We Did Get Snow....

So it was actually last week that we got the snow but you know how slow I am with the blogging. I didn't really get many photos of the snow itself since it was so cold and I didn't want to go out and freeze my behind off. :P It was already melting by the next morning so most of the photos are the leftover ice and snow remnants.

I won't do much yakking since the pictures pretty much speak for themselves....just wanted to share them with you.
















Off to put away my Noro Clapotis for the day and get some much needed sleep. Take care and hugs to everyone!!

Good Week Or Bad Week.....

Yesterday was a dreary kinda day....cloudy and the wind blowing...sometimes coming in such strong gusts that it repeatedly re-arranged the chairs on the deck. Then comes the dark clouds and rain and I'm thinking....this is NOT the way I want my week to start out.

The clouds finally started rolling out and we really need the rain so I shouldn't complain. The clouds do make for some pretty cool photos too. Like I said.....I so do not want a week that goes like this.

I'm seriously hoping the rainbow that followed is a MUCH better sign for the week ahead. I wish I could have gotten a better photo but the light was crappy and this is as good as I could get...plus I was standing in the yard under an umbrella taking this photo in the rain. The rain started back just as I saw the rainbow. I guess it can't decide what kind of week I'm having just yet....that's normal....chaos as usual. lol

A quick knitting catch-up....this is the bag for my neighbor's daughter. Her favorite colors. Mom assured me that she will love it since she wasn't home to see it yet. It was done in Sugar & Cream....black and red.


This is teacher bag #1. Again, her choice of colors. This one (as well as the other two teacher bags to come) was done in acrylic and I'm just gonna say it.....I HIGHLY recommend using acrylic for these bags. It's low maintenance, knits quickly and won't break the bank...not to mention the unlimited colors available in acrylic. This one is done in Red Heart Super Saver...color is Earth & Sky. I finished this one over the weekend so I'm thinking if I really buckle down...I can have all three done by the end of the week. I did just a bit of pattern adjusting for this yarn....cast on 34 stitches instead of the 44 on the pattern and used a US Size 7 needle for the bottom (US Sz 5 on pattern). I knit the body of the bag on the US Sz 10.5 just as the pattern calls for. It's a good size...not too big and the acrylic has so much more stretch than the cotton. Then it's back to finishing up the bags for us. I've lost count on how many...wondering if there will ever be a last one. :P

Back to bag #2...hope you're all doing great!
Hugs!

A Beautiful Happy Earth Day & A Contest...

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

This is what it looked like around here today. There was also a pretty good breeze blowing...it almost felt like fall. I thought this would be a good photo to share for Earth Day.

I'm still not getting much knitting done....just a little on Ms Thang's pool bag. I'm trying hers out with some leftover acrylic in a pretty, girly mix of white and pink. That's the only bit of knitting I've touched all day. :( The cute little man was here today and we had a really good day. He was in a silly mood for a while...he's so funny sometimes.

The contest is on Brian's blog and it's a good one! You can get multiple entries for commenting, making the correct guesses on the contest photo and so on. Check it out and tell him I sent ya...yeah, I get an extra entry for that. :P I didn't do so well with the whole guessing thing. lol
He's got some awesome prizes including the beautiful needle cases he makes. I bought one a while back and use it faithfully. They're nice and portable....I love mine!

Off to get some rest...I don't have the energy that a 3 year does. lol

Hugs!

The Thunder Rolls....

Not a lot of knitting news today. I mainly tried to focus on "The Fluffy Pink Baby Blankie That Never Grows". I got three skeins to do this blanket and I am ready to start on skein #3 but it seems like I'm never gonna get to the end. And it's not as big as I think it should be at this point. I have decided that the next baby blanket will NOT be done with this yarn. (Red Heart Baby Clouds) It's pretty but.....GRRRRRRRRRR!!

Mother Nature was in rare form today. The morning started out like this. It rained off and on all day but when it was raining...it was pouring. We were also under a tornado watch until around 6:45 pm. I am sooo glad the tornados didn't rear their ugly heads. I hope there wasn't much damage anywhere else. I haven't heard the latest news yet.

This photo was taken this afternoon...around 6:00 pm. The sun peeked out a few times just briefly but most of our day today was spent looking like "almost dark thirty". It's really messed my time up today.

I got this one in one of those rare and fleeting moments when the sun did come out....as it was going down. Too little, too late. The photo is a lot darker than it looked out but I love the dramatic clouds. Seriously though...scary stuff hanging around here today. It's over and gone...thank goodness. Let's hope for some sunshine and calm weather tomorrow...for everybody.

Hugs!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I know we need rain...good for the environment, raise lake levels, etc, etc..BUT! If it doesn't soon stop - this (see photo above) is only going to keep getting bigger and bigger. I do not own a boat. I do not have plans to own a boat. I cannot borrow a boat. I do, however, need to check the mail. This puddle (pond wannabe) is standing in my way. Rumor has it...tomorrow will be sunny. I've got my fingers crossed.

Duckie progress....need two wings and a foot and then put him together

I did finish the teddy but forgot to take a photo....maybe I'll remember to do that tomorrow when the light is better.

Scary, Stormy Stuff

"Eider" you take me back inside or I'm gonna waddle outta here!

We know that ducks love the water but even lilduckie was a little concerned about the weather here today. *See the frightened look on his face?* I'm sure most of you have heard of the awful storms that just plowed through 5 of our southern states yesterday....last night we were told they were heading this way. Fortunately for us...they had weakened by the time they reached us. The clouds were looking pretty menacing today but aside from a little rain...we're just fine.

This is what they looked like this afternoon. I tried to get some video but it just didn't turn out as well as I had hoped so we'll just have to live with photos.

These last two look a lot worse than they really are. The second photo is the "real deal". By this time, the sun was going down and it added a very dramatic effect to the clouds.


Especially this one. Strange how nature can be so scary and so beautiful all at the same time. I know there were so many who were not as lucky as we have been and I want to say that our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the storms. Come on my blogging buddies....let's all light a candle and say a little prayer for them. Hugs all around!

*Knitting note....cast on for a baby blanket today. I'm using Red Heart Baby Clouds in Pink Lemonade. Love the way it looks knitted up but HATE HATE HATE knitting with it. AAGGGH...What was I thinking?!* photos later

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It has been raining here for what seems like forever. I really wish it would stop for a day or two.
Oh well, it makes for good knitting weather...but then, for me, any weather is good knitting weather. lol

Not much exciting going on around here now...just finishing up the final touches on my Cocoa Swap and getting it ready to mail out tomorrow. I've got two cloths OTN for Valentine's Day gifts and seriously fighting the urge to pull out that little sock keychain kit and cast on. I know it will require much attention for me and so it would be better to wait until I get some things finished.

Ms Thang is hounding me about what toy I am going to knit next and I really have to get another duck knitted for a certain Froggie's cute little son for his birthday in March. He absolutely loves little yellow ducks. He will have a handknit one this year.


lilduckie wanted to say "Thanks" for all the nice comments. You've really made him feel welcome. He has promised to be good and try to take over but he will pop in from time to time to say "HI". So, from lilduckie....MWAHHHHHHH!

Other Uses For Popcorn Tins

First of all, I have to admit that I totally stole this idea from Froggie . These were the Christmas popcorn tins at Walmart. They were on the markdown aisle for less than $2.oo and once you remove the bag of popcorn inside, they make awesome little knitting tins. I need to add a bit of velcro on the sides to hold the little wicker top on...it tends to slide a bit. Not a bad little "bag" for 2 bucks. Thanks, Froggie.

I almost finished knitting all the pieces for my little duck. Just have a foot and the beak left to knit and then put it all together and put the stuffing inside. I still have plans for the teddy bear just haven't started it yet. The first attempt got sent to the frog pond. Now if I can just get good at seaming...I think might actually enjoy knitting toys.

The weather man is running his mouth again. We're watching for some sleet and possibly a little snow tonight. Let's hope he's consistent and wrong...as usual. I don't want any more nasty sleet.
We brought in the wood for the fireplace just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Salmon Patties and No More Snow. :(

Well, the second snow didn't materialize. This is what we're left with....that and lots more rain and some sleet mixed in. Oh well, I guess we should be happy that we got any.

I'm posting the recipe for Salmon Patties for the folks who were interested in how we make these things around this house.

Salmon Patties

1 can Salmon
1 egg
1/2 cup of flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup minced onions (optional)

Drain the salmon and remove the bones and skin. Reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid. In a bowl, combine salmon, egg and onions...Stir in flour. Combine baking powder and the reserved liquid into the salmon mixture. Form into small patties and fry in hot oil for about 5 minutes.

Once you get past the yucky part of removing the skin and bones, it's smooth sailing. I hate that part. The kitties outside are always happy to take that yucky stuff off your hands though. lol

A teddy bear note....
I finally just picked a simple pattern and cast on last night. I hope it turns out well. So far, so good. I will post photos when I get him finished. (If he isn't the most ugly bear ever that is)

Now, off the the knitting and pouting cuz we didn't get more snow. :(

TGIF

Just a couple more snow photos for MissMandyGirl. She missed out on the snow (Sorry) and likes the snow pictures.
I'm not sure which one of the cats outside left these tracks...there are about 3 or 4 running around out there.

We are waiting for more to come sometime in the morning. We'll see when we wake up.

Can you believe I'm still trying to get the perfect Blah Buster Buddy for my Cocoa Swap partner? I really need to get busy and make a decison. I've got several patterns that I'm thinking over. I hope to figure it out tonight and get it cast on. I think another dive in the yarn stash may help to inspire me.

I'm having some Chicken Pot Pie tonight. I had a couple of "takers" on the salmon patties...how bout the Pie? It's almost home-made. It's pretty darn good if I say so myself...I made it so I have to say that. Okay...I'm off to chow down and then do a little yarn diving.

Hope you're all warm and cozy and knitting away.
Hugs!

Here Today....Gone Tomorrow

This is about the extent of our snow from last night. For us, this was a lot of snow. I let the kids stay out late playing in it...making tiny snowmen and throwing snowballs. I can't remember the last time it was pure snow so I thought they should get out there while they had the chance.

This is our big baby, Kane. He was totally unimpressed with all the drama going on. He probably thought I had lost my mind out taking photos in the dark. He's really so much bigger than he looks in this photo but he's a just a big old slobbery baby.

There's very little snow left on the ground now but the good news is that they are calling for more by the weekend. The kids got an extra day off from school so as far as they're concerned...Mission Accomplished.

A Winter Weather Update!

OMG! Can you believe it?! It is actually snowing here! Absolute pure, white, fluffy, no ice included snow. My kids are going insane with joy. We stopped what we were doing and grabbed some shoes and out the door we went. Yeah, I grabbed my camera on my way. I mean this just happen here and I had to get some proof. Did you know that it's hard for an amateur to take photos of snow in the dark? I only have a digital camera...not one of those nice fancy, make all the necessary adjustments kinda cameras. I think I got some pretty decent shots considering.
The picture above is my pecan tree which, btw, put off an enormous amount of pecans this year.

This is my little shrub by the front steps. I was just so excited to see the snow that I was taking pictures of anything and everything. Luckily, I won't share them all and bore you to tears. I just had to share the joy.

Big thanks to Brian and Wendy who promised me they would send me snow. It's here!!!

Hot Cocoa Swap...Topic Of The Week #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?


For me, I think my projects have changed somewhat to match the season. I have plans to make a scarf, a shawl and hopefully some mittens. I already have a pair of slippers done and will be making more of those. I find that I'm not making as many dishcloths but those are one project that I will always make.

My yarn doesn't really change. I prefer natural fibers and pretty much stick with the cottons and wool or wool blends. I have recently found an acrylic that doesn't make me gag. lol It's the only new fiber that has found it's way in.

I think it's only natural to begin thinking of warmer projects when it's so cold outside. If I didn't have so many things going on already, I have some bulky wool blend that I would knitting up now into a thick, warm afghan.


Speaking of weather...it's a nippy 27 degrees F here this morning and there's still no sign of the white stuff. Last report says that rain will be moving in tonight and by tomorrow morning we will have sleet. I will be waiting on those snow deliveries from my friends who have too much already and have offered to send some my way. Send BIG boxes...we've got to cover about an acre of land here folks. Oh and if you could put a rush on that stuff...my kids are driving me insane. :P Is it snowing yet? Is it snowing yet? ...........

Still waiting....

We're still waiting on that snow. There's been no sign of the fluff yet and I'm not totally convinced there will be. I've spent the afternoon trying to explain to my youngest that...
just because the weatherman says chance of snow does not mean that there will be any snow.
She isn't liking my explanation at all.

I have not given up on my Isabeau Purse. She is patiently waiting for me to get off my behind and cut out the lining already. I will. I promise. Sometime soon, this weekend or maybe next week. When I get my teddy bear issues sorted out...this will become an FO. Really, it will.

This is a short post since, for once, it has been a quiet and somewhat uneventful day. YAY!
Now, I have a plate of Southern goodness waiting and I am starving. Anybody care for some mashed potatoes, turnip greens, salmon patties and biscuits? This is "good eating". :)

Snow? Here? Yeah, right...

So the weatherman thinks it's quite amusing to tease us with threats of snow. Like that's ever gonna happen! See this photo, this is what we get. If anything, the snow will start to fall and the kids get all excited...."YAY NO SCHOOL!!"....and it's so pretty and...
Wait, what's that noise? Is that sleet? You got it. The snow will soon turn to ice and then everything is all frozen over and you can't go anywhere cuz around here people don't know how to drive in it and it totally sucks. For once, if we could just have some pure, white, fluffy snow then that would be incredible. It's not gonna happen. It's not that I don't like snow...we just don't get it here.

I'm still wringing my hair into knots over this dang teddy bear. I just can't find the pattern that says, "Knit me. I'm the one!" I want to use cotton for this bear since it can be washed if he gets dirty. I can't believe that a bear is stressing me out so much. I have started and frogged and started and frogged....it's just not working for me. I think I will step. away. from. the. bear for a moment and start fresh another day.

I hope you're all having better luck than I am.

Oh yeah, after the science project, we ate the chips...they were yummy! :)

Today's Weather Report And Kitty Update

This is how the sky is looking today. YAY! Of course, around here the saying is....Wait 5 minutes and it'll change. But, for now we have pretty blue skies with just a few small scattered clouds. It's such a nice change. This is the view on the front porch.

This is the view from the back deck. I'm so glad we're having a pretty day. We're taking the kids to the movies tonight. The "bigger boys" and the little one are going to see Transformers. My youngest son and myself are going to see a scary movie. It's called 1408. I've seen the preview and it looks pretty good.

Update on the new babies. They are growing so fast. This is Tiger in a rare (and I do mean RARE) moment of quiet. These are the most active kittens I have ever seen! He looks so sweet...please don't be fooled

This is Jet. You see he's not lying down. For these two "boys", nothing is sacred. If they can get to it...they'll jump on it, climb up it...you name it. You can see the devil in this boy. It's written all over his face.

Another Day...Another Design

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood. This is what we have had to look forward to a lot of days lately. The last one we had brought a microburst that destroyed a silo just up the road from our house. Kinda scary but it could have been worse. This is the view from my front porch. In a strange sort of way....it is kinda beautiful.

This is the view from the back deck. A little unnerving to know that this is hovering over your house. It seems to be moving rather quickly thank goodness. What we really need is rain...a LOT of rain. By the look of this, you would think we get lots of it but we only seem to get quick little showers and then it's over.

See why we need the rain. These are my newest "babies". This is my giant elephant ear plant. The leaf in the front doesn't look to good but the rest is growing like wildfire. Every day you can see how it's growing. I've tried twice before to grow an elephant ear with no luck. I'm so happy to see him getting bigger.

Finally, this is my new design. My son came up with the original chart and I just modified it to fit my dishcloth designs. It's called Hoops. I should have it posted on Dishing Knit Out by tonite. I will soon have another test knit OTN that he charted. If this one turns out well, it will definitely be his favorite.