knittinggenes.blogspot.com

  Evenings have been the only free time around here the past week. Work continues on the   SKYDIVE STOLE.  Katherine, I am pretty sure you sent me this pattern long ago.  I had to frog my first attempt.  I wasn't using big enough needles.  Now I'm on size 10 1/2 and it is going well.  It doesn't look great because the LIFE LINES make it look odd. Now, I can hardly call myself a lace knitter. There is just a one row repeat.   Oh OK!  I'll call myself a lace knitter anyhow.    I'm using sale yarn that I purchased for another shawl that I gave up on earlier this year.   It is Jitterbug from Wales.  Colorway 141.  It is very beige, but hey, neutrals are in right?  Somebody may have to come get me from a ledge when I have to actually block it!  Tonight is edamame corn salad trial night.  I put in twice the amount of cilantro that was called for. We love cilan...

  *Spring cleaning is going on here at Irisheyes. I've been deleting lots and lots of images from my computer. Hundreds of them.  I used to be in the good habit of downloading images and immediately trashing the poor ones.  Then I got a bit lazy.  Another good thing about this cleaning, is finding some knits that I had not put in my Ravelry project page.  So, I've been updating that page, too.  It is soley for my own records.  Looks like I was trying to knit lace LAST year at this same time. Isn't that funny?  Hmmm, maybe warmer weather makes me want to knit light things.  People ask me how I like retirement.  I love it.  I wish all my pals could retire from nursing if they wish. On Holidays, especially, I am hugely thankful for being finished.  The stress of the job was not good for me the last 10 years. I do miss the friendships that only survive with frequent work contact...

  I saw this Paint by Number Jesus at a antique shop. I like it. I like how tenderly Jesus is holding the lamb.   Happy Easter. Happy Passover.  Happy Spring!    I'm knitting a Cabin Fever pattern.  How perfect .....as we are so done with cabin fever!  I'm using a life line and I'm determined to make this stole despite the fact that it is lace!  I'm going to use MANY life lines! I know, it is my year of socks, but I have to digress a little.  Hope Springs eternal.  Cubbies begin the season for MLB tomorrow night, at Wrigley. They were so awful last year.... We have an entertaining new coach, a new electronic board in the outfield, and Ernie's in heaven....so we have Cub hope.  Fools? Oh yes!   Finally, I give you Knitting Peeps.  Chocolate Knitting Peeps.  Wishing you some SILLY this weekend.  I think it is time we celebrate  getting through Winter and Lent a...

I'll be coming to you from this corner of my house all Summer.  When you stop by, it means something to me.  Be you a lurker, or a sweet one who enjoys leaving a comment, it means something to me that I'm writing to you.  (not just to myself)  So Thanks.  I know I don't always write in complete sentences.  I write as I think....in my head.  I enjoy this little blog so very much.  It meets some need of mine in this big big world.  This morning I listened to Michael Hyatt's discussion of becoming more focused on using our energy in the best possible way.  We cannot do it all.  We should not try.  If I try to do it all, I take away from someone else's best area of expertise.   He talks about hitting the PAUSE button when asked to join a committee or group or the like.  It is a really good talk.  If you wish:  Michealhyatt.com There was frogging going on last nig...

  Fun surprises awaited us this morning at Spay Neuter Day. Leprechaun, a  pretty black cat was up next on the Operating room table.   "Hmmmm, think she's pregnant? " Wonder Vet asked me.  "I think I can feel one in there..we better check" So instead of spaying her we did the ultrasound.  Yup!  She's pregnant with at least 4 kittens.  This is not my photo but you get the idea.  I didn't take her home....for fear Fireman would leave... I do love the birthing part of it all.  The shelter needs more fosters, they always do.  It is such a fun thing to do that I encourage you to do it and help out if you can.  Springtime means kittens, even with the harsh winter we have had.  This is the the only cat I think I can knit. It is on my list of somedays!  It is Sleepy Kitten, a pattern on Ravelry.  Spring rain is falling today and it is welcome.. April showers ...

  So..... here we are with Christmas boot toppers.  I had just a bit of sock yarn left from years ago in this colorway...when it dawned on me...its perfect for boot toppers.  I think Irisheyes Lynn gave me this yarn years ago.  Yes, I know it is finally April and I'm sitting on the screened porch enjoying a 70 degree day... but when the knit spirit moves you and you happen to have Christmas yarn... You go for it.  Cast on 60 in 2 by 2 rib for 5 or 6 inches.  Do that twice.  This is blooming.   I cut our roses bushes back yesterday.  I wore gloves. The thorns got to me anyhow.  Oh well.  Lots of little swear words graced the garden, but now it is done.  I lost one rosebush to the winter.  I intend to plant 3 new bushes in May.  We plant Knock out roses that need very little pampering. I want to expand my garden color way from all red flowers with green l...

I'm no bike expert, but I'm married to Fireman who loves cycling. Since I have nothing too new to show you today in the knit world, I'll share Fireman's bike tips.  First, I'll share a true story for your safety's sake.  Years ago Fireman was cycling with my sister and hubby on the road to  Mt. Evans in Colorado. Never mind what I was doing at home.... He got ahead of them and was riding alone when a van came barreling down the road. A short time later Fireman came upon a father and son, sitting next to a bruised and battered young woman.  She was cycling alone and the same van bumped her off.  He Took her spare inner tube, threw her bike into his van, and chased her down a wooded embankment.  He fought with her and tied her to a tree. Her screams caught the attention of the father and son. They boldy ran down the embankment and the perpetrator was startled and he passed them on the hill as he fled the scene. He then ...