Packing List

Seems as though my family is going in all different directions on vacation within a short time frame with the exception of Kerry Lee and Ben. Kerry Lee has to work and Ben, is traveling also but in the opposite direction, as he is off to college tomorrow.

My son, Sgt. Tim will be taking his first official vacation (without family or coming home to family) soon also. He will be on his way to the Bahamas(got any room in that suitcase?;) or do you want to trade trips?) Truly, I can't think of a more deserving person. He has been an MP in the Army for four years, currently stationed at West Point, and did a one year tour of duty in Iraq. He comes home any time he can, which isn't often (they keep him busy) and I am glad that he has this chance to go, relax, and have some fun! We are proud of you! Send us a post card!

Kerry and I are on our way to CO. Should be an interesting trip, the packing list sure has been...and let me tell you even the dogs are confused! They, of course are going with us. As well as two of their friends and their people. Check back in a couple of weeks for pictures, give or take a couple of days. I am off to bed as it is an early start and a long trip!

Just Playing

                                                        

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A Quickie...

The pattern said quick and easy and it was. Chunky yarn always makes up fast. Isn't it cute? A matching scarf is in the works!

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Knitting Projects

Here are some of the pictures of knitting projects that I have competed, and enjoyed doing. I hope it inspires some new knitters as much as looking at others knitting inspired me to try...

Mom's Socks

my shawl from the pattern jeanne's diagonal shawl

this one is Team Hat Pattern but not sure who it is by

this is the E-Hat from the Wisconsin Winter Socks and other goodies produced by Cottage Creations at the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpender, Iowa

and this is the basic sock pattern...but I warn you knitting socks is addictive!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Benjamin, Happy Birthday to you! and many more!

My youngest son turned 20 years old today. No it doesn't make me feel old. It makes me feel very proud to see what a fine young man he has grown into. A difficult pregnancy, bronchial pnemonia at 3 weeks, asthma, nights in a steaming bathroom, not too mention the daredevil stunts he always pulled, more trips to the hospital for stitches than I care to remember, all have always been worth it just to see him smile, laugh, and be happy. He heads back to college this week. This Summer having him at home, just like his childhood and growing up has gone by so fast! Ben, don't forget to call your mother!

In other news....

Here are some dudes chilling by the bbq pit...

My Hubby and my Dad, aren't they cute!

And more Roses for my Aunt Rose,

The sun sets on another gorgeous day!

I capped off my day today with a stop at my favorite yarn store(Kindred Spirits Yarn Studio), to double check on my calculations for completing the sleeves on my sweater (a big thank you to Jill!) before our vacation starts next week.

My husband is an avid hunter and this will be his third trip to Colorado (my first) and you know what they say the third time is the charm! I sure hope that this is his turn to get the elusive Elk. But no matter if he does or not we will still have an enjoyable time.

I am going to treat the vacation as a knitting retreat and get some of my projects completed. I am also going to do some sight seeing with Alberta and her puppies too!

After the knit shop, the pups and I hit the bike trail for an hour. They sure do enjoy meeting up with other dogs and people who say how cute they are! Here is a couple of pics from our walk...

Sampson and Honey Dew checking their pee-mail! Sorry for the blurryness but they were moving around quite a bit.

Okay Mom, time to go home now!

Sleeping on the Job...

I thought since things were a little slow here I would take a moment and show you where I work, with some quick snaps this morning.....

my boss and the owner of Universal Marketing Media, Inc.

my office....

and here comes the "sleeping on the job" part....or "let sleeping dogs lie"...

My spoiled hounds come to work with me each day, they go for a walk on our lunch break. What can I say except it truly is a dog's life!

I hope you find at least one moment in your busy day today to appreciate your surroundings and your blessings. Have a great day!

Knitting

Morning all! I had some folks ask for pictures of projects that I have worked on so I am going to post some of them here. I had learned to knit in home-ec when I was 15 (more years ago than I want to admit). And had not knitted again untill about 3 years ago when my friend Kathie Z. made me a fun-fur scarf. That got me hooked. Especially since in the selection of yarns I get to run my hands through all the different yarns, colors, and textures etc, that Jane had in stock at Kindred Spirits Yarn Studio (check out the link). I started with scarves and couldn't make enough as it was so much fun trying different stitches and techniques, ask all my friends and relatives (the recipients)! Then I went onto hats, a shawl, and socks(warning: very addictive), with different patterns/styles of each. My biggest project to date has been the top down sweater which I am working on now.

This is a wonderful yarn, 85% Merino Wool and 15% Silk.

New Toy

What a great day! From start to finish it has been awesome. Went to breakfast with a friend, went to one of my favorite spots and got some wonderful yarn (Kindred Spirit Yarn Studio), walked on the bike trail with my two pals, Dew and Sampson, stopped at the fish store, came home and made homemade bread, Went to the lake with my hubby and played with my new toyand here are some of the results;

This of course is Sampson, isn't he handsome....

When we were at the lake this little guy came swimming up to us....

And on the drive home, we were blessed to spot this mom and youngsters and they even posed for me...

As my son (who wants to use the computer) just pointed out "mom isn't it past your bedtime!" So let me just say a quick good luck to Elise who is returning to college tomorrow and leave you with a happy pic of Ben and Elise together beside their latest artistic endeavor...

Goodnight all!