Park Here

Building finished

2009-09-18T13:44:00.003-05:00

Our finished storage building. You can't tell from the picture but there are lace curtains in the window. The flower box has fall flowers (silk). Now we need to start moving things out of the basement and into the building.

Storage Building

2009-07-22T10:36:00.003-05:00

Carlton and Pete working on the new storage building. This is for all the wheelbarrows and tools that are in the basement. Now I will have plenty of space to store fiber in the basement. Yahoo!!

July Apron

2009-07-14T14:49:00.003-05:00

The pockets of this apron are handkerchiefs. I have two more aprons to make to have 1 dozen.

June apron

2009-06-16T16:05:00.002-05:00

This apron was fun to make. The flowers are yo-yos from my quilt making days. I still have lots of yo-yos. Maybe I should make a baby quilt for the great grandbaby my oldest grandson will be having in December.

Poor Riley

2009-06-11T12:59:00.005-05:00

Riley had to have his leg shaved because of an infection so we decided to have a summer cut for him so it would not look so ragged. He has never had a haircut like this before. He looks so funny. It is "who are you and what did you do with my dog?"

The scarf I just finished is Noro Kureyon. Fun to knit with the changing colors. Just hope we have some cold weather some day so it can be worn.

My Favorite Rose

2009-06-08T10:16:00.003-05:00

We planted roses about 3 years ago and this one is my favorite. Wish I had labeled them. This one starts out yellow and turns to pinks and reds.

May Apron

2009-05-29T13:12:00.003-05:00

This apron was not easy to make. It has lots of pieces and binding. And my sewing is not what it used to be. But it will be good to wear.

Riley is sick

2009-05-27T11:19:00.003-05:00

He is feeling bad. On Saturday evening we had to go to the vet. He had an infection on his leg and was gnawing at it. She shaved the leg and treated it and gave him several shots. We treat the leg twice a day and give him antibiotics twice a day. He is getting better. The affected leg is underneath him so it must be better. The cone on his head is a trial for him. He keeps bumping into everything, including us. But he is better.

Thoughts on Aging

2009-05-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

Have not posted for awhile so I thought it might be a good idea to talk about aging. My birthday was April 15 and I turned 70 years old. Milestone birthday and still a foreign idea that I am that old. My goodness where did the time go? My dad always said that getting old is not for sissies. Even though I did not know what he meant then I sure do now. Chronic back pain keeps me from exercising much and not exercising causes weight gain which makes the back pain worse. Vicious cycle but I just go with the best I can do. Carlton has a back problem too and an abdominal aneurysm that has to be watched for size. You get different worries at this age than when you are younger. It is difficult to keep the house clean. What I used to do in one day now takes all week. I figure one clean room at a time will have to do. Cooking is difficult because of standing so long so I do small things all day rather than the whole meal at once. I never have been one to take a nap but now it is necessary. But there are good things too. We are blessed that we do not have to work, don't have to get up early, can just keep our own schedule. Our dog Riley keeps us entertained and the house dirty (LOL). Children and grandchildren help keep us young too.

Tin Swap

2009-04-16T16:28:00.003-05:00

This is what was in my box from the tin swap. The wonderful old tin is from an antique shop. The yarn is 2 skeins of Alpaca Soft. There is chocolate, lavendar soap, and a small notepad that is just right for my purse. Thanks Amanda.

April Apron

2009-04-10T19:54:00.003-05:00

My circus apron. I bought this fabric back in the 80's when I was making quilts.
We had a storm tonight, lots of hail but no damage.

knitted bowl

2009-03-27T13:53:00.002-05:00

I was looking through the 2006 pattern a day calendar and found a felted bowl pattern by Susan Wolcott. I had to have a bowl. The yarn is some that I spun on my Kromski. The yellow did not felt well. I do not remember the fiber but it also may be because of the ladder yarn I carried along. The red trim on top and the bottom of the bowl is shetland, which did felt very well. It makes a good place to store yarn I have spun.

Saturday Sky

2009-03-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

It is a truly beautiful day. But Riley wants to be inside with me, that is why he is waiting at the back door.

March Apron

2009-03-17T11:20:00.003-05:00

The fabric is white on white. The green trim around the neck, pockets and hem is vintage. I found it in an antique shop in Adairsville, Ga. where my mother grew up. The pattern is
Butterick 4087. It is great to have a nice new apron to wear every month.

What I am spinning

2009-03-16T12:51:00.003-05:00

This is Shetland wool from Spunky Eclectic. November 2008 club color Raisin Wannabe. I thought this was pretty bright but found that I love it when it is spun. Looks like socks to me.

Back of sweater finished

2009-03-15T18:25:00.002-05:00

Papillon Cardigan from Inspired to Knit by Michele Rose Orne. This sweater has lots of details.

Lace around the bottom then a little ribbing and eyelet to run the tie through. It is a low v neck with short sleeves. The front will be trimmed in black in my version. Lovely sweater.

Oostanaula River

2009-03-13T12:35:00.002-05:00

as it flows into Rome. Cherokee Major John Ridge had a ferry and a home along here. He fought with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama during the War of 1812. His home still stands and is open for tours. Now there is a walkway along this river that many people enjoy every day.

Baby's Breath

2009-03-11T16:35:00.002-05:00

It is surely spring here in Georgia. But it is supposed to be cold next week. But probably not cold enough to hurt anything. My son says it is beautiful in Raleigh too.

Morning Visitor

2009-03-10T15:30:00.002-05:00

When DH went to get the morning paper he saw this visitor on the mailbox. He had to go back after daylight with the camera to get the picture. The frog was still waiting for the mailman.

Finished Yarn

2009-03-05T17:58:00.003-05:00

Just finished spinning this yarn. It is called Lame Duck Mallard from Spunky Eclectic. It is superwash BFL. I spun it thicker so it is 202 yards, enough for a hat or neck warmer or mittens. Saw my ophthalmologist today and no new changes to vision so that is great.

Spring

2009-03-02T16:21:00.003-05:00

Looks like spring around here. Areas north and south of us got snow yesterday but we did not. It rained but today is beautiful and sunny.

Vintage patterns

2009-03-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

These patterns come from a time when they were 35cents. Well that was a while ago. My friend Paula sent these patterns to me. I especially like the one on the lower right.
It is cold and raining here today. Snow was forecast but we did not get any. It is pretty rare to get snow here in north Georgia, even though we are in the foothills of the Appalachians.

February Apron

2009-02-05T17:13:00.001-05:00

The strap has a bow but you can't tell in the picture. Hearts for Valentines Day.

Spinning alpaca

2009-01-14T16:42:00.002-05:00

I am spinning alpaca that I bought at SAFF. It is black and very light grey and is lovely stuff. Riley is where he always is when I am spinning. It is fairly cold outside but the sun is shining and it is a good day to spin.

Apron for Carlton

2009-01-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

Carlton said he wanted an apron too. He does a lot of cooking so I made this for him. The square on front has his name machine embroidered on it. The red fabric around the name is a print of pine cones.

January Apron

2009-01-08T12:36:00.003-05:00

January apron is a bright fabric that I needed to use in this dark, wet depressing weather. Made me feel better. The apron has a narrow row of eyelet around the skirt but no other embellishment. I used McCall's 5551.

We are having flooding around this area. It is too bad some of this rain can't wait until summer when we are in a drought.

Acadia

2008-12-31T11:23:00.002-05:00

Last finished spinning of 2008. This is Acadia from Spunky Eclectic. I spun 526 yards from 4 ounces of hand painted Finn.

Riley Barker

2008-12-23T17:36:00.003-05:00

Riley and Dh. Riley is 6 years old and a real comfort and delight. But he sheds, there is cocker spaniel hair all over the house. Clean it all up and 15 minutes later you see more. He also brings in large leaves and sticks that get caught in his hair. Still he is worth cleaning up after.

Christmas

2008-12-22T16:39:00.001-05:00

The years roll by so fast, can't believe it is Christmas time again. Oldest son and 10 year old grandaughter will be here tomorrow. Happy times.

Backyard visitor

2008-12-14T13:55:00.002-05:00

DH took this picture through the kitchen window. The cardinal and his mate visit our birdfeeder every day. He is sitting in a quince bush. It is cold here but no snow. Parts of the country are having bad snow falls, even New Orleans. I never heard of it snowing in New Orleans before.

It is a good day to sit inside and spin.

December apron

2008-12-09T14:01:00.004-05:00

The top picture shows the color better. The trim is actually the same color as the red in the print. The print reminds me of the movie The Christmas Story, where the little boy wants a b-b-gun for Christmas. The pattern is McCall's 5643, the Posie's Kitchen version. I like this pattern because it is lined.

Miniature dolls Christmas tree

2008-12-04T19:30:00.003-05:00

The picture is not very good but you can get the idea. I love miniature dolls so I decorated a Christmas tree with what I have. The tree is a small table top tree with small white lights.

Found Apron

2008-12-02T14:26:00.002-05:00

When looking through my fabric stash I found this old apron. It is a child's apron and I suppose it was mine though I do not remember it. It was obviously well loved and well used. I could not get the stains out and was afraid to wash it in anything strong because it is so old. I still have a cook book that I used as a little girl so this must be what I wore when cooking.

November apron

2008-11-24T20:12:00.003-05:00

This print is vegetables so I thought that would be appropriate for Thanksgiving month. I used McCall's pattern M5284. I had the fabrics, just bought the pattern and the rick rack to make the apron.

Now I will make a Christmas apron and I have everything I need for it. One grandaughter will be here so I am looking forward to that.

holly tree

2008-11-12T15:28:00.001-05:00

If you enlarge the picture you can see the berries.

Holly Tree

2008-11-12T15:24:00.003-05:00

Not very clear picture. This holly tree was knocked down when we had pines cut out. It grew back over several years and this is the first year it has had berries.

Fall Colors

2008-11-07T13:55:00.004-05:00

When we left for our trip everything looked dull and brown. When we returned we were greeted by this wonderful fall color. Makes me want to knit with these colors.

Smokey Mountains

2008-11-06T19:27:00.003-05:00

After leaving Saff we drove to Raleigh to visit family. Then we came back through the Smokey Mountains. The leaves were beautiful there. We went to Pigeon Forge and bought stone ground cornmeal at the old mill. The next morning we shopped at the Christmas Store in Pigeon Forge, which is always fun.

I have been off the computer because all that traveling and shopping and settling back in when we got home did my back in. But I have been able to knit a little yesterday and today. Tomorrow will hopefully be better.

SAFF treasures

2008-11-03T11:59:00.003-05:00

Things I bought at Saff. Two new bobbins for my Kromski spinning wheels. Lavdender sachets.

A sock blank just because I had never used one and love the colors in this. It is easy to knit and feels nice and soft. The roving is all from Whirlwind Ranch. Their alpaca is the softest I have found. The two color rovings spin up beautifully.

We drove up on Friday in pouring rain that lasted all day. But Saturday was beautiful and a great day for fiber fun. Saff gets bigger every year so by Sat. afternoon there was quite a crowd. It was so much fun to see what all the vendors have. I never did get out to see the animals but did see some lovely rabbits.

If you plan to go to this event you need to make hotel reservations two months in advance as they fill up at this time of year.

Dumpling Bag

2008-10-20T12:10:00.002-05:00

The pattern is in Fall 2008 Interweave Knits. It is a cute bag but I would rather knit with smaller needles. This uses size 13 needles. Oh, my aching hands.

It is a beautiful fall day. It was 38 degrees this morning, the coolest weather we have had here in Georgia for quite a long time. We actually have the heat on. But the leaves seem to be falling without turning anything except dull brown. We have not had enough rain.

October apron

2008-10-12T11:36:00.002-05:00

A good use for some of my fabric stash. I wear aprons for cooking and need some new ones. Ths one has pumpkin fabric for the top trim with 2 cat buttons. I added the pumpkin applique. The pattern is Butterick B4945.

pillow shams

2008-10-04T19:04:00.003-05:00

This is a combination of many quilt blocks that I had finished but never done anything with. So I decided to make pillow shams. Fun to do and used up some materials lying around in the way.

My plan is to use lots of the materials I already have for useful projects.

clothespin bag

2008-10-02T18:29:00.003-05:00

My friend Linda told me how to make this clothespin bag. It is a little boy's size 5T shirt. Just sew up the bottom and you have a clothespin bag. Cute. Got the shirt at a rummage sale for $2.00.

Pillowcases

2008-09-29T09:53:00.002-05:00

I was down to one pillowcase for an odd size pillow that I like on my bed. Since I have a large stash of fabric from sewing and quilting days I decided that I would make new pillowcases using only materials I already had. Success is sweet. The first one is eyelet, the next four are batiste, the last one is flannel. The trims are leftovers from other projects except for the second pillowcase. It has a decorative stitch that is on my sewing machine. This was a fun project and I have several other things in mind to use some of this stash that has been lying around for some time.

Purse for Charley Grace

2008-09-17T14:48:00.002-05:00

This is a cute little purse I found on Ravelry. It looked like it needs to be for Charley and I think she will like it. I used Manos del Uraguay in cherry.

Fairy Ring

2008-09-16T14:54:00.002-05:00

We went to walk at Ridge Ferry Park and found this fairy ring. I have never seen one before. It is not complete just about a half circle. But the fairies can still dance at night on a half circle. This is a beautiful park with a walking path that runs right along the river.

Another smoke ring

2008-09-13T13:13:00.002-05:00

This is my second beaded smoke ring from the pattern by Jackie Erickson-Sweitzer. It is dark grey with red beads. Hope it looks better on my sister in law than it does on the bear.

Finished Scarf

2008-08-13T11:10:00.002-05:00

This is Morning Surf Scarf by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer. The pattern is in Spin-Off Summer, 2008. It was fun to make. The yarn is my own handspun merino and tencil.

Reading

2008-08-05T10:56:00.002-05:00

I really did not read any outstanding books this month. Life of Pi started off really well but it got so violent and graphic that it was hard to read. I did not like the double ending. I think all that should have been left up to the reader, but I don't want to give any specific details that might ruin the book for someone else. The beginning of the book was quite interesting with the descriptions of life at the zoo and Pi's religious activities. And what follows is just life but as is true in life it is hard to take sometimes.

spinning

2008-07-31T09:52:00.003-05:00

This is the yarn from my first Spunky Eclectic fiber. It is lovely soft colors. It would make a beautiful shawl but I only have 300 yards.

Visit from family

2008-07-30T17:46:00.003-05:00

My youngest son and his two children have been here for a week's visit. We made this picture at Berry Schools where we saw many deer. We stayed busy all week and had lots of fun. Playing on playgrounds, wading in the creek at Cave Spring, picking tomatoes at the tomato farm, touring Berry, shopping, it was all great. A 3 year old and a 5 year old keep everybody busy. I already miss them so much.

2008-07-22T14:16:00.001-05:00

Sorry, that should have been Spunky Eclectic in the last post.

Hot Weather

2008-07-22T14:13:00.004-05:00

We are having very hot weather here in Georgia. There are storms and rain but Rome is not getting much of that. It is all around us though. I stay in and spin and knit and read. I am plying the yarn from Crazy Eclectic, reading Life of Pi and knitting a scarf.

Hot Weather

2008-07-22T14:13:00.001-05:00

Green and yellow yarn

2008-07-12T18:51:00.002-05:00

This is my first finished yarn since my wheel was fixed. It is 80% Merino and 20% Silk. The roving was 4.3 oz. and I made 482 yards with it. Not sure what it will be.

New Roving

2008-06-30T19:21:00.003-05:00

My first shipment from the Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club. This is merino/mohair and I love it because the colors are rather subtle. I am wanting to start spinning it but have merino/silk on one wheel and alpaca on the other wheel. Must finish that first.

spinning wheel

2008-06-16T15:34:00.002-05:00

My spinning wheel is fixed!! Happy Day. This wheel was broken several months ago. I ordered parts for it and they finally came. DH put the wheel back together for me. So today I get to use my Polonaise again. I love this wheel. I have a Mazurka wheel too and think the Kromski wheels are great.

Reading

2008-06-07T19:00:00.002-05:00

Reading is the best thing to do in this hot weather. We are having temperatures in the 90's and will for the next 4 months. Angel at Troublesome Creek by Mignon F. Ballard was a good light mystery. Funny even though murder is involved. The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb was excellent. Set in the Appalachians, it tells a lot of history and has an excellent poem to start it off, Small Farms Disappearing in Tennessee by Kentucky Poet Laureate Jim Wayne Miller. I live in the foothills of the Appalachians and love this area. It is beautiful. Now I will be looking for other books by Sharyn McCrumb.

Death by Sock Wars

2008-06-04T13:11:00.003-05:00

Today I was killed with a big BANG. The socks are actually black not green. My picture making skills are sorely lacking today. The socks fit great and I love them. And they were a first pair of socks. Congratulations Trevor.

Tropicana Roses

2008-05-31T12:19:00.003-05:00

I have not been taking very good care of my roses. But this one is beautiful anyway. It starts out orange, then fades to yellow, then soft pink. Gorgeous. I think I will go give it a little tender loving care.

Sock Wars

2008-05-28T16:27:00.002-05:00

My finished socks for sock wars. The yarn is Tofutsies. I started over 3 times, once when I was on the foot. Finally got them to my satisfaction and will get them in the mail tomorrow. Now I can get back to spinning my Jacob wool and mohair. The weather has been beautiful here in Georgia. We had rain today, which was much needed.

baby blanket

2008-05-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

Blocks finished for baby blanket. Now to put them together and make an edging. The 4 corner blocks are the same off white. The color is off in the picture. The first pink block has a heart knit in but it is upside down in the picture.

I just finished reading When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. The setting is Georgia and it tells a lot about heart transplants around a fictional story. I will probably read other books by this author.

climbing roses

2008-05-04T10:31:00.003-05:00

We have three of these climbing roses at the front of the house. They are on the white wrought iron on the front porch. This is such a nice time of the year with things blooming. The pink azalea is blooming right in front of the roses. Yes, pink is my favorite color. I want to get some knockout roses but am debating about red or pink. I need some purple annuals and maybe a few yellow so everything won't be pink.

I am knitting a baby blanket with squares. They are easy to make and I can listen to audio books at the same time.

The Kite Runner

2008-05-01T21:48:00.002-05:00

This is a very powerful book, tragic and informative about another culture. If a book makes you think then it is worth reading and this one certainly makes you think.

I am knitting squares for a baby blanket, have about half of them done.

audio books

2008-04-18T19:35:00.002-05:00

I just finished listening to Murder Gets A Life by Anne George. It is a murder mystery involving two sisters in their 60's who get involved in solving the mystery. It is set in Birmingham, Al. and is read in a very southern voice. It is entertaining to knit to.

The Zookeeper's Wife

2008-04-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

I was rather disappointed in this book by Diane Ackerman. It is just so impersonal. While it does tell what happened to Warsaw and the zoo it does not give any information about Antonina that would make a person identify with her. In the end it says only that she wrote children's books and raised her children, but not how or when she died.

sock bag

2008-04-11T19:46:00.002-05:00

This was in with my mother's things. It looks to be from the 1930's or 1940's. It is hand appliqued and embroidered and in very good condition. Wish I knew who made it. It could have been mine when I was little but I do not remember it.

Spring

2008-04-01T09:38:00.002-05:00

The crabapple tree in the back yard. This tree was knocked down when we cut out pines. We struggled through the years to save it and it was well worth it. I do miss gardening and would love to plan flowers this spring but my back no longer allows me to do that.

Been away

2008-03-29T11:24:00.003-05:00

I have been away from the computer due to the death of my mother. She was 90 years old but that does not make it any easier to lose your mother. I keep thinking of calling her to tell her things that happen, then realize I cannot do that anymore. I have found spinning to be a blessing at this time. Just to sit at the wheel and spin helps to relieve stress. I started a scarf with a really easy lace pattern and it helps to work on that too.

The picture is a baby kimono that I just finished for the great grandbaby. It was an easy knit.

The pattern is in Interweave Knits Summer 2005.

Quilt for baby

2008-02-20T15:46:00.003-05:00

This is the finished quilt for great grandbaby, due in June. I finished it this morning.
Have a sinus infection that just started so have had to rest several times today.

Signs of spring

2008-02-17T17:47:00.003-05:00

It is a rainy cold day but these flowers look cheerful anyway. I have been talking on the telephone to several family members since I got home from the meeting yesterday so have not done any knitting. But it is great to catch up with family. My cousin's son is in the Peace Corp in Armenia and is visiting Germany right now. We have family roots in Germany on the Battson side of the family but I have been told that the name was not originally Battson. It was changed with immigration to U.S. I would like to know what it was originally.

Saturday Sky

2008-02-16T19:18:00.003-05:00

We had a meeting today of our North West Georgia Knitters group. Four of us were there at Barnes & Noble. We talked and worked on our knitting and then went to Panera Bread for lunch and Michael's for shopping. I always enjoy getting together with knitting buddies.

organizing the basement

2008-02-13T17:40:00.002-05:00

We have been organizing the basement. Riley is afraid to come down the stairs so he sits at the very top and looks pitiful while we work. We got storage shelves and now all my roving is in plastic boxes and stored together so I can find things easily. We are throwing out stuff and donating stuff and it looks much better but we are not through yet. It feels good to get organized.

Bad Weather

2008-02-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

The weather has been terrible here in the Southeast. Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky were hit by tornadoes and 52 people were killed. Many others were injured. The storm went north and south of us here in Rome, Ga. We had rain and heavy winds but no damage.

Hillary Clinton won this county in the primary yesterday but Obama and McCain carried the state. It will be an interesting race for president.

My baby quilt is all put together and ready for quilting.

Reading

2008-02-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

Pillars of the Earth is a really interesting book. It has everything, romance, knights in armor, intrigue, building a cathedral, survival, development of the wool industry and many other things. I have always loved reading and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I had to order more yarn for the baby blanket. Since I knew the dye lot would not match I ordered a lighter pink and it looks good with the darker pink. The quilt top is finished, just have to put it together and quilt.

New roving

2008-01-24T17:40:00.000-05:00

Isn't this gorgeous. It came in the mail today, ordered from the silkworker. www.thesilkworker.com It is silk and cashmere called Baby Jane. Can't wait to work with this.

Will It Snow?

2008-01-19T10:31:00.001-05:00

The weather forecasters are calling for snow. Just like the other day when nothing happened here in Rome. It would be nice to see a little snow but the trouble is we usually have ice and fallen pines that knock down power lines and cause lots of trouble. Wonder what Riley would think of snow. He has never seen it and he really hates rain. He loves to have his bath but does not like to be rained on. I have not seen real snow since I lived in New York in 1963. Well, we have plenty of bread and milk, which is what people around here run to the store to get when the weather is bad.

Cotton Candy

2008-01-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

My husband says this roving looks like cotton candy. I am spinning it on my Kromsky Mazurka and it feels much softer after finishing than in the roving. It is merino. It will probably be a scarf with beads since I am really into knitting with beads since my class at the folk school.

Smoke Ring

2008-01-10T13:10:00.001-05:00

Finished Smoke Ring. Pattern by Jackie E-S. Yarn is silk and wool, very soft. This was fun to make. It has a few beads around both ends.

Saturday Sky

2008-01-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

It was 26 degrees this morning, the warmest in 3 days. It was 16 degrees two days. It is good for the peach crop. And humans, I miss the cold weather we used to have. My hand knit wool socks feel good these days.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2008 Amazing. When I was young living in the 2000s seemed so remote. Now here we are.

My new year's resolution is to use the yarn I have. So many projects could be made from what I already have, several shawls, scarves, sweaters, afghans, and many socks. I could make lots of Christmas presents for this year if I get started now. But I also have a great grandbaby coming in the summer that I want to knit for and I have the yarn for that too. It will be the first great grandchild and I really don 't feel old enough for that. But evidently I am.

No picture today

2007-12-30T13:51:00.000-05:00

My son Jonathan and 3 kids came to visit the day after Christmas. Jonathan's birthday was the 27th so we had birthday cake. They have gone back to N. C. and now I suppose we must take down the Christmas decorations. I really enjoyed having the decorations this year. Everything looked so bright and cheerful. I have not had much time for my hobbies but i have managed just a little spinning and a few rows of knitting. I am working on the beaded smoke ring by Jackie E-S.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T16:10:00.001-05:00

Riley with his new Christmas toy. He loves toys that squeak and closely guards them. He almost always has at least one with him.

It is cold and raining today, looks like winter for sure. But you never know, it may be 80 degrees tomorrow. The floors have little muddy footprints all over since I did not clean Riley's feet when he came back in. Time to get out the mop.

We had Christmas dinner with mother at Riverwood and it was very nice. I can get used to not cooking.

John C, Campbell Folk School again

2007-12-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

We spent a great week at the folk school again. These pictures are from the Friday afternoon showing of the work done by all the classes during the week. The bottom picture is of all four of the student's work from our class. Mine is on bottom left. It is the beginnings of a beaded lace scarf. There is a beaded snowflake motif at the bottom which does not show, the camera lights did not pick it up. The cutch colored wool is the beginning of a sock with a beaded cuff. The blue Christmas ball has a hand knit lace circle with beading added. The top picture is just my work so you can see it a little better. Jackie ES taught this class and she was a wonderful teacher. She is creative, patient, helpful and lots of fun. She sells her patterns wholesale so I ordered 8 of them when I got home and have already gotten them from Elann. They are beautiful patterns and very well written and it does not take forever to make something. The folk school itself was its usual delight with programs every night. This time it was Christmas music with a handbell choir on Friday night. They keep you so busy there that there is hardly time to breathe but so much fun. Our class was very compatible. Hi Alice, Jenny, and Rayn. I do enjoy being around people all week who have so much in common.

New doll

2007-11-19T12:31:00.001-05:00

My new favorite Madame Alexander doll. She is Guardian Angel. She has gold stockings and high heel shoes.

Shawl finished

2007-11-14T18:27:00.001-05:00

Icelandic Lace Shawl is finished. Now I am working on a pink silk scarf.

Addiction Additions

2007-11-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

These are all Madame Alexander vintage dolls. I love "Pinkie" the most, probably because pink is my favorite color. In addition to ebay shopping for dolls I am still working on the edging on the Icelandic Lace Shawl and the stole I just started. I believe it is important to have lots of interests and keep active as we age so I am doing my part.

Saturday Sky

2007-11-03T10:24:00.001-05:00

Early this morning there was so much fog that it looked like an English novel with all the descriptions of the fog over the moors. It was rather spooky looking and should have been this way for Halloween. Now the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day. Husband will watch football all day and night so I will knit. I am working on a scarf pattern that I found free from Jane Thornley. It uses lots of texture and sparkle and is great fun to knit. Just collect from stash those yarns that you like together and have at it. The pattern is on her blog and it is beautiful. The top picture is my black and white stash that I am using for this project. You can just see the beginning of the project.

Charley's new hat

2007-11-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

Grandaughter Charley loves hats so I made her a new one. It is hard to tell in the picture but there is a ruffle around it and it looks pretty cute. The yarn is Plymouth Dreambaby Kokonut D. K. I am still working on the crocheted edging on the shawl. Crocheting is much harder for me than knitting so it is taking a while. Knitting seems natural but crocheting seems awkward to me.

New Obsession

2007-10-28T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have a few dolls that were my childhood dolls and some that I have made. But since I have always loved Madame Alexander dolls I decided that I would start a collection. I got these from ebay. The first one is Little Bo Peep. The second one is Cinderella before the ball. Now I need her in her ballgown. Just what I needed, something else to do. But hey, we might as well have fun while we can.

Saturday Sky

2007-10-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday sky with fall colors. We are in a severe drought here. The rivers are drying up and in Atlanta if anyone is caught watering their lawn the water supply to their house is cut off. We had a little rain one day this past week but it was not enough to help. It is a beautiful fall day today. The annual trail ride is today. People come with their horses or mules and conestoga wagons and end up parading down Broad Street. It has grown into a rather large celebration.

I am working on the edging of the Icelandic Lace Shawl. It is almost done.

Saturday Sky

2007-10-06T16:53:00.001-05:00

Lavender Mountain from Conestauga Lake. A beautiful day but hot.

I found two skeins of yarn that I need for a shawl in the planning. One of the gift shops downtown has some nice yarns. I got Crystal Palace Rave in color Roses.

Iclandic Shawl

2007-10-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

This is the progress I have made on the Icelandic shawl. It is very easy to knit and I really like the natural colors.

weekend

2007-10-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

A picture of me with Charley Grace, 2 year old grandaughter.

This past weekend was really exciting. David and Sandy were here from Texas so that was enough to make it special.

In addition we had our 50th high school reunion. On Friday night we had a get together at Heritage Hall, the old Rome High School. I had so much fun visiting with old friends, some from as long ago as grade school. Best of all I got to visit with my best friend from high school. Life has led us in different directions but we still act like best friends. On Saturday night we had a dinner and dance. Everyone got dressed up and we had our picture made all together. Had a lovely dinner and more time to visit.

Getting Better

2007-09-26T17:12:00.000-05:00

I am still recovering but have at least been out of the house. I went to see my mother on Monday. Today I went to the library and got several books on tape. I like to listen to those while I knit. The Icelandic Lace Shawl is coming right along. It is easy to knit and looks very pretty.

I'm back

2007-09-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I will be able to post now. I have been sick for over six weeks with back problems and ear infections. I have slowly been working on the Iclandic Lace Shawl because it is easy to knit and I do not need a challenge right now.

Birthday Party

2007-08-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

Celebration for my mother's 90th birthday on August 12 was great. We had 21 people for lunch at the assisted living home where she lives. Two of my sons and 2 grandchildren drove 17 hours each way to be here. One son and grandson drove 10 hours each way and one son and 2 grandchildren spent a week with us. It was a very busy week but we had fun. My mother's sister who is 93 was here and I am glad they got to see each other again. I have not done any knitting for at least a week. No time.

Cave Spring

2007-08-10T12:06:00.001-05:00

Ice Cream at Cave Spring. The children enjoyed the cave, wading in the creek, and seeing the fish, ducks and a snake. Yesterday we went to the Chattanooga Aquarium but I forgot my camera.

The trifles are for this weekend when we have a lot of company. They are easy to make and very good. Thanks, Linda, for telling me about them.

Not much knitting going on.

2007-08-07T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today is a great day. Judson is bringing his two children to visit for a week. I will take Jacob shopping for his school supplies. He is excited about starting kindergarten. Charley Grace is already crazy about shoes at two years old so I will take her to buy shoes. And I will take them to play in the creek at Cave Spring and to the Aquarium in Chattanooga. Then the rest of the family will start arriving on Friday for mother's 90th birthday celebration on Sunday. Even her 94 year old sister will be there. The White's tend to long lives obviously.

Clue 3

2007-07-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

Mystery Stole 3 KAL clue 3 finished. Hopefully it will look much better when blocked.