Knitting progress

 

We've had some snow this week and actually had a white Christmas, which was beautiful!  

This is our view from the dining room...we have woods all along our back yard, which is so beautiful no matter what time of year.  Deer walk through the woods and then jump the farm fence and travel throughout our sub!  We see them on our security camera often!  Even when the security light comes on, they just look up and keep on grazing or walking...so cute!

Of course, there was football (which I love) and basketball (which I do not love!  HA) on TV for the past few days....so I did take some time off  from housework, chores and sat watching football and knitted!  I'm making progress on my cotton T...I may finish by spring afterall!  

The color doesn't show up correctly and I haven't altered or adjusted it.  The yarn is a pale lime green...it's really a pretty color and I usually wear spring colors, so I am happy with this choice.

This is the lace pattern...of course, the top will be blocked and the pattern will show up even more...I think!  HA

I need to add the sleeves, which I have  just started.  That dark green yarn you see is my 'life line'...just in case I make a mistake, I can 'unrip' to those 54 stitches and start over!  HA  Ask me how many times in knitting I have used a 'life line'...and how many times I didn't put in a life line and needed it!  Takes me awhile but I am learning!  HA

The sleeves will have the same lace pattern  that is on the bottom of the T.  Now I just hope this bugger fits correctly!  You never know!!!!  

A 2020 Zoom Christmas!

 Thank goodness for modern technology!  I am sure most of us took advantage of Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo and all the other apps available to see and celebrate with our family and friends this Christmas.  Yes, it was unusual but I am so thankful at least we could see and talk with the kids.  

Bob and I delivered presents to the kids house the day before Christmas Eve.  It was a beautiful day for a drive...sunny, blue sky and clean roads!  HA  Christmas Eve is the day we usually have my kids over to celebrate with food, of course, presents and that laughter!  This year instead of in person, we had a fun filled Zoom session!  Lots of laughter, which is normal for the kids!    I'm being a good "mum" and not posting one of the pics Amber took...either my SIL, Jeff, or my daughter will kill me!  HA

The kids gave us presents  (MaryJo/Ron's gifts arrived via mail!!) as well and LOTS and LOTS of cookies....I finally put some of the cookies in the freezer!  My walking bud, Donna, also gave us some yummy cookies but we almost finished eating those!  Every cookie was/is so good which made it difficult to walk past the trays of cookies without grabbing one!  So many special and great gifts!  We are SO, SO lucky to have such great kids!!!

Christmas Day is our normal get together with Bob's daughter, Diane and her hubby, Don.  So we did a Zoom session!  Again, this worked out great!  We had a nice visit and kids got to open their presents.    It was kinda funny with the dogs...Diane has a Basset rescue, Zoe and of course we have our two.  Well, once one of the dogs started barking they were all barking.  For the most part we ignored them but it was cute that each household could hear the other household dog barks!  

Later Christmas Day we had our final Zoom session of the day with the kids in Ohio!  Bob's son, Ron and DIL, MaryJo, live in Indiana but they were spending the weekend with Kayla/Nate and our grandson, Ian at K & N's house in Ohio.  Worked out great so  they were all together....we didn't get a Zoom pic but kids sent this picture of the family.  

All in all a nice visit with the kids BUT...their Christmas present that was mailed on 12/11 never reached the kids house in Indiana for them to take with them to Ohio!  😝  So frustrating...and I understand our Christmas cards didn't make it to our family and friends either and they were mailed on 12/13!  

And how cute is this!  Rilynn got an 'electric' car!  Right now they are driving it for her remotely but soon she'll be doing all the driving!

Isn't this the sweetest chef!!!  Rilynn got the kitchen set behind her!  Just adorable...so sad we have only seen her in person once...but again, thank goodness for Zoom, FaceBook and Instagram!

At least we could see and talk to the kids this year even if not in person!!!  Yes, it was a different Christmas but certainly makes us appreciate the time we have with family.  And I am still planning a Christmas in July dinner!  Might have to work around Nick's graduation party but we'll do it!!!  Covid...go away!!!

Hubby's Christmas gift 2020!

 

Bob and I don't exchange Christmas gifts nor do we buy for our birthday's, etc.  but I like to get Bob just a little something...his favorite candy (which he got for his birthday)  is the norm...and this year I got him a car!  

Bob has a new winter interest since he can't fly his planes...they are little race trucks and cars. OK, this present is  not like his other car or truck he can race...but I figured with all these parts it should keep him busy!

 

Dogs love them!  HA    This is one of the 'real' trucks he has to race.  He'll race them around the upstairs and downstairs he has  whole racing course set up!  

New car!

37 pieces...think this will keep hubby busy!

Directions??  Hmmmmm, who ever reads directions!  Guess we'll see!

Next post will be our time with the kids...via Zoom!

Merry Christmas and Happpy New Year

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO MY BLOG READERS!  

Looking forward to the new year!

Still in countdown mode

 

Yep, I'm still in countdown mode...a week to go...I have finished wrapping the Michigan kids presents but they aren't under the tree!  

Why you ask?  Well, there's no tree up!  HA  I decided since we're not getting with the kids that there's no point in putting up the tree.  BUT, as I said before, I am/will have a Christmas in July!  Covid or not...we'll meet out on the deck and the tree will be up!

I have been back knitting (after ripping out some lace stitches - but so has my sister so I don't feel so bad!).  The top is coming along.  Looks weird here but there will be sleeves and the same lace pattern on the bottom of the sleeves.  Also, if you notice there appears to be some stitches on the left side (pic), those are for the waist area.  They are on both sides but the way I laid the top out only the right (on your left in the pic!  HA).  Anyway, I'm getting there...

I really like this lace pattern.  The yarn is cotton so it will be interesting how it blocks out.  See those two little stitches on the top?  Those are for the waist area.  

And check out my yarn bowl I finally got!!!  

I love, love pottery made by Amy Droste (she has an Etsy shop here).  I'm fortunate that Amy only lives about 5 miles from me so I can go to her studio to purchase items.  Otherwise, I do catch her at some of the local art fairs to pick up gifts. 

Amy's pottery coffee mug

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I also love her coffee mugs.  They have this little area on the handle part where you rest your thumb!!  I've bought several of these for gifts throughout the years.  Love my mug!!!  All are dishwasher and microwave safe!  I've had my mug for several years now.  Some also come with lids, which is so nice to keep your coffee hot!

If you're looking for a birthday or just a gift for a friend or relative, check out her Etsy site...too late for Christmas now for items to be shipped...ask me how I know this!   But a good site to bookmark for future gifts!  

We mailed the kids in Indiana last Friday  (11th) their gifts.  The box is STILL at the Allen Park distribution center in Michigan (about 50 miles from us!).  And they can't guarantee delivery for Christmas!  Actually, I don't care, I just don't want the pkg lost!!!!  UGH

Two weeks until Christmas! WHAT!!!

 Hard to believe it will be  Christmas in two weeks!  Doesn't seem like the holidays at all...and this is the first year I have NOT put up my Christmas tree!  Yet...that is...I'm working on talking myself into it.  It just might be the Christmas tree and nothing else but I have to do something.  And I don't have my Christmas cards ready yet.  Hope to print out my mailing labels and start writing in the cards for family and friends!  

I have finished one gift for our great grand daughter, Rilynn.  I made her a fabric photo book.  Here is a little animation I made of the pages.  

 It really took me quite a bit of time...I forgot how much time it takes.  But it's done, wrapped and in the mail along with the other presents for the kids who live in Indiana.  We're going to Zoom with them for opening their presents.  Can't wait!  Guess I am getting in the spirit of Christmas!  HA

What a pleasant surprise!

 

It's Christmas card time (no, my aren't out yet!) and look at one of the very pretty cards I received this weekend! 

It's from Sherry E. who has been an Internet friend for several years!  Sherry had a blog for several years, so some of my readers may remember her from my posts as well as her blog (Createology).  She's now moved out west and is only on FaceBook.  Sherry is working again in watercolor, which always impresses me to see watercolor work!  Her card is an original watercolor picture!  

I love this little color wheel! And using the coffee filter for a holder along with her painted heart!  How clever.  

I asedk Sherry if I could post her gift to me and she agreed.  She also said she gives credit to Lori at the Elvie Studio for the idea.  

 Do check out Sherry's Facebook page and see some of her creative endeavors.  She paints, sews and works in so many different mediums!  Very impressive!

 I always enjoy receiving these special gifts from Sherry.  Just knowing it's made from her heart and sent to her friends...those she knows in person and those she only knows from the internet!  Thank you again my friend!!!  I cherish each and every pkg I've received from you!

Beautiful sunsets and nothing else!

 

No, not much going on here at the ranch!  But we are having some beautiful sunsets lately!  I know several of my friends have posted on FB pictures and so did I!  This was the picture from our dining room slider while we were eating dinner the other night!

This was taken outside our front door to across the street.  The color was vivid red, which doesn't show up here...too bad as it was beautiful!

I didn't walk out into the street but you get the idea!  You can also see 99% of the snow is gone too!  Donna and I walked 2 miles today.  A little windy but at least we got outside in the fresh air!

I'm in the process of knitting the lace pattern on my cotton T pattern...no pictures yet...just started!  But hope to soon.  I'm in the process of making a cloth photo book for our great grand daughter for Christmas!  Geeezzz  Just selecting the pictures to print on white fabric, then cutting them apart.  Now I'm ready to add fabric to the sides, after I decide the size!  I need to have finished in a week so I can get their Christmas packages in the mail!  Just a little pressure!  

PT is going - 2 to 3 days a week...some days it's still so painful to sleep at night or to lift my arms...I'm doing exercises and applying ice in bed at night and throughout the night when I wake up.  I purchased a new gel pack which is great as the cold stays up to 6 hours!  Perfect for me!  I don't have to get out of bed to get an ice pack!  HA  

And, some of you are followers of Nancy over at Quilting Potpourri....if you haven't seen her recent post, check it out.  She's made several adorable pin cushions!!!!  Do check what she has made here.  

A week in my life!

 

It's been a fairly busy week...just normal stuff...dogs, hubby, knitting, cooking...more cooking...cleanup...more cleanup.  You get the picture!  Knitting is coming along, although I haven't knitted in a few days.  I'll be starting on the lace pattern next.  It's on the bottom as well as about 3 or more inches of lace pattern on the sleeves.  

Thanksgiving was different for us this year, as it was for most of the states!  We did get to do a Zoom video call with Darrin and his family.  Poor Dawn woke up with a severe migraine!  She still cooked dinner for her and Jeff...Amber came home from school this past Tuesday and will be home until after January 3rd.  Good to see some of the kids at least!

Thanksgiving dinner was just for Bob and I (and I made a dish for our neighbors dog sitter who was watching their 3 dogs until this weekend).   We each cooked for ourselves rather than take a chance ad expose each other to Covid.  You just don't know!!!

Turkey is always good and I made a new recipe for Cornbread stuffing, which I loved.  Bob wasn't so sure as he is not one for change!  HA  I did make half and half cornbread and toasted bread cubes.  And I made a sweet potato pie which turned out really good too! 

Of course the girls are depressed because it's been raining so much that they don't get out for their walks.  I am starting to do our lessons from the Recallers online class I did several years ago with Susan Garrett's dog training classes, which I loved!  I still have the DVD and my book from the class so I can at least give the girls some exercise once or twice a day by doing a lesson or two!  And I did 2 miles on the treadmill today - not as much fun at all compared to walking with my bud, Donna!

Bob's son and wife, MaryJo visited the grands in Indiana for Thanksgiving.  Hope they are safe from Covid.  I know the four of them are super cautious so I am sure they'll be fine.  We just didn't want to take a chance. 

This is the first year in over 18+ years that I don't have the Christmas tree and decorations up!  I am planning on pulling out the decorations on Sunday as long as the shoulder can handle it...but that's a whole other post!  It's getting better...I'm just not patient and trying to sleep at night is worse than it was just being an old lady!  Pain wakes you up and you can't get back to sleep...but it could be worse.  So keep moving on, right!

Hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving and were safe!

The knitting saga continues!

Still working on my knitted cotton T....dogs were laying up on the sewing table, I'm watching taped episodes of The Voice...knitting along....when all of a sudden.....no more stitches!  WHAT!!!????  Keep in mind, I'm knitting in the round so there should be a continuous flow of stitches! This is what happened!

The cable broke off from my needle!!!   

OMG...thought I would lose my mind...first off I had to 'capture' those stitches before I totally lost them!  So out came some stitch holders as well as some of my double pointed needles, yada, yada!  

And after I shut off the radio and my hubby from talking....I was able to get all the stitches back on another cable in the right direction.  For those who knit, you'll know what I mean by that!  Whew!!!  

I have a long way to go...sleeves need more length and addition of lace pattern as does the main bottom of the top will have lace but I'm on a roll now!!!  Until the next malfunction occurs!  It's actually funny as my sister is making this same pattern.  She's had to rip out several rows for different reasons so we're always comparing to see who has the next 'mishap'!  She'll be finished way before me and I'm hoping neither of us have any other major problems.  

And yes, the Signature Needle company is sending me a new cable!  They are a great company and I love their needles....just a fluke!

Screen printing crows

This past summer, in Hilary's online class, we worked with adding  pencil/crayon/etc. to a photo we transferred onto our dyed/painted papers.

I've shown these before on my blog..

They were each fun to do and a perfect practice for my next project.

 Playing this weekend with my thermofax crow screen.  I had a reverse thermofax screen made of the original picture from my friend in Florida.  I just love this picture..not sure why...but I do!    

I printed this piece earlier this week and decided to extend some of the areas with paint.  See why our summer lesson gave me the inspiration to work on this print!  

Even with this printed on fabric,  I didn't think threadwork would be enough on its own to enhance the tree/limbs, hence the use of paint. 

  I just wanted to play with the screen to see if it's going to work out for another project. 

And my finished square.  It's only 12"x12" so I won't put on canvas...but I will finish with machine quilting.  And maybe add some more limbs!  Love playing!!!!  

On the arm front...I had my eval on the shoulder...think it's rotator cuff tendonitis.  I have exercises to do twice a day and 2 PT's next week and 1 the following week.  I am sleeping better at night, thank goodness...only waking up every few hours like normal but not waking up to so much pain you want to cry!  Makes me feel like a wimp!  Still knitting...but that's for another post!!