A Wonderful Vacation!

We’ve been back a week, but I haven’t had 2 seconds to write a post about it!

I could go on and on about all the great times we had, but I will just say, it was fantastic, sunny, a little on the cool side which was fine for us (about 65 degrees), there was plenty to keep us busy, and great things to eat…I do have to say that I had a hard time finding a decent cup of coffee!

While in Downtown San Francisco, we went to Alcatraz. I wasn’t sure how I would like this, thought it would be creepy, but it was absolutely super! They give you headphones with a little unit, that “tours” you around the prison, and is narrated by men who were prisoners there. They also add a lot of sound effects, and it makes it so realistic. Below is a pic. I had to take, it was about how some of the men used to whittle away their time crocheting! Now, I am not a crocherer, but the fact that they had displayed some yarn in a prison cell…I immediately thought “blog!”, took a pic. and moved on!

From San Fran, we spent 3 days in Monterey, which is a few hours down the pacific coast….absolutely breathtaking views. Monterey is where Steinbeck was from, and I didn’t know that! I picked up, and started reading on the plane ride home, Cannery Row, which is a short, but tremendously descriptive novel about the sardine canning town in the early 1900’s. Here are some pictures – great eating and drinking, as well as the Monterey Aquarium, which is well worth a visit.  Our room at the hotel was Oceanfront, and stunning! We had a great view of all the harbour seals and otters floating by in the bay – magical!

It’s hard to be back, but you have to do the things here, in order to get there I suppose!

Plenty of knitting going on, but I have had a complete rethink of my knitting since being on vacation, and am planning a massive purge in the next little while. I have decided just to keep on hand, and use, the yarns I truly will use. Anyway hope you have enjoyed the pictures, we couldn’t take enough!

Tomorrow…

..is my hubby and I’s 10th Wedding Anniversary! I just wanted to share! Although we have our ups and downs, I wouldn’t choose anyone else in the world. We are off to San Francisco next week to celebrate, it will be great! We both have such busy schedules, it will be great to spend some quality time together. Little guy will be spending the time here with his grandparents, which he just LOVES…so he will have just as much fun!
I was trying to finish both “Hey Teach” and “Juliet” before I go, but I think I will just try and finish “Juliet”, as trying for both is a bit adventurous!
I have ordered the pattern Cleopatra from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, and can’t wait to get it! I looked all over for it a few months ago, only to discover that it was a sock yarn club pattern, and the STR folks usually release them one year after the group members receive them. I hope to take these on my trip.
I still have to block my Cotty socks (perhaps tonight…hmm), and photograph them.
School is now out here (as of 1:30 this afternoon), I can’t believe that the school year is done already!!??

It’s a Rainy Day….

Yes, it really did rain! What a surprise (she writes sarcastically), that we had rain, on a Saturday, during the summer! All of you from Ontario, will know that this isn’t unusual – BUT they say that as of tomorrow, it is going to be sunny, and….HERE COMES SUMMER with a BLAST! 7 Days of hot sunshine in a row by the looks of things!  Come on sunshine…but the humidity can stay away thank-you very much.
So we trailed off to baseball today – little guys whole team was there…vs the 3 on the other team. It was pelting down rain (on an angle as well), but they played on! After lunch we didn’t really have anything planned, so I poked around the net for a bit, and decided to take myself off to see a movie – The Proposal.
Ok girls, RUN don’t walk to see this one! I had no idea Ryan Reynolds was so good looking!
Did you know that this movie was filmed in Mass. but takes place in Alaska? Apparently, they super-imposed the mountains in the scenes.
But that aside, it was a packed theatre, and the one we have here (one of a few) is pretty large. I sat myself in the back row, in the corner, had my popcorn, got comfy, and then…..too much $$#@ salt on the popcorn! ARRGG…its now 3 hours later, and it is still all I can taste! I hate when that happens, especially when there is no one to hold your seat (everyone was jumping all over each other to grab the last ones..), while you go an swap it out. I really thought the movie was great, I like these kinds of storylines anyway, but you really didn’t know how it would end…until the end!
The sun is supposed to shine in the am, but I thought I spent the rainy portion of the weekend, watching some worthwhile entertainment!
As for knitting, I have been furiously working away at Juliet, now just shy of 286 stitches on the needles, yeesh…it’s going to be a long one. And here’s me thinking I would be able to have both it and Hey Teach done in time for our Anniversary trip to California in a few weeks. Watch this space for progress!

Oh, by the way, this is my KIP photo, taken by hubby, last Saturday while watching the little ones baseball game:

KIP Day

Hi Fellow Knitters!

I actually AM posting again…wonders never cease!  Hope your knitting is leading you to happy trails at the moment, and not knotted tails!

Today, I realized, is KIP day all over the world. I think my contribution will be knitting at my son’s baseball game in an hour or so, as I usually do. There is something  about sitting in a comfy fold-up chair, knitting, while cheering on a group of 7 yr olds  (who, still at 7, like to dig in the dirt more than pay attention to the game…but that’s a completely different story!).

It’s only just after 10am here, but it was a great start to the day. Today was the first time this year, that we decided to have breakfast outside, the sun was shining, and all you could hear were the birds -  I even saw a heron fly overhead! (When you live in the suburbs of Toronto, that is an unusual site indeed!). Now, it is cloudy and icky looking outside, what gives??

As for my knitting, I am currently working on “Hey Teach!” and “Juliet”. I have given socks a bit of a break after just finishing Cotty – this is a super pattern, and is up as a contender on the Socks That Rock KAL thru Rav. I like reading her blog, you should check it out here.

Well, that’s my update for now, I think I will go and try to find where the sun has gone! Have a super weekend, and enjoy your knitting, where-ever you may be!

Spring HAS Sprung!!

Well, this is just a quick entry, but couldn’t let today go by without commending Mother Earth on a simply gorgeous 2 days around here. Yesterday we played hookie from everything,  (including school!) and went to the Toronto Zoo – we had a blast. It was a spectacular day, and it was fairly quiet, so it was nice. There is SOOOO much walking to do there. We made the “mistake” of venturing off to the Canadian section, where we could see the Grizzly Bear, Cougar, Wolves and Moose; only to discover it was a 60 degree climb back up – for about 1km! Wow, not smart when you have recently been fitted for orthodics, but didn’t have them in your Nikes!!!

Here is a picture of the Elephants, who made me just stand back and appreciate nature. There are 4 at the Zoo, and they are all females.

Elephants at the Toronto Zoo

Today has been spent in recovery mode, you really don’t think you will walk that far when you go, but I think we can safely say we walked about 5-6 km’s!

I have spent today, just enjoying the warm breezed flowing through the house, it is so nice to get the windows open. It was about 70 degrees today, but only expected to be about 45 tomorrow! I have knit on the Helena sweater, just about to start on the lace part. I had to rip back my Tidal Wave socks on Knit Night (it makes it hurt less when you are around your friends!), as I had somehow decreased and the two socks were not alike…what makes it the worst, is that I was 1/2 way thru the foot! Oh well, after frogging back to about 3 inches into the pattern, I am now ready to do the heel again.

Off now for Chinese! What a way to end a great day! Hope yours was equally good! Ciao!

La Di Da and a little Ho Hum!

Ok, whatever! Did I get your attention! Have you just googled that phrase and ended up on my blog?? If so, you should run, not walk, and buy a lottery ticket!

Alright, enough fooling around! I am at work, but since I am the boss, I can blog! It is very quiet today, as it is Easter Monday here in Ontario. Kind of a strange day, as there is no mail, but the majority of banks are open, and schools are closed!? I have a lot going on…

First of all, I met my new niece for the first time on the weekend, and she is adorable. Although my son is the best thing in the world, there is nothing like dressing up a little girl! You should have seen her Easter outfits! So cute, I will try and add some pictures when I get home tonight. What a well behaved little thing, and she is already sleeping thru the night at 2 months! (Lisa, if you’re reading this, calm down now!)

On the knitting front, I have finished 2 pairs of socks, yes 2! My first pair of Monkey’s – not such a great fan of the pattern I must say, although have rec’d Cookie A’s new book, and it is a must have! I made mine out of Jitterbug, and since I have size 10 feet, thought that I would make short ones, as I had less than 400 yds. They are “ok”, but not as good as I thought they would look; the knitting is fine, it is just the pattern and yarn combo I think.

I also completed a pair of my own creation for “E”, he wore them today and said “Mom, these are the most comfy socks I have ever worn”…well that just starts the day off in the best way possible!! And I did not bribe him with toys or chocolate to say that!!!

I started last night on the Helena baby sweater from Knitty, in Cotton Fleece by Lamb’s Pride. I purchased this from Julie at The Needle Emporium on Saturday, in a purply-pink shade, and it is knitting up beautifully! This is a 50/50 Merino/Cotton blend. It is a top-down construction, and I am making  a 6-month size for my niece.

Well, that’s my update, hope ypu all enjoyed your Easter Weekend, whereever you may be, and that the sun is shinning in your neck of the woods as well.

My First Monkeys!

Lastly, here is a little poll:

March Break!!??

OK, I know, I suck at this!…but here’s an update anyway!
After working yesterday, I have taken the rest of the week off to be with “E”. I can’t believe that he will be 7 at the end of this month! We have organized a Movie Birthday party to see Monsters Vs. Aliens at our local movie theater, on the actual day of his birthday. As that is a Friday, and the first day the movie is released, it should be fun! They will have pizza and cake etc. They never even had such a thing when I was growing up, and it wasn’t THAT long ago! I remember spending my 7th birthday traveling to Montreal for a working vacation with my parents, it was my first birthday in Canada!
As for knitting, I have a new niece to knit everything small and girly for! She was born at the end of January, and as her and her mom and dad live in the eastern US, we haven’t yet met her. She has already rec’d “Ruby Slippers” and a neat little cardigan from her auntie! The slippers, as her name is Ruby, and I made them out of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, in Red.
I am also at the end of 2, yes 2, pairs of socks using Magic Loop. I have read over the past year or two, a lot of people saying that they would never go back to DPN’s after this method, and I have to agree! The speed is what makes the difference to me, and I also like the fact that there aren’t ladders that you have (or at least I have) with DPN’s!
I am also working on my first Clapotis, this has been on the needles using Silky Wool, since the end of January, and is about 40% done. Planning on working on this later in the week, after finishing the first socks.
“E” and I are off to an indoor playground today, although the weather is about 60 degrees today, and sunny…that’s what happens when you actually plan out the March Break!
This one is about 15,000 square feet, so I am sure it will be packed anyway!
Enjoy your day, its good to be back!

As the New Year fast approaches….

I thought I would do what a lot of bloggers all over the world are doing, and reflect on my past year. I find it really interesting to read about regrets, sorrows, joys, facinations, experiences, and discoveries of my fellow bloggers. I must admit, that I solely read knitting or crafting blogs, I have not yet had the time or inclination, to deviate from reading all about the escapades of my fellow knitters!!

This year, I probably did not complete as many projects as I would have liked, BUT I did learn some new techniques, that will hopefully allow me to complete more projects (of a larger scope) than in 2008. I have just finished my year end at the store, and this year ended up just 1% below last year, in sales. I am not sure how I feel about this really, haven’t quite thought about it. I suppose I have to give myself a pat on the back for keeping the store up and running, and putting every bit of creative thought that I have into how to make the day-t0-day operations more cost effective, as well as increasing profits.  As many of you may know, it was never my first choice in life to own a flooring store, but with family circumstances in 2005,  something, somewhere in me, just couldn’t let it go. I found the strength to learn about everything from payroll to stellar customer service, and it goes into 2009 just tickety-boo thank-you very much! I am looking forward to a productive and busy year in ‘09!!

As for my family, I feel blessed everyday, to wake up to my loving husband, and son. They love me more than can ever be explained in words, as I am sure many of you also feel about your families. I could go on for hours on everything I love about them. I have to say that it scares me everyday I have to say “see you later” to them both as they go off to work/school. I have that hidden fear that they won’t be there at the end of the day, so I think I am a little overprotective of them…both! I put this down to loosing my mom and dad so terribly to cancer, and getting angry that it had to hit us twice. You start to think, “well, what’s next!”. As our son gets bigger, I find it harder to let go, but have to say, that although I am there to drop him off, and pick him up from school everyday, I would like to be sillier with him, and play with him more often, as well as find him some playmates locally. THAT is a novel in itself, I will NOT go there!!!

E and Mom at opening a present on Christmas Day 2008!

For my knitting,  I want to thank all the “sketchy knitters” in my life, you know who you are! You make a difference to my life, you give me a chance to learn, a chance to share, and give me a social aspect to my life! So thank-you girls, I look forward to many more knitting nights together!

I have no idea what new knitting projects I will work on this year. I am just about finished a sweater for E, working away on a Fleece Artist Knitting Bag kit that I got for Xmas 2 years ago, some socks, and a lace project, but don’t have any vibrant aspirations for 2009, I like to see what attracts my attention on Ravelry, and in the magazines, and go from there!

I wish you all the very best for 2009, have a safe and happy time with those around you.

X

It’s Winter…already???

Hi Everyone! I have to tell you that I am CRAZY about reading knitting blogs, and here I am not even posting!

Well, I have made more projects recently than ever! Giving some nice, thoughtful knitting gifts to my DH’s family this year, that really suit their needs.  There is fetching, for his Aunt, Neckwarmer for his Grandma, and a freestyle scarf from Noro for my MIL.

I said to the girls at my knitting group last night that I would post, as I was reminded that the last time was the summer!!?? It is definitely “knit” weather here in Southern Ontario, although it seems to go from a deep freeze to a spring-like day, in a matter of 12hrs at the moment!!

Next weekend we will be taking the VIA train up to Montreal, for a little Christmas Getaway! It is actually a prize that I won thru my business, and we are really looking forward to it. It works out to be about 7 hr each way, and we are only staying for 2 nights, but First Class makes all the difference as well!! Remember, I won this, I don’t think it would even have been considered had we not!! LOL! Our little guy is soooo excited, which I think is all his Dad and I are wanting to see from the whole trip, this is a new experience for all of us. Apart from the local train, between here and Toronto, we have never taken a train trip, we usually drive.

Tonight we are off for Chinese food and a little shopping, but I will be sure to check in again in the next few days!

On a train...knitting of course!! (Lake Placid, October 2008)

It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This!

Good Morning! I thought it was about time that I started to blog!

I am sitting on my front porch this morning, the air is still, the birds singing, coffee in hand, sun shining, without a cloud in the sky. Yes, it sounds like the start of a romance novel, but it is just such a glorious morning!

We have been fortunate enough right now to have about 5 stellar days in a row, after such a soggy and damp summer here in Southern Ontario. Record rainfall has not really been ideal for flower gardens, so my geraniums are the same size they were when I planted them in late May! Just spots of colour here and there, but lots of green!!!

Due to all of the rain, we have had a many leaks in our block foundation, apparently, not due to the construction of our home, but due to the massive amounts of rainfall that has finally (over the years), caused our soil to say “enought”! That has, and will continue to be the focus of our long weekend here, with bouts of knitting in between!

Topping the weekend off with the fact that my husband may be on strike as of Tuesday — as there is a media blackout, how and when will he find out you ask?? By driving past the college (he is part of the community college support staff) on Tuesday morning, and seeing if there are pickets set up!! It really put us in a bad situation if he does strike, but we are trying to be optimistic.

Last weekend, we travelled thru New York State, Vermont, Mass. and then off to New Hampshire, to visit my SIL and BIL, my inlaws (who only live just down the street here), were there as well, and we celebrated their 40th Wedding Ann. which was in early August. We all had a great time! You geographically don’t realize how long it takes to travel there, until you actually do it. Every time, we think, it won’t be that bad, but then when hour 7 comes up, you really do that double check of the map, and start to say to each other, “it won’t be that much further, perhaps just another 1/2 hr!”, 2 hours later…. you get my drift! We are blessed to have a 6 yr old that travels really well, and we just love car trips!

In terms of my knitting, perfect way to catch up! Take a car trip that doesn’t require a lot of stopping! I took with me my Chevron Scarf, that I started early in the year, I thought, well, at least I will add a good few inches to it, but chances of finishing it, nill. Well, it’s done! I used the recommmended Koigu, but only 2 skeins rather than the pattern recommended 4. It is probably a good 3′, which for me, is enought to wear well. I have never done a pattern like this before, but would highly recommend for the ease of the pattern repeats. Also on the needles are my first lace project, Branching Out, 3 pairs of socks ( I have had such an interest in socks for about 2 years now, but have changed to lace, so these are far overdue!), and a blanket for my hubby out of Bernat, the new acrylic (I know, not a usual material that I use) afghan yarn, which I have to say is terrific. This is a pattern that Bernat have just put out, BUT calls for 2 strands at a time, which is hard on my fingers (bad arthritis), so that has also taken a back seat right now.

Well, tummy is saying ‘breakfast please’, so I will sign off for now, and wish you a happy Sunday, no matter what you may be doing. One last think, is that my thoughts, and I am sure the thoughts of millions around the world, go out to the residents of the US Gulf Coast, here is hoping that the weather man is truly way off.