Ciao dall'Italia (Hello from Italy)

Ciao dall'Italia (Hello from Italy)

I am a lucky participant in Lynne’s Special Swap and travel genius Lu sent me off to Italy!

Ciao dall’Italia! La LU bella lo ha trasmesso fuori su un viaggio bello in Italia. Ci erano tesori dappertutto e non potrei chiedere un agente migliore di corsa. La LU proviene dall’Italia in modo da lo ha trasmesso a tutti i suoi posti favoriti!

Translation: Hello from Italy! The lovely Lu sent me off on a beautiful journey to Italy. There were treasures everywhere and I could not have asked for a better travel agent. Lu is from Italy so she sent me to all of her favorite places!

As you can see – Lu sent me some amazing goodies! Zara Plus and Karabella yarns in awesome colors! Sensibilità così morbida e squisita! An incredible idee & filati magazine with some amazing patterns inside, molto chic. Some lovely, much needed, note cards – semplicemente perfetto! And, last but not least, some incredible Italian chocolates. Wow, erano squisiti oltre le parole! My kids loved them!

LU, grazie, li ringraziano, li ringraziano per essere così socio stupefacente di scambio! Adored il pacchetto ed il viaggio!

I wonder what Lynne has planned for the next 2 months!

On the life front – work has been insanely busy. I have worked until 8 or 9 PM most nights this week. Plus, I have had kid comittments to squeeze in. On top of all of that – I came down with a “Spring Cold”… that has left me feeling, as Garrison Keilor would say, “mighty puny”. Plus – last weekend, I watched my girlfriends 2 year old son – Alex. This mom of teenagers had “amnesia” for how quickly a toddler can get into something. Before I knew it, young Alex had “frogged” my second Bloomin’ Feet sock! Now, mind you – I was almost the the toe decreases!! AARRGGHH!!!!!! I am sure you all probably heard my mournful wail! Alex certainly thought it was fun – this might be the way to frog all items – the pain is not slow, but quick! Of course, the number of tangles in the yarn was exponentially increased with the number of times he moved as he frogged. Can you say tangled mess? I’d have gotten a picture – but I could not find the camera. Suffice it to say – I have cast on again and I am about an inch from the heel flap. What is on my agenda for the weekend? Can you say knitting!?! For all you bloomin’ feet participants who are reading – be patient my sock pal – it shall arrive next week! And, I have an “Alex Ban” in effect until the sock is cast off!

On top of all of this – there is some good news on the personal front. I have been having some dinners with what seems to be a very nice gentleman (that sounds old doesn’t it?). I am intrigued with him – and looking for flaws. I have not seen any that are scaring me to date. He has a good sense of humor – makes intelligent conversation – works – and he has a big goofy dog. He seems more than a bit interested in me – which amazes me. LOL. I am a middle aged, slightly overweight (okay, this may be an under exageragtion, but it is my blog! LOL) and I have 3 teenaged children. I find this frightening myself! He is 3 years younger than me – and I am very surprised our paths have not crossed before. We have many mutual friends. In fact, it was through a mutual friend that we were introduced. For now – it is nice to have dinner with someone occasionally. We have also been going for long walks on Sunday afternoons – which has been a much needed activity in my life. For now, I am enjoying myself. One day at a time.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

PS – if you are wondering about my Italian – go check out www.altavista.com, Babel Fish is a wonderful tool!

I am a travelin' girl…

Hello everyone! I had a great weekend here in sunny, warm Western Michigan! Yes – you read that right – sunny and warm! The leaves are popping out on the trees, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming! It appears that spring has decided to stay!!

I got a wonderful package from my Special Swap pal – I will post pictures from my journey tonight. It is an awesome package of goodies – incredible yarny goodness!! More later on this.

My package will go out today – if my day goes as planned! I got a few calls over the weekend with some things to take care of this morning – but I have planned the day as a “paper catch up day”.

More later on my weekend adventures!

Cafe' Pops and one proud Mom!

Hello Everyone!! Last night was my daughter Heidi’s big spring orchestra to-do! It was Cafe’ Pops – some great desserts to delight your palatte and some even better music to delight your ears. Heidi is a sophomore and is in Concert and Symphony Orchestra – she plays the cello. I tried to snap some photo’s last night – but it was a bit dark and the “no flash” request had gone out to all of us in the audience. This is the first year for Symphony Orchestra at Holland Public Schools – this is true dedication for both students and teacher – this class starts at 6:30AM every morning – this is an hour and 20 minutes before the regular school day starts! All I can say is WOW! They were awesome – it was an evening designed for a mother’s pride. I have been attending concerts for Heidi since she was in 5th grade orchestra – let me tell you, all those hours of practice have certainly paid off. The high end cheese cakes paled in comparison to the musics the students played. I had goosebumps! If any of you would like a “replay” there is one more big event – the All-City Concert is May 20th at the Dome. Not only will you hear the Orchestra’s and Jazz Band that played last night – you will be treated by the Middle School Orchestra’s and the 5th grade orchestra. Come on out and have your senses delighted by our amazing musicians!!

Not much to share on the knitting front – and work is still at an insane pace. I am happy it is the weekend!

Have a good one – one and all!

Sunday's are fun days!

Sunday's are fun days!

Hey everyone! Well, I had a great weekend – a really great weekend! The weather seemed to have given us all a break and the sun came out! It is amazing what a little sunshine can do!

On Friday I got together with some friends for dinner – we laughed and had a great time. On Saturday, I did a bit of work on the phone in the morning – this is okay – I am thankful for the business. I went to play Euchre on Saturday afternoon – more laughter and more friends! On Saturday night I went to see a hockey game (okay – hockey????) But – it was fun or at least the company was fun!

Sunday dawned and it was so nice that this afternoon I went for a walk along Lake Michigan – my poor body could certainly use some exercise – it was so lovely!! Fresh air, sunshine – and my walking companion was a nice surprise. Ladies – I can tell you that chivalry appears to still be in existance. It was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon…. my poor pups are snoring in my bed right now – they are tired!!

I have a hectic week looming before me – and I am heading off to a nice hot bath with a glass of wine and the Yarn Harlot’s new book!

I will leave you with a photo of my finished Bloomin’ Feet Sock – the other is about half way done.

I need to get my Special Swap out in the mail, but I am not sure it will happen this week – but I will have it winging it’s way to it’s recipient the following week for sure!

Have a great evening everyone!

Operation Haremail

I love to arrive home and find a package on my doorstep! I arrived home Tuesday to find a nice little box waiting for me! I got my package from my partner for Operation Haremail – Debra (I think she is blogless because she did not send me her email or her blog address! Hint, Hint, Debra if you are out there reading this!!) sent me a nice package that contained a book, an adorable bunny pen, and a great chocolate bunny! Thank you so much Debra for the treats! I would post a picture, but I cannot find the camera cord!!

On the weather front – we had melting of snow this week – only to have Mother Nature drop another 5 inches on us yesterday!! Aaacckk! It made for just lovely driving conditions! We have more of a mix today – some rain, some freezing rain, some flurries – I think that covers all the precipitation one could get, doesn’t it??? LOL

I have been extremely busy at work but this is a good thing. I am off to finish getting ready to head out the door. Have a great day all!

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