Approaching Glory

When There's Too Much - Reflections

Sometimes in my life it isn't that there isn't anything to blog.  It is that there is way too much!  And some of those things are pretty personal and things I don't want out on the Net.  So you (if there is anyone still out there) get nothing to read.  It doesn't mean I don't think about posting.  Oh - believe me - I write blogs all the time :)  It is a matter of determining whether or not they should see themselves in print.  Most see the file thirteen of my mind.

So far Jbird is hanging in there with this semester.  Of course he is trying very hard to procrastinate and let it pile up to where he is overcome by the sheer size of his assignments.  However, (trying very hard not to be super pushy) his dad and I keep reminding him of the dates.  In fact, he has promised to sit down with me today and go over this month's calendar.  Hopefully, this will occur.  Since I last spoke to you - J has been admitted to Phi Theta Kappa and has an honors day program to attend this coming Thursday.  I couldn't get him to go to the induction for Phi Theta but since his father has this week off for Easter vacation, I hope he'll attend this ceremony.

Rich is now on thyroid medicine.  After his overnight stay in hospital it was determined his thyroid is low.  I can see an improvement already and they will probably bump it up even more.  Hubby and a couple of other teachers went to break up a fight at their school (between two opposing gang members).  For the first time in over eighteen years of teaching, he had a kid attack him.  Rich tried to get out of the way but he was shoved backward and fell.  He injured his elbow, and bruised his hip and his leg.  Thankfully, he won't have to press personal charges - the school will press charges against the boy because blood was drawn.  Don't ask me how I feel about all of this.  I will say that I feel badly for all that the boy faces and he definitely needs prayer.

I have done quite of bit of knitting since December - slippers, two baby sweaters, baby booties - all completed.  I am working on "Hey Teach" and another child's sweater.  Can't figure out why I seem to be having so much trouble getting Hey Teach done - I've read plenty of blogs that say it just whips up.  Hmmm.  Anyway, I've started painting again - a bit.

I also am on week seven of the twelve week program with NAMI.  I have learned so much and highly reccomend the program to anyone who has a loved one with mental illness.  I look forward to Rich attending the program and I've even considered being trained to help volunteer.  We'll see.

The other issue is one I don't care to discuss at this time because it is throwing me into a fit of depression/anger/denial - and instead of prompting me to action it is causing me to shut-down.  Some days it is all I can do to say "Get up and get going."  However, the situation isn't going to go away and I have to believe that God will see us through this.  I in fact know that He will - it is more that I don't want to go down the road it appears we will have to go down.  For one thing I know that Jbird will not handle the stress and strain well at all and it is going to rock is "safe stable" world.

And if God uses it for no other reason than to force me to face that I have judged other people who have found themselves in this situation than I guess I will have learned a lesson at a very high price.

It's The Dog's Fault :) The Agony of Olympic Defeat

Dear Yarn Harlot,

This is MY story and I'm sticking to it.  I selected two items this year for the 2010 Knitting Olympics.  Having won the gold last go-round I was confident I could pull this off.  I selected something new for me and whilst not as daunting as your  awesome project - a challenge for my level of knitting.  I gathered all my materials (making necessary adjustments for lack of needed needle sizes).   

Of course this is when "life" decided to happen.

1. After procrastinating a few days (yes - you read that correctly) I remembered that I failed to take into account that I had two full days of activities that I had forgotten about - cute. But it probably doesn't count.
2. Does making food, cleaning, and pets count for anything?  Nah - didn't think so.
3. How about the time I got so engrossed in the movie I was supposed to knitting to that I actually watched the movie and didn't knit - didn't think so.
4. How about the fact it was a moral imperative that I attempt to beat my husband at Bejeweled?  Didn't think so (and I didn't beat him either)
5. How about the fact that for some reason when I started reading the baby bootee pattern I couldn't for the life of me make head nor tails of it?  Maybe so.
6. Does it mean anything that my two kittens thought batting at my knitting was cool mean anything?  Didn't think so.
7. How about the squirrels in the attic were driving me slightly bonkers?  I know how you feel about squirrels and yarn - does that work?  Didn't think so.

Okay - last chance at a legitimate excuse - last night whilst Canada and the USA were fighting it out on the ice (which by the way congrats and I sure do wish I could have seen it - no cable here) - the dog ate my yarn.  You see I decided to be nice to the dog and share some chicken with him and he grabbed the chicken and the yarn in one chomp.  I was eating and knitting at the same time - yes - I was!  And so I had to start the whole second bootee all over again - are you moved?  Do you care?  Didn't think so :(  Move over USA Hockey team - right there with you.

2010 Knitting Olympics Here I Come

Four years ago I took part in one of the most fun things I've done - the Knitting Olympics.  Because Ravelry was hosting a bunch of Olympic stuff for knitters, Stephanie aka:  Yarn Harlot, had seriously considered not doing the Knitting Olympics again.  Thankfully, she switched gears and it's a go.  To see what I did four years ago click here. 

This year I am going to attempt two items.  The first project is the baby sweater/dress Helena by Alison Green Will.  It is available online free here.  I love it and think it's adorable.  I want to make mine with buttons instead of the ties though. Kinda like the one seen here by Quill.  Hope mine turns out looking this good!

I also am going to make a pair of booties to match.  I'm going to use another freebie pattern which you can find here.   Aren't they just the cutest?  So - tonight when the torch is lit.  I start to cast on for one of my projects - and the race begins!  I've got till the torch goes out to finish my projects.  Going to the gold :)

Yes, I'm Still Knitting - Here's Meret!

I look terrible in hats - just not me!  But when the weather gets to freezing you have to do something.  I've tried lots of hats over the years and nothing ever looks right to me.

  Well - meet Meret by Wooly Wormhead.  Get the download for the free pattern here!  The pic to the right was taken before I wet the hat and stuck it on a plate to block.  I asked my niece to try it on and she wants one with more slouch.  So I tried it on and guess what?  I love it!  It is MINE!

• Pattern: Meret by Wooly Wormhead - used size medium
• Needles: 1 pair dpns and 1 circular size 7's
• Yarn:  Peace Fleece worsted weight in Volgasippi Blue

New People, New Situations, and Redemption

I don't know about you, but I'm not the type of person who enjoys being put into a situation in which I have to meet new people (especially when it requires going to someone I don't know's house).  Every now and then God must get a charge out of watching me react/respond cause I get set-up to be such a scene.

Last night was one of those times.  Let me tell you - it was a precious time of fellowship with folks I had never met.  Are there really strangers in Him?  I think not.  We had a grand time worshipping the Lord and finding our unity in Him.  Loved it.

Now the redemption part - the knitting!  The ones I made to fit Hubby are going to ripped out - losers.  But the other ones work okay.  I still want to modify the cuff some.  As soon as my niece gets back with "our" camera I'll take a shot of them.

All the things I had planned today had to be shelved due to finding out they couldn't be accomplished until the next couple of days (boo hiss).  So I am doing dishes, floors, laundry, etc. whilst I listen to some music on Pandora.

Laugh or Cry?

Okay sometimes it is back to the drawing board!  I sewed up one of the pairs of slipper things I've been working on and it is UGLY!  So - I'm either going to have to re-design or create an afghan (and the afghan is looking mighty tempting right now.  All those hours - ugh!

Off to Rockdale county to spend the day with family.  This is our time-delayed New Year's celebration.  Supposed to be down in the single digits here today - that means turn the light bulb on in the pump house so we don't have frozen pipes in the morning.

Hope you have a great one and be blessed.

Socking Along

Sorry I'm a day late.  Let's just say that the tests are done and leave it at that.  I'll know more soon on the results.  Anyway -  I have been knitting off and on and actually have some finished objects!

These were made with Austermann's Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil.  I started out working the yarn in a tube sock pattern and then decided I didn't like it.  So I used a plain toe-up pattern and a 1x1 ribbing (which I like better than 2x2 because it is snugger around the ankle).  I'm a little disappointed that the yarn pooled so differently on the one sock - but I don't think any one is going to mind.
Then we have: 

These socks were made from Socks that Rock in Mochaberry (100% merino washable).  I've got to tell you - this is awesome yarn.  Thicker and spongier than regular finger weight yarn.  Great for those cold winter days.  The pattern is Spring Forward from Knitty's summer 2008.  I love the pattern.  It is easy and looks great - wish I could get a better pic of it for you.  I'm currently on the second sock in the same yarn in a green - Footzey Foo (I believe it's the color that they show the pattern in on the Knitty site)  Finally -

I was going to make these in a lace pattern and then decided it was too much for the yarn.  This yarn is Online Supersocke in the colorway City.  It is being knit up in a plain toe-up with the 1x1 ribbing.  I'm just about done with one sock.  These are being made as a birthday gift for my niece.  Unfortunately, I'm going to miss the deadline (tomorrow - bad Aunt).  But I think she'll like them when they are done - they just happen to match her current color-guard costumes - so they'll be a reminder of this show.  BTW her color-guard won first in their regional area.  I got to see the performance and they were great!  Not to be outdone by "silly things".....

Tango decided to see what was so special. He believes he ranks much higher on the list than some dumb socks - so I snapped him as well. I do think he's pretty cute.  Don't you?

Past the Heel and Cookies Made

I'd take pics but I think I'll wait til the sock is at the toe.  I can not say enough good about this pattern - Spring Forward.  More on that when I have the FO.  Meanwhile, we had our first Friday together.  Jbird and Hubby worked outside some.  I stayed inside and took antibiotics and allergy meds due to grass being cut.  I am in the process of listening to A Case of Bad Taste by Lori Copeland.  This book was the first in what I suspect was hoped to be a long series.  The author actually produced three.  I haven't read anything else by Copeland but I'm not enarmored by her style.  It is supposed to have a Christian background but I'm not impressed with the build up of that either.  I had listened to the third in the series awhile ago -boy I hate it when I get series books out of order! 

I discovered that I can download movies from my library.  So I downloaded The Little Princess with Shirley Temple.  I loved that movie when I was a little girl.  So I knit away and "watched" the movie.  My next movie will be McClintock - I always enjoy that movie too.  They don't offer much of a variety at this point - but I hope they will add to their selection. 

And on the topic of movies to knit by - I love The Pelican Brief with Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts.  I finally found a DVD copy at Wallyworld for $5.00.  Problem was it cut off before the end of the movie.  I thought it was the player I had it on and so I tried it on the computer - nope same problem.  Hubby and Jbird went to Wallyworld and did the exchange thing.  Hubby sat down with me to watch the movie (he was correcting a paper and I was knitting away again).  And guess what?  This copy did the exact same thing - at the same place.  Somebody burned the movie to the disk incorrectly and there is no end copied.  Cute.  Back it will go to Wallyworld.

Made another batch of the Chunky Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars for Jbird to take to the Ball on Saturday.  They may get there - lol!

Spring Forward Socks

Last time I was here talking about knitting I told that I thought I was going to run out yarn before I finished the second Spring Forward Sock.  Well.....Praise the Lord.... I made it with a little tiny ball to spare.  I was SO happy.  Here they are complete except for kitchenering the toes.  I will finish both pairs of socks and do that in one sitting.

As soon as I finished these I started on my second pair.   This is the same Socks that Rock Yarn as the first pair.  I really really like this yarn.  As I stated before it is considerably  thicker than Opal,  or most sock yarns, so you get a much heavier sock.  But I like it as it is so soft and cushy.  They'll be great with sandals when the weather turns cold.  And I discovered I was making my ssk's wrong!  I can't remember how I ended up on Youtube watching a demo on ssk's (think med fog here) but as I watched it I realized I had knit them wrong on the first pair of socks.  So I made sure that I'm making them correctly on this pair.  Actually, I think my error on the first pair made the stitches pop a bit more.  Anyway - this pair is the way it should look.

And I was knitting to what books?  The first pair was knit to Joanne Fluke's books, Key Lime Pie Murder and Carrot Cake Murder.  The green pair has gotten me through Cherry Cheesecake Murder and I'll be starting a new novel today.  Oh - and I knit through some Monk episodes and an Xman movie or two also.  (Jbird's choice not mine) I don't know if I care too much for some of the main characters in the Fluke books (I think the main character needs a swift kick now and then) but I do like the recipes in the books.  I tried a couple of them and they are very good. I've got a couple of books checked out and downloaded to my computer.  I love being able to visit my library online and get audiobooks.

Sock Me

I joined the Summer Sock-a-long.  I spent the end of May and June looking for "just the right sock yarns".  Boy - there are sure a good many opportunities to get great yarns on the Net.  However, I finally settled on these:

  This pair (in progress) is made from Socks that Rock in Mochaberry.  I got the 100% superwash merino in lightweight.  I'm using the Spring Forward Socks pattern from the summer edition of Knitty.  First - the yarn.  I love this yarn!  It is soft, great to work with and leaves high definition stitches.  It feels alot thicker than most sock yarns - but I like it for this pattern.  The pattern - it is great.  Easy to do but looks like you really accomplished a difficult pattern.  Okay - there's got to be a catch - and there appears to be one - it looks like I'm going to run out of yarn before I finish the second sock - ugh!  The pattern says one skein.  However, I have size 9.5 feet so maybe it's my big feet, or maybe I inadvertantly added a little more to the length of leg part.  But I don't think so.  Looks like I will need to order more.

I also got this Socks that Rock yarn in the colorway - Footzey Foo.  That's the color of the sock in the picture at the pattern site.  Look ALOT different up close and personal.  But it's okay.  Haven't decided what pattern to use.  I would like to use the Spring Forward but don't want to have to order more yarn.  Yup - cheap.  I will definitely be buying more of this yarn - they have a coral that looks lovely.

One recent Saturday, Hubby drove me to my LYS - which for us isn't so local.  I was really pleased to see that they had broadened their selection of sock yarns.  It was very difficult to chose a skein.  I finally settled on this Online Supersocke - which is again - a superwash.  I believe the color is City.  I think this will end up being a simple toe-up sock.  Hubby insisted I purchase at least one more skein considering the distance to the store and gas prices and all.  And me, being the submissive wife that I am - chose this:

This little jewel is Austermann's Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil.  And of course it is a superwash.  I believe it's color number seven and let me tell you it is very pretty.  It is currently being knit up in a tube sock pattern from the book, Socks, Socks, Socks by Elaine Rowley.  I don't know what I think about the pattern and I may rip and do a toe up.

So I may be slower than I would like in my summer sock-along, but I am knitting.  I've just downloaded three books so that should help me keep to my goals.