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  There was some mighty tasty treats.  The Keys Cafe has amazing cinnamon rolls.  4 of us split this one.  The icing is magnificent.  Have you had one?   Yesterday, we went on a Mill City Museum tour of Gold Medal Flour variety.  I had no idea that the birthplace of flour was Minnesota.   Apparently they dumped the waste into the Mississippi River and the fish grew to grand size proportions.  This is how they discovered they could add grains  to dog and cat foods.  I didn't know flour dust was highly combustible, more so than gun powder.  There were some nasty explosions over the years as this became understood.  The car ride allowed for much Wrap knitting. :) Fireman drove the most, but I was behind the wheel of the new truck for a few hours each way.  We used a fun new useful app called WAZE.  It calculates your trip and you interact with it; reporting debris on the highway, police activity, traffic etc. It also sends a link to others if you choose, so they c

tis true this year.  March is going out like a lamb.   So baa baaa baaa.  And bring on Spring.   my wrap is so sweet and easy to knit, thanks to my local pretend friend for the pattern! Up this week: sale at my lys three bags full Cubs baseball begins, and the predictions are not good ....again But baseball is wonderful and I can root for more than one team....... And the cats will be out on the porch at least one day this week And there is a quest to find  rain boots.  The pair I ordered on line was too small for my calfskin Happy Sunday!

This is my new wrap.   I get to spend time with my sister and her two dogs this weekend.   There will be knitting time.  The pattern called for mistake rib, but I made too many mistakes so I am knitting plain rib.  I couldn't read the stitched well enough in mistake. Zach was  dis appointed in me for not GETTING his new shirt.    Do u get it? So I didn't get mistake rib Didn't get the t shirt  And I was completely baffled about the car running after I shut it off the other night. Seems I hit the remote start on my way into the house...... All this and yet I can handle a premie on a ventilator, oscillating with vasopressors without any trouble....

Im not changing the name of the blog, but sometimes I think it would be fun to be:  Simplicity Knits Thunder knits Knitfaster Mygrandmacrocheted Baseballknitter Thisknitternaps Or Shorn again Christian Double pointed Wit Spun Intended TeacherSonNurseDaughter Lives with Fireman Knits with Cats and finally Still Droppin Stitches

Clearly my new favorite app is  Waterlogue I love what it does to ordinary flower images.     I am usually extremely frugal…. but I had to have the app after seeing other bloggers' use it.  I paid a full 2.99 for it.  I said I was frugal but perhaps the better word is: cheap.  Uncle Tank - asleep- If you have trouble sleeping, study a cat for a day or so. Cats are nap masters.  Sleep specialists. Dream Definers They awaken with stretches that are: long,  luxurious and languid.  My favorite sleeping buddies are cats but Fireman doesn't let them sleep with us.  My favorite new yarn find is:  CoBaSi Plus by Hikoo 55% cotton 16%Bamboo 8% Silk 21% elastic.  Oh it has stretch and give and I love it.   Any new favorites in your neck of the cyber woods?

Have you seen this picture?  Seems some knitters have been very busy creating a banner for this year's Tour De France.    Do you know what the colors signify? Well, I'll tell you: Yellow: The Overall Leader Green: Sprinter's Jersey White: worn by fastest rider under age 25 As far as miniatures go, I don't knit them. Too many tiny turns for my liking.  I do eat miniatures however! I love Hersey miniatures, (dark chocolate please) I love petit four cakes, and I love  mini wiener hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls.  I also like Minnie Mouse My first dog was a miniature schnauzer, Missy! I wish there was a miniature Golden retriever.  Minnie Driver has a great unique look and style for an actress. and  while the Mini Cooper is cute, I think it is too small to protect in an accident.  (because that's how I judge a car) What Mini's bring you joy?

  Hello tiny daffodils.  They were gifted to me this weekend by a great gardener who also is a neighbor.    Clever photography is hiding some glaring mistakes in this finished shawl.   This one's for me , because of the flaws.  I had thoughts of lining the back with flannel, but I think it would destroy the drape.   I frustrate myself when I discover mistakes after I've cast off. After all, this would have made a lovely gift.  Onward.   I would rather wear it hiding the flaws in a knot, than  rip it all out and start over.  Do you work with inevitable flaws or, (Karen?) do you frog early and often??? 

Kingsford CHarcoal has a fantastic new commercial out.  YOu have to watch it …its perfect. Hope the link works:  http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kingsford+winter+commecial&FORM=VIRE2#view=detail&mid=07BFAF214C707767261507BFAF214C7077672615 I just had to share this one!

The Wisconsin countryside is trying to welcome this Spring.  Photos were taken from the passenger side of the moving truck as Fireman drove.   If you look closely you'll see my snowdrops are coming up.  :) I'm closing in on the shawl finish in Knitpicks Felici yarn.  More and more knitting images on Pinterest include lining in  fleece.  I think I'll have the shawl lined as well.  It is a great move for those of us who are allergic to wools.  There never seems to be a shortage of good ideas tossed around our knit community.   Thanks for all the tips.  !

  I switched it up this week.  I've been knitting the easy shawl instead of the lace shawl, (which is also easy).   Other  Easy Things: *NCAA Bracketology. You know where you stand in the office pool instantly these days. *The Toaster It is one appliance that hasn't been updated and does not need to be. I love toast and toasted bagels for breakfast.  *Flea and Tick Control Once a month and you are pretty much good.  Unlike the days of old where those little flea buggers would show up and fill you with dread for weeks.   *Catching up on the news. It's harder to get away from it these days than it is to find it.  *My hair.  Going to get a trim today.  I love the ease of a short cut.  :) What's easy on you lately?

  This is the start of the new Cobweb Shawl. Karen had a great idea for blocking the other shawlette that I finished.  Apparently, our local Cleaners will block it for 5 dollars.  Done.  Deal.  I had no idea.    Pie needs to check out my new pink purse.  I'm teaching her a trick.  She's very motivated by bits of roasted chicken.  I'm teaching her to jump through a hoop. So far it is ridiculously easy…. I promise there will be pictures soon... Finally, its Irish Soda Bread time. I was late with my baking this year.  I was gifted several loaves of soda bread from a dear Irish friend.  However, she uses no caraway and as you know from previous years, we love caraway in our soda bread.  When my soda bread is oven ready, it looks like goop. That's how I know it is wet enough.  Let the Ncaa games begin. #swoosh. Who are you rooting for?  Oh  and Happy SPRING!!!  We did it.  We survived.  The long winter of 2013 is over.  Do

Kathy C is a dear friend.   She lost her brother tragically recently.  A few of us knit her this prayer shawl.  It is knit in ribbed Homespun. The yarn is a soft as silk and it will be loved for years to come.  Kathy C. We love you and we know,  Y'all are doing so well.    We know though that those days that hurt, hurt bad and we wanted you to have this.  On a lighter note,  Fireman taught another spin class last night. After the class someone came up to him and said,   "I'm so hungry I'm going to go home and eat two egg whites." That's why I don't do spin class…..

  Channon, I'm glad you post about fashion often. It has me more fashion minded.  I need a dress for my niece's April wedding.  I like this one .  Dress Barn.  Good price. I need to buy some shoes in the same color as the model I suppose. I usually hide my heavy legs, but I'm rethinking this.  I think everyone looks good in melon colored  clothing.  Channon what do you think? Everyone, what do you think?  Miss Pie is on the shelf where Beatles usually sits to watch the birds. Zach put her up there for the photo, then she leapt off the shelf and fell on the floor because I went to grab her off. She's fine.  I should have let her maneuver herself off it …. she may be blind but she manages better when I leave her alone than when I help. She's turning one in April. Such a midget.  The vet says her growth plates closed around 9 months.  She's just 5 pounds.   The way she runs this house you'd swear she was 20 lbs!  I

  Fireman took this image of GRASS showing through the snow just for the blog!  Thanks Fireman.    I still love the yarn bag Al brought me from across the Pond.  It is great that my child visited my Grandma's home before I did.  I know Nana is smiling down upon her every day.  This Wooly Jumper is now on my keychain.  Found him at Montoya Fiber Arts last week. I went searching for lace needles in size 11 .  I bought some ChiaGoos and they are very nice for lace.  Then I spied the sheep at the checkout …. and I had to have him.   Happy St. Patrick's Day~  Wishing some green comes your way so you can buy more yarn… and that way  "May you always have work for your hands to do" can mean knitting, not housework!

No new knitting to report today.  So I'll ask you? What makes you feel focused? The sign above was in the Keys. Below the lobster charter sign were another dozen  signs.   I stopped reading after the Cheap Seafood is not Good,  message.  Here are some ways I try to stay focused:  * I turn off the car radio.  Not always, but when I'm searching for calm, I turn it off.  Even music can distract me these days. *I make lists.   Every single day.  I love lists.  I love to make them and I love to cross things off my list.  *I tell myself ,  "You can just listen, you don't need to add your own story.' I find I'm much more settled when I don't add to someone else's story.   I grew up in a chaotic family where everyone wanted to speak and no one really listened.   It is so freeing to be the story TAKER and just listen. It takes so much more energy to tell your own story.  *I have a few dietary rules and

  My first Cobweb shawl is off the needles.  It is wet and being blocked right now.  *Loved the pattern.   *Loved the simplicity and ability to watch TV and knit it up. *I made index cards to follow the rows - *Loved the cast off: you use a crochet hook and create the edge by crocheting instead of binding off in the traditional fashion. It is very easy if you know the basics of crocheting.  *There is another edging option that I may use on the next shawl.  *Potato chip knitting again?  Yup.  See the Madelintosh Prairie in Baltic colorway. *This time I will use a bigger needle to get the desired effect.  I knit the first on the suggested 9's but I'll go up a few ….this time That's a wrap...

Do you see the kittens?  I was asked to foster a new cat mom,  today.  Sadly, I cannot.  I was also asked to foster 4 newborn kittens and their momma, today.   Spring must be coming because it is clearly…..kitten season.  Anyone out there want to foster?   It is not difficult and it is a joyful process.  It does take time and laundry and litter and food.  Let me know.  We'd love to have you.  I trust my knit pretend friends in the area, and I'd highly recommend you. This old sea dog made me laugh on vacation.  The man in the shot was about 200 years old..yet he enjoyed a day on the pier with his ted hose  on.  Fireman had something not nice to s ay  about the dog sniffing his leg….once a fireman always a fireman.  So in a world of bad news these days, lost planes, highway tragedies, and blown up buildings….we have a few little things to make us smile.   I have good knit news too but nothing to show for it today.. Keep looking for the good…it is out there! 

  My Irish Grandmother called cobwebs IRISH LACE If you found some cobwebs hanging from your living room ceiling, well it was simply Irish lace.  This from the woman who loved to clean the house.   Fitting that I'm knitting the COBWEB shawl.  I am in love with Jimmy Fallon…...

  There have been some tummy issues around here since New Years.   The short of it is: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Hooray for the drug Bentyl. It works.  In my quest to figure this all out ...I tried whatever anyone offered as advice.  On the road to the Bland Diet  I made some gluten free cookies. They were really good.  Rice flour is the base.   I do not have to go gluten free or dairy free after all. The road had many twists and turns. It is good to have a diagnosis and a plan.  'Nough said.  ***************** My mailbox held this sweet sweet surprise today.  Dee sent me this darling Penguin ornament.  I had commented that it was my favorite of all her stitcheries. He's in time for the 7 inches of snow predicted tomorrow.  Isn't he sooo cute?  Thank you Dee.  

  Loved this fund raising idea in the Keys. I spent time on vacation knitting this cat blanket. The very first night I had it on the couch,  Beatles threw up a hairball on it.  Hooray for acrylic, at least it wasn't on the couch.  I can say it washed and dried good as new.  Kind of a crazy weekend round here. There was a colonoscopy on Friday,   work Saturday... (a day shift no less.) Haven't done that in years… Out with firemen and wives on Saturday night and volunteering at the shelter Sunday.  Oh and there was lace shawl knitting.  I love this pattern.  Cobweb requires very little attention to detail. I have index cards in order of rows and it is very easy to follow the pattern this way.  No stitch markers needed… it is the perfect pattern for me. 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+auld+triangle&qs=VI&form=QBVR&pq=the+auld&sc=8-8&sp=1&sk=#view=detail&mid=40DB2006C22CFF9104A240DB2006C22CFF9104A2 Enjoy a little dirty Irish Ditty …… after all it is almost St. Patricks Day

It has taken a decade, but I found a lace pattern I can knit.  THE COBWEB shawl by Emma Crew, is a free Ravelry pattern.  Aren't epiphanies amazing and fun?  I had a big skein of one tone lace yarn in my stash. Someone of you sent me this at least a year ago, or perhaps it was in Meg's pile when she down stashed.   Anyone?  Was it you? This yarn shows me the stitches clearly.  This free pattern involves no stitch markers.  If you want to try a lace pattern, this may be the one.  I got all domestic yesterday and tried a new recipe for Fireman's dinner.  Enchilada lasagna  got good reviews from him.  If you want the recipe, send me an email. Finally, my friend Sandy who we vacationed with, told me these coconut candies are like Mars Bars on Steroids.  I'm not a coconut fan, but everyone who tries these makes those "this is soooo good" noises after the first bite.   So many of you mentioned being homesick on vacation; I thought I w

  I like to knit while I am at 30,000 feet.   Lake Michigan looks extra brutal covered in ice and snow from the air…. This is going to sound silly, but  I love our tap water.  When we travel, even to northern Wisconsin, I can taste the difference.   We have great Lake Michigan water and we have an abundant supply.   I love our local weather news, too.  Our weatherman Tom Skilling, gives in depth lengthy  forecasts.  He talks isobars and history.  You either like it or you don't.  Of course, I missed the cats while we were away.  I play with their paws while they sit with me at night. They have the softest pads.  What do you miss when you are away from home? '(For those of you who have asked:  the yarn is simply Plymouth Yarn Encore Color Worsted acrylic/wool in color7145.   Also Tom Skilling is short and bald and the sweetest kind of TV personality.  I have it on good  authority from someone who lives in his building….he's just a

  A little child's hat   Mardi Gras This and That Living like a Fat Cat I finished the little hat last night.  Have to say I love that yarn: Eurobaby's Maypole It feels so soft and smooth when it is in your hands.  I'd buy it again for sure.   I should have shown you the private pool picture yesterday,  when I told the story.  It is just as wonderful to look at it again today.   I took advantage of my super short hair and swam in the ocean and in the pools every day on vacation.  oh and there was Key Lime Pie… just saying'

  The Keys have their very own personality. Think of vacation where dressing up means putting on a beach cover up.   Gorgeous long hair, pulled back in a pony tail, is the norm for many men.   The weather never fails you and  the colors of the ocean are poetic.  We had a great vacation.    Fireman and I went with good friends Larry and Sandy. I took my knitting to the beach, the pool, and the patio.  I knitted and ripped a hat.  Then reknitted  it.  Below is the start of the second try with the hat.   I finished the baby poncho pieces.  I started a baby stocking cap to match the poncho.   We were to stay in a friend's condo at the resort.  When we checked in they mistakenly gave us a 4 bedroom Villa with a private pool. (The numbers were reversed) When we got inside and saw the private pool we knew there was an error.   We did the right thing and called the desk and  told them, and they let us stay the first night there …no charge.   The next day we