Wow Time has flown bye!

Time has flown by. The last year has seemed so busy and I have been so distracted with work and other life issues.

Update: Oldest Granddaughter now lives in a group home in VA. I got to visit her there and see her new residents. It is a busy active place and yet she has her stuff around her and seems very comfortable. Oldest Grandson graduated high school and moved to Oregon to start his college life at University of Oregon in Eugene. He just completed his freshman year and is home for the summer. Second Granddaughter started high school, played Soccer and had a busy year. Third Grandson, started Roseville High School last fall and is also out for the summer and sometimes I get to see him at work. Fourth Grandson is in middle school in VA and is now playing Lacrosse. I got to watch one of his games last month when I visited in DC. Youngest Granddaughter is now as tall as me, and will finish up her schooling at Roseville Community School this next year. She is so pretty. And last but not least, the baby is now 2 and very busy. He is full of words and is a great little traveler. As you can see in this posts photo, he and I visited FAO Schwarz, in NYC. I have lots of photo's to post and more to tell about our trip later.

I am still working after 2 years at Filati Fine Yarns in Rocklin. I do love the job and work about 12 days a month. Lots of yarn and so little time!

If it can go wrong it will

I would usually be uploading a picture or two cuz I know you hate reading books with out them, but since my windows program is all screwed up I won't be doing that today.

I will just be using my words. I wanted to post photo's of grandson's graduations. Julien graduated the 8th grade this year. Shelby also graduated but they did not have a ceremony. The oldest grandson, Mason, graduated from high school in VA.

His duty during the ceremony was to introduce the guest speaker. I have now seen a video of this and he did a terrific job. The guest speaker was one very important person in our recent lives. Colin Powell!!! It was just so terrific to see the video and I can't even share it with you.

Tis the season, if it can fall apart it will. First: The airbag light is on in my little car. I can not get it in for repair till next week. Which means I am traveling this weekend to see Mother, with out airbags in my little bug.

Second: My computer has burped or something, and my windows program is not working well at all. I will have to bribe Mr. "T" (for techno) over to help set up a new hard drive and see if he can retrieve what ever it is that got lost.

Third: My I pod laid down and attempted to die on me. Now I can't do yard work with out being plugged into tunes, it is just miserable not having something pleasant in my ears when I am cussing loudly at all the huge thorns on the bushes I am trying to get rid of.

Fourth: The shawl I was trying so hard to finish to take to Mother, had a problem. A BIG problem. I tinked back 4 rows, and I finally bagged it up and went to 'Filati's' while the boss was in today. She spent 2 hours correcting the errors of my way. Janice is an amazing knitter and I can vouch for it after her work on my mess today. Janice, THANK YOU!!

I am one lucky person to work with someone that is that good at a hobby she loves so much, she has a business to bring the outstanding yarns to others.

Returned

Home from a great trip. Actually am slow in writing, but have been home now for a week. See the above photo. That is 5 grands from the east coast and some old lady in the photo, taken Mothers Day. I had such a wonderful time. Weather was just perfect. I got lots of time to see kids and the little guy and I did just great together for days while I watched him. We went for lots of walks, down to the LYS and also down to Dad's office. Ever reluctant to leave there, this time I got a 2 day delay as I got some bug. Daughter in law took charge, sent me to Kaiser and got me a new flight home. Not a good way to prolong a vacation, let me tell you.

Had great visits with the girls at DC Stitches, and found a comfortable place to sit down and knit. My friend named "Knittingcats" on Twitter, needs to venture to the shop. And the weekend Craft Fair and Flea Market is always an enjoyment to wander thru. Even had a fruit crepe that was outstanding for breakfast one morning.

I can check off one more site in DC that I finally got to visit. Talked son into going up to the National Cathedral. I have always wanted to see it. Much bigger than I had thought it would be and it has been a work in progress for many many yrs. The windows were beautiful, the marble floors outstanding. There were reg tourist groups visiting. Jeff, Jackson and I just wandered and looked. Then we went up to visit the towers with such outstanding views of Washington DC.

Am back home and at work on both jobs again. The sixteen yarn shops in this area are holding a 'Yarn Shop Hop' starting tomorrow, June 3rd. We will be busier at work. Right now going into the summer season things quiet down some during this time of the year. Yarns, books and new buttons beeing ordered for fall.

Happy Birthday Mason!!

Jackson below looking as beautiful as he alway does. He takes sign language classes with his mother every Sat and it is so sweet watching him doing his little signs.

Mothers Days

Had a wonderful Mothers Day!!! Its nice to be with son and family for Mothers Day. Usually I go to see my Mom. This year but I traded the holiday out for a trip east to see the 5 grands living here, and their parents. I got to have a photo taken of the grands and myself. Now while I don't usually care to be in the photo's, this was an easy do and I paid the guy extra to remove at least 75% of the wrinkles out of my face and like magic it worked. Have been down to DC Stitches once since I have been here. Seems like the days go by fast and not as much gets done as I think I should do. I did meet a lady here that I need to go see again. She is excited about the knitting world and I offered a few tips. I would like to see her get started on a top down sweater. Have given her the suggestion for Knitting Pure And Simple pattern. They are great starter sweaters as you don't face a bunch of seams to put together and a knitter can see some instant rewards after the sweater comes off the needles. Maybe we should walk to DC stitches with a stop at Eastern Market for some dinner supplies today. I might be able to check out patterns and get this person started on a sweater before I leave here.

What knitting I have gotten done is on a sweater from the new Interweave Knits Magazine, summer 2009. Sweater is called Elemental Boatneck and I am doing it in yarn called for,Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy yarn. I got the yarn on sale at Filati's Fine Yarn. It had been dropped down again in the Spring Sale we had in April. Colorway is Black!! (don't tell friends but BLACK is a color)

Here I am!!

Here I am, in Washington, DC, being a Grammie. I love it here and was asked to come back and take care of the now 15 month old baby while his reg nanny goes on

a vacation. We have lunch dates scheduled, yarn shops to visit and serious fun for the 2 of us next week. I also get hugs and love from the 4 older kids. Mason leaves soon for college, Shelby is getting taller and still loves soccer, Harrison also plays soccer. Lindsay is the same. Love her lots. I will come up with a few new photo's soon of Jackson's California/Oregon travels. He was a very busy boy for a few weeks traveling.

I also hope soon to get an external hard drive for my computer so I can again download some knitting photos. I have finished a Noro, top down, cardi that I really like. I finished it up in time to bring with me east. Also finished up a pair of small socks. Half sock for myself done at LAX Weds nite as what was to be a 2 hour lay over became a 5 hour lay over. I am know knitting on a summer top from the new Interweave Knits. Using Hempathy Yarn and love the feel of it knitted up. Met a new knitter here in DC. Met her first time yrs ago but didn't know she knitted. I hope to get her started on a cotton sweater, top down before I leave. In today's age I am just a phone call away. More to be posted later.

Once a Month

It appears I am posting once a month. Mostly cuz I can't download photos from my camera as I need to clear out my files to give myself room on the hard drive. BUT this picture arrived in the mail this morning. Its Mr. JST in person. Don't ya love the dirty sock and saggy diaper. I believe he is headed upstairs to get dressed for the day. I will be flying back on May 6th, to take care of him for a week while his nanny is on vacation. Not going to be the tiny baby I took care of a year ago, I feel this is going to be a work out following someone this busy.

I have been knitting as fast as I can. Trying to finish up the wool projects so I can move into the area of cotton before the heat arrives.

For those of you that have not visited Filati's lately you will be in for a delightful surprise!!! The 'real' Janice has done a whole new lay out of the yarn. And does it ever look GRAND! We are gearing up for our sale which starts April 16th. Put it on your calendar. We will be ready for you.

Stitches and Stuff

Stitches was great!!! And no I didn't get any photo's. The yarns were wonderful, button booth with great buys and seeing that many people who have the same addiction I have, is always a thrill. Seeing so many in items they have created is like a knitting fashion show in its self. Felted wore her new red sweater and looked very sweet in it. Turned out great Felted! I wore a shawl I had made last summer and saw plenty of other shawls wandering the market place.

My purchases consisted of buying the 'Simple Style' book, 3 patterns for little jackets, buttons, and of course yarn. I finally settled on my yarn for the 'Lady Eleanor' Shawl and yarn for a cardigan. I don't believe that sales were as high this year as others. The lines for check out at Webs didn't seem as long and same for the Yarn Barn. I was told there were 10% fewer vendors this year. All in all we had a great day.

The only photo I have this writing, is of our Monday Knitting Group. That is me in the center front trying to figure out what knitting is. I always have that puzzled look on my face. Ok girls pick out which looks like yourself!!

Road Trip and....

This Friday is the annual trip to Santa Clara for Stitches West. There will be 4 of us on this trip. MM and the Head Frog will be joining Linda and I as we race down the road to get in line for Market Place. I have my bag all packed, including patterns that I may want to look for yarn for. An extra bag to carry all purchases, snacks, camera and such. This is such a fun day. We will leave at 7 AM and return home long after my bedtime!!

Next is guess who on his first birthday. Here he is wondering why his cake is on fire and how is he to ever eat it like that. I think the hat is adorable and I am thinking his mother blew out the candle.

At the end of a week of birthday parties Jackson has his jammies on ready to climb the stairs to bed. He seems like a happy baby so all the parties and gifts must of been great. Daddy will be the one to end the day by tucking him in.

Have a great week and maybe next writing I will have photo's of Stitches to share.

Catching up!

Been awhile hasn't it. Time flies when you are having fun. Working 2 jobs and attempting to knit maybe 10 rows on a sweater in a week. I am sorry I seem to be falling behind. Do you realize I have been keeping this blog for 2 yrs now? That is a huge commitment..... and surprisingly you are not all bored yet!!!

The above Mr. Teddy is one I knitted for Jackson's first birthday which was Feb 7, 2009. Yes the little guy is growing. I was thinking I would have a couple birthday photo's to share with you but not yet. The sweater was also his birthday present. I do have photo's of him with these items but for some reason, in my very limited ability, I can't get them to transfer from the Kodak acct son sends them to. The little sweater and bear were fun to create. I have little blue ladybugs for buttons on the upper shoulder for easier access for his head. Why is it babies have such big heads when they are so small yet.

Jackson is now walking and I received 2 darling video's of him doing so. Such a star!!!

Other grandkids are all doing great. Mason, who is now 18, has applied to 7 colleges and as of this date has been accepted to 4 of them. Two of the colleges are on the west coast but in the state of Washington and Oregon. Shelby seems to keep getting the best ever grades and has 4 yrs of high school ahead of her. Harrison is busy being Jackson's big brother. Its a job he takes very serious and will be the one to teach him the important things. Soccer and such. Julien turned 14 last week and I had a great time taking him shopping for his present. What does an old lady know about buying clothes and such for a 14 year old. Kelsey as always is the family artist. She is so easy to shop for.

Last but not least I leave you with 2 photo's of Jackson. He got his first car for Christmas this year. This is one that doesn't go out on the highway. Just bulldozes everything in the house.

Mason is teaching Jackson all about opening gifts. First you have to read who the gift is for then who sent it before shredding the wrapping paper. Jackson is listening to every word his brother tells him.

I will update with birthday photo's soon!!!!

Ok Felted you can stop with the nagging now.

Whats Its All About At Holiday Time!

The family from the east coast. Son, daughter in law and 5 grands. Am guessing you know which one is Jackson!!

Daughter, granddaughter, grandson and granddog.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

It Fits!!!!

Long before Jackson was born I knitted 3 sweaters, a collection of little hats and a few pairs of socks. I tried to gauge when he would wear these items as I didn't wish for them to be the right size in the middle of July in Washington DC. The above picture is Jackson and his Mommie. JST is wearing a sweater I made in size 9 months and fits right on time. He looks so sweet, and so does his mother. I love seeing these items on him. Yarn is Encore that wears like cast iron for baby items. Easy to knit with and great colorways.

All dressed and ready to go to day care, but time for one more bottle. Such a little man with his bluejeans and sweater. Jackson has 2 teeth with 2 more soon to be in, weighs 17 lbs now and is pulling himself up to everything. He wants to walk and is very close to doing so. His personality is now so cute, I am only sorry I don't live near him to see all these changes. His brothers and sisters are doing fine. I get updates as they are busy teens and almost teen.

I posted these photo's as I can't discuss what is currently on needles they are Christmas gifts. Yesterday was Black Friday and for the first time I can ever remember I worked retail. Now granted there were not mobs lined up at the door when we opened but the shop was very busy. Lots of yarn for scarves, mittens and socks and other fast knit little items went flying out the door. I sold knit kits, the book on 'Beginning Knitting', needles and a skein of yarn. I think those are great get started gifts. In a time of financial crisis we don't seem to see a cut back on buying wonderful yarns. If a person is going to spend hours creating something they want good yarn.

Knitting and such!

Its that time of the year, when a person should be outside cleaning up all these freakin leaves, but why do that when a person could knit? Knitting wins out. I did mow the front yard and clear up a few leaves there this morning but didn't want to over do it so left all the leaves hiding behind the shrubs in the backyard. The above I refer to as the Green Monster. I shall not say more but it feels like I have been knitting on it for 1/2 of my life. It is daughters Christmas present. I am slowly making my way to finishing it.
The next photo is a mitten. I got this urge last Friday at work, to knit mittens, when one friend came in the shop and said she was making Smittens. Smittens is a darling little booklet we have that shows creative mittens. I thought heck I can do that. So I bought some Elsebeth Lavold yarn off the sale rack and came home and poured over Ravelry till I found a great free pattern and yesterday while knitting at "Its A Grind" I got this much done. I will do my own little creative stitching on top of the glove. This one I refer to as the 'Green Thumb Mitten'. The yarn is wonderful to knit with. 50% baby alpaca, 50% merino wool.

The above photo is mothers scarf. I did a stitch called 'Simple Lace' by Ann Norling. Moves along fairly fast and you don't even need to haul the pattern around with you. It sticks in your mind after 2 rows. The yarn is cashmere and silk.

Yesterday was a fun last minute thing where several of us were determined to find some quiet spot and work on Christmas presents. The Head Frog, who is whipping out lace a mile a minute, and Courtney who does socks in her sleep, (that girl can knit faster than lighting!!) enjoyed a quiet corner of 'Its a Grind' out on Sunset and Park. The coffee shop was very quiet for a Sat. afternoon, and as we sipped our coffee the stitches moved along fast. Thanx Girls.

Last but not least, I have a great photo of Jackson. He is at Ihop waiting for his first sampling of Pancakes. "What are pancakes, Grammie? Doesn't matter they will go in my mouth like everything else does!"

PS: Happy Birthday Jonna Kay!!! I am very proud of you and love you.

Fast Trip

As you can see my fast trip was back up to Mothers. It was near her birthday and I had not been up to see her since July. I wanted to share views that she sees daily from her front room. Of course above is her favorite view, Mt. Shasta. This is from her new front room windows. She watches the mountain change with the seasons.





The above pictures are also from her huge front room windows. Across the canyon she sees the trees change to gold each fall. It gives new meaning to there is gold in "them thar hills". The road is from is at her house. When I tell you she lives in the mountains I really mean the mtns. Her location is about 8 miles out of town in the forest. The winters bring up to 10 feet of snow at her house to fear of wild fires burning through the canyon each summer. Somehow she and Dad survived nearly 36 years of living at this location and were able to live with the extreme seasonal concerns. I could not do it. My brother now spends most of his winter plowing them out and during the summer clearing near the house so the fire crews will help if such a terrible thing happened.. I couldn't live with it. I fear the fires when I am there in summer time, and I don't drive in the snow during the winters. I never thought of myself as a city girl but guess I am.


On the knitting side of life I seem to be not getting as many stitches done as I should. I am working on daughters Christmas gift. I have all the items I need to ship back east for Christmas to son and his family. I will have them all in the mail in next couple weeks. I have a front to finish on Jackson's sweater.

I have seen the Head Frog another time. I am glad she has the time to come back to our world of knitting. She is a talented knitter. We have talked the Real J. to teach one more 'finishing class'. I hope to fill the class up so I can also attend. She is so full of knitting knowledge that it is a joy to work for her. If any of you that follow this attempt at blogging, are interested in the class call the shop and sign up before its full.

BOO!!!!

Shhhhhh its me Jackson. I am giving y'all a sneak peek at my halloween costume! Do you recognize me. Dad says I am some foghorn guy from his cartoon days. I just think I look funny. But at least I have my brother and my Mom laughing. Are they teasing me? Do I have to go out in public in this outfit.
Grammie will be back in a few days. She is knitting Christmas stuff and won't talk to us now.

Yawn!!! Why did you wake me?

Wow! What a nap! Bought a new chair, sat down to knit and fell asleep mid stitch. The nagging of a few friends woke me. They had some problem with seeing the same blog date and picture of a new chair everytime the checked up on me. Most people are very happy when a friend doesn't talk all the time. I tried to give you all a good break from me, but a few of you are great with the nagging, poor husbands. (you know who you are)

I don't know how life got so busy that 6 weeks have flown by. I guess I didn't have anything to say. I have done a little watching of the world pass in front of my eyes with great wonderment where its all going to lead. Wall Street in free fall, and nobody owning a parachute is enough to scare a me. Then the election mess. Lordy Lordy, did anyone else know that Mr. McCain was so nasty mean? I missed that about him. He seems to be lacking some gray matter which they say dimishes with age. Seventy two must be an age that it is noticable. I started noticing how bad off he was when he brought someone down that was safe guarding our border with Russia, and gave her a mic. She has struggled with learning the english language, but seems to have a grasp on how to stir a crowd into a near riot.

For us locals who just can't see enough of hand dyed yarn at the local shops, we gathered up our tools, bought some bare wool and a few dyes, some containers to put it all in and below is the results. M. had dyed one other time so we selected her our leader. She made us dress up in masks and gloves and there we were in Felted's back yard looking like very scary scientist's from a poorly made Mel Brooks movie. We could dress like this for Halloweenie and scare small children.

This is 3 skeins of lace weight yarn. I thought I was using a dark gray, light gray and some brown. What I got was dark blue, light gray and chestnut brown. Now this is not what I visulized as I was laying this all out. But I like what I got. You all know how I am about blue and gray. The brown is a much different brown than I first thought. But someday I will reach for it and have a shawl

The below yarn is a sock yarn. Tell me friends, who nag I don't wear enough color, will this work for you. I will be ask to remove my socks at a movie theater, as they glow in the dark!!!!

The experience of dying was great. I learned alot about mixing colors and how much of the dye you use has a great impact on items that you choose to wear and not stand out like a neon sign!!

The Queen of Gauge and myself had lunch the other day with the Head Frog and her side kick MM. It was great catching up with them. Both are busy and its not often we all click on a day that we can take 2 hour lunch and knit together. MM I am so thinking of you this month and know the time is moving fast towards your wedding. I will be waiting for photo's. My hugss and best wishes to you and S.

What is a posting to my blog without an update on the man in my life. He is now 7 months old and sitting up. Here he is with a new friend. I just know he is asking his father, "How do I know she is a girl and does she like me?"

Returning to Regular Schedule Knitting

Ah at long last!!! A new knitting chair for me, thanks to Felted and her hubby Mr. T. A fast trip to Ikea, and a car that everything fit into allows me to introduce you to my new knitting corner of the world. I have already enjoyed a short evening of knitting after putting this together. The chair was easy. Add legs, put cover on cushions and sit down. Ottoman different story!! It was a puzzle, of which totally confused me but with some assistance its done and ready for my use.

I am sailing along, almost 1/2 way done, of Mothers scarf. It is a simple Ann Norling pattern called..... Simple Lace. Its so simple I don't need to have the pattern with me even. I can knit on it and even watch TV. Well...... as long as I don't watch the DNC. I had to stop and tink back as I watched BO speak last Thursday night.

Am off to knit knit knit!!!

Heat and Christmas!!

The above is the start of Christmas knitting. Yes I am starting in August with hopes of no last minute crazy panic knitting!!!! The red scarf on the left is a cashmere scarf for mother, and the one on the right is another small object for a small person. In the heat of August, I have cast on the smaller items, and the one larger item will come along as the temps drop and a person living in California can honestly feel fall coming on. Fall is normally my favorite time of the year, but it does come with pressures, when a person is making gifts for the holidays, and a gazillion leaves are falling outside and need constant clean up for a couple of months. Unless I choose to just stare at them in hopes they vanish with out me going out and rounding them up. I love my 2 big trees on the west side of the house, but 3 months of the year, they do cause work.

Knitting life has been slow, as working in a yarn shop tends to slow down needle time at home. I love working there but admit to nights when I get home and the most I do is look at my needles and not touch them. I do love "Fondling the Cashmere", which is my job title at the yarn shop, but like so many I see so much yarn and know there is so little time. The shop I have been working at for past 2 months is Filati Fine Yarns. It is a beautiful shop full of some of the most beautiful yarns a person could ever wish to see and fondle. The staff is experienced with any knitting tips a person could ever wish for or need. AB is wonderful with lace and inspired me to knit the red scarf for mother. The Queen of Swatch, is a total math whiz and stretches my mind to look at options when it comes to knitting. Both have made things, that take your breath away. Then there is the owner, I call her the Real Janice. She is at ease with yarn and needles, as most of us stumbling through the yarn world, wish to be. Her knowledge on her shop is amazing. She knows every yarn and can pull a pattern, from the past published ones and current publications, that amaze you. This week we have a new person joining us, and as excited as I am to have her working with me, the fact is our schedules are opposite each other and I will probably see less of her. Fall goodies are being ordered and their arrival to the shop will be an early Christmas for us to open and stock. The fall colors are breath taking. The new yarns and colors will be a delight to 'fondle' as I help put them out. Publications coming in, will inspire anyone who likes sticks and string.

So if you missing me in my usual knitting groups, you know where to find me. The schedule should be established in next few weeks, and I have great hopes of returning to some of my knitting groups. Patience!!

The Chair!

Little knitting content today. I have had a major fall out here. The chair that sits in the corner of the studio, with the good light to knit by, has fallen down on me. I kept wondering why I felt like my butt was sitting on the floor, why I struggled to climb up outta the chair. I only learned why about 2 weeks ago when I dropped a stitch marker and reached down and under the chair searching for it. Something was blocking my reaching under the chair. So setting the knitting down, I got up and turn the chair over only to realize, all the springs had fallen out. They were flat on the floor. Now this chair was a prize when I found it. Old, yard sale and dragging it home trying to clean the upholstery should give you a clue how old it is. I am guessing 1920's. I drove by a yard sale one Saturday and there it was on the curb, with its thumb out trying to hitchhike home with me! I turned around and found parking and quickly parked myself in it so nobody else would get this treasure. Now 25 years later, I realize I don't think anyone was fighting me for this chair!! I loved it. Paid for it and raced home to get the pick up to take it home in. This chair has been my reading cozy spot, knitting comfort zone for all those 25 years. I think it was tired. I think it said enough of your butt, ENOUGH I say!!!!

Last week Felted and I did what was called a short road trip. We went to Ikea. Now that is enough distance away from home for me to claim it a road trip that needs plans.... maps, someone leading me there so I find my way back. We found just the chair I wanted, along with a super size ottoman that is a BIG storage factor. What knitter doesn't need storage.? I had to think it over but now realize I am not doing any knitting as I can't find a comfort zone. Time to replace the old girl and give her a quiet trip to chair heaven. I will be shopping and bring home my new knitting zone chair as soon as I have time and transportation back to Ikea.

I have finished another pink t shirt type summer top. I haven't had photo's of it but will try for one later today as I am wearing it to work this afternoon. The summer sale at the shop has kept me very busy so coming home and fondling yarn has not happened. I do have my Christmas knitting plan in place and yarn waiting for me. Daughter, Mother and grandson are the winners of this year's knitted presents. Grandson's gift has the back done and a good start on the front. It is perfect knitting in the over 100 degrees we are having. But I am ready to pull out the wool and do sweaters again, mainly starting on Daughters gift.

Its All About the Mush!!!

Jackson says "If the mush is that good the bowl has to be better!!!"

Lavender

I have written several times about my trips up north to Mom's. This last trip was the exception to the rule of following Mt. Shasta home. The fires in California were so bad as I started my drive north, that the valley was filled with smoke. Seeing the mountain was not an option. When I got to Redding the smoke was only worse. By the time I got to Shasta Lake and was driving across the bridges, I could not look down and see the water. Not only was the lake very low this year, the smoke had floated in and it felt like strange to not be able to see the earth below me. I spent the entire week at Mom's with out seeing Mt. Shasta once.

One day I was determined to fine the Lavender Fields. I had heard of a farm near Mt. Shasta, and got some general driving directions and started out. As I drove through Grenada, and on out to Big Springs I begin to wonder if there was really fields there. Smoke was again very bad, but as I drove along looking for the right turn off I was not sure where I was. Then I saw the 'Grenada Bridge'. A place where we went to during the years of High School. On past I got to Big Springs, and did not remember there was actually one service station there, defining a small country town. Driving on I found a US Mail Lady and stopped and asked her for directions to the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm. I followed her directions, turned on another country road, going a certain distance and found a small sign directing me up dirt/rock road. You could only drive at a very slow speed and kept rounding around some scrub trees. I kept thinking I had taken the wrong road. How could anyone have a 'farm' up here in the rocks. The valley was lush and green with farm land and here I was climbing up a rock pile. I realized how far 'up' I had come when I first saw a vineyard and a building came into site with expansive views of the valley below. This is a fairly new farm and turning the last curve brought me into the magical view of Lavender fields. Except for the smoke I would of also had a breath taking view of Mt. Shasta. This picture is the view you first see. It was amazing!! As soon as you exist the car you inhale the wonderful smell of lavender. I also felt like I had entered another country. It has a French country side feeling. The above photo is one that I bought in their small shop. I could not of taken a picture like this as the smoke had filled in around the place. The views would be spectacular if only I could see this.

I did buy some Lavender as it is a great thing to put in with your wool yarn. Deters moths and is much nicer when you pull out a skein of yarn with the smell. Beats using moth balls!!

This farm is open from June 16th till July 20, this year. They close it to the public at that time so they can harvest the lavender and dry it. Groups of painters come to paint the views and the art work is hanging inside the small building. As you enter the building you are handed a cup of Lavender Tea. In the last year they had a wonderful write up in Sunset Magazine.

Now if I had been prepared I could of taken a basket and gone out to cut my own Lavender. I was not! So I purchased some bagged and some lavender still on stems. There is a wonderful fountain there and tables with lavender umbrella's to sit under and enjoy the view. Next time I go I will be prepared with my lunch and such items I need to walk out and cut my own.

The link to this place above, shows you some other amazing shots of the fields and of course the mountain. I bought the small picture I posted above as there was no way I was bringing home a photo of smoke to post.

me

Guess Who Child

For those of you looking for yarn content here, sorry!!!!! I just got some proofs of profession photo's of Jackson.

This one says " I am posing naked. Will these photo's come back to haunt me someday?"

I have discovered my feet also.

Fires, Crops, Knitting and Guess Who

We all have been suffering from smoke here along with the heat. In the past month we have seen very few clear blue sky's. Some days we see some blue if we look directly up. But the horizon is grey with smoke. You can look directly at the sun as it sets, the smoke has so filtered it. The only thing worse is those who are losing homes and living in evacuation centers only to return to where their homes were to find their lives changed. The above photo was taken by a newspaper and shows the down town area where I use to live. Can you imagine seeing that huge fire storm and being able to close your eyes that night? This is down town Grass Valley.
For those of you that worry we may not have food, these 2 fields show a very green rice field along with a field of sunflowers. Both of these fields are close to where I currently live. Yes I drove north to Mothers again for a very busy week. I visited the most beautiful Lavender Farm but was unable to take photo's as it was shrouded in smoke. I did not in 7 days lay eyes on Mt. Shasta. Sad to say it was also covered in smoke and hard to believe not visible once time during my visit.

I also got a very fast trip to Ashland, Oregon and a small shopping trip to Web-sters. I managed to find 2 kinds of yarns that are not sold at the yarn shop I am currently working at a couple days of the week. One was Noro Sock Yarn. I got two grey/brown/tan skeins, thinking they would make a nice light weight shawl. Have no pattern in mind.

The second purchase was 600 yards of Schaefers Nancy. This is completed as you can see by the photo below. I do have to block it yet. But it is off the needles and ends woven in. I like this pattern and the casual shawl with a ruffle around the edges. It was a fast knit.

While at Mothers I finished up my cotton top. I like this sweater, but it turned out to be just a little to heavy to wear in 100 degree weather. I will be wearing it this fall when the world outside cools down somewhat. I spent last Sunday sewing it together.

And for my final picture of the day it is the Guess Who child. He took his second airplane trip down to the Outter Banks to someones wedding. He also had new outfits to travel with. One being his dress up outfit for the wedding, but the cutest one is his "surfer dude" swim suit. I do have pictures to show later where his father took him in the water. He was not fond of it and the wind that kept blowing in his face. Remember how it takes baby's breath away when the wind blows on them? Here he is being rescused by his Mother.

Some friend has been nagging for me to update blog. I know I have been slow but have been working some extra afternoons a week and my body and mind are numb when I return home. I have much more to post about my trip north and my mini reunion with friends. I will get photo's together and have a little 'friend' post soon.

Keep those needles moving!!!

Still Knitting After All These Years!

I am stilllllllll knitting on the cotton top shown in the previous blog. I am almost done with the sleeves. The back and front have been seamed together so I could measure for the length of the sleeves. I will have the sleeves done tonight. Finish the neckline on sweater and I hope to have the top finished this weekend to take to Mom's with me.

I have one new photo to update you all with. This is Jackson on the right and his friend Langston. The parents have been friends for years, so Jackson and Langston were 'born' friends. They are just a couple weeks apart in age so they will be a joy to watch grow up together. That Jackson knows how to flirt with a camera. He always smiles when he sees one! Langston looks scared of them.

Signs of Summer

Signs of summer comes with lots of visuals. Like swimming pools, shorts, no school for grandkids. But as life gets older (note I said life, not me) mine comes in the forms of what I am knitting when the heat arrives. Above is a cotton/acrylic t-shirt style top I am knitting for myself. Its Berroco Calico. Bought on sale. Love that sale yarn. The back is completed and the front is about done. Then all is left is sleeves and sewing it up. I was looking for something I could knit and stand to wear in the summer heat here. I have some cotton that I found in my stash (it was well hidden, from myself I guess) That in my mind I am trying to figure out what kind of top I can knit with. I bought it in 1989. It is time it surfaced and was put into use.

I have also started another part time, temp job. I am work 2 days a week with friends at my LYS, giving the owners time to search for a full time employee. I like this job, maybe because I know its temp and its only 2 afternoons a week. But by Friday afternoon I can feel those hours. I do enjoy watching others shop and what they are knitting. I am also taking this job as a short semester at the college of knitting. I am learning that gauge thing better and also taking in all the colors possible in the world. I also like to think of it as 'Fondling the Cashmere'.

This last photo is of a plant which has bloomed in last few days. My Knitting Guru's husband has this terrific green thumb and he gave this to me a week ago....... Look Guru and Hubby, its still alive. But I forgot the name of it!! Help remind me the name. Does this all give you a clue about my 'green thumb'? It falls in there with my gauge issues on knitting.

I am off to meet up with the Lawn Mower. Another sign of summer!!!!!

Guess Who?

"Hey Bro, is that my prom date or yours?"

Questions of Life

No photo's in today's blog. They would frighten you if I had had enough nerve to even have taken one.

Sometimes I wonder if I am aging gracefully. Which I see so many doing so well. I see whiter hair, a wrinkle here, a sag there and say, 'ok I can deal with those' I won't turn on the light in the bathroom and they almost don't exist. I dress age appropriate, I believe. I don't wear cut off jean shorts where the bottom of my bottom can hang out. I am smart enough to know that slapping sound I hear behind me when I walk is that bottom and it can't be a pretty picture. I have learned to not be afraid to ask for my senior discount. (fixed income ya know) I try hard not to offer my 'wise' advice to the younger generations. But yesterday I saw something that really brought all these little things to light and wonder if I am doing the right thing or not.

I went knitting with friends, and stopped at In N Out for my weekly burger fix sitting quietly at a table reading my book and savoring every bite of my meal, when I hear this loud voice at the door. I have to look up to see what is happening. Standing in the door way is a sight that made me lay down my burger, stop dipping the fries in the catsup and stare. I mean stare. It was impossible to turn my head and be polite even. I was so involved in my stare I didn't even think to take out my phone and snap a photo!! Standing there was a woman wearing very tight leopard spotted shorts.... short shorts. A black skin tight tank top. Bleached out white hair pulled up in a pony tail. Long dangly earrings that brushed her shoulder tops. Bright red cheeks and eyes that I couldn't even focus on for color as the round black circles around them stunned me. Now I realize maybe this doesn't seem the most outrageous thing. But the final straw was the black fish net leggings that just set this outfit off. Yes I said fish net. Bright red (I think they matched her cheeks) toenails. In some wedge kinda thong shoes. She was actually yelling at someone that she had found a table outside, like maybe if anyone in the restaurant missed her, they would notice after the shout out!! To fill in the rest of this image is... she was not a dainty small lady, nooooo. She was maybe older than me even. There I sat feeling so under dressed to be in the public. I was wearing denim cropped pants, a plain yellow t shirt, with some sandals. I could easy of blended in with the wall paper if in fact In N Out had wallpaper. Now the question to all of you, who follow my extremely exciting thrilling life on this blog, am I not dressing right? Do I need a wardrobe consultant? This is your chance to tell me the truth. Go for it!

On the knitting side of life I am fighting with the GAUGE issue. Just when I think I understand it and knit along, I go outta gauge. I had this idea from watching the Queen of Cables, that a few cotton t shirt kinda tops would give me something to wear in summer months, and they have to be easy to make up. Right? .....NOT!

Cotton knits so different than other yarns, that you have to go back to bamboo needles to keep the stuff on the needles even. Well that gauge didn't work either, so back to the Options. I cast on for the 4th time at 10 pm last nite, in bed and knit 4 rows. I have made up my mind. This is it no matter what this 'cute' little t shirt looks like or who it will even fit.

KNIT ON!!!

In Order To Not Annoy My Few Friends...

In Order to not annoy my few friends, by filling their email with pictures of the darling grandson, I will add them to the blog where I can fill in my perfect comments. You know the ones that are like cartoon captions! Above is Jackson and his beautiful sister, the soccer player. Jackson, being almost 4 months old has already attended more than his life time share of soccer games between this sister or his brother. Some weekends it means 3 to 4 games. Jackson is having a look like..... 'How come S. has teeth and I don't?' And she has brand new shinny braces to add to them. They look swell!!!

Below is a picture of Jackson looking shocked to realize he has more hair than his Dad. See what you have to look forward to Jackson? Not to worry dear Grammie will knit you a wig.