TODAY November 15, 2011...
(Actually written and posted on Wednesday the 16th)

Outside my window...
A foggy morning.

I am thinking...
That I need to start watching my diet again as I've put on about five pounds eating comfort food and Klondike Bars. Not what one wants to be thinking the week before Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for...
Dr. Baker, Glory's vet since she was a puppy fifteen years ago. Glory's kidneys are failing and he spent a lot of time with me this evening explaining what is likely to happen next and how I can tell when it's time to bring her in for her final visit. We're down to the last weeks of her life now.

From the kitchen...
There will be pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken, and other good stuff to tempt Glory's appetite as she finishes up her time on earth. This is the vet's suggestion and it sounds yummy to me.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a gray fleece top with a partial zipper, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
A new life for myself. It's barely started to form and I have no idea where it's going. Immediate plans are to hunker down for winter, exercise and get stronger, work on getting things sorted out around the house, and hope that what the future holds is more obvious by spring.

I am going...
To miss Glory.

I am reading...
Just finished Tess Gerritsen's The Silent Girl.

Almost didn't check this book out of the library as she hasn't been one of my favorite authors in the past, but I was pleasantly surprised. Her usual excess of romantic angst was missing, replaced by an interesting mystery with characters I enjoyed meeting.

I am hoping...
To find some more good reading at the library tomorrow.

I am hearing...
Gunfire around here in the mornings and evenings. It's deer season in Michigan. I don't go outside without my bright orange hat on, and at dawn and dusk I sing while we're on our dogwalk.

Around the house...
A cord of oak and cherry firewood was delivered today. I think we're ready for winter now, but there's no hurry.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Physical therapy on Thursday and Friday. Pennfield High School Follies this weekend starring Granddaughter Kimmy. Saturday the neighbor is coming to clean out the eaves. Sunday church in the morning and a special GriefShare seminar in the afternoon on getting through the holidays.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Mom, I hope you're not planning to come back to bed. I really appreciate the warm spot you left.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 8

2011-11-08T12:27:00.015-05:00

FOR TODAY November 8...

Outside my window...
It's a sleepy, rainy day.

I am thinking...
About last night's GriefShare meeting. We learned something we already knew but needed to hear put bluntly – our marriage vows were “til death do us part”, and we are single people now. As the Lord heals us, we need to learn to live for Him and ourselves.

Three months into widowhood after 36 years of marriage, this is not intuitive.

I am thankful for...
The estrogen that is keeping Glory from leaking urine when she sleeps and the daily half Baytril that keeps her chronic bladder infection in check. This is truly medical magic.

From the kitchen...
My favorite herbal tea. So many of them smell better than they taste, but this one tastes better than it smells. At least to me.

I am wearing...
Navy sweatshirt and sweatpants. Even less classy than my usual jeans.

I am creating...
A stronger body with the exercises I've learned in physical therapy. I'm hoping someday they don't make me hurt so much.

I am going...
To have to think about Thanksgiving soon. And then Christmas.

I can pretend they're not going to be difficult, but I know they are.

I am reading...
13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell.

I am hoping...
My laptop holds out a few more months because I don't feel up to updating or replacing it right now. The display screen has some gray spots along the edge, the hard drive is making noise, and Google is not happy that I'm running a five year old version of Internet Explorer. I have no reason to want to upgrade except that Google doesn't like it and I need my Google aps, especially Blogger and Reader.

I am hearing...
As usual on a Tuesday when I do this, Sunny is softly snoring on my left and Pappy is softly sleeping on my right. Glory is under the kitchen table not making any noise. Occasionally I hear a car go by, otherwise it's very peaceful.

Around the house...
There is much that needs to be done.

One of my favorite things...
My friends and family members who understand and support me during this transition by the little things they do.

I've come to appreciate how little things mean a lot. I don't want any big things right now.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Physical therapy on Wednesday and Friday. Grocery shopping, library, and exercising five times a day.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
November can be beautiful in its own bleak way.

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 1

2011-11-01T10:27:00.017-04:00

FOR TODAY November 1, 2011...

Outside my window...
The mornings are frosty now.

I am thinking...
An October snow storm with the leaves still on the trees resulting in multi-day power outages could easily have happened here.

I have to find someone to deliver firewood for my wood burner. It can't wait any longer.

I am thankful for...
A beautiful autumn season with no snow yet. That's all frost in the picture. We're on borrowed time now.

From the kitchen...
White Bean Turkey Chili once again from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two.

Instead of a half pound of turkey tenderloin which needed to be cooked, cooled, and cut into pieces, I used a half pack of ground turkey and fried it up with the onions, garlic, and butter before adding the rest of the ingredients in the same pan. I like my chili with ground meat and it made the preparation much easier.

As you can see, I used the optional sour cream and shredded cheese on top which made the recipe exceptional. The recipe made two generous meals and I'll be making it again for sure.

I am wearing...
An orange turtleneck, navy sweatpants, and orange hand knit socks. It's been a lazy morning. I need to shower and change into something fresher and less Halloweeny now that Halloween is over.

I am creating...
Slowly making progress on Dave's humongous socks. About half way down the foot headed for the toe on each sock.

I am going...
To get up and do some of my physical therapy exercises. I have five different types of exercise that I'm supposed to do by themselves, so seems like it's always time to do a set.

I am reading...
Grasshopper by Barbara Vine. Just started it but have read enough of her (actually Ruth Rendell) books to know it's going to be interesting and good.

I am hoping...
That the estrogen Glory just started taking will stop her urine from leaking when she sleeps. So far it's looking good and she is acting perkier as well.

I am hearing...
The dogs just had their favorite treat, Happy Hips, and are settled in for a nap. Sunny is snoring on my left, Pappy is working on getting comfortable on my right, and Glory is under the kitchen table all stretched out and hopefully not leaking.

Around the house...
There are many sticks and leaves that need to be picked up in the yard.

One of my favorite things...
Sunday Pappy and I went to the doggy school Halloween party to see some old friends and meet some new friends.

Olivia, an old friend, won first place in the costume contest with an ensemble crocheted by her mom, Marcia.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I'm sore and achy from the physical therapy, so haven't planned anything for this week except to do my exercises, get through two more sessions on Wednesday and Friday, and hopefully feel better on the other side of it.

Grocery store and library have to happen one day. There are other chores that should but probably aren't going to happen.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
At the doggy school party Jack wheeled himself around with his service dog Reebok to say hello and tell me, "I'm here as Jack-O-Lantern."

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 25

2011-10-25T14:25:00.022-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY October 25, 2011...

Outside my window...
There are still a lot of leaves left on the trees and we haven't had a hard frost yet.

I am thinking...
I need to get this post done soon because the forecast is for thunderstorms.

I am thankful for...
GriefShare where I'm learning that getting through grief is messy and can take longer than one might think. At twelve weeks, I'm the newest widow/widower there. Several members are over a year and still going through the process and that is perfectly normal.

I'd like to take care of grief like a regular problem - make a list of things that need to be done to get on with life and check them off one by one until the grief is gone. It doesn't work that way. I can't even predict my state of mind from one minute to the next. The fact that I'm not knitting or feeding the birds is probably a good indication of how messed up I am right now.

From the kitchen...
Blond Brownie Nut Squares from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two.

They're even better than they look and would be better yet topped with some ice cream.

I am wearing...
A gray sweatshirt and navy sweatpants that are at least two sizes too big - until I finish eating those Blondie Nut Squares.

I am creating...
A notebook for the recipes I've tried and want to fix again.

Some are new to me, some are old. The recipes in my old notebook that Bob liked more than I did will be quietly retired.

I am going...
To have to take my car in to have rodent stuff removed from the heat ducts again. This time it was chipmunks. I am not amused and neither is my budget.

I am reading...
Serve Yourself, a cookbook from the library.

This is for a serious chef type person who wouldn't dream of opening a can of chicken broth.

In the first chapter there are instructions for making the "basics". For example chicken broth is best when made by boiling corn shucks from the Farmer's Market. Grocery store corn shucks are not fresh enough.

According to this author you should always have some Herbed Lemon Confit handy to use for dishes like Potato and Fennel Pizza, Roast Chicken Leg with Gremolata and Sunchokes, or Tuna, Chickpea, and Arugala Sandwiches.

The recipes in this book are the cooks equivalent to a sock knitter's Cookie A. socks - you have to love doing it or there's no reason to spend the time. Because they're going to take a lot of time.

As for me, I'm glad I didn't buy this book or put it on my wishlist. I won't be keeping any of the recipes in my new notebook. There are an infinate number of yummy things that can be prepared with much less work.

I am hoping...
To have more energy soon.

I am hearing...
Sunny is snoring and Pappy is scratching himself getting ready to whine to go out.

Around the house...
It is very quiet with all the windows shut.

One of my favorite things...
Granddaughter Kimmy who turned sixteen last Sunday.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wednesday Pappy goes to the vet to have his anal glands checked with grocery shopping and library in the afternoon. Friday is physical therapy.

As boring as that sounds, it's really all I want to deal with right now.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 18

2011-10-18T13:32:00.010-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY October 18, 2011...

Outside my window...
It looks like autumn and it feels like autumn.

I am thinking...
Doing Simple Woman Daybooks has been a good way to keep the blog going during a time when I'm not knitting much and I don't feel like blogging. I know this transition into widowhood will not last forever, but today I'm having a difficult time imagining the end. So I don't. It's too soon.

I am thankful for...
Home-made sourdough bread loaded with dried tart cherries sent overnight FedEx from the baker, brother Dave in Oregon.

Yes, it's very good to eat, but what's best about it is the love and caring it represents. Little gifts of kindness that say "I'm thinking of you" mean so much right now.

From the kitchen...
Quiche. Cut into six pieces, it's six meals for one person and so good that I don't get tired of eating it.

Used this recipe and a frozen pie crust. I like the version with green onions and bacon, and I always add the optional Parmesan. Used pre-cooked bacon and chopped it up with a shears, so prep time was quick and easy.

I am wearing...
A plain pink sweatshirt, jeans, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
Still working on Dave's socks. They're both in the middle of the gusset decreases.

I am going...
To a physical therapist to learn how to exercise with osteoporosis. Yesterday was the initial meeting and evaluation. Tomorrow the real work begins.

I am reading...
61 Hours the fourteenth book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.

I think of the Reacher books as guy books with Reacher as an almost superhero. I'm listening to this one as I knit on Dave's socks, and enjoying it for what it is - not great literature but well-written and entertaining.

When I went to Amazon to get the link for the book, I learned that the book ends with a "to be continued". That's annoying, but I've written down the name of the next book and will be watching for it in the library catalog.

I am hoping...
To find firewood for sale this week and someone to hire to plow and shovel this winter. Haven't started this search yet, but they're the last critical things on the plan for hunkering down for winter and I need to get busy.

I am hearing...
Quiet with the occasional car passing by. All three dogs are sleeping.

Around the house...
The bathroom guys are done for now and it's time for me to paint. Then they'll come back and put up hardware and do a final caulking.

They told me there is no hurry, some people take years. I think I can do better than that.

One of my favorite things...
Actually, two of my favorite things. Homemade baked custard and pretty custard cups with violets.

The custard recipe is super quick and easy. I found it in Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two, but I already had it from years ago when it originally came out in the Taste of Home Magazine. I've made it many times.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Last night was GriefShare. Physical therapy Wednesday and Friday. A haircut on Thursday. A family sixteenth birthday party for granddaughter Kimmy on the weekend.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Do I hear more noisy men coming back here?

Chat Back for October 15

2011-10-15T16:13:00.013-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Anonymous asked . . .
Hi When do you clean out your bird houses? In the spring, or before frost? I have a little bird, really tiny, but not a hummer, who builds the nest with sticks only. It looks like so much work I hate to take it down. She scolds me when ever I walk by and I enjoy her so much, I want to encourage her to come back.

Sounds like you have a wren. They're little birds, very opinionated, and they fill a nest box with sticks. Assuming you live in a climate that has winter there's no hurry to clean the box out.

During nesting season I usually wait a week after the little ones leave the nest because sometimes they come back to roost in the nestbox at night. But occasionally another bird pair will start building a nest right over the top of the empty one before I get it cleaned out and then I leave it alone. My boxes are often used 2-3 times a season.

Once nesting season is over, I'm lazy about cleaning out the nest boxes, but it's good to clean them out before the nights get chilly because the birds to sometimes take shelter in them at night.

The picture below is a wren nest built on top of a bluebird nest. The wrens were in a hurry and I didn't get a chance to clean the box out before they claimed it.

Dorothy asked . . .
So do I want to know what you do regarding the potty during the daytime?

The wild paths on the back three acres are very private this time of year. The goldenrod is done blooming, but it's still standing at the level of my head.

I HATE porta pots. This was much cheaper and smelled a whole lot better.

Dorothy asked . . .
Did you remember to take "before" pictures?

I did not take before pictures. I don't want to remember.

The company that did the remodel did take before pictures. One of the reasons I went with them is the nasty before pictures they have on their website. Somehow it made my bathroom less embarrassing knowing they had seen worse.

Marcia asked . . .
Did you make the rug Pappy is resting on?

Nope. It's a cheapy rug from Meijers.

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 11

2011-10-11T16:59:00.004-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY October 11, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
There are leaves covering everything.

I am thinking...
How nice it would be to have a chauffeur.

I am thankful for...
Flu shots. Got mine today.

From the kitchen...
This morning I made two Mini-tuna Casseroles and ate one for lunch with some rice. It was delicious and easy to make. Another recipe to add to my keeper file.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a striped lilac V-neck tee, matching hand knit socks.

I am creating...
Occasionally working on Dave's socks, but the main project this week is the bathroom remodel.

I am going...
To be so happy when the bathroom is done and I have the house to myself again. And a place to pee in the daytime. They did promise me a working toilet each evening when they leave so at least I'm not out after dark with a flashlight in the bushes.

I am reading...
King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine. A novel about a group of people centered around the London Underground.

Not as good a some of her other books, but I'm enjoying it anyway.

I am hoping...
That this little fellow is not thinking of storing things under my hood.

I am hearing...
Someone in the distance has a leaf blower going and there's a plane overhead. Two men are working in the bathroom.

Around the house...
There is no water. Why didn't I realize the bathroom people were going to be turning off the water for some of the time they are working?

One of my favorite things...
Sweet Pappy, my most loving dog.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Up early every morning to use the water before the bathroom people turn it off. My goal for the week is for the dogs and I to get through the bathroom remodel.

Driving Mom to a two hour long eye appointment on Thursday afternoon and will probably bring Sunny with me and sit out in the car with her. Sunny gets upset about the men in the house and the things going on in the bathroom. The other two dogs will take a nice long nap and ignore it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Before the new, the old has to go.

Chat Back for October 8

2011-10-08T21:11:00.021-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Judy S. asked . . .
I just noticed the crocosmia in your header~great color! How much sun does it need?

Mine gets shade for a few hours a day, but is mostly in full sun.

Judy S. asked . . .
How about sharing the recipe for Orange spice nuts?

Orange-Spiced Pecans

8 oz package of pecan halves
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt

Place pecans on an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 baking pan
Bake at 275 degrees for 10 minutes
While they're baking, make the sauce:
Combine sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a small saucepan
Cook and stir until mixture boils and then 2 minutes more.
Stir in hot pecans until evenly coated.
Spread in a single layer on a foil lined 15 x 10 x 1 in baking pan to cool.
(My pan/cookie sheet is no-stick, so I don't use the foil. Works fine.)

Makes about 2 cups.

Kathy B. asked . . .
I'm thinking of getting a bird feeder than shuts when a squirrel gets on it....have you used this type? Does it work?

I did have one long long ago, before we moved here so it was over twenty years ago. It was made of metal and the squirrels dented it so it wouldn't open for the birds.

Maybe they've improved since then?

Judy S. asked . . .
What's your favorite cable needle, or do you cable without a needle?

If I'm only crossing one or two stitches, sometimes three, I cable without a needle. It's much quicker and eliminates the problem of what to do with the cable needle in between cables.

For wider cables there is too much yarn stretching when I don't use a needle. I use a 4 inch straight #1 needle for just about everything.

Stringplay wrote . . .
I love Retro Rib socks by Evelyn A. Clark, from an old Interweave Knits. A classic pattern that works for men or women.

I've used this pattern before and like it a lot.

Dorothy wrote asked . . .
I've sworn off buying more cookbooks, but I'm thinking I may have to get that Taste of Home book. I'm tired of throwing out leftovers!

Instead of cooked left-overs, cooking small meals leaves you with ingredient left-overs. I just bought a bottle of Worcestershire sauce because a recipe called for 1/4 teaspoon.

It’s the partial cans of things that stump me. For example, a recipe might call for a quarter cup of tomato paste. What to do with the rest of the can. Do I really want to keep it? Well sure, no problem. But the little left over dabs of ingredients multiple rapidly and then I feel like I should keep an inventory of what I have and it all gets more complicated than I like.

Lynn asked . . .
I would love to see those socks that are 10 yrs old!!!!

They're in the laundry right now, but I'll try to remember to take a picture when they're clean again.

Jolyn asked . . .
The stitch pattern in Dave's socks looks interesting. will you share the stitch pattern?

AND
Vickie asked . . .
What is the pattern that you're using for Brother's wild socks? I really like it!

It's a basketweave variation.

Multiple of 6 stitches: (I'm using 72 stitches for a man's sock)

X O X X X X Row 4: p4,k,p
X O X O O O Row 3: k3,p,k,p
X X X O O O Row 2: k3,p3
X O X O O O Row 1: k3,p,k,p

X = purl
O = knit

Ann P. asked . . .
I hesitated to bring up this delicate matter before but since you mention it...would you share your method for collecting urine from your dogs?

This is my routine for a female dog. I have no male dog routine. I'm guessing male dogs are more difficult, at least I don't know a good way to do it.

I use a pie plate shaped plastic dish, a funnel, and something to carry the urine in.

The pie plate is labeled so some unsuspecting person doesn't find it and decide it's just what they need for their food or whatever.

Take the dog out on a short leash and walk to a place you know they like to pee.
When the dog squats, they're committed. Slide the pie plate under their butt. Gotta be quick for this.
When they're done, walk them away or let them off the leash.
Use the funnel to get the urine from the pie plate into the carry container.

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 4

2011-10-04T16:32:00.013-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY October 4, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
It's a beautiful early autumn afternoon and I would be outside if I wasn't waiting for a phone call from the vet about Glory's latest urine sample.

I am thinking...
of taking a week of staycation the week that begins with Halloween. And I really mean stay, as in stay home and knit and read and vegetate and act like a the introvert that I am.

I am thankful for...
The ladies who bath and groom my dogs. They take special care with delicate Sunny and old Glory. The dogs love going and they especially love coming home all clean and having me tell them how beautiful they are.

From the kitchen...
Deviled Crab Casserole.

This is the yummiest thing from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two I've made so far and it was also the easiest.

It's in a foil baking dish because I didn't have the one quart casserole dish the recipe called for. If I keep experimenting with small amount recipes, there may need to be a few baking dish investments.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a navy sweatshirt with a basket of violets embroidered on the front, and the first pair of handknit socks I ever knit. They're at least ten years old, knit with Opal yarn, and still looking good.

I am creating...
Brother Dave's "wild" Christmas socks.

I am going...
To attend a thirteen week Griefshare group at my church starting next week. I've learned that grief is much more complicated than I realized and understanding the process helps getting through the bad days.

I am reading...
Listening to The Body on the Beach by Simon Brett while I knit. This was a oops, I've had this checked out of the library before. But it's an amusing, pleasant book so I'm listening to it again.

I am hoping...
That the dogs and I can stay calm while the guys are ripping out the bathroom next week. This is a small, one bathroom house and there are going to be many challenges. If I wasn't running a doggy nursing home, I would have investigated moving out for the week.

I am hearing...
In the distance my neighbor is hammering away on something he's building.

Around the house...
I've been spotting and eliminating spiders. This is the time of year they come in for the warmth.

The spider in the picture is outside and I told him to stay outside.

One of my favorite things...

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today was dog grooming day. The dogs are now clean, groomed, home, fed, and exhausted.

Also today is urine sample from Glory to the vet. I am now an expert at getting urine samples from female dogs. Haven't mastered the male version yet and hope I never have to do so.

Wednesday Pappy has a vet appointment to see if he needs his anal glands removed.

Thursday is a date with the dental hygienist.

Friday is grocery shopping and all week I'm working on the shopping list for the bathroom remodel.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Some little bird is sleeping here to keep warm at night and left a feather on the doorstep.

New Sock Yarn

2011-10-01T12:18:00.008-04:00

Early yesterday afternoon I was roadside getting the newspaper when I spotted the mail lady down the road, so I stood there and waited for her. She handed me a Priority Mail package, said "That's all I've got for you today", and drove off before I could reply "That's all I want!"

It was my special request yarn from Slackford Studio.

When Brother Dave isn't wearing musician black in his trumpet shop or traveling around the globe with his customers, he relaxes at home with partner Karen, their dog Magic, and several cats. And, when he's hiding out at home in the mountains of Oregon, he enjoys wearing the wool socks I knit for him.

Every year I ask him what color he'd like and he frustrates me by saying, "Whatever. Something wild." This year I'm not asking. The yarn is bought. The colorway is called Passage to India. (Top picture.) I've been mistakenly calling it Out of India, but Susan knew what I wanted anyway.

It looks like it's going to pool, so I'll pick a simple stitch pattern with built in ribbing and some purl stitches. If that doesn't do it justice, I'm not afraid to frog.

There are two skeins because Dave has very long feet. There will be enough left over to knit a second pair of socks in a normal size.

Dave's partner Karen always answers my question about color politely and thoughtfully. This year she said brown, which immediately made me think about the Stalwart color Woodgrain.

Woodgrain is the skein on the bottom of the picture. The top skein is Chocolat, a reddish brown that I have no idea why I bought except that I like it. Karen may be getting two pair of socks this year.

Karen is a sock knitter's dream recipient. She always admires the stitch pattern selected for her socks, so I want some time to find something special but practical for her. She wears them for warmth, so lace is pretty much out. And she wears them hiking, so a heavy texture is also out. I'm thinking a basketweave pattern, but it's not final yet. Dave's long socks are first, so there's plenty of thinking time left for Karen.

Cote d'Azur BFF Finally Finished

2011-09-30T11:26:00.005-04:00

These socks have been sitting in the back room without toes for two months. Inspired to action by notification of a Slackford Studio yarn shipment headed my way for Brother Dave and Karen's Christmas knitting, I picked them up and finished them last night.

It felt good to knit again.

No, I do not need another pair of socks. I seem to collect socks like other knitters collect stash. This is only depressing because I have enough socks to last the rest of my life with many left over and no excuse to knit more. But I did anyway. And I'm looking forward to knitting socks for other people now.

Pattern: BFF by Cookie A. 56 stitch size.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock Yarn from Slackford Studio

Color: Cote d'Azur.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

New Retaining Walls

2011-09-29T12:34:00.006-04:00

Michigan winters will do this to concrete after many years of thawing and freezing. It was past time to get this structure looking presentable again.

This repair was actually on my "B" list and I wasn't even going to think about it until spring. Then I saw an ad in the Flashes, our little free advertising paper, and since I was still on my post-death adrenaline high I called, they came, I liked what he proposed to do and signed up to have it done.

Two weeks ago when it was time for the guys to actually come and do the work, I no longer had any adrenaline keeping me going. In fact, I was wishing I had never signed up to have this done and muttering about how I should have followed the standard advice, "Don't make any unnecessary major decisions for at least a year."

Thankfully, it turned out to be a good thing. The workers were very professional and knew what they were doing. Now I have a nice, fresh front to go along with the beautiful new chimney in the back and this is one less thing I need to concern myself with in the spring.

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 27

2011-09-27T14:57:00.013-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY September 27, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
It's raining.

I am thinking...
That Bob would have found humor in the fact that when he died his two teams, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions, finally started winning. Especially the Lions who have been the laughing stock of football for years now.

I am thankful for...
The young men who came and removed the 30 feet of willow branch from the creek and cut down the remaining tree. It was huge and not in a good location to access. One more thing off my "A" list of things that needed to be done before winter.

From the kitchen...
Two recipes from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two.

My favorite of the two is the Orange Spiced Pecans. I want to grab a handful every time I go into the kitchen.

I also made the Lemon Thyme Cornish Hen. The basting sauce had butter and garlic along with the lemon and thyme. The result was OK. Interesting and eatable. Not something I'll likely make again, but it was fun to try the recipe.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a plain royal blue sweatshirt, handknit wool socks and New Balance shoes.

I am creating...
Nothing today.

I am going...
To miss the hummingbirds. The residents have all left but I'm still getting an occasional migrant stopping by for a drink.

I am reading...
Just finished Anna's Book by Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine. A wonderful book spanning three generations that is so much about the people I forgot I was reading a mystery until it all came together at the end. Totally enjoyed every chapter.

I am hoping...
That the bathroom remodel gets done the week of October 10, the week it is tentatively scheduled. I'm not looking forward to having men in the house for five days and trying to keep out of their way and keeping the dogs calm. I want it over with. I need some quiet time.

I am going to be very happy to enjoy the results of the project, I just don't want to go through the doing of the project.

I am hearing...
Quietly falling rain with an occasional car splashing by.

Around the house...
I know that once the bathroom is done the rest of the house is going to need sprucing up. A new coat of paint at minimum.

One of my favorite things...
The new retaining walls in the front of the house. There will be pictures in a separate blog post so I can record the old and the new.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Glory had her urine check today and I already got the call that she passed with flying colors on a preventative dose of half what she was taking. So for the next week, we're going to try half of that.

Pappy goes to the vet Wednesday to make sure his anal glands are infection free.

There needs to be shopping for new bathroom supplies: A light fixture, towel bars, paper holder, curtain rod, and paint. I'll start with Home Depot and hope I can finish there.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Lake Michigan Sunset. Taken September, 2004 after a Doggy School picnic.

Chat Back for September 24

2011-09-24T12:20:00.013-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

AnnP wrote . . .
I love the wild bird pictures you post and hope there will be more!

There will be more. I'm even eyeing a new camera with a more powerful zoom lens. Maybe that will be my Christmas present to me.

Dorothy asked . . .
The Herbed Scallops made my mouth water - were they as tasty as they looked.

They were good. Not wonderful, but definitely good. The second night leftovers were better than the out-of-the-oven first night. When I make them again, I may refrigerate them over night to let the flavors blend before I eat any of them.

Dorothy asked . . .
How are you liking Max Lucado's book?
Too soon to tell. It's not a serious Bible study like Bible Study Fellowship. The book is more a challenge to service with a few Bible verses mentioned in each chapter.

Second meeting of our fellowship group is tomorrow evening. It's going to take a few meetings before I get a good feel for the group, but I can tell it's more fellowship and not so much Bible Study. And there is lots of good food and eating. I'm making Orange Spiced Pecans to bring.

JoLyn asked . . .
Are you knitting?
Not yet but soon.

I know I keep saying that and I think it's true.

There will be some socks for Christmas gifts for sure.

Carrie asked . . .
We know how Glory is doing, and you're taking great care of her. How are the little dogs doing these days?
Sunny had some muscle spasms last week to the point where she couldn't climb her stairs. She has severe spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis, a degenerative disorder that causes loss of normal spinal structure and function.)

A Xanax (for her, not me) worked magic, and she was back to her normal walking the next day. Xanax is a magical doggy muscle relaxant.

Pappy is much happier since his anal gland infusion a few weeks ago. He goes back for a checkup next Wednesday.

Kathleen C. asked . . .
How are the birds?
Well fed. It's been a good year for growing weeds and hatching insects. They have plenty to eat in the wild, but I know it's time to start thinking about buying seed for winter feeding.

Vickie asked . . .
What is the special order yarn you're getting? Would you recommend the Slackford Studio Stalwart Sock yarns?
Stalward is my very favorite sock yarn. Great stitch definition, machine wash and dry, smooth on the needles.

I ordered two skeins of a colorway called "Out of India", a very wild, bright mix of colors to knit for Brother Dave. He always says he wants wild socks and these will be.

For Karen, his partner, I ordered "Woodgrain", a beautiful mix of medium browns.

Susan has the yarn dyed, but last I heard it's not skeined and ready to ship yet. When I get it, I'll post a picture.

The ABCs of Me

2011-09-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

A meme I swiped from Kathy B..

A: Age: 66
B. Bedsize: Full.
C: Chore that you hate: Vacuuming.
D: Dogs: Glory, Sunshine (Sunny), and Pappy.
E: Essential to start your day: Kava coffee, small bagel, and cinnamon oatmeal.
F: Favorite color: Green today. Ask me tomorrow and it will be different.
G: Gold or Silver. Gold.
H: Height: 5 foot 4.
I: Instruments you play: Clarinet in my youth. Trumpet very poorly. Piano very out of practice.
J: Job title: Retired IT professional.
K: Kids: Heather and John. Both over 40 but still kids to me.
L: Live: With love and compassion.
M: Mom's Name: Margarete Louise
N: Nicknames: Mom, Grandma, Grandma B.
O: Overnight hospital stays: Several many years ago.
P: Pet Peeves: Service people who don't call back and don't come when they say they're going to come.
Q: Quote from a Movie: "Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
R: Right or left handed: Right.
S: Siblings: 3.
T: Take-Out food: Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and a small Frosty.
U: Underwear: Plain for comfort, lace for pretty.
V: Veggies you hate: Squash.
W: What makes you run late: Car trouble or slippery roads. I'm habitually early.
x: Xrays: Dental, Dexiscan for bone density.
Y: Yummy food: Ice cream, cheese cake, steak, ribs, Blondie at Applebee's.
Z: Zoo Animals: Tigers.

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 20

2011-09-20T18:01:00.013-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY September 20, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
There are little hints of autumn color change in the trees.

I am thinking...
That I should use my cell phone more often. I always give people my landline number and then end up waiting around when I expect a call. It really doesn't make any sense, it's just habit from decades of doing it that way.

I am thankful for...
The Oshtemo branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library that lets me have access to any book in the Kalamazoo Public Library catalog even though I don't live in Kalamazoo County. It's near the Meijer store where I grocery shop and is a weekly stop for me.

From the kitchen...
My goal is to try two new recipes a week from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two. Most of the recipes are two servings, so that's four evening meals.

Tonight is Simple Herbed Scallops. Second adventure in small amount cooking is going to be Lemon-Thyme Cornish Hens. Have all the ingredients and looking forward to fixing and eating.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a navy sweatshirt, and some old but still nice handknit Opal socks.

I am creating...
Space by sorting out drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, bins, and piles. It's totally amazing how much stuff in this little house I never cared about seeing again, and I'm still working on it. Have barely started in the basement.

I am going...
To be getting some new special order sock yarn from Slackford Studio soon and will start Christmas sock knitting for Brother Dave and Karen.

I am reading...
Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference for a Sunday evening church small group.

I am hoping...
Readers will ask me questions in the comments so I'll have something to blog about Saturday if I write a "Chat Back" post.

I am hearing...
The humming of the refrigerator and Sunny snoring on my left.

Around the house...
It seems like it's always time to vacuum, my least favorite chore. Maybe that's because three dogs live here?

One of my favorite things...
Photographer Granddaughter Kimmy.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Once again taking Glory's urine sample to the vet. Grocery shopping, library, lunch with Mom.

Maybe getting some new retaining walls, maybe not. The guy that is supposed to be doing it hasn't done anything he said he was going to do including show up the last time he was going to show up. I'm not calling him again. If he comes, fine. If he doesn't I'll find someone else to do it in the spring.

I'm very tired of calling people who sound interested and don't show up. I'd take it personally, but everyone else seems to have the same problem. My advice to all the unemployed people in Michigan: Learn how to provide a service people need and then run it like a business. Don't say you're going to do something unless you're actually going to do it, and SHOW UP. And, if you need to change your schedule, be polite enough to call.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Time for every living thing to get ready for the coming winter.

Chat Back for September 17

2011-09-17T09:58:00.009-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

It's been a long time since I've done this, so today I got to go back and read all the encouraging comments and notes of comfort. They are one of my many blessings. Thank you.

There were several comments from readers who have recently lost their husbands. If you'd like to connect, here's my e-mail.

Grieving is an intense process that takes a long time. Sharing helps.

Kristieinbc asked . . .
I have lived in a rural area with dial-up so know how truly awful it is. Have you ever thought about getting a satellite server?
Many times. I would be more tempted if I knew someone in this area who was happy with their satellite server.

For right now, I'm not changing anything because I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to live here. And Frontier keeps hinting that better things are coming, they're just not here yet.

Judy in SW Michigan asked . . .
Are you hoping what I'm hoping? A MILD winter? Wouldn't that be nice!
Yes.

Our weather has been totally weird this year. First, a cold, late spring. Then a very hot, unpleasant brief summer with an abundance of storms and mosquitoes. Now an early fall with some frost already in mid-September - but not enough to stop the allergies.

A mild winter would be nice.

Sister Carrie wrote . . .
I am VERY impressed with all you are doing.
Thank you for reminding me that I am getting things done and making progress what seem to be endless lists of things that need to be done. Still on the A list: Buy firewood that will fit the woodburner and find someone who will deal with that willow tree.

Michigan willow wood is totally worthless. It's soft and brittle. No good to burn or build with. Noone wants it and it appears that tree services consider it beneath their dignity. In their defense, there have been several serious wind storms in the past few months and the tree people are probably still super busy with more serious tree problems.

Dorothy wrote . . .
I remember a friend of mine who lost her husband suddenly. They were in the middle of a remodel of their house and I think finishing that up is what kept her sane.
Yes, the list of things that HAVE to be done is what is keeping me functional - a little grieving, a little busy work each day.

Then there's the dogs. They keep me up, out, and about. Being old, they have three meals a day plus multiple walks, and we haven't got through a week yet without at least one trip to the vet.

Update on vet appointments. . .

After a week with no antibiotic, Glory's urinary tract infection was back on Wednesday.

Vet says the infection is likely being created by the underlying kidney failure and, at this point, it’s clear she needs to be on antibiotics full time for the rest of her life.

We tried a cheaper, human antibiotic similar to the expensive Baytril, but not as good in animals. It made her sick, so she's back on Baytril and feeling great for a fifteen year old dog. Another urinalysis in a week. I'm hoping we can go down to one Baytril a day once the infection is gone again.

The good news is her bloodwork shows her kidney failure is stable, not getting worse, and is at a level she can live with normally if she doesn’t have too much protein in her diet.

How do you destroy a harddrive?

Bob asked me to take out and destroy his hard drives before donating his old PCs to Goodwill.

The taking out part was easy and the CPUs are donated, leaving me with a sack full of old harddrives. (Bob didn't like to throw things away and he had multiple hard drives in each.)

I figured taking a hammer to them outside on the cement would do the deed. A harddrive is much stronger than I imagined. I could barely make a dent in one.

Any suggestions? Actual things you have done that worked?

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 13

2011-09-13T17:51:00.019-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY September 13, 2011...

Outside my window...
Wild turkeys. Lots of young ones are roaming the neighborhood this autumn, sometimes standing out in the road holding up traffic. I hope they'll come to the feeder when I start feeding again in a few weeks.

I am thinking...
I'll do Simple Woman's Daybook each week until I get back to blogging on a more regular schedule.

I am thankful for...
The friends and relatives that are staying in touch and letting me know they're thinking about me and praying for me. I feel blessed by every little thing someone does, says, or writes right now. Even the smallest thing has special meaning and gives comfort.

From the kitchen...
I have a new/used cookbook, but haven't actually made anything from it yet. Still eating Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice. Thinking I'll pick one thing for this week's grocery shopping and fix myself something yummy.

I am wearing...
Jeans and a very old purple teeshirt with red tulips on the front.

I am creating...
Yesterday I went to Power's Bath and picked out everything for the bathroom rip out and remodel that's scheduled to happen the week of October 10.

I was a little concerned that this might fall under the rule, "Don't make any major decisions for a year." But there is only one bathroom in this little house and it has leaks serious enough so it needs a new subfloor. I really couldn't wait.

I was also concerned that I would be overwhelmed by the choices and not be decisive. That didn't happen. I spotted a beautiful granite counter top in shades of brown and tan I couldn't resist and everything else just fell into place after that.

I don't have a sample of the counter top, darn, because that's what is going to make the room interesting. I do have samples of everything else so I can pick out paint. The background in the picture is the flooring. The light square is all the fixtures - tub, shower surround, toilet, sink. It's an off white called "biscuit". The little dark piece is the oak of the vanity, the medicine cabinet, and the over-the-toilet cupboard. Metal fixtures will be brushed nickel.

I am going...
To take a nice long hot bath in my new tub when the bathroom is finished. I've been saving some bathsalts sent by little sister Carrie for the occasion.

I am reading...
Silent Mercy by Linda Fairstein. Just started it, so no opinion yet. It's a cop procedural book and starts out gory. I'm hoping it proceeds with interesting detective work and less grossness.

I am hoping...
To find a tree service who wants to take care of the willow tree that fell down in the creek. It's starting to grow vertical willow sprouts from all 30 feet of its horizontal position. Be afraid.

I am hearing...
Sunny snoring, a plane overhead, the neighbor mowing.

Around the house...
There's a new, clean, safe chimney ready for some cozy cool weather fires as soon as I buy some firewood.

Larry, the mason, also re-sealed the seals on the cast iron fireplace insert, oiled the hinges, and lit a brief fire to make sure it was drawing correctly.

This is how I plan to heat the house during winter storm power outages, so it's a comfort to know it's ready.

One of my favorite things...

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Tomorrow morning Glory has a vet appointment to have her urine checked and a blood workup to see how her kidneys are doing. She's acting pretty perky for a 15 year old lab, so I'm hoping it's good news.

Otherwise it's more sorting and cleaning out, stashing Goodwill stuff in the trunk, making sure I fill every square inch of Herby for pickup on Thursday.

I need to start calling different tree places as the company I've been calling is not responding or coming when they say they're going to come. Also need to find some seasoned, split firewood to buy from someone who will deliver and stack.

Friday I have a medical appointment, grocery shopping, and library trip.

And, as always, the lawn needs mowing.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Glory, growing old with dignity and class.

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 6

2011-09-06T15:12:00.011-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY September 6, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
It's allergy season.

I am thinking...
About how annoying it is when I call someone to do a job and they don't call back and/or don't show up for the estimate when they say they're coming. If they're too busy to do the work or they don't want to work in this area, why don't they just say so?

I am thankful for...
Larry, the mason who started work today so I could have a new chimney before winter. The old crumbling brick has been removed. New brick tomorrow.

From the kitchen...
I have not been cooking. Lean Cousine and Healthy Choice frozen dinners are all starting to taste alike, so I'm thinking it's time to learn to cook for one.

I am wearing...
Jeans and a turquoise sweatshirt.

I am creating...
Lists and more lists. There is so much that needs to be done before life can begin to mold itself back into a routine flow.

I am going...
To pick up my knitting again soon. It's been over a month now since I knit a stitch. The socks I was working on are sitting in the back room. They're probably dusty by now.

I am reading...
The Inspector Wexford series by Ruth Rendell and also some of her stand alone novels.

Also Through a Season of Grief: Devotions for Your Journey from Mourning to Joy. Today's page was "Grief Lasts Longer Than Expected". And a piece of wisdom I found encouraging: "Knowing the Lord and His comfort does not take away the ache; instead, it supports you in the middle of the ache."

I am hoping...
That tomorrow is the last visit to the vet for a while.

Pappy is going in for an anal gland infusion.

Glory is having a urine check after her third round of antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. If the infection returns this time the vet is going to do a culture and possibly an ultrasound on her kidneys to look for underlying issues. Since her current med, Bactril, cost almost four dollars a pill, I'm thinking I should be able to look forward to the day when Glory is infection free and I'm not catching doggy urine samples.

I am hearing...
Dogs snoring. They're all exhausted. Having strange men in the yard and on the roof taking down a chimney was noisy and stressful today. It required a lot of barking and diving under the bed. The dogs, not me. I was happy.

Around the house...
Now that the chimney is underway, the next urgent project is the bathroom. The subfloor needs replacing from leaks so I'm taking the opportunity to redo it all. I have an estimate and now need to make an appointment to pick out colors and fixtures.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today I had a followup mammogram and ultrasound. (All is OK, or it will be OK once my nerves recover.) Wednesday is Pappy's anal gland infusion, so he'll be drugged up. Glory is having her urine checked. Thursday is a haircut and lunch with Mom. Friday I'm taking Mom to a medical appointment.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The days are getting shorter and cooler. Now, how do I get this door open so I can hop into the nice warm house?

Thursday Already?

2011-08-25T13:13:00.006-04:00

Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. They mean so much to me during this "difficult time", as everyone rightfully calls it.

If it's Thursday, which it is, then it's been a week since I posted. And knowing that many of my blogging friends have been thinking of me and praying for me, I need to post something here to let you know I'm functional and busy.

In the past week I've arranged for retaining wall pavers to replace the crumbling cement retaining walls in the front of the house, a crumbling chimney tear down and rebuild before the weather gets too cold, and an estimate on a much needed makeover for the bathroom.

The tree service has been on vacation but should be back by now and I intend to bug him starting tomorrow about the willow tree.

I feel like I'm playing Beat the Clock with winter. (Anyone old enough to remember that TV show?) It's going to be a close race.

Many things have been cleaned out and hopefully blessed the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and Goodwill, including a nineteen year old Jeep. There will be much more donating as I work through the house.

I'm working off adrenaline and haven't knit a stitch in a month. I realize this goes against Elizabeth Zimmerman's edict, "Knit on with confidence and hope, through all crises." I don't find crisis knitting soothing at all, so I've been trying to relax by reading and randomly jumping up to attend to whatever pops into my mind.

Walking the dogs should be a pleasure this time of year, but for the past month mosquitoes have been making outdoors miserable by swarming around my head every time I walk out the door. Some days I resort to Deep-Woods Off, but I hate putting it on. I can taste it and smell it even after showering it away. Nothing milder discourages them.

Glory's urinary tract infection returned and she's on antibiotics again - stronger and longer this time around. Pappy had an anal gland infection and if he's not better by next Tuesday he will get anesthetic and an anal gland infusion. Sunny is fine. She and I are spending some one on one snuggle time right now while the other two dogs are at the groomer.

I'm looking forward to the day when there is a "new normal". Meanwhile I'm getting a lot done. That's a good thing because I'm not going to relax until things are under control and I'm able to hibernate here for the winter with a safe chimney and a bathroom that doesn't leak.

I'll try not to go a week without blogging again, but promise nothing. This really is a "difficult time".

The Last Willow Makes a Mess

2011-08-18T19:31:00.004-04:00

This has been a summer of many storms. Living where I do, that means power outages and branches down.

Last Saturday the last willow tree on our property (we're not counting all the willow shoots that are popping up where there used to be willow trees), split and thirty feet of it fell the length of the creek.

Two years ago I got an price for removing this tree. $2,000. It's location and all the surrounding water made for a difficult project. I decided to let it stand in hopes it would hold up until I moved out. Lost that gamble.

The lower right of the top picture is the bridge to the back three acres. There is about a foot wide where the dogs and I can still get across.

Everything is too heavy for me to move. The tree service has been called. They're swamped with urgent work and the owner is on vacation, so I won't get a price until next week sometime. Then the work can be scheduled and I hope it won't be too long.

This last picture was taken from the bridge looking down the creek.

Glory, who loves to wade into the creek multiple times a day, can no longer get down the bank. She's very unhappy about that. All the other places she might go in require walking in mud and/or muck and getting rinsed off with a hose before being allowed back in the house. Neither one of us likes that.

It could be worse. This tree was in power line range but fell in the opposite direction. Always something to be thankful for.

How Are the Dogs Doing?

2011-08-16T10:28:00.012-04:00

People keep asking me, "How are you doing?" I don't have a good answer for that. The truth is that I'm doing OK considering this is only the start of the third week without Bob. But OK doesn't mean I feel anyway near normal. It just means I'm coping and getting the important things accomplished.

Grief has stages, so I may be doing OK today but maybe not so OK tomorrow? What do people want to hear when they ask that question of a new widow?

I'm probably way over analysing that question, so let's chance the subject and talk about how the dogs are doing.

Glory, the 60 pound almost 15 year old lab mix:

Glory used to sleep next to Bob's side of the bed. Since Bob's death she's been sleeping under the kitchen table or under a table in the living room.

The week before Bob died, we though we were going to lose Glory. She wouldn't eat and couldn't walk without help. Bob said the last sad goodby to her before I took her to the vet who diagnosed a urinary tract infection and 25% kidney function.

It only took two days of antibiotics and Glory was back on her feet, hungry and feeling as peppy as an almost fifteen year old lab can feel. It was so wonderful to be able to bring Bob's dog back to him for his final days. She's on a special diet for her kidney function now. Still, I suspect she won't be with me much longer.

Sunny, the 15 pound very mixed breed with advanced osteoarthritis of her spine:

Sunny has been sleeping under the bed instead of in the bed where she used to cuddle up next to Bob. She does occasionally cuddle up next to me at night and when I sit with the laptop. I can tell she misses Bob.

Pappy, the 15 pound very old Papillon rescued nine years ago:

Pappy has always been a needy dog, full of love and wanting to be with his people. He used to sleep on the pillow above my head and follow me around all day to be close whenever I would sit or recline.

Now he sleeps cuddled up next to me, which is a comfort and a blessing. He still follows me around all day and gets very nervous when I leave home. Sometimes he whines at me to settle down and snuggle with him when I am home.

I've read about dogs with separation anxiety, but never experienced it first hand. Dogs have personalities and smart dogs, like all three of mine, know when something is not right. Pappy is the least secure because of his history and sensitive personality.

I'm giving him lots of love and attention whenever possible. He's old, he had a difficult life before he came here to live, and we both need each other right now.

Simple Woman's Daybook for August 9

2011-08-09T13:06:00.010-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY August 9, 2011...

Outside my window...
The only feeder I have active is the hummingbird feeder. This time of year the birds have an abundance of natural food to eat. So do the hummers, but I like to see them and they buzz up and down in front of the window if I let them run out of food.

I am thinking...
Of all the things that need to be done - cleaning out, legal work, paperwork, and home repairs needed for a stress free winter.

I am thankful for...
My friends and family who have supported me during this difficult time.

From the kitchen...
An ant invasion. They are loving the poison, so it should be over soon.

The quarter in the middle of the plate is to keep it from blowing away if there's a breeze.

I am wearing...
Tan shorts and a blue tee. I dress very boring and always hate answering this question.

I am creating...
Another pair of BFF socks out of Stalwart Sock yarn from Slackford Studio. The color is Cote d'Azur, same color as an unfinished sweater that's waiting for sleeves.

I don't knit when under stress, so I haven't knit on them in over a week. Maybe later this week I'll pick them up and finish them.

I am going...
To keep living here for now. With three dogs my only options for moving are places I don't want to live. I'll be using the time to investigate condos and apartments in Kalamazoo.

I am reading...
Some of the early Spenser books by Robert Parker. I found them tucked in an end table. They're just the right amount of interest to take my mind off everything and eventually put me to sleep.

I am hoping...
To find someone to rebuild the chimney before it gets cold enough to turn the heat on. Phone calls have been made.

I am hearing...
The wind blowing through the trees. Somewhere, not too far away, there's a storm but the sky is still blue here.

Around the house...
I've taken several large boxes to Goodwill and have much more to go. I started with cleaning out things that Bob hasn't used or worn in a long time. Most of his more personal and/or used things are still sitting around.

One of my favorite things...
Asiago Peppercorn Steak from Applebees. Comes with red potatoes and broccoli and is labeled 550 calories a plate. Very tasty and guiltfree.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Social Security office to apply for death benefit. New crown installed on tooth followed by lunch with Mom. More cleaning out and sorting. Organizing for appointment with lawyer next week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Beautiful flowers from John, Anne, and Sydney.

A Week Later

2011-08-07T17:55:00.002-04:00

Thank you all so much for your encouraging comments and especially for your prayers.

Bob has been ill for several years and lately had been failing rapidly. He was ready to move on to a new body and a better life. He died quickly and peacefully in his own bed, which is what he would have chosen if the choice had been his.

Son John blogged about Bob here.

Today Bob's obituary was in the Kalamazoo Gazette and the Battle Creek Enquirer. The best job of posting it online was done by the Paw Paw Courier Leader, here.

Even though I haven't knit a stitch or taken a picture in over a week, my intention is to start blogging again this coming week.

Bob Byrne

2011-08-01T09:52:00.002-04:00

October 2, 1943 to July 31, 2011

Yesterday my husband of 36 years went Home to be with the Lord.

3 Dogs, 3 Inches, 3am Power Outage, and 3 Cherry Pickers

2011-07-29T14:14:00.008-04:00

We used to have one brave little dog that wasn't afraid of thunder storms and other loud noises. While big dog Glory shook and trembled, and little Sunny ran under the bed, Pappy always went about his normal business without a worry. Until last night.

Pappy was in the process of raising his leg for a final 10 pm pee when lightening struck nearby with a sonic boom clap of thunder. All thoughts of peeing were forgotten and he ran for the door. He was my shadow the rest of the night.

And the night was long. The storm went on and on. We got almost three inches of rain accompanied by much lightening and loud thunder. It went on for hours. There was almost no sleeping as we comforted dogs and waited for the inevitable power outage.

Three being the lucky number, it was 3am when the transformer and some power lines went down in front of the neighbor's property. Then there was calling Consumer's Power by flashlight and juggling backup oxygen tanks. There was not much sleeping.

10am this morning the first Consumer's truck arrived. It must have been a mess back in the swampy woods because it took three cherry picker trucks and a pickup two hours to repair everything and restore power.

So far today DH and dogs are catching up on their sleep. I'm planning to join them soon. I need a three hour nap. At minimum.

Plain Black Socks

2011-07-26T13:19:00.001-04:00

Since I'm used to wearing handknit socks that fit and feel good on my feet, I couldn't think of just going out and buying some plain black trouser socks.

I'm thinking ahead to when it's cool enough to wear a summer sweater I've been knitting (Brandywine) with some black slacks and a black camisole. That does take some imagination since lately it's been too hot to think about wearing anything but the bare minimum.

Brandywine is done only waiting for the ends to be woven in and a good blocking.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 56 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll in black.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Disappointment

2011-07-25T13:04:00.006-04:00

Last week we got a flyer that read, "BELIEVE IT - High Speed Internet for 14.99 a month" plus many other tempting details from Frontier, our land line provider.

I had visions of being able to enjoy myself on Ravelry, reading my favorite blogs in one-tenth the time it takes me now, reading news articles without playing Spider while they load, being able to watch videos online, and other internet delights. I would have willingly paid big bucks for all this.

Using the link on the Frontier flyer, I was prompted to consider several plans and I wasted many dial-up minutes there figuring it all out.

When it came time to subscribe, a screen with big letters popped up: "Internet not available in your area." I'm still pouting. Frontier will not be easily forgiven for their undeliverable promise.

Chat Back for July 23

2011-07-23T13:16:00.016-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Jan asked . . .
Did it (Metro) take long to knit?

It took much less time than I thought it was going to take. The tweed is a heavy, 4.5 stitches/inch, yarn and it slides on and off the needles like a dream. Plus there is no sewing except for the back of the collar.

Dorothy asked . . .
Do you have trouble managing 3 strands at once?

Three strands is no problem as long as the three balls are kept separate and only joined as they go through your fingers.

Once upon a time a long long time ago I learned the hard way that it doesn't work to wind the strands together into one ball before knitting.

Rita asked . . .
Is this the same pattern you used for the red hat you made for yourself and your mom last winter?

Yes, it's the same very basic pattern I used for my simple Red Hat.

I figure the two most important things for charity hats: 1) It should be warm and cover the ears and 2) It should be flexible in size.

Judy S. asked . . .
Did you find anything good at the library? Have you read Cutting for Stone? Or any of the Maisie Dobbs series?

Thanks to your suggestion I’m now on the library waiting list for Cutting for Stone.

I enjoy Maisie Dobbs and see there’s a new one, The Mapping of Love and Death, that I haven't read yet. I’m on the list for that as well.

The Maisie Dobbs books are written by Jacqueline Winspear and are best when read in order.

The book I blogged about on Tuesday was terrible. Silly plot, stupid dialog, and bad grammar and spelling errors. It was so hot I didn’t want to move from in front of the fan, so I kept rolling my eyes and reading, but really, how do people get these things published?

Nobody asked . . .
How's your jaw doing?

And why would you? It's been a little over two months since I had an infected, undeveloped tooth bud removed from my jaw. It was wedged between the roots of two teeth and near my right side facial nerve.

The endodontist said it would be six months until the jaw was totally back to normal, and I have no reason to believe he was wrong about that.

The good news is that there has been very little pain for the past two weeks. Parts of my jaw are numb and occasionally start tingling like when your foot is asleep. It's only been ten days that I've been able to smile without discomfort and I'm never sure if I have food on my chin or not.

I found this picture on my camera after it was too late to post it - but it's never really too late to post it. This was the outside of my face the day after surgery. Even though I don't have enough sense to not post this picture, you'll be happy to know I do have more sense than to post a picture of the inside stitches. Couldn't get my mouth open, anyway.

Wednesday Wings - Young Oriole Learns to Eat Grape Jelly

2011-07-20T12:54:00.009-04:00

Simple Woman's Daybook for July 19

2011-07-19T10:28:00.014-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY July 19, 2011...

Outside my window...
It is very hot. We're in the middle of a multi day heat wave with each day forecast to be a little warmer until we hit the 100 degree plus mark on Thursday.

I am thinking...
Although I love hot water heat via radiators, my next house/condo/apartment is going to have ducts and central air conditioning.

I am thankful for...
We had no downed trees and retained power after last week's derecho that caused considerable damage and long lasting (up to 5 days) power outages in SW Michigan. Every time I leave home going north, south, east, or west I see clean up efforts underway. We ended up with three sticks in the yard. Not sure how that happened, but I am thankful.

From the kitchen...
Have ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup, just need the time and energy.

I am wearing...
Not much. Baggy denim shorts and a tank top. It's very hot today.

I am creating...
Hats. I've been combining three strands of left-over sock yarn and knitting charity hats. The goal is to blend the colors so the hats will be attractive. There is no question that they will be warm.

I am going...
To Goodwill again tomorrow. My goal is a box a week as I slowly sort through areas of the house that haven't been sorted through in a while. Amazing the amount of stuff I'm finding that I don't care if I ever see again.

I am reading...
Just started A Stitch Before Dying by Anne Canadeo. "Where friendship, knitting, murder create the perfect pattern."

Since I haven't read the first two mysteries in the series, I have no idea if it's a good book or not.

I am hoping...
That my blogging funk is over.

I am hearing...
Pappy panting in my ear. It's cooler toward the rear of the house and we're about to go there.

Around the house...
The Rose of Sharon bushes are in bloom. We have too many to count. Some are appreciated, some not. They self seed and pop up all over so some are weeds. But how can I not love a bush the hummingbirds love?

One of my favorite things...
My family. From left to right: granddaughter Kimberly Louise, daughter Heather Louise, mother Margarete Louise.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today I'm driving Mom to her annual cardiology appointment. We hope it's a non-eventful meeting with ice cream afterward.

Wednesday is grocery shopping day with a stop at the library to stock up on books to read in front of the fan until temperatures get back to bearable.

Thursday is hair cut day.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
No matter how hot it is, the creek water is always cold and refreshing.

Coming Out of a Blogging Funk

2011-07-18T12:42:00.006-04:00

I apologize to the many readers who have been concerned about me. I've been in a blogging funk. When it's time to sit down and write a post, I've read a book and/or taken a nap instead.

For now I plan to keep blogging, but not as often as I see how life unfolds.

Since I'm a goal setter, I'm going to try for three posts a week.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, there will be a Simple Woman's Daybook. Wednesday there will be a Wednesday Wings with an adolescent Oriole learning to eat grape jelly.

Made Myself Some Mona's - Kind Of

2011-06-28T18:00:00.008-04:00

Last week when I sat down in my knitting spot late in the evening, I was tired and needed something easy to knit. Looking around, I spotted the leftover Dorothy's Destiny from Mom's Birthday Monas. It wasn't going to be enough for a complete pair of socks, but I knew I had two other little balls of left over Dorothy's Destiny across the room in a bin to finish the foot.

I quickly sketched out the Mona stitch pattern reducing the stitch repeat from 16 to 14, so I could knit a pair for myself on 56 stitches, cast on, and started knitting without ever having to get up out of my seat.

These will never be prize winning socks because the change in dyelots is very obvious.

I do like the 14 stitch repeat pattern very much and will use it again.

This is a very pretty stitch pattern for as much ribbing as it has in it and the ribbing sections make for a nice snug fit.

Pattern: Mona from Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A. modified for a 14 stitch pattern repeat.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Dorothy's Destiny.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Metro Finished

2011-06-23T18:46:00.010-04:00

Metro was a quick and pleasant knit. I love the feel and look of the City Tweed. If this sweater doesn't pill excessively, I'm sure I'll use City Tweed again, maybe in the Sport Weight version.

The comments on Shirley's Metro, mentioned she had a challenge getting the bottom of the sweater to lay flat and not roll, so I decided to put a short section of ribbing on the bottom.

One challenge I did not meet was the Kitchener of the left collar to the right collar.

My favorite basic knitting how-to book is Knitting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti, so that's where I went for guidance on grafting ribbing together. Maggie said:

Grafting ribbing can drive even an experienced knitting instructor up the wall. Sometimes I have gotten so frustrated with it that I have used the double bind-off method instead.

Since my aching jaw was driving me up the wall as high as I wanted to go, I went right to the double bind-off.

Another pattern attribute Shirley warns about is the tight sleeves, so I used the sleeve pattern for the next size up. They're still a bit tighter than I'd like.

On the other hand, I learned many new (to me) techniques on knitting set-in sleeves top down that, in my opinion, improve on the Barbara Walker method. That alone was worth the price of the pattern because I love knitting sleeves directly into a sweater instead of trying to neatly sew them in after the fact.

Pattern: Metro from the Fall 2010 Twist Collection by Connie Chang Chinchio.

Yarn: Knitpicks City Tweed, Heavy Weight Worsted. 55% Merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, 20% Donegal tweed.

Color: Dungarees.

Needles: Options #7.

Gauge: 4.4 stitches/inch, 6 rows/inch in stockinette.

Mom's Monas Finished

2011-06-17T17:15:00.006-04:00

Done, and done a day before needed.

I wasn't sure I was going to like this stitch pattern when I started these socks, but I do like it very much.

The ribbing travels every twelve rows, but it still works to supply a nice snug fit. The overall effect is a pretty lace pattern that isn't going to sag and bag. So, now I have another favorite Cookie A. sock pattern.

Pattern: Mona from Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Dorothy's Destiny.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Wednesday Wings - Nestbox Report for June 15

2011-06-15T16:41:00.012-04:00

First the Bluebirds used this box for a brood of four. That mostly happened when the weather was too cold and/or wet and/or windy to open the box, so I don't have pictures.

Once the Bluebird young fledged, the wrens adopted the box and filled it with sticks to the brim. They are sitting on eggs now.

The way Wrens build their nests, the cavity is much lower than the nest box hole. The adult Wren has to go up and over the sticks before it can go down to the eggs or hatchlings. If I open the nest box, I'll crush the pile of sticks, so there won't be any any pictures of Wren eggs or young Wren hatchlings.

In a different box: The Wrens are sweet, energetic little birds full of song, but I find them annoying when they take over the nest boxes.

After reading that moving the nest boxes away from nearby trees and shrubs would discourage the Wrens, I moved this nest box to the front of the property in a small garden in the middle of the lawn. In less than a day, a Wren couple had claimed it.

The young Wrens have fledged now, and I'll be emptying out the box to see if it attracts something else for a second nesting.

One of the nest boxes out back has a Tree Swallow brood that's ready to fledge.

When I walk within twenty feet of the box, I can hear the young Swallows chirping away and see them peeking out of the box hole.

Monday the parents were yelling and dive bombing me as I approached the nest and this little guy or gal stuck his/her head out and joined in the scolding.

It's a big world out there and he/she can hardly wait to get out in it.

Simple Woman's Daybook for June 14

2011-06-14T09:57:00.002-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY June 14, 2011...

Outside my window...
The sun is shining and it's about 72 degrees. Beautiful.

I am thinking...
About what needs to go on the grocery list.

I am thankful for...
A special friend who said, "Let me do that for you" and spent over a half day chauffeuring me to a medical appointment last week. Nothing serious, but it did require a "responsible adult" and getting drugged.

From the kitchen...
Last thing I made was a batch of baked macaroni and cheese. It was cool enough Sunday so the oven could be on. In fact, it felt good to have the oven on.

I am wearing...
Size 10 jeans again. And, they're not too tight. Total weight loss so far is fifteen pounds.

Maintenance concerns me. I'm an expert at losing weight, but I haven't mastered the art of keeping it off.

I am creating...
Still working on the Mona socks.

The Metro sweater is done but needs to be washed and blocked before I take pictures. Brandywine is done except I'm going to frog the sleeves and do them a different way. The sleeves are short so that shouldn't take long once I get organized and motivated.

I am going...
To clean out my closet and take many things to Goodwill.

I am reading...
The NIV Application Commentary: Revelation for my daily Bible study.

The NIV Application series are perfect for someone who wants to understand what the Bible is saying. For me, they're written at the perfect level - not simplistic yet not too scholarly.

For each passage it teaches what the passage originally meant to the people and culture at the time it was written and then brings the ancient message into modern context.

Revelation is my first NIV Application book, but I have two more on the way, Genesis and John.

I am hoping...
The Orioles will bring their fledglings to the Oriole feeder. If they do, I'm hoping I'm looking out the window to see it and possibly take a picture.

I am hearing...
Pappy whining to go outside and Glory shaking her tags. Guess it's time for a dog walk.

Around the house...

The Sedum is thriving. It likes the sandy soil, doesn't need feeding, doesn't need watering, seems to be indestructible, and the deer don't eat it.

I have seven different varieties and they're all doing well.

One of my favorite things...

The Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders, Red Bulk.

I have one for the Oriole feeder and one for the Hummingbird feeder. Fill it with water and the ants can't get to the sweet stuff. So simple and so perfect.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today I get the final crown on the tooth that started all the dental trouble. Afterward I'm meeting Mom and Sister Doris from Virginia for Chinese lunch at Hunan Garden.

I'm working overtime to get caught up on yardwork after the uncooperative spring weather. But it's lawn mowing season and it seems like I'm always mowing instead of doing everything else demanding my attention.

Thursday is haircut day, so back to Kalamazoo for that. I'm sure I'll be able to think of a few other errands to work into that trip.

And, of course, I'm trying to get back into the routine of blogging a few times a week

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

We have a creek and two ponds on our property, but the birds like to drink the water in the ant moats.

Birthday Green

2011-06-13T11:00:00.002-04:00

Mom asked for green socks this spring, so green it is.

Since she's short she likes five inch cuffs, making the cuffs are shorter than I usually knit. That's fun. The cuffs are done before I'm tired of working on them.

This yarn was picked to match a Federer T-shirt she wears to exercise class. I didn't bring the lace pattern down the instep so the socks would be smooth in her workout shoes.

Pattern: Hedera from Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A. or available free from Spring 2006 Knitty.

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll.

Color: Springtime Tonal.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

On the needles now, with five days to finish, are a deeper pair of green socks.

The light wasn't at it's best to bring out the beautiful color of this yarn. It's a gorgeous, almost solid, super jeweltone Kelly green. I'll try to do it justice when the socks are finished.

Pattern: Mona from Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Dorothy's Destiny.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Chat Back for June 11

2011-06-11T12:36:00.000-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Mr. Squirrel (and many others) want to know . . .
Where are you?
Right here.

It's been a tough spring. In an attempt to keep this blog light and positive, let's just move on and not talk about it.

Kathy B. asked . . .
I wonder though if the mess of the (sunflower seeds from the bird feeders) shells can be kept up with somehow.
Maybe somehow, but I don't know the answer.

They make good mulch, but it all requires work.

Many readers . . .
commented and left helpful and encouraging comments about my endodontic surgery
Thank you.

I had an infected, undeveloped tooth bud removed from my jaw that was wedged between the roots of two teeth and near my right side facial nerve.

Just last week the pain has dimmed to occasional ache. Parts of my jaw are still numb and the nerve sometimes jumps and tingles. Estimated time to return to completely normal, six months. But it's mostly ignorable now and regular Tylenol works well.

Judy S. asked . . .
Have you ever seen them (the Orioles) building their nest?
The nests are very high up in the tallest trees and with the leaves blocking my view I've never seen the weaving of the nest.

A few years ago when a tall willow blew down, there was an old Oriole nest in the top branches and I got a chance to admire the handiwork. It was amazing.

Wednesday Wings - Female Oriole

2011-05-25T18:57:00.006-04:00

The female Orioles (right) are less brillant than the males (left), but just as beautiful.

I love the mix of oranges and browns.

To weave their intricate hanging basket nests in the treetops they must be very agile.

Pictureless Update

2011-05-24T17:29:00.002-04:00

The endodontic surgery went well but turned out to be more complex than expected.

Every day shows improvement, but I'm still having some pain and taking it easy without the urge to create a blog post.

The Metro sweater is almost done. I'm on the last sleeve and then there is only the collar left. It's been a pleasant, simple, quick knit. Pictures soon.

Four Bluebird hatchlings are a week old tomorrow and doing well. Mostly it's been too wet and/or chilly and/or windy to open the nest box.

The Orioles are still coming to the Oriole feeder to eat oranges and grape jelly. They brighten my days and I'm hopeful they'll bring their fledglings in a few weeks.

Thanks to all my blog friends who left good wishes. I'm hoping to regain my blogging mojo and return soon.

The Apicoectomy Excuse and Start of Metro

2011-05-17T13:54:00.007-04:00

Brandywine is done. To be more specific, the knitting is done. I only need to sew up the side seams, weave in the ends, and block it. Last week I told myself I would do that before casing on Metro.

But I have a jaw ache. Not just a little jaw ache. It's the kind of jaw ache where you occasionally need to remind yourself it's not a good idea to blow your head off. It's the kind of jaw ache that requires simple, soothing, knitting for the moments you can stand to knit.

So, I cast on Metro. It's wonderful, mindless knitting at this point and I have about six inches done.

Tomorrow morning I'm scheduled for an apicoectomy at the endodontist.

If you don't know what an apicoectomy is, consider yourself fortunate. I didn't know either until yesterday morning.

If you do know what an apicoectomy is and have horror stories about you or someone you know who had one, please keep your stories to yourself. I'd love to hear about successes, though.

I do know I've been told to have multiple ice packs on hand and I've been promised post-operative pain, facial swelling, and possibly bruising. And I may not want to talk for a few days.

I'm looking forward to this. Really. My jaw hurts so much now that the promise of improvement is worth the ordeal of getting there. It's very possible the post-operative pain may be less than the pre-operative pain, and if I look swollen and awful I may get extra sympathy and maybe even ice cream.

Chat Back for May 14

2011-05-14T14:46:00.017-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Dorothy asked . . .
Can't believe it's time for the Louise lunch already. Didn't you just have it?
Louise Lunch happens every year around Mother's Day, so yes it's time. In fact today was the day.

A "sore" topic, because we postponed it for two more weeks. My root canal from mid April is seriously aching and I'm anxiously looking forward to Monday when I can call and try to get it examined and fixed.

Judy S. asked . . .
Looks like you wind your yarn into 2 balls? Care to share any secrets on doing that? Do you use a scale?
Yes, I wind my sock yarn into two balls with a food scale. It's not an exact method, but it works close enough for me.

Kellie asked . . .
I love this sweater pattern ( Metro ) If the City Tweed doesn't work out, have you got alternate yarn in mind?
Shirley knit a beautiful Metro using, in her words, "WEBS Valley Yarns Northampton which was also the perfect gauge. It took less than 4 skeins."

She has pictures on her blog and plenty of good commentary on the pattern. Check it out here.

Judy S. asked . . .
Any idea what caused the virus?
I asked the same question when I picked up my laptop after its cure. Richard, who has years of experience, told me if he knew the answer to that question he'd be rich.

The main virus resided in memory. My virus protection could and did eliminate the running version, but the memory version instantly replaced it. I think this falls in the category "Nasty virus".

I was thankful he didn't have to reformat my hard drive, even though I did have everything backed up.

Dorothy asked . . .
And is that really your roof? That picture is priceless!
The raccoon picture is the roof of an old shed attached to the barn. The raccoons sit on the roof and growl at the dogs and me as we walk by.

The shed needs to be torn down which is going to disappoint the raccoons living in it. Last fall they made a hole in the wall at ground level and proceeded to tear out and carry out much of the insulation.

Having the shed torn down is on my list of things that may or may not get done this summer. I’m afraid every contractor I call is going to want to shoot the the raccoons.

Lynn asked . . .
When you say grape jelly, this is the same grape jelly we put on our bread and biscuits, not some special bird grape jelly, right? I never knew birds liked it!!!! My husband just bought some suet because he heard birds are crazy for this stuff. It has yet to be touched but the black oil bird seed is going fast!

It's cheap grape jelly bought in large jars. I've heard the Orioles like the cheap stuff best because it has the highest sugar content.

Don't ask what this says about feeding healthy food to the birds. Hopefully their nutritional needs are not the same as ours. After all, we do feed sugar water to the Hummingbirds.

Our birds eat suet all winter but I stop putting it out when the weather warms up because it melts and drips.

Black sunflower seeds are the best, all round bird food. If you keep feeding through the nesting season they will bring their fledglings to the feeder for the sunflower seeds.

Simple Woman's Daybook for May 10

2011-05-10T09:23:00.016-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY May 10, 2011...

Outside my window...
A male Oriole is eating grape jelly.

I am thinking...
That the photographer who took my portrait for the church directory went a bit overboard editing out blemishes and wrinkles. Bless him. I haven't been this wrinkle free in 50 years. Even then I had a few zits.

I am thankful for...
The warm weather that finally arrived this week.

From the kitchen...
Lemon bars to take to a lunch potluck celebrating the completion of our year long Bible Study Fellowship study of Isaiah.

I am wearing...
Light weight denim slacks and a turquoise cotton V-neck top.

I am creating...
Knitting on the right front of Brandywine. The left front is done and the shoulders sewn together, but I don't like the way the lace looks at the join. I'm wondering if I unsew it and reknit the top few rows of the left back shoulder if I could get it to look better. Or it's possible I could spend alot of time reworking it and have it end up looking worse.

I am going...
To rework it. I know I am. I just haven't admitted it to myself yet.

I am reading...
Listening to The Copper Bracelet while I knit.

Jeffery Deaver wrote the first chapter and then passed it on to 15(?) other authors who wrote a chapter each. The other authors include celebrated thriller writers Lee Child, Joseph Finder, David Hewson, David Liss, and Lisa Scottoline.

Are you wondering how this could possibly work? Well, it doesn't work all that well. Each author feels they need to a) make the plot more complicated and b) kill somebody off.

If I were actually reading this book, it would be going back to the library unfinished. Since I'm listening to it, it may get finished or maybe not.

I am hoping...
The Bluebirds learn to eat from their feeder. So far they've been uninterested in dehydrated mealworms. Maybe I need live, wiggly mealworms?

I am hearing...
The noisy Catbirds who have moved up near the house to be nearer the grape jelly in the Oriole feeder.

The Orioles rule the feeder. When they come to eat, the Catbirds get chased off.

Around the house...
The grass is growing, the weeds are growing, the yardwork is about a month behind because of the cold, wet spring we had. Just today, the 10th of May, some of the large deciduous trees are beginning to look a little green. That normally happens during the last ten days of April.

One of my favorite things...
My new Oriole feeder. Never guessed so many other birds had a sweet beak for grape jelly. This House Finch couple is chowing down.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wednesday is grocery shopping, library, errand day. Thursday is haircut day. Saturday is Louise Lunch with Mom, daughter Heather, and granddaughter Kimmy. Our annual Mother's Day celebration of four generations with the middle name Louise.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Time for a new roof?

Three Pair of Socks Finished

2011-05-08T18:00:00.014-04:00

While my laptop was in the repair shop and the weather was too wet and chilly to work outdoors, I made great progress on my spring birthday sock knitting.

Yes, I do seem to be stuck on this pattern for birthday socks this year. It has all the qualities that make it great for gift socks so I used it again.

Daughter Heather's birthday is May 13. Next Saturday we're getting together for Louise Lunch to celebrate her birthday and Mother's Day. She requested gray or black socks, so I made her a pair of each.

Pattern: BFF by Cookie A. 64 stitch size.

Yarn: Slackford Studio Stalwart Sock.

Color: Steelyard Blues.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars

Pattern: Simple 8 stitch fancy ribbing pattern.

XXOOOXXO
OXOOOXOO

where O = knit and X = purl.

Lightened up to show stitch detail. . .

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll.

Color: Black.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Mom, birthday June 18, requested green lacy socks with a five inch cuff.

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt in Interweave Knits, Winter 2005.

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll.

Color: Peapod.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Nestbox Report

2011-05-06T18:40:00.008-04:00

Two of my four nest boxes have been claimed.

I'm always pleased to see the Bluebirds sitting near a nestbox. This male was helping build a nice grass nest inside.

Wednesday there were three eggs. Yesterday four. Still four this morning, so I think they decided quadruplets was enough for the first nesting.

If all goes well, hatching will be May 19.

On the other side of the field, Tree Swallows have finished their nest and are aggressively guarding the box. No eggs yet but probably tomorrow.

I'm Back and Hope to Stay Back

2011-05-05T18:32:00.004-04:00

The first thing I'm going to do is write yesterday's Wednesday Wings post. The male Orioles are back and I have a new Oriole feeder that they're loving.

After that I'll go knit for the rest of the evening, but I'll have more to blog about tomorrow.

Richard, who has years of experience building, repairing, and servicing computers in downtown Paw Paw, Michigan, said getting rid of my virus was difficult. It was one he'd never seen before. I hope to never see it again.

Wednesday Wings - Return of The Male Orioles

2011-05-04T18:55:00.006-04:00

When the male Orioles arrived on May 1, I was ready for them with my new Birds Choice Oriole Feeder SNOF, a gift to myself and my beautiful orange and black friends.

It has two spikes for oranges and two dishes for grape jelly. Since I've never had Orioles care to eat my grape jelly, I just plunked the orange halves in the dishes. After they arrived, I put out some grape jelly in one of the cups and surprise! With this perfect new feeder, they gobbled the jelly up.

My Orioles have always stopped coming to the feeder once the nest building started, but I've read they will continue to come for the grape jelly. I'm hoping that's what happens this year.

For a bonus, the Catbirds are coming to the feeder for the grape jelly. I've never had Catbirds at any feeder before and I'm thrilled to be able to get a better look at them. And, of course, take a few pictures.

Where Am I?

2011-04-29T18:23:00.002-04:00

My laptop is in the repair shop having an operation to remove two memory resident viruses.

First I tried to ignore it. It got worse. Then I tried to fix it myself. I spent hours and hours for naught and got very frustrated.

Now it's in the competent hands of "Yes, I can fix that!" Richard waiting its turn to be attended to in his one man repair shop.

Meanwhile, I'm using a ten year old laptop from the closet. Some of the keys don't work unless they're pounded on. It only has one USB port, no functional battery so I have to set the date and time everytime I turn it on, and it's slow, slow, slow.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

2011-04-25T19:01:00.007-04:00

Thinking ahead, I've been scouting out yarn for Metro by Connie Chang Chinchio from the Fall 2010 Twist Collective. It calls for a heavy worsted to knit up at 18 stitches/4 inches.

Included in my last Knitpicks order was a skein of City Tweed to swatch.

First impression is WOW. It's soft, it's easy to knit, stitch and row gauge are right on perfect, and I love the tweed look.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to change my mind after I wash the swatch. I need to do that soon before I have a keyboard spasm and order enough yarn for the sweater. Last time I swatched with a single skein Knitpicks broke my heart by discontinuing the yarn before I could order enough for the intended sweater.

I love my coral and aqua stitch marker pins. They slide in and out of stitches with ease and every project I knit is full of them. I hook them in stitches to keep track of the row count, to mark increases and decreases, to mark the first row of a stitch pattern, and to slide on the needles and mark divisions in a row.

To get my last Knitpicks order into the free shipping dollar range, I happily ordered TWO packs of their (assumed) identical marker pins.

They're so awful they're unusable. The points are not sharp and not smooth. They snag my stitches. For fingering weight socks, I can't even slide these pins into a stitch because of the excess plastic that didn't get trimmed off the tips.

Don't buy these things! They're worthless.

Chat Back for April 23

2011-04-23T11:41:00.015-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Kathy B. asked . . .
What was your main tip to me about losing weight??? Do you have one?
Losing weight is all about the calories. I write down what I eat and add up the calories as I go along making sure I leave enough for a 300 to 400 calorie dinner and a 100 calorie bedtime minibagel so I don’t have to go to bed hungry.

My magic number is 1200 calories a day. I lose about a little less than a pound a week at 1200 calories and I can still eat enough so I don’t feel like I’m starving, although I do have moments when I get hungry.

After eating my calorie limit at a meal I rarely feel full and am always ready to eat more, so instead I fiddle around making and drinking a cup of tea. By the time that’s all done, I’m over the urge to keep eating.

Think I’ll go fix some tea right now. Do I especially like tea? No. But it’s the fiddling around with it that works for distraction.

NMjewel asked . . .
I'm betting you could get another 'matching' pair from that yarn. Will there be enough?
Even with Mom's short, five inch cuffs, there was not enough yarn left from the Zauberball Socks for a second pair.

There were two very long sections of black that I cut out and didn't use.

MomSue84 asked . . .
Just wondering how you like knitting with KP Stroll as opposed to Slackford Studio sock yarn?
I've enjoyed knitting with Stroll, but enough time hasn't passed yet for a wash and wear verdict.

Stroll seems to be a good workhorse sock yarn, but for beautiful soft socks with no fuzz after many washings, good wear, and super excellent stitch definition there is no comparison to my favorite sock yarn, Stalwart from Slackford Studio.

Your question prompted me to search the stash, and I found some Stalwart in a bluish gray color to use for Heather's birthday socks instead of the untested Stroll.

Yes, I'm knitting another pair of BFF socks. The pattern is so perfect for gift socks that I couldn't resist. Makes for uninteresting blogging, though.

The color is Steelyard Blues.

Laurie asked . . .
I enjoy your blog very much, and I wanted to let you know that you inspired me to knit my very first pair that I just finished. I was not really sure what was the best brand of yarn to use, so I used Happy Feet by Plymouth. I haven’t washed them or worn them and the socks seem very fuzzy to me. Do you think that this is because of the yarn (should I have spent more money) or is that just the way all sock yarn is? I loved making the socks, and only like to knit with wool, but don’t like the fuzzy look that I got.

Any advise that you could give me would be much appreciated.
I had trouble with this question because wool does have a natural tendency to be fuzzy. Still, some sock yarns are fuzzier than others.

Opal, Regia, and Stalwart (from Slackford Studio) are tightly spun and three of the less fuzzy yarns. They are a bit expensive, but my socks from these yarns last for many years. Some of my old Opal socks are over ten years old now and still going strong without being fuzzy.

The worst yarn I ever bought and used was Austermann Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba. Over several washings (I do machine, not gentle by hand) it fuzzed and pilled to the point I couldn't see the stitch pattern. Just yesterday I asked myself why I was saving those socks and pitched them in the wastebasket.

Congratulations on your first pair of socks! I've found sock knitting to be an addictive hobby and there are so many patterns it never has to get boring.

Wednesday Wings - Yellow-shafted Flicker, Male

2011-04-20T17:11:00.001-04:00

Last week I spotted this Flicker in the grass celebrating spring by eating ants, his favorite food.

His head is a little blurry because he was bobbing it up and down so fast.

The female Flicker has been coming to the suet feeder since March, but this is the first time I've spotted the male. (See the female eating suet here.)

The male looks exactly like the female except for the black mustache extending out from his beak.

The pictures were taken between two bars of the porch railing which are showing on the picture edges.

Needless to say, I'm very excited to have a pair. Maybe they'll bring their young to the suet feeder. There's no season as optimistic as the beginning of spring.

Brandywine Back

2011-04-19T18:52:00.006-04:00

I debated. Knit it in one piece and have easy finishing? Or, knit it in pieces and have easy knitting? I felt like knitting the pieces one by one, so that's the way I'm doing it. Since I'm never happy with the look of sewn in sleeves, I may sew the fronts and back together and knit the sleeves top down in the round.

The back is unblocked, but I have a blocked swatch to give me confidence the sweater is going to look nice when it's done. And, hopefully fit.

Pattern: Brandywine

Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss DK, 70% Merino wool 30% silk.

Color: Woodland Sage.

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 31 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette.

Winter Has One Last Laugh

2011-04-18T12:11:00.005-04:00

Three inches of snow this morning.

Colorful Socks, Staid Socks, and Future Socks

2011-04-15T13:50:00.012-04:00

These socks are gorgeous, for sure.

The Zauberball yarn is single ply unevenly spun - like a fingering weight Lopi. The feel of it is like a rough fuzzy wool, not the smooth, soft sock yarn I love to knit.

Because the yarn has no twist, I predict a short life for these socks but they will be bright and cheerful while they last. I had fun knitting them.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 64 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Zauberball.

Color: 1155.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Once a year I knit Vegan acceptable socks for sister Carrie's birthday.

This year she got a a black pair of Panda Soy and this pair of dark blue Panda Cotton.

Both of the Panda yarns are nubbly and neither has decent enough stitch definition to support a stitch pattern. I find the Panda Cotton a little more pleasant to knit then the Panda Soy. Both are splitty. Panda Cotton splits easier than Panda Soy.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 56 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Panda Cotton. 55% bamboo + 24% Cotton + 21% elastic nylon.

Color: Delft blue.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Today, just in time to start the next set of birthday socks, there was a box from Knitpicks in the mailbox.

Daughter Heather, May birthday, asked for gray and/or black socks. Mom, June birthday, asked for green.

From left to right: Ash Stroll, Peapod Stroll, Black Stroll. The skein in front is Springtime Tonal Stroll. Much brighter than the picture.

Well Dang

2011-04-13T19:11:00.003-04:00

A root canal and a nasty computer virus, all in the same week. Feeling frustrated.

Writing this on an old laptop that hasn't been booted up in two years and is missing all the links, files, and programs I need to act functional.

I'll probably be out of commission a few days at least. Sigh.

What's Wrong With Your Head, Girl?

2011-04-12T13:59:00.006-04:00

I've been feeling totally blah for the past three weeks, so last week I decided to rest and see if I could heal myself. Instead of feeling better, I got splitting headaches every afternoon.

I kept thinking I would feel better soon, but it didn't happen. Yesterday morning the headache didn't wait until afternoon, and the only decision I needed to make was whether to call the doctor or the dentist.

Knowing I had an appointment in two weeks to have a crown replaced because of underlying decay, I decided to try the dentist. Good choice. To make a long story short, I ended up having a root canal yesterday. Even though my jaw is still a little sore, I feel much better.

While suffering and recovering, I started a pair of Zauberball socks for Mom.

The long color blocks gradually merge one to the next. I knew I could never get the socks to match exactly, especially not while my head was throbbing, so I just split the skein in half and started knitting.

This is the wildest pair of mismatched socks I've ever knit. Looking at the balls you can see that the cuff colors of one sock match what's going to be the foot colors of the the other sock.

Mom asked for socks out of this yarn, but I'm not sure she expected this. If she never wears them out of her apartment, I'll understand.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 64 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Zauberball.

Color: 1155.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Early Spring, First Week in April

2011-04-08T14:21:00.010-04:00

The Goldfinches are making excellent progress in their molting back to yellow.

Another sign of spring in the above picture - the window needs washing.

The grass is turning green and threatening to need mowing even though the daytime temperatures are still around 40F and the extended forecast is for rain, rain, and more rain.

For wildlife interest in this picture, I chose a mole hill.

AccuWeather has promised us a warmup, going as high as 80F on Sunday. With rain and possibly violent thunderstorms. In April in SW Michigan, violent thunderstorms translates as tornado weather. Our houses have basements for just that reason.

I love the look of the sedum buds in the spring.

Each year I've been increasing the garden areas devoted to sedum because the deer don't eat them.

This is a wobbly picture of a muskrat in the creek taken by someone with two pulling, leashed dogs who dream they can catch a muskrat without getting wet.

Sometimes a muskrat comes up on the land.

For this picture I only had one leashed dog pulling on me, so it's a bit less blurry.

Simple Woman's Daybook for April 5

2011-04-05T14:32:00.001-04:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY April 5, 2011...

Outside my window...

The sun is shining, the sky is blue. From inside the house it looks like a beautiful spring day. When I go outside it's 40F degrees with a cold brisk wind. Wool hat and mitten weather.

I am thinking...
That income tax preparation must be big business in the US. I looked over our forms today and all the numbers and calculations made me dizzy. Normally I'm a detail person and not afraid of math, but those forms aren't math, they're insanity. I live in fear of our CPA retiring.

I am thankful for...
The CPA who does our taxes. It's one of the bills I pay with gratitude.

From the kitchen...
I need someone to come in and do the dishes because I don't want to.

I am wearing...
It's a very casual day here. Gray sweat pants and a pink sweatshirt.

I am creating...

A second pair of Vegan acceptable socks for Sister Carrie. These are Panda Cotton.

I am going...
To get up and fix a cup of tea.

I am reading...
Bible Study Fellowship commentary. We're approaching the end of a school year study of Isaiah. Not an easy book to understand but very rich and beautiful. I'm adding it to my list of favorite books of the Bible.

I am hoping...
That when I go to have a crown replaced in a few weeks it won't require a root canal.

I am hearing...

The Phoebe. They're nesting under the balcony floor. Same place for twenty years now.

Around the house...
Dogs are napping, Bob is laughing at something online.

One of my favorite things...
Dannon Greek Yogurt in vanilla. It's rich and creamy and only 110 calories.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Silver Lace Vest Finished

2011-04-04T13:46:00.006-04:00

This was a fun, quick knit. Plenty of variety in the stitch patterns, and no sleeves.

Caution on the pattern though. There is errata, but even the errata didn't cover the most confusing error I found - right leaning decreases in the lace patterns were labeled ssk in the stitch key and left learning decreases in the stitch key were labeled k2tog. Also, there is no help in planning how to make the lace look decent when the neck decreases start. A beginning knitter might have a very challenging time of it.

I washed and blocked it late last week, and wore it to church on Sunday over darker gray slacks and turtleneck.

The ribbings have a slightly ruffled look from a yarnover, k2tog row just before the bind off.

It fits, but I wish it was a little smaller. I've lost fourteen pounds since late December, and my knitting mind hasn't wrapped around the fact that I don't need garments with a 40 inch bust anymore.

Pattern: Oversize Lace Top by Deborah Newton, published in Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting.

Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss. 70% Merino wool, 30% silk. DK weight.

Color: Robot. (Silver gray)

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 5.5 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in pattern.

Chat Back for April 2

2011-04-02T13:33:00.010-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Laura asked . . .
Can't we get spring to come to West Michigan?? Seriously, I am OVER this cold!

Yes! We are all ready for a beautiful, sunny 70 degree day. Including this Robin who would like the ground to unthaw enough so he can get breakfast out of it.

Linda Jo aka Beadknitter asked . . .
Came back to ask where you found that x stitch pattern? I've thought of a good use for it already. ;-)

The Red X Stitch Pattern is Number 6 in Knitting Patterns Book 300. It's one of the simpler stitch patterns in this gorgeous collection which can be purchased at Needles Arts Book Shop.

Needles Arts Book Shop has many Japanese knitting publications. It's a dangerous site to visit if you don't want to spend money.

They also have a free PDF on interpreting the Japanese knitting patterns.

Kathy in Iowa wrote . . .
Hopefully the deer do not like daffodils.
Nothing likes to eat the daffodils. They are rodent free, deer free, and insect free. Mother Nature's spring gift to us after a long, colorless winter. And, they always bloom the week the income tax is due.

Shirley asked . . .
I am trying to picture how you used the flashlight and knit at the same time. Maybe the flashlight was a stand alone model?
It was a combination of propping the flashlight in place with my sweatshirt and holding it in place with my chin. Not an elegant solution, but it worked long enough to get the gusset stitches started.

Linda Jo asked . . .
A knitters gotta do what a knitters gotta do. The flashlight was a good idea, and the socks look great. I applaud you for knitting with black. ;-)
If you could have seen me, you would have laughed instead of clapping.

Sanity has returned. I'm knitting stitches I can see this weekend.

Carrie's Black Birthday Socks Finished

2011-03-31T16:29:00.004-04:00

It's always good to have birthday socks done three weeks before the actual birthday.

I used an LED flashlight for picking up gusset stitches all the while muttering to myself that if I couldn't see to pick them up neatly, who was going to see well enough to criticise if they weren't neat.

Perfectionism won out. The stitches are neat. And I challenge anyone who thinks they're not to bring a flashlight and take a look.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 56 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Panda Soy. 49% Bamboo, 33% Soy, 18% Elastic Nylon.

Color: 3202, Jet Black.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Late Spring - End of March

2011-03-30T18:37:00.008-04:00

This has been the coldest March I can remember.

Last week we had six days in a row when it never hit 40. Even when the sun comes out, the temperatures are staying around 40 and nighttime temperatures fall into the teens.

Some geese stopped by to see if the pond might be a good nesting spot. Fourteen, almost fifteen, year old dog Glory earned a "good girl" by chasing them off.

After goose chasing, it was time for a polar plunge.

The deer stop by daily to check if the hostas are up and ready to eat.

Hostas can't take freezing and know enough to stay in the ground for now.

Daffodils are just the opposite. They grow under snow, they grow when frozen, and they're determined to bloom in the middle of April even if warm weather hasn't arrived by then.

Red X Sweater Finished

2011-03-28T19:12:00.007-04:00

This sweater has been done for a few weeks but since it's still cold here the wool sweater season has been extended through March and I haven't been in a hurry to wash/block it to be wearable.

Also, I've had the income tax papers spread out all over the table where I do my drying/blocking. Yesterday I picked up all the paperwork, declared the tax stuff ready to go to the accountant, and celebrated by washing/blocking the Red X Sweater.

The background stitch pattern is a little busier than usual for a Gansey type sweater, but I don't regret using it. The Red X Sweater goes its name when I started out with this stitch pattern.

Here's an underarm view of the faux seam and the little gusset.

Pattern: Basic gansey template. Picked stitch patterns selected from various stitch collections.

Yarn: Knitpicks Cotlin. 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen. DK weight.

Color: Moroccan Red.

Needles: Options #3.

Gauge: 6 stitches/inch, 8.5 rows/inch in pattern.

Chat Back for March 26

2011-03-26T12:46:00.009-04:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Kathy B. asked . . .
Did you knit the purple gansey shown? IT is a marvel.
Thanks Kathy. It's one of the last things I knit for Children in Common before they stopped taking handknits. It's a Toddler size 4 knit with some left over project yarn.

Details here.

Dorothy asked . . .
What are you going to do with that lovely rainbow yarn?

Good question.

I've been tempted to buy some Zauberball several times because of the beautiful colors and color transitions, but I always talked myself out of it because it's single ply and I didn't think it would wear well for socks.

Now that I've won a skein (thank you Linda Jo) I can either give it a try for socks or knit a very colorful scarf or ???.

It does have a 25% nylon content and is machine washable, so maybe socks would be OK.

All that is the long way of saying I don't know what I'm going to knit with it. But, I'm having fun thinking about it. Any suggestions?

Susanne asked . . .
I know you have knit with several Knit Picks' yarns and I am wondering if you have knit with the "Wool of the Andes". My question is, do you or any of your readers know if it pills? I am thinking of using it to embark on a substantial garment, and certainly don't want any obvious pilling with such an undertaking!

I used Wool of the Andes for Autumn Song, details here. I've worn it occasionally for three winters now, and there has been no pilling. Stitch definition is good, knitting is pleasant, and after washing in baby shampoo I can wear it next to my somewhat sensitive skin with no irritation.

It was knit at a firm gauge, 5.5 stitches/inch, on #5US needles which helps to prevent pilling and promote stitch definition.

You didn't say what your project is or what gauge you want/need to knit. If you want to talk more about it let me know and be sure to leave your email in the comment or email me direct.

Early Spring, Late March

2011-03-25T16:57:00.003-04:00

It's been colder than normal for March. Still, the signs of spring can't be ignored now.

The Phoebes are back.

Some of the Goldfinches have started their molt from winter drab olive to spring bright gold.

Sandhill Cranes are flying over on the way to their nesting sites.

Their constant trilling is so loud it can't be missed.

Many nights are still below freezing. Wednesday night we had some snow and the roads were icy enough to cause a few accidents on Thursday morning.

Vest Knitting Update

2011-03-24T13:10:00.006-04:00

There hasn't been much time for knitting the past several weeks. I do manage to get in a few hours each evening and more on the weekends, so the two vests I'm working on are making good progress.

The silver lace vest is ready to have the shoulders joined with a three needle bind off. Then the ribbing around the neck and sleeves will finish it up.

Pattern: Oversize Lace Top by Deborah Newton, published in Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting.

Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss. 70% Merino wool, 30% silk. DK weight.

Color: Robot. (Silver gray)

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 5.5 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in pattern.

When I'm tired and don't feel like reading lace charts for the silver vest, I pick up this vest and knit round and round. The stitch patterns are easy to follow without looking at a chart and the yarn slides smoothly on and off the needles until I fall asleep.

I've been tired a lot lately, so I'm only an inch and a half from the front-back split. Then I'll have to decide what kind of arm opening and what kind of neckline I want and I'll have to stay awake while I shape them.

Pattern: Basic V neck (probably, unless I change my mind when I get there) vest. Making it up as I go along.

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll. 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon. Sport weight.

Color: Cocoa.

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 6 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in pattern.

Wednesday Wings - Song Sparrow

2011-03-23T12:54:00.007-04:00

Each year seems to bring a different mix of small birds to the feeders. This past winter the feeders were full of Song Sparrows and I ended the season with many unpublished Song Sparrow pictures waiting for a post.

Since the forecast calls for snow tonight, it seems like the perfect Wednesday to publish a few of them before spring takes over.

Now that it's the end of March, I'm hoping once this week is over there will be no more snow pictures on this blog until next winter.

Black Monday

2011-03-21T19:18:00.006-04:00

Moving on to the next family birthday and pair of birthday socks. Little Sister Carrie asked for Vegan acceptable socks in black or navy. I bought some of each color and am tackling the black ones first.

Notice I didn't pick out an intricate stitch pattern.

The cuffs were pretty easy. I knit slow because the yarn is splitty and the splits aren't easy to spot in the black. Now it's time for the heels. The gusset pickups are going to require some intense lighting, but then it should get easier again.

Dear Carrie, When you read this, take it with a smile. The fun part of knitting black socks is complaining about it. Love you. :-)

I want to knit these socks or I'd take the "out" you so kindly offered when you remembered I said I was never going to knit black socks again.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 56 stitches. k3p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Panda Soy. 49% Bamboo, 33% Soy, 18% Elastic Nylon.

Color: 3202, Jet Black.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Just because this post needs some color.

John's Birthday Socks

2011-03-18T17:05:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday John!

The socks were mailed to Idaho on Monday, so hopefully John will get them on his birthday today.

Pattern: BFF by Cookie A. 72 stitch size.

Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll.

Color: Buckskin.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Early Spring, Mid March

2011-03-17T18:34:00.008-04:00

We don't have much color yet in SW Michigan.

Instead of hanging around the feeding station, the birds are spread out claiming their nesting territories.

I've heard that Chickadees will use nest boxes, but I've never had a Chickadee nest in one of mine. Maybe this will be the year.

The Hellebore plants are evergreen, but after they've been buried under the snow for several months the leaves look totally beat up. Still, they put out the earliest blooms in the garden.

I think everyone in the Midwest has Snowdrops. They bloom before the Crocus, the rodents don't like to eat their bulbs, and they're always a welcome sight to see on the first sunny day after the snow melts off them.

Mouse Removal, Contest Winnings, and First Robin

2011-03-16T19:42:00.007-04:00

This week's schedule is full of things that need to be done. None of them involve fun. Some weeks are like that.

I had tasks listed out by day. I knew I probably wouldn't get all of them accomplished, but had high hopes of eliminating most of them. The perfect recipe for an expensive, time consuming, unpleasant surprise.

Yesterday morning I got in the car to go to Bible study, turned on the heater, and pieces of car foam and shredded Kleenex blew out every vent.

So today I spent the afternoon sitting at the Toyota dealership while they dismantled my dash and cleaned out the mouse nest. No rodents were found.

People have been telling me Irish Spring soap in the car works well to keep the rodents away. I've got the car loaded with bright green bars of the stuff. Unfortunately Irish Spring smells so awful it makes me want to stay away as well. Happy St. Patricks Day!

On a more pleasant note - a much more pleasant note - I won Linda Jo's Blogiversary contest.

Yesterday while I was pondering how much it was going to cost to get the car cleaned out, a package of wonderful things arrived in the mail for distraction.

It's that delicious North Idaho Huckleberry Jam. (John and Anne, remember this for Christmas next year.) Also a skein of Zauberball and a lovely bracelet.

Linda Jo makes beautiful beaded things when she's not busy knitting. That's why her blog is called Beadknitter.

She lives in the country in Northern Idaho and has moose come into her yard, doing much more damage than a mouse ever could. She takes their picture and then shoots them with a paintball to encourage them to move on.

Thank you Linda! The package made my day on a day when I really needed something nice to happen.

Last Wednesday, March 9, I heard and spotted the first Robin of the year.

It was a cold, gray, cloudy day and the poor Robin looks like it could use a warm place to take shelter.

It's warmer this week. I saw a flock of Robins fly off this morning when I went out the door. Spring will be here soon.

Chat Back for March 12

2011-03-12T12:29:00.010-05:00

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Shirley asked . . .
Which cotton yarn would you recommend? I have never used cotton but do like the Swish DK. I am working on "Metro" but may try a gansey pullover next.

Swish DK would make a nice gansey.

I've knit several Ganseys with Knitpicks Cotlin, a cotton linen blend. Cotlin softens with washing and holds its shape. Heavy cables don't work with any cotton blends, but the knit/purl Gansey stitch patterns have adequate stitch definition. The best yarn I know of for hot weather Ganseys.

Any cotton yarn, including the blends, are going to be hard on the hands and shoulders when the stitches are knit snug enough to be Gansey worthy. Wool is much nicer and gives the best results.

Don't buy the Knitpicks Comfy, a cotton acrylic blend. It's too soft for decent stitch definition and it pills without provocation.

The cotton/wool blends would probably work well and someday I plan to try one.

Kathy B. asked . . .
I love brown on grey haired people....are you sure?

Yep, I'm sure. I have very light skin coloring.

Laurie asked . . .
No crimson and gold for John this year? I hope he hasn't given up on our Redskins.

John never gives up on the crimson and gold and is training his daughter in Redskin ways. (This picture is two years old. Sydney is over four feet tall now and finishing up Kindergarten.)

John has been a Redskin fan since he was a young boy. No idea why. He was born and raised in Michigan. He even wore a Redskin coat one winter when he was (I'm guessing) about ten.

Judy S. asked . . .
Did you make the sampler in the Gansey book? It's quite an intriguing book; thanks for suggesting it!

Judy is talking about Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel, a tutorial and pattern reference for knitting gansey sweaters.

When I first got the book I was knitting wool toddler sweaters for Children in Common, so I jumped right into the kids ganseys. I've knit those three patterns or a variation multiple times each.

I always thought it would be fun to knit the little sampler sweater, but it wasn't needed to understand the toddler sweater patterns and I'll probably never get around to doing it.

Silver Lace Top Progress

2011-03-10T13:43:00.004-05:00

I'm having fun knitting this vest just knowing that there aren't going to be any sleeves. Changing stitch patterns seem to make the knitting go faster. Just as I start to get bored, it's time to do something else.

This is the front. Everything below the armhole was knit in the round (deviation from the pattern), so the back is almost as long as the front. It will be done soon. After I take a break to finish John's birthday socks.

Since I overbought yarn yardage, I was thinking of making it a sweater. The final decision has been made. This will be a vest following the pattern as written except for knitting things in the round whenever possible.

Pattern: Oversize Lace Top by Deborah Newton, published in Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting.

Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss. 70% Merino wool, 30% silk. DK weight.

Color: Robot. (Silver gray)

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 5.5 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in pattern.

Do you get the impression the neckline of this cover sweater may have a few problems that couldn't be fixed long enough for a picture to be taken?

Or is the model doing a breast self-exam on the cover of Vogue Knitting?

Wednesday Wings - Yellow-Shafted Flicker

2011-03-09T17:26:00.009-05:00

The Yellow Shafted Flicker is a rare guest at the feeding station.

It's always a lone female and she doesn't appear until late February.

I imagine her dreaming of eating her favorite food, ants, while she has some suet to make do until spring.

This picture is reposted from last year when I was lucky enough to get a good shot of her yellow shaft.

Very Early Signs of Spring

2011-03-04T17:30:00.008-05:00

March is a transition month. Some days are very wintry, other days give us a hint of spring. After a low of 12F last night, today warmed up for some thawing. Over the weekend we're forecast to be frozen again.

March is a colorless month. But it is March and that means spring is coming, so we look for little signs that it's on the way.

The John Deere dealership picked up the tractor for its spring maintenance this afternoon. In a little over a month from now, the grass will need mowing.

Before I can mow, I'll be spending several hours picking up sticks. Lots of wind and ice this winter has resulted in a yard full, same as every other winter.

The newspaper delivery guy put up a new pole for the paper box today. The old pole lost its battle with the snow plow.

He wasn't able to sink the pole very deep because the ground is still frozen. There's more snow in the forecast and I think this early effort is overly optimistic, but I give him credit for taking the chance.

Silver Lace Vest Started

2011-03-03T18:16:00.005-05:00

I've been enjoying the changing patterns in this sleeveless top, and it's been getting most of my knitting attention for the past few days. That's going to end Saturday when John's birthday socks get top priority so they aren't late.

One of the reasons I picked this project is because I wanted a break from knitting sleeves. Now I'm starting to think there might be enough yarn for some sleeves. Right now I'm knitting the body in the round. I'll evaluate and make the sleeve decision when I get to the underarm split.

If I don't use up this yarn a few skeins will sit in my stash for years with no project in mind.

So far I haven't deviated from the pattern except to knit the body in the round with faux side seams.

Pattern: Oversize Lace Top by Deborah Newton, published in Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting.

Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss. 70% Merino wool, 30% silk. DK weight.

Color: Robot. (Silver gray)

Needles: Options #5.

Gauge: 5.5 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in pattern.

Simple Woman's Daybook for March 1

2011-03-01T18:18:00.002-05:00

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

FOR TODAY March 1, 2011...

Outside my window...

A Blue Heron is walking down the creek looking for food.

Are those icicles dangling from its tail?

I am thinking...
How happy I am to have lost ten pounds. Now I need to lose ten more.

I am thankful for...
The power staying on during last week's ice storm. Very thankful!

Thousands of homes, businesses, and schools around us lost their power for days. The storm hit Sunday night and it was Friday before the last people got their power restored.

From the kitchen...
Mac and cheese in the oven. Not good diet food. I will be careful about how much I eat.

I am wearing...
Size 10 brown corduroy pants and they're not tight. This is so exciting. Time to search the drawers and closet for other clothing I haven't been able to wear for a while.

I am creating...

Son John's birthday socks.

Yes, it's the BFF pattern by Cookie A. again. I seem to be stuck on it because it's perfect in so many ways. This pair of socks demonstrates a new reason to love this pattern - it has a 72 stitch version and it knows how to be manly.

The yarn is Knitpicks Stroll in Buckskin.

I am going...
To sit and knit when I'm done with this blog post.

I am reading...
Just finished Kittyhawk Down by Garry Disher, the second Detective Inspector Hal Challis mystery.

I'm enjoying these Australian books very much. So much that I'll be willing to buy the paperbacks of the rest of the series if I can't find them at the library.

I am hoping...
To see the wild turkeys when they come into the yard. I see their footprints so I know they've been here.

I am hearing...
Many more bird songs when we go outdoors. The birds are claiming and guarding their nesting spots and looking for a mate if they don't have one.

Around the house...
Many things need dusting.

One of my favorite things...

A few weeks ago I bought a pair of Stabilicers Lite and attached them to an old pair of New Balance shoes. We've had a lot of ice since then and I've been able to take the dogs out for walks without worrying about falling. Without the Stabilizers I wouldn't have gone far from the porch.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Get to the warm pool to stretch out my sore joints, grocery shopping, listening to the next Garry Disher book, starting the taxes, finishing John's socks, and maybe doing some of that dusting that needs to be done.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

The day after the ice storm this mourning dove appearing at the feeders looking like this. Its tail must have frozen to its perch while it slept. Ouch.

My Yarn Talks to Me - Part 2

2011-02-25T19:40:00.000-05:00

Part 1 is here.

When I saw this pattern on the back of my new Patternworks catalog I fell in love with it and decided I had to buy it. When I went to buy it, I discovered it was designed by Kathy Zimmerman, one of my favorite knitware designers. Many of her creations reach out and call to me to be admired if not always knit.

The pattern was written for a Classic Elite cotton/silk blend which sounded like a painful knit for my hands, so I swatched it in Knitpicks Gloss DK, 70% Merino wool 30% silk.

The color is called Woodland Sage, but it looks like teal to me.

Perfect!

This washed swatch is exact stitch gauge and row gauge. The lace definition is excellent. I think I'm going to like this yarn.

Still, in my mental list of projects the Oversize Lace Top by Deborah Newton, published in Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting, is still next in the queue. But that's OK. It's lace. I has the same gauge as Brandywine, so what better project to try out some Gloss DK?

Today fourteen skeins of Gloss DK arrived in a pretty silver gray color. When I ordered it, I was thinking Oversize Lace Top. Now that I have it, I realize I could use it for either one, the Oversize Lace Top or Brandywine. A decision is pending. At least one other project must be finished before I cast on, so there's time to think about it.