Like hotcakes, I tell ya.

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, I am!), watched a granddaughter be baptized, attended our daughter's bridal shower, met our future son-in-law's family, attended the umpteenth annual family Easter egg hunt (see last year's post on that one), met my newest great-nephew who came into the world at a whopping 3 lbs., 10 oz. (and eight weeks early), and had a little "down time" with four of my seven girls' weekend girls.

While I wouldn't have missed a single one of those events for the world, it's made for interesting times in terms of trying to keep up with the rest of life, as evidenced by my nearly two-month absence here.   My house is passable, but certainly not up to my usual standard of clean.  My writing work has been done on schedule, but I haven't been actively pursuing additional projects due to all the travel and family commitments on the horizon.  I've not been able to get to Knit-Up since early April.

What I have been doing is this:

Reversible drawstring bags

I'm not usually one to cast blame, but I really have no choice here.  It's my friend Melissa's fault.  She asked me for a bag for her one-skein knitting projects.  So, I made her one.  Then I made a couple more and put them on Etsy.  They sold.  Then, I received an order for nine.  Then, I was contacted by a yarn shop owner in NY about private-labeling some for her shop (we'll see what, if anything, comes of that).   And in the midst of it all, orders for my other bags seem to keep coming, as well.  

I may have to give up sleep between now and the end of June, but I'm having a blast.  And thankfully, I've been so busy that this ridiculous weather has been little more than an annoyance.  I can hardly imagine how guilty I'd feel spending my day at the sewing machine if it was actually warm enough to garden...

I really don't know what to say.

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 I cast on and went merrily on my way.   The three inches of k2 p2 rib was just the right amount to avoid getting bored.  Time for the lace pattern!

This pattern is short and sweet, concisely written, and the lace pattern is easy to memorize.  Pretty, isn't it?

It would probably be even prettier if I had followed instructions.  

I am now 15.5 inches into this project...three weeks later...about two evenings a week of relaxing repetition...without adult beverages, I might add...and it's time to revert back to k2 p2 rib to complete the top.  Or bottom.  I'm not sure which.  It's basically a rectangle before you seam it, so it probably doesn't matter.  What matters is this:

Do you see it?  Do you see that part that says "Switch to size 8 needles now..."?  Well, I saw it.  And I dug into my handy dandy interchangeable needle kit to switch back to my size 8 needles, only to discover that I had only one size 8 needle in my handy dandy interchangeable needle kit.  My other size 8 needle was missing!  Where could it be?  Who had been pilfering my handy dandy interchangeable needle kit?  My knit-up friends aren't the pilfering type, so it certainly couldn't be them.  My husband doesn't knit.  Neither does the dog.  I don't have any other projects going right now with the exception of socks, and we all know those don't use size 8 needles, now don't we?

And then I discovered it.  My other size 8 needle wasn't missing at all.

It was on the end of my cable. Opposite my size 10.5 needle.  The one that was supposed to have a matching 10.5 needle on the other end of the cable, but whose matching 10.5 needle was tucked snugly in my handy dandy interchangeable needle kit.

One of these things is not like the other.

No wonder that one row seemed a little tight on the needle.  And maybe that explains why the lace pattern seems to slant to the right.  Heck, I don't know.  I seriously don't know what to say about it all (she says, despite the fact that she's been rambling for several paragraphs...).  I'm still sitting here wondering how I went three weeks without noticing I was knitting with needles of two (noticeably) different sizes.

Obviously, the lack of adult beverages was NO help at all.  Hmph.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

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, kept bees and extracted honey (if you've never extracted honey, I highly recommend it!), had dozens of barn cats, two fox terriers, and had a couple of horses around for general purposes.

The house was nothing to write home about...built by the original owners in the 1940's, it has always been obvious that many corners were cut. Insulation was apparently deemed an unnecessary luxury, and the plumbing and wood stove flue/chimney would often set my Dad reciting a string of expletives that I've yet to master (think "A Christmas Story" and the boiler in the basement, and you'll get the idea). By the time we moved to the property, two of the six kids were already grown and gone, which made the three-bedroom, one-bath setup a bit more bearable...only six people to accommodate!

Our view out the front window was of Mt. Shasta. 14,162 feet of wondrous Cascade volcano. No matter where life and travels take me, I always get a special feeling when I round a corner on the highway and see that mountain come into view...I'm instantly home.

At some point along the way--I don't remember the exact year--Dad and Mom sold half of the property, leaving them with a more manageable 80 acres. When one of my four brothers returned from college with his degree in field agronomy and became engaged, they sold half of the 80 to him and his new wife.

I learned about responsibility and work ethic on this property. My Dad worked full time as an appraiser for the county before retiring in 1982. Watching him work a full time job, and then work a second full time job irrigating, haying, calving, feeding, milking cows, etc. gave me an appreciation for doing what needs to be done.  The rewards were tangible, and the most basic of farm chores stay with me today in the form of fond memories.  To this day, one of my favorites is getting up with Dad around 4:00 - 4:30 a.m., climbing on the tractor with the baler in tow, and baling hay for a few hours while watching the sun come up over the mountains that rim the Shasta Valley.  The smells, sights, and sounds of that experience will be with me forever.  It was heaven on earth.

And now, the time has come for a new chapter for this beautiful piece of property.  Since Dad passed away in 1984 (having only two years of retirement to enjoy his beloved ranch), Mom has stayed, feeding calves and thawing the water trough in the winter, hauling wood for the wood stove, working in the yard.  She's 85 now with macular degeneration, and none of those things are nearly as manageable for her as they once were.  After much deliberation on her part, she came to the realization it was time for a change.  Which explains my absence for the past couple of weeks.  I've been down helping her sort through nearly 44 years of memories, paperwork, and STUFF.  And, for the first time in 60 years she now lives back in town, out of view of her mountains. To say it's a big change for her would be an enormous understatement.

As I lifted the last box and prepared to leave the house on Saturday, I stood in the kitchen and replayed my own decades of memories.  The huge family dinners; the nights when my parents would have their friends over to play cards; game nights with Dad, Mom, and my brother; quiet Sunday afternoons with a book in front of the fireplace.  I feel blessed that the vast majority of memories were filled with lots of laughter and contentment.  My parents provided me with a wonderful home life and childhood, and I will be forever grateful.

And now, while one book closes, another begins.  My brother's son has purchased the ranch from Mom, and will relocate there soon to return it to its prior operation.  Cows, dogs, hay, grain, and early-morning baling will return as the next generation takes its turn. I think Dad would approve.

I didn't medal. Not even close. But I'm still happy!

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 clue that this was not going to happen.  But hey...I've never claimed to be a genius.  And, I had a lot going on with sewing orders.  I also had two other knitting projects in the works that, due to various reasons, did not qualify to enter Ravelympics.

So, here's where the sock stands as of closing ceremonies.  The bad news:  one sock, not close to finished...

 The good news:  I've learned to turn a heel and work the gusset, and it's not nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be (unless, of course, I'm doing something very, very wrong...).  I'm really enjoying the lace work in this pattern...easy to follow and pretty when it's on.

Now, about those other two projects I mentioned above.  I've alluded to one of them for several weeks months now, and am happy to report that it's complete before its first birthday (according to my Ravelry page, I started this on 3/18/2009.  Another reason I like Ravelry:  it keeps you honest!).  Here it is...the Cables and O's Cardigan by Brooke Snow:

I cannot begin to tell you how good it feels to have this done.  It's a great pattern, well written and not difficult to follow, but I'd let it languish for so long that I was becoming very bored with everything about it...the color, the yarn, the pattern, all of it.  Poor thing...it really didn't deserve it.   Thankfully, now that it's done, my excitement has returned and I'm looking forward to wearing it all spring!

And speaking of excitement, here's a project that was the antithesis of Cables and O's...

This is Talia, from Sweaterbabe.  I...the sloooooow knitter...finished this in just over a week (granted, I had a lot of road time to spend knitting that particular week).  Love, love, love the pattern.  Super fun!  So much so that I'll be making it again.  Soon.  In red.

So...no medals for me, but two F.O.'s and a lesson in socks.  I think I can live with that.

Super Model

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 great with those beautiful dark eyes and all that HAIR!  

Just another of the many reasons I'm grateful to Melissa for teaching me to knit!

The dish on the new dish deal

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 forgot to bring out the pineapple chutney, which would have been tragic as it was a really great complement to the shrimp.  All in all...a winner!

The following weekend, we had French Onion Burgers (DH's choice).   Since they tasted a whole lot like meatloaf to me, I didn't get too excited about them.  Don't get me wrong...I actually love meatloaf!  Just didn't feel they were a "new" dish.  Plus, I like our current meatloaf recipe better.

That brings us to this past weekend.

 

Halibut in Spanish Garlic Shrimp Sauce with Soffrito Collard Greens.  Yes, Collard Greens.  I expected to have a difficult time finding them in this part of the country, but I obviously haven't spent enough time near the Swiss Chard, Beet Greens and such.  They were everywhere! 

Oh, my, this was a keeper.  The Collard Greens were a great side dish, and they disappeared.  Of course, it could have had something to do with the minced bacon...

Progress.

See this?  

This is a bind-off.

 

And this?  This is the beginning of sleeve number two.

  

Thank goodness I only have two arms.

Old school

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 hard to tell when someone is on the phone. Maybe it's the look...just a little bit Jetsons. Or Star Trek. I'm not sure which. I've tried to adapt, believe me. I really have. And, I'll probably try again someday.

But today isn't that day.

So, when Oregon's new law came about this month, and everyone was snapping up their new wireless headsets and speakerphones, I went digging through my archives and found this.

I may be the only one sporting this little number, but at least you'll be able to tell I'm on the phone.

2009: The Year of the Mitt

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 project, which was fun. And a baby sweater for one of our Bend Knit Up group members. And I started a sweater for myself. See that itty bitty pic toward the upper right? The blue one? Yep, that's the one. Still looks pretty much like that.

Except that it has some company now...

That is a sleeve. Yes, Virginia, there is a chance I'll be wearing this sweater someday.

Crawling out of the rut

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, a resolution. This year, at least two weekends each month (provided we're at home), we're going to take turns choosing and making a new recipe for dinner. Most anything goes, as long as it doesn't use too many expensive, exotic ingredients. In the end we should have--give or take--two dozen new items to add to our line-up.

We both love all kinds of foods, so there really is no excuse for this bad habit. And for years (oh, say, roughly seven...), we've been subscribing to a great cooking magazine, Cuisine at Home. It comes six times a year and contains all sorts of tempting recipes, helpful cooking tips, equipment reviews and NO ads! See what I mean? No excuses!

So, last weekend was Yankee Pot Roast...a new twist on an old standby (and DH's selection for the week). Tonight: My turn. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Feeling witty?

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!

2009: The year I started sewing again

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!

Where on earth have I been?

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 contains links to other sites I enjoy in the way of blogs and reference. So, periodically over the past three months I would find my way here, think about how I really should post something, and then venture on to one of the blogs I'm following (see the sidebar).

Now wait a minute. Before you think I've been doing absolutely nothing in the way of writing, you should know this: I have been writing...for my work. Which may explain why I haven't updated here! Because when I completed my writing work for the day, my focus turned either to my sewing or--finally!--to my knitting. I can't show you the knitting project just yet (for those on Ravelry, you can see it in my projects), but I can show you the recipient:

Isn't she pretty? I think so. Her name's Adelyn. But, we'll mostly call her Addie. I'm in love.

So, with the new year comes renewed effort to keep taking notes on life around me, and to share it here. I wish all of you out there the best this year has to offer. Cheers!

Random reflections on September

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. Enjoyed my first rugby game. Of course as a spectator. That is one rough sport. Just like football, without the helmets and pads. Ouch.
4. Rugby players are a wild bunch.
5. I wish someone would've told me sooner about the wonderfulness that is Aloha Cafe's Lava Chicken. Wait. I may have been better off not knowing.
6. I should play golf more than once a year.
7. I get to be a MIL again! So very happy for DD#2 on her engagement.
8. Guess I'd better get back to a regular workout schedule. And lay off #5.
   
9. All this cool weather makes me think it must be time to fire up the needles.
10. Do I finally finish the sleeves on that blasted sweater, or find some new inspiration?
    

Watch out for that blind curve. It's seriously deadly.

Above the bar at Minkler Cash Store. Yes, you can have a beer before you do your shopping. Or after.

Restorative

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...nothing strenuous. Our weekend this year had the perfect setting: Lake of the Woods in southern Oregon. My friend's family cabin on the east side of the lake is the perfect setting at all times of day...

Just after sunriseEarly afternoon

Evening

It's a little piece of paradise, right here on earth.

Despite the fact that I never wanted to leave, I think I'm now ready to take on whatever the world throws my way this fall.

I ran a marathon! Well, sort of...

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 Phoenix one was flat as a pancake, I was thrilled to come in with a better time.

If you're a runner who enjoys participating in these events, I have high praise for the Rock 'n' Roll Series of races. Not because the music along the route is outstanding (I honestly didn't feel it was, in either race), but because the races were so well organized. From the registration packet pick-up to the finish line, it was a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Seattle course was absolutely beautiful, too. It began in Tukwila and wound up through the Seward Park neighborhood, along Lake Washington, through the I-90 tunnel and into downtown. Great views!

Now, imagine my surprise when another medal arrived in the mail recently...
See that? It says 26.2 miles! That's a marathon, right?! Never mind the fact that it took me six months to get it done.

One to enjoy before summer's behind us

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 be chicken enchiladas, so I went on the hunt for a complementary Mexican recipe. I think I've found my kind of cole slaw! This Spicy Southwestern Slaw was very refreshing with lots of distinct flavors. I'm a bit wary with jalapenos and cayenne, so the only modifications I made to the recipe were to substitute diced green chiles for the jalapenos, and to use only about 1/4 tsp. of cayenne. Everyone still felt it was spicy enough, and allowed the other flavors in the salad to really stand out.
If you're a cabbage fan, I recommend giving this a try! It'd be a great addition to fish tacos, too. Hmm...maybe that's what's for dinner!

Happiness is...

Fifty. Yes, fifty.

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. Shasta that afternoon...it's there in the clouds.But the new shop is beautiful!And, oh, the smell of all the fresh lavender. Heaven!

If you get to northern California between mid-June and mid-July in any year, I encourage you to make a stop at the farms. Take a picnic and enjoy the views of the Shasta Valley and the mountain. The sights and scents will do you good.

Yes, that was a lovely weekend, and we returned home with the expectation of settling back into the regular flow of the weekdays and weekends of a Bend summer. Then the phone started ringing.

In that last full week of June, two days apart, I lost two of my first cousins. One from each side of the family. Neither one expected. It's been hard. Really hard.

I'm part of a huge family. Loads of aunts and uncles on both sides of the family (Mom was one of seven; Dad one of eleven), many of whom had loads of children. I came along at the tail end of the generation, so it has become a fairly frequent occurrence that one of my aunts or uncles passes away...most into their 80's or 90's. I miss them all, but am grateful for the long, fulfilling lives they led and for the chance to have been able to know them and hear first-hand the stories and experiences of a Depression-era generation.

As a result of all those aunts and uncles (and I know what you're thinking, but no, they weren't all Catholic, and none of them were LDS...), I am one of 50 first cousins. Yes, you read that right. 27 on my Mom's side, 23 on my Dad's. I haven't recently made a count of these cousins' families, but I'm pretty sure if you put us all in one place we could incorporate a small city. I have my "go-to" cousins for a wide array of issues and advice. They are relatives, but they are also friends. Thankfully, I can say the same for my brothers, sister, nieces and nephews.

It's a mixed blessing, this huge family thing. On one hand, I've had--and continue to have--a lifetime of picnics, weddings, BBQ's, reunions and other assorted family gatherings that have made for a lifetime of happy memories.

On the other hand, I've attended way too many funerals at this point in my life, and I know there are far too many ahead. But, as our family tends to do, we use humor as our coping mechanism. They're now called "going away parties."

Metamorphosis

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 project
• Entertaining and enjoying company
• Training for the upcoming half-marathon in Seattle
• Reading a couple of fun, summer-style books: The Girls from Ames, A Salty Piece of Land
  
• Sewing. Lots of it. Between some custom orders and other items, it's been fun to play with fabric and exercise some basic math skills in the design process. Here are a few finished products:
  

File tote for a mobile office

Laptop sleeve

Cord and charger case for a road warrior

What hasn't been happening? Knitting. Must fix that. But right now, I have three more handbags to complete this week.