Delilah at 5 months

There have been many times I've wanted to take photos of Delilah, but something always gets in the way. This morning I groomed her and finally took some pictures.

Soon it will be time to trim her coat again. She won't be looking this fluffy for Easter and I hear there are a few kids who want to see these bunnies. I'm hoping her fur will grow back out quickly enough for them to get an idea of how fluffy she can be

She is so compliant once you fish her out of her cage. She is easy to handle and loves being touched - much different from Edward and Bella.

She has grown quite a bit which is easy to forget until you look at her baby photos.

Why frog a 'sweater'?

I had started a sweater out of this Naturally's Tibet years ago when I first began knitting. The front, back, and one sleeve were finished. Sanity hit me. It was evident that the sweater would never be worn and it languished in a bag until the recent move.

Another project was cast on and this yarn will become the Lace Scarf cover project for Vogue Knitting, Winter 2008/09.

Start-itis continues!

little bit of content

January's arrival has ushered in a bad case of start-itis. With the Whirligig vest near completion, I'm finding it nearly impossible to finish. It just seems to go on and on and on. Please, if you see a mistake in it, don't tell me - it was put there on purpose, I assure you.

Mitzi gifted me a birthday present in this little fabric bag. The design is lovely and the colors draw me in. Anyway, it's new use is as a project bag for the Sunday Scarf. The pattern is free with a yarn purchase and you can make the scarf with one skein. This is Nirvana, 92% merino, 8% cashmere. I've fallen in love with Carol Sunday's designs and lust after the Lotus Tee.

Needlework? Well, yes!

It has been awhile and it would be nice to share that some of my larger in process pieces are getting finished, but those are missing in the moving. They are safe, hopefully. Luckily, there were some smaller projects that made it and I've been wanting to begin them for years.

There is a nice needlework shop here in my new town and the people there are just lovely! There is a monthly stitch and it was much fun. I met around 15 new people and was able to get some stitching finished on the stocking above.

...a little more stitching

proof of my start-itis

It seems the only thing missing is a little spinning. Not to disappoint.

While grooming Edward last week, a little fiber just pulled off. He is almost to the point where he needs to be sheared. After it was collected, there was just enough to spin a little. This is 100% Angora from Edward and is the first I've spun. He is such a beautiful color! I have about the same amount from another grooming and will just add it on.

As for the weather, it is still nice 40-50-ish and the sun shines every day. Come on down - I'll make room for you and we will knit and spin all day long. I miss you, my friends.

I went to the store

I went to the store today.

I drove right there without having to clean ice or snow off of the car

My knuckles didn't turn white from gripping the steering wheel and hoping that no one would slide into me

Mittens, hats, scarves, or coats were not necessary

The cart was easy to push through the parking lot

Sun was shining and it all made me very happy

Fun stuff to keep you coming back

Sharon called this week and complained that I haven't posted anything much. Two complaints mean some good customer service needs to occur.

We have had some fun while in Louisiana - I didn't mean to lead you to believe that it was all moving company and lack of the necessities.

seems like shoes really haven't changed that much

a corncob bobbin, who would've thought?

proof that fiber has always been a necessity

more proof...

...I know what you're thinking, but I didn't sit down and spin. I could have, no one was watching

this would be an upgrade (the grill, not the hubs)

a rarity - they quit arguing long enough for a photo. This was taken in New Orleans.

my daddy and my Bugg

...and my silly momma

There's a lot to this moving thing

I've spent this morning making appointments - all sorts of appointments - for the dogs, the cars, the humans.

Moving can be exotic and exciting. An ongoing adventure, but there is that other side where you get lost, need referrals, or just want comfort of knowing where to get something in a hurry.

The puppies are all set with dates for a grooming and vet visit. I was lucky enough to find a Westie breeder right here in town. Get this, she is from Michigan and was able to recommend a vet and groomer. There wasn't much time to chat and visit on the day she returned my call, but I plan to call back to explain that my new nail technician frowned upon taking a phone call at that particular time.

Car dealerships are pretty easy to get into and the last car is going in this week. It is still under warranty and I am grateful for that because sometimes the controls for the seater heater/cooler work and sometimes they don't. Great gadgets until they need fixing and then the wallet screams.

Hubs has necessary medical maintenance and has found a new physician, FYS's physical from his previous school is still good for now and he is set.

My dental process continues. It is a process that began over 5 years ago with a freak accident that left my upper jaw broken and many other injuries to be repaired over a long period of time. The providers were incredible and I doubt that such care could have been found anywhere else. The idea of leaving these doctors makes me a little nervous.

We are still dealing with the movers and missing inventory. My yarn swift is in box 100, but that particular box cannot be located. The swift is minimal compared to the other things that are missing. A delivery of what they have been able to find is impending. Something tells me they will show up just after I leave for an afternoon appointment.

My Momma Boogies

My mom called last week and said that I needed to be better about posting to my blog.

There are plenty of things to keep me busy and my content is scarce right now so I thought I would share this little video.

Love you - momma!

Mardi Gras?

Things have been so hectic with the move that I find myself taking the easy route - posting photos and mini-updates on Facebook and Ravelry. Thus, my blog has been very neglected.

There are a couple of things I've been doing around knitting. The first is working on sizing a sweater that I helped design for Chris. There isn't much quiet time right now and the design is challenging to upsize. I need to find some time to devote to it.

The knitting has been primarily on the Whirligig vest. This design is in Simply Shetland 5 and is the creation of Betsy Westman. No secret, colorwork calls to me and I'm nearing the armhole for this vest. It is super fun and I can't wait to wear it.

I know - it is quite bright...maybe it will be finished in time for Mardi Gras!

Hot beer and cold showers part 2

the next photo shows my stash ready to be loaded; this photo shows my upgraded stash closet!

...weary from the previous day's drive, we arrived at the new house ready for the delivery of our stuff. The theory was that a certain color inventory sticker was used for what went to storage and a different color sticker indicated that an item or box should come to the house. All in all, this seemed like a pretty fool-proof method to make sure that we would receive the necessities.

The truck arrived with 3 guys to unload half of our stuff - the leased house is half the size of our old house - and boxes began flying off of the truck. Toward the end of the unload, we started asking questions because a few key items were obviously missing...like the refrigerator and the chairs to our table.

Our driver was fantastic about describing how they use certain pieces of furniture to pack a semi load and it ends up that the fridge was an item they used in the 'storage' end of the truck...as were the chairs. The items weren't lost, just buried in a place where they could not get to them.

It was about this time when our contact for the gas utility company called and explained that there was no way they could run gas to the house before the following week. No refrigerator, no hot water or heat (it was a little cold for a few nights). Gas stove, too, so no way to cook except the microwave.

I knew we were going to need beer and showers, but the beer would be warm and the showers - cold. My insightful husband had extended our stay at the hotel and we shuttled back and forth sleeping at the house because there were animals to take care of and taking showers at the hotel. This continued 4 more days until they brought the fridge and the gas company was finally able to send a crew on that Wednesday.

By the time that was straightened out, we had unpacked most of the boxes and knew that things were missing. Unfortunately, the overflow truck was still MIA and we didn't know if the missing items/boxes were in the storage stuff by mistake or on the 2nd truck. We still don't know the answer to this question because the 2nd truck didn't arrive until...yesterday! So, the first truck left on 12/9 and the second truck arrived in our new town on 12/31.

Bugg's bed was on the second truck and with some prodding, they went and purchased and suitable stand-in. We will go tomorrow morning and pick through the stuff that just arrived to let them know what to bring to the house and what to crate up with our other stuff.

Other than all of the little bumps we've encountered, things are good here in LA. It doesn't seem like the economy has slowed which is a welcome change from our other town. The food is fantastic and my first warm weather Christmas left me smiling. Hubs and I sat on the porch in short sleeves and marveled at the warmth. It feels like home.

We were lucky enough to spend time with our oldest son (FOS - favorite oldest son) on the way down. I am hopeful that all of the kids will be here during Spring Break in March.

Happy New Year!

Hot beer and cold showers

This post isn't nearly as sexy as I would hope. The move from Michigan to Louisiana has been quite an adventure...

The packers spent 3 days at the house and things went well, but I was ready for a little privacy and some space of our own. On the 4th day, God made cold, drizzly rain. It also happens that that was the day to load our stuff on the truck. The details need to be spared, but let it suffice to say that it took a lot longer than expected to load our stuff and it also took an extra truck...but I jump ahead in the story.

We tore down the bunny cages pretty early that day and loaded everything up. Buns were pretty calm in their transport cages and they were tucked away from the chaos so things were going well there. The three of us tried our best to stay out of the way of the loaders while waiting for the transport carrier to pick up the car.

Those loaders are truly talented - they picked up huge stacks of boxes...HEAVY boxes...and ran to put them into the truck.

Around 2P most of our stuff was finished, the car gone, and we trekked to Indiana to spend a few nights with my parents. It was easier to stay put in the same place and the bunny cages were assembled in the garage giving them a rest before the long travel to Louisiana. Somewhere around here is when I found out that the first truck was full and a second would be dispatched 'sometime soon'. Our driver was fantastic and tried to ease my mind by giving a play-by-play of what remained and I felt pretty good about it.

Fast forward to Thursday...we departed Indy at about 6A for the long day's drive to our new home. Man, it was dark for-ev-er and I was so tired. Hubs and FYS took the three dogs. Apparently, they played some word games and talked, generally having an ok time. The three bunnies rode with me and they didn't say a word. This is good and bad because I was exhausted and could have used some silly conversation. Anyway, let me warn you that the only Starbucks I saw between our departure and Mississippi was one of the ones closed. (There may have been Starbucks, but I didn't see them). What a long, boring drive.

By the time we arrived around Jackson, MS and found a Starbucks, I needed it badly. Unfortunately, we found that the snow had followed us and there was snow. This photo was taken when we stopped for gasoline. After leaving this station, the trip went a little downhill.

I guess it might freak you out a little to drive when it doesn't snow much. The highways were clear and we were moving on. There were so many slide offs (hope no one was hurt) that we couldn't believe it. I did chuckle to see a huge Ford Expedition slid around at the side of the road abandoned - they could have put it in 4-wheel-drive and driven right back onto the road...

To shorten the story, we arrived dazed and tired at our new home with a goal to drop the animals off and head to a hot shower at a nearby hotel. There were some snafoos which I will keep to myself because I am trying to focus on what is in my control. We did end up at the hotel and spent a much needed rest.

We needed it...our stuff was being delivered at 8A the next morning

To be continued

Most of my world

Most of the things I need on a daily basis are on my bed or in my tub. These are the only two 'safe' zones when packers are in your home. My son found this out last night when he went to the linen closet for a towel and some toilet paper...moving will definitely make you plan ahead. My Internet connection is intact (for the moment) but little else remains the same.

I am going to take a photo of my packed stash of yarn (or most of it). The cord to connect my camera is elsewhere - I know where, I'm just to tired to go get it - and it will be uploaded later.

Tonight is the last night we will sleep in Michigan. We will head to Indy tomorrow and stay with my folks until Thursday morning then head out to Louisiana. Our stuff will be delivered Friday morning and then my real work will begin.

Every time we move, I remember what is important:
Family
Pets
The convertible
My stash
...not necessarily in that order

That time of year

Getting ready for a move of this magnitude has been a little like therapy. My goal was to go through everything and make sure we took the 'right things' and discarded the items that were not useful. Much progress has been made and there is little left to scrutinize.

All of the activity has been exhaustive. My family came for Thanksgiving - our two dogs, Bugg's one dog, mom brought two of hers and my brother brought his two. The bunnies were isolated from the canine factor and they were the lucky ones! 7 dogs is enough work to exhaust anyone. Most of the warm bodies have departed and there was enough time this afternoon for me to reflect on the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Sending Christmas cards is one of my favorite things to do. Every year I compile a collage of photos showing us and the kids in memorable activities throughout the past year. I LOVE doing this and was saddened at the realization that there was not enough time to accomplish my annual ritual. I also don't like just signing our name and addressing an envelope without personalization. Why bother?

The cards that stick in my memory are the ones where the sender took time to say a little something about themselves or about us. Anyway, I sat down and began to tackle the annual Christmas card event, braced to prepare the inevitable generic sayings and printed generic greetings.

I found myself writing personal notes in each card. There are things happening in our lives that we want to share with those that we love. This is an exciting time for us. I wrote and wrote and wrote then realized one very important thing. The annual photo collage will not go out this year, but individual personalized cards filled with love will. In all of this craziness, I was still able to find time to let our friends and family know that they are special and we love them. I am thankful.

Turns out she has monkey arms, too

Mom arrived yesterday and it was her birthday. True, this sweater was supposed to be for Christmas, but with the impending move I though it would be better to go ahead and gift it.



The timing was fantastic because the snow has been coming down since morning and the thickness of this jacket really takes the chill off.

Mom insists that the sleeves are perfect (thank goodness) so no alterations were necessary. I was wondering how that would be pulled off!

We ended up getting a different clasp that looks much better and not so overpowering as the one that came in the bag. I've made her promise to wear it, but as soon as we came inside she tucked it away to avoid "getting it dirty."

...somebody shoot me!

Finding time to knit

Thank you so much for your well wishes. It is a whirlwind of activity and it overwhelmed me a bit yesterday afternoon. My strategy when the feeling hit was to get out the post it notes and trash bags. We've moved and let them just pack everything before and I don't want to make the same mistake again. Three main areas were gone through and it made me feel better. After that the yarn closet was tackled...there is SO much yarn and spinning fiber. Maybe half of it is in plastic storage containers and we'll go get more today. I hope the movers can move the plastic containers as-is.

There were three projects nearing completion and two are finished. Handspun Angel Lace was blocking when we left to visit Louisiana last week. What a thrill to know that this yarn was spun by me on Georgia.

Originally, the plan was to dye this shawl after it was complete, but given the timing it will remain natural and may be dyed later.

Bluegrass socks are also complete. This pattern is from 2-at-a-time Socks but were knit one at a time. The 2 at a time approach leaves my arms

aching and turns out to be more of a chore. This is Sailor's Delight and I decided to work the foot in stockinette to avoid any chance of the sock twisting when worn. The yarn is Brown Sheep Wildfoote which was a birthday gift from my friend, Mitzi. This sock has a little of my favorite things - coming from Mitzi and being the colorway 'bluegrass' - for Bugg's foray into Kentucky.

As if this wasn't enough to do, the bunnies need clipped. This is my first attempt and I hope bunnies don't get pissed when you butcher their beautiful coats...because I did.

...wait for it...

I need to re-watch the tutorial. to maximize the amount of fiber and minimize the shame this poor bunny must feel.

Then there is Bella who also needed a haircut. After seeing Edward, I didn't have the heart. The tutorial will hopefully help after re-watching.

Be careful what you wish for

We are moving to Louisiana.

Honestly, I am excited and anxious but also nervous. The nervous part comes in when I look around at our accumulation of goods. I realize that the economy is not lacking because of my hesitation to consume. Although my spending has slowed, there is still a huge amount that just overwhelms me.

We have a great place to live on an interim basis and my son's school is top notch. Best of all, this snow will be left behind for the more balmy weather that has always called my name.

My posts have been infrequent, but maybe some Cajun thrown in will spice this all up.

I'm taking ALL of my yarn, now where is a box?

I wove a scarf and I liked it!

So, this warp was on my loom for a l-o-n-g time. A couple of the hettles were twisted and needed to be fixed before any weaving could be accomplished.



A couple of weeks ago, something possessed me and I got the loom going.



In a matter of a few hours across two days, I wove this scarf.

My favorite youngest son marveled at the finished scarf fresh off of the loom and then he touched it.

"Ouch! That is pretty scratchy, mom. Who would want to wear it?"

True, true. This kid is amazingly intelligent.

Into the washer went the scarf.

With a little bit of wool wash and the hand wash setting, I waited nervously for the result.

...and I liked the result very much.

Fast forward a few days and the scarf is presented to my son for inspection. He frowns at first, thinking that he will touch scratchy.

"What happened to this? Is it the same scarf?"

Delilah turns 7 weeks!

Delilah is 7 weeks old and she has grown so much!

She has a sweet disposition and her cheek and ear furnishings are just coming in. Her wool has a nice crimp next to her skin and I can't wait until her first fur comes off.

Ok, I am going to go hold her some more.

The sun shined and I spun

I've been working on a couple of different patterns this week and the momentum broke yesterday.

The sun was shining and Georgia called to me.

I had never spun Masham before and it was exciting to find some at The Ann Arbor Fiber Expo a couple of weeks ago. The fibers are very long making it easy to spin. There was neglect on my part to take photos before spinning, but Coby has some in her Etsy shop here. The goal was to spin thicker yarn and finish it in a manageable amount of time. There were 4 oz. and it took about 3-4 hours to spin 2-ply at 10 wpi. There are 128 yards in total.

The thought is to get more of this fiber and mix in some of Bella's soft wool. Admittedly, it isn't super soft once spun up, but the angora would definitely add to that. I have been keeping the fur from her regular groomings and nearly have a sandwich bag full. She looks like it is almost time to clip her and that would provide plenty.

Speaking of Bella, her behavior has improved a bit. She is still not allowed to run around in the play pen outside of her cage, but I have been taking her outside on our deck every day. This mixes up her routine and gives her an opportunity to get exercise. Her litter pan is taken outside with us. She uses it and has not had an 'accident' on the deck.

Stubborn girl, if only she would behave so well inside.