Is It Autumn Yet?

While summer is nice for gardening, I am getting pretty darn tired of the humidity!

It rained for a little bit yesterday and last night-just enough to get the ground wet enough to send up steady steam as it heated the earth!
I know it is nowhere like being at the ocean or the swamps, but it still is yucky!

On a different note--you know your housekeeping has kicked your butt when you secretly reason that a tornado wouldn't be half bad---it may even help....However, I would just want one that dipped out and sucked up my house, not my neighbors--they are too nice. Plus their homes are clean...unlike mine! This is the first time I have worked outside the home full time since the twins were born. They turn 13 this year....I am having a little bit of trouble keeping up with everything. Luckily I have a husband that works just as hard-if not harder around the house, but it has run away. Sooooo the next month I will concentrate on purging.A friend of mine is part of a group that leaves books in public places with an identification number and instructions for whoever finds it to log in and put info on where they found it and what they thought of it. Then the finder is supposed to "release" the book into the wild again so it can be tracked. Sounds like fun. I am going to start leaving books in coffee houses and send some to friends to release for me in other states.I like the idea of recycling.

Speaking of recycling, I found a really interesting book called "Save the world for a fiver"--it is British, so I actually had to order from an individual on eBay. It is a small book, but has some good ideas that are easy to do such as use a fabric shopping bag for groceries like they do in France. Although I rarely remember shopping bags when I am actually at the store, I will try to be better about it. At bookstores and places I have small purchases, I forgo the bag altogether. I would love to hear about how everyone else does their part, so email me!

I am hoping to get away for at least a three day weekend with my kids when it cools down a bit this Fall. Either to Arkansas for a little outdoors activity or shopping in Eureka Springs or to go up to Kansas City. The kids want to go to Cabello's so bad it isn't even funny! I like Kansas City - both the Missouri and Kansas side. There is something there for everyone.

On the knitting front, I am almost finished with another scarf. I am going to move on to a scarf made in basket weave with alpaca yarn. If you've never played with it, it is sooooo soft! Surprisingly, the yarn I have a huge crush on lately is a novelty yarn I found at Wal-Mart! It is their brand and it is so soft that I am going to hoard some more skeins when I finish with the one I'm on now. I have a pattern for a "Lucy" bag that I have to start on. I am really bad about getting the supplies but freezing up on the start. I guess that is why I like simple scarves and no-brainer patterns. It is much easier to frog a scarf then a lace shawl that has half your life looped into it!

Oops-gotta run!

Happy July 4th!

Hopin' everyone is having a bang-up 4th! We are hanging close to home-however not without the proper noise making, ear popping firecrackers required as annual tradition dictates. We usually have a pretty big shin dig at our house every year, but we are opting out this year so we can relax and have a quieter night. If the kids really don't like it, we'll ramp it back up next year. It's kind of nice to not have all the crazy prep but it does feel weird-like I should be running around DOING SOMETHING!

On the knitting homefront: I have been pretty darn negligent in anything related to knitting lately, but I have been making efforts to change that. I went to a family reunion with a friend this Saturday and got quite a bit done on a pretty simple scarf that has been in my project bag forever. The reunion gave me lots of time to sit and knit. I go every couple years to keep my friend company-it gives her someone to talk to. We are assisting with the 2008 reunion so I can guarantee we will have more activities to force the different members to mix. Plus we are definitely going to have kid activities....It was a nice diversion and got me thinking I need to get back East to visit family.

I really need to finish the socks that I started on for my son. I think this is going to be a legacy project!I need to just get to the darn yarn shop and have Mary show me how to TURN THE DAMN HEEL--and all will be right with the universe! I will be glad to get that pair finished as I can then say I have finished a pair and can move on to another pair. I already have the pattern picked out...And of course I have yarn for it! I am eyeing the Weekend Knits book at JoAnn's Craft store near me and I just happen to have a 40% off coupon....HMMMMMM. That store is a major danger to my budget when I have the monthly coupons they send in the mail! I go in thinking I am going to get one thing using the coupon and come out with additional things in tow....Which is probably what keeps them in business....

Jeremy started taking lessons on the pottery wheel. I need to get pictures because he is soooo happy! He and I have been taking handbuilding classes for a couple month but he has been really wanting to throw on the wheel. I made him take two handbuilding then promised him he could move on after that. It is so rare to find a studio that will teach youth to work on the wheel, but we have been going to the Secret Gallery where they have wonderful and patient teachers for both wheel and handbuilding. Jeremy actually got two pots thrown--and had a smile on his face I can't describe---this is what makes it fun to be a Mom. After class he announced he is now a potter....

Happy Saturday to you!

It has been a wild and crazy, but interesting month. I went to Topeka for core mediation training--I had taken core almost two years ago but didn't get to complete my co-mediations, so it just sat there. Mid month there was an part-time office administration in the mediation department - thanks to my director, I got the position. And of course, this just adds to the reason I love this company. I am pretty excited. At any rate, I had to drive to Topeka by myself - which I had not done before- and this made me pretty nervous. It ended up being a really easy commute and the bonus was that it was a 20-30 minute drive to Lawrence Kansas. Lawrence is one of my favorite towns in Kansas. I was pleased that Topeka was very easy to get around in. Since it is the capital, I figure it was going to be a madhouse. My city (Wichita)is the biggest city in Kansas, but I still figured it would be complicated to get around....It is soooooo much easier to get around in Topeka --- even in "rush hour", which is practically non-existent. The only drawback is there is no yarn store. Go figure! But then, the Yarn Barn is in Lawrence--so it Half Price Books--which is a favorite. The only bummer is that I didn't have time to run around downtown since I had to turn around and get back to Wichita...I guess that will give me a good reason to road trip again.

I received a beautiful skein of ribbon yarn from my secret pal in the One Skein swap. Thanks pal, it was the highlight of my day that day. I had been having a pretty challenging day training at work when my kids called me to say I had a package from a wheat lab...That was a good cover, pal. I couldn't figure out why I had a wheat sample! For everyone else, I will post a picture tomorrow of the wonderful yarn. I haven't decided what I'll make with it yet...

Almost "free" Saturday

I am relishing the ability to not have to worry about class on Saturdays...As much as I enjoyed the class, I had to miss a lot of my son's soccer games. I finally got to go to a game today. It was the final game of the season, but it was better than nothing. My husband has been at the games, but he can't out yell me (or so my son has said as he rolls his eyes at my antics). I'll post pictures this week. My camera is being a little weird.

I have decided that Amazon.com is the great enabler for those of us with book addictions. They have made it wayyyyyy too easy to just click and order. And the free shipping is so tempting! I have expanded my knitting book library exponentially thanks to them!

On the yarn front, I am going to start working on some scarf patterns for Christmas presents. Maybe if I start on them in May, I might have them done by December. I am considering making some prayer shawls for the cancer support groups here or getting some knitters together to make some throws for patients undergoing chemo. When "Grandma"- our neighbor next door- had to go to chemo and get her daily shots, I noticed that feeling cold was the number one complaint of the patients. As warm as the room was, some of the patients were cold. I will probably use something like the "super soft" yarn that Caron makes. It is softer than Red Heart- this is important since chemo patient's skin can be sensitive. Although wool or alpaca would be warmer, acrylic will be easier to care for and launder. I am considering forming a Christian Knitters Group in Wichita..It would be nice to have the fellowship. We have a really neat Christian bookstore in Wichita with a coffee shop in it. The only problem is that the shop closes at 8pm, but the coffeeshop has a comfy couch and lots of tables and chairs, so there is plenty of seating. It is also usually not too busy --and they make an awesome cup of coffe.

Awesome album: Lifesong by Casting Crowns ---beautiful music for contemplative knitting. The tempo is upbeat enough but the works are thoughtful and invite introspection.

YAAAAHOOO! Last Saturday Class!

REALLY, it seemed like a good idea at the beginning of the semsester---a class on Saturday would be so much more convenient---- Just tumble out of bed and head to class at 12:00. The only problem with that theory was that one of my kids also had soccer games on Saturdays so my hubby ended up going to every game this semester. That was probably a good thing since my son says I yell too loud, but I still think it is important to show up. Anyway, as soon as I signed up for class on my usually completely boring Saturday, all kinds of neat opprtunities for fun activities popped up. Figures. So now that class is over, I am going to plan some roadtrips to some of my favorite towns (Lawrence, Kansas-Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri--Tulsa, Oklahoma--Enid, Oklahoma) and spend some time savoring the choice.

At any rate, the last day of class was yesterday. I spent 2 hours putting my class notebook in order (it is beside the point that I should have been doing that all along...) and stressed over the final all morning. I opted to do a "show" of my pottery that I've been doing over the past couple years instead of a paper, so I was pretty loaded up this morning. I did my presentation--and so did some of the others--then he said everyone that had perfect attendance can leave and not take the final...damn...I missed one day due to a car issue. He let me go anyway. Completely awesome, but I was a total bitch at home trying to get my ducks in a row...I have GOT to work on not stressing during finals.

One the yarn horizon, I am relearning how to crochet. Right now I'm working on simple dishclothes and washclothes, which I am finding pretty satisfying so I am also looking at doing dome for dishclothes. It is something small and almost instant gratification. I was looking for patterns for dishclothes when suddenly it hit me---DUH--- I already have a book of 365 knitting stiches that works up into squares perfect for dishclothes. I have a piano recital rehersal this afternoon for Jeremy, I am going to have to take my projects with me.

On the workfront, I may be moving over to the mediation department in the afternoons. That is extremely awesome! I didn't get the paralegal position when it was open, which was only halfway disappointing, but something better was proposed to me by our director. I have the core mediation traing completed and was just waiting on the final 24 hours to get state certified---my director asked if I might consider going to the mediation section of Kansas Legal Services. OH YES! It is weird how sometimes what seems like a set back is actually a step in the right direction. That is also one reason I adore working at KLS. I had originally started out interning there as part of the paralegal program--that was supposed to end in May, but I stayed on as a volunteer while waiting for someting to open. Something opened up in October of last year...As cheesy as it may sound, even on difficult days, I completely love working at my job. It is a very female and family friendly place.

Really folks- this a happy dog face! Once we took it she was a little stunned by the flash, but she recovered enough to allow us to resume scratching her belly.

I have sooooo totally blown my budget on books this month. I think Amazon.com is actually one big enabler! Is there a 12 step program for Amazon? Can't wait for the book "One Skein" to hit my mailbox. Also ordered Sally Mellville's newest book in the Knitting Experience series (the color book).... I am chompin' at the bit to get the Wendyknits book, but I will have to practice self control until tomorrow --I have a 30% off coupon at Border's. Not to mention that I have a 50% off coupon from JoAnn's and they have some awesome knitting books! This is gonna get expensive!!!

Spendin' money and time!

I am looking forward to getting my new digital camera in the mail --- hopefully this week. I finally found a really good price on an 8 mega pixel digital --it was actually cheaper than the 7 mp that I was looking at last week in Wal-Mart. This is the first time I've ever bought anything electronic on eBay, so I am saying a prayer that it is a good experience.....As soon as it comes, I an going to start posting pictures like crazy! It is about time you get to see me and my little corner of the world. Plus the fiber projects that have taken over my life and home!

It seems it is time to enroll for the summer semester at school. I am going to try to do a math class online. I have to finish college algebra for my paralegal degree and the only thing holding me back is the public speaking and the college algebra....I will be starting at pre algebra though. I personally think algebra should also get foreign language credit! When I want to read, I look at letters. When I want to do math, I look at numbers. Can someone explain to me just what the heck I'm trying to do when looking at algebra?!!! I really believe that we will get to the end of the world and discover the person that came up with algebra was only playing a big joke that went wild. Kind of like the "emperor's New Clothes" in math form!!

The weather is really gorgeous lately. I am getting the urge to travel. I may have to go to Lawrence Kansas and run amuck in their wonderful downtown. It is a college town a couple hours away, but it is home to a great college and one of the best Indian restaurants that I have tried. Actually it has all kinds of wonderful eateries and some of the most incredible shopping! It's a toss up between Lawrence and Tulsa, Oklahoma. I guess we'll just have to see....

AOL Sucks eggs!!

I am really getting tired of sllllloooowwwwllllyyyyy connecting with aol and all the other problems associated with it. We are having problems with our computer--when I mention to the repair guy that we have AOL, he gets a eureka looks and says there's the whole problem. Apparently AOL will kill computers...it is definitely not making ours happy. We are unfortunately bound until next year, but all our other computers will be put on digital. None of my friends using other services are having the problems we are having with AOL, plus the connection is a zillion times faster than AOL and the price is actually comparable. Don't even get me started about my billing nightmare! Just take my advice---the disks that are being whored out are only good for ornaments-DO NOT INSTALL AOL IN YOUR COMPUTER!!

A Sucks eggs

BRRRRRRRR it's cold

After reveling in the 60 and 70 degree weather that has been thrown our way over the past couple weeks, somehow I got it in my mind that winter was gone.....Foolish mortal....Today it is under 40 degrees and they are predicting snow if we are lucky--ice if we aren't. Wow--that is like a choice between the serpent and a rattlesnake. Both are gonna hurt.....I know--cheese and WHINE!

I guess the upside is that it gives me a good excuse to stay home and knit. Or clean the house....Knitting is looking really good! I am at a stand still on my socks. It is time to turn the heel so I have to get out my knitting videos and watch how they do it. I am looking forward to getting these done because I would love to start a second pair. One of the girls from our knitting group is giving lessons on knitting on one long circular in April. I have already ordered my turbo needles and a ton of sock yarn from Knit Picks....It's a good thing! I am also happy to announce my niece is going to have a baby boy. This will give me a good excuse to try to knit a hat and sweater set for a baby. That will allow me a small way to enter the world of sweaters without a huge time commitment. I am addicted to the Yarn Bee yarns at hobby lobby and found some wonderful baby chenille that is calling my name. Now that I know what colors, it's time to play. I am looking on the web for cute and easy baby patterns.

Hope everyone stays warm! Have a hot cocoa for me!

This has definitely been one of those crazy months! I am finally -hopefully- getting over the crud that everybody in the world seems to have gotten. After three months of the hacking coughing yucky stuff and a quick trip to minor emergency (by the way, the doctors there rock- I wish that could be my primary care - mine sucks!)and a good dose of anti-biotics, I can now carry on part of a conversation without hacking through it.....I know--would I like cheese with my WHINE....Sick sucks! Especially when you discover that no, the world doesn't stop and wait for you to get better - and you don't really have the option of going back to bed after the kids have left for school. That is one of the things I do miss about being a stay at home mom....

At any rate-progress on my knitting: socks just waiting for a heel to be turned, 2 scarves just waiting for me to sit down and whip through them. And I am considering starting a set of baby booties for my niece who is expecting a baby in 5 months. Never done baby booties, so this should be " a learning experience"!

The weather here has been unreal! We had a few days of 69 - 70+ degree weather and then a cold snap and today it was warm again. All my bulbs are coming up. This is Kansas so it means that about the time the flowers form and start to bloom, we should have a healthy dose of ice....

Hope everybody has a great Saint Paddy's!

too much

I have come to the sad conclusion that I am probably borderline OCD with the characteristics of a hoarder. I look around my house today and realize I have completely too much stuff and it is extremely hard for me to part with things. I realized this while watching the organizational show "Neat". I think if Ms. B were to walk in my house, she would probably have to admit here is one that is too much for her! So, I am having to formulate my own gameplan and hopefully not get totally overwhelmed. While I understand the concept of keeping too much old around clogs your ability to bring new life into your home, I have serious trouble putting it to action. I have so many interests and have bought the beginnings of many hobbies, only to find out I really don't have the space to pursue them and they get added to the mess somewhere. So I am going to have to formulate a plan to get rid of stuff in a way that I won't abandon. And buying organizational books doesn't help. Six months ago I bought the Messie No More manual, but guess what? I have lost it somewhere. That would almost be funny if it weren't really sad! And I know my husband and kids would be so much happier in an organized house.Hide and seek is only fun for a short time..So I am searching for suggestions from anyone on how to get myself organized and purge this stuff!

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe another year is down the pike....and no, I don't do FORMAL resolutions. I prefer to call them goals- that way I don't feel like such a schmuck when I forget them 2 weeks into the new year.

With that being said, I have GOALS for the new year...I know, different name, same cow!

Goal 1: Get my house in order. This includes finally gettting smaller scale fumiture to fit my home, which is "cozy". This means bunkbeds for the twins, and a futon for the older one...I am going to do his room as if it is a dorm room, that way when his friends and girlfriend want to come over, they don't have to put up with dorky parents....yikes. my kids are at the age they have parents that are dorky (but of course they don't use that outdated word...)!

Goal 2: More exercise (that one shall not be discussed, hence I should tire from the thought of it and be unable to act on it). Better diets for all of us...

Goal 3: More knitting. This one will be the easiest. I am going to set my mind to finally finishing the socks I started on in 2005! After that, my goal is to knit at least one hat for the Cancer Treatment Center every other month.

Goal 4: Digital camera so I can finally post pictures and pretend I am up with the current technology.

'nuff said....

On the cooking front, I tried a cake from the January issue of Midwest living---discovered that sticking a knife in the center of a cake that looks like it may not be completely done, does not end in good results....and yes, I now know what it looks like when a cake falls....darn it! Oh well, a little cram cheese frosting hides a multitude of sins!Please ignore goal #2 for now--it's not 2006 yet...

Merry Christmas to All!

And a very merry Christmas to all out there!
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and in the very least, peace on your corner of the earth.

Kids woke up early as usual and we got to watch them unwrap their presents. This was an electronic Christmas, so needless to say, there were fewer...But enjoyed nonetheless...While the kids were playing, I made homemade buttermilk pancakes from a fabulous recipe I found in "The Best Quick Breads" by Beth Hensperger. I love the whole book, but here is my adaptation of her wonderful recipe. I can't keep a recipe for too long before I start fiddlin' with it. However, this one has very little fiddlin' involved because the original was perfect... (You've really got to get his book---YUMMY-- and the breads are east to boot. Always a plus in my world.)

OLD FASHIONED BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs ( I sometimes use 4)
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or veg oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup sugar (optional- this is my add in)
1 cup blueberries, strawberries or peaches if desired

Combine the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and oil (or butter). Whisk the wet ingredients together to combine completely.

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX-BATTER WILL HAVE SMALL LUMPS. If you want to add fruit, gently fold it in now.

Heat a griddle over medium heat- until a drop of water skates over the surface. Remove pan from heat and add lightly add oil to pan or spray with non stick spray.

Return to stove and put 1/4 cup batter in pan.

cook until bubbles form on the surface, the edges are dry and the bottom is golden. Turn once, cooking the opposite side until golden.

Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200*F oven until ready to serve.

YUM! Definitely an easy recipe and the pancakes are so fluffy you will never even think of pancake mix again! And if you want to change it a bit, you can add all kinds of flavoring extracts and nuts....Complete breakfast heaven (we also have them for dinner when Mom (aka ME) is too darn lazy/tired to come up with something else.

Happy Days!

YEEAAHHH!
We finally got a new computer for our house today-no more trekking to the public library. Not that going to our little library is bad-quite to the contrary, we have a wonderful library in our little town-but there is nothing like being able to blog in your scivvies at three in the morning...I do think trying to do that at the library would result in dire consequences--not to mention the whole "trespassing if the building is closed" issue.....plus I love that I can once again park my rear in front of the computer with a mug of hot chocolate when it is butt freezing cold outside!And that it has been! I have reached the conclusion that I probably don't love winter as much as I thought I did in the middle of the summer. Reality has a way of knocking you in the face! This is actually the first year in quite a few years that I have actually had to worry about getting myself together in the mornings and getting everyone to school and having to go to work...I LOVE my job-which helps, but BOY do I miss being able to come home and have an hour to form a complete thought...not a morning person am I. Which explains why I am sitting here at the computer at midnight instead of getting into bed.
Can you believe it is almost Christmas! Last December (after Christmas, of course) I had firm intentions of having tons of things made for gifts by now--at least one knitted scarf. There is a difference between theory and practice...Ok-goal for next Christmas...I am actually progressing on the first pair of socks I have ever knitted - except that I have come to the conclusion that I am knitting them inside out--not that it would surprise anyone who knows me--so I will be running down to our local knit shop and testing the patience of the owner AGAIN...One day that woman will write a book that will make people weep--wanna guess who will be the main villain?

Fall in Kansas

For November, we are definitely having unseasonably warm weather here in the land of sunflowers and wheat! It was in the high 60's today (possibly higher, but I didn't really check-all I know is everyone is running around in t-shirts)....definitely not normal for this area. My oldest son remarked that he didn't think we were going to see any cold weather this winter, but this is Kansas and things change from day to day. It could be 20 degrees and snowing tomorrow....
I am making actual progress on my knitted sock but I understand why you don't see a lot of them for sale. After you calculate the time spent on them, they would cost hundreds of dollars--for one! However, I am enjoying the heck out of the process of knitting the thing. There is something relaxing about the repetition of it. I wish we had a digital camera so I could share my progress with you. HMMMMM..I'm thinking that will be my next purchase after Christmas....
Well - have a great day and try to spread some joy to at least one person today!

sock knitting and other adventures

I am a newbie to knitting, the most adventurous I have been to this point is knitting basic scarves; but for some unexplained reason, I have developed a fascination with knitting socks. I know-with all the cheap and readily available socks in this world, what would possess me to want to knit a sock?! Well, I have no idea either but I think it is the challenge of creating something from string and 4 or 5 needles that remind me of pick-up-sticks.Plus some of the ladies in my knitting group have created the coolest socks that you just can't find in stores. My first attempt was last night-it didn't go to well. I am afraid I may be one of those people who simply cannot learn from a book. I ended up almost injuring myself while trying to manuever around the other needles and wondering what possessed me to think I might be able to do this...but I refuse to give up-either from ignorance or stubborness. -- and the aventure continues!

back in the saddle again!

And for those of you that thought I was gone from the face of the earth, I say " Nope.." for those of you wishing, I say "HAH! I"M BACK" ---not that I actually went anywhere worthy of a grand adventure, but I have been sidetracked with my math class and the fact that our computer crashed and I have to actually make time to go to the public library to write. Having a computer at home is one of the basic necessities--like air and water.....I miss my computer. I guess I'll have to suck it up and face the fact that our old one is not going to magically resurrect itself, and go looking for another....

This has been an absolutely crazy semester for me. Although I only have a math class, I have started working part time and it seems like a time worm hole has opened up and there isn't even 24 hours between one class until the next, making getting homework done a challenge. Especially when I am not fully convinced that combining numbers and letter is at all logical. I'm going to petition to get foreign language credit for this class 'cause it might as well be FRENCH! And the sad thing is I'm not even in college algebra yet....HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...BOOOOOOO. It also doesn't help that my 19 yr old son is in the level ahead of me complaining it is too easy. That just give me further evidence that I bred with a martian-no one with my genetics could possibly find this amusing, let alone easy!

Well enough for now! Peace and sweet dreams to anyone that happens to fall onto this blog! Oh yeah-the spell check is not working so if you find any misspelled words, feel free to ignore them and mark me down as a moron...just kidding, but it would make any grand grammaticla errors more bearable....

This isn't funny!

For those of you out there that can actually comprehend math that includes numbers and letters, my hat is off to you. I have decided it is a gift and talent that I am obviously lacking. Unfortunately, I have to master it enough to get up to college algebra to finish my degree. Right now am flailing miserably in pre-algebra and our first test is tonight. For those of you who enjoy math, I expect you to at least leave the room before you break out into laughter or giggles...at any rate, my husband who is an engineer does not understand my inabilities...he writes like an engineer, so I always keep that in my arsenal ready to fire....At this point I have decided that colleges require math from majors that will probably never use it simply because they want to see who the heck will hang in there! University santioned sadism....

On the lighter side, ther trip to Tulsa was wonderful as usual. For those of you who have never been to Tulsa, you ought to go at least once in your life of you can get there. It has wonderful museums, shops and eating places. I tried sushi for the first time at a Japanese eatery, although my eating companions pointed out that technically since it was a California roll, it didn't qualify as real sushi...oh well....it's a start...

I actually taught my friend's daughter how to do the knit stitch while we were in Tulsa, so she is working away on a scarf. It is fun to teach someone something that will inspire their creativity. I have finished 2 scarves this month and will start in 2 more this week after my math test today...Right now I am still learning the basics, so nothing complicated. I want to move on to doing socks-not for the socks themselves, but for the ability to do them my way and my colors. Plus it is the act of knitting something original that I enjoy.

I am seriously considering adding a couple chickens to my menagerie this Spring. Our city doesn't allow roosters (for the obvious reasons), but we can keep up to 6 hens. I love to cook with organic eggs, so I want to try my hand at raising my own.

I have decided we are getting to a point in our house where we really need to get a new computer to replace the one that recently crashed. It is inconvenient to have to trapse down to the library for internet access and there are too many times I need one for something late at night...My question is, what are the advantages of a lap top over a stationary one (other than the factor of portability)...please feel free to give me feedback on this. My oldest son wants a laptop, for the portability...

road tripping

Today at 9:00 a.m my husband and I were supposed to be flying to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi for a short vacation--needless to say, that's not going top happen. The airport we usually land the plane at is in Waveland (right down the road from the Bay)... we are really hoping that the wonderful people who take such good care of us there are okay. My heart aches for Bay Saint Louis-for those of you that have never been to BSL, it WAS one of the most wonderful little towns on the coast. I am hoping there is more than enough assistance for the whole area and the citizens to rebuild. Keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers!

However, since we couldn't go to Mississippi, we decided to take a short trip down to Tulsa, Oklahoma--another town close to my heart. We lived in Tulsa for 5 years so is fun to come back and visit friends. For those of you out there planning a trip, the Gilcrease museum and Philbrook are the best museums! Plan to spend a day at either of them--there's a lot to see. I had to take a detour and drag my dear, patient husband to a yarn store (Naturally Needlepoint). I am learning how to knit and am discovering there is a whole world of yarns beyond the stuff you find in the discount stores-not knocking that yarn, I still use it for various items, but there is yarn that will make your toes curl out there! I found a lot of it at that store-but I had actually gone there on a mission--I was looking for 14" Lantern Moon needles. They only had the 10"---figures....so I had to order them online...I suck at patience-I wanted instant gratification darn it!!!!!! I know, grow up!....(that'll never happen!). However, if you are looking for yarn that will make you weak in the knees, that's the place to go!!!!

My new goal this season is to actually get a new computer so I can actually provide visual entertainment for those of you reading this. It would be nice to be able to show you my little town. We are actually 2 miles from the Wichita city limits but my little town has a small town feeling that I love. But that would also mean I will have to learn how to take digital pics and download them...GGGGGGGreat, yet another opportunity for my 19 year old son to teach his mom something.....I'll never be able to act like I know everything at this rate!!!!!