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For your viewing pleasure , I give you "LAKE" from Simple Knitting 1 2 3, August 2014. Now on with the Meme, YES? Yes or No: *Will you be watching the Summer Olympics? *Is School OUT yet in your neighborhood? *Did you go to summer camp? *Do you display your needles? *Have you been on Ravelry this week? *Do you walk outside at night? *Do you think in metric? *Do you want a swap? * Are you afraid of mosquito borne illness? *Have you knit a Christmas or Holiday gift for 2016 yet? My Answers:  Yes!  Love summer Olympics No. School is out next week here. No.  I longed to be in summer camp when I watched Haley Mills in the Parent Trap Yes. I do display my straights in a pretty aqua vase. Yes. I'm on Ravelry every day.  Yes. I love to walk at dusk outside.  No.  I never made the metric leap.  Yes.  I feel like being in a swap. No.  I have a screened porch. Yes.  I have knit two leaf scar

With all due respect, Our Regularly scheduled Monday meme will be postponed until Tuesday due to Memorial Day.  Like you, we are so grateful for all who have sacrificed for our freedoms.   If you lost a relative or loved one to the horrors of war or risks of being enlisted, may you be blessed as you mourn.  Thank you for the supreme sacrifice.  

  There are at least 3 Bunnies in my yard daily.  I'm no Rabbitologist so I can't tell them apart. Pretty sure they are siblings.  I think they are darling.  I have lots of grass and clover and they are welcome to it.  They entertain the cats who watch them from the porch.   Thanks to all for supportive comments.  I am kind of ashamed of myself.   For Heaven's sake we have our health, we have everything.  This house is adorable and we still love it.  The porch is my haven.  I think it is the house showings that I have to conquer. I brought my leftover blanket to a friends barbecue last night. I think I knitted a full inch or two on it!  It is my go to for brainless knitting now that's for sure.  Good thing too or it would never get finished.  Helping at the shelter today.  Need to visit my mom today or tomorrow.  So happy to be off on a HOLIDAY weekend!   This is still new and wonderful for Fireman and I.     Our climbing Hydrangea is about to bloom.    My

Slow and steady wins the race eh?  This is my sister's wild turtle that lays eggs in her yard in Minnesota each year.   It is a big fun deal for them.  When the little ones hatch at night and run to the little Lake Josephine, she's thrilled.  I would be too.  Below is my Fade to Grey Poncho Pattern.  Super easy pattern.  This is what my mind needs right now! We have put our beloved old house on the market.  Like 15 showings in 14 days.  We are in no hurry to sell, we still love it here. The showing frenzy here is making me very kooky birds. I run around like its Christmas and I'm having people for dinner each showing.  Except you never get to let the wrapping paper fall where it may and sit around and eat the turkey leftovers.  I'm not complaining....oh dear I guess I am! We've never sold a house before.  We've lived here 30 plus years.  Each showing means crated each of the cats in their crates in the basement.  I

  I am so not complaining about the weather.  I love it.  Sure it is humid, but my bones are not frozen.  The windows are open. The porch is heavenly.  Storms excite me when they are not severe.  So this is my bulky knitting for our first 90 degree day of the year.   Call me kooky.  You are not the first! It is called the Ribbed Poncho and that's probably enough information for now. I dont' expect a deluge of requests for a super bulky yarn knit up in summer.  I totally want this ready for campfire nights.   I got gauge first.  I took the stitches off the needles last night to check the size and it is perfect ladies!  150 stitches are not hard to wrangle in super bulky wool ease.     Fezzy boy is on patrol on the porch. He was unafraid of the storms last night.  He wants those chipmunks and birdies and bunnies in the yard.  Once night falls he wants those flying insects that come to the screen.  These Irises are having their best showing ever!  Did I tell you thoug

So I am not a fan of ITO yarn but it is a summer option  so I thought I'd share these shots from my LYS. I found the ITO to be like dental floss for knitting.  I have a very cool green color sitting in the stash.  Summer heat is here and I Love it.  I'm wearing a Calvin Klein sundress and it feels awesome.  It is full length but sleeveless.  Covers up my Hungarian legs.  oh Wait! The woman at the RX support hose store said I should not blame the Hungarians.  She says she sees Irish women with very big calves.  She hasn't seen my relatives photos however.  That would sway here, no doubt.  I'll be porch knitting in a few.  Up early for spay neuter surgeries this morning.  Thankfully the Chihuahua mix was not a biter.  They can get a bit snarly with the injection. On to his forever home now! Do you wear summer dresses and skirts?

  Love my old garage.  Such personality.  The side windows are old wonderful glass.  Functional? Nah.  Great visual...yup.    Fireman had a early May birthday.  He wanted this REI hammock.  He got into it in the yard yesterday and fell fast asleep.  I'll take the futon on the porch thanks.  My Meme prompted me to want to make a poncho.  I actually sat and got gauge last night.  Whoa...I think I'm growing up.   It is the Fade to Gray poncho.  No author that I can find.   I had fun reading your Meme answers.  Seems there are many lay z boy nappers !  Only one taker to go with me when I win a hot air balloon ride. That surprised me.   I need a quiet porch day today.  Retirement has been a whirlwind lately.  How did I ever have time to work? My mom was very cute last night.  My neighbor was talking about her mom and instead of saying she had macular degeneration she said she had immaculate degeneration.  I love it.  That's what my sweet mom has: imm

Mr. Fezzik is photobombing my 3rd Spud and Chloe Susan B. Anderson Leaf scarf.  This one is in Noro Odori Colorway 878 Silk, wool, angora and mohair blend.  To me it feels like cotton.  Yarn on clearance for 13 dollars or 50% off at Mosaic Studio in Mt. Prospect Illinois.  ON WITH THE MEME: Let's have fun....I love Monday Meme day! *Do you love Noro or not so much?  (Both.  I'm cheating already.  I love their colorways in skeins, but I don't always like the way they knit up with the crazy colors.)  *Are you more likely to wear a  poncho or a shawl? (Shawls always look like I'm trying to pull off a look that I simply cannot accomplish.  This one is tough. Answer:  Poncho. Don't judge me please. Now I think I better knit one.  I don't even have the super ugly one I knit in 2004 anymore.  It was last seen in a cat bed .....) *Which brings you more joy,  Casting on or Casting off? (Oh always casting on. The eternal knit opt

  I guess I'm gravitating to purples in my yard without realizing it.  Hmmmm, perhaps I need to knit with some purple. And here we have my Spud and Chloe free Leaf scarf pattern.  Like my notes?  They are a mess  to you, but I get them! Happy Sunday.  

This is my second super bulky yarn Spud and Chloe Leaf Scarf. I liked the Malabrigo Rasta better than the Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. Arequita is the colorway in Rasta.  I'm on a crazy kick and have cast the 3rd leaf scarf on tonight. I scored some sale NORO for 13 bucks a skein today at Mosaic Yarn in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.  I paid around 20 plus for the other two yarns.  I realized at 6 pm today that I wore my shirt inside out all day.  Happy Weekend

So Monday on the Meme I asked for some of your favorite pattern designers.  I got around to looking each of them up, you too DEE! Shellie Anderson's Slope top is just lovely.  I'd categorize her patterns as sleek and classic.  Cookie A's patterns are sweet and whimsical.  This crochet mouse makes me want to start with the hook again.  But IF  YOu GIVE A  MOUSE A COOKIE.....you know what happens.  This is Cherry Hearts Painted Rose blanket.  I'm in love.  Those are all my colors.  What a sweet and stunning creation.  Finally, Heidi Kirrmaier's Boardwalk vest is my favorite of her patterns.  I think I could knit this!  But I have leaves to play with yet, so I will fave this one on my Ravelry page.  Thanks for everyone who shared some of their favorites.    It is a really fun launching pad for future knit and crochet plans.  Happy FRIDAY! 

Four dollars.  My new bathroom print with frame.  We have great resale shops round here! See?  I think it was me in another life.  Look at the sheep!! Do you have a sheep painting in your life? This is my beautiful Tanky boy. I've learned to love his goofy vocalizations. I adore his eyes.  He has done so well on daily prozac for a year now.  He has his own Walgreen's card.  Tank Cat B---- it says.  That's all from here today.  Sorry to post so late.  Lots of good things going on here.

  So, One leaf scarf finished in that glorious Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. in brown.   I ordered that yarn from Webs and it came quickly. I went to my LYS and found this Malabrigo Rasta (which is listed as an alternate on the Spud and Chloe Susan B. Anderson Leaf scarf pattern) in greens and such.  I love the greens and hints of brown in these leaves.  I love this pattern!  I did it.  I've found my new Trap scarf/potato chip/repeat knit pattern!  I love the pattern because you make one leaf at a time and move on.  You start a leaf with six stitches and end with 6 to begin the vine.  Using size 15 needles.  I'm over the moon Knit happy.  It is like I hit a great golf shot or I  baked an incredible cake or I saw a shooting star.  That kind of happy.  That is why I knit.  For this knitters high.   Irises are close to blossom... Porch is open.  Come and sit a spell!

Chewy's trial products this month yielded interesting results.  Thanks Sidney at Chewy and Readers, as you know  we are not paid for our opinions.  We do get to trial the products without charge.  It is a great program for bloggers with pets to share product successes and not so successfuls too. If you want to join this program email Sydney at  svillegas @chewy.com   and join us!   The NOW fresh fish market (grain free) dry kibble was not warmly received.  Only Fezzik tried it.  The others turned their adorable kitty noses right up in the air and walked away.  I tried giving it to them on different days and still.....they didnt want it.  Fezzik ate a few bites now and again.   We also tried   the Solid Gold Canned Cat food.  Everyone liked the fishy variety that they sent.  They preferred to lap up the gravy more than eat the fish.  I like them to stay well hydrated so I consider this a good review on the product.   It doesn't mean much but the artist who drew the b

Above: my Spud and Chloe leaf scarf progress.   It is in Madelinetosh ASAP. I LOVE this pattern.  So todays Questions...Pencils Ready? *Are you surprised I'm knitting lace with Big Yarn? (I am. And I highly recommend it.  Whoa. Who knew you could actually see your stitches this way!") *What's your favorite toe nail polish color for summer? (I do not like frosts. I like Coralish reds) *What do you do with an odd leftover knitted sock? (I put a bar of soap in it and it keeps the soap together without  a sink mess)  *Have you ever had lice? (No. But poor Allison had a family in the ER with Lice and she came home and convinced herself she had them too.  She didn't.  But oh the power of suggestion!) *Have you ever had a Tic? (Oh yes.  We used to hike around the woods in Minocqua and Boulder Junction Wisconsin and we got them.  Big wood tics, but disgusting still!) Are you afraid of needles?  (ha.  Not at all. But I have m

I'm working on a really fun knit up with my Big Bulky A.S.A.P. yarn but no photos just yet.   I am at that Oh I love this project, when can I sit down and focus on it, stage..... oh yeah that's called Startitis.  So in the mean time aren't these Corning Ware dishes awesome?  I love Corning ware.   Reminds me of my mom.  She had the dark blue cornflowers and white dishes.  We passed these up in Knoxville.  I'm sorry all you shoe folks, but I had to share these babies.  I'm not buying them but I love them.  I'd want to have them off my feet more than on to see the scrolls.  OluKai is in all the:  I'm really cool in this store, but I don't really know how to roll a kayak or climb El Capitan places.  Late to the party for Cinco de Mayo, but Just in Queso!  Estoy riendo.  (I'm Laughing)    :   So, I love all the Jan Brett illustrated children's books.   This coffee mug would be great for my Swedish friends.  It wa

Hello ! The goldfish socks are finished.  See? They are swimming and their fins are waving in the water. We had many goldfish in our day. Our town filled the local pool with goldfish on closing day and there was a mad splash to catch yours and bring it home. The key lied in putting it immediately into unchlorinated room temp tap water.  Many a fish lived to the ripe old age of 9.  Many died the day after the pool catch.  They ALL got a proper burial .  We stood in front of the toilet, saluted and flushed.  Only Fred Rogers could handle it better.  And he did.  His show on your fish dying was a thing of beauty. 

I have this lovely chunky Madelinetosh waiting for me!  I'm planning another biggy shawl. The Flame Out pattern caught my eye over the weekend.   But first, I have to finish my goldfish in the water socks.  These have been fun.  Guesset, foot and toe to go! Standing for long 12 hour shifts as a nurse led to foot and leg fatigue.  I have had some pain in my legs and had a doppler of my veins done this  morning.  Things look pretty good, but I'm waiting for the doc to call.  The tech did tell my I had very small veins.  I was bad.  I rarely wore support hose.  The vascular doc already told me I have to go get the big GUNS of support hose at a medical supply store.  She was realistic and said she knew I wouldn't wear them in the Chicago summer.  If I go for a long car trip or plane ride they've got to be on, however.   Anyone else in this situation? Would like to hear your story. 

  Foggy foggy this morning here. Fog is often tough for me to capture, but this photo from my phone isn't all bad!  I took it on my way to the shelter to help in the OR. So,  one of the bloggers (? can't remember who) wants us to tell a story a day and be observant about our day.  Here goes: Last week I was so overwhelmed at Spay Nueter.  I took a dog out to go potty before her surgery and somehow she got loose from the collar.   We are on a busy busy 4 lane major roadway.  I was hysterical.   This little black thing ran straight into the road.  I called for the vet who was inside and would not have heard me in a million years. We were the only ones there at the time.  The dog was headed for the woods across the street.  Cars were coming.  I stopped.  I tried to recall all my fabulous dog trainer had taught me years ago.  I called her so cheerfully.  I ran backwards to see if she would want to chase me.  I called again. A big white

  I was so happy to find flowers at my front door Saturday.  Gorgeous fragrant lilies and beautiful Iris.  I was overjoyed.  I prefer these flowers to roses.  Do You?  The most important men in my life were outside dining in Long Grove at the Chatterbox Friday.  Fireman had a birthday and the weather was wonderful!  He was wishing to dine outside and the weather has been so iffy, but he got a great day last Friday.  I am finishing my goldfish socks.   I have startitis though and I want to knit a hat with my  Schaefer Yarn (from a sale over a year ago at my LYS). It is a dark shaded purple color.  I'm in the mood to knit a hat but not in the round.  Any suggestions?  I have only knit hats in the round.  Off to Ravelry to take a gander.  I'd love any ideas you have.

Today's Meme is inspired by Taiga Hilliard Designs in Super Bulky  yarns.   This is the Flame Out shawl.  I fell for the Fire Garnet lace shawl this weekend.  I knit it up in twice the time it was supposed to take. It is a great pattern ;I just had to wrap my head around the simple lace chart and then I was good to go.    Tiaga's Bulky patterns inspired this meme.  Here we go:  *1 What is the bulkiest yarn with which you have knitted or crocheted?  (This is kind of cheating.  I doubled some Worsted Malabrigo to make the Fire Garnet shawl this weekend. I just ordered a Super Bulky skein of Madelinetosh ASAP and I intend to WORK it asap )  *2 What is the biggest size needle you've worked?  (I worked the Fire Garnet on 15s)   *3 Tell me about the WHOLE Enchilada... (My enchiladas need to be chicken with a mole sauce!) *4  Would you rather wear a bulky bracelet, bulky earrings or a bulky ring?  (I love bulky earrings)  *5