by Kat | Oct 25, 2007 | General
Hello everyone. Fall has, at long last, arrived! When I got up this morning it was so crisp and chilly outside. It smelled so great! This is a great improvement from the “wet” smell in my condo. Yes, you read that right – wet. The switch went out on the sump pump and I have some wet carpet downstairs. I am fortunate that I caught it early – Servicemaster – who I am on a first name basis with – came late yesterday to extract the water. I have my own personal wind tunnel now until the carpet is dry!
So, just in case you are all wondering if I will be checking into the loony bin – although I had some serious thoughts about doing just that – I am doing just fine on the edge of crazy here.
I have been working on the finishing touches for Lynne’s Special Swap for this round – the theme surrounds a movie. I think that this theme has been exceptionally wonderful and I am excited to see what my pal sends me and to see her reaction to what I will be shipping off to her. I hope to have everything ready to head off this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend – I am picking up my first try at Angel Food Ministries on Saturday. I will let you all know what my thoughts are on the food I get. Although – for $25.00, this will be a HUGE savings on the monthly food bill here.
I heard a lovely reminder this morning on the news – in 2 months it will be Christmas. Have you started your holiday knitting yet?????? Yeah, I think I have the same answer here that you all have in your homes. I had better get moving on some easy projects – I have a slate of mittens on my project list, a hat for my son, some slippers for my mom – and I am going to pull out some hibernating WIP’s to move out of here! This may mean that I have to put the spinning wheel away for awhile! Stay tuned for some interesting WIP updates!
Last night I sat down and finished spinning the Wensleydale I got at the Allegan Fiber Festival – now all I need to do is ply! I believe I have gotten the hang of drafting and maintaining a fairly consistant strand while spinning – the plying should be easy, one would think, right? Well – Blogless Mary and I are taking a plying class in November at The Spinning Loft and I hope to become more proficient at plying then! I plyed the Corriedale and I have MORE than enough to knit myself a pair of socks. They will have to wait until after my holiday knitting is completed before being cast on!
Well, I better get off to work – have a good day everyone.
by Kat | Oct 20, 2007 | General
Good morning!! Yes, we are up bright and early here – I have to head into work shortly and I wanted to finish up the laundry so I was not stuck doing that for the remainder of the day! This is the best time of the day – it is quiet, I can sip my coffee, catch up on my blog reading and enjoy the start of the day.
It has been a strange week, both with the weather and with work. I am more than ready for the weekend!
There are more trees with vibrant leaves – fall is definately upon us. The storm did manage to de-foliate quite a few trees, there are still enough left with their fall attire proudly displayed.
I had dinner with some friends last night and after dinner I walked downtown with Mary – we stopped in to Loker’s Shoe to see what was in the bargain basement. I found a GREAT bargin indeed. Some very chic cowboy boots – for $25.00! Yes, you read that right – $25.00. I may be looking for a hoe down this weekend to wear them to!
I really want to take a drive to view the colors this weekend, but I am not sure that will be accomplished. There is homework to follow up on, housework to finish, and parents to check in on.
Aging parents can be quite a challenge! Especially when neither one lives next door! My mom has had some health struggles recently, and she is not a good patient! Having been a nurse for her entire life – she could write the book on how to be a bad patient! Well, I would say, and I think my sister might agree, that Mom could win the prize for not listening to what the doctor says! I have been tossing the idea around in my head to move her in with me…. I just don’t know where we’d put her!! So, for the time being, I am grateful that my work brings me to Grand Haven multiple times during the week – it makes it convenient to stop at lunch and after work to check up on her.
I had better get moving – have a great weekend everyone!
by Kat | Oct 19, 2007 | General
Hello everyone – well, last night we had some insane weather blow through our area. It got dark and windy out – all of a sudden. Then, the rains came down – lots of rain beating against the house. Then came the hail – it was like buckshot being blasted at the house! The cat just loved it – not! So, I have Copper melded to me because he is terrified of storms, and Miss Noel freaking out – her tail the size of a baseball bat! Penny, on the other hand, slept through all the turmoil. Thank goodness Penny is NORMAL! LOL
So, I lit some candles just in case the power went out, turned on the tv, got out my spinning wheel and some corriedale roving and went to town! Two full bobbins later – Grey’s Anatomy was over, and I was well into ER.
Does anyone watch “Ugly Betty”? I have never watched this show – and if you are an Ugly Betty fan, my apologies in advance, but I think this has to be the dumbest show on television! Just saying – sorry if you love the show!
Have I told you how calming spinning is? There is just something about that soothing, repetitive motion that soothes one so perfectly! Wish I could show you a photo of how my evening ended up – Copper asleep with his head on my lap, Penny snoring on the back of the sofa, and Miss Noel perched next to her. I am so excited, I think I will have more than enough to knit myself a pair of socks!!! I have gotten the hang of drafting and this attempt is amazingly even and consistant. I would post a photo, but I cannot find my camera!!
Today at work is a “run around” day – I need to go and pick up things from several people and I am even working tomorrow. Although, I did interview for a new job this week – I hope to know something by next Friday, so stay tuned.
Tomorrow afternoon will be a “get away” day for me as well – I am heading out of town for the evening.
Have a glorious Friday everyone! Talk to you next week!
by Kat | Oct 18, 2007 | General
Hello Everyone!
We are truly in the midst of Autumn here. It seems that every other day we have overcast skies, damp, chilly weather, and intermittent rain. This is the time of year that the color of the trees makes up for the lack of sunshine. Against the gray background the reds of the maples seem redder – and the yellows and oranges are vibrant! Not that I am loving days and days and days of rain – but it is a bright spot.
I wanted to thank you all for your kind and encouraging words – they meant more than you know. Each day I think of the thoughts of all of you and I am reminded that I need to keep those thoughts going towards my friends families. I called my girlfriend yesterday – I had checked in with her last week. She was still surrounded by friends and family in the aftermath of the funeral. And, when I called her yesterday – they had all gone back to their lives. Good reminder, gentle reader – don’t fall off. Yet, there were surprising acts of kindness that made us both cry. Her husband’s employer is providing medical insurance through the end of the year for my pregnant girlfriend and her son. Then, her husband’s co-worker’s are all chipping in some money from their pay to have the insurance continue for 2008. I will be taking her out to lunch one day next week. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Okay – now for a lighter note –
After reading all the blog posts about Rhinebeck and the chatter on Ravelry – I am really envious of all you east coast people! I have to work on Saturday, but, the urge to drive there is buzzing around my head.
I will be watching for all your stash enhancement that happens over the weekend – with great envy! I really need to plan a road trip next year to participate!
I had better get off to work – have a great day everyone!!
by Kat | Oct 10, 2007 | General
Hello everyone!
It seems fall has arrived – kicking summer to the curb in it’s excitement to arrive. So, today dawned gray, rainy, and cold – with no trace of summer who was lolling around on the sofa yesterday.
Words of warning – be careful of what you wish for – it may just happen!
So, I arrive home to find a new kitten at my home. Yes…you all read that right – a new kitten.
Now, no “awws” people. One cat was wonderful – two I am not so sure about. So now the dogs, Noel, and I have this “spitting” kitten to deal with. Oh – it spits – at me, at the dogs, at the cat, – heavens – even at it’s image in a mirror. Okay – I admit that is funny, but the dogs are definately not amused.
So, I am still debating with my children about this kitten … stay posted for the news updates.
Some of you asked for an “action” photo of my wine flip flop in action – and without further adieu… the flip flop in action!
Now – a more somber note…
You have all been forewarned – so enter at your own risk for the remainder of this post…..
It has been a heck of a week or two (although it seems like the days have stood still at times)…. a good friend of mine committed suicide recently. I have not blogged about it because of how painful it has been. Then, as I was struggling to understand that – a very, very dear friend lost her husband very unexpectedly. They had just found out they were expecting their second child. This also knocked the wind out of my sails. Some days life does not make sense… at all… it just hurts – so terribly much. And there are no words to say….
This post is dedicated to two Steve’s – may they live forever in the thoughts and hearts of those who loved them.
by Kat | Oct 7, 2007 | General
Hello Everyone – here it is a week into October and it was 90 plus degrees out today.
That’s right, 90 plus – on October 7th.
Ummmm…….
Hello, Autumn?
Are you there????
I can honestly say it was almost too hot to knit today. Yep, the wool had to go… Banished back to the knitting bag. With dreams of sitting on a beach somewhere – sipping a nice cold beverage, I pulled out the Handmaiden Sea Silk I recently got – and began knitting the Montego Bay Scarf. Wow, this stuff is delicious! Amazingly delicious. It is cool and incredibly silky – with the faint aroma of saltiness.
The colors are definitely “fall” but this is truly a “hot weather” yarn.
So, until Autumn decides to grace us with his presence this summery yarn will be sliding over my fingers.
If you find yourself experiencing the “hot weather knitting blues” get yourself some of this stuff – it will cure what ails you!
Hope you had a great weekend!
by Kat | Oct 1, 2007 | General
Hello Everyone – have you all noticed how it seems like “overnight” that Autumn is in the air? The trees are beginning to have a riot of color on those roads that hug the Lake Michigan coast – and in the rain this morning the smell of fall was in the air. It was definately NOT a warm summer rain – but there was a dampness and chill in the air that belonged to fall.
This means that it is almost time to get out the tights, socks, and cold weather things. Almost – I am still being stubborn and wearing sandals! Cold feet or not!
Life continues to offer up surprises each day – and some of those surprises are quite pleasant. Maybe it has to do with closed doors and open windows.
There have been some sad occurances here in West Michigan – things that make one stop and review ones life. And, much of this review has been good – very good indeed. The everything old is new again kind of good. In the past month I have spent much time thinking about where I am going – is this really the direction I want to be moving? If I did nothing and moved along with status quo, would I be happy with that decision? Well, the long and the short answer is no – I would so not be happy with where I am heading. And, in the words of James Taylor from “Walking Man” …the leaves have come to turning and the goose has gone to fly. And bridges are for burning, so don’t you let that yearning pass you by…
I have some changes coming – some very amazing, wonderful changes.
And, I have some knitting – stay posted for some pictures!
by Kat | Sep 20, 2007 | General
Well Hello Everyone!
Are you all finding it hard to get out of bed in the mornings like I am? It is darker and darker in the mornings and there is a bit of a chill in the air that is encouraging me to stay snuggled under the blankets and grab a few more minutes of sleep! This is not helping my productivity at work at all!
I am truly enjoying this stretch of lovely days we have been having here in West Michigan – warm, sunny weather as September rolls along!
This week I have been heading north to Grand Haven to work and the stretch of highway I travel has some trees that are changing colors. Each day there is a little more color that the day before. There is a stand of Sassafras trees whose colors are amazing. I will bring the camera tomorrow and try and capture of picture of their amazing beauty.
This week was a fun week on the fiber front – I took a spinning class on Monday night with my friend Mary. I learned more about wool and what kind of fibers are good for “beginning” spinners. I also got to try out a spinning wheel – an Ashford – wow, that was nice!! In a short amount of time I had a goodly amount of spun fiber on the bobbin and the consistancy was very even! Look out, this could get addicting!!
Mary and I have also been brainstorming a bit – we have been working up some items to put in a couple of local gift shops. And, we are going to try our hand at a gift show in our area as well! I will keep you all posted on how that progresses.
All this “work” knitting has taken a big chunk out of “recreational” knitting though – so last night I turned on the TV to catch Grey’s and pulled out my SKB – I just need to finish the sleeves and then the neck band. I got quite a bit accomplished last night, knitting just for me. I also want to get some things done for my kids for cold weather – my daughter spied a hat she wanted and I want to get that done for her – I need to find some yarn that will work for the project though – the pattern calls for a bulky yarn so it should be a quick knit!
Well, back to work for me – have a great Thursday all!
by Kat | Sep 17, 2007 | General
Then come on a picnic with me!
That’s right Carole was my Special Swap partner for the Picnic swap – and she sent me to the beach! My goodies included a great beach towel, a “misting fan” to keep me cool, some awesome coctail napkins, a super-cool flip-flop for my beverage of choice, a candle to light the night when we pull out the “freeze squeeze” beverages!! Oh… and in case you did not notice – she included some gorgeous Cherry Tree Hill yarn for knitting!
Thanks, Carole – you were an awesome swap partner!
It appears that fall is knocking on the door here in West Michigan – on my way to church yesterday, I noticed several trees with changing leaves! It certainly got “crisp” outside at night! We had our first frost of the season as well. But, the weatherman assures us that we will be back in the 80’s this week.
I spent the weekend knitting away – I have a couple of fun things to show you – they are blocking right now and should be ready for viewing tomorrow!
I had better get moving and head off to work – have a great day all!
by Kat | Sep 8, 2007 | General
…and spinning and spinning…
Well, it’s been a hectic week here at the Christensen Huis – school started for all the Christensen children. Rachel is off to the U of M and Heidi and Sam are back in school as well. Busy mornings, busy days at work, and busy evenings should equate to a night of sound sleep but, I have been tossing and turning most of the night! If there was just a switch to shut off my brain and keep it from wondering what I have forgotten in the day, what I need to remember to do the next day would be awesome!
Hello Brain … you know, I’d remember things better with a good nights sleep!
So all that thinking about things forgotten and urgency to remember would be much better served if you thought about that in the morning while I am sitting and savoring that first cup of coffee with some knitting in my hands.
You know – those mornings are nice and quiet – before the chaos of the day erupts.
You might consider that for next week – I promise you that I would be so appreciative of it!
So now, dear reader, are you wondering where the spinning and spinning comes in?
Somehow, magically, that Coopworth roving I have is turning to the most amazing yarn! For those who gave the suggestions to me a huge THANKS goes out to you! So, in my evenings, I have been spinning and spinning. I am beyond parking the spindle between my knees and I am just spinning away!
News flash – I love it!
Now, not more than knitting – but I want to knit me some socks out of that Coopworth I am spinning.
Speaking of socks -I bought Cat Bordhi’s new book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One, yesterday. This book is sheer genius. If you do not have it, I urge you to go today and pick up a copy of it. Cat is one brilliant woman and the designs in this book will astonish you – truly astonish you, trust me on this! If you are a sock knitter, there are new things to learn in this book that will take your sock knitting to a new level. If you have never knit socks, Cat explains how to knit a sock that your foot will love. And, when you have finished your first pair – they will clamor for more!! She uses a variety of techniques and a variety of great yarns. If you, like me, have more than a skein or two of sock yarn in your stash – run out and get this book. Your stash will decrease with each pair of socks that fly off your needles. Think how happy this will make you feel if you, like me, wanted to decrease your stash in 2007.
As Lynne was so kind to remind me that Christmas is right around the corner – you can get to work on Christmas knitting NOW and have some lovely socks to gift to your loved ones.
If this commentary has not created the urge to run out and get this book then I will make it very easy. Click the link and buy it today!
Seriously, dear readers, this book is so incredible!
This week in a Marketplace report, Kai Ryssdal interviewed Mark Penn about “microtrends” and Mark mentioned knitting – my ears just perked up at that word – and Kai was surprised to hear about the increase in knitters. So, I emailed Kai to share how LARGE the knitting community is. Blogs, Ravelry, Etsy, etc. After all – I consider Marketplace to be on the pulse of the planet – so I felt compelled to increase their knowledge.
Guess what – they emailed me asking for my phone number – yes, they want to call me. I will update you later with where this all goes!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!
