What Kind of Yarn am I?

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.
Take this quiz!http://quizilla.com/redirect.php?statsid=17&url=http://www.quizilla.com/users/bisybackson/quizzes/What+kind+of+yarn+are+you%3F">quiz!
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Gosh, that has been nagging me foever now! Now, I can sleep nights a lot more peacefully, knowing I am Merino yarn. LOL

Life has been slowing down a teensy bit, yet seems busy still. Eye Dr. appointments for everyone, Christmas shopping, parties for the kids with all of their different activities going on. I have been making time for my knitting. I take advantage of all and any time that I can. I think people are sick of seeing me with knitting in hand everywhere I go, but I really could care less.

Recently, my hubby told me that his business partner was quite upset with me about my knitting. WHAT?! Yup, when we had the Open House/Party for our rehab house, I sat in a corner quietly knitting away on a baby shower gift. A beautiful and lusciuosly soft, yellow hoodie sweater. I had people (a young model/actress) sit and talk for a very long time with me. Everyone felt "comfortable" being near me and talking. I think his business partner felt like I was monopolizing too much time with the model and that had I not been there knitting, she would have been flirting and making over him. Yeah, he's an arrogant, pig headed egotist. Besides, no one was interested in buying the house, they were there for the free booze and food...who are we kidding anyway?

His business partner said, "Tell your wife, next time to leave that crap at home. She's there to mingle with the potential buyers (where? as I look at all of the people coming through getting snockered and eating themselves silly) NOT sitting around knitting." He was very haughty and arrogant about it.

My husband looked at him and said, "Well, you won't have to worry about that again...(long pause while his partner puffs up, thinking he has laid down the law)Because I told her she didn't have to come to any more Open Houses if she didn't want to. She doesn't want to be anywhere near you and neither do the kids."

rrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp!

I guess he got all flustered and stuttering, trying to find a response to that statement. He started apologizing and trying to make excuses. My husband said it was comical.

I really don't see the problem. I am not smoking or doing something bad. I am being productive with my spare time, making something practical and beautiful...possibly even a gift for someone. So, get over it.

So far, I have learned to knit mittens on my circulars, just like I do my socks, toe up. So far so good. The thumb took me a bit to figure out and then finally it clicked and I am on a roll. I made a pair for my son (proto types) but have altered the pattern to improve it. The part where your fingertips are were too square and did not have that nice rounding that we associate with mittens. I need to make longer cuffs though. I used some of my handspun yarn for the main part and some left over Mountain Color wool for the fair isle pattern,(oh yeah! I learned how to do fair isle knitting too!) thumb and cuffs. It looked very home spun and cozy. My son has a Christmas Party for his scouts and they play "Dirty Santa" so he needed a gift for that. Ok, the price limit for the gift was $10 and I am sure we can all agree, handspun yarn and Mountain Color wool yarn is NOT cheap, but these were basically in my left overs basket, and they took me 2-3 days to knit, but I had to cook and clean Thanksgiving Day and the day before, so really I only had a few hours into them. Also, I think it will make their game all the more interesting, becasue some of those boys KNOW I knit and had seen Taylor's mittens. Several of them were coveting them and trying to talk my son out of his. LOL
My son has big hands for 14 so they should fit MOST everyone. So now the game becomes very interesting,
1. Do they fit?
2. Can you keep the other guys from getting their hands on (or in this case "in") the mittens?
3. Pray they don't fit the Scout master, he'll be all over them!

I took a break from mitten knitting to do a little decorating. I can't find the tree! How can you lose a tree??? Well, if it's possible, I can. So, I am out back in the shed, looking for the tree when I see a double polly wrapped and duct taped box on top of some things....I had to wade thru the boxes and furniture to get a closer look and what did I see? NO, NOT THE DEAD SPIDERS!!!
The box had YARN it! I snatched it down, all but ran back to the house and tore into it. There must have been 10 or more skeins of handspun and hand dyed wool from 2 years or more ago! YEAH BABY!!!!!!

So now what to do with all of that splendiferous yarn??? more mittens? nah...maybe with the left overs...Scarves? yaaaawnnnn...I know! A felted bag....yeah, I have been wanting to do one of those forever...so I have started working on that. I have to knit it bigger than what it will really be. So it needs to be longer than it is wide. It shrinks up more in the heighth than in the width. I will post pictures tomorrow with some rather vague directions. LOL Being this is not a store brand of yarn that can be easily purchased, I can only give you generalizations. I have the link for the felted bag that I got the idea from. I'll post that soon too.

There was some acrylic yarn in there too. A skein of black (must have been from my granny square days) and a skein of white (from when my oldest daughter learned to knit). My daughter (who no longer knits and now refers to it as a "GRANNY SPORT")wants one of those extra looooooooooooong black and white skinny scarves. I have half a mind to tell her to knit it herself. LOL but we all know what a pushover we mom's can be, I'll probably start it for her when I am done with my purse.

The day is getting away from me and I am missing out on valuable knitting time...LOL
so I better go rotate some laundry and check on the kiddos. They are working on their school work now and have some catching up to do. They are volunteer workers at the local library (they have to put in 3 hours a week) and had to work yesterday, so it cut into some of their "school time".

I'll post pics soon and some links.
katcha

Update on House Fire

Hey everyone,

I have an update on the alcoholic and the house fire.
Well, the word is, investigators did some more looking and found evidence of accelerants.
Paint thinner had been poured on the living room floor and ignited.
(traces of the chemical, deep pitted marks in the slab of extreme isolated heat and the simple fact that he had no smoke inhalation or symptoms of someone "caught" in a house fire.)
I don't know if he could argue that the thinner was there because of remodeling they were doing at the time.
His wife said that none of the paints or chemicals were in the main house but ALL of it was out in the garage.
I don't think he'll be able to argue, because it was so obvious that he was not in the house when he said he was.
So, he will be sitting in jail for a while longer on arson charges.
Gosh, I hope this does not affect his poor wife's ability to get insurance money and get on with her life.
All of their dogs were running around the neighborhood loose and I threatened to call animal control, but the detectives called.
The dogs kept coming around barking and being a problem where they were trying to investigate.
Animal control was out right away and picked them up.
(It would have taken them 2 days if I had called.)
These were the same dogs that the alcoholic encouraged to chase my son up onto our porch.

I'll keep everyone posted on what's going on.

katcha

Your House is On Fire

Life just keeps getting more exciting around here!
My son has healed beautifully from his brown recluse bites.
But, the alcoholic neighbor (the one with the dogs that chased my son?)
We think, fell asleep on the couch with his cig
and basically burned the house down last night! He was drinking,
AGAIN, and his wife was not home. (This is always a sure sign that he is drunk, because she won't come home if he is.
She calls right before she leaves from work,
and she can tell by how he answers the phone, what condition he is in!)
One of the dogs woke him up. I talked to his wife this morning, and
she was shocked the dogs were in the house, because they skidaddle
when he is drinking. Anyway, by the time he got out,
the house was pretty well burning. We live kind of far out
in a rural area and it took 40 minutes for them to get here.
4 different community Fire Depts. came out but the house was completely engulfed.
A neighbor came pounding on our door to let us know at about 12:30 a.m.
(before the fire dept. came) and
we could see an unusual orange glow coming thru the windows
from outside and when we opened the front door
we could see the whole house being consumed and
could feel the heat all the way to our front porch!
The flames were coming dangerously close to another neighbors house.
2 trees had caught fire and the wind was blowing towards their house.
Poor Richard was out there with a garden hose trying to keep things wet!
Ok, so the cove is crawling with officers, paramedics, firemen and neighbors,
and the drunk is out there, smelling like a distillery and cussing everyone,
when all of a sudden he decides to attack an officer from behind!!!
Gosh what an idiot! The officer literally slammed the drunk to the ground,
(the drunk is a big guy too)
handcuffed him and shoved him into the back of a squad car!
I told my husband, "Gee, what was he thinking?!"
Anyway, so their house is nothing but a chimney and rubble right now
and the Fire Marshall is out here investigating things now.

This got me to thinking about the spiritual side of this. How many people are living in houses that are "on fire"? Is it on on fire for Jesus? Or is it being licked by the very flames of hell? How many people don't even realize their house is on fire and are just going through life thinking everything is ok? Then, all of a sudden, you can see it being consumed all around you. What do you do then?

The neighbor fell asleep on the couch and was ina heavy slumber from drinking. It was probably from his cigarette falling onto the couch cushion, that caused the fire. But there is a greater issue here. He doesn't realize how very blessed or "lucky" as the Fire Marshall said, that he is alive today. And the sad fact is, this will probably not change him at all. As soon as he is out of jail, he'll be back to his old ways again, when in fact, he should fall upon his face before God with a repentant heart and soul and accepting the forgiveness and grace therein. Could this be you?
I hope and pray not.

Now is a good time to do a quick heart check. Where are you in life and look closely, are your spiritual "smoke alarms" working right or are the "batteries" dead?
gotta go,
katcha
I'll write more later, the kids want to watch the Fire Investigators at work.

Brown Recluse

Yup, this ugly spider here is responsible for two bites on my oldest son's leg, right above the knee. We can only speculate that it happened while he was in bed asleep Sunday night or early Monday morning before he woke up. By the time Monday evening came they had manifested themselves, though still small. My son pointed them out and asked, "what's that?"
He usually wears jeans and the only reason he noticed was he said it felt a bit sore throughout the day and when he was getting ready for scouts, he noticed them. I told him we would keep an eye on them (sheesh, I had no idea what they were, but I had a sneakin' suspicion) and that if he felt sick in any way, to tell me immediately. He did complain that his stomache hurt but thought he was just hungry later in the evening, after he had come home from scouts. He ate a bowl of cereal and went to bed.

Tuesday morning came and they were worse. I knew something was up. My son is an early riser and loves to get started on schoolwork while his younger siblings are still asleep. He likes the quiet and is a quiet person. He did get up, took the dog out, came back in, ate a little something and went BACK TO BED! Ok, Houston, we have a problem. His little brother went to wake him up an hour and a half later and he was not happy. I asked him how he was and he said, "I don't feel myself, I'm so tired and my leg hurts."

Yeah, next thing you know, we're sitting in the doctor's office getting prescriptions for brown recluse bites and a tetanus shot. He is taking an oral antibiotic and an antibiotic/steroid, topical cream and a hydrocortisone cream.
He has been absolutely the best about the whole thing. He was so pleasant with the doc and nurses, they absolutely loved him and gave him coupons for 2 free small pizzas at the Brick Oven. Ahhhhh, they know how to make a teenage boy feel better don't they? We took advantage of the coupons and the mom/son time and went out for an early dinner together.

I am glad to report that this morning the redness and swelling is down, he is up and at 'em, but he said there is more pain in that area. He has to take it easy and not get hot for a while, but I think he'll be fine. Just keep him in your prayers.

We all (with the exception of oldest son and youngest daughter) had the head and chest cold/flu last week, that was fun, NOT!

The week before that, the "No Contact Order" against the drunk across the street expired and we had problems with him AGAIN. He let his dogs run lose. (we have a leash law, even out here in the country and they killed a neighbor's goat last year) My son was well into our yard with our small dog on a lead when his dogs came running into our yard, snarling and barking. I think they were after our dog. My son had to sweep the dog up and back up to the porch. He came in and told me what happened. He also added, that the guy was "encouraging the dogs". I walked out to check out what was going on and he was standing out there in his driveway, cussing and doing his usual mess. Yup, "get me the phone kids, we're calling the police." They came out, took the dogs away and tried to talk to him. To qoute the officer, "He talked to me like I was an animal, but I never could get him to step outside." He 's smart. he knew if he stepped one big toe outside that door, that he would be arrested. grrrrrrrrr!

Anyway, good news, we figured up hubby's vacation/pay/ etc. and figured, including with the 2 weeks holiday we might actually have 5 and half weeks PAID VACATION! What a relief! His hernia surgery will have him off work for 6 weeks without pay! I didn't know how we were going to manage. But we crunched the numbers and we are going to be ok. PTL!

We are still waiting for that rehab house to sell. It's been 90 days and the average house is on the market for 190 days, so I suppose I shouldn't complain. I know it's all in God's time, but it's a little tight until then.

Well, the kids are ready for their school work so I need to get in here and help. Ya'll have a blessed day and I'll be posting again very soon.

kat

Sometimes, Life Just Gets In The Way

I have a motto that I use when life is getting busy or hard for us here, "Sometimes, life just gets in the way." It's not meant to be mean or anything, just a simple fact. LOL
Since Friday, maybe even last Wednesday, things have been a bit cazy around here.

First, it looks like my husband will be needing some surgery, major surgery, but for something routine. It makes me a bit nervous as he has never been hospitalized for anything before, so we don't know what his reaction will be to the anesthesia, etc.

Money will be tight, like tighter than tight, (skin tight, so tight we can't breathe tight!) we would be barely getting by for about 2-3 weeks. So, we were prepared with that in mind; copay for surgery and bills with no paycheck coming in for the next 2-3 weeks. Ok, I can handle it, if we get a bit behind, we'll catch up, no problem. I have faith that God will meet our needs.

That's when it all came apart. LOL! We have had some weird power surges or something at our house. Living here in the country, the electricity is subject to turn off and then on again, over and over for a minute or two. These "surges" will wreak havoc on two appliances in your home...the fridge and the microwave. Yeah, you guessed it...it killed my already antiquated fridge and my 4 year old microwave! The microwave can be fixed, it just needs a new fuse. Hubby got a new one and replaced it. The fridge was another story!

We do not have any credit cards here, and we aren't going to start now. (I'll tell you about credit card debt another time, but I'll just say, "been there, done that"!) It looked as if we were going to have to resort to getting a Sears card or something and buy a new fridge! ACK! I did not want that. We have a rehab house in Memphis, we are waiting to sell and then we'll be right as rain financially, but for now? What to do?

My FILaw called my husband last Saturday and offered to let us get a new fridge on his Sears card and we can pay him back when the rehab house sells. Thank you dad! So, tuesday my new fridge came. They hauled the old one away and hubby didn't have to lift a finger!

Well, he went to the surgeon (thinking we were going to schedule surgery for sometime next week) and we got some good news and some bad news.

First the good news! There is no immediate need for surgery so if he takes care, we can schedule it for over the Christmas Holidays and he can take the holidays, saved up vacation and sick time for recovery.

The bad news is, because of the kind of surgery it is going to be, his recovery time is 6 weeks instead of the 2 -3 weeks originally thought. So, he can still maybe save up to 5 weeks with the holidays, etc. BUT if he has to have emergency surgery, we are sunk.

The best thing that could happen for us is for our rehab house to sell, "Pronto pup". It's on the market but not showing or moving. WE might have a nibble, but nothing for sure yet. That would be a tremendous relief and burden off of us.

So needless to say, I have been running in circles, trying to keep things and my sanity together. Not good.

I guess I can take comfort in my knitting, I am about to finish up my red, white and blue socks and have started on a baby sweater for a friend. I am about ready to start on the sleeves for it, I will post pics soon.

Hopefully, I can get more computer time than I have been the last month. I am fixing to quit my job with the neighborhood association. It is taking to much of my time, causing me stress, and not worth what little I am being paid. Just pray for us.

Later!
katcha
p.s. If you have myspace.com you can check my blogs etc. out there. It is more geared towards teens, I know, but because of my son, I find I have more teens calling me "mom" and looking to me for advice, etc. Here is the URL if you want to go there.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82844484

Finis!

Summer is over and you would think that things have slowed down! Nope, after the Annual meeting, things really kicked into high gear! VBS all week, company from out of town, my son going off to camp, Fathers Day and the best thing of all! The Open House was last Thursday for our "rehab" house!
I give the house about 1-2 weeks and I am sure it will be sold! If you would like to look at it and take a "virtual tour" here is the link!

http://kendallhaney.com/bestbuys/listingview.php?listingID=340&PHPSESSID=a36edf5b9a82af1841590a98cc1b34c6

This house has come a looooong way from where we started. In fact, the first time my hubby and his partner showed me the house I thought, "OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODNESS!" and thru a fake smile, I made myself say, "Wow, it's great isn't it?" .

Anyway, now we have started on another house down the street , but it won't be anything like this first house. It should be a tater. I do have before pics of this next house but will show you those when the house is finished. HAH! I know, I'm mean. LOL

Now, you'll be happy to know that I finally finished hubby's "scout" socks! They came out fabulously (IF I do say so myself) and I have started a new pair for myself. These are a "not-so-traditional", red, white and blue self striping yarn. When I get a bit further along I'll take a pic. For now though I am taking a break and working on a chenile scarf. Wal-Mart has a CLEARANCE bin in the yarn department. So, this $5.17 a skein Lion brand yarn was marked down to $3.00 a skein. Yeah, I admit it, I am weak; I bought 6 skeins of the stuff!

Well, I have a busy day ahead so I need to go. That, and my oldest son is away at summer camp and I am going buggy without him. *sigh*

Later,
katcha

Momma Has a NewToy!

Wooooo Hooooo! I have a new ball winder! Every good knitter has a yarn ball winder in their repitoire of knitting goodies. I have been wanting one of these baby's for years, and I am serious about that. My mother had one and oh I was always so envious. Well, this is my much belated Mother's Day gift from hubby. I have been turning every skein of yarn I have into neatly wrapped balls of yarn. I am blissfully happy.

I am oh-so-close, to being done with hubby's socks. I am hoping to have them done , like within the next day or 2. He is around the corner at camp and I would love to be able to take the finished socks to him, if I just had some red yarn. See, regulation scout socks have a thin band of red around the top. It would be way cool if I had some, but, oh well.

Along with my new ball winder, I also got a new skein of sock yarn. It is self striping sock yarn in a not so traditional red, white & blue. I actually almost purchased this yarn months ago, but had gone with another color. Those socks ended up being given to my youngest daughter. SO, when hubby brought this yarn home...I was soooooooooo excited! I can't wait to get started.

It's sunday and I am going to cat nap on the couch for a while (It's what I do almost every sunday) LOL so I will try and write tomorrow.

Bye for now!
kat

I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate my job...

Whew! We've gotten the school thing behind us and now I am working on the books for the neighborhood association's annual meeting. I am so ready to be done with it and move on. I have concluded that I am absolutely Quickbooks illiterate. I guess, it's one of those things where the person who sets it up is really the person who knows what's going on. There are some things I have learned about doing this.

1. If you were not the one to input all of the data and set it up for the business, you screw it up royally.

2. No, Quickbooks is not easy.

3. Unless you are a company, say for example, like a construction company or someone that does contracts and credit; using QB for a neighborhood association that is relatively small is kind of like squirrel hunting with a bazooka.

4. If you are not a trained professional book keeper, become one.

5. The accountant usually only wants the following items anyway: the fiscal year's bank statements and your general ledger.

6. The neighborhood association only want to know; how much money did we spend this month/year?, who owes us money?, how much money is in savings/checking? and who owns lot# 213? So, why bother with the rest of the hoopla that comes with the QB program?

7. If you ever have to turn that bad boy over to someone else, woe unto them, they'll have bruising on their foreheads too.

8. Know when to admit defeat, have the accountant set up a simple Spread sheet and be done with it.

9. They don't pay enough, that is why they have shmuck like me working for scraps.

10. I hate QB an my job!

Yesterday, the accountant called saying they couldn't figure out some things and I am thinking..."Oh great, they'll think I have been embezelling from the neighborhood assoc. ACK!" but at this point I think what they are thinking, "Sheesh, what an idiot....who hired this woman anyway?"

Lord, help me is all I have to say. Since the children don't need my measley income for schooling anymore, hubby has given me permission to quit. I still have obligations though. First, is to set up and make easier the book keeping for anyone who takes over the job. Second, is to make sure the meeting goes well next weekend. Third, is to update all and any lot and ownership info. That is that then. On the other hand, if I simplify the job to that extent, then suffice it to say, that I really won't have the stress and worry of before. They only recently gave me a quarterly gas allowance. That is cool, I can just put the gas money back into our personal account and hubby said the $200.00 cash was mine, ALL MINE! Soooooooo, I will have to think on that for a while. (As soon as lunch is over, I will call the accountant and see what's up with the compilation. *sigh* bleck!

ANYWAY, things have been busy but really great for the kids and I so far this summer. We have made tie dye t-shirts (that was so fun and way cool)! The boys and I rearranged their rooms and refinished a bookcase. Then my youngest daughter and I refinished a dresser (one I got for free someone at church and it was ugly!)for her room. The kids have been keeping the house so nice and clean and not grumbled about helping with the housework. They have been going to their friends house, bike riding, playing in the garden hose, picnics and watching TV.

I am still working on hubby's socks...will they ever be done??? *sniff* I can't wait to be able sit and knit! I need some more sock yarn too. I will have to go yarn shopping on line. I have some sites cached on my favorites...must...resist...temptation...must work...must not get distracted...by yarn!

It looks like the TV is dead, playing taps. It was old, I knew it was just a matter of time. So, now, we are all going into withdrawl. I NEED my HGTV!!! The kids are going nuts not at least being able to watch the DVD or VCR.

Well, my oldest son is vulturing me, circling around in want of some "computer Time", so I will let him get on for a while before he leaves this weekend for Scout's NYLT training, he will be on staff and gone for a week. It's not all that bad, he'll just be up the road and around the corner about 7 minutes at the local BSA camp. LOL! So, I can hear it now, "Mom, I forgot my... or I need you to bring me..." I am sure hubby will be doing the same as well!

Have a great day!
katcha

School Dilemma

Ok, you may be thinking..."What's the big deal? Just put your kids in a real school like everyone else and be done with it. Let the professionals teach your kids." Oh, don't go there or get me started. I have plenty of ammo for this kind of argument and I can rumble with the best. No, I won't get on "ye old soap box" right now, but I will say this, its not easy.

For the last 3 years, my meager wages that I make part time have been going to pay for the childrens schooling. $200.00 a month for the books, regular testings, tutoring and record keeping is not bad, for private/homeschooling four children. It was good for us, for a time. It taught the children the importance of having deadlines, the pressures of real life, ie. tests etc. It was also becoming drudgery, lifeless and all facts and data for them. School had become no fun at all for them. We had no time for the extras that we use to do before. It was all they could do to finish the workbooks a day and meet the contious deadlines, lest we recieve the ever dreaded "nasty gram" from the school. The rules kept changing to put pressure on the sudden flood of public school kids that the school system would no longer tolerate. They were told upon suspension or expulsion, "Go to Gateway." It's a Christian private/extension school for homeschooling families not a place for juvenile delinquents. Don't get me wrong, this is probably the first time in some of these kids lives that they had ever heard God or Jesus NOT used in a derogatory way, but the kids who are good, timely students are suffering. Mine were. My almost 12 year old daughter looked at me just the other day and asked, "Isn't there a dress code? That guy's pants are down past his butt and all I see are his boxers. EWWWW. What about that girl, I thought we weren't allowed to wear sleeveless shirts or shirts that expose the midriff?" While sitting in the testing center, I could over hear kids using some nasty language and the subject matter was not good either. There have been drug busts in the parking lot and a bomb threat. Dumb kid, called the threat in on his cell phone. DUH! The rules kept changing too. Any test that scored under a 75 had to be retaken. They could opt for a new book and take the test over with a clean slate or just study the old book and average the two test scores. Then they told me last week, "If they get done before May 19 they have to take any pack over that was an 84 or less." Well, my kids probably won't get done before then but I'll be hanged if I make my kids take a test over that was done last semester, I mean come on. I averaged up all the grades for the whole year to this point and my oldest has an A average and the 3 younger ones have B averages. That is pretty great if you ask me, so I am not worried. I told them, if you have to wait for a week to finish the very last book, fine with me. My youngest daughter absolutely hates it. She is literally in tears sometimes. The school has become so militant about how many pages a day you have to do and blah, blah, blah, it's getting to be worrisome. All 4 kids are super stressed out.

Well, no more. I am taking back the school work. I use to be the one to teach, plan, set the deadlines, turn in the certificate of enrollments to the Board of Education. I guess maybe I had gotten lazy and relegated the responsibility, in part, to the private school. We did it for 3 years, now its time for a change.

I started "shopping" for curriculum 2 months ago and the catalogs have been coming in slowly. OMGosh was I out of the loop on that! I use to do Bob Jones University and they have become outrageously exspensive and the books I have (teachers books etc.) are now obsolete. Then, I looked for the same curriculum that the school used, Accelerated Christian Education and that was exspensive too. The school won't sell the curriculum, harumph! I also looked at Sonlight Curriculum Ltd. and that was very complicated to me, as well as exspensive. I was beginning to think I was going to have to start going to the used homeschool bookstore and try to figure out our own school curriculum.

This morning, after weeks of prayer and trying to talk to hubby about it, I saw a white envelope on my desk. I picked it up and turned it over to look at it. "Oh, I remember this, we got it the other day and I never looked at it." I was thinking, "Great, I bet this will be a bust too." Boy, was I wrong! It is a simple little catalog from Christian Liberty Press but it was like it was made just for us. It isn't all books from just their school, there are some A Beka (which is exspensive but challenging) for science and grammar. They use Saxon math and Steck - Vaughn as well. There is a lot of literature, history, Bible study, etc. I can break it down into manageable pieces and keep it stimulating. It's not all book work, but there is quite a bit and lots of reading. My son looked at the catalog and asked if I could get him the Creative Writing book too! Everyone is excited and asking when I will order their school work! They aren't dreading it! Another great thing is the science is very hands on, projects and experiments! There will be art too. So, I think I will plan the week like so:

Math / Mon-Thur (all)
English / Mon-Thur (all)
Phonics & Reading/ Mon-Thurs (all)
Spelling/ Mon-Thurs (all)
Writing/ Fri (oldest son)
Biographies/ Fri (all)
Bible Study/ Mon-Fri (all)
History/ Mon-Thurs (all)
Government/ Fri (oldest son)
Science/ Mon-Thurs (all) and Fridays for projects & experiments
Art/ Friday

Looks like a plan, we'll see as I get the books in etc. All of the curriculum will cost me $653.90 + shipping & handling. So, here's the better thing; I can order the schoolwork for the kids, using my paycheck over the next 3-4 months and then for 9 months we'll have that extra $200 a month for gas, lunches and field trips out and of course household bills, instead of paying the school. How cool is that?

Oh well, I have to feed the kidos and hubby is going to actually be home early for a change tonight. Ya'll have a great evening!
katcha

Migraines

I think that I am suffering from Migraines. I have had headaches before but these bad boys are beyond what I am use to. I am usually the kind who gets a headache, pops a couple of Tylenol and I am good to go. But here of late...these have been downright evil.

Ok, so now here are the wonderful (and I say this loosely) words of wisdom from my ever-so-encouraging friends and family.

1. "Go to the chiropracter, you need an alignment."
Yeah, so does my van. I went to a chiropracter years ago. The first time I went, I came home feeling like I had been hit by a van. That is not all of it. They supposedly took xrays, which showed me as looking like the elephant woman from my lower back and into my hips. I mean, after looking at them I thought, "GOOD LORD! HOW am I even able to WALK?!" Well, it was too exspensive to get "treated" every week for the rest of my life (and my insurance would not cover it). I then was referred to a reputable clinic in Memphis, by the family doc. They took xrays and one of 2 things had happened. (1.) I was miraculously healed by the chiropracter of my affirmity OR (2.) The chiropracter LIED! Turns out I had one leg just a tad shorter than the other and the early stages of osteoarthritis in my lower back. hmmmmmmmmm....

2. " You are almost 40, maybe you are going perimenopausel or menopause is setting in."
Geeee.... thanks! Pass the estrogen please and lets watch my boobs slide down to my knees. Oh and keep me away from all deadly weapons...HA HA HA HA HA! (diabolical laughter here)

3. "Oh, I get those too! The doctor gave me this prescription that works great! But it knocks you out."
Hmmmmm...I already have to stay on top of my 4 kids to keep on top of their school work, chores, etc. and keep them from killing each other or destroying our home. (ok, they are not that bad but give them an oppurtunity, they will take it). I think being asleep for hours would not be a good thing here.

4. "My wife has those too. She has had all sorts of medication, tests, and they still can't help her."
Wow, that gives me so much hope, thank you!

5. " Have you tried X brand herbal supplement? You can get it at such and such store in Memphis."
Ok, so I would have to drive at least an hour just to get to said store and an hour back home for a surprisingly small bottle of herbs that costs a very large amount of money, that may or may not help. I don't know?

I am sure there are many more I will hear before its over. The bottom line for me is, I don't have time. I do not have time for Migraines to plague me. I have 4 young children who need me, I have a job that requires my attention, I have people counting on me. This is not fun. So, I have asked for everyone to pray for me. Prayer is probably the best thing at this point. Prayer for wisdom and healing. I know ya'll will do that for me, won't you?

Well, I can't handle much more computer time, I need to go lie down for a while. God Bless...
katcha

A Time to Knit

We have been one busy family for the past 2 days.

Monday night was Court of Honor for my son and his scout troop. So that usually is a potluck, awards and a late night.
Then last night, we went to the Putt-Putt Golf Haven for a special Church Night. Because my husband and I teach sunday school and he is a deacon, we got in free. They gave us each wrist bands so we could ride on the go carts, water bumper rides, kiddie rides & play putt-putt free. We also got a ticket for 8 free tokens. Oh, and a huge slice of pizza and a coke free as well. I drank my coke but my oldest son ate my pizza. One of the men in our church group paid for us whole group to play lazer tag. Yikes, that was hard but fun!
The only thing was, it was an hour away in Memphis, so we had a long drive there (during rush hour) and an hour drive back home. We were totally wiped out.

Tonight, we will be learning and participating in an Easter Sader. The Messiahnic Jewish church will be teaching us that. I am excited because we did that about 4 years ago and we learned so much. This year the children are all old enough to participate.

Which leads me into my knitting. It will be so good to be able to sit down and knit! *sigh* I had a total bomb happen last friday night. One of the socks I was making for my husband got "joustled" in my knitting bag and oh mercy, stitches had slipped off and it was beyond what I could repair. I wanted to cry (and did) while frogging the whole sock. So, I will have to work one sock at a time from here on out. On the other hand, my daughters socks are coming along splendidly. In fact, I will be doing the heels today. Then it will be super easy from there on. A friend of mine sent me great directions for binding off the socks so they are nice and stretchy.

I am also working on a wrap for myself out of a novelty yarn. It is very loosely knit and a bright apricot/coral color. I absolutely love it for my summer color. It really compliments my skin when I have a tan. I had to go and by 2 more balls of it yesterday. I bought it from the clearance bin and it was $1 a ball. I thought, "dummy, you should have gotten more", so I went back to get whatever was left and thank goodness there was some left. I will try and post pics later, right now my camera is charging up.

So much going on lately I can scarcely breathe. LOL, I am going to try and take it easy for today (in between loads of laundry) and I need to get some more work done here for the Neighborhood Assoc. Alsways something.
Have a great day everyone!
katcha

"SNOOTY COMEBACKS"

I think all knitters can totally relate to this. You are sitting quietly in the waiting room of the (insert place of destination here) knitting happily away, when someone comes by and either asks or says something really stupid like the following:
"That would drive me crazy! I don't have time for anything like that. I just don't have the patience to something like that. Why bother making one when you can go to Wal-Mart and buy one?"
the list goes on but that is just a few.

Well, here are some incredibly, wonderful comebacks taken from another knitter's blog that you will totally appreciate. (If you're a knitter anyway.) Here is the link and here are her witty and snooty comebacks!

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~jkoster/id3.html

Why can't you knit that for ME? Socks are cheaper at Wal-Mart! Only poor people knit! It's homemade--yuk!

Yes, we've all been there. Here's a list of catchy comebacks for those times when you want to leave someone in no doubt how you feel--about their stupid questions and remarks. Warning: these are NOT nice and polite!

“It’s my hobby. You know, like golf. Only it’s more productive and more relaxing, but probably NOT less expensive. Plus, I hang out with more interesting people and we dress better.” Of course, some of my favorite relatives golf, but they can’t be perfect—even if they are my relatives.

“Do you ask people why they golf, play the piano, sculpt or paint? Then don’t ask me the same question.”

“Yes, I’m sure you don’t have the time. You won’t MAKE the time (or choice, sacrifice, commitment, etc.).”

“You have to be able to FINISH what you start.”

“I’m sorry. Did you say something? I just felt a rush of hot air.”

“It’s fun to do it to annoy people who ask stupid questions about why people knit.”

“I am hoping Julia Roberts will spot me on location and put me in her next movie.”

“I’m auditioning for Desperate Housewives next week and I need to practice.”

"The Queen of England knits. It must not be THAT low class."

“WalMart doesn’t carry cashmere sweaters and custom-fit seamless socks.”

“SOME of us are talented enough to work with our hands.”

“You DON”T? You CAN’T!” Then laugh at them.

“Why knit? That’s so FUNNY!”

“This is a first--I’ve only had IGNORANT people ask me that before.”

“I HAVE people to love and knit for.” Requires a sneer at the end.

“You don’t have time to relax? Sounds like you need to get a life!”

“Yes, I am sure watching TV is very time consuming for you.” (LOVE this one!)

“It’s part of my housework avoidance plan.” (my personal favorite)

“Maybe YOU want to look like everyone else!”
“My knitting isn’t made in China by prisoners or Malaysia by child labor. How about your clothes?”

“It occupies my hands so I don’t throttle rude people.” Be sure to look straight at the questioner.

“How is knitting a bigger waste of my time than explaining it to people like you?”

“When I have my mid-life crisis, I can switch to leathers and a Harley, and it will be less expensive. My husband will be SO pleased!” (ok, this one made me laugh and snort!)

"My parole officer said it would help steady my nerves." Thanks for this one go to Gail, who saw it on KnitU.
"It would drive you crazy? Good thing I already AM crazy!" Try to look like you might also be willing to demonstrate. Or add, "At least, that's what the doctors think." This was inspried by Donna in SC from the Sock Knitters list.

Thanks to Denise for these. Please check out her BLOG she has great stuff there.

I usually am very nice and say something like, "It's cheaper then PROZAC." or "I have to keep my hands busy or I'll go crazy."

You know, I guess people can read, but who wants to sit in the doctor's office, dentist, orthodontist, church, sporting event with your nose in a book. I guess you would have to be introverted.

Not me, I like to be sociable and when I am around people, like at church or home school events, I don't want to be rude. Besides, most books people read are for entertainment, not quantum physics, you know?

When I knit, I am actually making something functional, beautiful and practical. I can also TALK while I knit. OMGosh! My lady friends and I have had so much fun at church, laughing and knitting and talking. Can you do that with your nose stuck in a book? I don't think so. Besides, most of the time, I see people trying to read a 2 year old Parents magazine at the Dr.'s and you KNOW they are well past the toddler years with their kids. LOL

I guess what irks me, are the people who try and put you down for knitting. I am not the challenged one here, I mean, it takes some brain matter to knit. But most times people blow you and your knitting off like some sort of repugnant leper. How dare I sit there, blissfully knitting away while they try and read a 3 year old magazine? Who do I think I am?

OK, so I am spending my husband's hard earned money on yarn. He would much rather me do that, then spend it on big, gaudy jewelry at one of those cheesy parties. At least, when I come home with yarn he doesn't ROLL his eyes like he would if I brought home another pair of shoes that I will only wear once because they were "too cute and on sale". I never hear him say, "Sweetheart, don't you have enough yarn?" Or "How much did that cost?" (He knows he's going to get socks, or mittens or something good from it!)

I would encourage all non knitting persons to look at knitting as an art. It is an art. Did you know, that during the 13th and 14th century, knitting was done by MEN? They would be apprenticed for 7 years, intern under a master knitter for another 4-7 years, then after submitting a detailed planned and final garment to the masters of the Guild, were they then made masters of the art. There are pictures of men standing casually while knitting. The yarn held in something resembling a tool belt. Amazing huh?

You should envy that blissful knitter sitting on the bus or at the drs. office, not try to mock them publicly. I will also warn you, there is a bolder and smarter generation of knitters out there, who are likely not to tolerate rude comments and will likely make YOU feel like the repugnant leper.

My advice? Buy some knitting needles, yarn and get someone to teach you how to knit. You'll be addicted in no time, that, or give the knitter some money to buy some more yarn! LOL

Gotta go, I here a pair of socks calling to me!
katcha

Nacho break

What a day...aren't all my days like this? I had to get hubby and our little house guest off early this morning. (My girls had a friend spend the night.) But, no sooner had they gotten out the door, I went back to bed. I knew what the day was going to be like and all I wanted to do was HIDE.

I have this little part time job I work, for a neighborhood association. I hate it. But, it pays for the kids school books. Anyway, the Pres. calls me up wanting to have a meeting...whoa, dude! Didn't we just have a meeting, like 2 weeks ago? He is wanting all of this stuff from me. Copies of bank statements, lot owners lists, and all of the regular financial reports, etc. I've gotten it all done, but sheesh. Right now is crunch time for me. I have over $3,000 in lot dues to record and deposit. There are address corrections to make, paperwork to take to the accountant to look over. There is the annual meeting to prepare as well. This is the busiest time of year for me PLUS the pressure of having to be a bill collector. I am the secretary/ treasurer, but they expect me to make phone calls, hunt down delinquent people and be a collection agency. I am not liking that. In fact, I told them last meeting I was not going to mess with who is behind, who needs liens placed on their property, etc. until after the annual meeting in May. Then, THEY can be the ones to play Law & Order. ok enough venting. I got that behind me, except the stapling.

I am going to take a bath, get chready for the meeting and sit and knit on my socks for a while. I need some major stress relief...and my back is killing me. I just ate some nachos, we'll call that dinner for tonight.

Well, I need to get off of here. BFN
katcha

Momma Has A New Look

Well, my Blog page anyway. It's the artist in me.
I love change and my blog just wasn't happening. The colors (although, I love earth tones...) were too bland. So, I thought, it's spring and I do have this thing about lime green...lime popsicles, lime kool-aid, lime jello, key lime pie, marguerita's, oops...ok, haven't had one of those in...hmmmm...years. But I love that green, so, BEHOLD! I give you, A LIME GREEN Blog. HAH!

I also changed the "theme" and "subject matter". I figured since my main focus is on my knitting and hopefully, my other fiber art, that the title needed to be changed. Also, my compulsive spending on yarn tells the story, right?

Which reminds me... I found really great novelty yarns at WALLY WORLD (of all places....evil nemesis) for 50 cents and $1.00. BEAUTIFUL stuff too. I snatched some up, but oh, had I more money to spend, I could have easily walked away with tons more. I mean for about $50 I bet I could have bought pretty near all of what they had. *sigh* Some of us just have to live and die by the budget, you know?

So, I hope ya'll enjoy the changes and will hang on with me. I promise it will be fun and I will still be posting about my personal goings ons. LOL! Besides, I should have some very cool news soon to share, but I don't want to jinx it.

I have got a lot to do, I'm going to the library to meet a friend of mine who lives up the road "a piece". She has 2 boxes of quilt scraps to give me! I am actually going to turn around and give it to a friend of mine who is an avid quilter, but also a SAHM strapped to a budget. (Maybe, I'll get a quilt?) LOL Just funnin', I really want my friend to have these, because I know how much she'll enjoy it.

And for inquiring minds...LOL...ok, so you didn't ask...my spearmint is making a come back already this spring. I picked a bit yesterday to make my tea with. WOOO HOOOO! I'm a happy girl.

BFN~
katcha

The Darkside of the Yarn

Not long ago, ok maybe before Christmas; in fact, right about the time Hurricane Katrina hit. MAN?! Have I had this stuff for that long?!
Anyway, I bought a whole mess of...yes, I hate to admit it...ACRYLIC YARN! (insert PSYCHO music here)
The cheap stuff, the big 1 pounders you get at Wally World, the gaudy neon orange, neon green, watermelon pink, aqua blue and canary yellow acrylic yarn! I mean, it was on sale for $2.97 a skien, what could I do but buy it? I could have resisted. I could have fought the urge and saved up for some more exspensive yarn from my favorite yarn "dig". I could have handspun my own wool and dyed it whatever color possessed me, but nooooo, I gave in, I was weak, I bought the yarn.

I have been struggling with what to do with these wayward, black sheep, kin of the yarn world, ever since. Finally, I figured it out.

Last weekend while in my favorite yarn dig http://www.yarnstudio.com/ , I bought some long, size 6 (US) birch needles to knit smaller weights of yarn with. When I had used bigger needles with the cheap acrylic yarn it was loose and looked, well, cheap. I decided to see how the size 6 needles would do. PERFECTION! I nice tight knit stitch, with just enough stretch and still look good. Now, to deal with the funky colors. (BTW, I like funky colors so the colors weren't a total issue with me.)
I was taking the yarn ends and twisting them together to see how they would look. (Something I learned in college as a Fibers Major.) I just happened to put that bright neon green and watermelon pink yarns together and twist, when my youngest daughter looked over my shoulder and gasped, "OH COOL! It looks like watermelon candy!" VOILA! Inspiration! Out of the mouthes of babes! I picked up the size 6's and started knitting a "beanie" style cap for my inspired daughter. I finished in 2 days. (gotta do housework and work sometime you know?) I put a spray of braids coming out the center instead of pom-poms (gag) and she is tickled. So am I! Thank goodness she has lots of shirts, sweaters and clothes in these colors.
I am starting on the second one now. This time, a bit bigger one for my oldest daughter. She watched me twist the neon green and neon orange yarns together and said, "I like that. It looks like melon colors. Make me a hat like sister's." so here I go. I would take pictures, but the digital camera's battery is fried. I'll buy a new one Friday.
I guess it just goes to show you...or me in this case...that you can take something that other "purest" knitters, yarn lovers and fiber artists would scoff at and make it into something pretty darn cute. At least I didn't try to make a toilet seat cover from it. Be glad, be very glad!

katcha

Time Flies...

When you are NOT having fun! *sigh*

I couldn't even begin to tell you what I have been doing, it's all a great blurrrrrr. There was my birthday (I am now officially the same age as Jack Benny and will stay there) and my son, my oldest, is 14! OMGosh, where did the time go???

Anyway, school, work, rehab house projects, birthdays, piano lessons, church...it just has all been whizzing by with a ferocity.

My scarf is hanging in the Fibers Show exhibit in Senatobia. We went to the opening of that. A lot of beauitiful pieces. This year, the Show Organizer, Sharon, will be coming up with a new theme for next years show. She said she would let us know in May, so we could ahve more time to work. I really like that idea, that would give me the summer to work on a project.

I currently have 2 different pairs of socks going right now. I am almost ready to work the heel on my hubby's socks and have just gotten the toe part done on my daughter's. I am really lovin' the "turkish cast on" technique. It is much easier and makes for an incredible no see 'em seam. Here is a link to the tutorial, I prefer. OK, I guess not...someone deleted my "SOCKS" folder from my favorites....ask me if I am pleased about that!? Ok, googled it and found it right off the bat! So ta-da! Here it is!
http://fluffyknitterdeb.blogspot.com/2005/10/knitting-made-easier-turkish-cast-on.html

The color my daughter has for her socks are soooo super fantabulous! I am so envious, I may have to find what other colors Regia has. But I have posted a pic of her yarn anyway. I thought it was purtyful and eyecatching on the blog page. LOL

Right now I am babysitting my printer, while it cranks out the new invoices for the neighborhood association. Lot dues are due in April, so, here I sit stuffing envelopes. Yuck. So far, so good though. Next, will be fishing cards to print and send as the dues start coming in.

I have not been able to do much more than that...I still need to help 2 more families with some handspinning...so after the invoices are done and sent, I will be carding more wool into battings...I am hoping that I will not have to wash any more wool. That takes forever.

We are all generally, well and healthy...ok well, my youngest son has a 99.9 temp and is sacked out on the couch, bur we are all generally well. I have lost some of my weight, but it's slow going. I absolutely LOVED the Soy Slim Fast that came out 3 years ago, but they stopped making it and I have not been able to find a good substitute since. I have tried dozens of brands of soy stuff out there and they are all "gaggy" but Slim Fast had it going on. *sigh* I keep hoping they will bring it back. Also, I could buy the big cans of it (powder that is) at Sam's Club for $10.00. They don't carry it anymore and I don't have a Sam's card anymore. I got put out with them about 3 months ago and said, "By God they won't get anymore of my business!" LOL

Great! The invoices are done printing so now I have to stuff some envelopes, (woo hoo). I hope eveyone is doing well and keep on keepin' on.
katcha

SOCK IT TO ME, BABY!

Yeah baby, they are done! I only had to redo the cuffs, three times. I am still trying to work that out, but they are done!

I can finally start on hubby's socks. I need to do that while it's day light out. Our house is dark and I don't have the greatest lighting to do the cast ons. He has a fairly dark green yarn for his and I want to be sure I don't make any mistakes.

Hubby (for Valentine's day) bought me some Regia Crazy Colours sock yarn for our oldest daughter. He also bought me more Addi Turbos (size 3) anda very cool book by the "Yarn Harlot". Great reading!

We have had bad weather 2 weekends in a row. Last friday, ok friday before last...anyway, I got hit by a police car. Yup! We were stopped because of another accident that was clearing out. The snow was really starting to come down and I was sitting there, ready to make a left hand turn. Signals on, looking in my mirrors, I get ready to make the turn and BAM! Mr. police man comes up on my left from behind, no lights, sirens, nuttin'... and swipes the whole right side of his car. His side mirror hanging precariously, he pulled off the road. MEANWHILE, I lose it. I am at full hilt sobbing and wailing. You can imagine what I am thinking..."I HIT A COP! OF ALL THINGS TO DO! I HAVE TO HIT A COP!" well, the long and short of it is, It was his fault and the city police dept. will be paying for the damages. Thank goodness, the children were with me and did not get hurt. Had we been a few seconds earlier turning, he would have T- boned us and hit right where I was or hit my youngest daughter. It really rattled my nerves, but the van doesn't seem to have any extensive damage.

Ok, we are going on week 3 of getting Direct TV to install our dish. Weather, and maybe not being available in our area, was getting to be a real strain. I won't go into it, but I was about this close ( ) to telling them to keep the dern thing, I was sick of the hoopla. They will be out tomorrow to install it < yeah, we'll see.

Everyone is still going thru and getting over colds. I think my son had a touch of the flu last week. Thank goodness, I didn't get that. We are all doing well, staying busy, maybe not busy enough, the house looks a wreck! But it seems like we are always busy at something....hmmmmm....I'll have to think about that one. LOL

I need to post and go...have a good afternoon, God Bless and keep warm!

katcha

What kind of knitting needles am I?

You are bamboo.
Warm, cozy, and thoughtful, you take your time and enjoy how things feel, smell, and taste. You love the craft and beauty of traditional things, and you value the comfort and experience of knitting as much as the results. But while you are reveling in your warm cozies, don't get stuck. Warm is wonderful, but so is the whole wide world!


What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Somehow...I just knew this was the answer I would get....funny thing is...if it's not sock knitting (I ADORE my precious Addi's for sock knitting) I do prefer my Crystal Palace Bamboo Needles to knit with.

Ok, let's see...we have been absolutely crazy for the past 2 weeks. Cub Scouts, school (I figured up and the children are completing a new unit every 2 weeks, that is good) Boy Scouts, Orthodontist, church, library...it seems like it's always something. Last week we were heading into town early to stop at the library, when the den leader called me on my cell phone to tell me the meeting would be the next afternoon instead. So, we hung out at the library for a while. It was cool, I had my knitting along so I found a cozy spot and started knitting while the children browsed. But the next day, it was on the road again. I hate driving around...I am a home body and would rather be at home than just about anywhere else...ok, being trapped in a yarn store and getting to play all I want would be better, but you get the idea...LOL!!!

Saturday I think is supposed to be a Fibers Guild meeting, but dog gone it...I'll miss that again. I have to be home so Direct TV can install our dish and all of that. HGTV here I come! I need to call the secretary and ask her about the Fiber Show and where to take my piece for exhibit. I want to participate in that. *making a note to call Patti....

I have to set up some accounting with on line banking and catch up the accounts for my hubby and his partner...men...they don't have a clue what is in the bank...
I am currently looking for a software program that works with real estate property. Basically, you have a certain amount of money budgeted for say, the roof, or plumbing. When you write a check to pay for that item it automatically places the money in that area. That way when the house is finished you can see how much money was spent on what. So, " a surfin' I will go, a surfin' I will go, hi-ho the dairy-o, a surfin' I will go!"...

Gotta go for now, so have a splendiforous kinda day!
katcha

I love knitting...

Ok, at this point I have to admit it...I am absolutley obsessed with my knitting. I love it. As I sit knitting my socks I here the soft clicking sounds of the dangling knitting needles while I am working on my socks. I have developed calouses on my fingers from tiny size (1) needles and find myself surfing the net for long stretches of time, lusting over sock yarns. *sigh* I am totally "out there" on this, but it is a blast.

I have started the ribbing and am working my way up the cuffs of my second pair of socks. I used a much thinner yarn, sport weight, superwash wool and polymide blend from Germany, (no don't ask how much) that is self striping. I worked the whole of the foot in the size (1)'s but used an inferior needle...the Addi's I ordered had still not come in when I was ready to start on these, but are on their way home now as we speak. (Hubby, went by and picked them up for me when the Yarn Studio called.) He also put 2, size 2's or 3's, (can't recall now), on hold until Friday along with yarn he picked out for his socks. Yeah, you guessed it, Boy Scout Green. LOL It will be interesting to see how a solid color moves along. Oh, anyway, (chased a rabbit there) I switched to size 3's to do around the ankle and up the leg cuff. I figured it would have more stretch, etc.

The colorway is off a bit...so the striping is not "identical"; let's just say they are "fraternal twin" socks and I love them all the same. They have all of my favorite colors in them, apricot, browns, greens, blues...so I think they are great. I am going to make them a lot longer then my first pair...I hope that I can get the sizing right. Anyway, if I have to "fudge" it a bit and increase a little, it will be fine...I mean, their socks ya'll...and under my jeans. LOL Anyone looking that close at my socks just might get a toe in the eye.

We have been incredibly busy as of late...so much going on at once. I just need to post tomorrow and catch everyone up on my "goofy" life. LOL on a lighter note...I have a nifty Bell South package bundle, so I am catching up wit the world. Direct TV, camera cell phones, oooooo! internet service and whenever it gets here, DSL. Anyway, lots going on here.

It's getting late, so I need to get going...I'll catch you tomorrow.
later taters!
katcha

DONE! DONE! DONE!

Wooooo Hoooooo! My socks are done! I finished them up at about lunch time yesterday, hand washed them and laid them to dry in front of the wood stove. Took them an hour to dry in front of that sucker but it was worth it!

I wore them last night to church with my slip on clogs. That way, I could slip my shoe off and say, "See? I finished them!" Then all of my friends had to act thoroughly impressed and say, "OOOO." and "AAAAHHHH, how pretty." LOL

This picture makes them blue, but really they are more brownish, hmmmm.. I may have to work on the color a bit.
When I get to my class Saturday, I won't have anything to do. I am hoping that they will have the Turbo Adi's in stock by then. I put in an order for two size (1) circulars. I will also shop around for sock yarn.

One note on the sock yarn used for my socks; it is a bit thick for sock making. It was ordered that way so us beginners could learn easily with. These are definitely not socks I would want to have to go a whole day in at work, the bottoms are a tad "rough" for lack of better wording. They are great for bumming around the house in though. So, when I look for sock yarn Saturday, it will definitely be thinner and hopefully, softer. I would love to go bold with color, I am thinking...APRICOT! That and lime green are my favorite colors.

I am really struggling with this cold which in fact was/is the flu. Yay me...It's like all of a sudden my nose has decided it wants to run, non stop like water. I completely soaked a soft wash cloth, cause the hankies and tissues weren't cutting it. Gads! I think I was supposed to have a business meeting tonight, but I forgot about it and haven't done a thing. If they call and ask, I am down and can't make it.

I made my own perfume today. I have developed this absolute passion for Patchouli. Now, I know what you are thinking..."ewwww...moldy soil." Well, yes, it can smell like that, but did you know it a fabulous "blending" oil? You probably have some in your perfume now? Many of the most expensive perfumes on the market have a tad of "patch" in them. I can always tell (when I don't have a cold, anyway) when a perfume has certain oils in them...I make my own bath and body products and have been for years, I can spot those essential oils from a mile away. ANYWAY, back to the perfume....LOL

I was going thru some of my soapmaking supplies and found 2 roller bottles that I had gotten as samples a long time ago. I thought, you know, it's a shame to waste these, I need to make my own roll on perfume. So I went to the oil cupboard and began mixing. I had some "Hard Candy Christmas" FO (fragrance oil) that I had duplicated from Brambleberry and some Patchouli EO (essential oil) I had bought from RJ's Herbals. I mixed a bit of glycerine and jojoba oil in, popped the roller ball back on and VOILA! Roll-on parfum. Very easy shmeasy.

Well, I am getting tired (medication is finally kicking in) so I am going to make some OJ and go lay down for a while. I hope the phone doesn't wake me up. LOL

BFN!
katcha

And the Saga Continues...

I am really not liking Bell South right now...oh, it's a love/hate relationship to be sure. My phones have continued to give us problems even into this weekend. I had no phones from last Sunday night on until this past Friday, when they were supposedly "fixed" from the previous Friday...or was it Thursday? Anyway, we had phones for a few hours and then BAM! Saturday morning, they were out again. We called, they "fixed" them again, (while I wasn't home) then AGAIN they went out (about an hour AFTER, I came home). My neighbors call me on my cell phone, this time..."Are your phones out too?" Too which I have to AGAIN call Bell South and vent...as nicely as I could. "Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for using Bell South." WHAT?! I can't use them because they don't work. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!! Sunday morning I woke up to find the phones working again and they have endured a thunderstorm and constant downpour of rain since Sunday morning..."knock on wood, do the hokey pokey, spin yourself around, knock my head on wood and sprinkle salt over my left...or is it right shoulder"?

I have done the heels of my socks and am working up past the ankle and around the calf. I am so excited and have learned all the things not to do when knitting socks. I am really trying to finish them before this next Saturday. I want to learn that figure - eight cast on. So, next weekend I am going to buy size (1) 24" circular needles, probably metal this time and not bamboo and sock yarn. This may be a stretch, but I am thinking about entering a Knitting Olympics! LOL!Here is the link if you would like to read more about it.
http://http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/

Anyway, the rules are this:

The 2006 Knitting Olympics
Eligibility: "Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.
Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days.
Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.

2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.

3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.

4. No casting on before the flame is lit.

5. Finish before the flame goes out.

6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")
Medals? The Knitting Olympics has only a gold medal. (There is only do- or do not.) Finishers get a gold medal button for their blog, their name entered into a draw for a chance at a prize from me, and the joy of knowing that they are an Olympic level knitter, no matter how experienced they are. You are only competing against yourself. (Well. And the Olympic schedule.)
Who's in? If you're just crazy enough itching to be part of the Knitting Winter Olympics, leave a comment (or send an email) telling me who you are, what you're knitting and a link, if you have one. I'll list you in the sidebar. Consider carefully. Done right, this will suck up 16 days of your life and be an epic work.

(Crappy button made by yours truly. Really good button for finishers will be made by Franklin. Feel free to swipe and save to your own server.) "

Anyway, I thought IF, I can find a red,white & blue self striping yarn (hokey, I know or whatever I can find) I would knit a pair of socks. I have knitted my beginner socks in 14 days (or will have, anyway) so 16 days should be very do-able. I think...

Although, I would be working on smaller needles, but the metal needles should be a lot faster, I found the bamboo needles "stuck" too much. It sounded like a challenge and great fun, so I might give it a go.

I will have to post pics of my socks here soon, because they are turning out really great. I can't wait to make another pair. So, I am going to "surf" the web in search of self striping yarn in "Old Glory" colors and see what I can come up with.
Have a great evening!
katcha

Knitting Socks

I took my first sock knitting class Saturday. I am currently working on my socks...but thought I would take a quick break and see what everyone was up to. These are toe up socks and both socks done at once. I am using # 3 Bamboo Circular needles from Clover. The yarn is from Mountain Colors and wonderful to work with.

Things I have learned so far...

1. "Figure eight" casting on is a booger!

2. Size 1 needles are good for the toes and then change over to 3's for the rest of the sock.

3. DO NOT tell the other ladies you Home school, because 4 out of the 6 of us were Professional Educators and I got "the look". I felt badly for the rest of the class and I would not have said a word had I known that before "open mouth and insert foot" moment.

4. Pick light colors to work with...working so tight and small, I can't see always with my Granite Peak darker colors...* Note to self: I need a better lamp by my corner of the couch.

5. If you do a nice ribbing on one side of the sock and the stockinette stitch on the underside....it sure does make knitting and keeping your place easier!

And
6. I found her print out of instructions...vague?

7. I LOVE MAKING SOCKS!

LOL
I am waiting on my digital camera to charge up so I can take some quick pics of my socks. They are about 1/2 way up my instep. I keep slipping them on to see how they look and fit and that is ok, in fact it's encouraged.

Next Saturday, we are going to learn how to do the heel and after that up the leg and should be a "tater" after that. Oops, that's a "southernism" for - easy going.

Ok, the digital cam has charged up and I am ready to go. I have to get something done today (like feed the family and housework) LOL! I'll try and write more later. If not, I'll write some more tomorrow.

God Bless!
katcha

*Top picture is the top of the socks in a rib stitch.
The bottom picture is the underside or soles of my socks. The yarn is "self striping" and 100% wool. Oh, and this is also "handpainted" ooooo, yarn from Colorado. *Whatever*...I did find an online source for sock yarn in all sorts of yummy colors and its Merino wool! Here is the link:

http://www.yarn.com

I am really going now. LOL! Later!

Huswifery

Huswifery by Edward Taylor (In it's original English)





Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,
And make my Soule thy holy Spoole bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele,
And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding,
Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;
My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee
That I am Cloathed in Holy robes for glory.

I liked this a lot. For more Poetry like this go to-
www.puritansermons.com

Have a wonderful day!
katcha

What Kind of Knitter are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice.
You've got the basics down pat and you might just
be falling in love with this hobby. Big
needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the
name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't
experiment a bit, here and there. As an
apprentice, you probably fall back on other
people to get you through those rough spots,
and if you don't know anyone who knits, you
probably have a few books or online sources to
tap.
http://marniemaclean.com


What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


LOL! I love taking these quizzes. They are silly and 1/2 the time, aren't very accurate, but I love doing them none the less. I am knitting today. I am making some "fingerless gloves" out of very thinly spun mohair that I spun up about 3-4 years ago and had dyed a black cherry, color. They are kind of lacy and turning out pretty well. I just finished up the thumb and am working on the rest now. My dig cam's battery is fried and for some reason the port is not charging so no pics right now. I can't believe I am actually knitting on straight needles a pair of gloves. Usually you have to have double pointed needles and knit them in the round. That is the way you do them if you don't want seams. Unfortunately, these are seamed but who cares? They are turning out lovely, just the same.

I am still yearning to do those socks though. I can't believe how obsessed I am with the very thought of knitting my own socks. I am anxiously awaiting an email from Papatya (it's Turkish) to let me know when she has the " sock" class scheduled. Anyway, I am soooo looking forward to that!

Here is an EXCELLANT site for sock patterns.

http://www.knittingonthenet.com/socks.htm

Here are some great BLOGS I like to read from other knitters.
http://boogaj.typepad.com/knitting/2003/01/_pattern_toeup_.html

http://www.ringaroundtherosies.prettyposies.com/

http://www.sockamaniac.blogspot.com/

& last but not least and maybe my favorite~

http://sockbug.blog-city.com/

Oh and BTW! In case you are wondering about "Bert" over there? He is my new Terrorist Alert Warning....oooooo can't get any scarier than ol' Bert now can ya? LOL!

Gotta get ready for church tonight...I am leaving early so I can rearrange the fellowship hall. We have folding chairs out in the main hall and I am worried about the "little ones" climbing and such on them. Hellooooo, mom and dad? Would you please keep an eye on them so they don't get hurt?! Anyway, we are going to put them in a back room, clean up and set up a cozy corner with couches and a coffee table. Wednesday night, some of the teens and dads play "ping pong" on the new table. Leaving us wives and moms to sit, talk and wait for them in the main hall without much to do or comfort. LOL! I noticed that some of us moms knit and most of enjoy sitting over a cup of coffee. BINGO! Why not set up a cozy corner, serve coffee and really do it up right? I am even going to make coffees with the whipped topping, the whole shabang!

So, I talked to the Buildings & Grounds Committee (my hubby) and he said, "Oh, I have already been thinking about that. I'm on it." So, I am meeting him early to put our plan into action. (I kind of feel like Hannibal from the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together.")

Well, gotta go, thanks for the prayers sent my way. I am in much better spirits now. Oh and DG, good to hear from you (I was starting to scope out Milk cartons and those flyers that come in the mail. You know, " Have You Seen Me? " LOL!

Have a Great day!
katcha

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Hubby's vacation is over and he's back to his "regular" job. The kids are back to their studies and everything is down to a dull roar.

Yesterday turned out pretty good. I took oldest to his paintball thing and no one could say a flippin' thing because I had that boy geared up. In fact, I had him outfitted so well, the guys were asking if I could stay and play. Especially after they learned that his gear was actually my gear and that I was a hunter. LOL Yeah, put that in your pipe and smoke it Doc.

Anyway, I had no sooner gotten home when hubby and I decided to finally fix the kitchen sink. That sucker had been leaking for over a year! Anyway, what we first figured to be a matter of replacing the gasket in the faucet, turned into having to take the whole stupid sink out. After taking the sink out we discovered that it was an impossibility to just replace the gaskets. Noooooo, that would have been too simple now, wouldn't it? Gads, next thing I know, it's back in the van, heading back to town to Lowes for a new faucet. We stand and look at all the different kinds of fixtures. He likes the traditional kind of faucet with the one handle, I like the "gooseneck" style with the 2 seperate knobs for hot and cold and ooooooo look, white porceline decorative knobs! I won this time and got what I wanted. We came right back home (did I mention we live 30 minutes from everywhere so this will take at least an hour?) installed the new fixtures and VOILA! I have a beautiful new sink.

Hubby also promised to take our oldest daughter to the movie "Dreamer" and dinner, so he jumps in the tub and gets ready for that. While he is in the tub I get a call from the oldest boy, paintball is over, "I'm ready to come home." So, it's back in the van, to pick up the boy. I was beat! LOL I am such a home body, so it was a real drag having to be on the road all day. It's not like we live in Suburbia, America....we live in rural Mississippi and that means driving if you want to get anywhere.

Today is nice. I don't have any stress to get anywhere. I do have to finish taking the tree down. I was going to do it yesterday, but with all the driving, well you know. I will pack up all of the reminders of Christmas and get on with the new year. I need to get to that tree and decorations... they won't pack themselves. LOL Have a great day.

later~
katcha

I HATE DIAL UP!!!

Ever since my last post my dial up has been a pain in my keester. I would no sooner get on line and then I would get bumped off again. GRRRRRRR!!!! This morning was the last straw, a busy signal when we picked up the phone. HUH? No, I wasn't on line. Anyway, we called the phone company, they told us NOT to use the phone for 15 minutes (I made everyone stay off for an hour) and they would do a "diagnostic test" but that our phones would be "fixed" by January the 5th! AAAACK!!!

Well, obviously everything is back to normal so..... here am I!

Gosh, where do I begin? Christmas was good, we had a girl from church come to share dinner with us. She is in her mid twentys I suppose and her husband worked a double shift. She would have been sitting at home by herself so we invited her over. She spent the most of the day over here. We just seemed so busy over the holidays, but doing what I can't really recall. There was paint balling for my oldest son, swimming for the kids, movies to go to, kids over here almost every day, knitting, cleaning, cooking. *sigh* it's all a blurr now.

New Year's was uneventful. We watched It's A Wonderful Life (man, that movie depresses the crud out of me) and went to bed by 10:00. We kept telling everyone we celebrated at 7:00 a.m. with Sidney Australia so we didn't have to stay up until midnight! HA!

I have to get things together for my oldest to go paintballing again this afternoon. This time I have him geared up, cammies, boots, the works. Last time he wasn't dressed like everyone else and he was made fun of. I kind a crawled some fannies about it...ok well, I have a way of making people feel small by pointing out the obvious. Here is a Mother's heart, torn up by what she saw...
My oldest is 13, and looking forward to paint balling with his buds (scouts). We get him a box of 500 paint balls and go to Doc's house. He is so excited (he's NEVER done this before) and he jumps out of the van, box of paint balls in hand and as he walks closer he groans. His shoulders begin to droop and he says quietly, "everyone is wearing camoflauge. As he gets closer all of his "buds" say "hi" then, "man, where are your cammos?!" My son says, "I don't have any..." then they all start in on him raggin him hard, and all the while, Doc is over there, shaking his head like, "Poor idiot". Yeah, he's rich, he doesn't have to worry about it, huh?
Finally, I said in a loud voice. "We have 4 kids. I can barely keep everyone fed and clothed much less spend lots of money on extras. We work like dogs and don't have time or money to take him hunting, or anything else. We just don't have it give like some of yall's parents." I saw at least 3 or 4 boys look down and turn away. "Yeah, it's called being poor." I added and glared at Doc. He was back trackin' big time, "We got him covered, he'll be ok, he'll be ok." I was P-Oed and I told my son, "ask Rod if he can bring you home with Will or call me and I will pick you up." Turned and marched my little 5'3" self back to the van. I fumed and stewed over it all the way home. I was heart broken. My boy said he had a good time and was the last person "out" on his team. Rod and Will said he did great when they brought him home. Well, I dug out all of my old hunting gear and his daddy's. We have him outfitted and Rod (who BTW was not in on the "ragging" and is the daddy of Will, who also was not part of the "ragging") told us about a place where we could get our son a used paint ball gun for $50 and all the gear. For about $100 we can have him outfitted. Rod said that was what he did because, he is a mechanic and knows what it's like to feel the pinch. Will's advantage is, he has 2 sets of grandparents who are "loaded" and he is the only grandson of the wealthier of the 2. My kids have one grandparent and he is only able to give each child $25 for Christmas and Birthdays. I am grateful but it doesn't go far. I just pray that my kids will have the character to make up for the lack of money.
Anyway, I came home and was real quiet...went into the bathroom, turned on the vent and ran water in the sink and cried...cried to God, asking for forgiveness, asking for help and feeling ashamed. After a good cry I washed my face and made myself busy at the computer. My hubby picked up on my mood immediately and asked what happened. I told him and sadly, I didn't candy coat any of it. He listened and said, "ouch". I apologized and he said, "No, no need, but I am very disappointed in the boys. " My husband talked to our oldest later and was not happy. Apparently, because we don't let Taylor see the movies, listen to the music and do the things some of the other boys do they call him a "Mamma's boy". Now my turn, "ouch". Actually, his daddy is more protective then I am and well, Taylor is not a "jock". He wants to produce movies someday, and I have a feeling, that is exactly what he will do. I am proud of him for setting standards and not pushing the envelope. He is a good Christian, let God be his judge, not those little jerks.

Anyway, so that is my mood right now. Prepared for a fight. I have always been a loner. I never fit in anywhere I was. Now, I have passed on that terrible thing to my oldest son. God help him.

Now that I have totally depressed the crud out of myself, I need to get the boy ready to go (he needs to eat lunch).

Later~ katcha (whose feeling pretty low right now)