Wednesday - 03/21/2018

 Spring has sprung.......in the Ozarks anyway and soon coming to a neighborhood near you!

This is my Bradford Pear.............

Forsythia...................

day lilies..................

and clematis...............

My sugar maple is getting ready to 'leaf out'.........and the woods in the background are all green.....

I spent the afternoon outside...burning brush and branches that were all over the yard from winter....it was a beautiful day out and I got the yard 'picked up' and a little weeding done....basically dead ones from last year........you can tell by that circle how much of a pile I had to burn!

I even brought my knitting out for when I took a break.  Picking up the yard is a back breaker!  But it felt good to be outside and it was cool enough to work out in it without breaking a sweat! LOL!  That won't last though!
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  I finished several books and I can't remember which ones I told you about so if I repeat myself, I apologize.  The first two were not to my liking especially the first one.........

The second one was very well written and read like a fairy tale..it was a fictional account of a fictional person's life.....really?  When real people are so much more interesting in my opinion.

I also finished these 2 which were both very good.............the first one was the best nature book I ever read and I've read a lot of them!

This one is a series...mysteries in the U.K. that I just love and the plots are so unique.....no 'recipe" mystery here and no graphic violence to speak of.  This is book #3............

Right now I am still reading  this non-fiction about Pope Francis.  It is about mercy but it is an interview by a religious reporter.....not what I was expecting but still love his views..........

I started the 2nd book in the Outlander series.  Can anyone tell me if the first season of the t.v. series covers the first book?  I want to watch it but I don't want to get ahead of my reading.......

 I hope you enjoyed your Wednesday and what's left of it! I really had a wonderful day.  BTW, I ran out of corned beef to go with the rest of my vegetables so I ran to the store and bought another one that is cooking as I write........smells heavenly!
Happy Trails!!!

Tuesday - 03/20/2018

Happy Springtime everyone!!!  It started out raining and cold here but now it is sunny and warm!  But because they had predicted rain I already had my 'rain plans' in place.  There was laundry and I finished a book and did a little bit of knitting but mostly I finished my closet 'deep clean'!  Yay!!!!  About time!
Here are the "BEFORE" pictures ...................

This is a triangular walk-in closet.....with folding accordion style doors

Here is the "AFTER"....with every surface dusted and most washed, crevice tool used next to wall, baseboards cleaned and carpet vacuumed.  I went through everything and got rid of quite a bit that some will go to Threds and some to the Thrift Store.

So happy!  Especially with nothing on the floor!  

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I was using clothes baskets for dirty laundry and they took up a lot of room.  I found these on Amazon that I think I will order............collapsible laundry hamper

I can't decide if I want the navy stripe or the rose floral?  I will get 2 for now.  One for darks and one for pastels as that is all I sort for but I could use another for rugs.  At $12.99 I thought they were reasonable and the ratings were good.
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There are "angels among  us"!  The electric coop has been trimming trees behind my house so they won't fall on the power lines when we have our storms.  Very appreciative!  One of the young men working came to the door and assured me they were going to come back and clean up all the mess/limbs.  I told him thank you and I appreciated their hard work to keep our power on.  Later he came to the door and asked if while they were at it if I wanted them to cut down the weed trees in the back and I said YES!!!  Thank you so much!  Look at my yard now! This is the way it used to be when my parents lived here and they would burn back there but while the house was empty the trees grew up and blocked it.  I'll do some raking but I'll keep it mowed now....so pretty!  Thank you N.A.E.C. (North Arkansas Electric Cooperative)!

Happy Spring and Happy Trails!!!

Monday - 03/19/2018

Happy Monday everyone although it's almost over.  I thought I'd pop in and show something I think is so darn cute!  Irish Potato Candy..................look at these cute little "spuds"....they look so like real potatoes except miniature............

Here's the link to the recipe
They are in the frig chilling but I have a feeling they may be a bit too sweet for me.  I would probably be better off with the original Irish Potato Candy which I'm sure was made with potatoes and probably not nearly as sweet.  I'll let you know.  I should look up the history but today as always...the hours flew by in a flash!
I did take some breaks though and between last night and today I got to the third color on my Hitch Hiker Shawl........I'm addicted to this project and I have a hard time putting it down and getting back to work!  As my Mother used to say..."tut, tut"!

Sorry for the pictures but it was a dark,  cloudy, rainy day on and off.  The first color is gold, the second is sage green and the third is gray......love it! 

I was having trouble keeping track of writing down my rows because my 2 counters were in use on other projects and that was why I was "messing up" but then I found an app on my Android tablet that keeps track of the rows/rounds and it sits at the top of my pattern that I downloaded from my Ravelry library!  How cool is that?  You all probably knew about this but it was news to me!  You can have multiple counters too for different projects and it allows you to name each one such as "Hitch Hiker Shawl".  Any other neat apps or tools out there I should know about?

***UPDATE on Grace and Nitty***
They both seem to be doing fine.  Grace's gums are getting pink again....she's strolling around the house and eating more from the syringe each time....like 3 pumps instead of just one.  She's still not eating on her own but I counted out 15 little 'treats' for her tonight when I put her in her 'hospital/craft' room and I will count in the morning.  She drinks fine and is using her litter box.
Nitty is back to her old self....no more seizures, eats and drinks well and is back to going up and down the stairs.  She has a bad hind leg but she manages so far.  I am going to look into the handle thing that wraps around their middle that Far Side has for her border collie, Chance.  Thank you all for your concern and well wishes.
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #38

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I hope you all had a great St. Patrick's Day whether you celebrate or not.  St. Patrick's Day is like Christmas here, well, almost.  I got cards and some little Irish charms my daughter sent me and some green silk ribbon.

Everyone called and we wished each other Happy St. Patty's Day.

 I  made corned beef and cabbage with turnips, potatoes, carrots, and rutabaga....it was so good and there are lots of leftovers that I will savor all week!  I was going to make an Irish Lemon Tart and some Irish Potato Candy but ran out of time and energy.  I watched The Quiet Man last night with Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne and it was filmed in Ireland.  I rented it on Amazon.  I had never seen it and it was good but boy were they chauvinists in that day and time!  Whoa Nellie!  But it was a great day all around.

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FO's (Finished Objects) -
FO #1 - The Star - I actually counted it finished last week but it really wasn't.  I did do the I-cords this week and attached to the back for tying onto the tree.  I think it looks more like a starfish...lol!

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                                                   WIP's (Works in Progress)
WIP #1 -  Sleeve #2 is in progress but not very much progress.........I was distracted by another bright and shiny object..........hmmmmm

WIP #2 -  My felted slippers got quite a bit of attention (because so far they are easy and fun) but next are "wrap and turns" which I will have to study and take tutorials...she doesn't mention "picking up" the wraps...aren't you supposed to?  I had better study this technique really well as I have come too far to mess up now...yikes!  The foot is done and there is part of the sides.........

I have been making use of the beautiful stitch markers that Connie from The Far Side of Fifty sent me.  Jewelry for your knitting!  Thank you again, Connie!

Acquisitions and newly cast on:
#1 - Yes, I cast on a new project.  I couldn't resist when I saw Simply Summer Street's Hitch Hiker Shawl last week that has been on my to do list for years!  She did not use fingering weight but a skein of Lion Brand Mandala which I just so happened to have in the colorway Warlock.  Hers was Centaur and so pretty!
Of course the pattern calls for fingering weight which is probably why I  never cast on because I never have that much fingering weight yarn laying around.  She used a size 7 U.S/4.5 mm needle and the pattern called for a 32" cable.  The only size 7 I had was a cheapo Boye aluminum with a stiff cable that was 29"?  Huh?  Anyway, when a gal has to cast on she has to cast on!  So I did but under my breath I was already ordering a new circular needle!  I am enjoying it so much and it is almost all garter stitch (all knit stitch) except for an occasional purl and KFB for increasing.  What a fun knit!  It has an 8 row pattern repeat which is simple to memorize and you'll know when you're done when you have 41 of those little  'teeth' she (Martina Behm, the designer) calls them.  You can make it as big or as small as you want.  It is a 'pay for' pattern on Ravelry and she is a great designer.  I have many of her designs 'faved'.

 I just ran into the second color....the third color seems to be a gray and this one seems to be the transition color between the gold and the gray...almost a sage color.  You can just barely see it there on the cable.  If you're looking for a simple relaxing knit (although I still can't watch t.v. with this one....yet) this one is perfect.  I'm sure some of you have already made it as it was super popular several years back.  Anyway, thank you for the reminder Simply Summer Street....I'm enjoying the heck out of this pattern!

 #2 - While I was at Walmart the other day I picked up the Centaur color in the Mandala yarn as I really loved Simply Summer Street's. 

#3 - And I looked for the pattern that Lefty Crafter (Marsha) is using to sew her project bags...I got this one but I couldn't find the one she used which was Simplicity 1153.......I got this one  1709 as it was the only one they had.  Maybe Marsha and I can trade after awhile! LOL!  I want to make the vintage style one with the wooden handles and there are several needle holders and rolls too. Now I just need the motivation!

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Land of Sweets Cowl
I still have to get enough mini-skeins to do the different colors.  I'll be starting on this very soon and probably ordering some minis this week. 
#2 - Some Valentine's Day socks - I'll be on the look out for VD appropriate yarn.  I heard that Lolo Did It always dyes special yarns for the holidays so I need to take a look but it will have to be in next month's craft budget. 
#3 - Something for St. Patrick's Day...socks or cowl...not sure.  I think I found a cowl pattern with a Celtic design but I would like socks too!
#4 - Still more washcloths as I have plenty of Dishie and Peaches and Creme worsted cotton
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What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -
#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.
 #2 - Susan B. Anderson has her 2 kits back in stock..........The Loopy Sheep
and her Spring Chicken kits  just in time for Spring but where do I get the dough for all these great items?
#3 - my new over the top obsession I discovered from Little Bobbin's mother who does the most beautiful stitchery from Jesse Chorley
I'd like to do her Friendship Quilt  if I live long enough! LOL!  I may try just a little sampler on my own but check out her website for lots of other wonderful and unique items and projects.
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 Podcasts: Still binge watching Yarn Hoarder and I think I am on #19 now.   I can't wait to catch up and enter her KALS/CALS and giveaways.
HappyTrails!!!!
P.S.  To see other fabulous makes please visit our other YOP participants

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Are you celebrating?  It was another rough week on the homestead...the best laid plans...not!  Grace went back to the vet and she is a little better but still not eating and she has a low potassium so she is on a supplement that fortunately is not a pill.  It is a gel I can mix in her food that she still gets by syringe.  No more appetite enhancement pills either as they are obviously not working.  I went to Walmart after the vet and glad I got supplies as it got worse before it got better.  Nitty had a seizure on Thursday but I thought it was a stroke.  She was shaking and trembling and didn't seem to know where she was.  I called the vet and they said to bring her in.....easier said than done.  She's a Rottweiller and over 100 pounds.  I have no one around here to help so I called the only 'strong, capable' people I knew.........the roof boys!  I told them I would pay them if they could help me get her into the suv.  They said they were on a job but lo and behold.........they came and got her in the car for me and then told me to call them when I got home and they would come back and help again.  Bless them!  I don't like to ask for help but this was for my girl so I had no problem!  By the time we got to the vet she was doing better and when the vet came out to the car to take a look she checked her eyes and her heart and said it was not a stroke but she was pretty sure she had had a seizure.  I told her she had urinated on the carpet where she had been laying.  The vet said that was pretty normal for a seizure.  Nitty NEVER has gone in the house so I knew something was up.  She was recovering nicely and came down the ramp from the car so I called the roof boys and said they didn't need to come by again.  She wouldn't go up the stairs into the house though.  I tried the ramp too but she refused.  I think she just didn't trust her body or felt bad about going in the house or both.  I took her food, water and bed out to the garage and that's where she spent the night.  We were all missing her and I kept going out to the garage to check on her.  It was a lonely night without 'the Nit girl' laying next to my bed.  The good news is she came in last night!  Up the stairs she came and we were all so happy to be together last evening!  Nitty is 14 and the vet said she could have more and they could get worse but meanwhile I am happy and glad she is feeling better for the moment.  I know the time is coming....I just don't know when, so I will enjoy her and cherish her for as long as l have her with me.
Meanwhile, the corned beef and cabbage is cooking and The Quiet Man is cued up for tonight's movie.  It's on Amazon for $2.99 for a 29 day rental.  I was going to make an Irish Lemon Tart also but I will see as Grace is still requiring lots of care and I'm keeping a close eye on Nitty too.  I'll probably turn QVC on to see what they have.  They usually have things from Ireland on St. Patrick's Day.  I hope you have a wonderful day and since I am Irish, I can say this..........."You can always tell an Irishman.......but you can't tell him much!"  LOL!
Happy Trails!!!         

YOP Week #37

I cannot believe how fast this YOP year is going!  I'll get right to it as I am running late as it is........
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FO's (Finished Objects) -
FO #1 - The Star!!!  Although, in all honesty I still need to make 2 I-cords to tie it around the tree and I will!  Tonight...I will not wait until Christmas Eve! LOL!  I have been known to do that.......

I still made a mistake on the very last star tip and I don't even know how I did it....that's what's scary!
Also, I could not totally close the hole in the middle so it has a "design feature" of a button to cover it up.  My daughter would like one.....uh oh.....there's part of me that wants to perfect this darn pattern and master it and then there's another part of me that says just walk away.
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FO #2 - I finished several more dish cloths this week.....last week was the Advent Calendar Christmas cloth and an orange one and I was 1/2 way done with a yellow one.  Since then I've finished the yellow one and made a gold one and a pomegranate colored one.  I also took a picture to show you the size difference between 44  stitches cast on and 54.  The one on top was my Mom's.  The only problem with making the bigger cloth is that with 44 you can get 2 clothes out of 1 skein but with 54 you can only get one cloth with a lot of yarn left over.  Solution?  Stripes and scrappy cloths!

Here are the cloths altogether...........I have changed my mind again too.....the last cloth; the pomegranate one is made with Knit Picks Dishie 100% worsted weight cotton and it is colorfast which the others are not plus it does not split and I found myself knitting along just great with it while I remember struggling with the Peaches and Creme on the decreases...anyway.....for what it's worth.............

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FO #3 - Scrubbie!!!!  Whoa Nellie.....that Red Heart yarn is something else but this pattern is great and easy....it's just when you try and gather it up or stitch with it make sure you are going in a big hole otherwise it will get stuck and you will yank and pull like nobody's business to get it to move backwards or forwards.  I'm thinking maybe the netting would be easier?  This is the prototype though and  I will use it and see how I like it.  If I do then I guess I will try and get more proficient at making them.  I have plenty of "yarn" left in the skein to make several more so it would be an economical gift for sure.  Maybe paired with a couple dish cloths and a bar of my handmade soap?  Just sayin'!

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                                                   WIP's (Works in Progress)
WIP #1 -  Sleeve #1 is done on the sweater!  My DPN's arrived this week and I was able to finish the cuff.  I must admit though....DPN's and straight needles get caught in my sleeves...I prefer circulars as that doesn't happen even for straight knitting.  Does anyone know what length of cable I should get for knitting sleeves?

Hopefully I'll be able to finish the other sleeve this week.  Looking at that picture I'm thinking a zipper would be nice....can you put a zipper in a cardigan sweater that is already finished? 
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WIP #2 - A new cast on!  My felted slippers prototype....these are for me but if they work out then they may be the gift for Christmas 2018.  I bought the women's pattern but there are patterns for men and children too.  Yarn Hoarder  (podcast) - Amber Lindeman, made these for her entire family for Christmas.....like a zillion pair and she got rubber soles you can order from Etsy to sew on the bottom so they are really nice when done!  Here's the link  for the men's slippers but she has them all.......
Here's a picture of the mens but they all look the same just different sizes.

I even did my first gauge swatch for these slippers and it came out first time!  I was surprised because I thought I tended to knit a little tight.  I got the first 37 rows done on size 11 needles....they felt so huge at first and you use the yarn doubled but after a while it's really fun!  I'm excited to make these and I pray they turn out!

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BTW there was little work done on my CMB (Cozy Memories Blanket)....I have a feeling it is going to take a back seat for awhile as I am ramping up for birthdays and then Christmas gift making!
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Acquisitions and getting ready to cast on: 
I received my order from Knit Picks which were the size 6 DPN's for the sweater cuff, the wool yarn for the felted slippers and this Felici sock yarn in the Hisbiscus colorway.....I showed it earlier this week but some of you only come by for YOP so I thought I would show it again.  I need to get more sock needles so I can cast on all the socks!!!

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 I have not received my Alicia Paulson or Little Skein in the Big Wool packages but soon I hope! 
Here's a picture of Alicia's Time of Spring Flowers cross stitch of which the kit is sold out already but usually you can get the pattern.....isn't it precious?  I can't wait to start it.....and finish it! LOL!
 I want to do all the seasons.........I need to order the one from Winter............

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I did pick up the Spring issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects at Wally World........so inspirational and a treat to peruse............

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 Here is the kit for the next ornament after I knit up the I-cord for the star...........I need to find the directions but I know where they are........I put them in a notebook of patterns............there were 3 designs and I can't remember which one this is........  I'll show a picture next week............another Alicia Paulson design.

What's in the Queue -
#1 - Land of Sweets Cowl
I still have to get enough mini-skeins to do the different colors.  I'll be starting on this very soon and probably ordering some minis this week. 
#2 - Some Valentine's Day socks - I'll be on the look out for VD appropriate yarn.  I heard that Lolo Did It always dyes special yarns for the holidays so I need to take a look but it will have to be in next month's craft budget. 
#3 - Something for St. Patrick's Day...socks or cowl...not sure.  I think I found a cowl pattern with a Celtic design but I would like socks too!
#4 - Still more washcloths as I have plenty of Dishie and Peaches and Creme worsted cotton
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What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -
#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.
 #2 - Susan B. Anderson has her 2 kits back in stock..........The Loopy Sheep
and her Spring Chicken kits  just in time for Spring but where do I get the dough for all these great items?
#3 - my new over the top obsession I discovered from Little Bobbin's mother who does the most beautiful stitchery from Jesse Chorley
I'd like to do her Friendship Quilt  if I live long enough! LOL!  I may try just a little sampler on my own but check out her website for lots of other wonderful and unique items and projects.
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 Podcasts: Still binge watching Yarn Hoarder and I think I am on #16 now.  I only watch about 1 per night as they are pretty long.  I can't wait to catch up and enter her KALS/CALS and giveaways.
HappyTrails!!!!
P.S.  To see other fabulous makes please visit our other YOP participants