Knitting with Heart

2nd Week Off

2011-06-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well into my second week of Summer leave I find myself making up for lost time in the cleaning sense. I have washed curtains, cleaned windows, baseboards, rubbed down my few prized possessions with Linseed Oil, painted, and best of all purged and organized. It has to last about another year with such time constraints during the school and work year.

Spinning ~ gloroius spinning! I have met the most delightful artist who has a studio where Chloe has voice lessons who has helped me get started on the road to spinning! I am so excited and now the quest begins for the right spindle for me. Pam has loaned me one for now to get me started. The one I have currently is a Turkish, bottom whorl and have not yet learned to spin on that type of spindle.

Knitting will be much a part of my summer time activities. I am finishing a lace project for a swap and also started my Market Bag class at Lambikins. It is going to be a quick project that I am enjoying seeing the quick progress. I also want to take a sock class.

I want to take full advantage of some selfish indulgences while on leave. With school and work there is little time for pleasures such as knitting and necessities like cleaning. It looks like I am off to a great start.

My husband and I will be doing some hiking this summer which is also somewhat of a luxury in terms of time, but is two fold with spending time together and with our fitness goals.

All for now...

A few things I have learned over the past year

2011-05-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

This last year has been a growing experience for me personally. Last May I found myself sitting in English class with a bunch of 20 something year olds as I was about to celebrate my 44th Birthday. I made the decision to go to college after a 25 year hiatus. My path after high school was marriage, work, family, work and more or less in that order.

I have had much to learn and catch up on with all the changes that have taken place the past 25 years in academia. I am still learning and guess that is what the purpose of College, even as an adult. Going to school full - time and work full - time proved to extremely challenging, but will be back at it again in the Fall. I have decided to take the summer off while I am off work and regroup and spend some much needed time with my family.

My classes were very stimulating on many levels and I enjoyed it immensely. My degree that I am pursuing is a Bachelors of Integrative Studies, with my 1st concentration being in Cross Cultural Leadership and working on my 2nd concentration, with my thematic sequence being in Anthropology. Not sure yet how that will all equate in the market place with my sales background, but I pray it will give something to society and bring me personal fulfillment at the same time.

In my classes I made some new friends young and old and enjoyed learning from their perspective. Some were still so naive, while others had interesting life stories of determination and the will to make life changes.

AFS still is going strong in our area and was a nice reprieve from studying for me along with my knitting. One thing I would like to do more of is knit and write letters. Letter writing seemed the one thing that got neglected. I hope to pick it back up over the summer, hopefully my pen friends will forgive me.

Some things I would like to do this summer is starting a couple more flower beds, expand my herb garden, take a couple of knitting classes at the LYS and hike with my husband on a consistent basis. Speaking of hiking; this is something that Rob and I took up in the fall as a way of spending some time together that would be healthy as well. It has been wonderful to spend much needed time together and exploring the trails around where we live. The next step I would like to take a trip overnight and hike some trails in another part of our state.

Spring is in the Air!

2011-04-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

It is a glorious day today! The sky is clear, the air is crisp, and best of all I have the day off to enjoy. It is a perfect day for a hike with my husband on one of the many trails in our area that we are trying to check of our list.

Yesterday with the weather being so dreary it was a stay in day which included some of my favorite indoor activities: knitting, journaling, reading, watching a movie, and yes some cleaning. It was a great day as well so overall I would say this is a great weekend!

Jonah was with us this week enjoying his spring break. He was able to relax and enjoy himself after a demanding hockey season. He will get on the megabus today to go back to Chicago to finish his junior year of high school. It is getting harder to say "good-bye" now that we don't see him as much post season. I admire his ability to live away the past couple of years in pursuit of his dream.

This is an exciting month for Chloe who turns 15! She gets her braces off tomorrow and next weekend gets her hair highlighted for the first time. I reluctantly gave in for her Birthday. This is something I did not want to get started too early so the jury is still out on this one.

March was the month for family, which was so exciting! I saw 3 of my nieces that I had not seen in about 5 years. Hopefully we won't go that long again. Jess has a beautiful family. Her 4 little women are so sweet and loving. She has her hands full and does a wonderful job. Hannah has been in tech school at WPAFB and is a soph in college. She is a wonderful you lady with goals and plans and I have no doubt she success is in her future. Emma is 17 and is a spitfire! She is so loving and wants to be connected with family. Family is important to her and plans to visit more often.

In February I had a reuniting with the Boss Family in WI that I had not seen in 30 years. We now have a family reunion planned for the July 4th weekend. Now to organized my own children so that they can attend with us and meet everyone.

School has consumed every once of my free time and my being since August! It is safe to say that this will be the case for the next few years as I complete my BIS degree in Cross Cultural Leadership. Hopefully along the way I can find a job in align with my degree and closer to home. My days when I have class end up being about 15 hour days and my off days studying and catching up with family and home.

Off to enjoy the day, more later...

NEW Limited-Edition Mary Kay Metro Chic Collection

2010-09-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time...

2010-08-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

It seems that since Facebook was introduced to me that I have used it more as a blog, but I certainly don't share near as much so my goal is to blog at least a couple times a month.

Life has changed for me so much in the past six months. I started a new path in life when I enrolled in college this summer to pursue another avenue in life and enhance the path I have been on to this point. It has been a great decision so far and my hope is to be saying that when I start my 4 classes in the fall. I love learning and growing personally and college for me is a welcomed addition to that.

For the first time in my life I had 6 weeks off this summer to devote to my family with no distractions of work. In that time I was able to get adjusted to college and the work involved, work in the yard, (even plant an herb garden) and spend time with my husband and children. We did not go anywhere exciting due to my class schedule but created things to do around where we live. It was an incredible blessing and if I continue to work for the company I work for it will be the way of my summers. The only draw back is unemployment makes things lean but we managed just fine.

The one little trip I got to make was with my youngest son to Chicago. We spent four days having some fun, while he worked hard in the evenings at a hockey camp for a team he wanted to try out for a couple of weeks later. He did make the team and will be moving to Chicago for the school year and hockey season. He did this last year in Columbus, which is just a couple of hours from where we live, but Chicago is now 5 1/2 hours from us and will be a little more tricky to get there as often. We will more than likely meet up with him on the road when he comes more our way. We are still adjusting to the idea since we just found out about a week ago that this would be his next path.

Chloe our only daughter is making the transition to head to high school in the next couple of weeks and what has helped that is her involvement of the field hockey program. She has been training with the team all summer and loves it. While her brothers all played ice hockey it seems logical that she would pick something with a stick to play.

My knitting has suffered a bit and do not really have anything much to show with my summer off. You would have thought I would have knit a bit more than I did, but I did not stay sedentary. One thing that I picked back up was biking. I really enjoy that movement and the scenery when riding. It has been great exercise and think I will stick with this.

My older two moved into a place together over the summer so did not see them much, other than when they were hungry and would come to eat some good meals at home. I love it! Don't all moms love to feed their families? They like being out on their own and being independent. I miss them and wish I saw them a little more, I hope that will come in time as the newness wears off.

As for knitting, I am involved in the scarf exchange again along with the Moleskine exchange. I can't do too many swaps with my time constraints, but would like to stay in a couple from time to time because I enjoy the inner action with the knitters. I learn so much.

All for now...

Holiday Tea Destress Swap

2010-01-18T10:41:00.001-08:00

035
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

This was a great box that still brings me so much joy. Thank you Chanala / Hannah

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year...

2009-11-29T06:46:00.000-08:00

I don't just say that for me, but for others who are especially in the spirit of giving and reflecting and make the world a much better place. I do need to remember this phrase and live this every day of the year! This is also the time of year when I get in a slump coming up on the gray days and cold. We have been blessed with a beautiful fall full of sunshine and warmer temperatures. Yes, I am thankful!

My knitting projects consist of many scarf patterns and hat patterns and yes sock patterns for my handmade items for gifts. I need to keep plugging away and complete two or three projects a week. YIKES! I will do my best to chart my course and my progress. Maybe that will stir me along with a trip to my LYS for what I need.

There are so many things to be thankful for this year I don't know where to start but here a just a few that I will start with: The Rodes / Jonahs billet family, health, jobs, family, love and caring amongst my family, our children in particular, food and shelter, Jesus my saviour who forgives and understands all. This is just a start.

Those projects are calling me among other things. Many are in my prayers today as I have heard so many needs.

All for now...

017

2009-11-11T17:25:00.001-08:00

017
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

This lovely package came from arteeluar whom surprised me after sending her a package in the ravelry scarf exchange. It is so elegant to write with. I adore it!

019

2009-11-11T17:23:00.001-08:00

019
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

Jonah's hat that took so little time. Love this pacatweed.

A Work in Progress...

2009-09-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

My life is a work in progress... somethings I am doing well these days with. Making dinner for my family, getting up and going to work each day, being productive at work, writing to my penfriends, scarf exchange to name a few that come to mind. Things that are a work in progress... blogging, finishing my sisters shawl, dishcloth group, keeping the house clean, exercise, reading as much as I would like to name a few. If I didn't mention other things they didn't come to mind and probably not doing so well with them at the present. A work in progress...

In going through my needles tonight have put together a list of ones I need: 7 in straight and 6 in straight long ones for my various dishcloths. I wish Lantern Moon went on sale since they are my fav's. I will have to go into Lambikins this weekend since I have not been in SO SO long! I miss it!

Jill will come over tomorrow to knit our Monkey Socks...those are a work in progress...

I want to felt a bag for work / purse to carry my things in to and from work or maybe a purse and want to knit more socks. I need to order my P & C dishcloth yarn colors for this quarter and for the Christmas gifts that I am making for others.

The family is great which makes me so happy!

Have been enjoying a variety of teas loose and in bags lately. Since I talk on the phone all day at work it feels good on my throat midday. I may have to get lemon. When I come home at night I don't want to talk at night. I am so exhausted from the heavy work load and talk time. That has affected my motivation these days. I am going to stay focused on my project goals for Christmas and will be so glad I did.

A work in progress...

SP14 second treat!

2009-08-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

This came a couple of weeks ago from my partner for the SP. Just love the cute little notion bag and the book...well it is what I have needed most! Love it! Sorry I did not post a pix sooner but I just have not been able to get online much nor fiddle with my computer and camera since they are not talking the same language these days. Thank you! Oh, Kennedy our cat loves the notions bag as much as I do!

Happenings

2009-08-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Some of the things going on around here are:

~Jonah is settled in Columbus and his family is AWESOME! He is adjusting so well that we had originally planned on going to get him over Labor Day to come home for a visit that he is now requesting to stay on up there to be with his friends and family there. This is great news even though I would love to see him. His hockey schedule is rigorous but that is what he is passionate about and why he is there. Rob is going to stop in on him for a quick visit on Thursday and to watch his practice on his way to spend the long weekend with his mother.

~Chloe is loving 8th grade in her new neighborhood school. She had a sleepover this weekend and seems to be making great friends. She is such a sweetie and hopes that she stays true to herself.

~Ben and Drew started classes this week in college and they seem satisfied. Ben is taking entering his second year of nursing and his first year of nursing specific classes. He is focused on the goal. Drew is undeclared at this point and has some interest in the ROTC. We are letting him come to his own conclusions with some guidance from us.

My knitting is coming along so slowly due to my lack of time. When this happens it always makes me a little crazy. Knitting is my sanity and when I can't knit due to time I start to loose my sanity and when I loose my sanity my family looses theirs. When mama isn't happy no one is happy. That is true for my house!

Today I HAVE to finish some of my projects along with all my other weekly things so that I can get a couple of swaps out. I hope I can get them done so I don't disappoint my partners.

It is hard to believe it is almost September. My favorite season is fall so it will soon be here and I can pull out a sweater or two and make some soup and have all my senses come alive. Summer has been kind to us and in fact feels like fall occasionally without the vibrant colors.

Quentin is adjusting to live back in Belgium and posted pix of his bedroom on facebook and there are quite a few pix of his American family and a big flag on his wall. My boys have a Belgian flag hanging on their wall downstairs. We hope to get to see him in the near future. Drew is going to get his passport so that he can go with a friend who has some flyer miles to use. That will be great fun for him and hope that he takes the opportunity to go.

SP14 sent me a great little book to help me with different help questions. It has been on my wish list along with a cute little bag for notions. I will get caught up on pix today as well. My camera has been acting up when storing pix on my computer. It is either my computer or camera.

SP14 challenge: my favorite is a diaper soaker www.curlypurly.com love it!

All for now....

A little overwhelmed...

2009-08-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Life has been a little overwhelming the past few weeks and I admit it...I am behind on things around the house, knitting projects, posting, writing, journaling, reading, etc. This when is when I get overwhelmed and out of sorts. The good news is I have a package almost ready for my SP14 to go out and I have another swap package almost ready to go out which will get me caught up and back on track. I did not sign up for swaps this month due to my schedule other than the ones I am currently participating with. I do enjoy them and to my surprise on Thursday I received in the mail an orange Lamy from one of my partners. She went all out! I was thrilled and since I do not have ink for it "yet" I loaded a blue cartridge in it and have so much fun! I wrote a letter to a pen friend and got my rather lengthy to do list(s) written.

I did finish a good book that my son read so we could talk about it, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. This is not just for kids and I am waiting with baited breath for it to be released at work to give to Jonah. I have never seen him so excited about reading. I hope this has stirred his passion and will continue and I bring him books from work all of the time. Speaking of Jonah...he is moving to his host families house in a few days to play hockey for the season / school year. He is excited and nervous all at the same time. Rob and I are thankful it is a wonderful family where he will be the big brother and example. At least this move is only a couple of hours away vs states away. That will probably be next.

Ben has moved out for about a month now and settled and enjoying his new found responsibility. I don't say freedom as he has always had that. He comes around to see us and even had a date with his little sister this week and took her to his "favorite" restaurant. He came for dinner last weekend which I believe will be a new tradition on Sunday evenings. I love that boy!

Drew is working hard saving his money, as usual, and starting college this semester. Both boys have their schedules and are happy with the way things look. Really don't see him much with his love being the constant in his life at the moment. I hope he spreads his wings this school year and meets many interesting people.

Chloe Rose just registered at her new school yesterday. Rob picked her classes, she is so excited. One year away from high school. So hard to believe. She is reading a Roland Smith book that the school is reading in preparation for the Author visit next month. How cool is that!

Knitting...well, I am more than half way done with my sisters shawl and will get that in the mail to her prayerfully this week! She has surgery at the end of the week and would love for it to be there for her as she heals.

My friend Jill and I knit on Tuesday's here at my house and are making "Monkey" socks together so that she can help me with my first pair of socks. They are coming S L O W L Y due to my time constraints and other time sensitive projects, but should have them for winter. YIPPEE! I would like to make each of the kids a pair of socks for Christmas, along with scarves and hats.

I found a source for loose tea that is local! I am thrilled. A friends daughter works at a coffee shop that sells a variety of loose tea. I did not want to get to the point of ordering tea online when I go through it so quickly.

On the hunt for a seal for my wax. Believe I am going to have to break down and buy one online because I cannot find them anywhere I have looked so far. Take that back I found some at a stationary store but they did not have my initial and some angels. Not that I am opposed to angels but not quite what I was looking for.

Off to have a nice cuppa, knit a little, clean a little, write a little, knit a little, and so on .....

First SP Treat

2009-07-28T14:30:00.001-07:00

HPIM1294
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

Love this yarn and so desperately needed a tea infuser. Thank you SP. Interesting in the card she said she travels all over the world so packages will be mailed from all over. How cool is that???

PINK LAMY IS HERE!

2009-07-24T06:27:00.001-07:00

stacey001
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

OH MY! Can you say L O V E!
My wish list from Art Brown:
Dear Friend,

I created a WishList at Art Brown.

Please visit the link below to view the list.

http://www.artbrown.com/viewwishlist.aspx?SID=10&Wishlist_ID=1110099

Thank you!

Kid Picture

2009-07-18T14:57:00.001-07:00

kids on fence
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

This picture was taken along with many others before Quentin left. They were a Fathers Day gift to rob.

Wish Upon a Star

2009-07-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

My current wish list knitting and or other:

~ J. Herbin Hobenaro Ink Cartridges
~ Orange Lamy Safari (8/13 was gifted with / Thank you)
~ Seal / stamp for my Wax (can't find any worthwhile anywhere)
~ Cool Envelopes
~ Tea infuser (July was gifted with/ Thank you)
~ Worsted weight yarn for winter projects that I am picking out
~ One Skein Wonders Book
~ Knitting Help handbook
~ Swift and Winder
~ Lantern Moon Straight needles size 6, 7
~ Row counter (hand held)
~ Knitting Scissors
~ Multiple project bag
~ Yarn for Cozy Shawl
~ Spindles for spinning (it will be a long time before a wheel will even be a possibility) / spinning friend loaned me a couple / Thank you
~ Fiber for spinning
~ Purchase more JA books and other classics (Purchased Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights)
~ Troll Beads
~ Nice soft leather purse big enough to sneak a project, my calendar, a journal and pen case
~ Knit myself a shawl
~ More herbs for my potted herb garden
OK that was fun now on to my to do list for today. Dreaming first, work second.
~ Laundry
~ grocery shop / plan meals for the week
~ Exercise
~ Weed
~ More laundry
~ Cook Dinner
~ Clean windows / doors
~ Dust
~ Vacuum
~ YIKES! When will I knit, read, or write letters this weekend.

OK I have snapped back into reality officially!

More later....

PS After shopping for swaps I have decided that the shopping in Cincinnati is completly boring if it is outside the norm. Nothing interesting in my neck of the woods. Sure I can do it online but I am a visual person and a feeler.

MAMMA MIA!

2009-07-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Last night my girlfriends took me to see Mamma Mia for my birthday I had June 10th and it was so entertaining and AWESOME! L O V E 'd it! We had dinner downtown then went to the show. It was a real treat! Kathy and Teresa are the best!

Today was a day off for me so I could sleep in and mission accomplished. It was the longest I had slept in months maybe even years. It felt soooo good!

My package arrived today from one of my swaps and to my surprise there was a spindle and fiber to spin. Can't wait to try it out in the next few days. This is something I have been wanting to try my hand at and did not know how to go about starting.

Second surprise of the day was the special delivery from the Writing Desk...yes my pink limited edition Lamy! New favorite and the ink will be ordered tomorrow! I cannot wait to get it going next week. I will post a picture later when it is filled and has been tested.

Finished a couple of books that were very good. "Love the One Your With" ended up being very enlightening. Especially when many around me are either saying, contemplating, or going through with the "D" word. Yikes! It is crazy how many!

Chloe is still away with her grammy and is having a great time! It has been 3 years so they are making up for lost time. I do miss her and will be nice when she comes home. She doesn't even call or text everyday which is a little sad, but I am glad that she has the confidence to be that far away and enjoy her grandmother.

Started a shawl for my oldest sister who will be having a very serious surgery in August. I hope it will bring her much comfort and the prayers and love that I am making it with bring her good spirit and much love.

It is late and I have to get ready for work tomorrow and wind down.

More later...

Blog Catch Up

2009-07-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted a blog...it is time to catch up. With ravelry, email, facebook, goodreads, etc. it is hard to find the time for it all. I am amazed how I see some do all they do with books and knitting with everything else in life that is going on.

Projects I am working on with knitting: 2 dishcloths (despite loosing one of my favorite Lantern Moon needles that I like to knit cloths with and I am to stubborn and cheap to go replace) I am working on a shawl for moi that I have frogged about 10 times and need to get help with but had no time. I am starting a scarf for my scarf exchange, I have made one and have to say it is by far the best pattern and easy repeat that looks far more difficult than is and came from an swap partner a few months ago. I can't share the name of it in case she would happen to read this blog. Another time or pm on rav. This Log Cabin blanket is still hanging out there and need to get on with it and get it to my mom. It is going to be beautiful. I would like to make the comfort shawl for myself when I get the time. Socks are on the next list of things to start as I have been been the recipient of some great sock yarn in a couple of swaps. Double points and I do not get along so would like to try them on circs or magic loop.

Books that I have read: My Sisters Keeper ~ to sad for words and at this point in my life struggle with sad stories because I cry so easy and feel the pain in my heart. I am not sure I want to see the movie because I hear they changed the ending! What I shame! I also have read the Glass House ~ it is unbelievable that these children were raised like this, but it seems to have made them who they are today. Love The One You're With is what I just started this weekend. So will keep you posted on what I think of this book on Goodreads.

Life: Well our exchange student has been gone almost a week and talk about boo hoo! Boo hoo hoo is what I have done on and off for a week. It is worse than your own leaving because you know they will return. In this case I hope he does return for a visit in the very near future because we all miss him like crazy. Quentin is the best kid you can imagine and we had a wonderful experience with him here! I pray he feels the same and is as changed by the experience as we all are.

Ben my oldest will be moving out for his soph year of Nursing School with a group of guys and think it will be a great experience for him. He is ready but we will miss him. He is such a great young man that brings so much to life and our family. Drew will stay at home for his freshman year and figure out what he wants to do with his future. He is thinking the rotc but is taking the commitment very serious and taking his time to think about it and process it all. We think it would be a perfect fit, but it is his decision. Jonah is getting ready for his year of billeting to play hockey in hopes at playing division 1 in the future. Chloe will be in 8th grade and is blossoming into a great young lady that had such an innocent love for life. She is carefree and accepting and loving and more. It is very refreshing! She will be back in public school this year and hope and pray that she remains they way she has been and does not become influenced by the norm. Don't get me started! She is with family in Oklahoma for a few weeks and is having so much fun! It has been 3 years since she has seen her gma and cousins. Way to long, but a story for another time.

Work is good and has been a great year for learning and growth! I cannot complain and feel blessed!

My pen friends have been a joy this year. Lyra from the Philippines, Dawn from FL, and now Jen from PA! Who would have thought a year ago I would have 3 new friends to pen with and get to know through mail. Unless you have a penfriend or two words cannot describe how amazing it is to get a piece of mail and relish the time you sit in a quiet spot and savour every word and detail then write back to them with all of your questions, then wait patiently for the return correspondence to get the answer and learn more about one another every time. God brought these women to me each for very different reasons and all very special reasons. I love them all! OH there was also another but guess she is a casualty because she never responded...don't take that personally, it was not important to her for whatever reason.

Fountain pens ~ still love and have acquired a few this year. I am waiting on the new PINK LAMY! Need a couple bottles of ink that are on my wish list : ) That makes letter writing so fun and special to me is picking out the paper and the ink in which to correspond. In fact is what I am going to do when I am finished catching up here. I received a few sheets of paper in my swap this month that have a fountain pen and ink background that I would love to know the source of so that I could get some more.

June, my birthday month was so special because of ravelry and a few swaps I participated in. You can check out on ravelry some of the things that I was so lovingly given and things that were made for me. I was in awe! It could not have been better!

All for now....

SP14

2009-07-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?Worsted weight mostly, but have been doing socks and shawls lately.
What fibers do you absolutely not like? Acryllic.
What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? A really cool cloth organizer from my LYS.
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?3 years and my LYS initially taught me. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Around the intermediate level.
Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes and etsy.
What’s your favorite scent? Bergamot and lavendar, but like a variety.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Average. Favorite candy? Usually chewy.
What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? read and scrapbook. Do you spin? This is on my wish list big time!
What kind of music do you like? A large variety. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? Yes. (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
What’s your favorite color(s)? MANY! Have hardly found one I don' like. Any colors you just can’t stand? Maybe yellow as I never have knitted with it for myself.
What is your family situation? 1 husband, 3 boys, 1 girl. Do you have any pets? 3 cats, 2 dogs
Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Love them all! I don't have a poncho or shawl for myself but is on my list of things to do.
What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? scarfs, dishcloths, hats, but want to expand.
What are you knitting right now? dishcloths, scarf, shawl, and blanket to name a few.
Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes.
Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Both. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Use wood (difft types and Addi's
Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No net yet...wish list.
How old is your oldest UFO? 1 1/2 years.
What is your favorite holiday? Mothers day! OK and Christmas. What winter holiday do you observe? All.
Is there anything that you collect?Fountain pens and papers. Just started w/ tins.
Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Lattern Moon size 6 and 7 straight needles, would love to get a small resource book for knitters.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?None yet.
Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn? Cables.
Are you a sock knitter? Just starting. What are your foot measurements? Size 9 Shoe.
When is your birthday? June 10.
Are you on Ravelry? Of course! If so, what’s your ID? hrt4my4

Our boys

2009-06-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

HPIM1199
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

Graduation day for Drew and Quentin

Drew and Elly

2009-05-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

082
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

Prom night they look great!

It's the Weekend!

2009-04-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yeah! It's the weekend and full of aspirations! The majority of the family is in Florida on Spring break! They are already on the beach bright and early this morning! I am jealous. Chloe and I will celebrate her 13th birthday this week with her friends and have some girl time. Unfortunately I will have to work most of the week since I am not able to take PTO at work until next week. YIKES!

Today Ben and I will be going to the campus to look at student rentals for both him and Drew. WOW! That will be an odd feeling next year if I am down from 5 to 3 kids. Quentin will be going back to his family in Belgium at the end of June. Jonah and Chloe will have fun though if they are the only two in the house. Jonah will have his own room again, but have to say he will probably admit that it will be quite lonely without his big brothers.

As for knitting this weekend I need to finish the baby blanket, work on my moms LOG CABIN UFO, and will get inspiration for another project along with my KAL dishcloth...first I need to find my missing needle to start the dishcloth. I will be so upset if I don't find it, it is my favorite pair! The baby blanket is coming along but can't wait to finish because I cannot stand the needles I am using as I think Puck our retriever got a hold of them and are going in the garbage when I am through.

Will also do some writing in my journal and use a cool writing prompt from journal swap partner. She sent me the coolest prompts ever! I will also return correspondence to my pen friend in the Philippines and write a couple get well notes to friends who had surgery.

The lack of pix have to do with FLICKR not working with either of my computers for some reason. The odd part is it did a few times then quite. I have tried and tried to trouble shoot and cannot get it to work...so frustrating.

Gotta run!

All for now....

PS All Swap packages are out for March whew! I have one for April to go!

SP13

2009-03-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

Received my last package from my SP13 Taija from Finland. It was a great package but cannot seem to get my photos off flickr for some reason again. I just don't have the techno patients to get it all figured out. There was yarn in there for a few projects that I have to figure out what I am going to knit up. There was also a great journal, some chocolates, and the coolest needle gauge I have ever seen...that is part of the reason I want to post my photos.

Lately I am in a funk where I am just to tired to knit and think about the projects. Just some mindless ones are what I need to work on so that I can relax and enjoy. Then maybe I will get some inspiration.

I also received a dishcloth and have finished some great dishcloths of the 24 I am making in the monthly dishcloth group. My packages are all out whew! No I am working on returning correspondence to one of my pen friends. The other went out in the mail today.

The weather is so beautiful that you just want to be out in it. I think I will get up early tomorrow morning and go for a walk before church. Make a big cuppa tea and enjoy the morning. Everyone else will be sleeping : ) That is my favorite time of day.

Working on my moms Log Cabin blanket this weekend along with my March dishcloth for the exchange. We will see how far I get. I will have to find a good show on tv since I don't have any books on tape to listen to. Speaking of books....started Queen of the Tambourine with the pen fettish group and it is an interesting read.

My new group I like to get on is facebook. I have reconnected with friends from childhood that has been a lot of fun.

Going to go read a bit before I go to bed.

All for now....

It's a 3peat!

2009-02-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

The boys won their League tournament today! Way to go boys! Now we are working our way to States starting next weekend. Final Frozen Four would be marvelous for the team, let's make it happen! Pix will be posted tomorrow when Quentin can get me up and running and loaded.

About the needles: Today I finished the most adorable dishcloth for my 3 of the 24 this year and will be given to my February swap partner in the round robin. It is really cute, cute!

Going off to watch Hugh be amazing in House!

More later....

Hoover Happenings...

2009-02-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

Let's see here is an update from the Hoover House: The boys are playing in the Championship game for the League title today after winning their game on Thursday night and last night. We are looking for a 3peat! Last weekend they won the Championship in an elite tournament at Gilmour Academy and would have to say their most memorable game was beating Culver Military Academy in OT. Both boys played great from what I hear! Next weekend starts the quest for States! We missed it last year on a fluke game and hope to not have a repeat!

The job has gotten me a little down last week as the whole commission structure can be a little frustrating and a lot of my schools have had major weather issues! The people are great and with the weather good the commute is tolerable. I wish there were a public transit system! I could read or knit or relax during that near hour.

Ben is busy with his band and Fraternity he rushed for. It is a Jewish Fraternity and no we are not Jewish but they are getting it started here on campus and that is just the kind of kid he is...he wanted to be a part of it.

Chloe is busy reading the Twilight series, journaling, friends, hair, clothes, music, movies, a little make up, violin, school work, and I am sure I am missing something.

The dogs are good to!

Knitting: well that is slow, but coming. I was zapped for energy this week and was making up some missed time this week so worked through my lunch time which is my knitting time each day so look forward to that this week.

Joseph I am sure would like his hat and my swaps need to be send off. I also need to get a tutorial for the ICORD bind off so I can get a gift off to the UK!

Wrote to my pen friends last weekend so looking forward to responses in the next week or so. I could get a letter a few times a week and be so happy. There is nothing like getting a letter in the mail, going to a quiet place, reading it, rereading it, responding, and reading it again. It is one of my favorite things these days besides knitting and the family. When responding it starts with the perfect stationary, then the perfect fountain pen with the perfect ink. Then in great care and detail responding to the questions and thoughts of your friend, then expressing your own curiosities. I was out of practice after so many years of not writing, but now each letter gets a little better and as the relationship builds the ease and flow are more in sync.

Going to go have a nice cuppa and knit some before they are all up and what the championship game breakfast soon!

All for now....

PS Can you say vacaday tomorrow! YES!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-02-07T08:11:00.001-08:00

Here is my current wish list after surfing this morning:

~Lime green Lamy Safari Fountain pen F nib (bought)
~White Lamy Safari Fountain pen F nib (bought)
~ Lamy converter
~Gris Nuage Liquid Ink
~Coco Liquid Ink
~Hello Kitty Set of Gel Pens from JetPens
~Size 11 needles from Knit picks or Addi's straights or Circs
~Troll beads ~ Thumelina ~ purple Flower~forget me not~Faith Hope Love~white bead~

Wish List for when I have nothing else to do with my money in about 15 years : )

Gifts given....

2009-02-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

These are the things I spoiled others with this past week which brings me great delight. Teresa received a knitted scarf that was purple, Kathy received a multi colored scarf, both for their birthdays. NRGGRL received a dishcloth and skein of Noro for the dishcloth monthly exchange, SP13 Pal received a BIG box of goodies from me, and now working on my next mailings. My scarf for the scarf exchange is coming along and in fact finished I just need a refresher on the ICORD bind off...I can't remember it for the life of me right now. I am also working on 2 dishcloths for exchanges this month. One I completely forgot I signed up for until the matches were sent out. They don't take long and they are fun to wip up. I also am exchanging with a pen pal letter this month. Speaking of pen pals I just got a lettered from my pal yesterday and read over a cuppa this morning. Since I am majorly under the weather with a stomach bug since last evening this is a great boost. She writes such lovely, long letters I get to savor every moment. My overseas pal has not written since my last two letters. I do hope she is alright as I suspect she is going through a difficult time. It is going to a busy month as we will have some company at the end of the month that I will share more about later. It will be exciting for everyone!

Weather ~ well ~ what can we say. I had a 3 hour commute home on Tuesday due to snow storm hitting in the late afternoon. It wore me out for Wednesday which was tricky getting back in. School will be going into June an extra week from what has been communicated. This weekend it is suppose to be about 50 and rainy. My mom treated me to a nice LL Bean coat that will do super in this weather I can't wait to wear it if I get to feeling better.

This weekend is a quite weekend with Ben. The others are on trips. Chloe went with Daddy this weekend to watch Jonah and Drew play hockey in Cleveland. Quentin is at an AFS overnight. So Ben and I will have a some time together which will be so nice. He is so bright and has great thoughts he likes to share. I do love and enjoy him...now I pray I feel better to enjoy the time this weekend.

Off to the couch to read, write, and knit.

More later....

Little progress....

2009-01-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

I did not get as much done with my knitting projects as I would have liked this weekend. More packages going out this week to secret pals and not so secret pals. Spoiling has been so much fun!

It was hockey and scrapbooking for me and a little knitting.

More later...

Oh the weather out side....what is going on inside...

2009-01-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

BRRR....it is cold outside again today as we hit the coldest point of winter since Thursday. I made sure to wear my layers to stay warm. This is a long weekend and so excited about it! I have so many little plans outside house work. This morning I am going to finish my dear friends scarf to take over to her when we get together today to put our NYC pictures and thoughts together for each member of the group as a little memory of our girlfriend trip. I am also going to finish what I have on the needles and tomorrow go to my LYS and CO something new and fun. Don't know what that is yet but will keep you posted. I am also going to put my pix up on the blog this weekend that have been hanging out in my camera.

This week I made some yummy things in the crockpot that the fam loved! As my son said I rocked the crockpot this week. So my goal is to come up with a few other things this week for dinner that they will enjoy. It makes my life so much easier to be able to come home from work and the 4 hours I have not to be standing over the stove. I get up about 1/2 earlier in the morning (ugh) not something I relish but do it and have the rewards when I arrive home and have a happy family at the same time.

Tomorrow as I mentioned will be spent at the LYS and catch up with the girls there. Can't wait! Have not been in a couple of weeks and that is part of knitting goals for the year.

I also need to finish my dishcloth for my swap and get that out in the mail on Tuesday. Which btw so proud of myself this week my errand boy got my SP13 box mailed, a Canadian package mailed, my pen pal letter to the Philippines mailed, returned packages, and some customer orders mailed. AHHH! Kept the PO busy this week.

At work we rolled out all of our new books for the season so the reading list has begun. So for reading this weekend it will be to finish Foreign Correspondence and to read Dead Is The New Black, Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning both of which are teen books but ones my Librarians will want to talk about. I have a very, very, very, long reading list this Book Season but will enjoy it all the while. Wendy Mass will be at one of my schools in May and going to take a personal day and take Chloe with me to the signing. So we will both read, Every Soul a Star and Jeremy Fink before we go to the signing. I am looking forward to it and my school Librarian is very excited and has some cool plans.

Going to go and pick up the sticks and drink my cuppa coffee, which reminds me I need to get some books on tape for knitting times like these. There is just nothing on TV that interests me.

All for now....

Progress

2009-01-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

Progress is being made on my projects I cast on a couple of weeks ago. Almost finished with the 3 scarves / gifts and finished the first of the 24 dishcloth KALS I am doing this year. I also need to knit a dishcloth for round robin gift...this is a fun exchange that will be pretty incredible when I am spoiled.
Foreign Correspondence is a better read than expected. The conversation is enjoyable as well with the penfetish group.
Tomorrow I will be sending out a rather large box to my SP13...I can't wait for her to get and do hope she feels spoiled. So far I have received socks from my spoiler and those have been such a treat to wear. In fact they will be on my feet in just a bit!
My pen pals are corresponding and we are learning so much about one another. I have not had pen pals since I was a kid and it is just as exciting to get a letter in the mail as an adult and savour the moments you read them and respond to them. It is so fun to learn about someones life little by little and anticipate the next letter where there will be another tidbit.
This weekend there is no hockey for the boys so will be making plans to go the LYS. There are some of the familiar ones going to be there and it will be great to catch up with them and see what is on their needles.

More later....

Projects for the Week!

2008-12-29T16:41:00.001-08:00

HPIM0913
Originally uploaded by sohyquentin

On the needles for the week along with finishing the Einstein Coat.

The pretty purple yarn is going to be a scarf from Sally Melville's the Purl Stitch. I am holding a strand of pale purple mohair to soften it it up. The purple yarn came from my nadknits in Germany. It is going to be a yummy scarf.

The Tapestry Yarn is going to be for the Mobeius that I am getting ready to cast on.

The funky yarn is going to be a garter stitch scarf and matching hat when I get back to knitting hats. It will be a fun one to wear!

Along with finishing up my Einstein Coat that is what I am up to this wonderful week off!

When I get my cotton yarn I will start the KAL on January 1 as I have ordered my prepack for the quarter. This is getting way to organized...a little scary!

All for now....

sp13 christmas gft

2008-12-29T16:29:00.001-08:00

HPIM0912
Originally uploaded by sohyquentin

Thank you secret pal!

My very first pair of socks! It was so awesome to wear them on Christmas day knowing the care that went into making them. Coming the long journey from Finland! The chocolate was very different and my husband and I enjoyed it together.

All for now.....

Newly Inspired!

2008-12-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today was an AWESOME day at my LYS! Great company, great coffee, great friendship, last but very not least GREAT YARN! Have 3 new inspirations or "attitude adjustments". I have had to FROG so many projects lately that I thought I was going to have to put my needles on EBAY! It has become a family joke! Will post pix of work later....I am warning everyone they are simple so I can regain confidence in my newly acquired talent, since I don't consider myself to be very gifted in the arts. On my wish list though....Cocoon ~ Selene Wrap in Cocoon purple yarn...to die for and can't wait to make it for moi! First I need to save up a little funds for it as it is decadently expensive for my budget at this time. It never hurts to wish and dream about! Check it out if you have not seen or felt this fabrication!

More later....gotta knit....

Rejuvenate my soul

2008-12-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

Post Holiday's...it has been a lot of work the past few weeks with Holiday obligations and fun, fitting it all in. So now it is time to regroup before life gets back to "normal" on the 5th. Yesterday was spent catching my breath. Made some lists of things I want to do over the break with the family and with myself. Want to do some KNITTING! Made a list of things to finish and start. I am happy with what I came up with and hope it all goes smoothly. It seems as though everything I have knitted lately I have had to be satisfied with because I have a deadline or I have had to rip out and redo or FROG! I think I will dedicate a page to my knitting funk I have been in as of late.

I want to finish a couple of good reads I have started and find the book Foreign Correspondence that the Pen Fettish crafters will be RAL in January. I guess the tall order is finding it which has not happened yet so will order it today online. I am looking forward to this read as I have two pen pals that I have been corresponding with over the past couple of months. Enjoyable! There is nothing like going to the post box, opening the lid, peeking in, seeing a stack of advertising and bills, as you start to sort...you see some familiar script...could it be...something personal for a change? Yes it is! You speed up your stride back to the house....look for a quiet, special spot to open neatly the handwritten envelope, pull out the paper inside, open it and savour every word that has been shared with you by your pal that you are just beginning to learn so much about. She has shared with me yet just another piece of her life or an answer to a question that may have been asked several weeks prior the anticipation to the sharing that goes on between the miles that separate the answers. To think that this was the only way that friends communicated prior to telephone, email, airplanes, etc. It is another dying art that I have found important to revive in my life.

On to rejuvenating my soul....all for now...

SP13 Question #2

2008-12-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Some how I missed this question...must not have been keeping up with the blog spot...better late than never:

A: Are you doing any Holiday Knitting or in this case did I do any: The answer is "yes" of course...I made a hat for a work exchange and made "toast" for a Secret Santa gift for work. Both were fun and turned out great! The unfortunate thing is that I did not have time to photo them before wrapping. I will still be knitting away over the break for some winter wear for my kids. I would love to make myself a shawl or scarf of some sort. The Winter air is difficult for me to breath in these days due to my heart issues.

B. Have you finished...rambled on above so for the sake of not sounding redundant I will stop here...

All for now...

PS Thank you to my secret pal I am sporting my first pair of socks that are hand made. Will load the pix over the weekend of them. The chocolate was very different and the verdict is still out on if I would make it a habit if I had access to the sort.

weekend ahead

2008-12-13T10:45:00.001-08:00

100_0761
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

On the needles, ink, pens, and a notebook: hint cf are the initials

Ink on my Fingers

2008-12-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

With my passion of Fountain Pens I find myself typing and then on to knitting with ink stained fingers. I have filled my Lammy's this morning and still find the need to have couple more pens with a couple more colors of ink. I have decided the F nib is more suitable for my liking but for the more refined writing tasks will be using my XF nib that has blue ink in it at the moment. I would like to get some more ink colors, but that would take getting a couple more pens that are not in the budget. My wish list contains a Lammy Silver Blue All Star that looks like it is Lilac in certain light and Private Reserve Grey Flannel Bottled ink and then Noodler Air Corps Blue Black ink for my yellow Lammy and a couple more converters. I really need to give my husband my blog site so he can take a look at my wish list : )

When I look at my ink stained hands as I type away this morning I am brought back to how I am more motivated to read and write these days than knit. I need a trip to my LYS to pick up some more yarn as my stash has been depleted greatly over the past few months and maybe that would rekindle my excitement to knit some things. I definitely need to do knit this weekend as I have a gift to take to a work Christmas party this week and would like to take something hand made with me as the girls at lunch admire my knitting and have hinted around a bit. I also have a secret Santa that I chose at work and some sturdy gauntlets would suit her well in the warehouse.

The Pen Fettish group is going to start reading Foreign Correspondence after the first of the year and need to pick up a copy for myself. I am looking forward to reading this book and voted for this read myself. First I need to finish the Twilight series and Pride and Prejudice which should be a snap over the Holidays when I have two weeks off.

Work and life are so busy I don't seem to have time to fit me in these days and that is exactly what I am going to spend time doing this weekend. I am still catching up on my New York trip from last weekend which I will dedicate an entire post to recapping. It was a trip to remember that is for sure but this is what I said on Ravelry. "My trip was great and wanted to answer when I had more than two minutes. I will update my blog and describe in more detail. It was the bus ride from hell, girlfriend time was great, shopping was interesting, (I thought we were in a recession?) Art Brown was the highlight for me, and would like to go back again but not on a bus, stay longer than it took to get there, eat authentic food, and not try to do this at Christmas time. That is it in a nut shell."

I am off to Chloe's violin performance and then to read, write, and knit.

On the needles: Hat for Kathy

Reading: New Moon and Pride and Prejudice

Music I can't get out of my head: Beyonce "All the Single Ladies, (put a ring on it)" I am not single but if I were it would be my mantra.

All for now....

Twilight

2008-11-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

It was a great afternoon with my daughter, Quentin, and Chloe's Friend. The movie was great, but as usual cannot compare to the book. Anxious to start the next book to see what is up next with Bella and Edward.

I got the softest yarn at Lambikins today for the hat I am knitting for a co-worker. It is yummy purple Berroco Chinchilla I hope she likes it. I also got a couple skeins of Boku for the boys a couple of hats and caught up with some of my friends there. It has been a couple of months since I have been in and really need to knit with them, some ZEN knitting. Maybe over the Holidays I will get the opportunity.

Will try to post pix of my simple hats I whip together this weekend.

All for now....

Reading, writing, and on the needles

2008-11-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will be getting caught up on my reading. Jane Austen and finishing Twilight and moving on. I am determined to not go see the movie today until I have finished the book. So it looks like I will not be cleaning today like I normally do. This is probably good because I am a bit under the weather with fighting off the cold that has been being shared in the office.

Writing: will be picking a pen and doing some journaling which will be nice escape along with my reading. I will also be mailing my letter to my US penpal and my penpal in the Philippines. Which will mean a trip to the PO here in a bit.

I will also be spoiling someone this weekend from SP13...I sniped her wish list off Etsy and came up with a few of my own ideas off of her blog. Oh what fun this is! I have also been in communication with my spoiler. You can tell she puts a lot of thought into her gifts and ideas. I will be excited to see what she comes up with for me.

On the needles: well I have got to get Drew's scarf finished, he would be most appreciative and then will co a scarf for a dear friends whose birthday is coming up in a few days and will also co on a soft hat for my co - worker that sits next to me who has just lost all of her hair due to chemo and think she would like it for the times she is not wearing her hairpiece at home. She has been in my thoughts and prayers and her courage and stamina are so admirable.

I am trying to resist getting a Fountain Pen this weekend! Oh it is so tempting to get the Lammy All Star that I have been eyeing or a Pelicano. I would love to get some ink from J. Herbin as I have not yet ventured into nice ink yet. Rose and a good black are what I am dreaming of these days...think I will have to add a converter to that to make it work. I think it would be a black Safari (shiny) with good black ink, then a raspberry all star with rose clymaden ink ....olive ink and grey will be next....with a white Lammy or the Pelikano...nice white paper, Clair Fontaine....wake me up quickly! Nice dream ...aahhh!

Off to enjoy myself with some reading and writing...hope to post at the end of the weekend to update my progress and to share my thoughts on Twilight.

All for now....

Getting Caught Up

2008-11-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

Work is great, great, great! I am out of training, but will always be learning. The women at work are FABULOUS! This was a cool week as I got a letter from my PP in the Philippines and I received a package from my swap partner on the Pen Fettish group of Ravelry. She lives in Germany and as I am typing (well in between) I am having a cuppa tea that she sent in my package. I have been in pen heaven and if you are not a lover of pens I know that sounds corny, but those who are obsessed to get 5 KEWL pens is just heavenly. Included in the package was a very nice journal which I finally decided today what thoughts would be kept in this journal. So I opened the pages today and started writing. I hope my swap likes her things and gets it very soon.

Not going to go into political issues on my blog, a decision I made today...I enjoy my friendships on ravelry and though we may differ politically on issues I believe we all want the same results...it is how we achieve that looks very different. I also appreciate their views on other matters in their life. Like what they are knitting, reading, writing, charity, etc. and for those things I see past the differences. For this I would not want to deter any of those who have something in common with me and would like to contribute to my thoughts, ideas, creativity, humanity, etc.

My family is beckoning me to head out in the cold and in particular my husband would like to take me for a bite to eat "alone" a rarity with 5 kids, after we drop them off at the ice rink.

Peace and blessings to all my friends.

All for now....

SP13

2008-11-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I like many different types I am not to picky. I have not mastered socks or lace yet so do not have a lot of uses for that type of yarn.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Pretty much love them all.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Right now I use a trifold organizer made out of cloth. It holds quite a few straight and circs.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?2 1/2 years ago I learned at my LYS. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate, def. not advanced yet.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No, but that is a great idea so will prolly go on and do that next. Amazon wish list in progress and have a couple things from etsy as well.
5. What's your favorite scent? Bergamot and lavendar.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Try not to. Favorite candy? I love chocolate covered toffee with nuts sprinkled on top and choc with nuts.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Journal and write. I LOVE Fountain Pens and have started buying some. Do you spin? NO.
8. What kind of music do you like? Like many kinds, pop, classical, country, contemporary Christian. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? Want an MP3 Player badly when I am done buying them for my kids I am next! (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Purple, lavendar, pink. Any colors you just can't stand? Nope.
10. What is your family situation? Husband, 3 boys, 1 girl, (all teenagers ) and an 18 yo Foreign Exchange student from Belgium. Do you have any pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats, and one snake.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? All, but the poncho, that is on my to do list. I love scarves and wraps.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Hats and gauntlets.
13. What are you knitting right now? Wow that is a loaded questions, dishcloth, Log Cabin afghan, gauntlets, bag, prayer shawl, and Einstein Coat to name a few.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? YES!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I like Circs both addi's and bamboo. No plastic.Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my LYS does mine, but thats an idea.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 yrs.
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. What winter holiday do you observe? Christmas.
19. Is there anything that you collect? Journals, stationary, cool pens, and Fountain pens.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Knitpicks interchangable cirs., Mason Dixon book. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Interloc.
22. Are you a sock knitter?Started, but need to learn to finish the socks I have on the needles because I so want to wear knitted socks. What are your foot measurements? Not sure. Wear a size 9 shoe and my feet are on the wide side but not to wide.
23. When is your birthday? June 10...I am a Gemini.
24. Are you on Ravelry? ABSOLUTELY>If so, what's your ID? hrt4my4

Quentin's 18th Birthday!

2008-10-26T11:44:00.001-07:00

HPIM0835
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

Happy Birthday Quentin! Katie and Jonah gave him the thumbs up!

rose's shawl

2008-10-26T11:42:00.001-07:00

HPIM0831
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

This is the Shawl I made for my mother in law. She loves it!

Great Week!

2008-10-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

My week was jam packed with so many new things, the first being a new Job that I am loving. The women are great and we ended the work week with a beer after work...my kind of women. I am now away from the house about 11 hours with travel time so that means being extra organized with the family. This week went well with each child being assigned a night to make lunches for the next day for everyone...that went great! Chloe loved starting dinner when she got home from school and then enlisted the help from her brothers. They even cleaned up the dishes when I had engagements in the evening that did not allow me to get home until closer to 10. This week is not as packed with those type of things, I will be able to catch my breath a little. This was a good time in my kids lives to make this type of change. They are mature enough to handle it all. My husband another story....and maybe for another time .... I feel my blood pressure rising : )

This morning I slept in (7am) ha! Everyone is still asleep as I have been returning communication from my other business and writing letters and notes. AAHH, my fountain pen cured my writing itch..love it. It has been a glorious morning.

With my new job it is a good idea to read the some of the books we sell and so I had my arm twisted to read a book this week. (not really, you would never have to do that to get me to read!) The only knitting time that I have had is at my lunch time at work which is enjoyable. Hopefully this week I will have some more time to knit ; ) It does not look like I will have my log cabin squares ready to put together with the group next month, but still going to watch so I know how to do it and will knit while they all put them together.

Need to get my Einstein Sweater as the cold weather is here and I want to wear my sweater in my very cold office. That is next on the list!!

All for now...

Doing the Happy Dance!

2008-10-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was formally offered the position that I had been interviewing for and now this weekend the family will be preparing for independence. Since we have started our family I have been home with the kids and working from home. So this is a big step in for us all with me working outside the home and being gone 50 hours a week. They are all very supportive of this decision and going to be a part of the team work at home. I will still keep my in home business going as it provides the income necessary at this point in our lives with college, etc.

Going to get things started then knit for a bit as I want to finish up these projects I have been posting about for the past couple of weeks.

Have my swap partner for one of my groups so looking forward to spoiling her and getting her some surprises. Coincidentally she lives in the town I am from and where my mom lives...small world. This makes it eve more fun for me...

More later and hopefully pictures as well....

Time Machine

2008-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

There are just not enough hours in a day! We have had family here this week that we have enjoyed spending time with and doing a variety of things with in the Cincy area. They are on their way to our house now...you know what that means...a quick tidy up by all!

My mother in law loved her shawl but my camera has not been cooperating still and cannot get photos uploaded...that is a project for tomorrow. Then I can show off how great it turned out!

Tonight is my daughters first dance and she did not seem to mind to much that I will be chaperoning, but promised not to smother her : )

Can't to finish some projects as I am soooOOOO ready to cast on another project.

Still have not heard from the job that I was a final candidate in the process....hmm.... not sure what to think of a Company that does not call back when they say when they had such an intense interview process????

All for now.....

Pins and needles!

2008-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yes I am on pins and needles with this job. I should be hearing back today or tomorrow at the latest. They have talked to all of my references in detail and now will have to see how I fare with the other candidates. They are very thorough which is why I would also enjoy being a part of this company and opportunity. Nerve racking though.

The Shawl is almost finished and will get pix up if my camera decides to cooperate when syncing the pictures. Not quite sure what is going on there?

Starting a good read "Cassandra and Jane". It has had my attention since I laid eyes on the cover.

All for now....

Final Interview

2008-10-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today was the last of the interviews for what I feel would be the perfect job for me. It went great from what I can tell, but one never really knows until you get the phone call that you have been offered the job. The questions asked were very thought provoking and felt like I communicated effectively.

Now on to knitting...been working on the shawl and hope to have it finished by tomorrow evening to start cutting the fringe. That will take some time and will def enlist some help.

Been keeping up in my journal and really enjoy the Lamy Safari and looking forward purchasing and trying some others. Like the raspberry one...oh yeah!

Tomorrow I am so excited! I have a massage with Sister Mary Lou for one hour...I bet it has been 5 or 6 years since my last massage...I cannot wait!

All for now....

It is a rainy day and time to catch my breath

2008-10-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a whirlwind week so far and it is not over yet. My projects are yet to be finished and one in particular for my mother in law needs to be this week.

I had my third interview with a job I am very interested in and it went very well, in fact they called me back 2 days early to have my final interview...praying for direction at this point and if this be Gods plan for me at this point in my life that I recognize this and proceed forward. It is a little scary to punch a time clock again after so many years of being independent.

I am grateful for this day for health mentally, physically, and emotionally to be the best I can be for me, my family, and those around me.

Hope to post pix soon of my finished works and projects.

On a ravelry note I am loving the pen fettish group and the Jane Austen group and going to get my copy of Sense and Sensibility hopefully this week. I would love to find an older book with cool pages and maybe some notes.

Chloe rose

2008-10-06T16:18:00.001-07:00

HPIM0559.jpg
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

I didn't want Chloe rose to feel left out with all the boys photos. This summer her violin teacher had them preform at Pioneer Days outside Oxford. It was just before a BIG storm that kept us trapped under the tent for quite some time.

Love my Lamy!

2008-10-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

HPIM0820.jpg
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

My first jetpens order arrived today and have had so much fun trying out my first Lamy. The ink is blue and the script is soft and smooth. This is the first of many I can tell and will be looking into some pink ink very soon.

Homecoming

2008-10-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

1st Pix: Drew and Elly; his last Homecoming From left to right: Jonah 14 (first homecoming), Ben college freshman (was not going back for homecoming), Katie his girlfriend (went in a group since she did not have Ben as a date), Quentin (from Belgium first homecoming) they all look so gorgeous and will have a great time!

My traveling companions

2008-10-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

HPIM0792
Originally uploaded by hrt4my4

These are a few of my traveling companions along with my moleskin journal.

The work before me

2008-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is what is on the needles organized and ready to go this weekend. Wish me luck...will post my progress later in the weekend.

Unfinished projects

2008-10-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight my high school children will be dancing the night away and into the wee hours of the morning so I will be working on unfinished knitting projects and some letter writing along with sprinkle in some house cleaning / laundry.

As I transition into this new phase of life with children more independent, my husband and I having more time for one another, more time for the things that have been put off for so many years it is also a time for reminiscing about the childhood of my children and our early years together. Ahhh...time does go by and why one needs to really stop and enjoy the moment and be "in" the moment.

For my knitting.... on the needles I have a prayer shawl, dishcloth, hat, and cool shawl for my mother in law. Now that is not all, but those are in order of importance and need to come off the needles this weekend. My youngest son has a couple of hockey games tomorrow that will allow for some serious knitting along with my marathon today.

I have discovered some great outlets on ravelry that are bringing me so much pleasure. Just another one of those blessings that I am grateful for at this moment in life.

Now onto to the projects and hopefully a good movie.....