tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69509597093741037462011-10-23T17:46:41.224-07:00Complete miscellany...family, friends, fitness, cooking, knitting, sewing, Westies, travel, baseball, Bend...PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-25262627887593564272011-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:002011-01-14T09:33:50.263-08:00

Hi!  Remember me? About three months ago, I was reviewing blog entries and thinking that my blog is a bit stale...boring...so-so.  I thought I should probably find some new topics/projects in the areas of knitting, family, baseball, etc. to write about. Then, in late September/October, I took off on vacation with my DH to visit family while they're spending a year in Alabama.  We had a

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-58884148530766963842010-11-06T11:28:00.000-07:002010-11-06T11:28:03.144-07:00

I've been perusing Ravelry, and while I love all the sorting and sifting capabilities of the site to narrow down what I'm looking for, the choices still seem to overwhelm.  I'm getting ready to start some new projects, and a baby blanket is among them.  I'm not looking for anything too elaborate; just something cuddly and warm that will keep my interest. I'd love to hear from my knitting friends

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-51793880926139347132010-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-23T06:00:03.324-07:00

No, I did not spray paint these.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-41152169274536758292010-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:002010-09-20T18:57:15.665-07:00

I'm holding on to the last gasps of summer, not ready for it to leave. The calendar and the temperature are saying otherwise, though, so I guess I'll try to be a big girl and deal with it. One of my coping mechanisms will probably be food. While I probably should have shared this recipe with you weeks ago (you know: when your tomatoes were starting to ripen, rather than when you would be getting

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-3602950241930696792010-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:002010-09-15T12:20:50.727-07:00

It's times like these when I wish details didn't matter so much to me. I started to cut out a bag this morning using this beautiful Amy Butler print from the Midwest Modern collection.  I've always loved this print; it's so vibrant and dramatic, isn't it? I took great pains to center the motif and ensure it was vertically straight.  But apparently, either I didn't get enough sleep last night

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-47115155153499892632010-09-14T07:44:00.000-07:002010-09-14T07:44:11.014-07:00

Photo courtesy Museum of American Heritage. I don't like any of them.  The names, I mean.  I know many individuals who sew--myself included--and I like them just fine.  But none of these titles works for me. Seamstress:  Sounds like I should be sitting at a treadle machine--or maybe even with just a needle and thread--with an oil lamp lighting my way.  Very Little House on the Prairie.  Very..

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-35192619529110691392010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-13T12:10:45.368-07:00

I've been looking at it for at least three months, telling myself I don't really need one.  And that I should probably wait for the next version to come out. But, then I tell me that I could do all sorts of cool things with it that would eliminate my having to carry around quickly-outdated hard copies of stuff.  And that I wouldn't have to haul my laptop everywhere. In the debates between me,

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-17343870811941740452010-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-12T08:00:01.922-07:00

I to get to hug on these two in a few weeks!  You can be jealous.  It's okay; I understand completely. Happy Grandparents' Day to all those who are!

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-3856157847241171462010-09-11T11:47:00.000-07:002010-09-11T11:47:21.715-07:00

Things are quiet here today.  This is the first weekend in a while that we haven't had plans.  So, I'm going to sew a bit, enjoy the sunshine, knit a little, take the dog for a walk, and be thankful that I'm able to.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-52547397310618787392010-09-08T09:57:00.000-07:002010-09-08T10:03:56.002-07:00

It was the first day of school here in Oregon yesterday.  I have no children in school, and I haven't been in school myself in a very. long. time.  Our grandson did just start his first day of pre-school in Alabama, though (where did that time go?!?), so we got a little taste of the old excitement.  Big changes in his world this week!  Backpack:  check!  Lunch:  check! Is it just me, or does

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-66085547084704747662010-09-06T16:15:00.000-07:002010-09-06T16:31:31.265-07:00

For a very long time, DH has wanted to attend the Best in the West Rib Cook-off held each year at the Nugget Hotel in Sparks, Nevada.  He's a huge rib fan--and so am I--so we took off last Thursday and drove what ended up being uncomfortably close to 8 hours to meet up with some family, friends, and pig.  It took no time to realize we weren't the only ones with this great idea...when they

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-83045352397351930812010-08-31T13:27:00.000-07:002010-08-31T13:31:44.296-07:00

It hit me this week that it's time to start knitting again.  Must be the fall bite in the air (which, btw, is quite annoying since it's still August and we didn't even get the true feel of summer here until practically July.  But I'm not bitter.).  I can't really say I don't have anything on my needles, because I do.  It's been hanging out in my knitting bag for months now, and I can't seem to

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-64029928700220459352010-08-07T16:47:00.000-07:002010-08-07T16:49:09.520-07:00

You've probably noticed that I've tucked references to Bermuda into a couple of recent posts, whether or not it was really relevant.  That's because mentally, I'm still there.   I'm not sure what it was about that trip in June, but the sights and feel of Bermuda have stayed with me more than any "tropical" vacation I've taken.  We've been lucky over the years to have traveled to Hawaii, the

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-70941809481950156142010-07-21T12:42:00.000-07:002010-07-21T12:42:55.016-07:00

We just spent a very enjoyable long weekend traveling around parts of Oregon with our neighbors.  And not just one set of neighbors; two sets!  We are incredibly fortunate to live in a place where you can actually get to know your neighbors.  Believe me, I know that doesn't happen everywhere.  And in this case, I really have to give credit to my DH.  The man doesn't know a stranger, and every

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-2861433354841262532010-07-14T13:18:00.000-07:002010-07-15T06:57:18.649-07:00

Last Saturday was the 35th anniversary of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and my fourth year of attending.  One of my cousins came over from Eugene for the weekend, and we picked up my friend Sue on Saturday morning and headed for Sisters.  We left Bend a bit earlier this year (8:30-ish), which made for a much shorter sit in traffic on the way (although a normally 20-minute drive did take 40...).

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-56405149260249156092010-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:002010-06-21T11:17:14.044-07:00

It's the first day of summer!  After spring pulled a no-show, I'm thrilled to see summer starting off with blue skies and warmer temps.  It feels like we're getting a fresh start and putting a long, cold winter and spring behind us at last.  Seeing a forecast that calls for near-80's this week makes me very happy.  I think I've mentioned it before:  I'm a Bend-in-the-summer girl. Today is

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-42015048450438555742010-05-22T16:32:00.000-07:002010-05-22T16:34:10.301-07:00

April and May (thus far) have been filled with lots of travel and family time, and it doesn't appear that will change much between now and the latter part of June.  I've been to northern California, Seattle, the southern Oregon coast, Boston and New York City.  I've celebrated a niece turning 40 (always a great reality check for those times when I get to thinking I'm not really that old.  Oh yes,

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-2103823270850536952010-03-25T21:20:00.000-07:002010-03-25T21:32:29.035-07:00

It all started innocently enough about three weeks ago.  I found this lovely pattern for a little bolero shrug, and thought it would be perfect for an upcoming island trip in mid-June. So I picked up some Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Taupe (because I figured Taupe will go with pretty much everything, and I presently have no clue what I'm going to wear under it), and with instructions at the ready

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-15347481144759670282010-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:002010-03-28T14:49:46.686-07:00

Forty-three years ago, my parents bought a 160-acre property in rural northern California. It was what would be known today as a "hobby farm". We moved there when I was two, and I grew up there. At the time we called it a ranch, though in retrospect I know it doesn't qualify due to its size. We grew alfalfa, grain, pasture grass, and over the years raised beef, dairy cows, chickens, pigs,

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-26972147420175040682010-03-02T10:57:00.000-08:002010-03-02T10:59:16.636-08:00

I thought this year I'd play along with Ravelry's "Ravelympics", attempting to complete a project during the 16 days of the Winter Olympics.  Deciding to challenge myself with socks for the first time, I ordered some pretty red Stroll kettle-dyed fingering weight from Knitpicks, and dove in to the Monkey Sock pattern from Cookie A...about three days into the games.  That should've been my first

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-89366347666353083152010-02-13T13:50:00.000-08:002010-02-13T13:50:01.917-08:00

I had mentioned back here that I was working on a knitting project for our newest granddaughter.  It arrived in NYC last week...   Since I can't hold her again until April, I sent her a yarny hug. The pattern is Provence Baby Cardigan from Classic Elite Yarns, the buttons are vintage from her great-grandma's button tin, and the yarn is Dream in Color Classy in "Cool Fire."  I think it goes

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-71465208617827340102010-02-04T14:58:00.000-08:002010-02-04T14:58:14.269-08:00

Back here, I promised to tell you how that Tandoori Shrimp turned out.  It was delish!  The recipe was originally intended to be served as an appetizer, but we decided to turn it into a meal and serve it over brown rice.  I used the next smaller count shrimp since it was on sale, so it cooked faster.   Next time (and there will be a next time), I'll go with the size they recommend.  I nearly

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-21709526357024749552010-01-30T12:29:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:29:43.484-08:00

See this?   This is a bind-off.   And this?  This is the beginning of sleeve number two.    Thank goodness I only have two arms.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-11576813964840814932010-01-23T07:07:00.000-08:002010-01-23T07:07:00.119-08:00

I've spent about sixteen years in the wireless industry. As you can imagine, I've been through several evolutions of technology and related accessories during that time. I've always been pretty game to try the newest thing that came down the pike, but the one I can't seem to cozy up to just yet is the Bluetooth headset. Something about it just bugs me. Maybe it's the fact that it's very

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-8341749864022677352010-01-22T06:38:00.000-08:002010-01-22T06:47:50.571-08:00

Try not to yawn as you view this post, please. I had promised to post my 2009 knitting projects, and as you can see, they're not much to write home about. See all those mitts? They're all the same pattern. And the scarves? Same pattern. And the washcloths? Um, double yawn. But, they were all gifts, so cut me some slack, will you?I did manage to do a few squares for a charity blanket

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-17270587366113291962010-01-16T15:55:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:22:45.200-08:00

Somehow, we seem to get into the pattern of the same few dinners over and over again around here. They're easy, we can make them with our eyes closed, etc. Only trouble is, it gets boring. The quarterly dinner group we belong to has been a great way to discover new dishes, but we still revert back to our "pattern eating".In an effort to rectify this, DH and I have made a plan. A challenge. Okay

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-56956207420487072942010-01-07T10:01:00.001-08:002010-01-07T10:05:48.560-08:00

If you've poked around on my page at all, you've noticed I've included Anne Taintor on my list of fun sites. Something about the witty captions combined with the retro/vintage artwork always lifts my spirits and gives me a laugh. And now, as a part of their 25th anniversary, you can play, too! Check this out. If you win, I want to hear about it!

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-76072026293547132812010-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:002010-01-06T16:40:03.004-08:00

Here's a snapshot of sewing FO's for 2009; knitting FO's to follow. My machine's back from its annual service, so it's time to get back to it!

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-64182701675684269452010-01-05T10:46:00.000-08:002010-01-06T11:10:55.007-08:00

I guess it's obvious where I haven't been. I haven't been here, taking note of interesting happenings, sights, or thoughts. I didn't make a conscious decision to take three months off from updating, but lo and behold, three months have gone by. That's not to say that I haven't ventured onto the site, because I most certainly have. As the title suggests, this is a repository for me. It

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-41811103545985481112009-09-30T12:49:00.000-07:002009-10-01T13:21:16.864-07:00

The Minkler Cash Store. Do. Not. Miss. It. Of course, you have to find yourself in central CA, east of Fresno. But, still...completely worth it.If you leave Fresno, CA at 5:20 a.m., you can reach Bend, OR by 4:00 p.m. The same day. While driving relatively close to the posted speed limit. Enjoyed my first rugby game. Of course as a spectator. That is one rough sport. Just like football,

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-55238013421150859552009-09-18T07:09:00.000-07:002009-09-28T06:46:34.952-07:00

Each September and February, a group of girlfriends gets together for the weekend. In September, it's a great way to close out the summer and make sure our connections are strong for the busy fall and winter ahead. There are nine of us now, coming from various parts of Oregon and northern California. We spend the weekend talking, eating, laughing, drinking wine, reading, occasionally knitting.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-71238226940261989822009-08-26T07:00:00.000-07:002009-08-26T07:00:05.687-07:00

As some of you recall, I participated in a half-marathon in January. Shortly thereafter, I was coerced--er, I mean, invited--to do another one in June with two nieces who live near Seattle. Despite the fact that I wasn't able to train as rigorously for the second one, I did complete it, and I did beat my Phoenix time by one whole minute!Yay, me!Considering the Seattle course was hilly, and the

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-51800084723027711402009-08-25T10:56:00.000-07:002009-08-25T11:17:30.368-07:00

Before we get to the end of summer, I wanted to share a recipe I found that I've been enjoying this season. Ordinarily, I don't consider myself a cole slaw fan. It's largely because of the mayo. I'll only eat mayonnaise--and it has to be Best Foods--in certain dishes, and cole slaw isn't one of them. Recently, though, I was asked to bring a salad to a friend's dinner party. The entree was to

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-21503757411140694772009-08-13T10:23:00.000-07:002009-08-13T10:25:34.092-07:00

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-62473896129339549782009-07-18T06:46:00.000-07:002009-07-18T08:28:41.135-07:00

Wow. Another month has passed since my last post. Doesn't exactly make for an interesting read, now does it?I honestly thought life was back on track there for a while, settling into some kind of normal routine. We helped Mom celebrate her 85th...With her 12th great-grandchild...Spent an afternoon with friends at Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms:Unfortunately, we weren't to see the full glory of Mt.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-67924652035284901512009-06-17T07:17:00.000-07:002009-06-17T07:54:54.130-07:00

Remember this?Well, things are beginning to take shape. The past couple of weeks have been busy on several fronts:Gardening (between thunderstorms)Working on the consulting projectEntertaining and enjoying companyTraining for the upcoming half-marathon in SeattleReading a couple of fun, summer-style books: The Girls from Ames, A Salty Piece of LandSewing. Lots of it. Between some custom

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-32111567921431814082009-06-16T14:06:00.001-07:002009-06-16T14:20:28.640-07:00

Periodically, I'll look out to the front lawn to find Sophie stretching out from her back legs, tail straight, nose down, ears forward and an inquisitive look on her face. It's always fun to check out what new bug, snail or caterpillar she is encountering for the first time.Today was no exception. It was definitely something new and different:The neighbors' pet turtle decided to break out and

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-25155427572068099352009-06-08T07:39:00.000-07:002009-06-08T12:37:24.391-07:00

Ingredients:One three-year-old WestieOne six-year-old girlOne tennis ballOne stuffed squirrelOne house with yardTo make:Mix until blended, allowing to flow in and out of house for two days. Remove six-year-old girl. Check Westie on afternoon of second day. Should look something like this, and remain so for at least one day:

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-37642029070514859702009-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:002009-06-01T09:26:25.923-07:00

I don't know exactly what happened to the month of May, but here's a brief glimpse:Jimmy Buffett is not past his prime. He still puts on a terrific show. The wind in Montague can bruise your knee, if it happens to shut your car door on it. And it's the reason I don't plan to ever live there again.There's a vibe in Berkeley quite like no other place I've been (unless maybe Cambridge, MA.)It's

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-72789955782873045522009-04-30T06:48:00.000-07:002009-04-30T09:47:11.091-07:00

It's the last day of April, and my goal of finishing Cables and Os hasn't quite come to fruition. I've made steady progress, but some company over last weekend and some sewing projects I allowed to distract me put a dent in my knitting time this month. So, here it stands:I'm now aiming for mid-May. At least I can take comfort in the fact that we're back in winter here and this probably

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-29053925609291341062009-04-29T16:19:00.001-07:002009-04-30T09:47:36.374-07:00

Honest, I wasn't. But after two straight days of this, I can't stand it. Look at the calendar, will you, please! Then, look at these:And then tell me (insert deep breath here) how I'm supposed to feel like running (which I'm supposed to be doing in about an hour but it's still snowing out and I have this issue where my fingers and toes go numb when I'm out in the cold for very long and I have

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-6159173952352284002009-04-25T08:41:00.000-07:002009-04-25T08:58:42.672-07:00

Last month, I asked for guesses on the year this fabulous pattern was published...Since you were good sports and played along, I've decided to select a winner with the closest guess, rather than requiring the exact year. And, with her guess of 1972, Melissa wins! The year was actually 1971. And yes, I did wear one of these, exactly as you see it featured above. Hey...I was eight, and it was

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-23718713893220496562009-04-22T16:40:00.000-07:002009-04-22T16:40:36.949-07:00

That's my estimate of how many blog posts I'm among out there featuring a photo similar to this one from our beautiful Central Oregon this week.Click on photo to view the Three Sisters and Broken TopI made the drive to Sisters Sunday morning for the Stitchin Post's customer appreciation days (thanks for the heads up, Sarah...I love that store...and it should love me back...), and actually

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-45067800527380536252009-04-15T06:59:00.001-07:002009-04-15T07:21:46.385-07:00

Alas, foiled again for another year (see previous post). One of my nephews found it. Somehow, the camera didn't make it to the hunt with me, so this has to be a photo-free post. For the record, though, it turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon: mid-60's...sunny, blue skies...ahhh...And now, I'm off to devil the dozen I did manage to find. I always think of deviled eggs as such a "retro" dish,

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-33277666277213643822009-04-08T15:02:00.000-07:002009-04-09T09:43:28.460-07:00

I love a good tradition. I find great peace in knowing that no matter what else changes in my life, there is something I can count on to remain constant through the years. It helps me mark time, reflect on my past and shape the future. It ensures a real-life, non-electronic connection in a world that now relates largely via facebook, twitter, and email. While those are fabulous tools, and I

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-74910658719997649872009-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:002009-04-03T14:23:54.184-07:00

Back from our road trip to Idaho/Wyoming/Montana, where it appears--as evidenced here--word has not yet reached them that Spring has begun. We traveled some absolutely gorgeous country, from Jackson, Wyoming through West Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. If you've never been to that part of the world, I highly recommend putting it on your list. And if you're not a winter person, I highly

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-57325351675777060182009-03-24T06:36:00.000-07:002009-03-24T06:57:44.357-07:00

...because DH's birthday is coming up and I just know he'd jump at the chance to wear one of these. I mean really, who wouldn't, when something can make you so obviously happy?Just one of my finds from the Great Upstairs Clean-out of 2009 while I was down at Mom's last week. I have a prize for the reader who can guess the year this pattern was published. I won't tell you what it is yet. But

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-83027774773025013322009-03-14T06:30:00.000-07:002009-03-14T07:11:43.879-07:00

You'd think I'd be past it by now...this business of feeling like an adolescent, expecting to break out in bouts of acne and attitude at any moment.I'm off to spend a week with my Mom, working on projects around the house that she can no longer see to do. Each time I make these trips back to the ranch solo, I feel as though I immediately revert back to that awkward teenager. The "ahh, to be a

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-51342518401183240152009-03-10T07:19:00.000-07:002009-03-10T15:15:06.627-07:00

From Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's "Never Not Knitting" Page-a-Day calendar. Another of my March resolutions: de-stash. How is it possible, you wonder, that a person who has only been knitting for little more than a year could even have a stash? Well, it's like this: As a fledgling knitter, I bought stuff that wouldn't break the bank so that I wouldn't feel guilty if it didn't turn into what it

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-79872838183710146692009-03-08T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-08T13:01:41.053-07:00

Because it's Sunday and I lost an hour of sleep last night, I'm being lazy. So, with a nod to Melissa, via Kathi D, via, via, via...The "unfortunately" meme: go to Google, type your name and the word unfortunately in quotations, and share the results.Unfortunately, Polly will not be able to make finals.I always hated finals, so I'm OK with that.Unfortunately, Polly isn’t planning on writing a

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-11345908118626770722009-03-07T06:30:00.000-08:002009-03-07T09:08:25.286-08:00

It's no longer February. February has always been my least favorite month of the year. Dark. Brr.Spring Training is underway. Go Giants! Go Red Sox! (Yes, I have dual loyalties. I'm a National League girl at heart, but I also have to root for our hometown--home region?--boy, Jacoby Ellsbury . This drives my dyed-in-the-wool-third-generation-Giants-Fan brothers NUTS.)Daylight Saving Time

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-54243525439901406162009-03-06T06:30:00.000-08:002009-03-06T06:30:00.266-08:00

That's how often you can help save a life. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds. Think about that! Even more amazing to me: just 5% of eligible Americans donate on a regular basis. Until recently, I'd fallen into the other 95%...it had been 19 years since my last donation (the look on the volunteer's face when I handed them my old card was

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-8198044441467437172009-03-05T06:59:00.000-08:002009-03-05T07:34:42.130-08:00

It's been a fabric-and-fiber-filled couple of weeks, and I've been stitching like a madwoman. My knitting group is making a blanket to donate to charity, so I bought a skein of Cascade 220 Heathers (in colorway Kansas) and went to town on some squares.Our daughter's friend had their first child...last November. How embarrassingly late can I be with a gift? At least she's not walking yet.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-49357216401906588892009-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:002009-03-02T08:30:48.032-08:00

A couple of years back, we were invited to join a dinner group. Those who know me know that I'm not a chef. I'm barely a cook. I love to cook, but am only secure when following a recipe. I rarely venture into "I wonder what would happen if I put some _____ in this dish?"...my comfort zone doesn't really reach that far. And, for some reason it seems I can use every pot and utensil in the

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-2854834118039315982009-02-28T07:09:00.000-08:002009-02-28T16:02:31.191-08:00

We were on the Oregon coast. Newport, specifically. Every year in late February, their chamber hosts the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. This was their 32nd annual, and we finally got around to checking it out. Because we like seafood. And wine. There's a definite Mardi Gras feel to the event...very festive. But then, how can you not be happy when you're sampling fresh crab, crab cakes (

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-86365949580702468662009-02-14T09:03:00.000-08:002009-02-14T09:50:31.091-08:00

Happy 150th! I've only lived here 27 of them, so I can't really call myself a native. But, I believe that being from the State of Jefferson makes me close to one. In tribute to our beautiful state, here are a few of my favorite places in and around Central and Southern Oregon:Curiosity seekers along a float trip on the Wood River, Southern Oregon.Evening in Fort Klamath, one of the most

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-698936812109874442009-01-31T09:53:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:55:29.596-08:00

I was blessed with the world's best Home Ec teacher in high school, who taught me a love of sewing (and a great affection for seam rippers...possibly the more valuable trait, since I do a lot of it) that I've carried with me ever since. I can lose hours in a fabric store, poring over the fabrics, envisioning what I can make, and knowing that whatever it is it will be uniquely mine. I think for

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-37023327313261955352009-01-28T22:07:00.000-08:002009-01-28T22:07:43.464-08:00

Those who know me know that I'm a fairly methodical person. I tend to do things in a linear fashion, I'm organized (just ask my friend J about my sock drawer...), I see things through. So, how on earth did this happen to me?When I began knitting a year ago (thanks to M), I would start a project, finish it, and then move on to the next. No buying new yarn for me until the last project was

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-67346852545706868392009-01-26T15:50:00.000-08:002009-01-26T16:03:47.163-08:00

After snowing all day on Sunday, today turned off sunny and beautiful with a balmy high of 23. Which would explain why at 3:00 in the afternoon, these trees in the yard still aren't shedding the white stuff. Look at that blue, blue sky!

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-30030326430264967592009-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:002009-01-25T16:04:41.078-08:00

Not even a week. That's how long it took me to decide to do another 1/2 marathon. Am I insane? I don't even know the race course yet...how many hills will I have to trek? Will it be raining? It's Seattle, so most likely the answers are "lots" and "count on it". But hey, what the heck. I seem to have built some momentum with this fitness thing, so maybe I'm just afraid of not having a date

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-88042734142818427292009-01-24T13:25:00.000-08:002009-01-24T14:48:03.925-08:00

Had lunch for the first time today at the relatively new Bend Burger Company. As I do with all first-time visits to burger joints, I ordered the basic burger to form my first impression. In this case it was The Bend Burger. A little bit of cayenne (I think) spiced up the burger sauce, but not so much that it hid the taste of the beef itself. Topped with pickles, tomato, red onion, shredded

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-13230865026564295642009-01-23T07:08:00.001-08:002009-01-23T12:01:38.893-08:00

How many times have you heard "the pictures don't do it justice"? Trite, cliched...and true. There just isn't a substitute for standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon to understand its magnitude...unless it's standing down at the bottom...which I wouldn't know about because it was too cold and too short a trip to make the hike. Nonetheless, it was one of those rare times in my life when I've

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-77619306950485828882009-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:52:18.308-08:00

I completed my first half marathon on Sunday the 18th. I was one of 21,990 finishers at the P.F. Chang's Rock n Roll Arizona Half Marathon, with a time of 2:49:51. I wasn't competing to place, but to finish, so I was pleased to be able to beat my 3:15 estimated time. I ended up running (jogging) more of the race than I'd planned...probably close to 40% of it, and that put me about in the

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-48199998278272737412008-11-10T16:17:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:25:10.036-08:00

Don't we all envision a perfect girls' day out now and then? Well, I just had one, and it went something like this:No alarm clock; slept until 7:00.Leisurely coffee, then breakfast.Six-mile walk (continuing training for half-marathon in January). The weather cooperated beautifully!Facial appointments here. Steamed and napped while she had her treatment, and vice versa.Sushi here.A little

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-67525976473554690252008-11-05T07:20:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:37:09.814-08:00

Two decades. 7,305 days. 175,320 hours. I could keep going, but you get the point. Today is our 20th wedding anniversary, and I consider it a pretty big milestone. Has it been all roses? Of course not. But it's been a wonderful journey with a good man, and I wouldn't trade any of it. So, in honor of our special day, I present twenty things I love about my husband (in no particular order):

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-30610658205941255222008-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:35:08.178-08:00

There we were, preparing Sunday breakfast when we had a visitor not more than 10 feet outside our kitchen door. Sophie went ballistic, so he was all the way to the alley before we were able to snap a shot. I didn't get the chance to ask if he's the one who ate my petunias all summer...

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-44149783730339734862008-10-31T15:08:00.001-07:002008-11-03T09:26:23.606-08:00

Blue sky days + chilly nights = leaves on fire.One of the maple trees that lines our front yard.And a vine maple on the south side of the house.Is it any wonder this is my favorite season?

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-58811725484326912552008-10-31T14:34:00.000-07:002008-10-31T14:47:48.971-07:00

I think I've broken it, finally. For months now, I've been experiencing A.D.D. where reading is concerned. More than a magazine or newspaper article, and my mind would wander off, unable to focus on the content of whatever I was taking in. I couldn't get excited about the books on my nightstand. I would listen to people talk about the various books they'd just finished reading, but none of

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-8879936395902698462008-04-20T10:13:00.001-07:002008-05-08T17:13:06.757-07:00

It's a felted bag, made with Noro Kureyon yarn in color 95.  Yes, I'm learning to knit.  And I love it. I love the colors in this--they're happy.  And the way it striped is cool.  I'd say this is probably my first official "project" aside from my two practice scarves.  Now, I'm on to learning the entrelac technique.  Just when I thought I had it figured out, I did something goofy last night and

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-10940177827911373712008-04-19T21:14:00.001-07:002008-05-08T14:22:25.416-07:00

Well, never mind.  It snowed today.  April 19th.  I realized around 2:00p.m. that the temperature was HALF of what it was a week ago.  I'm fairly certain those daffodils are sorry they raised their little heads last weekend.  Ah, well.  It's going to make the warm weather that much sweeter when it finally arrives.  Right?  

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-83079543783889425302008-04-19T21:03:00.000-07:002008-05-07T11:54:48.248-07:00

Me? Emotional? You bet. Seven years, nine months, and one day. A record for me as far as working for one company (seven years seems to be my magic number where employment is concerned). It was quite a week. Wednesday brought FCC approval for the merger, and I walked in Thursday to find this on my desk. What a great remembrance gift. On Friday, the sale closed and the building was a mash

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-8454152108039009402008-04-12T16:12:00.000-07:002008-04-14T16:04:02.421-07:00

The beautiful weather promised earlier in the week is here! I do believe I could see these daffodils growing today. It's a beautiful day, and it's been perfect in pretty much every respect so far. I can't recall the last time I slept until 9:15, but I did this morning! Talk about completely decadent.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-906750650356861562008-04-09T16:18:00.000-07:002008-04-09T16:25:17.607-07:00

My office is on the second floor of our building, so this pillar outside my window is a good 15' or so tall. Right as I walked in, this goose lit on top of it...and posed for a good two minutes. Good thing, because I was so surprised to see it there, it took me a minute to get the camera working. It made me think about how I've never seen a goose land on anything but the ground. Weird.

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950959709374103746.post-10553079640812876752008-04-08T09:51:00.000-07:002008-05-08T14:23:28.122-07:00

On my way to the office this morning, the radio spot said "Spring is in the air! It's time for planting...blah. blah. blah." Ah, timing really is everything. It's April 8th and there are 2" of snow at my house. Somehow, I don't think I'll be doing much planting for another few days. And believe me: I am ITCHING to get my hands in the dirt. There is a promise of 70-degree weather on the way this

PJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929560358775319921noreply@blogger.com0