Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Exchange Questionaire

1. Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I know how to do both. My current obsession is knitting. I have been knitting now for about 2 years.

2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook? I love the feel of wooden needles. Unfortunately, most of my needles are metal...

3. What are your favorite types of yarn? Any you just can't stand? I have bought enough sock yarn to keep me in socks for the rest of my lifetime...I can't seem to help myself...I love sock yarn. I don't like novelty yarns...

4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't? I have only used "Sugar and Cream"

5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts? Both, I love making dishcloths...instant gratification, simple, easy to take along, mindless knitting....consequently, I tend to accumulate them...so I usually throw a couple in for bridal showers, birthdays, etc...

6. Do you have a favorite color? Any that you dislike? I like earthy colors and bright colors....I don't like orange...but everything else is fair game.

7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in? Kitchen is greens and bathroom is tans...

8. What are your favorite scents around the house? I like cool melon, lilac, vanilla, citrus...

9. What is your very favorite thing about summer? My favorite part of summer is being home and enjoying the sunshine. Spending time with the boys, knitting, camping, gardening...and....did I mention...not working....

10. What is your least favorite thing about summer? The mosquitos.

11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower? I use body wash in the shower.

12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath? My favorite is cucumber melon.

13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern? I don't know that I have a favorite. I make a lot of ripple, fan/wave pattern cloths.

14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? Sweet or Salty? Oh, probably sweet...chocolate is top of my list...if it's dark chocolate, that's even better....

15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather? I love the hot weather. I would pack some flavored water, my knitting and head for the nearest lake...

16. What sorts of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting? I belong to a stamping club. We meet once a month and make cards. I should own stock in "Stampin' Up". I have way more sets than I would ever admit to...Almost tops my yarn stash....I also dabble in scrap booking. I use to read a lot, not so much anymore...seems like I knit instead...I also like to dabble in photography. I love taking pictures.

17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!) no

18. Are you on Ravelry? If so, share your ID! I haven't been on in ages, but, I am "alaina" on Ravelry. Maybe this summer I will have time to play with Ravelry more....

19. Do you have any allergies? I can't stand cigarette smoke...

20. Do you have any pets? One cat, whose house we live in and a dog who torments her.

In my world...

I won!!!

I entered Megan's contest....and I won!!! How cool is that? I never win...never.

School news: The end is in sight...we are going down the home stretch...the light is shining brightly....the teachers are dancing in the hallways.....

Graduation was Friday night. For the first time, the administration requested that all teacher's attend. It was the coolest thing. The school board members marched in first, followed by the entire teaching faculty, then the graduates. It touched me deeply that I was a part of "this team" that was responsible for these young adults to be graduating today and moving on to the adult world. (I've had them in class since they were 9th graders....)

After the ceremony, we marched out behind the graduates...we went through a receiving line and was able to congratulate..handshake/hug each graduate...something that hasn't happened in the past. It was great having that opportunity to speak to each one. Many tears...and that was just me...okay...the graduates shed a few also. It was a heart touching evening.

Family news: Summer jobs are in full swing!!! I have an Ace Hardware sales person, a local restaurant dishwasher/cook trainee, and a Dairy Queen counter person. Hopefully, in the very near future, I will also have a K-mart associate.

I have mixed emotions on summer jobs...I think it builds character and responsibility on one hand, but on the other, you are only young once....

Knitting news: I need to take pictures. I am to the point of turning heels for my latest pair of socks. I finished the cascade fixation pair....and I ordered new sock yarn....pictures...coming soon...promise.

I spent yesterday buying plants...so, am spending today planting...although at this point, it is looking pretty cloudy and cold outside...I may have to stay inside and knit.

Hope your Memorial Day weekend is a great one!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Exchange

The summer dishcloth exchange is back!!! Yeah!!!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Exchange registration opens Wednesday, May 28th.

Big thank you to Anne for hosting.

I have had so much fun in the numerous (three or four) Exchanges/Swaps that I have done....and fun on both sides of the swap...meaning...so much fun getting to know the person I am spoiling and the wonderful comments and emails from the people who have spoiled me...

The actual package is just the frosting on the cake(...and just for the record...it's a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting!)

I highly recommend joining...see ya over there....

Prom 2008

Every man should know how to tie his own necktie......and...my boys will know how to....





I don't remember slapping myself in the face while tying a necktie...however, Nathan manages to do it every time...funniest thing you've ever seen.....



I would be lying if I told you this was a picture of their first attempt...



After all of the practice tying...we were finally ready to do it with the real thing...Nathan was suppose to wear a beautiful blue tie to match his date's dress...however, the vest was too small and the necktie looked ackward without the vest holding it all together...so, he went back to the generic bowtie.

Don't they look absolutely handsome? And grown up? (sniff! sniff! where is my kleenex?)





Mom and Chris



Mom and Nathan

(Just for the record...I am 5'8")

Their dates were beautiful...we survived post prom...slept for most of Sunday....only got an inch or so of snow.....

It's all good.

Spring Dishcloth exchange?

Am I missing the boat or what? (Wouldn't be the first time nor the last...)

My link to the Defeat the Winter Doldrums exchange no longer works....

If my memory serves me...one of the last posts mentioned a summer exchange with sign ups starting the first of May....

Anyone?????

Enough already...

It is prom weekend...I have two young men attending...they are going to look "spiffy"...and we are suppose to be getting 2-5 inches of...wait for it....SNOW!!!!!!

Have I mentioned how sick I am of Winter??????

Pictures of my two handsome dudes...coming soon...with their parkas and snow boots....

This and that from my world....

Not much knitting news.....



I have been plugging away on the beanie for Katie...it's taking a long time...fingering weight and size 4 circs...hard to believe this is about 10 hours of knitting pictured...the pattern alternates between 2 purls, 3 knits one round, then 3 purls, 2 knits the next round...and so on...it's a eight round pattern...I keep losing my place...then...have to go back and rip out to maintain the pattern....auugghhh!!!

I should be done with my Cascade Fixation socks probably this afternoon...will post pictures of them once I get them off my needles...I am decreasing for the toe...and...of course doing both socks at the same time...so, they will both be ready to go...yea! No going back to do the second sock.

Spring is coming to Minnesota! The snow has pretty much melted. All that is left is a couple of stray, dirty piles sitting around. One of the problems with late Spring snowstorms...the ground has started to thaw...so, when we plowed the driveway...we ended up with lots of rocks and dirt pushed onto the lawn...I have lots of heavy duty raking awaiting me.

It has been dreary, drizzly, and cold this weekend. I wish it would either downpour and clean everything up or be sunny so I can get outside and start cleaning up the yard...

We did have our first outside hot tub session of the season last night...It was nice...the steam from the hot tub...the slight drizzle cooling off your upper body...unfortunately...the sky was cloudy...no stars or moon...the outside temperature was only about 40 degrees...a bit chilly the run from the tub to the house....it was a nice way to spend a Saturday night....



Squeakers...my constant companion when I am on the computer...I am always being serenaded by her purring....



Nathan performed in the play Fools by Neil Simon. He is the center actor in the picture. If you are familiar with the piece, he played the doctor. It is a comedy and he was hysterical in his part. I was laughing so hard at times that I had tears. I so admire his ability to make people laugh and make it seem so effortless.... I could never in a million years perform in front of people....he did a very nice job...I do have a couple short video clips of the funniest parts...but have no clue as to if or how I could post them....

On the school front...we have been administering the state mandated tests all week. Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs for short) Every grade except for the seniors have been tested this week. The 7th and 8th graders are being tested again in Math next week....Each test is a four hour long test...Reading, Math, and Written Language...Science is coming in May...

I have mixed opinions on these tests...because the test results are not linked to graduation, many of the students don't give their best effort on the tests...which then make them a useless tool in evaluating the quality of our district...did I mention the school's total passing percentages (not individual scores) are published in all the area newspapers...

We are into our 4th week of third quarter...woo hoo!!! I haven't officially counted the days remaining but I do know there is only five more Mondays that I have to drag my butt out of bed for :) Once I get pass Monday...the rest of the week is a breeze. They did hire a new secondary math teacher...he will be doing the Geometry (which I hate) and the upper level math. I will teach junior high...Pre-Algebra, Algebra and 10th grade Algebra II. It is all good.

On a dare...

Barefoot and in shorts...down to the mailbox and back...

What was the payoff? $0.85!

Ready...Set...SNOW!!!

We are under a blizzard warning effective until 8:00 pm Saturday.

Here is my front yard at 7:00 pm Thursday night....except for the big pile left over from plowing the driveway...the snow was gone.....



...and my front yard at 7:00 am Friday, a mere 12 hours later...





It is expected that we will be getting between 16 and 20 inches of snow before this is over.

The wind is gusting up to 55 mph...we listened to the wind howl all night long...our Direct TV (the dish) is off...of the three local channels...two are off the air...many people have no power due to trees/branches heavy with snow falling on lines. Our power has flashed off twice this morning...(I probably shouldn't be on the computer)

All of the area schools are closed. All three colleges in Duluth/Superior have closed. The buses have been pulled off of Duluth streets, the mall is closed, all government offices have closed, no mail service...the state patrol has advised absolutely no travel...knowing that we deal with snow on a regular basis...you know it has to be nasty when everything shuts down...

I stepped outside briefly to brush the snow off of the feeder. The spring birds were frantically trying to get pass the snow and get to the seed. The snow is heavy and very, very wet. It's going to be a mess to clean up...

I think I will spend the day in my pajamas...doing a couple lesson plans...make some chocolate goodies...drink some coffee and maybe knit...or do some scrapbooking....

I'll post more pictures when it is all over.....

Wish I was back in Mexico....

It's about time...

Puerto Vallarta was wonderful!!!



I celebrated my 45th birthday (My God!! When did I get so old?) at Bubba Gumps Shrimp. The shrimp was awesome, the atmosphere fun....Here I am on the famous bench with the suitcase and the box of chocolates.

"Momma says, Life is like a box of chocolates, You never know what you're going to get."

On each table there are two license plates...one says "Run Forrest Run" (green) and the other..."Stop Forrest Stop" (red)...the waitress had told us to display the red one if we needed anything. We decided we wanted to add to our order...so, I casually flipped over to the red plate. Suddenly a guy yells, "STOP FORREST STOP!!!!" Everyone in the place freezes and three waiters run to our table and ask what we need...Ummmm...can you say...embarrassed?



I spent most of the week poolside knitting while He was snoozing. (Please ignore the fact that I was obviously having a bad hair day. I also had multiple tan/burn lines going on at that point in my week.)

I almost finished the pair of Cascade Fixation socks on circular needles. They have been on my needles since before I got into the whole felted slipper kick. I was done with the cuff previous to the trip. Poolside, I turned both heels and knit most of the foot on both of them. I have about an inch to go and then the decrease /shaping for the toe. It feels good to be that close to finishing them and of course, having them both done at the same time.

Our studio overlooked the Pacific ocean, thus we saw some incredible sunsets...



A pirate's ship ran each night with a show and dinner. We didn't go on it..but, it showed up in most of my sunset pictures...and I took a lot of sunset pictures....



Here is one more sunset picture...I told you I was a little obsessed with sunset pics...



We walked downtown one day to the Boardwalk...lots of really cool statues.



We also saw some really cool sand sculptures. One talented artist sculpted the entire Last Supper. It was larger than life. My pictures don't do it justice...unbelievable.



The ocean was so blue...actually everything seemed so bright and uplifting. I will never get use to the feeling of smallness that I get when I stand in the ocean....



Here is a picture of the kitty that hung around the resort. I decided it didn't speak English...It didn't respond to "kitty" at all...Funny cat...it tolerated being petted...didn't purr and acted as though you weren't even there...



What do you call a kitty in Spanish?



One more picture for your viewing pleasure....enough said.....

This picture from our balcony shows my entire Mexico experience...feet up, relaxing...enjoying the sunsets....



Upon returning to the Frozen Tundra....

(You think I am kidding? It was below 20 degrees when we got home...I wanted to get back on any plane that was heading south...)

I had two packages waiting for me...



The first package was from Cleary. She spoiled me with two skeins of yarn, some great homemade, quilted coasters...I love them, a couple really cool little dishcloths (I can't decide if they are knitted or crocheted), and some end protectors for circular needles, which I had not seen around here. Thank you Cleary for a great package.

The second package was from Lisa. She spoiled me with some awesome sock yarn, a set of number 3 double pointed needles, (which I didn't have), some awesome note cards, a freshly harvested sponge (how cool is that?), a springy themed glass, a garden gnome, two beautiful, very delicate stitch markers made from fresh-water pearls, three packets of seeds to plant, and a whole bag of black jelly beans, which happens to be my very favorite goody at Easter time...Thank you Lisa for being such an awesome Angel!!!!



Just for the record, I did bring two sets of needles on the plane with me and nobody questioned it...Seem kinda weird that I can bring sharp, pointed objects on the plane, but not a 12 ounce bottle of water.

I worked on the felted Blowfish on the way down using size 10 wooden double pointed. I have the body almost done....

On the way back, I worked on the beanie for Katie. I used size 5 circular needles. Made good process, the yarn is fingering weight...so, It doesn't look like I spent 5 hours knitting....

I will post pictures of all projects when I get a chance.

It's been a long week. Gramma is home from the hospital, doing well....One night of conferences done, one to go. The fourth quarter is soundly under way. I now have my house somewhat back to clean....the snow is almost gone....my back is almost done peeling...it's all good.

I survived...

I survived Mexico...It has been a crazy week...Gramma is in the hospital, end of the quarter at school, conferences...kids activities...and you should see what my house looks like!!!!

I promise to update soon as I catch my breath....Saturday???

Miss you all....

Help...

I found out yesterday that I am leaving for Mexico on Saturday for Spring Break and my 45th birthday!!!!!

I need to know from all you experienced worldly travelers....Can I bring knitting needles on the airplane???

I would hate to waste the five hour flight....

HELP!!!

Caution...long post ahead....

First off...I want to publicly apologize to Jennifer for not getting this post up sooner...she did an absolutely awesome job of "spoiling" me...I got her package last Saturday....I have no excuse other than it has been one of those weeks....

Jennifer did an incredible job of spoiling me in this swap...We exchanged long emails on a semi-regular basis...she sent me e-cards...I really got to know her and it made the swap a lot of fun...She kept me guessing the entire time...stinker...she made me think she was in the U.S...when she was actually in Canada...I didn't even catch it when she made reference to "claiming" value on the package when she mailed it...I am clueless, sometimes...

Come closer...look at all the goodies she spoiled me with....



She knit me not one...but...TWO dishcloths and crocheted me another ONE...How awesome is that...and...she used the dishcloths as wrapping paper..how smart is that????



She knit me a variegated one...the colors are beautiful and I love the pattern...the picture doesn't truly do it justice...the other one she knit is of a deer head, using the soft brown cotton yarn...I tried and tried to get a picture that showed the design...just wasn't happening....



The crocheted one is awesome - it has a unique pattern and the texture is really cool...again...the picture does not do it justice...



...and...this next item truly shows the thought that Jennifer put into this package just for me...anyone who knows me, knows I have a very soft heart....get emotional occasionally, okay, maybe a little more than occasionally...anyways... Jennifer crocheted this little klennex holder (complete with kleenex) for my purse...How thoughtful is that? Tissue anyone?



...and she sent me a set of stitch markers, sized for sock needles...I have made numerous sets of larger markers that I have given away - but none so tiny and none that I have kept for myself....I am thrilled...



..and speaking of socks...she sent this awesome skein of sock yarn...funny story....as you may or may not remember, Last Saturday, I went to the cities to pick Andy up for his spring break....on our way home, we stopped at numerous yarn stores in the cities...details to follow...anyways...I had this very same skein of yarn in my hand at one of the stores and put it down...thinking... well, when finances are a little better, I would pick it up someday for myself...this very skein.....How did she know????

I can hardly wait to start a new pair of socks...am thinking I should finish the pair I already have on my needles...



Here's a shot of the whole box...you can kinda see the brown dishcloth in the background...she also included a set of needle protectors in the shape of little socks...you can see them peeking out...the soap she included is lavender, smells awesome and is made in Canada about an hour from where she lives... the chocolate bar is ..well...lets just say...its gone...and it was awesome...



Thank you Jennifer!!! {{{hugs}}}

As I stated above, I did go to the cities on Saturday to pick up Andy...we explored five different yarn stores...and had a wonderful time...he even introduced me to Caribou Coffee...can you believe I have never been in a Caribou Coffee???? It was awesome!

I found Andy to be a perfect companion in yarn stores...he really appreciated the colors and softness of the different yarns...It was large fun....

I ended up buying yarn to make two projects for his girlfriend (Katie) and one project for him, along with a couple projects for me...

Let me show you...

It's a felted Blow fish...



Isn't it absolutely adorable? Don't you just want to smile? Andy and I decided that Katie needs one of these...doesn't everyone???

After a lengthy discussion on yarn color and complementary yarn color...we decided on this combination...



I also bought this yarn as a close second choice...may need to make up a second one...depending on how quick and easy the first one knits up...





Then, I found this yarn at a different store...decided it would make an awesome pair of socks for me...picked it up...was wandering around...decided I needed to go to the washroom...handed the sock yarn off to Andy...left him...came back and he had my sock yarn.... and this yarn...



It's Cherry Tree Hill (100% merino fingering weight)

There was a beret/beanie knit up...free pattern included with purchase...and Andy decided that Katie needed a new hat...but...we got to the cashier and they were out of copies of the hat pattern...I have searched around Ravelry and have not found the hat...it's called "Happy Feet" put out by Plymouth Yarns...I did find a similar pattern that uses worsted weight and am trying to figure out how to adapt it to fingering weight...any suggestions? I know I have to cast on more and use smaller needles...stay tuned to this channel for updates on that one....

Andy also decided he needed a "dice bag" for...well...his...dice...funny, how that works....

Anyways...he found a small drawstring bag made out of some very expensive yarn at one of the stores...I picked up a skein of suede yarn (can it be called yarn if it's suede?) and I am going to use Mandy's Candy Bag pattern to try and duplicate the bag he saw...again...stay tuned....




I did buy this beautiful yarn for myself...it is so soft. There was a scarf and hat made up using it. I am such a sucker for finished objects...most of the yarn I buy spontaneously is connected to a finished object in the store...I have no imagination to be original and figure it out for myself...

Anyways...I bought the pattern...the pattern calls for four skeins of yarn to make an eight foot scarf - decided I didn't need an eight foot scarf - so I bought just three skeinds...am anxious to get started...

I also bought two skeins of Lamb's Pride bulky weight to make mittens with...one in the same soft green color - and the other in a Grey/tweedy color...of all the mittens I have made and given away...I have none for myself...of course...it's going to be Spring here soon...I hope....

That was my Saturday in a nutshell...the week went downhill from there...

Monday night we got the dreaded 1:00 a.m. phone call...His sister had what they thought was a heart attack. Later we found out it was either a brain aneurysm or a blood clot - She was pronounced brain dead Tuesday morning...

Tuesday night we ran Andy back to the cities and home again all after school...still waiting word on His sister....

Wednesday evening was a combination of students staying late after school...confirmation class with Nathan...and lesson plans....still waiting word on His sister....

Thursday evening was a workshop after school for two hours (learned a lot...time well spent) and then my monthly Stamping Club...and...still waiting word on His sister....

She finally passed away Friday morning.....She lives on the other end of the state...so we will be leaving after I go to the dentist Monday....visitation on Monday and funeral on Tuesday....

...oh...did I mention I completely busted off my front bottom tooth on a piece of soft red licorice...that was last night...

I told you it has been a rough week....

A hint of things to come...

Defeat the Winter Doldrums package arrived.....yarn shopping......lost in the cities...does 35w northbound even exist anymore....

I promise to post tomorrow from school...pictures.....

Since you asked....

The yellow dishcloth is made using the Feather and Fan Dishcloth pattern. It is one of my favorite patterns...

As you know from previous posts...Andy was bringing the new girlfriend home from college for the weekend...I neglected to address that part of my weekend...

Let me assure you - She was as perfect as the rest of the weekend...She seemed to be a part of our family from the very start of the weekend...She fit right in - I even shared a bathroom with her as we did our "womanly" things before church....It was awesome having another female in the house and someone I felt so comfortable with....and...she will be welcomed back with open arms....

We are going to pick up Andy in the cities this weekend since it is his spring break. I contacted Shelly to give me some hints on some yarn stores to stalk...she came through with a whole list!!! I am hoping to stop by the one where she will be teaching and maybe meet her :) Stay tuned to this station to view the goods...hee hee