Comfort cooking

I was a little bored last night- so after reading Scandinavian Cooking. I made this....
The dough is 1/2 c. shortening and 1/2 c butter w/ 2/3 cup boiling water poured over to melt. Then added 2 c whole wheat flour and 2 c white flour to make stiff dough. Into the fridge that went for 1 hr. After 1 hr I divided the dough into 8 segments and rolled each one into aprox. a 10 in circle.


The filling mixture: carrots (1 cup chopped), 5 medium potatoes (chopped), 1/2 sweet onion, 3/4 lb. of thin sliced steaks (next time use 1 1/2 lbs of stew meat) salt and pepper. Put one cup of this mixture on one side of each circle. Folded other side over and crimped edges and poked vents in top..... for it to...........

Become this: Finnish Meat Pasties. Very good, relatively easy started at 7 ish and pulled them out of the oven around 10 ish. Made 8 very large pockets, could only put 3 to a pan. Baked at 350 for one hr.

Knitting: No new stuff. Will be knitting later tonight- if I run the lifeline in on Bumpkins Tank Top.

I am bored.... so that explains last nights cooking adventure. All done w/o help from the one- eyed monster (tv). Bumpkins made a mess- but she had fun and stayed out of my way. While preparing the experiment I also got my house cleaned. Vacuumed upstairs and down, swept entryways, porch and laundry room, mopped bathroom and kitchen. Not to mention washing of dishes and laundry. Work today- 1/2 way through this last set of lessons. Thankfully I have really sweet kids in this set. DH didn't work again today as we are having almost monsoonal rains. If this keeps up, we discussed him painting inside our house. We have the paint and the time. He can paint in the afternoon when Bumpkins is napping. Give him something productive to do.

Random web site: (I forgot yesterday) Boggle on line- very addicting.

Strange stuff : Nice artwork... but not for me. Lemmings anyone?

Dinner: Chicken cooked on stovetop, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and veggies.

Weather: rainy and 50's. (Have to hurry and post this as I am not sure how long internet connection will last!)

I finished something!!

Knitting: This is what I have knitted since yesterday. Wow, co and knitted and sewed together complete w/chained ties. Super Easy!!! Baby Slippers
Essentials: Size 8 US straight needles, Worsted weight yarn (stash- so no tags for colors or anything). CO Sunday, July 22 and finished July 23. Adapted pattern: Knit 12 rows garter then 7 of garter for top. Perfect for the top of a baby gift on Saturday.

Remember this UFO?

It is now this. It took almost no time to hand stitch together. Just have to even up the sides and put on edge blocks and borders/backing. Should be done by next week- just in time for July's finished Christmas Present for my Holiday Headstart.
What have we done this weekend? Well lots!!! Finished reading Harry Potter Book 7 at midnight on Sat. VERY GOOD BOOK!!! A must read and very well written. I think that it is one of JK's better books. DH and I went to look at the swing set and Bumpkin's loved it so much (she wasn't even out of the van before she was saying "swings, Daddy, Swings!!".) I couldn't even put a jacket on her- she was gone that fast. Originally the plan was to go to church yesterday and talk to someone w/a truck about delivery. Welll..... that didn't happen. Thing One and Thing Two slept most yesterday (got called in to work- they didn't go). Poor things are tired of pitching fish for 12 + hrs a day. The internet was down so I couldn't read blogs or surf the net. So I did projects. Worked this am (rescues- training). Bumpkins went out to Nana's. Princess got her wisdom teeth out on Friday.

Dinner: Bratwurst. Yummm

Weather: 50's and rainy. (that is why no internet- no satellite in the rain).

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows

Not much happening as I read the new book, am currently 1/2 way through (no spoilers though). Went to the book release last night, tons of people and I didn't bring my camera or my new scarf. Could have used it- it was kind of chilly. The highlight of the evening wasn't any of the games but watching the bats come swooping out of the bldg. Our bats up here are very small.
Here is Bumpkins eating noodles.
See "I eat noodles".

Knitting: Nothing going on as I am bored w/knitting and all crafts. Have completely weeded 1 out of control flower bed. That makes 2 flower beds that I have conquered this summer. I do have a baby shower to go to Saturday the 28 (only got the invite Thursday, so not much notice). I will see what I can come up with.

Friday update: Thing One and Thing Two got paid- not as much as they would have liked. And they didn't pick up their checks until almost 7, they couldn't cash them because.... banks close at 6. They are working tonight (sat.). At work I was told that when I tried to sit on the "raft" I missed the edge of the pool by almost 1 inch. I knew I was close. Almost worked as a dispatcher last night- money would have been good. Went for a long walk almost 4 mi. w/DH and Bumpkins last night.

Today: DH, Bumpkins and I will go look at a swingset that we may be getting for FREE!!! Hope that DH likes it.

Weather: windy, Sunny temps 70.

Dinner: Pizza, Hamburgers and DH made Breakfast: Choc. Chip Pancakes (use mini choc chips, they don't melt as much as the big ones).

who says only cats sleep in the sun?

Bumpkins sleeping in the sun last week. She had been laying across the door frame- but by the time I came back w/the camera she was laying down here. Her words were "I sleep".


Knitting: Nothing new, haven't ran a lifeline or frogged anymore. Nor do I have anything calling me to put it on needles. Haven't even started any of my stitching, quilting, or jam making.

Have been in a funk lately. Kind of depressed. Yesterday was kind of crazy. Thing Two got into alot of trouble yesterday am. And 6:30 in the am is not the time to be mouthing off to your dad. And the trouble was all over video games- the amount of time playing games. Then today my day started out bad. Last night at 1:30 there was a request for a plunger. The request was worded thusly: the upstairs toilet is overflowing and going onto the pipes. The lad didn't know how to turn off the toilet if it was overflowing. So it leaked through the floor into the downstairs laundry room. I got up to a sink full of dishes in the kitchen and wet, stinky towels all over the bathroom floor. I had to wring out the towels finish sopping up the water and then wash the towels before work. Now I need to mop the floor w/a disinfectant as the water was nasty.
Thing One and Thing Two won't be working very long tonight (if they are even working at all) fishing has been shut down. Not enough escapement to the rivers. Thing One is driving to Anchorage tomorrow. He still needs to get his studs (studded tires) removed and insurance on his car.

Today there was a luncheon for women at church- I didn't attend as I didn't make childcare arrangements. Oh well. Finished the week one of this set of lessons. Some of these kids have been in lessons all summer, don't the parents know that the kids need a break (as do the instructors)? Today learned something else not to stand/sit on. Did you know that 3 long swim barbells can be put side by side and 3 more will fit cross wise on them to form a raft? Well Alena built one and pushed it up against the side of the pool. I then scootched my bum onto it (I didn't jump) and as soon as I plopped my 120 lbs. down on it. I flipped over. Everyone watching said it was very comical. When Alena went to try it, Nige saw her and said NO!! When he was informed that I did it, his response was "he wasn't aware of what Janet was doing and he still would have said NO." Guess I could have flipped over and hit my head on the side of the pool. I had plenty of first aid available (2 guards standing right over me and 2 in the water). That was fun.

Weather today and yesterday: sunny and in the low 70's
Dinner: hamburgers, fried onions, mushrooms, tater tots. (didn't have them on Tuesday night.)

Good Kitty!

Athena bringing in her treasure. She had already jumped in the window, I was able to pick her and her treasure up together and throw them both out. Usually she brings the treasure's in alive and lets them loose in my room. But this one was already dead. She wasn't to happy about being locked out. (I think I will go wash my window).
Knitting: not much done as I had to visit the frog pond last night (with 4 in left to go.) Today will run a lifeline through and then finish frogging. Then onto reknitting the last 4.5 inches.

Movies watched this week: Because I said so (good movie of what not to do as a mom). Broken Bridges (excellent movie), Everyone's Hero (good kid flick, Bumpkin was really into it.)

Have been trying to weed my flower beds 15 min each day. I have 4 beds and 3 are out of control. I am not even discussing the garden- that is its own jungle.

Thing One and Thing Two didn't get home from work until almost 10 this am. They pitched fish for almost 16 hrs. lots of Overtime. big money night for them. Today I started my last set of 3 week long swim lessons. Good thing too as I am getting tired of teaching lessons all the time. 3 sets of beginners each day the kids kind of run together. I was subbing for Alena today and Fred had to do a rescue on one of the kids. The tyke let go of the wall and it was a pluck them out of the water. I didn't even know about it until Nige and big boss were discussing it as I went to leave. Oh well that is why we have guards. DH went to order my book for me (knitter's almanac) but the internet went down. He will order it some time.

Strange stuff: But it may generate some interest at Prom. Couple 3894 are from Nikiski Ak. I don't know if they won the competition or not. They did an excellent job on their outfits.

Weather: sunny windy and 70 degrees
Dinner: Hamburgers, fried onions and mushrooms, cheese and tater tots (anyone else hungry?)

Shopping Day

Finally pix of Bumpkin's Tank top. I am using size 7 long needles and making a size two. Already discovered an error in the knitty pattern. I am pleased that the colors came out very close to what they are. This is the front.

Here is the back of Bumpkin's Tank top. 1/2 way done didn't finish it last night will work on it more today. Do I block it before sewing the sides together? It is Berrocco Lullaby yarn. So soft and nice. Stretchy ribbon.
What did have I done today? folded laundry, have 2 more loads to go. Need to clean house, I will do that after Thing One and Thing Two go to work. I did go grocery shopping what an event that was. Went to a bulk food warehouse and it was Combat shopping. Very strange, someone else thought so too. While Bumpkin's and I were there we saw our Public Health Nurse, she commented on the fact that Bumpkin's is putting weight on. Nice day so I took Bumpkin's to a park to play that was fun. Went to McDonald's and bought Bumpkin's lunch and got DH a milkshake. Couldn't find him so I drank the milkshake. 1- McDonalds have gross choc. shakes. 2- They must use milk as I am now sick. 3- Lactose intolerant people shouldn't drink milk.
Now it is nap time and all is well. Except Thing One is asking for creamer (they went through almost 30 oz. of creamer in 3 days). I can't afford to feed these bottomless pits. They eat all the time. A large bag of cereal gone in 4 days- or was it two. They complain because there is no food to eat, bologna - they don't like, hot dogs- won't eat w/o buns. Lunch meat- need lettuce, tomato. Beans and leftovers- out of the question.
Oh great Thing One and Two are fighting. Thing One is Thing Two's ride to and from work. We are not getting up to pick him up from work at 5 am. Not when we go to work at 7:00 and 8:00 ourselves. Thing Two should have taken better care of his bike.
Will Link to Kazul's blog (when she gets her pix up) but nephew T is an Eagle Scout. Good Job T. (Kazul too, as you went through a lot of work also).

Random web site: What is this? A bathtub, or a chair, or an enormous dust collector?
Weather: Sunny temps in the mid 60's.
Dinner tonight- should be grilled as it is to warm for the oven.

Destiny Conference Starts

Anther pic of Bumpkin's taking a bath.
Knitting: Finished front side of Bumpkin's tank top (not really sunny enough out to take pix.) CO and have knitted 2 1/2 inches of the back. Hope to finish that up today. Wore my scarf to the new Harry Potter movie.

Yesterday was fun. Went to a class reunion (not mine- KCHS class of 1987) it was out at the fields by the pool. What a turnout they had, I am so glad that I went. Some of those folks were my close friends from 8th grade until I graduated. Hadn't seen some of them in 21 yrs. Talked about people who have been out of contact w/. One guy Sterling Strickler hasn't been heard from since he joined the Army band as a Bassoonist. What is the Army doing w/a Bassoonist? A trumpet player, clarinet, sax and drummer I understand those but a BASSOONIST? A few others were/are in Iraq, some of the guys had served in Desert Storm so that was discussed as well.
After the picnic, Bumpkins went to CC's and I went to the movies with DH. Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix was nicely done. Some wonderful knits- good portrayal of Luna. Didn't stay to close to the story line though.
I overdid yesterday as I am sick again today. Can't go to either of the 2 church picnics (one of them would have several of the people from yesterday). 20 yrs ago the Kenai Methodist Church had a very large youth group. The other church picnic is for Soldotna Church of God, kick off of Destiny Conference. Almost like a revival- church every night of the week. I am scheduled to do nursery duty on Tuesday. The one night DH doesn't have to go to church for music. So I might not be blogging very much this week.
Weather cloudy slight sprinkles
Dinner: ?

Sick Friday

Bumpkins taking a bath. Yes she is in a rubbermaid tote- I can't use the big bath as the teenage boys use that one. And well it is gross, and I hate to have to scrub it everyday to use it. (The boys don't like to pick the drain, so they took the drain thingy off and all the hair goes down the drain and plugs it up.) We need to buy stock in liquid plumber.

Knitting: Have 1 1/2 inches of Bumpkins ruffle done for her tank. I am trying like mad to finish it tonight. Hoping to knit the ruffle on and do the straps so that one side will be done and I can post a pic of it tomorrow. (Here's hoping that it is sunny).

Didn't go to work today as I have the flu. Bumpkins shared with me. It is so nice to share. Thing Two brought home another salmon (which is residing nicely in my deep freeze 1 down 45 more to go). Thing One and Thing Two's laundry was really nasty today- imagine pitching fish for 12 hours. I almost threw up because of the stench. DH worked today as it was cloudy then sunny. He will work tomorrow if it is nice again. Took Bumpkins outside because it was nice out. Had to run off some of her excess energy.
I was having a rough night for awhile until I prayed for my spirit man to overcome my flesh man. Wow dinner was nice- no real complaints. And there were plenty before dinner. The power of prayer. It is 8 pm and Thing One wants to go job hunting, he also wants me to take him down to the gas station to fill up a gas can for his car. Not happening- one I was sick today and shouldn't go out. Two I am not transporting gas in my van w/Bumpkins. Way too dangerous. DH went to band.

Dinner: Taco salad, with corn tortillas or fritos.
Weather: Sunny temps must be in the high 60's.

Another Rainy day

Another Alaskan wildflower pic. These are pink irises.
Knitting: recast on and have knitted 2 rows on Bumpkins ruffle for her tank top. I was hoping to finish this up on Saturday but I am several days behind. Oh well it will get done before the end of the month.

Today was the last day of this set of swim lessons. 5 more weeks to go or two sets left. Big Boss wants to send me to Wasilla in Sept. for Water Aerobic Instructor training. I would like to go, but if DH goes to the slope than my pool hours have to change (can't be working 9 hr days w/a family to take care of). Okay not just 9 hrs but having Bumpkins in daycare from 1100 am to almost 10 pm. That is to late to be coming home to teenagers also.
DH didn't work again today (rainy) sad thing is he will probably be working this weekend. So much for our hot date on Sat. to see the new Harry Potter Movie. Oh well it will come out on DVD soon enough. DH and Thing One are going round and round. Thing One isn't liking our rules again. Oh to be 18 again. NOT!!!! Just hope that he can take care of all his bills and then go and get his GED. Than he can have a life (Go NAVY). Thing Two has youth court tonight- finally than he will go to work. Maybe DH will go to Blockbuster's and get us a movie for tonight. That would be good. Have to send Netflix back (if I can figure out where I put them yesterday).
Dinner tonight :? what will jump out of the freezer.
Weather: RAINY

More Flower pictures

Oh no the fireweed is already blooming. Legend has it that once the fireweed blooms then there is only a short time until winter and how tall the fireweed grows is how much snow we will get. Thankfully this a dwarf fireweed, so it is just a pretty magenta color. (White stuff isn't snow, just broken up sheetrock).Knitting: Finished 8.5 in. on Bumpkins tank top, have co for the ruffle but have to frog as my count is all wrong. I am modifying the pattern, only putting the ruffle on the front and using cc color for straps and 4 rows on the back. That way she can wear the shirt w/a cardigan. By the time that I am done she will have a complete outfit in this lullaby stuff. Shirt, cardigan, skirt, leggings and hat. NO SOX!!

Haven't blogged lately as DH hasn't worked and is on the comp. Also Bumpkins is having trouble sleeping (very difficult to blog when nursing/or with a tot that is awake.) I think that I am ready to wean, I hate the way her teeth feel against me, the way she pulls on me and is stretching me out, the way her hands pull my hair.

I have been working every day this week again. Thing one and Two have night jobs at the dock, so when they come home at 4 am they wake everyone up. They did bring home a salmon though (very tasty). DH called and woke Bumpkins and I up. She didn't go back down and she was asleep for maybe 45 min. Tonight is going to be rough. Overtired cranky two year old.

Since I missed my Monday random website: Crocs are taking over the world. They come in High Heels also.

Strange Stuff: Midwives and Ob's would like this.

Weather today: finally sunny and 65. The last few days rainy.
Dinner:(last night) Fresh Silver Salmon marinated in teriyaki, soy sauce, lemon juice, liquid smoke, and olive oil then grilled, side dishes: rice and mixed veggies.

Sick Day Sunday

Bumpkins playing her drumset. I got these for her before she was even a year old. She has been playing them every day- drumsticks are wooden spoons. Wooden spoons are so versatile and can be used for everything.
Knitting: Have finished 4 inches of Bumpkins Tank top. Why is it considered a fast knit? I must be really slow at knitting. Have been looking for hair scrunchies as the time for those is fast approaching. No new work done on the quilt though- busy knitting and reading.

Today lots of laundry!! Thing 2 had 3 loads and DH, Bumpkins and myself had 5 loads plus the towels that were left over from yesterday's laundry. Last night Bumpkins generated A LOT of laundry. Nothing like getting thrown up on at 1:00 in the am, at least she did it in the bathroom and not in our bed. Today she is much better and I am sick. She slept in her crib from 2:00 until 5:30 this am and I slept on the concrete floor next to her bed. It was easier to grab her from there if she got sick again and i am way to old to be sleeping on hard concrete. My back was sore today, and I really tweaked it when I went to pick up Bumpkins.
Yeah!! Thing one and Two are working. They went in to work today- but tomorrow is a fish day. They were a day early. Thing Two called me to come pick him up and when I got there he was already gone. His reasoning was Thing One was going home so he got a ride w/him and he didn't know my cell number. On my way home after going over the bridge there was a baby moose bounding through the swamp toward the highway. So cute- but I was looking all over for the mama. Bad idea to get between mama and baby. Sorry I had no camera to take pix.

Dinner tonight: Chuck steaks marinated in soy and teriayaki cooked on the grill, mashed potatoes, and veggies.
Weather rainy, cloudy, sunny temps today went up to the 60's.

weekend update

Since everybody likes pix. A neighbor's front yard full of daisies. I have none of these flowers in my yard. Think that I will go find some and stick them in my live or die flower bed.
Knitting: The last couple of days have been spent making gauges for Bumpkins tank top. Today I co w/8 us using the knitted CO method then knitted 4 rows of garter before going to 7 us for the ss. I want to get 4 in. done today but this is taking bloody forever. I am only up to 2 in. and if I spent all my free time knitting this then the laundry wouldn't get done and neither would my other unfinished projects. But have I mentioned how soft Lullaby yarn is? The down side is that it snags on my fingers (they are all dried out from work).

Worked yesterday am was dragging all day. I woke up after spending 2 hrs in the water. Thing one has a job that requires him to go to work at 5 pm, he got off of work at 2. He was supposed to call and he did, but he called my cell phone which is set to vibrate. So we didn't hear it and he walked home (3 mi aprox.) and got in at 3 am. Lesson learned- take better care of your car so you have transportation when you need it. But did he learn that? No. It is our fault (DH and I) for not getting the car fixed when he mentioned the problem. Oh well problem fixed now. Bumpkins is sick, she has the flu. Had to go back to diapers today, she really doesn't like them. But after going through 4 pairs of panties, diapers looked really good. Easy cleanup. Just hope that she doesn't throw up in our bed tonight. Last night she slept from 11 to 5:30 in her crib. Had a really bad scare though- Athena (the cat) woke me up around 1 and I checked on Bumpkins. I have quilts hanging over her crib rails to keep her sleeping area warm and draft free. Well Bumpkins had her face up against one of the heavy quilts and I was scared that she was suffocated. Needless to say that that quilt got moved here and now. I will hang it on the other side of the rail so that doesn't happen. Today I escaped over to my knitting mentors for a couple of hrs. She is still impressed w/how even my stitches are for a new knitter. And she has been through what we are going through w/Thing one. Big relief to talk to someone who has been there even though hers ended sadly. (Her oldest died of a OD in his own home).
Last night went out to meet DH's bass player of his new band, Danger Pig. (Long sad story in the name.) The house was where DH lived w/his 2nd wife, I didn't like it- too small. This world is so small. The bass player's Aunt is my old hairdresser, who we call Auntie Bonnie. She agreed that Bumpkins and Princess are not at all alike. And she told me that it was because of the different dad's temperaments. Bumpkins doesn't have to be perfect (just her self imposed tendencies) where as Princess did have to be good and perfect all the time (even from a very young age.) Bumpkins is so smart she knows some of her colors and count up to 11 w/minimal help.

Tonight dinner: Pizza and beer
Todays' weather was sunny this am, then cloudy and windy tonight.

WIP Vs. UFOs

Knitting: No knitting done. Am looking for hair scrunchy patterns to go w/the scarf. Need to weave ends in for scarf- I don't like the fringe idea. Will be co tank top for Bumpkins tonight. Need to use up some of her stash. Didn't realize how much yarn I had for her (until I went comfort shopping and bought more.) Went to the library and checked out some more knitting books. Domiknitrix (taking it back- it only has one pattern that I am interested in) and minnies quickknits for babies and toddlers.


Survey says: What makes a WIP a Wip and not UFO? Please comment!!
This is Bumpkins doll baby blanket. I took it out last night and discovered that I only needed to sew up one nine patch block and the border blocks to finish this. So why did I ever stop. This weeks goal is to finish this. I started this last winter and quit about the time I really started to knit. So this has been a WIP or a UFO?
Thursdays topics are now UFO to WIP days.
Today was a rough day, it was really hard to go to work after having yesterday off. My cleaning and shopping chores are so far behind. I only had Sunday and Wednesday off this week. I know I only work in the am but that throws my whole day off. So went to bulk grocery store tonight w/Bumpkins and also the library. Checked out knitting books, a cookbook (I love reading cookbooks) and a new Tea Shop Mystery Dragonwell Dead.
Dinner tonight was tuna helper. DH cooked.
Today's weather rainy.

Happy 4th of July

Knitting: I finished the hufflepuff scarf before midnight last night. CO the night of July 1 and finished at 11:43 pm July 3. It is knit w/19 (us size) needles and yarn used is yellow and black fun fur and yellow and black worsted weight acrylic. Not sure if I want to use fringe or not. Until I decide than the ends won't be woven in. Time to choose a new project what will it be? Should I put all my ideas on slips of paper and then draw them out of a basket? Or should I p/u some embroidery project that has been languishing in bags for years? I still have a scarf on the needles so there is knitting going to be done.

Here is a close up of the scarf. The open lace work can't be seen.

This is all that is left. Not enough for another set of stitches in the project but to much to discard. Oh what to do? Don't want to keep it in stash as I need to make more space for my comfort shopping.
I don't like blogger as you need to upload your pix in reverse order of how you want them to appear. Oh well. What happens when a 2 yr. old gets into 1/2 a case of creamers and opens one up? She also dumped the open one all over the remaining creamers inside of the box. Needless to say the said creamers get a shower, then are put on a towel to dry off.
Here are some of the creamers in my shower. She was a very busy girl tonight.

Today was spent watching a parade no pix as I forgot the camera. I have one on my phone but cannot retrieve pix from it yet. And to top it all off I missed the perfect one of Bumpkins meeting the goat. When we got home Thing one and Two were upset that we didn't take them w/us to the parade. I didn't think that they wanted to go as this parade was small town- they are used to Seattle parades. Then we went out to the camp for a potluck dinner. Bumpkins didn't nurse all day, she didn't eat either. Bumpkins ate a red dum dum and didn't break out. She was hyper and mean, but that could be from a lot of sugar and no sleep. DH is practicing songs for his new band. They have a gig this Friday. Ultimately they want to go on a USO tour. I say get a job!!!! But as a supporting wife blah blah blah blah I have to go w/what he wants. That isn't worded right. I will support him in some of his plans and pray that God has a hand on him.

Todays weather rainy, cloudy, rainy. The sun came out for the parade.

Tuesdays strange stuff

Knitting: Hufflepuff scarf is almost 1/2 way done. I messed up the stitches again. And I signed up for another KAL. This one is Elizabeth Zimmerman Almanac. Sounds like fun- the firsts project is the pi shawl. Which I won't be doing as I can't find any of her books around town. Will have Princess look around where she lives.

Since everybody loves pics. Here is the Honeysuckle bush outside of my house. It seriously needs to be moved and pruned. You can't even see the window behind the bush. Just wish my crabapple tree was this big.
Thing One has a job at a cannery working Mondays and Thursdays, just hope that the fish run is good this year. Thing 2's friend was almost taken home late last night. The boys were pretty loud until late! Thing One decided that he needed to play the guitar w/amp at 11:00 pm. I get up at 6 am to go to work. That amp was not on long. Strange the only way that I got quieted down to sleep was to visualize the inside of my ball of yarn w/me inside. Oh how cozy it was. Thing One volunteered to watch Bumpkins instead of her going to daycare. Sadly enough I had to say no. He isn't responsible enough and he needs real work. The other night while I made dinner Bumpkins was very busy- she somehow opened an old kilz bucket and proceeded to put her sister's jewelry box (which Bumpkin's had taken all apart) in it. The kilz was dried up but there was some kind of liquid in the bottom. YIKES!!! So that is now outside where she can't get into it anymore. Work today went by fast- even though we were one guard short. The kid read the schedule wrong. Kazul is in Pendelton watching fireworks launch in darkness. The only time we get fireworks here is for the fair in August and after Thanksgiving. Nothing like watching a parade and fireworks in negative temps.

I decided that Tuesday's would be Things That I would NEVER consider making, I am surprised that someone did. So this is a Guy's What?

Todays weather was sunny 48 this am, rainy, and now sunny and mid 60s. Nothing is growing very fast except the weeds.

La Leche night

Knitting: the Hufflepuff scarf is as long as one arm. About 1/2 done. It will be done before the OTP comes out. Then onto my cross stitch as I can hear it calling to me. Hmm... unless I cut out this quilt and sew it.
More comfort shopping from yesterday. This material is for the lighthouse portion of DM's quilt. She really likes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse- so that is the colors that I will be using. I hope that she likes this, as she is old school in the thought that only one kind of texture/fabric goes into a quilt. ie.. only use cotton. Me on the other hand believe that anything can go in a quilt. If I can figure out to to sew knit items then handknits will be in quilts also. Can you imagine the different textures?
Busy day: Got to sleep in. That was nice (DH did set the alarm clock for 5:30 though). Brought Bumpkins to work with me this am. Alena had to teach lessons and I guarded for her. Her sister Racheal watched Bumpkins. They played outside for almost an hr. it was foggy out but warm enough. Then they played w/the ball and watched Shrek. One of Alena's classes is very hands on, glad that isn't mine. After work I delivered a bunch of outgrown clothes to a friend of mine. This friend has 3 girls, oldest is a mommy and married, middle is 20 pregnant, not married (the father of the baby is not a good choice for her), and the the youngest is 18 (same age as Princess). I visited w/the mom for quite awhile, she needed a mom talk. I just pray for the girl as the road that she is on isn't a good one. I know this because I was her. Then Bumpkins and I came home took a nap, and went to the La Leche meeting. That was so interesting, Bumpkins will be getting weaned here soon. But first to get her in her own bed all night. The interesting thing is Alaska is ranked 3rd on Breastfeeding in the nation. That's pretty good. What happened on the Delta flight wouldn't happen here in this state. One everybody nurses and two it is accepted. If I had been in a big city w/a Delta counter, I so would have been part of that sit-in. If I had been on the plane, we would have been kicked off also.

Thing Two has a friend over.

Random website: The Jackalopes cousin the Fishalope

Comfort shopping

Knitting: This is what I am knitting, a seaweed wrap (but in Hufflepuff colors). I had to stop because I was watching a movie and then realized that my yarn went very skinny. Yikes I ran out of yellow/black. I am knitting this in yellow and black fun fur and yellow and black acrylic worsted on 19 needles. I am getting the hang of all of the yos. But sometimes can't remember if the previous lace row was started w/yo or k2tog. Oh well. Off to the LYS if it is open today. I couldn't get there before work yesterday (spent to much time at Fred Meyer's).
Got to the LYS and since the yellow that I was using was discontinued, no one has any. So to the frog pond it goes. To be made into a scarf (same pattern w/fewer stitches co).




So the Hufflepuff shawl became this. It wound up in nicely in 30 min. and it took several hrs. to knit it up. DH said that he was sad.

So onto my comfort shopping:

And I got this at my LYS. Clearance lullaby black to go with Bumpkins fushia Lullaby yarn. Sad news on the lullaby, Berrocco has discontinued that stuff. I also bought Bumpkins a pattern. No yarn for my KVVS pal because the LYS didn't have any local yarn to sell. And I want to send Alaskan yarn to my new friend. I have the land to raise merino's but not the time or money. Someday I will have sheep, spinning wheel, loom, and I will be very happy. So I bought this at JoAnnes for $1.97 gotta love the clearance sales. Just hope that you get enough or else you are doomed for all time.

To update on what is happening here. Thing 2 went to camp. YEAH!!! Thing 1 might have a job at Subway. Princess is trying to utilize Fly Lady routines. I am so proud of her- (I certainly did not teach her how to keep your house from overwhelming you). Bumpkins is getting bigger :( she says refrigerator and it is so cute. Right now she is refusing to go down for her nap, she is tired but since I am running out of milk I can't nurse her as long as she wants. That and she is getting so big. Can't hold both her and laptop and type. I have been working some strange shifts lately. Friday 10:30 am to 4 pm and then Saturday 3 pm till 9 pm. Joey tried to tell me that there was rental and I wouldn't get out of there until almost 11. Yeah right, I read the schedule (sometimes).
I can't believe that this very important info didn't get put in my KVVS questionnaire:

1. My most favorite flower in the whole world is Sunflowers. Ok I collect them, to the extent that the top of my wedding cake was a sunflower. My wedding colors were yellow and cobalt blue. Almost all the flowers were sunflowers. Now try to get fresh sunflowers in February. Now I have lots of silk flowers.
2. I truly love fresh salt water taffy. Not the stale stuff that we get here.
   

Movies watched recently: Willow- excellent, old but still very good. Bridge to Teribithia- excellent, sad but stayed pretty true to book. (I read the book at least 10 times, one of Princess's favs.) Fountain- good, strange and hard to follow. Very deep.
Weather today is rainy. Yesterday was hot and sunny 68.

Mid week slump

Homer Boat Harbor. Mid June and snow still on the mountains, has been a cool summer.


Knitting News: Frogged the shawl again. DH came in the room last night after I had knitted one row and I offered him the knitting and asked him to count. He got this scared look and said uhuh, so I pulled it all off the needle. His comment was isn't this (knitting) supposed to be calming and relaxing? I replied some counselors recommend knitting for anger management. I am not sure what he muttered as he disappeared into the bathroom. But I imagine that it was something along the lines of it appears to not be working.

Thing One got fired from his job already. Princess called today from Anc. and discussed her cape and asked me about where to find groceries at the store. (I have never been to that Carr's before and I was able to pinpoint her to each item. Scary all Carr's/Safeway stores in Alaska have the same layout.) Thing Two mowed our lawn today (second time it has been mowed). Bumpkins settled herself back down to sleep the last two nights. Yeah!!! And she has gone potty all by herself (pulled panties down and sat down and gotten up) Big girl stuff. Now if only we can get her to go poop on the pot. DH is down to 190 lbs. And I went to work today but not Bible Study. Cleaned up Bumpkins and Princess's room that took an hr. threw away some broken toys and put away baby toys. Bumpkin's likes her room better now, place to play. Yesterday I went through baby clothes, strange this need to purge and clean. Wonder if the urge will ooze its way over to the craft room (shudders).

Today sunny, windy and temps in the upper 60's. Forest fire 61% contained and 55 thousand acres burned, 68 structures burned. Not sure if that is cabins or both cabins and outbuildings. (I wonder if out houses are included in the outbuildings total?) Just a random thought.

Sick Day

And how do you eat your creamsicle?
A large patch of Irises in my front yard. Hmm... looks like I need to remove last years debris from the center. Maybe if I collected the seed pods they wouldn't become weeds.
Knitting: Not going well at all. I cast on 2 different times for this seaweed wrap and just can't get the pattern right. After Bumpkins goes to bed I will attempt again.

Didn't go to work today, well I did but they sent me home. I was so sick, running a fever, coughing and sick to my stomach. The bad thing about not working today is Friday am is makeup. So I slept through 1/2 hr of Sesame street, Bumpkins is so good she snuggled up against me the whole time. Then I slept through an entourage of teens (I heard them and then they were gone.) Bumpkins isn't feeling good either she slept from 11:45 till 3:10, really long time. We went for a walk later, trying to tire her out so she'll sleep tonight.

Thing One missed his first day of work. DH told him that if he didn't get a job then he needed to find another place to live. Thing One wants to be treated like a kid when he is 18. Welcome to the adult world. Thing Two did nothing today, what a loss. It was nice out- this evening was sunny. He did ask when the Netflixes would be in. Since I just sent them out yesterday, tomorrow at the earliest. Come on get a life. He didn't get sent to camp this year and he has youth court on Thursday. He didn't want to get a job until he found out how much community service he would have. Wasted one month.
DH has formed another band. I am not thrilled at all. More time away from the family- he needs a better job. I don't want to support this family, not with Bumpkins anyways. If we didn't have Bumpkins I would go to the slope and probably not be knitting. I am a different person because of this tot. And it is all for the good.

Dinner: Short ribs cooked all day in the crockpot, gravy, rice, salad. Dessert ice cream.

Another Rainy day

My purple flower bed. Not that good of a pic. Now my irises down at the end are blooming as are my beach peas and chives. All purple!!! maybe when the bachelor buttons are done blooming I will move them over to here. Or better idea, flag them and move them next spring. Yeah my sunflower is up- all bets are off as to whether it will bloom though.
Knitting: I co and knitted 8 rows of a seaweed wrap. Then I wanted to get ten rows done last night, well in all my hurry I went from having 65 stitches to 72. Today I attempted to unknit to find the added stitches well that didn't work either as then I ended up with 56 stitches. Frogged and restarted. Already having difficulty because after the first row I had 66 stitches. So put it aside for a little bit later when I can really concentrate on the project at hand.

What else have we done today? I gathered trash and cleaned out one fridge. NASTY!!! Made a dr.s appt. for Bumpkins on Wednesday (was supposed to be today but I forgot to schedule one) Thing one is living back here- still thinks that DH's rules are to strict. The kid doesn't have insurance and he is extreme skate boarding w/o gear. All DH asks is that he wear gear when boarding. Thing Two was out drinking again, doesn't he know that if he gets caught he will go to the youth detention facility? And people say girls are harder to raise than boys. Yeah right. DH is going to let the band's bass player go. Now they need another bass player, they want another singer too. Bugger it- I can't find their band on the internet.

Ok here is a meme that I surfed across from Vicki and some others.

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things… NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CANNOT use your own name for the boy/girl name question. Have fun!

Your Name: Janet

1. Famous Singer/Band: Janet Jackson/Jackson 5

1.a. Famous Song: Jump

2. 4 letter word: jazz

3. Street: Jan

4. Color: Jade

5. Gifts/Presents: Jewelery

6. Vehicle: Jaguar

7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: jams/ Jellies

8. Boy Name: Jacob

9. Girl Name: Jane

10. Movie Title: Jumanji

11. Drink: Juice

12. Occupation: Jester

13. Celebrity: Jennifer Lopez

14. Magazine:

15. U.S. City: Jasper

16. Pro Sports Teams: Jets

18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Jumper cables were needed.

19. Something You Throw Away: Jeans

20. Things You Shout: Jeepers!!!

21. Cartoon Character: Jane Jetson

* * * *

And just a random site, do people really use this? the Keeper

busy weekend?

This is a pic of DH and Bumpkins looking at the horse on Thursday night. After we walked away she went nuts - wanted to ride the ponies. The sky was grayer than what is shown- had to use flash.
Knitting: Not much going on there. I frogged my Hufflepuff shawl, didn't like the way it was going. So now I need to hurry up and make a new one in little over a week. Think that I can do it? Found a better pattern for a shawl in Complete Knitting, learned how to do a yf. Am thinking that it is just like a yo. Knitting help shows a yo not a yf.

Friday night went to Q's Solstice Party. On the way out I discovered that would have been my 16th wedding anniversary. Wow went all day and didn't think about that wedding at all. My life is so much better now. Q's was alot of fun we got home at 130 am and the teens were like where were you? Do we have to answer to them? no parents are allowed out once in awhile too. Now I have Thing one's cold- I hope that this isn't bronchitis as I have to work. There is no one to cover for me. So lots of vitamin c and echinacea. (lol spell check doesn't like Echinacea.)

Finally it has rained, the fire has burned almost 81 square miles. Expecting high winds again tomorrow.

Summer Soltice means parties

My current bush. Last year it was alot bigger but the moose pruned it back hard. The snow was so deep that they reached over the fence almost like it wasn't there. But there is alot of flowers so there should be lots of berries. Currant Jelly yum.
Knitting: I haven't done anything on my Hufflepuff shawl for almost a week. Maybe because it is to hot and I don't really like it now. Oh well I will start working on it tomorrow.

Solstice is here. Last night we went to a shindig that was very strange. Because of the forest fire the sky was this yucky brown color. Then we parked our mini-van in a horse pasture when we opened the door there were horse piles and the cows were still in the pasture. Am waiting for DH to come home so we can go to another one. This one is later as yesterday was a fish day. This one will be way more fun as there are these homemade drums made out of trees and moose hides. Very primal- there might be as many as 8 drums being played around the campfire. Have to bundle up warm as it is very windy and kind of chilly.

Thing 2 might be living back at home. Last night he took DH's car and didn't do what he was supposed to do. Returning a game to blockbuster doesnt' mean take car seat out and put half/pipe rail in. And he still forgot the game and he smoked in the car. Then tonight I come home to a messy house and tv was left on.

Forest fire: Caribou hills and lots of acreage burned. This am I thought I heard that 5400 acres were burned. By tonight it was up to 20,000 and someone else heard 50 thousand. When will it go over the mountains and hit the Gulf of Alaska. As it is one of the Russian Villages is in the way.

1st set done and 3 to go

This is one of my 6 rhubarb plants after I harvested some.

Knitting: I found a new pattern, one for my chenille hat. Make two long rectangles like a scarf and sew them together on a diagonal. There you go a hat and scarf. perfect for my velvet cape.

Today I am so tired. I went to bed at 12:38 am and the alarm went off at 530 am. I didn't get dishes done or DH clothes put in the dryer, but I did leave at 630. So now is nap time- could I possibly get 10 min. Probably not as my Usborne book lady is coming by to get the order. Will add more to this later.

23 hrs. and 47 min visible daylight and 82 degrees

Yes my headline says it all. Today there will be only 13 min of complete darkness, there will be dusk/dawn ie... drive w/lights on. And driving around Soldotna at 5:30 my car thermometer registered 82 degrees. Now that is hot. Way to hot- esp. since I was wearing black jeans. (can't wear short shorts to church and I own nothing more) Last night there were severe thunderstorm warnings in the Mat-Su valley, the weather here is changing. And we could see the big cloud of smoke from the forest fire in Caribou Hills.
Here are some pics of my flowers in my yard (what the moose haven't eaten yet).

The first on was wild Alaskan Rose bush. My yard is full of them, I want to move them some place else as they are considered a weed.

This second pic is Apple Blossoms. Yep apple blossoms. Last year the tree was loaded w/them but the moose got very hungry last winter and pruned this way back. So maybe I will get apples- still kind of sad to pick off the flowers so apples can grow.

Knitting news: Knitted several rows on the scarf and then lost 4 stitches. Will try to pick them up some other time. I am doing this KVVS and am having a very hard time finding Hawaii, Montana, Colorado, Alberta and DC. If any one reads this and knows whose blog they are, I'd appreciate the input.

Refilled Bumpkins meds today and learned that we go to drive-through to much. I got the meds at a drive up window, well when I drove away a little voice was saying "french fries". And then life got really bad when I had to say that there weren't any french fries. Well better go do laundry and then bed as I have to get up a 1/2 earlier than usual. Have to be at work at 7.

What's eating your apple tree?

Allright so this isn't the best pic in the world. I can do great still shots- but meese through windows that is a different story. Anyway the shrub is a 30 yr. old crabapple tree, the meese keep it very well pruned. And gotta' love our daylight- I took this pic around 11:30 pm.

So if anyone is wondering what is a meese? Well the plural of goose is geese right, so why isn't the plural of moose meese? Just a thought.Onto knitting news: finished 1/3 row of shawl. I checked out some books from the library yesterday and well I want to read not knit.

Last night I hosted an Usborne book party, it was great fun. The youth pastor's wife and young son came as did 2 other people. Thing one decided that it was best to be gone as I had a houseful of kids. I'm sorry I didn't plan it for his convenience. DH and Thing two were gone.
Had to work yesterday and today. Yesterday I learned about bloodborne pathogens, yippee. I got paid for 1 1/4 hrs. after gas and daycare I made -$2.00, what a negative? I lost money yesterday. No seriously I probably did make $2.00. I should have stayed home, except that I would have had to make it up. No more Monday work until July. Yeah!!!!
Today sunny and temps in the 60's.

Father's Day

Knitting: 2 more rows done on my shawl. I need to finish up 3 more before my inch is done. Oh why didn't I pick my pattern better? This would be way cooler as a mobius scarf than a capelet. and I am so not frogging fun fur.

What did we do today? Oh gave DH his cards and frying pan. Then DH made pancakes for everyone for breakfast. We really got motivated today, got up at 830 and were out of the house by 940. DH asked Thing one and Thing two to finish clearing up breakfast stuff. Well after getting home from church at 130, the breakfast dishes still weren't done. So I washed dishes while making grilled cheese sandwiches. Not to hard. I took 3 rhubarb pies to church and in return we got a real apple pie and a berry chiffon pie. Bumpkins and I have been eating the chiffon pie. I haven't noticed a red dye reaction yet, but I do believe that there was alot of milk in the pie. I am lactose intolerant (Virtual vacation Swap- I am only intolerant of a lot fresh milk stuff, like really fresh ice cream and creams in fillings and pies. Oh and milk straight out of the cows.) The rest of day was low key, as mom came over for dinner. Thing two decided that at dinner time he wasn't hungry (he ate after I cleared the table and did dishes.) and Thing one showed up as we were finishing dinner. Bumpkins fell asleep around 630 and is asleep still.
dinner was: Pork chops, rice, veggies, and biscuits. Dessert: apple pie.
Weather sunny but windy.

Summer Fun in the Midnight Sun

Knitting: Showed off what I was making to a lady that first taught me to knit. She really liked the yellow/ black capelet. I have one more row to do today. If I do an inch a day I should be done by next week. DH says yellow and black dont go together. My response was for him to tell that to a million bees. His reply was that the bees don't have a choice as it is genetic for them to be that color.
Sad day for Nikiski. I got a phone call at 10:30 this am from someone who doesn't usually call me. Well immediately I was going uh oh. I was told that Shayna Pritchard was killed in a car accident while in Colorado. She just graduated from HS last May, has a twin and I worked w/her at the pool. This is the second student that has died from that class. The first one died before the group even got to HS. I think that Princess was shaken up a bit as she knew her. I just wish that everyone out there that has teens just give their kids a hug and say I love you. Because you never know when you won't see them again.
So while DH steamed cleaned carpets, Bumpkins and I disappeared. We went out to Summer Fun. Bumpkins didn't get a nap and we didn't win anything. Both of us show signs of sun (me where I forgot to apply my spf 50 sunscreen.) and her shoulders. DH said not to put sunscreen on her as she is a dark Hawaiian.
Tonight I learned again why I don't make pies. While I was making pies to go to church tomorrow Bumpkins was very busy indeed. I did miss the a great photo op in this. Bumpkins got into the back entry way and our 40 lbs. of kitty litter. Now when a two yr. old has unlimited amount of sand and cups and containers.. ... you all know where I am going with this. She had kitty litter all over the floor and in the cat's food dish. She was feeding the cat. Now what to be thankful for: She did not put kitty litter in the open bag of cat food (science diet for sensitive stomach) very expensive stuff. Nor did she put it into the bag of Iams dog food- even though I found a pile on the floor next to the dog food bag. And the best one is she didn't take the litter out of the litter box and the cat didn't use the litter that was on floor, before I cleaned it up. Also the cat has a clean food dish now. But I did sweep 2 dustpans full of kitty litter off of the floor and dumped a bunch outside from what was inside the cats dish. And my 4 pies are done. One mock apple pie, 2 french rhubarb and one rhubarb custard. Hope that they are tasty and that they bless the families that they are going to.

weather today was sunny and the upper 60's

Summer is here!!

Knitting: I have done 4 rows of ribbing and almost 5 rows of ss on my capelet for Harry Potter Book 7 knal. Have broken my cn 2 more times.
Interesting morning: Bumpkins got up around 815 and said her ear hurt. Great, today is Friday. So I took her in and was told that she has another ear infection (she is still nursing, why is she getting so many ear infections?) So by 930 I was calling in to work to say that I wasn't coming in. Got prescrip filled and tried to go to a library. What library doesn't open until 12 on a Friday? So no library- we came home and Bumpkins was asleep by 1130 and she slept until almost 3. When I took her upstairs to go outside I discovered that Thing one and Thing Two had left the toaster oven on all afternoon. Lucky they didn't start a fire, so when I was asked later if they could have top ramen I said no. Someone ate some anyway. Went outside and got a slight sunburn. Bumpkins played in water and was wearing a hat. She also played with sidewalk chalk. Bumpkins doesn't like bugs of any kind. She just screams- kind of funny in a way. Also she has decided that 9 volt batteries are yucky. It was very nice out. Tomorrow is a busy day. DH has to steam clean carpets and go to the dump.
Well that is all folks good night.

19 hrs. of daylight and 37 degrees

Knitting: I picked up the dropped stitches on the scarf and put that on a cn. Note: putting curly cn in hot water for a little while works wonders to get out the kinks. I am now 1/2 way done w/the scarf at this rate I just might finish it this summer. Tuesday my knitting mentor and I figured out how many stitches to co for my capelet. Formula: bust size (47) divided by stitches per Inch (5)= stitches to be cast on (172). Am on my third row of ribbing.

Today is a nice day: we will be having french fries, Hamburgers, beans, onions and mushrooms for dinner. Have to go to the store. We are currently at 19 hrs. of daylight we gain another minute tomorrow. This am when the alarm went off the temp was 37 degrees at the radio station (which is just down the street from my house.) It did warm up fast, but I think that sweaters and leggings are still needed.
Lessons are almost done. Yeah, only 3 more sets to go. I am so proud of myself- I have stayed away from the vending machine for 2 weeks now. I bring a protein bar from home to eat. DH found his father's day present in the car. It was a scrub brush for the grill- inexpensive but very much needed. Today at work I jammed my finger into the lane line. Oh that hurt, I am lucky I didn't break the finger. Note to self: use goggles or open eyes when swimming races. Supervisor wanted to have me write it up- no way. Work man's comp stuff is way to much paper work. I bet I can't wear my wedding ring until the swelling goes down (there is no way that anyone is going to cut my titanium ring off).
Well off to knitting.

Shawl finished

Knitting news: the peach/apricot Sarah Blanche Shawl from the book Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle is done. Yarn unknown type (could be wool) and size 10 american cn. Finished at 12 last night. Today I p/u the only dropped stitch (amazing since the needle broke 3 times) and blocked it. I wonder if this qualifies as a one skein knit as I still have plenty of yarn left on the cone.
before blocking:
being blocked:
after blocking:

close up of some of the stitches:
Bumpkins in Homer yesterday:


I had to work again today. CPR and AED recert. I didn't to good on the test as I didn't study, super said that I didn't need to and he would go over everything in class. I hate the wording on those Red Cross tests. Oh well i passed and know what I missed. Fred and I did the best teamwork of anyone (even if we did lousy on the test) so we do know our stuff. Visited w/my knitting mentor today, she really liked my shawl. One more Christmas present done.

Summery Day!!

Ok a bad knitting day: how so you ask? Well it started out good. DH, Bumpkins and I went to Homer. So I decided to take along 2 projects my Sarah Blanche Shawl and scarf. 30 miles from home the cn broke again. Dropped alot of stitches- when you have over 300 co than 50 is alot. Well after finding another needle to put the dropped ones on in order to pick them up again- I discovered that the needle that I grabbed was the one w/the scarf on it. So the scarf is free floating, w/triple wrapped stitches and double stranded. ie a nightmare. that is another days/night project. Well I was able to put all but 5 stitches back on the cn what w/using a needle that was 3 sizes to small. Did I mention that I was sitting next to a 2 yr. old that was starting to go into meltdown? After Bumpkins went to bed I was able to use a crochet hook and p/u the stitches that were starting to really drop - is it called laddering? Anyway one more row to go before b/o. Tonight it shall be done.

Homer was beautiful today- so we skipped church and hit the highway. Ate at Kosmic Kitchen- DH had a Tikah Leah (spicy chicken and something else) sandwich and I had Falafel sandwich. Drinks were a wildberry smoothie (yum) and DH had an Alaska Amber. Bumpkins ate watermelon and french fries. We walked to Blackberry Bog (nice store expensive) and then went onto Homer Brewery ( they don't have a web page) the place is impressive tiny. I did get pics. but will wait until my virtual vacation pal can see my webpage. Then onto the spit. The tide was going out and there was lots of sand and shells. Would have been a good clamming/ gathering mussels day. Windy and sunny (we wore jackets) Bumpkins didn't like the water again but did enjoy chasing seagulls. No pix as our batteries were dead by then. Then Hot choc and brownie at a little espresso shop on the spit. (don't remember the name t? sister) We looked out over the boat harbor and Bumpkins loved the boats, seagulls and eagles.
On the way home we had to do evasive action driving and well DH and I both smelled beer. One of the growlers was shaken and broke its seal. So now my car smells like beer. Oh well DH can steam clean the carpet. (it did need it).

Well good night all and I am off to finish this shawl. Pix tomorrow.

Kenai River Festival Weekend

Knitting: 6.5 rows left to do on the peach shawl. I so want that done- I have a deadline on the next shawl. And I really need the needles (I didn't work on the peach shawl much this week as I am so booorreeed w/it. But as I plod along I learn that the lady that I am making this for needed prayers last week. So every time I pick this up and seriously knit on it- I say a prayer and think about her, but by golly she REALLY needs the prayers and thoughts at that time. If I didn't need the needles so bad I would continue to knit on this- it isn't like I am going to run out of yarn. This shawl could be considered a one skein knit. (The yarn is on a never ending cone.)
Work was rough yesterday- lots of stealing. And we didn't have a lot of strange people wandering in and out. Very strange. Last night was an Emmaus gathering down at the beach. All those knitters who are on Virtual Vacation and say that they knit at the beach. I wonder. As there is sand EVERWHERE and it will get into everything. Also I don't want my yarn smelling like campfire. Yes we had hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, choc cake, potato salad, cookies and s'mores (wannabes) I forgot the graham crackers. I did remember everything else. Actually Hershey kisses work better than Hershey bars, you just unwrap the kiss and then stuff the kiss inside of the marshmallow and put between graham crackers. Necessity is the mother of all inventions. This weekend is Kenai River Festival and also something is going on in Soldotna. But I didn't go anywhere as DH said that it was raining in Kenai and I didn't know where I was going in Soldotna.
I do wish that I could do buttons and links from my post to the side bar. Oh well.
I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? I can't pin down a state but the North East region looks very enticing. The weather is similar to here, the fishing industry is similar, a different language. Old farms/ houses, Architecture, beaches, warm water to swim in. Fall leaves.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
Country: Norway, I have some distant relatives there.
3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? From Minnesota to Alaska (as a child) and from the Olympia Peninsula Washington to San Fran, Cali on Hwy 101.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? Mazatlan, Mexico. Some what tropical.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. First time out of country and on a real "touristy" type vacation. No family visiting involved.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Tour guide but not tourist.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? all three are interesting, but beach comer would have to get top pick.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? Natural fibers

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Fun fur and cast iron synthetic.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? I will try anything once.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Hats, scarves, socks (portable projects)

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? Counted cross stitch, sewing and reading Christian Books

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) no

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? Green is my favorite color. Least fave: camouflage

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I garden (kind of) bike and swim.

Trying an experiment

Name meme

Knitting news: All stitches went back on needle ok. Finished the row now down to 9 rows left to do. So much for wanting to finish this week. Now for stash pix. The first is what mom gave me for an very early Christmas/b-day gift. 6 months early in fact. It is yarn tote with wheels.
Now to show you what you can pack into this cute little bag.

Yep, all this yarn is new (in stash less than 2 yrs. all of Bumpkins yarn is stored in here- except the one still in the cradle.) I will show pix. of all my stash- does this keep me from wanting more? Of course not.

I have been tagged by Ami for this name meme(DH showed me how to read it yeah!!). Here are the meme directions: Give the meaning of your kids’ names, and write about what or how or why you gave the name to your kids. Tag five people to play along and leave a comment at their blog to let them know they have been tagged. No, you don't have to post the name, you can post just the meaning and why you chose it. Ok so here goes.

• Jacit Andreana- Her first name is a combination of her father's and mine. (Had to change the e to i so her nickname wouldn't be jacket, which it was anyway) Her middle name is a derivative of my middle name (but way more elegant.)
  
• Bumpkins is also named with a combination of mine and her dad's name (different dad's). Her middle name is an ethnic family name on her dad's side. It means wreath of pearls.

The people that I have tagged are Kazul and Kaki I know that that is only 2 but I can't think of anyone else that has kids.
Thing 2 had court today and summer school. Wonder how that went. Thing one told me that the Peace Corp might not be to bad. I told him that he needed his GED. Thing one needs a job or back to jail he goes.

Lupine is blooming and temps are in the 60's.