News From The Nest

Last Minute Decision

Most of you know that our house was built in 1790 and we've been working on it off and on for the past 24 years.  Well, we're putting in replacement windows.  This was a huge expense but one that I know will be worthwhile.  I really hated getting rid of the old windows with their handmade panes.  They were so cool with their bubbles and waves.  We're having a fellow down the road who does home repair put them in.  That's a good thing - means it will get done.  Here's Lewis standing up in the window.  He's 6'1" tall.  The window has a shade at the top so you're not seeing its whole height.  Look more like a door than a window.  There are twenty-five windows in this old house.  He's gotten nine up - only sixteen to go!   

Bad thing about the new windows - I'm going to have to clean them!  I've never had to do the old ones because of the fixed storm windows on the outside that we put up and the old panes would fall out with the slightest pressure.  Oh well!   

Friday night, I told Andy that I wanted to go somewhere this weekend but I didn't know where.  All I knew is that I didn't want to stay home.  I woke up Saturday morning still not knowing where I wanted to go.  I kind of had the itch to go to Knitting Sisters in Williamsburg.  I called Pam and asked her what she was doing and it just so happened that she was getting ready to go to Knitting Sisters!  Decision made!  I hurriedly got ready and out the door I went!

I arrived at Knitting Sisters after 1:00 PM and Pam was nestled into one of their knitting chairs just knitting away.  I used my Get Your Knits on Route 64 (and 81) tote bag to get my discount.  I got some yarn and some great patterns. 

Before Pam and I left, Barbara arrived!!!!  Barbara is one of the Richmond Tuesday Night Knitters.  She had her tote bag in hand, too.  I'm sure it taken her long to fill it up!

Pam and I ate a lunch/dinner at Center Street Grill in New Town.  We had the special - filet mignon w/ topped with fried oysters and boursin cheese and bacon.  MMMMMM!  We topped it off by sharing a flourless chocolate torte.  MMMMMMMMMMMM again!  When we finished, we headed over to Barnes & Noble and browsed around.  I got a copy of the premier issue of Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine by Vogue Knitting.  I also bought a copy of Maggie Sefton's A Killer Stitch.  I've read her others and enjoyed them.

All good things must come to an end.  I should've taken my toothbrush and a change of undies and spent the night!  Since I didn't, I had to head back home. 

Pam and I took the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry back across the James River to Surry, VA.  The seagulls were all over the place!  These guys pictured here were just hanging out as we waited to board.  Perhaps they were enjoying the sunset.  Pam and I  parted ways at a fork in the road - each of us heading home. 

The drive home didn't disappoint.  It's a pretty route through the countryside.  The setting sun only became more spectacular as I drove. 

Tomorrow, I'll have a finished pair of socks to show you!

Ode To A Pear

I love pears.

Their color.

Their shape.

Their taste.

Their fragrance.

This one was delicious!

There Went The Weekend!

I went to Richmond, VA Saturday for the monthly meeting of the River City Knitters.  Andrea was presenting top-down sweaters.  I have never knit a sweater from the top-down and really want to try one.  She modeled so many examples!  I've concluded that she must knit in her sleep!

The presentation was fun!  Andrea was so enthusiastic!  She definitely sold me on why to make a top-down sweater.  I loved all the sweaters she showed us.  This blue one on the right looks like it might be a good one to start with.  She also had on a precious one but I didn't get a picture of it.

The River City group is a great guild.  The programs are interesting and the members are sooo talented.  Show and tell at each meeting is one of my favorite parts!  I also like just walking around and seeing what everyone is working on.  Wonderful fabulous stuff!  Each meeting, my "want-to-do" list grows ever longer! 

Here are pictures of some of the show and tell items from this month.

Blankets, stoles, shawls, sweaters, hats, bunnies, etc.! 

This blue blanket was knit in blocks.  I loved the stitch patterns.  The stole pictured here is knit with Noro sock yarn.  I love Judy's green sweater above.  The back is just as pretty!  And, check out those socks!  I love the one with the bobbles.

Check out these bunny rabbits!  The pattern is available on Ravelry.  If you're a member, here's a link to Bunny with Hoodie.  So cute!

The group has been working on a mystery stole.  The designer is none other than Renee of Goddess Knits.  Each clue is a different stitch pattern so it looks kind of like a sampler stole.  The designs are very pretty and it was neat to see all of those in progress lined up side by side.   

After the meeting, five of us went for a Mexican lunch. 

Then, I headed to The Yarn Lounge to take soap.  The place was hopping!  Lots of customers and the tables were full of knitters knitting away.  I have several handmade soap converts in the River City Knitters and at The Yarn Lounge.  Business was good and helped justify the 200+ mile trip to Richmond. 

Andy had a blacksmith meeting Saturday.  Mindy and Mark Gardner, from Illinois, demonstrated their treadle hammers.  You can see their work on their business  web site, Flood Plain Forge.  Very pretty stuff!  Looks embossed.  Andy was lucky today and won one of Mindy's feathers. 

OK.  Here is a picture of my projects.  Mom's sweater - I've finished one skein of yarn.  I'm also working on the second ONline sock. 

Isn't that a gorgeous gerbera daisy!?  I love them -- so happy!

Hope you all have a great week!  It will be Friday again before we can turn around!

Nothing Much

Well, I have nothing much to blog about.  What's been happening here this week ....well.......

Work has been VERY busy this week.  Lots of traveling.  Tiring.  If I could just type on the computer while I drive, I'd have it made! 

My car's odometer has rolled quickly past 100,000 miles and is heading to 100,200 this week.  It had 250 miles on it when I bought it in November 2005.  *Sigh*  I drive a lot.   

I found JigZone on Jeanie's blog and could stay on it for HOURS because I LOVE jigsaw puzzles!  You'll find a daily puzzle plus TONS of other puzzles.  You can change the shape and number of the puzzle pieces, also.  Very cool!  Thanks, Jeanie, for giving me yet another way to waste time unwind!

Annie has new toys!  She loves to play with toys and particularly loves to play Frisbie.  I got these two toys at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports last Saturday when I went to Richmond.  She's had a GREAT time this week - especially with the tough and squeaky triangular disk.  She's not very crazy about the smiley man -- maybe too whacked looking?? 

The Verizon man came yesterday to check our lines.  Whenever we have a really bad storm, we get a flash of light in the corner of the kitchen where the cordless phone jack is.  This has been going on for quite awhile.  Andy finally checked it after my latest report.  He took the wall plate off to see the jacks and it was black all around one of the screws.  I called Verizon - got transferred three times - was on hold forever - was told that phone lines don't need to be grounded - was told that yes, phone lines do indeed need to be grounded.  Anyway, the Verizon man was very thorough.  He checked the ground and it was supposed to be 0 to 25 ohms.  Ours was 125.  So, he fixed it.  He moved our phone box and grounded it to the electric service's lines.  Very scarey!  218 year old all wooden house with power surges -- NOT good! 

It's hot and dry here.  Look up CATatonic in the dictionary and you're liable to see these pictures!  Earl Gray has taken one long cat nap allll day today.  Please note the handknit "blankie" with cables, too!  This was a piece to a cardigan that never got put together.  I think this piece is a front panel!  I knit it when I was in high school or college.  That has been - ahem - just a few years ago!

On the knitty front --- I've made it almost to the armholes on the front of Mom's knitted tank.  I promise a picture soon!

Sunrise, Sunset

Nothing much will get me up at 6:00 AM on a Saturday morning. 

Nothing much except a Yarn Crawl!!  I was out of the house and headed to Richmond, VA (a two-hour drive) by 7:00 AM to meet some of the Tuesday Night Knitters for a Yarn Crawl.  A mist hovered above the ground and collected in the dips and valleys of the landscape.  And, the sun was rising over the lake.  I clutched my coffee mug and stepped on the gas!

The reason for this Yarn Crawl is the month-long event -- Get Your Knits on 64 (and 81).  Eight knitting shops from eastern Virginia to western Virginia are participating.  From east to west these eight shops include: Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn in Virginia Beach, Knitting Sisters in Williamsburg, The Yarn Lounge and The Knitting Basket in Richmond, The Needle Lady in Charlottesville, on the lamb in Staunton, Orchardside Yarn Shop in Raphine, and Mosaic Yarn Shop in Blacksburg. 

The deal is, you buy a Get Your Knits on Route 64 (and 81) tote bag (very nice and sturdy and has a zipper!) for $15.00 and then visit the shops.  (You know I'm all about a great tote bag!)  You get 15% off on some items and also get a chance to win $100.00 for every $25.00 you spend.  Stewart, at The Yarn Lounge, said they hope to do this again next year. 

The early crawlers met at Starbucks on Grove Avenue.  Here are Linda, Issy, and Jane.  Jo joined us and then Mary and Renny met up with us, too. 

I wore my knitty earrings - perfect for a Yarn Crawl!

We crawled to The Knitting Basket and then to The Yarn Lounge.  Our tote bags filled with yarn, buttons, books, patterns, and notions.  We were crawling on empty so decided to go for lunch at Mosaic.  There, we lost Jane, Mary, Renny, and Jo.  I needed to go to Lettuce Knit to pick up yarn I had ordered for the Iris Schrier workshop next month so Linda and Issy came, too. 

My purchases for the day -- a very pretty sterling silver shawl pin, some cute buttons, patterns, and a Jane Ellison book. 

I'm going to say it again because I just can't say it enough --- there's just no one like knitting buddies!  Time spent with them is always delightful.  Once again, I wish I lived closer so I could see them every Tuesday night.  They're truly a GREAT group.

After stops at Barnes & Noble and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, I pointed the car toward home.  It didn't want to go but I had no choice.  Each time I go to Richmond, I feel more at home there than when I'm home.  Unfortunately, moving is not an option.  *sigh* 

As I neared home, the sun was kissing the day good-bye.  The end of a TERRIFIC day! 

Nature's Lace, Kitties, and Fitted Tank

For the last few days, the weather here has been delightful!  In the 80's with low humidity.  I wish it would stay this way.  With the cooler temps, the boxwoods are decorated with webs that collect the moisture in the air.  They look so fancy.  I think it's cool looking.  Truth is, we probably should spray for the insects causing the lacework!  In the meantime, I'll enjoy the decorations.

I caught Gracie kitty trying to catch a catnap after breakfast while George kept watch from between the pots on the backporch. 

George says, "Peeeeeeep, I see you!"

Earl Gray wasn't far away.  He had ventured out onto the sidewalk after getting a good brushing.  They are just soooo sweet!   

I have another project.  It went something like this ---- While I was listening attentively in my sock class last Friday at The Salty Sheep, my mother was shopping.  She purchased this pattern for the Fitted Tank by Blue Sky Alpacas and four skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca Organically Grown Dyed Cotton.  Cute pattern! We got back to the house and she said, "I'll never do this sweater.  Why don't you knit if for me."  And, of course, I said, "OK.  UGH!  Actually, it will be a good knit to take with me on the road daily.  Easy directions. 

Well, hopefully, it will be a quick knit without problems.  Already, though, it seems she needs a size smaller than Peggy at the knit shop thought.  I think the size that matches Mom's measurement would be huge on her so I cast on for the next size down.  She doesn't want that much ribbing so I hope to finish the ribbing tonight.  I have to go to Danville tomorrow for work and will run by to see if it "fits" her. 

Another Week

I took one last picture of the Bogue Sound before I left the beach on Sunday.  This was taken from the third floor (a little loft area) of the beach house. 

I left the house about 11:00 AM and figured that I would have to eat lunch somewhere.  I thought that Church Street Deli would be a great place to eat -- and it just happened to be next to The Salty Sheep!  I had a very tasty shrimp tomato basil wrap and then went to the knittng shop.  After spending an hour or so visiting with Amber and looking over everything again and again - hating to leave - I said my good-byes and hit the road.

I was on the last leg of my trip home when I spotted this.  It's been a long time since I've seen a rainbow.  This one looked so much more vivid in real life. 

I was in Danville all afternoon today for three work appointments so went to Knit Night at Starbucks to knit with the gals.  I haven't been in several weeks so it was good to see everyone.  We had eight people and had a great time.  So great that I took my camera and forgot to take a single picture! 

Since there are no pictures of Knit Night, I'll show you this.  I finished the first square of the Modern Quilt Wrap scarf (link to free pattern in the August 7th post).  I did rework the bottom right section.  It was just too loose.  So, one down and thirty-five *argh!* squares to go.   

All Good Things.....

...must come to an end. Tonight is the last night here at Emerald Isle. The weather is gorgeous! So nice and cool. We had our first semblance of a sunset tonight. It has been so overcast and hazy this week that we've missed all the sunsets. 

Brian, Eryn, Taylor, Rachael, and Andy all left today.  Mom, Dad, and I will leave tomorrow morning. Lily, Mom and Dad's dog, is so glad all those other canines are gone.  She's used to being an only dog and has slept ever since her canine cousins left earlier today.

Before leaving, Taylor invited me to go to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.  I kind of wanted that one last day of sun, read a book, etc. but when Taylor asks me to go with him somewhere, I am thrilled to be included and NEVER say no.  I told him that he and Rachael might want to spend some beach time just the two of them but they wanted me to come with them and NO, I didn't even have to pay!!!!!!! What a nice son!! Rachael had never been to the aquarium and the three of us had a good time.  

The aquarium underwent a major renovation a couple of years ago and really increased its size and exhibits. If you ever plan a vacation to this area, you should call the aquarium or visit their web site to see what classes or special events they have scheduled.  

We saw all kinds of stuff. Sharks, eels, alligators, crab, all kinds of fish, otters, stinging nettles, jelly fish touch tanks, etc. 

To show that you're never to old to let loose and have a little fun! Oh, don't mind him ... he's a little crabby today! HA! HA!

After the aquarium, Taylor took Rachael and me out to lunch at The Crab Claw in Atlantic Beach. I had chipotle tuna salad with pita points. Rachael had a crabcake sandwich and Taylor ordered conch fritters and jambalaya. Everything was delicious! 

Earlier today, Rachael took a picture of the family. All of you with grown children probably know how unusual and rare it is to get everyone together at the same time. That's what made this week so special!

So, until next year........farewell from the Crystal Coast of North Carolina!

I Could Get Used To This

We had a HORRIBLE storm last night. But, this morning was delightful. I've been walking along the   beach road every morning - the route is about 2 miles. This morning, the temperatures were cooler and there was a nice breeze. Those two things and the fact that I had David Reidy of Sticks and String in my pocket, made the walk quite enjoyable. 

Brian, Eryn, and their pups played in the sound and on the dock most of the day. Darby and Bailey were so funny to watch on the kayak. They absolutely LOVE the water! Eryn spent most of the day reading a book she brought. 

I walked down to the dock and sat for awhile, also. It was so nice down there. And, to show you how far "down there" really is -- I took a picture of the back of the house.  The morning glory is growing at the base of the stairs that lead to and from the dock and house.  Beautiful, isn't it??

Taylor and Rachael spent their time this morning riding bikes. Andy and I gave Taylor our old bikes - I got mine one Christmas when I was a teenager. He has a new hobby - refurbishing old bikes. Here he is with what was Andy's bike. He stripped the whole bike and added all new plus a paint job. He's going to make a cruiser out of mine. Poor Rachael had to ride the old rusty beach bike while Taylor rode his complete with Kevlar tires! I told her they should have switched at the mid-point of their ride. 

Before I knew it, it was time to get ready for class at The Salty Sheep in Swansboro, NC. Mom said she'd ride along and go in some of the shops while I was in class. 

The class was well attended - 8 people. The class is knitting 2 socks on 1 needle and is three sessions long.  Since I'm only here for this week, they let me come for the first class to learn Judy's Magic Cast-On. Both Amber and Peggy worked to help us all understand how to do the cast-on.  I think I speak for all in saying that each of us felt as if we had three thumbs on each hand!  As with anything new, it felt awkward at first.  I knit mine VERY tight so the first couple of rows were kind of tough.  I also learned a new toe shape - the round toe - from Amber.  Peggy's favorite is the more traditional toe. 

While at the shop, I spotted this babe just sitting around knitting.  Don't pay any attention to the fact that she's naked! I kind of like her plain. After seeing her, I started looking at the books by Lucinda Guy. They are adorable and I had to get them. Handknits for Kids and And So To Bed.... I'm not always wild about the colors chosen for the knitwear but the patterns are so cute! Plus, I love the way the books are written.

Mom had fun. She sat off to the side of the shop and knit. She also purchased some beautiful yarn for a sleeveless sweater that was on display.

Now, back to my toe-up socks. I used my Knit Picks Options 40" needle in a size 1. For yarn - ONline in a wonderfully bright color for summer - lime green orange, turquoise, purple, and teal. There is no color name listed on the ball band so I can't share that piece of info with you.  I know, they don't look like much yet but there's a lot of energy in those two little toes!!

When class was over, we popped into Church Street Delis and grabbed a Mint Chocolate Mocha over ice to go! Mmm!

More tomorrow! I've been invited to join Taylor and Rachael at the North Carolina Aquarium!

The Gang Is Complete!

OK.  Everyone is here now - the people count is eight and the canine count is four.  

We had a great time at the beach today. Brian, Taylor, Rachael, and I played Bocce. Fun! I think it was a little cooler this morning - slightly less humid than yesterday.

After the beach, we came back to the house. I showered and did a little work. Boy!, that shower water and air-conditioning feel sooo good when you come in all hot and sandy from the beach! The kids all headed to the sound.

They took the kayak out and had a blast. Darby climbed right up on the front of the kayak. Poor Bailey had to have a little help. They rowed around for a bit and then decided swimming was better.

We ate at The Crab Shack tonight.  It's our good old standard restaurant. We've been going there for years and know that the hush puppies, sweet tea, blue cheese dressing, etc. will always be good.

And, there has been knitting. I've worked on my sock and the Modern Quilt Wrap by Mags Kandis. The pattern is in the book, Folk Style. I bought the book and then Knitting Daily offered the pattern for free HERE. This is fun! It's like working with air and is made out of Rowan's Kidsilk Haze - Super Kid Mohair. 

The first small square I did was while sitting at Knitting Sisters with help looking on. That square looks great - the tension is nice. The second small square is much looser - the gray and lavender square. The third small square looks OK. I'm very tempted to pull the second square out but am resisting and hoping that blocking will work wonders. 

Back to The Salty Sheep tomorrow!!!!!!