Soapy

Working ALOT

2011-10-25T08:14:00.003-04:00

I've been away from my needles for so long! I'm eying those unfinished projects. Which I hope to be picking back up any day now. I had to go back to work. Even though I work per diem I work alot of hours, where ever I can pick up. I'm with a private care agency as a CNA and travel anywhere, also at 2 local nursing homes and Rehab center which I pick up over night shifts and double shifts which is overtime hours even though I don't work a full time 40 hours schedule. I just came home yesterday morning from 40 hrs in 2 days being on my feet. So tired!!! My kids off to school and slept for 4 hours!! Felt soooo good then up for kids after school dinner & homework went back to bed after dinner and watched TV next thing I knew my husband was getting the kids ready for school??
I have a review this week with a company as a contractor that does medical exams for insurance companies, investigators, etc. The position is Examiner and phlebotomist. I get to make my own hours, draw labs, whatever they person needs to have to the insurance company. Ohh a 4th job!! I guess I have the job just filling out compliance forms, licensing info, etc.
Ok I've been awake and vertical for an hours now, kids are gone and I feel like I need a bap now.

Sorry I've been offline a while......

2010-07-22T09:58:00.004-04:00

LONG HORRIBLE STORY which I don't care to relive some short highlights...Was like one thing after another..like all at once...
my 8yo son was hospitalized for a while.. then myself been in/out too. Did manage to finish some classes.. Medical ~ DONE!! Phlebotomy! Done!
Finished up some projects around the house.. Working part time right now. Cant do anymore.. My son has been a FULL time job...Some days very difficult!
Finally he has been diagnosed with Autism!! HUGE issues with the hubby!!! Wasn't expecting that! The most recent were dealing with is pituitary gland... Endocrinology/polyendocrinolgy issues. New med made him gain 20lbs in a very short time! He is now finishing 2 double mixed antibiotics for cellulitis...Terrible!!

On a happy note my oldest daughter had a baby boy

Bodin born 5-22-10

Having some issues being a young grandmother...lol
Life is challenging and still trying to get some normalcy...What is normal anyways!? I don't even know...

See what we found early this morning in the yard!

2009-05-14T13:14:00.005-04:00

My neighbors puppy was going absolutely nuts at our back fence behind my shed.
Well look at what we found. 5 so far not sure if there's more or not. a local vet took hem in they must be about 4 weeks now and pretty healthy. The vet is going to look them over run some tests and hopefully my oldest daughter and myself are looking for homes for them. Took a very long time to catch them now the vet lent me some trap to try to catch the mother.. yeah right... with my luck we may end up catching some wild animal!

Please Sponsor me!

2009-05-08T13:35:00.002-04:00

On June 6th, 2009 I will be walking in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, the nation’s largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. I have joined the BIDMC for IBD and with my doctors and others I will be raising money for crucial research that wouldn’t even have been possible a few short years ago. My personal goal is to raise more than $1500 for this worthy cause.

More than 1.4 million patients across the country suffer from these painful and unpredictable diseases. Beyond raising money for research, Take Steps brings together the community in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to make noise and be heard -- raising awareness of these little-known diseases in their community and across the nation.

You can support my efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation:
Donate online at http://online.ccfa.org/goto/michellefischer

If you would like to do more, you can also join our team and set a fundraising goal for yourself. You can register today by visiting www.cctakesteps.org, and following the prompts to register for the Boston Common walk on BIDMC for IBD. When you register, you will receive valuable fundraising tools and information from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, in addition to your own personal fundraising Web site.

With your help, we will fund important research and raise awareness of diseases that afflict millions of people. If you have questions about Take Steps or the work of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your support!

Exciting News!

2009-04-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

Another school vacation week!
Good thing the kids want to have a pajama day one day! Yeah! I cant wait!

Been so busy birthdays anniversary and being dizzy in between literally falling down dizzy spells.. Hate it! Hope the DRs will figure it out soon. Managed to get some more knitting done.

More Exciting News on the knitting front! :

This is the first of my new designs - 'Cape Cod Bay Sox' that will be featured in a up-coming book

"50 Socks - 50 States". This huge multi-sock, multi-designer book will be released ONLY on CD, with previews at the June TNNA show.

The Publisher, Dr. Laura Andersson of Sirius Knitting Publications www.SiriusKnitting.com is collaborating with Susan Druding & Crystal Palace Yarns, who will also be distributors.

"50 Socks - 50 States" is Volume 3 of the "Friendly Socks" series of books, which are multi-designer compilations - bet you will find some of your fave on-line designers here!

The CD will include sock designs that cover the full gamut of imaginative sock fun

ribbing, beading, cables, cuffs, fair isle, intarsia, and lace

with novel sock construction, directions for socks including top-down, toe-up, double-pointed needles & both 1- & 2-circs

diverse sizes too! socks for infants, babies, toddlers, children, teens, women, & men as well as at least one holiday stocking!

You will SOON be able to find more pictures and details at http://SocksandMorewithCPYblogspot.com and
> http://siriusknitting.blogspot.com, as well as on www.Straw.com and here on my own blog.

The CD-only release will run $19.95 (plus shipping, where applicable) and can be obtained from many yarn shops

as well as from Dr Laura proflaura@firststepinternet.com or drlaura@siriusknitting.com

School vacation is over....

2009-02-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

my husbands best friend wife and children home had a 2 alarm fire last week during school vacation and lost pretty much everything
been a little busy helping them.
this is the room where it started an upstairs bedroom a heating rock in a fish tank they had for a few years and never had a problem or should I say whats left of it
the hallway upstairs next to it

holes in floor
the kitchen
I'm helping her with replacing some stash that's for sure. She was worried that we couldn't get the afghans she made out in time.. we tried and went back again to see what was left to salvage......not alot!! Insurance should have a couple trailers to fit the family on the property within a couple weeks or so.
If anyone has any extra afhgans laying around please let me know. I know they would enjoy them. I collected alot of toys, clothing, beding towels and HBA locally. They'll be some fundraing going on and I let her know that I'd see what I could coem up with from some online friends... Some info is posted on my facebook too. There such great people with lots of children a family of 10 actually, a retired firefighter (on-call still) kids sports and very active in the community, very well liked by so many....

on the kinitting front here,
working on some new sock patterns some will be avialable for sale through ravelry and a couple for a upcoming book that will be available throguh Crystal Palace Yarns and/or Sirus knitting.
more to come soon....with pictures!!

WOW! Another Year!

2009-01-19T08:51:00.008-05:00

Seriously been so busy the past few months, i barely have had time to get to my computer let alone blog, heres a quick run down
Hooray for my small cheerleader they took 2nd place this season!
with all the snow, their friends like to migrate here for some karaoke.....Amazing my son tried up... him and his friend are just learning to read....The hum, yell and scream when they try to sing.. DH goes for the beer & wine that night.... It's fun! Great R & R perfect stress relief, just lots of laughs.

Another scarf got completed in time for holidays! My cousin loved it! Others wanted to make sure they get one. I used 4 skein of Plymouth Alpaca...so very soft. Need to find that pattern again, totally forgot where I found it... Will post to ravelry
The kids surprised me and had their pictures taken for me.. I figured something was up when my older daughter happily volunteered to babysit and overnight!
she did a great job and they all look fantastic!

Last month I decided to get back to work, I haven't in so long and with all the stress in my life just needed something else to help. So I'm working in Senior Health Services doing private duty nursing aide. Only PT but can feel like a glorified babysitter to some.......Nice to get out of the house to do something other then the usual

Busy Busy Busy!

2008-11-19T06:12:00.000-05:00

So sorry for neglecting my blog the past couple months. Lots of things going on

Since August when Cheer leading/Football season started. I haven't had time to breathe.. Been on the go all day and practices all week long and games every weekend... So tired by the time we get home usually between 7:3o-9:00pm, make dinner and bed......Totally wiped.. Was doing dinner at 2:30 in the afternoon at first and eating early but that was for the birds!

My daughter's team is a traveling team no less, and we made it into the playoffs!!

last month we had to add my sons birthday, black eye and cousins wedding into the season which was interesting and really no time to sleep that weekend.

this he woke up with and boy did it make HUGE problems, 1 he has a seep disorder, Restless leg Syndrome, Central Apnea and a seizure disorder that is sleep induced & epilepsy so it's not unusual for him to wake up with injuries.. Give you a one guess what the school thought when he showed up with this.. YIKES! He was questioned 7 times by them different people and he didn't know what happened he went to bed it wasn't there then woke up with it.... anyway the school had such far fetched ideas it wasn't funny! I was questioned by authorities about my husband beating me and my children to he gave it to him then me???
then he was questioned again by a social worker and the principal and I happened to be at the school volunteering that day in the copy room/office. I walked around the corner and my son was coming out of the office with them, he tried to run to me with his arms out to hug me and the principal tried to stop him with her arm across his neck and came home looking like this (nevertheless school picture day) She left marks on him his forehead and neck.....

Now we've been to a few meetings at the school superintendent and now they are going to schedule a big meeting with all the districts department heads, superintendents of each dept and her for what to do about it.. then I get to give my input and requests at the time.....
I reported her and she's very upset kicked me out of the school, I'm not allowed there unless invited and the staff including special needs and teachers aren't even allowed to speak with me about my son at all.. All info has to be through the superintendent...
I seriously want her fired for it!! I spoke with an attorney and the DRS are all on our side and have no concerns of either myself nor my husband for any type of abuse.. She's screwed! and the school has provided me with all pertinent info for a law suit.... actually assaulting him, misrepresenting his behaviors and without vital info for the DRs essential which lead to a misdiagnosis by the school for ADD/HD and treatment of narcotics the past year and half so he can be doped and they can have a better day for this condition he doesn't have through any medical diagnosis....as well as a harassment suit...... SO between advocates, lawyers and other meetings and a TON of research too about disability & special education laws. I haven't had much time to sleep let alone anything else...
it's a continued ongoing process and am looking forward to the outcome....
we did manage a small birthday party for him with a few friends in between 2 football games bought a cake and put a mask on nit didn't have time to make one myself. I was very disappointed with it but it a worked out. He loves Star Wars
him and his friends enjoyed some bowing and video games too. then we went back for a nighttime game the day after my cousin wedding, myself and especially my husband were it bit dragging....lol
The league found out a couple weeks ago that I knit & crochet and requested some items to sell as part of the fundraising program and want that to be on ongoing thing that I head up for them... Hey it gets me a discount of the registration too.... Yeah!
the games get very cold in the bleachers and scarves are good. Started out with my daughters I made.. So now I'm teachers those who want to learn and a couple parents who just recently picked up the knit stitch so only can do garter stitch to make them. As long as we only use black, teal & white I have full creativity, scarves, socks, earrings, hats, mittens/gloves and will be reimbursed for my costs only unless donated yarn or items of course... I have to turn in receipts.. but the leagues receives all the profits.. Works out since it costs me over $300+ for my cheerleader and more if my son plays football next season.. The will use him as a water boy and mascot.. I don't want him going head to head with other kids since it's full contact!
so if anyone wants to help me out let me know how and if you can.

Weekend Events

2008-08-25T13:05:00.000-04:00

since cheerleading started and then my wonderufl daughter had a badly sprained ankle and small crack in the bone on the top of her left foot, I've had to cater to her the past few weeks and her on these crutches. Lucky she didn't break her neck with them.... so I hardly had much time to knit. I was only able to get 1 sock done for cousins wedding shower over the weekend. So she opened the one sock.. Was totally hilarious thats for sure! She did stumble a little as to why she would get 1 sock....lol oh well will have to wait to see the close up photos......

made these lovely biscuits for breakfast... Yummmmmy! I know a pretty basic recipe but a little twist.. Yes baking with using tea!!

I posted the recipe for voting this week polls close Aug 31
If you don't' mind heading on over here to vote click here

As always thanks for your support!

If you'd like to try a sample cup or 2 of this lovely tea I will send you some just send me an email

someone gave them to me, I was polite and said thank you
now does anyone know what these things are? and what to do with them??

Check out some Free Stuff

2008-08-08T09:49:00.001-04:00

Free Easy Bake ware just pay shipping

Mineral Make up sample Kit I only paid $3.07 you choose colors/shades

Free Degree deodorant for men

Free Pedia pop sample for kids

Email for Samples of Syntrax

Free samples Skin Care Fill out Questionnaire & respond to email
you may need to check your spam/bulk folder in a couple days

Click here for a kingston 1GB digital card pay min.

Staying Cool Today (it's a bit humid)

2008-07-28T14:56:00.002-04:00

22 days of being smoke free. I rewarded myself at 2 weeks and ordered some neat cups.
My new cups arrived today from Northwest Glass

enjoying some oolong tea in my new really cool cup! (very surprisingly lightweight too) in between my Monday ritual of cleaning laundry and reorganizing stuff, we're still trying to clear room in the basement to start framing and putting up sheet rock (progress of that another day)

this morning had to return library books with the kids, they checked out more, I checked out a movie Mona Lisa Smile with Julia Roberts, DH is working late tonight. Will possible work on this long very boring sock. st st with EOP heel

did I mention is very long!! and boring! lol well after 3 pairs you could see someone getting a bit bored right?
here is a closer view of the heel and my oolong. 2nd infusion already this afternoon
will definitely continue to infuse these leaves over and over again, each cup has a slightly different flavor (very flavorful) with each infusion
..ps you don't see beautiful coloring like this with tea bags
going to prepare some type of dinner to go with this wonderful sweet delicate lite flavor! A champagne of oolongs....
WOW! Amazing my taste buds and the flavors I can taste!!

I do think I may order some more for my upcoming birthday, why not is going to be a BIG one!!! I'm not a HUGE drinker but I think this year I want to get DRUNK and FORGET THE WHOLE THING!!
The best part of these glasses is that your not suppose to need to use a coaster they don't sweat and works for both hot and cold.. Now if I find there not breakable they'd be perfect! however they don't seem to be that fragile at all. I would feel comfortable giving my children one to use on the tile table.....seriously this will be a true test!! I only order s et of 2 for now to try....they come in 3, 6 & 12 oz...

Please Vote for Me!

2008-07-25T08:28:00.001-04:00

well actually my recipe
that is....very Yummy!

A Lemon Sonata Dessert!

Voting polls are now open from today until the end of the month!

Thanks again for all your support!

Hanging out Keeping Cool!

2008-07-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Just been hanging out keeping cool! Beach & pool.. Pool and Beach!! The humidity is awful! Have plenty of freshly made Iced Tea! enjoy some a/c.... drink some iced tea, make more.....

exhaustion!! Absolutely! The sun and even humidity does kick butt!!!

The kids sure keep you busy during the summer months...

Goodbye days 6&7 Hell week! Good morning to week 2

2008-07-14T09:12:00.001-04:00

Yikes! I can't believe I made it through the day 6 let alone 7!
Had to go back to the DRs office on Saturday morning to follow up from Thursday!
Got up when my husband was listening to the news (6am) about a gas truck that tipped over on hwy 128 early in the morning. So up coffee shower, get the kids up lets go!! Told them they could eat a cereal bar in the car and go back to sleep if they wanted too but we needed to leave asap!
They were surprising well behaved on the way up in the car, went by the accident the hwy southbound (heading home) was closed for several miles! about a good 30 minute stretch as I could tell. Which pretty much looked like all day to me!! Plenty of trucks digging up the road, the side, dirt, trees etc. Flat beds taking away fried cars!! Literly TOTALLY FRIED NOTHING BUT THE BOTTOM FRAME TOTALLY TORCHED LEFT!! It was a site. All I could think of if how I was going to get home, another ways I could take would take me a long outta the way routes but at least 2 hours out of the way!! Lucky me!!
Get to the DRs, the kids were great! The DR kinda said your screwed you can go this way or that way but either way your screwed!! Thanks!! ALT: we could stay their at his office for the day! NOT!!

All this just to read a stupid TB test which was negative but they didn't' believe me and my DR was on call and would meet me at the office on Saturday!! not to mention he wants to repeat it in case it's a false reading? Are they for real?!!! I lived up that way most of my life and can't seem to find a DR around where I live to be my PCP!! So I have to drive 1 1/2 hours to them for the most ridiculous things sometimes that are so unnecessary! I think they just like to see me...
The cape to me is like rural America!
I barely made it back to get my daughter to cousins birthday party, a little late, almost 2pm so thought I'd take my son out for some fun to an arcade which he's addicted to video games at 6 I think!! He turned me down to that miniature golf, bowling.. He wanted to go to Blockbuster picked out a game to play at home and a couple movies for his sister... How sweet! He really wanted that game! A Spongebob game that he thinks is funny!
Back to get my daughter first... We got there in time for cake & presents.. the kids played in the pool and bouncy thing.. My son pouted out front because he picked the wrong game it was for an Xbox and we have PS. Would even come out to the backyard! Finally they hung up a pinata thing !!! Ohhh a weapon, even though it was a bunch of little girls I asked my son if he wanted to hit it!! He couldn't run out back fast enough!!after all the party kids left my cousins and I decided to BBQ it was getting late and we were hungry! My son wanted to go in the big pool not the little pool! I wont let my kids in without an adult because they don't know how to swim. It's one of those bigger type ones with the deck built around it, stairs inside the shallow end, volley ball near deep end...
Called my husband to bring some food and bathing suit over...
about 7 or so we cooked ate cleaned up! We all had leftover fireworks so went to the pond at the end of the road to finished lighting them off and get rid of the evidence!! (illegal in this state)
needless to say with all these people and a bunch of smokers between neighbors, friends and family showing up and 1/2 of them smoke! It was a extreme tough day (day 6)
yesterday day 7 not so bad, I tried to sleep late which is hard for me, but so exhausted I did rest and watch movies. My DH exchanged the game for my son so he played and daddy and our little girl hung outside swimming the pool and lots of yard work! Pheww! I don't need to do it today! YIPPIE!!
Day 8 Errands & LOts of laundry! mostly towels!! ope this week will get a little easier!

I've been playing around with different teas and made some really good blends everyone seems to enjoy! Been making them hot but pouring over pitcher of ice with a little splendor the perfect ice tea!

here's the link

and a $5 gift certificate for those who would like to try themselves! Enjoy! just enter your email in the space
and the gift certificate will be emailed right to your inbox with code to use right away or save for another day

Whats new

2008-06-28T09:21:00.000-04:00

Well I have to have surgery again on my nose, they need to repair & reconstruct the septum.. The DR will only do this type of surgery if I quit smoking at least 30 days prior and after.. Which I'd like to have in the past then restarted.

I found this new program and ways to re-learn life to help quit which seem to have helped alot of people
Call Ex!

here's my web page

I have quit yet, theres other steps first, tacking when trying to separate the urge and wait 5-10 minutes longer then you normally would before lighting up and recognizing what your doing and why then within a week or two they say your ready to pick an actual real quit date. Also realizing that after your done with a cigarette, the stress, worries, and whatever is still there.. Also learned that nicotine does NOT cause cancer! Who knew!

I just joined and hoping this will be more successful, my kids are totally motivated and remind me everyday of what the DR said....besides them being a great motivation so is breathing through my nose again not waking up gaging and stuff!
I've quit so 3 years then started again quit for months then started again, so I'm trying to be positive about this I know I can!

come on over if you have a chance, all the encouragement will and does help!

Hopefully I'll be doing more knitting......;o))

Bad News! Good News! New Sock Design Coming!

2008-06-23T08:43:00.000-04:00

Bad news my computer & camera has been giving me troubles for weeks but all is looking good now!
A fun knit tea swap from the sockathon list photos should work now that everything has been fixed. Will be up in the next day or so

Son's surgery went OK, they had to incubate him and took longer then expected but good news he's healed nicely the DR said last week and he can now stick his tongue out!! Wooohooo!!! He also did in fact get promoted to the 1st grade!! YEAH!! Sept. 2nd back to school and all day!! What will I do??!!

Introducing Twists & Turns!

I designed a new sock and pattern is almost ready to be tested, am looking for someone who'd like to test knit it for me, must have knowledge of sock knitting in the round and cables, give me feedback, you'll be receiving the pattern for free in PDF format for your personal use only, no copying.

Son's Upcoming Surgery!

2008-05-21T12:08:00.001-04:00

this new insurance company isn't such a great plan but we're working hard with the DRs to make some stuff work for him.
He's having some minor surgery in the morning but with the risk of the anesthesia and the neurological apnea theres a high risk that he may NOT wake up. Since it's minor surgery to clip his very bad tongue tie we can't put it off any longer.. he hasn't had any signs of a seizure in the past couple weeks which is good news! The anesthesiologist is going to give him a very short acting type of general that he should only be out for 6-8 minutes before starting to wake up so hope the ENT & the vascular surgeons both do plan on working very quickly and can coordinate it so they can do their magic in the allotted time!
I told them that at 6 minutes I'll be pacing the floor outside the OR door and at 8 minutes if they don't call me back to be there for him when he starts coming too I'll be a raven lunatic!
After hearing about Senator Ted Kennedy which our family has known , met and lived by them as a kid has had 1 seizure and has a cancerous brain tumor, and my son has dyplasia of the brain which they can't get to for a biopsy because of the length amount of time being under anesthesia and a strong possible he'd never wake up though the procedure they won't attempt a biopsy at this point. People wonder why I'm such a basket case, hovering and babying my little man....
I can't help but be worried out of my mind!!
We recently created a carepage for him that your welcome to visit, post to the message board and send virtual gifts
here's the link and it's free.
I have one for my illnesses too but have to update and will post the link another time...

My husband is starting to realize the severity of whats going on......
He's actually being nice now.......
Will post as soon as possible afterwards.....

So now I have a house full of kids, he has 5 friends over right now, I want to make sure he has a good day! YIKES! (I think I'm going to need some motrin!!)
Also have to prepare for our annual Memorial BBQ this weekend too..
If anyone knows of a way to have extra time in a day please let me know!

2008-05-11T23:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the Extreme Makeover Home Edition with my family!

Sorry I didn't post a reminder recently..
Hope some of you caught it if not theres a version online at

if your interested in viewing it. The Giunta Family!

very sad story , you made need some tissue.

PS

On the home front Dh is realizing it's not possible to support us and himself somewhere else.....

Life Changes!!

2008-05-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

well alot has been going on I'll be brief right now.
My husband and his work decided on changing insurance and over the past month we've learned alot of the treatments aren't' covered for my son (nor myself). Been denied for alot of other services, he was off his meds for a short time but the drs are working on other, alternatives to get by until they can figure out another way and herbals have been added in the meantime....
Both of us were scheduled for upcoming surgeries his minor but I've had to cancel mine and my DRS aren't sure of how to proceed with me before I become critical ill they have to do something or wait until then.
My husband has informed me out of the blue that he is moving out and has decided on a quick divorce...Thanks for the support and will try to keep updating the best I can.

Anyone interested in buying Celion Dion tickets? I paid $240 for 2 of them

Ohh Got these in time

2008-04-12T17:25:00.000-04:00

Going to surprise my DH this week for our anniversary with these

he has no idea and really likes Celion Dion... We got together and always played her CDs dancing around the living room, you know way back when before children.....lol
$100 + each kinda crappy seats but well be these in August!!!

Mail Deliveries!

2008-04-09T17:22:00.002-04:00

First up
this AWESOME tea Kettle from Adagio
with my own personal Signature Blend that I personally created! It's surprising very good too!
It's very smooth soothing comforting and enjoyable while I sit relax watch TV knit or at my desk..... You can order yourself a can for $10 direct link also on my side bar as well as help yourself to a $5 Gift Certificate too!

the post is a bit pricey but well worth it!

some may not realize that you don't' always want to make teas with boiling water, temperature actually really does play a role in a great tasting cup of tea

My favorite feature on this is this neat dial green for green, white & light oolong teas and the brown for black herbal and darker oolongs....
Since I've really seriously noticed a difference in my tea! I HIGHLY recommend this kettle!

also look the pretty label on the tin with the tea name & my name! I also uploaded the photo
it's a nice blend (shh can't tell you my secret percentages....LOL) but I will tell you it's the perfect blend of a black (cream tea), chamomile and peppermint (and not over powering)
As soon as I created this there were 2 orders...As some of you know this is just one avenue of earning points , also your own orders, referrals and gift certificate redemptions.. It's like getting back 10% of your own personal orders too.....You can trade in the points for teas or anything else they sell...I've been ordering from them for about 6-7 years now and is one of my favorite tea companies......right up there to #1

I also received my new scale this week.. I needed a new one. my other one is mainly for my soap making measurements but doesn't go to these smaller amounts like this one.
It's a My Weigh Palmscale 6.0 the appropriate amount for a cup of tea is 2.5g of course each variety of tea doesn't all weigh the same as a teaspoon. Some volumes are much larger than others depending on the eight of the leaves/herbs......Also this is approx. the weight on a tea bag. Example: his is mine tea from above
Here's the tea brewed after 4-5 minutes, yes this is also one of there teaware cups

their a current promotion for spending over $50 besides free shipping they connected with another great tea company called Zarafina
so with the order from Adagio they are offering FREE just pay them Shipping $5.95) through the link provided from Adagio at checkout (it is optional) a $40 value

They arrived separately in this reusable or storage tin. Packed very very well

Very cool saucer savings on the circle where the cup sits each piece is signed and numbered.
even included lids. I'm looking forward to trying them....

These really are so much prettier in person

I also use alot of my teas for cooking replace water or liquids with stronger brewed tea for marinades and give lots of flavor to other food.... I have another blog where I've posted some of them.. I've also won a couple times with my recipes though Adagio on the Tea Chef site.
Also they have a forum (teachat) similar to knitty......(where I'm also 'Soapy')

Hope to see some of you over there

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

2008-04-07T12:21:00.000-04:00

It's April and between all our birthdays & our anniversary this month not sure how much knitting time I'll be doing. Went on a mission to find the guitar pan and all the stuff I needed
my daughter changed her mind a few times last week of what kind of cake she wanted...errrr!

So it was settled and mom stayed up until wee hours to get this done Friday night for Saturday afternoon for our first BBQ party for the season! ;o))
I was very tired and just couldn't get those strings straight.....
she was excited, a couple of friends had mixed reactions ... both those girls also have invited my daughter to their parties next week..... mines the goofy one in the middle......also the tinniest of the 8 y/o

I swear that 1 candle was NOT a trick candle but she had a tough time blowing it out, took about 3 or 4 times.....

WIP Progress on Sock Yarn Blanket

2008-03-31T14:12:00.000-04:00

actually yes seeing progress.....60" wide and just a out 12" length so far.....starting to use some yarns for the 2nd time around.....WOW! Sure is making progress but very very slowly....lots of stitches time and not to mention loads of sock yarns!

so far I've only done larger square which you can see here in the purple/gray
still needs lots of sock yarn but have some to keep me busy for a little while anyway

New Dish/Wash Cloths

2008-03-28T14:27:00.001-04:00

Hey better late then never! I know they don't' take no time but I've been so busy
(the link for the monthly KAL is above click on the lighthouse for direct link to join)

so

Here's my bunny cloth, knitted with a dark purple & white KOS yarn

and football cloth knitted with a Lily sugar & cream ombre yarn

getting ready to upload progress on my sock blanket this weekend too so come back to see those too...Actually really got some progress...;o))

Yummy Braids!

2008-03-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

this beautifully dyed domestic top roving from A Little Quacky! Very bouncy! Looking forward to getting on my wheel again very soon!here's a little closer view of its beauty! Very springy.. This girl here has severe spring fever and allergies in full swing!! This will make some beautiful yarn!
I just couldn't seem to resist this stitch marker... Just too cute!

Did I mention in my last post that you can get paid to go on vacations and travels, each member of of family too! Have a check waiting for you when you return home plus also write if off on your taxes too! Why not travel whole instead of retail!
View a short demo here on how to

Updates to my Etsy Shop and more!

2008-03-15T19:42:00.004-04:00

We've all been home with the flu, only 1 trip to the hospital....of course with my son....
He has and still is running VERY HIGH TEMPS!! Needless to say I haven't been sleeping to much or all that well, sore achy body, my bones are cold! I feel a sore throat coming. croupy cough...ewww!

With all the sicknesses I've had some quiet time to make some mini sock earrings.

Very addicting habit with those small leftover pieces that can't work for a square on my blanket....of course to match my socks too..;o))

there a few pairs up for sale now $20 each pair included with FREE plastic easy grip stoppers

also my husband & I had to re-evaluate on how where going to keep up and pay for the continued treatments and stuff regarding my son's medical care! So we started on on line business thats great, flexible and will work into me continuing to stay home to care for the kids and take care of all my sons medical expenses while he continues to work 2 full time jobs.....

We were invited to take at close look at this opportunity and it works! We enjoy sharing the business with people and showing them how it works too.
I understand it's not for everyone and so many can really benefit form it without even knowing of doing anything.

Our goals is for him not have to work all the hours and have the extra income at the same time within our first year.

Of course we also invite everyone to help us advertise our online website

Http://www.TravelsYourWay.com

Please do keep in mind
you don't have to purchase travel, not everyone travels, but click on the extras and check out so much more
Ever purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle?? Please feel free to ask away and get a free code to print out and take to your dealership with you for extra savings, concert tickets, your local attractions, spa visits, car rentals, sport events, plays, musicals, golfing, skiing, send flowers though the site too, and so much more!

If you'd like to see how this program works and how you can benefit too leave me your email address and I can send you more info and a short video to watch. You would also get a ton of tax savings even the join fee too is tax deductible! Fully accredited and lots of perks too!

100% of ALL our profits from both my etsy shop and our business site all go to help benefit our son!

Sock Blanket WIP

2008-03-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

as you can tell some progress since the last update......It sure is a Great little take along anywhere anytime type or project knitting the squares....

hard to tell and to get the whole width/length into one photo

so here's some closer views and the first larger square

I haven't actually taken any measurements just yet but it fits on top of queen bed widthwise only and doesn't hang off at all....after I get more length I may add more width, haven't decided yet, so may squares!
Will be a WIP for quite a while I think!

I will never refuse anyones leftover sock yarns thats for sure!

Very Exciting News

2008-02-29T20:23:00.003-05:00

For my cousin and his family this week!
Anyone recognize this bus??

or perhaps this limo? look familiar at all? (you can see the pink coat reflection in the window, thats my little girl standing next to me, she's waiting to run between the camera crews.........We've been dodging them all the time, my son doesn't like them)

see everyone in the blue shirts? (Hint! Hint!!) I have one now too!! ;o))

Getting ready to 'MOVE THAT BUS!!!'

'TODAY WITH ABC EXTREME MAKEOVER!!'
here's the design team earlier today!
still doing some finishing touches waiting for the family to arrive.
(they were actually laying down sod and painting it at this point and tossing empty boxes out the back of the house and over the back yard fence into neighbors yards....
The house the family won't really be staying in right now either.. They have to wait for the occupancy permit and they also said no one else can go int he house for 2 weeks......Lots of interviews going on and more shots with just the family. Some family members seen some of inside and some of us didn't want to yet....

Lots of penguins and dinosaurs I will tell you.....

here's where the family, workers, volunteers watched on the property while the family was going inside with Ty!! Theres was only 5000 people allowed then they didn't shuttle anyone else in so imagine with all the camera crew, productions workers, etc it was hard to see over everyone with the camera

See the copper trim too... beautiful copper trim around the front door too!

Here's their NEW home! (at the end of the day)

We were very happy to be able to be there for the

'MOVE THAT BUS!!!'

only did that scene about 101 times!!!! lol

Check out the above link click onto the lighthouse and you can view the story of my cousin Paul and his wife and children and then click on the above GALLERY link and it'll bring you to the hundreds of photos from through out the week!

I must tell you all though being there in person is NOTHING compared the the shows highlights that air the night of the show...

Yesterday they finished and reviled a new home in Warwick, RI which isn't to far from us either. So we didn't see much of Ty Pennington this week

Even though I applied for us with my son, it's not very disappointing to see my cousins family was chosen!! very sad story. We were very happy they can be together now and start a new life.

Show due to be aired May 11th season finale!

Quick Update & WIP

2008-02-25T11:16:00.000-05:00

Well my son had a long vacation week a couple more seizures, more increases to his meds and has to go back to the hospital for more tests in a couple weeks.
At least this time when I had paged the DR, she said I did the right thing!! He was totally awake this time during the day, face changes and bite so hard he split his lips in a couple spots, he was standing right next to me just biting really hard on his lips! He wouldn't stop just started blankly bleeding which didn't seem to bother him at the time at all.. Luckily no stitches are needed for this one and only last approx. 2 minutes... Not as scary as some...

Getting ready to make some mini sock earrings that will be up for sale shortly. Will psot more details soon.

WIP & updates!

2008-02-22T07:31:00.004-05:00

Some progress being done with the sock yarn blanket so far and moving on..

Haven't decided yet on keeping it for my son, raffling or sell it outright....... Any suggestions?

Please contact me for arrangements of your unwanted leftovers, I could also make you mini sock earrings (sterling wires nothing cheap) or something else

Please send me your requests for your unwants that will get all used up for sure!

On the home front. girls are fine but my son had another seizure. Apparently a much longer one during the night but I didn't catch till the end. It was very unusual and different for him too.. 4am in a fetal position covered in urine & stool... Literally a mess! He was so scared and tired.
Dh of course become a DR overnight and said he's fine put him back to bed.....He's standing watch me in the bathroom knee deep in crap.. Duh!! Help me!! Poor kid standing up now sleeping swaying back and forth... I wanted to page the Dr right then and there, but DS was responsive so I didn't think to much let alone half asleep myself......
cleaned up and we went back to sleep for about 3+ hours or so then I paged the DR

Dr called me back right away, after lecturing me about what I should've done differently like give him valium! Call 911 then move him and clean him while waiting for assistance... and wy I didn't!
Then had me give him more meds and up then again .....so now 2 meds on higher dose and in a couple weeks bring him in for tests.
Geez! They make me feel like I should've known?? Well I didn't and no one ever said do this or that if you see this or find that!! Not to mention like they want someone else to see and not believe me what I witnessed and seen???

Kids move around alot in their sleep sometimes have accidents although extremely unusual for him, he never has. The DR says when someone has a lengthy type and seizing to long bodily fluids come loose....

I've been beating myself up for days now how I failed as a mom, why didn't I know why didn't I call 911 and give him valium.... Shit! I should've taken some valium!! LOL

How does anyone get used to this stuff??!!

thankful it's school vacation this week and we've been having a very laid back week.... He's doing much better not quite himself. I'm a little fearful that going back to school Monday with extra meds he maybe a bit off through the adjustment over the next week or so, but otherwise seems ok not not fully up to par.....
With all these types of meds has been losing he appetite not to mention weight loss 4 .5 lbs since the holidays.... I went back to one of his DRs to asked for ensure for him, our insurance would usually cover it and it's getting expensive at $13 per 6 pk and he likes them enough where he'll drink one for me.. He gets hungry asks for food then sits and looks at it and not hungry.. So If I get him to drink a bottle of ensure it makes me happier in knowing he;s getting some nutrition... The DR agreed and our insurance company denied him, I've appealed it which is a process so int he meantime I asked my own DR and it was approved.. I told him the situation and he wrote it for 200 bottles a month... Which is good and we can get different flavors to try... Only available in Chocolate, Vanilla & strawberry! He's also getting 2 spoonfuls of ice cream every morning and yogurt for mixing meds or opening capsules he can't swallow.... Not sure what else I can do.. I can't force him to eat.... I've never had a problem with him eating until this year with the different and added meds......

dragging out another basket of leftover sock yarns from the bedroom and will be putting all the little squares together and adding as I attach all the 3 together pieces....

Planning on quite weekend and shoveling to keep up with the snow today and tomorrow... Suppose to snow all day today through the night apparently, problem being New England weather is so very unpredictable! earlier in the week in the 50s then below freezing, now snow then probably rain thereafter along with cold temps...Gotta love New England! Especially the Cape! Actually much better then towards Boston area.. We're right on the line.. Either get slammed from coastal issues and goes out to sea.. Which this time is not the case....
Jammy day!

Earl Grey Socks FO

2008-02-20T07:57:00.000-05:00

I love these socks!!

Yarn Harlot pattern
used: Yarn Botanika Superwash Merino + Tencel yarn
color: Manhatten from Yarn Botanika
size 1 needles

a perfect fit! a fun simple cable for such a wonderful pair of socks that feel absolutely wonderful!
One of my Sp introduced me to this lovely yarn and is defiantly a treat to work with and wear!

Sock Yarn Blanket WIP

2008-02-15T10:52:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a work in progress thats for sure!!
I started my squares with some leftover sock yarn I have, have more then what made the photo this time....There about 2x2
Need a TON of leftover sock yarns if anyone has some they don't' want or need I'll gladly accept them! ;o))) preferably with some wool content for the warmth....but all welcomed thin/thicker types ok too should workout fine.. I'll make it work. Just let me know what you'd like in a fair return when you contact me please! TIA

I figure my son would really enjoy a nice big old blanket to snuggle with when he needs to get pick up and head to the ER in a hurry or just to cuddle.. He loves blankets and wanted me to make him a fish blanket with different colored fish, but I thought since I'd have to buy so many of the same brand and weight yarn and I had all these sock yarn leftovers that I'd compromise with him and do this this instead.. I sure need a TON of leftover sock yarns though....

so off to look for some deals.. I found on Etsy at Karen's Heavenly Creations
a variety of different colorways to use too

even these smaller samples as well
so to the swift and ball winder I went
to get these neat cakes to start with

so off to get more squares going

so far I'm just knitting a bunch but will start to put some together soon I'm sure so I'll be less likely to loose or misplace the squares then a piece of fabric right.....

of and with the smaller pieces that don't work out for squares I think I'll start wiping up some earrings like these using stealing silver wire...maybe sell on Etsy too to help fun this WIP....hmm with so many colors what would a nice shade for a border be? err! I'll worry about that later....

Unwinding!

2008-02-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ok so I'm behind the camera....lol Dh is lurking while our friends are showing us how to play this Singstar on Playstation.....

show offs!! heehee
they really are terrible I picked a hard song for them to sing Destiny's Child Survivor!
there DD gets in too and kicks butt of course!
heeehee dumbfounded a little.....you think....

I did go out and buy Rock Band with the guitar & drums which is hard!! Kids can't do it only the singing part since you don't even have to know the words right or sign good at all just hummmm along and yell into the mic, my little is picking that up very quickly now.....Thats what we can figure out since he doesn't read yet but still the game gives him points for it....lol

Honestly it's ALOT of fun really! A great way to realize stress tension whatever and just simply have some fun and laughs with friends family whatever....It's been great getting the family together a with some friends for a couple hours of laughs.....but warning you can get hooked! LOL

New In Stash

2008-02-08T17:45:00.000-05:00

Claudia's Hand Painted yarn in Blue Fields I just couldn't resist.
Found it in my travels.....
My son started with a rash this week so the DRs had to check and re-check and we have to keep a close eye on him this weekend.....
So I splurged a bit and bought Rock Band for PS2 and SingStar, the rock band is hard and the kids can't do that one but they love the SingStar, since it's a huge hit it'll keep them entertained this crappy weekend were suppose to have and I'm even getting hooked on it too...

Hoping to get some knitting time in and work on a few mitered squares with some leftover sock yarn laying around here.. It seems this blanket will take a TON of leftover sock yarns if anyone has any they'd like to get rid of feel free to contact me I'd be happy to take them off your hands, colors don't matter but would like to have wool content for the warmth.

update things looking up for now & WIPs

2008-01-31T09:01:00.000-05:00

Even though they canceled my son's procedure over a week ago our visit with the hospital yesterday went well....Good news... He's been seizure free since being on this new med and starting the second one Saturday morning I didn't want to today or tomorrow because I really need to have him home so I can watch and see the effects of it before his going into school.
His seizure monitor went off once last night around 3:45am but he seemed to be fine could be just a tiny episode but nothing that concerned me really. another scan & high resolution MRI will be done within a couple months to check the lesions then other then that it's all okay for now...not in any immediate danger and from now on instead of focusing on the data well be focusing on him and his symptoms..counting his migraines and such...

Dusted off some WIPS and my needles....
so onto polishing the needles.....

got a little progress on my Ombre Alpaca Blanket
so soft cuddle and warm.....trying to do a few rows each night which can account for a couple small mistakes....(OPPS oh well who will know right).....but life doesn't always allow for it....

then working on Kaibashira which has been another severely neglected WIP kinda sleeping at the bottom of a basket

This is like the best invention ever no not salad tongs...........

for making the perfect snowballs!
now that our foot+ of snow is just about gone and icy I can't play.........;o(

FO

2008-01-29T09:40:00.000-05:00

My basic socks are finally finished. Geez... Not knitting for so long, it felt weird at first but happily to report picked it up like riding a bike.....
Knit Picks merino sock yarn in Spring Prairie

still have lots of WIP top get to this one first because I didn't have to figure out where I left off....piece of cake...
thinking of using up some sock scraps into a blanket too.....Any ideas?
Hmm mitered squares which would take a TON of them, of plain garter stitch using one odd ball after another..

Updates with my son.. well thats a whole other issue. I was at the school and I was inquiring as to why the teacher isn't wiring in my sons notebook daily. (she only agreed to write positive things and nothing else?? which is stuff like, he shared nicely during choice time or he worked hard on project time or good listening at lesson time, etc.)) Well, the principal pulled her from class to speak with me since her last entry was 11/15/07 and I'm thinking she's had nothing positive to say about him since minus his absences and holiday break of course....
I also informed the school nurse (following the protocol I was told) that the medical team of DRS has requested a detail log on not only medical issues but behavioral as well.
So the teacher comes to the nurses office to speak with me. I had the nurse back me up on this subject. I asked her, first she says she's forgot, oh but he has mentioned it to me, and I haven't had time. It's required but also was agreed upon during team meetings at the school which she was present and had alot to say about it too..
Excuses I swear! So She asked about he's meds and what about his ADD...Informed me that his attention and inattention and behaviors she doesn't deal just ignores him and has been since school resumes Jan 2nd!!
I also informed her that the DRs agree he should be treated with med for ADD but can NOT at this point because of his health and new medicines and issues going on in the brain until they can get those better under control he can not be treated for the ADD....
He's NOT even that bad either if you talk with him and explain things to him he will cooperate and be very sweet!
She stands their and continues to tell me the same thing and still refuses to comply with the dr & nurse about the communication log
Then I had to interrupt her and ask then whats going on in class then??
Her response is that she she ignores him and his behaviors and just goes on with ignoring him?
So then what are you teaching him?!
She seen the kids coming in from the playground and left me standing there with the nurse..Nothing!
Don't they have to deal with him??
Why avoid whatever is going on? I don't' understand I'm not there so I don't' know

I spoke briefly to his psychologist and he suggests I call the state on this??! I don't' know I'm hesitant.. We are going back to the hospital and seeing the neurologist tomorrow who want the responsibility of all issues and the responsibility of treating all issues..

So yeah why not avoid confrontations with him teach him that he can do or say whatever he wants with no consequences.. ohh Great! What is everyone teaching him and what is this going to be like? With me he's better but probably because he's such a suck up and mommy's boy too!

Make Your Sweaters Fit Perfectly!

2008-01-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

Cheryl Brunette's Sweater 101

It tells you how to fit several generic body sizes at his or her gauge.

But what do you do if you have a non-generic body, Brand Q yarn, and a relaxed gauge? Consulting Sweater 101 is an attractive option.

make a proper gauge swatch and measure it with an accuracy worthy of NASA.
know the three sources of measurements for sizing a sweater.
create a simple-to-follow “Picture Pattern.”
easily chart a set-in sleeve cap.
have the tools to organize your knitting information.
use two simple math skills to save time.
adapt a pattern to your yarn, gauge and body size.
change necklines and collars on any sweater.
fall in love with any yarn and buy it knowing you can make your own pattern for it.

Appendix A which is a mini-reference book with schematics that show the measurements for 30 standard sizes, child’s size 6 months to men’s size 50, in 3 basic styles.

and so much more!

I bought this and it's a well written for people of all skills! Great to keep around for reference for the more experienced knitters and a GREAT tool for the beginners and intermediate!
Great reviews so far!!

It's more like a workshop then a book

click on my sidebar for direct link to purchase!

Sorry to see SP11 End!

2008-01-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

I opened my package that has been sitting patiently waiting for me.
My SP11 was so very sweet and thoughtful. She really had to put alot into this package thats for sure! Being new to the swaps I must tell you She's just WONDERFUL!
Here's a closer view of the suitcase, very ingenious! Very pretty design

Here's what was inside the package, a wrapped gift and a small suitcase!

the wrapped present was a great hard cover book on weaving. Deborah Chandler's revised edition of Learning to Weave. I've been trying for so long to get the perfect warp.. Hopefully now I'll understand and do better. Can't forget the Green tree Pepps! ;o)
a bag of Premium Steap Black tea which I can't wait to try... and isn't the Penguin Popper just adorable!These stitch markers are just the cutest.. I adore Penguins I love these! The first has a claw clip on it, I think it's used for rows counts
Yes there's more 2 skeins of Koigu KPPPM color P830 a full range of colors muted together. I bet this will knit up just beautifully!
a skein of Lang Jawoll color which I really like this yarn. I've used Lang yarn with great sucess for long wearing socks (of course)..;o)
another great choice in yarns Schoeller Stahl Sockina Cotton
Perfect choice all colors I really like too!
Thank you so very much for making the end of the swap such fun! I really appreciate the timing and something good to come home to waiting for me. Andrea you've been WONDERFUL! Going to catch up with your blog since I never figured out who you were, and you've seen on me Ravelry.. WOW! I had no idea....
Thank you for the pretty card too!
Much appreciate EVERYTHING and your patience with me too! Your a sweetheart for sure!

More Disturbing News

2007-12-30T00:58:00.000-05:00

We got some very disturbing news for Christmas and just want some time spent together at home right now between the next visits and series of procedures and stuff with my son.
The Drs think he's having a series of TIA's and that they also think there on the right path direction of more answers. They put together 4 & 5 opinions and more Drs working together from the Boston Area From Children's Hospital, Mass General & the Brigham. Which on Christmas Eve came into my sons room with ALOT to tell and not talk about and no straight answers. From what they are speculating is that he's having some minor episodes of Central Sleep apnea being caused by lesions in his brain and/or possible tumor they can't yet locate which are from TIA's also known more commonly as mini strokes that you recover very quickly from but the technical term is
called transient ischemic attack also maybe accountable for some seizures and can be associated with epilepsy as well.
Therefore all MRIS, CTs, Xrays and other tests haven't picked them up as any structural damage. They happy with these results which gives them more reasons to look further into the brain function. They also found some dysplasia (isn't this abnormal cancerous type cells?)as well and are working on bringing him back ASAP into the hospital again for more diagnose reasoning testing and PET scan. They decided it's safe for me to bring him home while they set all this stuff up for a long term admission and started him on some newer drug that have some serious side effects. They told me about 20% of children on it develop a fatal rash and any skin changes at all to being him back....can't be late or miss 2 does would have to be seen, can cause bone marrow separation, also dizziness, drowsiness & blurred vision, headaches.. These are most common. They do think it's be more beneficial to have him on these types of drugs then nothing.
Some sections of his brain didn't develop properly, may have happened while in utero but nothing I did or didn't do, just happens and more common with preemies.
this is not benign epilepsy anymore, he wont outgrow it, is considered disabled and paperwork was summited to social security and he's eligible for past payments as well, but we wont get because gross household income to much were not living in total poverty, just on the poor side. whole other issue..
It's permanent , not fixable, curable or possible not operable.
So this horrible drug is suppose to help keep his brain at bay for a while. They don't' know the long term effects.
I'm suppose to be happy with this? this is what the neurologist call good news and heading on the right track . They may not ever be able to locate it on any of these tests/procedures they have to put my little guy through.
Oh and it's also goes together with ADD & low end Autism as well. (which they like to get him on some medication for that too but not until after the next admission and series of next steps are done first because other drugs maybe added Which they suspect he also has and accountable for lots of his temperaments/behavior issues... (hmm not because of everything they are torturing him and not many straight answers!!!)
oh and he has RLS to Rest Leg Syndrome. Unusual for a little kid.

I do one one thing right now, in all my years of living with a chronic illnesses and 3 children and lots of specialists! Neurologist have to be the worst with information and helping, explanations, answers reasons anything!

To me hearing all this is that they still basically don't' know and not sure suspect and guessing just isn't exceptable I want answers and want to let me little boy just be a happy kid and be a kid... I also want to know what this means for him which they can't tell me that either but will keep me informed step by step and will be in better communication.....????

I have so many questions and they can't give me direct and straight answers?? I just don't understand.
sorry wish I had better news and answers for everyone!
Him keep banging his head is OK just avoid trauma to his head.....hmm him banging could be just that it makes him feel better, jogging a mm sized thing(s) also make it harder for them to locate and try to get to it to or treat it....
Not sure and don't' want to jinks us here but I hope this is the last of bad news for this year!
I know we have a long way to go and very long road ahead.....the past 10 months haven't been very much fun either to get tot his point...

Some good news I have a package I need to open from someone! Along with a stack of bills and junk mail! Hmm Where to start???
oh yes Santa did visit us in the hospital....It was nice not the same but nice under the circumstances.
He's a little happier, holding up quite well through all of it and being so brave I'm very proud of him!! He looks and appears to be a typical 6 year old boy whose on the bit of a small size then most but good! He has a few cards to open from his class & teachers... How sweet! ;o))

Thank you!
Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and Best wishes for the New year!

Home and back to hospital

2007-12-18T23:57:00.000-05:00

My son's surgery went well, he stayed in the hospital a couple days.. Good thing we had a HUGE storm!! Only thing ran out of cash!! only the coffee shop (Dunkin Donuts would take debit card!) They ran out of foods by the next morning too....and splenda...
So my sons beens home for a couple days, getting HIGH temps and bad pain stomach cramps must be an intestinal thing... chalking that up to catching something most likely viral..so of course slowing him down healing wise..
The Neurologists called me 3 times today.. They finally received faxes with some new data from studies last week. They discussed it and started going over and called me 3 times!! They say that the new data regarding mini stokes causing seizures and lesions that he may NOT have another seizure disorder and want him to come in first thing to see another specialist up to Boston! (when we get there to have the DR page the neurologist to do a conference call while were there)
They are extremely concerned about these diagnosis pertaining to the sleep observation, said they very harsh and serious conditions not to mention rare in an Adult let alone a 6 year old...
The Neurologist did say I should be able to take him back home, but she is arranging a plane longer stay in the hospital ASAP!!! She's on rounds in the inpatient unit for a couple weeks and would like him to be there with more monitors 24/7 for a long stay??? I guess it takes a few days to set up with the observation inpatient unit and getting a bed...
Theres a good chance we'll be staying at the hospital through the holidays...
I just really prefer that the figure this out fix him treat him do whatever! They did also tell me YES in fact with this happening if it's really if and something else isn't being overlooked then potentially he won't ever be able to drive or work!! Don't think he'll out grow it and just the beginning on a LONG road for all of us! the longer it takes and he develops more scaring on the rain.. NOT GOOD!!
Just beside myself tearing us all up! DH & I fighting really badly! Wants me to stop babying him! OH NO!! I'm not! He's in denial!
So much for baking & cooking! Finishing shopping, wrapping of anything!I just want to curl up in a ball and cry!

Sock Wars & updates

2007-12-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry it took so long to get the sock wars photos up and updates. It's only taken me 2-3 days to do this post...

there thick & comfey

First year I could get my son to get close enough to Santa for a picture

We've had alot happened in the past week or so now .
My son woke up one night and was scared, couldn't speak or get any air in to breathe.
I tried everything I had for emergency medicines waiting for the DR to call and he was getting worse so I didn't wait to ran him to the closest local ER.
They took us in immediately when they saw us walk in and me carrying him.
They first found out they couldn't see down his throat it was closed and swollen. Not tonsils either. Stenosis of his upper airway. Low stats, heart rate under 50 and this wasn't an asthma attack!!
kept him on monitors with low O2s, etc. gave him high doses of steriods to get the swelling down right away,etc.
They did a sleep observation overnight and found out he's having clusters of mini stokes, causing seizures and lesions on the lower part of his brain. The lesions are not sending the proper signals to his body to tell him he needs to breathe when he's sleeping. We're so very proud of him, being such a big brave boy through everything!

They also gave him a couple new diagnosis's. The said he has centralized apneas and RLS which is rare in adults let alone children. Which need to get treated immediately or corrected up to the neurologists. First they need to do a surgery tomorrow morning to help his breathing issues first (of a couple or so) and fix the stenosis of his trek. Then afterwards healing time before the next route.
The DR thinks that all of this is contributing to his learning issues and behaviors issues and his IEP at school. They still think he may be somewhat high end Autism.
I had to get a seizure monitor for home to monitor his o2 and movements during the night.
So I haven't be online much nor will I be in the coming weeks.
he's out of school for a while hopefully he'll be ok to go back in Jan.
I can't enough concentrate long enough t relax and do any knitting or anything really.

We're not even thinking of the holidays either.
They did have their holiday pageant and my son was so scared and looked as though he was going to cry on the stage!! Beforehand he was singing Jingle bells and so excited...(he doesn't do well in crowds, just doesn't like crowds or loud noises and music, he never has)

then The principal and vice principal took my kids to a holiday concert with a couple of their friends this past weekend. Kinda expensive to.. the ticket stubs were $45 per ticket! YIKES! (my son wouldn't get in the pictures at the concert hall downtown)
I'm just glad he got to participate in some holiday festivies. He's going to miss a few but its ok as long as he gets well soon!

Thanks for the notes and sorry it took me so long to send out updates!
Thanks so much for all the thoughts & prayers & for all the support!

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday season!
Hope to be back soon! (will check emails but can't promise it'll be everyday so please be patient on hearing back from me

Yarn Porn & Brief updates & Fos

2007-11-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

Update of Sock Wars is that I've sent off my socks and killed and have received mine afterwards. Will upload photos over the weekend of the ones I've received.

Here's some photos of the ones I sent out.... with my little baby gnome I made as well....

I use a gorgeous very soft luxury Alpaca yarn for a little luxury for my targets feet!

Worked out a swap for some Fleece Artist Wool/silk & sea silk sock yarns

since there was no labels I'm sure sure which is which exactly but some lovely colorways thats for sure

quick update on my son is we still have no answers the DRs haven't figured it out exactly and don't' know whats wrong they do recognize something but want a different opinion from other DRs at a different Boston Area Hospital besides Children's Hospital... Errrr! So very frustrating in the meantime we've been weaning him off Meds and dealing....

Birthday & FO & crisis's

2007-10-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Inbetween small crisis's my little one had his 6th birthday
He also insisted on a 3D baseball cake!
That he got I managed to jungle that in somehow, don't' ask I have no idea.
I don't' even remember doing it really..

2 days after his party he had a very lengthy type of generalized type of seizure, once I realized what was going on and had 2 drs on the phone, yelled for a neighbor to help and had to get rid of all the kids that were in my backyard, call 911 and stay with the DR s on the phone telling me what to do and not do... while waiting for 911 response to show up. When the fire Dept & ENT showed up he was just coming out of it and becoming semi cautious, thank God it was well into 10-15 minutes by then at least! It seemed like ALOT longer....
the DR also sent him home with an EEG attached to him for the entire week...He's had way to much seizure activity and the machines battery packs kept running out within hours.. I guess apparently he's been having clusters of them 50-100 per day which we have no way of catching.. How could anyone.. (still beating myself about that one)\
I did managed to get these socks done for him, which HE LOVES! He wants to wear them all the time. Pattern from Vintage Socks Child's French Sock, I used Trekking XXL size 0 needles.
Now he cant' wear socks without shoes on at all because it can create static electricity and give his brain shocks...

The DRs don't' understand and seem to think it's another form of epilepsy then originally diagnosed with back in March of this year.. It's definitely not an easy one to deal with and also effecting his entire brain now not just partial as I was told in the past.
Not sure how to treat yet eitehr.. I'm so frustrated and have had to deal with the school NOT meeting his needs and saying he shouldn't be in school, even though the DR wants him to be.. So The superintendent has allowed me to be his shadow in school because they don't want the responsibility or liability of him while in school, so now I have no time in my life for anything else...

EDITED TO ADD:on top of this on Friday late morning I had to leave the school for another emergency with my niece She went in for a routine surgery like I had last year on sinus's and deviations of her nose.. well after they brought her to the OR her mom left for a while, the DR said about 4 hours or so.. We never expected after she was put under for anything to go wrong..Well after about 1/2hour to an hour into getting her asleep and preped in the OR,etc. They tried several times to incubate her but totally unsuccessfully. Then did an immediate pedi scope etc.. (she's 24 y/o) and still unsuccessful so they DR couldn't go forward with her surgery as planned and called immediately.. Well they believe that her tracheal is smaller then the inside of a straw..Normally it should be about the size of your thumb... Extremely narrow and very serious., She was moved to the ICU unit which I seen her between leaving the OR recovery room and before getting up to the ICU.. I walked with her, she tried to talk to ask about my son... She's so sweet but I was more concerned about her at the moment..
I'm helping her mom to get her up to the Boston area hospitals and the appropriate care and treatment plan. Possible totally reconstructible surgery with prosthetic trachea..or whatever they recommend but most likely not a good candidate for any stents ..All her life the DR keeps getting on her about her breathing that it's Asthma.. Now the hosptial is convinced that she probably doesn't have asthma yes on allergies ...
Also that anyone in the family that has been diagnosed with Asthma, premature at birth, underdeveloped lungs at birth, hmm oh and RSV an an infant as well would all be reason for this problem or even a cogentital birth defect.

Hmm yep my son will get reevaluated as soon as we get through the next few weeks with the seizures again and back to a normal dull roar around here. He was a premie, RSV, immature lungs at 40% at birth, has moderate to sever asthma...

She's out of ICU and home now on all liquid medications, including antibiotics pending further treatment plan until then she get afford to get ill.. Tough time of year with that one...

All and all Today has been a better day for all of the family.. Now to educate ourselves before all the appointments & meetings start up this week.

WIPs & TIPs (thoughts in progress)

2007-10-08T17:39:00.000-04:00

I went to start or swatch if you will with the pink yarn for the Campanula socks and this yarn just isn't going to work out.. So back to dive into stash to find something or maybe a totally different color who knows.. hibernating now....

So I proceeded to work on a sleeve for the Everyday Cardigan using Lane Cervinia Londra (alpaca/wool/acrylic blend)This one will most likely be a gift because I have a different yarn in mind for one for myself....

Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Join the KAL

2007-10-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

Of course most of you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Stop by and Join the KAL/Cause for Campanula for the Cure if you haven't already

I have't been diagnosed with breast cancer but was 18 years ago with cervical cancer,a few surgeries, a hysterectomy and minor set backs, very lumpy & fast growing breasts these last 5 years which had a large recent reduction (14lbs!) but am finally totally cured and finally cancer free for 5 YEARS next month!! WoooHoo!! Definitely a reason to celebrate for sure!!

I found this beautiful pink yarn, the perfect pink shade too I thought

what do you think?/ 500 yards and ohhh so very soft!
I need to cast on very soon!! Sock Wars and Tea Swap 4 is coming soon!

Hope to see some familiar faces over at Campanula for the Cure!!

Happy Knitting and Have a Enjoy the LONG weekend!

SP11 Strikes

2007-09-28T06:59:00.000-04:00

Sp11 appears with goodies!
Pretty packaging too

Inside I found a belated birthday card, which I'd assume she made.. Very neat with approx. 4oz of chocolate roving (which I'm assuming is a merino) ohhhh yum!

then a couple skeins of Crystal Palace newer veggie sock yarn Maizy Prints in Night Shades which is very neat I'm designing a new pattern for Crystal Palace with some of their new yarns but didn't have this colorway.. Hmmm Wonder if my SP knew this one....;o)

some neat goodies here too some black sessa assam tea from Premium Steap , a package of Knit tags from Rosie's yarn cellarwhich you hand sew on garments.. Very cool! She also included a couple samples of Soak.....looking forward to trying the citrus scented one..

Thank you very much my SP!!!! I wonder if you knew me before and where I shop??? hmmm Still I have no idea who are you are....;o))

Weekend Activites

2007-09-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

I've been so busy uploading info to Ravelry!! It's addicting let along time consuming
here I am over there

other than that weekend news wasn't much knitting did get nearer to the end of Picovoli
Yeah!

A trip to Keith's Farm with a couple neighbors and kids
mine love to climb the trees for those apples

my other neighbor got a little stuck between some branches...ROGroundLMAO!

she also had to get this ugly gourd for her steps

these are different, the pumpkin looks like a strawberry

my other neighbor and her son struggled a little at the pumpkin patch.. First time city girl on a farm...heehee She actually had a good time! Hey I'm a city girl too at heart! ;o))

see I'm the more plain simple and normal right??

Ok maybe not totally normal my kids painted their pumpkins

A New Favorite!

2007-09-21T09:16:00.000-04:00

here's some beautiful EWA-Sockenwolle sock yarn that purlpower had sent me last year

see it has 4 strands plied together...

which I finally turned into these lovely socks.. Just a plain s t st sock with EOP heel so I didn't take away from the beauty of this yarn..
A perfect fit, most comfortable pair of socks.. A new favorite for sure

such a generous ball of yarn with this leftover, 33grams left!!! a third..

Some Spinning more gray merino

Maybe Ravelry Very Soon! I'm IN!

2007-09-20T13:07:00.000-04:00

# 31 people are ahead of you in line.
# 19026 people are behind you in line.

so exciting!! today just might be the day!!! I'll let you know!

Edited to add!!

YEAH I'm in!!

to keep it short & simple

I'm soapy over there!

Surprise Mail Call & Quick Updates

2007-09-19T14:49:00.000-04:00

New present came in the mail from Laura yesterday!
the box is very pretty much nicer in person the photo does absolutely no justice at all! Made of wood ~

Inside some wonderful exotic teas! teabags of each of 6 different varieties..
Bostons (by Bentley I believe) Oriental Green tea, Earl Grey Green tea, Mint Green tea, English Breakfast tea, French Vanilla tea, & Chai Tea..
Pretty ship on the front/back of each packet too...
Thank you so much Sweet for thinking of me!! It's a gorgeous gift set and will enjoy very much even after the teas are gone.. Will be thinking of you with each cupful too! ;o)

Now I just couldn't' resit this Hershey Kiss! What chocolate lover could?? Not this one thats for sure..... It's actually a tealight fondue pot...ohhhh I bought all kinds of fruits now to melt some chcolate for dipping fun!! YUM!

One of the kids has been home since Friday from school sick so been tending to her alot, keeping up with schoolwork, DRs twice and hospital for 3 x-rays and blood works.. So far viral & sinusitis and possible sinus infection about to brew.. The chronic brutal cough has been so annoying and the entire house has had very little sleep in result of it..
Have managed to get a little further on some WIPs, will post about later in the week and a FO
Watching the sneak peak Grays Special tonight....Woohoo!! Need to get the little ones in bed early..I hope I don't' fall asleep during it from pure exhaustion!
Besides still recovering form surgeries myself...Had a small setback from a small abscess (which luckily didn't get into my bloodstream) but otherwise recovering nicely
Got a new prescription for some feneghan with codeine hopufully my DD will get a good nights sleep tonight!!

Never Get Lost Again!

2007-09-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

Not with this nifty gadget thats for sure. It's a Magellan Roadmate
my hubby & I borrowed a neighbors GPS over the summer a couple times and he loved it so said it'd be a good birthday gift..hmmm
I wonder for who????

really wish it had a sexy mans voice though. lol Instead of the usual ya know computer woman....to bad I can't find a site that offers downloads to GPS......bummer!
It did include a home charger, and yes it's portable very cool. My son takes it with us to the bus stop so we don't' get lost, (just up the road 2 houses to the corner).
Also a USB adapter but having issues trying to download updates at the moment...
I tried to tell my son it's my little PS2.....heehee of course now he wants to play with it all the time...duh!? What was I thinking.

DH also gave me A Gretchen Wilson CD'One of the Boys' (which I've never heard of) and Dream Girls DVD (which I haven't seen, wasn't real excited too either) but very excited over the Mega bag of M&Ms....LOL

Birthday Presies for myself

2007-09-12T14:44:00.000-04:00

Celebrating 29 AGAIN!....lol

I think I went a little over board.. opps,Oh Well, and how funny it all shows up within 24 hours

a HUGE skein of CTH Sock It To Me sock yarn approx 7 oz 952 yards for socks of course!

here's one side the red/purple shades

and the other side shades of reds

then I got a bag of Louisa Harding Kimono Angora... oh so yummy I have no idea what to make with it so it'll be for petting, to stroke & cuddle right now, until it grows up

15 skeins of Contrasto by Skacel, but at the time I had a project in mind and since I received it, I haven't the foggiest what I wanted to make!!!! YIKES!

a few Ebay purchases some 800-1600 yard cones of cotton, rayon, linen to weave with
maybe towels

a luscious 100gram skein of Sontata rayon/cotton/cotton chennile/silk blend. I think it's make a very cool pair or two of ankles for sure

3 skeins of Hempyarn I bought from Zonda to make wash cloths and/or sock sacs with the leftover

part of my KP order some gloss a couple skeins of Serengeti for me and Woodland Sage for someone else in a swap

and Charmed Knits need to make some gifts. My neighbor had asked me to make a couple of the scarves already.. Now I need more yarn!

Of course 2 days after I place my order the New Harmonycome out and I really want them but now I guess I'll have to wait.. Spent way to much money already.....

New Color Panda Wool

2007-09-11T14:34:00.000-04:00

Ohhhh This yarn is so yummy!
A New Fall color Panda Wool by Crystal Palace is Chocolates

I'm designing a new pattern with it to be published in the upcoming New book called Friendly's Sock Book #3. Check here for more info on upcoming release

I wish I could show you more of the design I'm so excited about it, it's a beautiful lace pattern is all I can say.. Sorry; this pattern was a perfect choice with this color for sure.
Here's a picture of the yarn knitted up... so sorry to be a tease but this is as much as I'm allowed to show....

Yarn POrn

2007-09-07T09:21:00.000-04:00

SWTC Yarn TOFUtsies
50% Superwash Wool
25% SOYSILK brand fiber
22.5% Cotton
2.5% Chitin (made from
shrimp and crab shells!)
8 sts = 1"
needles: US 2 (2.75mm)
425m / 100g ball
machine wash and dry

I also have 3 pattern all designed by Deby Lake 'Tidal Wave', "Picot Fence' & 'Swirly Girl'

I was thinking that I should send a skein to one on my SP... but such a tough decision, which do I part with...how can you part with such nice sock yarn....
I think I'm going to enjoy this yarn..I hear nothing but good reviews on it so far.
Anyone?? ;o)

thinking the Tidal Wave pattern for this one

Definitely the Swirly Girl Sock Pattern for this colroway

opps how could I forget about this one too...LOL

then I got this one Sock it To me in 'Pacifica'
100gr skein, 500 yards of pure silky soft lucious superwash merino!

I'm not addicted to sock yarn right???? LOL
Nope I have no problem!! ;o)

Yarn & a New Project

2007-08-31T12:25:00.000-04:00

I bought a kit to make this Peace Fleece Everyday Cardigan

it came with this yarn in Periwinkle which I like the color a bit more on the purply side of what I expected for periwinkle and I think it's to scratchy for my taste

and was thinking of substituting with this one Cascade Ecological

these buttons were included which would go with either yarn

Now I can't decide... What to do? I want to cast on like yesterday so I can get this done this done before the cold weather starts
HELP! Opinions please!

WIPs

2007-08-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Well yes there really has been some progress
recovering from surgery welcomes progress!! As you can see I've been resting ALOT!!
Resting being the key word NOT napping type rsting, kids wont' allow that. DH had to go back to work....kinda right away

So here we go:

2 socks on 2 cirs with Knit Picks yarn memories in an older colorway Spring Pararie

then the French Socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks using Trekking XXL in gray's

then the feeling of never ending nor any progress is an Ombre Alpaca Blanket from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.. defiantly more then a 12 hour project for sure!

Just Some Weekend Activities

2007-08-27T07:36:00.000-04:00

Otis ANGB AirShow 2007, Cape Cod, MA

A very foggy sure is hot, humid, & overcast day, not a very good day for an airshow thats for sure
Got there at 8AM show wasn't to start until 5PM
an F-15 going up for a 20mile flight which will take about 4 minutes...

2 more join him

a couple helicopters flew around hanging hummers to keep people entertained

we also seen a bunch pf people jump but missed the photo opportunity! Opps! The kids thought it was kwel!

they had some neat music, very entertaining for sure, they worked the crowd pretty well too. We listen to them a while once the show got canceled (Not sure when the Thunderbirds will be back,we did get to see them practice for the past 4 days from the back yard when they were flying very low!!....)to communication/weather issues in the later afternoon to wait out traffic

the MP's were very social... let the kids climb all over their trucks, my son thought it was the best to see an Army lady!! heehee He had to have her help him up, was top funny!

They actually not only let them inside, in the drivers seat but let her start it up and showed them how!!! YIKES!! Don't think they spend to much time with any children....lol

My son will be turning 6 y/o the beginning of October and now insists on us buying him a BIG Army truck just like this one....
Yeah RIGHT!!
Defiantly we'll be on the look out for some metal ones for him....

Horcrux Socks

2007-08-24T14:13:00.000-04:00

Finish these up for my neighbor
Used Plymouth Sockotta yarn
She's been a Angel helping me around the house, with the kids, rides, errands, everything 24/7 since my surgery! So my husband could go back to work, he drives me insane sometimes when he's home because of me...Very glad that my neighbor has been home from work....I'll be missing her when she has to go back to work though! Kinda getting used to her and her dog being around more often.... It was also her birthday this past week too!
She loves these colors and Harry Potter so there perfect for her!

I'm still very sore and can't do to much yet, well it has only been a week since my surgery. Have a follow up with the DR on Tuesday..I hope he says I can go to the beach or least in our pool.. I'm bummed and were suppose to have some hot humid weather this weekend....I'll be staying close to the AC I guess.. Thinking of going to the Air Show but not sure if I can handle that yet.. Depends on how I feel. I've been tiring very easily these days....taking a slow shower is the highlight of my day and tires me out pretty quickly!

Received my SP11 info this week too.. So I've been scoping out her blog and will be picking up stuff soon to get together a nice package to mail out in the next couple weeks...

Spinning

2007-08-22T07:29:00.000-04:00

I managed to finish up a skein of Llama
so soft..
A LYS about 25-30 minutes away from me this woman has 3 Llama in her yard and the shop on the side of her barn...Probably about 20x10 if that but she has some nice stuff.. I stopped in last year with the kids , they get a kick out of some friendly llamas.. I bought one of her fleeces from her llamas called auntie... She's just so sweet was kissing the kids, my DD thought it was the funnest and coolest thing I guess.. So I've handpicked out the guard hair on the deck and let the birds watching me have it for their nests, washed and spun up this wonderful fiber.... I haven't' gotten to the variegated colors yet, still spinning up these the part of the tan colors..

3 ply, approx 108 yards per skein about sport weight type yarn

since this yarn has no memory and will grow no matter which type of item I knit with it.. I'm leaning towards maybe a scarf , hat set or something.. what do you all think?
I still have quite a bit to spin too

Updates with Life

2007-08-15T05:47:00.000-04:00

My son had another episode or seizure. The Drs up'ed the meds I've been trying to get him off of because of the side effects with his behavior!!! They had placed an EEG, EKG and video equipment on him last week. We had it removed and returned equipment. I hope it was ok, had more trouble with the equipment then anything. I slept with him every night... Didn't sleep much I was watching him so he didn't knock any electrodes off him. He handled much better then expected.. I was so proud of him, especially with all the nice weather we had through the weekend too. No showers, baths, pool, beach. No chewing gum, sucking on candy not even a lollipop. No dusting or vacuuming... Which was tough for me, I usually vacuuming at least once a day....No wearing socks either or doing anything that would create static electricity.. Didn't want him to get a ZAP!!!
He actually loved the video he'd sit or lay there and watch himself for hours on end.. Technology! I have a feeling he'll be doing that again.....We won't here anything about it for a while. takes some time for someone to read it all between the brain activity, video and HR....put it all together...Hopefully we'll get more info but because of all the issues I had with the equipment working properly and the battery packs not getting a good connection all the time I'm not to sure..

Just in the nick of time to. My surgery is this afternoon... Probably will be offline for a while. Won't be able to lift my arms use my shoulders, etc. the have given me some pain meds to keep me happy though.... It's already annoying me nothing to eat or drink. I've already received a call that it's been moved up a little. Not until 3:00pm errr! I need some caffeine!!
DH went to work for a couple hours. he'll be back around 11:00am..
Now to choose for who'll stay with the kids and who'll take me up to the hospital and bring me home.. My neighbor offered to help out either with the kids of driving me...
Mid day traffic will expect it to be a couple hour drive. They want me there at 1:-00pm, surgery between 2:45-3:00pm for 3 1/2 hours then recovery if all goes well I'll be able to come home afterwards.....Then another couple hour drive home...I didn't want to the kids to have to hang around in Boston all day like that...After all it's their summer vacation and will be going back to school in a couple weeks...

My son will be starting kindergarden in the afternoons from 12-3:15pm wont' get home until about 4:00pm ish and my daughter will be in the 2nd grade.. They grow so fast... She's like a little mother hen young adult sometimes....I'll miss them....We've been sued to hanging out together ALOT especially my son.. he's such a momma boy....and doesn't take well to others very well.

My oldest has been planning to move back home, work and do college part time with a couple course... Which will be OK I think....I was just getting use to her not being home.

I started another project that'd be simple to knit afterwords, mindless actually so if I'm up to it all I'll have to do is knit, knit knit...hopefully I can do this one in my sleep..
Toe Up
2 socks on 2 circs and I turned the toes already so it' should be a beeeze.. maybe a tangly one.....

Knotty Knots Socks

2007-08-14T23:44:00.000-04:00

This beautiful colorway from Blue Moon Fiber Arts STR in Lucy

has turned from this

to these beautiful pair of socks
my own design thats published in

Friendly Socks Book 2

you you like this and more pattern from A-Z and more click the link above with the lighthouse in the title
if you already own the book we have a online group for you
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/friendlysocks

Spinning/Plying Skeins Yarn PoRn

2007-08-03T15:55:00.000-04:00

this is some soft slippery shiny rayon 3 ply hot pink
took this photo indoors

and this one outdoors, any difference?

Same with this skien indoor photo

3-ply, 100% merino hand-painted from Yarn Botanika in Cape Cod Cranberry

this shot outdoors

I do think the outdoors photos are definitely about the truest color photo I could get especially with all the colors on the merino skein.

Some Fair Activites

2007-07-28T07:49:00.000-04:00

My daughter's favorite thing to do at the fair is work with the barn crew.. A friend of mine manages the spinning/weaving building and her kids take care of their sheep, alpaca, chickens, etc. So while I sit and spin for the day/night my daughters rather give up the rest of the fair to help them...
She loves this part handing out baby chicks for people to hold

she did take a break and ventured to the rides for a few with my husband and went on this contraption...no clue what it's called, lots of harness, straps, ropes,etc

then I guess you get lifted up

and jump, and jump some more higher and higher, she didn't try any flips though...

then hubby took her on this rollercoater and had her putting her hands up in the air...She actually did this one twice before heading back to the barn for the night

from 7- 9 or 10pm everynight theres a concert
here we have Strawberry Fields

last night was the Oak Ridge Boys, and I was so busy I forgot to snap some photos

State Fair Week

2007-07-27T07:01:00.000-04:00

What does one do when spending day after day night after night at a local state fair?

Well in between first I was saved by Zonda her leftover sock yarn to I could actually knit 3 rows and graft the toe on a sock and finally another finished pair! Thank you so much for being so kind!!

so first spun some mystery wool and opps forgot to clear off that bobbin didn't I...lol

then worked on this pink linen/rayon stuff spun & plied

next up I started another bobbin with this merino from Yarn Botanika in Cape Cod Colorway

then another bobbin with brwon sheep , ohhh love this stuff spun up.. The colors are great!

Ok I missed out on getting alot of stuff in on time this year but did get a couple skeins and a needle feted novelty item in.. Received 2 1st place and 1 3rd...
This is the last weekend for this fair. Going back this afternoon for the day/night with the Oak Ridge Boys playing across the way from the spinning/weaving makes for the night to go faster....

Cascade Fixation Ankle Socks

2007-07-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

This was a result of my weekend knitting.. Would you believe it, I have to do 3 more rows of decreasing the toe and graft it , but look not enough yarn!! errr! Hate when that happens, I ripped twice but apparently didn't go down enough before re-knitting... So frustrating.. putting in the basket now of UFOs!!

Edited:
Zonda baby to the rescue!! Woohooo!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If anyone could I knew it'd be you wasn't' sure if you kept all your leftovers....YEAH!

Beautiful day at the beach!

2007-07-16T05:08:00.000-04:00

Beautiful day at the beach!
Originally uploaded by soapfibergal

I'm so burnt!! It isn't funny!! totally fried, hurts to walk, sit, lay down, everything!! I haven't burnt in years!! Usually I just get tanned and then darker and darker a little pink and again but like like a lobster!!

Christopher wanted to dig a BIG hole... he loves digging holes, filling with water, and digging some more..

he likes to jump those waves too, he'll bend over to pick up a rock, shell or something and a little wave will come right over he's head, he flips... it's so funny and of course I forget the camera and had a tough time finding the phone buried in the bag....we're so close to so many beaches/ponds,etc that I don't' always think of the kodak moments

Kaitlyn found a starfish she thought she could take home for her small goldfish tank...hmm I don't' think so but she did share and let her brother hold it for a bit... hmmm which is a rarity! and nope he didn't bury it!!

Hey to bad pictures for a cell phone camera.....;o)

Big Yellow Taxi Socks

2007-07-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

Big Yellow Taxi Socks
Originally uploaded by soapfibergal

Thanks to a swap with Bad Amy on the knitty's coffeeshop. She found me a skein of Louet Gems to finish my socks!!

size 1 needles,
Yarn-Louet Gems in Cherry Red along with some leftover regia.
Pattern Big Yellow Taxi
Book -SiriusKnitting: Friendly Sock Books 1 and 2
Friendly Socks II
Designer -Becky Yoder

Errrr!! Zonda LOL More Yarn PoRn!

2007-07-13T15:09:00.000-04:00

Oh Zonda your can be so bad with your Yarn Porn!!, I had to see my PCP today and took a little detour to the LYS where Dani works at The Black Sheep Knitting Co... Great shop too they are all so very nice in there! Just amazing service! The owner asked if I'd be interested in coming in to do a spinning demo and teaching some drop spindle..I gave her my info to call and set up with me...of course they carry her beautiful yarns!! So I couldn't resist buying more ......They didn't have any of the new colors so I held off on her but acquired these instead

That New Jitterbug by Colinette Bright Charcoal I just couldn't resist the last skein picked it up twice and had to have it!! Your so bad so showing me that color on your blog too....Like I needed it right? YEP!! I most certainly do!!! heehee Gotta love these colors together.. You know that Dusk was awful tempting too, seen someone knitting some... ooooh!

Another great yarn I couldn't resist this colorway either.....Crazy Woman Bearfoot by Mountain Colors

Of course now I have a set of empty needles , tough decision which to start off with!! hmmmm

OMG No WAY!!! That Cocoa Kiss is a defiante must have!!! It's listed at the store I was at but they didn't have any, I would've snatched it up too! ;o))

Couldn't Resist Sunshine!

2007-07-09T14:22:00.000-04:00

You know I have all kinds of dyes and could dye myself but lately I don't have any time and for me I'd much rather spin & knit, to me much more enjoyable then dying....
Zonda had turned me onto Sunshine Yarns from Dani a while ago and I swore I'd never shop on those etsy shops...but I
Just couldn't resist some new colors from Dani over at Sunshine Yarns present for the 4th.....lol

Colorado Sunset....Lots of colors.. Can you imagine a sunset with those colors here on Cape Cod on the East coast?? DH has taken me out on the boat to watch sunsets (years ago) and some of the most absolute gorgeous one I've ever seen with but this must be more beautiful! One of our neighbors is from out west (CO)and say they are the most beautiful he's ever seen..

other side

a little closer view pretty accurate color on my screen here too

ohhh & ahhh over Indie.. How could anyone resist.. Don't you just love chocolate and the different shades of browns & pink together

she included a free gift sample of this Wool Wash called Soak too.. can't wait to try it

No patterns in mind yet, I just received the yarn over the weekend and still petting and admiring....debating on what to knit with them...Of course socks! ;o)) any one have any thoughts or ideas?

Yarn PoRn

2007-07-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

Been spinning whenever I get a little time here and there

Came out with 2oz sk 3ply 167 yards soft merino neat shade changes throughout

going to work on another skein in this lovely hand dyed grays roving for another sk to make maybe hmm socks?

Happy 4th!

2007-07-04T22:27:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone has a happy and safe forth!! raining here!

Been very ill Update

2007-07-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

very frustrated.
I had a lover biopsy when I had my gall bladder out a couple weeks ago.. The bx has been back for over a week and I keep getting a bunch of BS from the DRs offices.. First I called to find out my results and they had a very uninformative resident call me who wouldn't give me much info except
we'd like to have you go to the liver transplant center and see them.
I asked very specifically about different illness, diseases cancer, etc. he wouldn't say no negative or positive??? well why not?

So I hang up and call the center for an appointment and they said I'd be lucky to get in by Oct. Ok no problem

Then minutes later they call me and said the DR decided to open some time for you in July can you come up then?? well yeah!! I kinda need my liver.

Then a couple days ago the surgeons office calls me back to change my follow up appointment and ask about setting up a date for 5 pieces of my liver to be taken from various areas to confirm diagnosis?? WHAT?? What diagnosis? oh not sure until we can confirm the extent of the damage??? What diagnosis and damage??
Why and what can they be leaving out.. I refused to set up any more surgeries, treatments or anything until someone tells me what this fishing expedition is all about and what they want to confirm and see what??

I thought I had some rights to my care?
and before any tells me to go elsewhere.. I am going to see the head of the liver center transplant surgeon in Boston.. worlds renown and actually all my regular DRs and specialists are in the same hospitals.....but right now I'm not feeling very confident and my recovering hasn't gone all that well so far. Already been back in the hospital over night over the weekend... Not fun at all!
Right now the DRs is currently keeping on morphine the end of the week will be 3 weeks... I know this isn't normal..continued low grade temps.. I keep being told I'm having a gall bladder attack now?? They took the darn thing out??
Just so nauseated, ill, a lump in my throat that wont' go away! errrr! So very frustrated

Am going to have a busy month especially the next couple weeks also some appointments with my son too. He may have to come off his meds, it's making him a very angry mean kid.. We're looking into a service dog for him with the epilepsy & behavior issues but they want $9500 fee...plus we have to go to training for a couple weeks... which is to be expected but still.. Fundraising for that kind of money for one person isn't easy and still keep up with other stuff....Way behind of medical payments...Just trying to stay a float with medicines and living expenses...I spoke with the school and the principal is going to hire someone for him to stay with in school, classes and stuff starting September. So glad the school is working with us regarding him being in a regular school and at the same time trying not to label him.... One less thing off my mind for the moment
Now trying to juggle appointments in order of importance?? Kids first but I need my liver too....hmmmm errrrr!
Haver had a few short moments to spin a little makes me feel a little better & relax a bit...phewwww! Have to have some fiber in my life right?! LOL

Cascading Leaves

2007-06-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

One of Jeanie Townsend's most popular patterns 'Cascading Leaves'
Lodestone STR yarn
size 1 DPN needles
Her group Townsend Sock KAL is open to join, click on the lighthouse for direct link

STR Hippy Crunchy

2007-06-22T05:56:00.000-04:00

I had left them in a bag all most completed a few months back, then haven't seen them since.
As soon I found them not intentionally mid you, I was looking for something else in my closet and this small sock sack emerged...heehee
I love the colorway. I definitely can NOT part with these, besides their a perfect fit!!

Lookin good with the birks?? Some people think I'm nuts with my crazy socks and sandals...Oh well they just don't get it! The funny thing is I see people wear them all the time, like my next door neighbor.. A middle aged single man....He doesn't say anything.....lol hmmm I wonder if I should find a pair of those clear clogs for the winter....LOL My cousins always pick on me that I dress like the 80s......Yep I like my comfortable stretch pants and long shirts of course the socks on the outside.....LOL
I don't dress like that on a regular basis but it's comfortable! (and also coming back in style,usually a stay home day, R&R day or PJ day whatever..) I like to dress like that going to their place gives them a hoot and a haller!! heehee

Still recovering and having some bouts of pain during the day! Not all day so getting somewhat better.

Baa Baa Sheep...

2007-06-20T07:41:00.000-04:00

I placed an order a couple weeks ago from Lantern Moon, I've been wanting a new door mat for a long time now. Isn't' it neat! It's made of coconut fiber... I think she likes it here....;o)

Since I've had a tough time lately and I haven't bought myself anything for a while. I thought I'd deserve a nice set of needles for a change.. I bought these size 0 in Ebony, thought it was the hardest wood and they were $24.50 plus 1/3 added on for shipping toO! YIKES!
Look to my disappointment.. I 'm sending them back for a replacement but wondering if I should get the rosewood instead but they did also agree that Ebony was the stronger one. ErrrrR! to me it looks like coated wood like pressed stuff or something...what are the odds and my dumb luck!

I guess bad luck is better than no luck... to the PO we go....

Updates and in need of some help

2007-06-18T07:28:00.000-04:00

I've been in bed, hospital and couch for over a week now recovering....had a very tough time with procedures found out I have to have a full follow up I didn't pass the cardiology screening nor tests, EKG & ECHO.... so to a cardiologist to see if I qualify for a pacemaker (like I really need any more medical issues, I have enough to last an entire extended family for a lifetime!!) and when they took my liver out later in the week they had to take a few biopsies of stuff.. liver not looking to good....Hopefully will have those results by the end of this week.... Crossing my fingers.. in the meantime between kids needs, my own and resting I've been busy knitting again.. Boy does it feel GOOD! A little painful but nevertheless GREAT to be knitting again. Makes me feel better and not so depressed...I think the pain meds help me knit faster...heehee

Here's one pair of socks. Pattern is from the new book "Friendly Sock Compilation, Vol II: A-Z and more".

16 author/designers: Debra Barker, Debra Chinn, Marcia Cordell, Michelle Fischer, Bonnie Franz, Sheron Goldin, Kathy Nehrenz, Joan Macleod, Claudia Tietze, Jeanie Townsend, Linda Walsh, Charlton Wilbur, Nancy Wild, KyleAnn Williams, Becky Yoder, and me, Laura Andersson (editor).
Book 1 is $24 and 4.50 priority ship; Book 2 is
$28 and 4.50 priority ship.
Book 2 is about 140 pages, with 40+ patterns & articles from 16 different designers you know. These are FULL-SIZE, books, not skimpy!
As well, there are helpful articles on topics such as how to use handspun in that new pattern you bought!
Books have plastic covers for protection over cardstock covers, spiral binding to lay flat, and full color. there's also a pocket for your notes and etc!

Pricing: Book 1, $24 and $4.50 priority ship
Book 2, $28 and $4.50 priority ship.

Special offer: if you order both books together, then you can
have free shipping (a $9 value) or 20% off book 1.

PS paypal to, drlaura@siriusknitting.com

(btw I have some patterns in it, I was published for the first time this year!!)

the pattern that I have been working on here is called Big Yellow Taxi designed by Becky Yoder
which I only changed the colors for July.....thought it looked pretty neat....

So I weighed out my yarn and all to make sure I had enough but opps.. Guess what not! Hoping someone can help me out here maybe possibly.....pretty please, my toes will be very cold....and another shade/color didn't look right.....

now............

I'm in immediate desperately seeking if anyone happens to have a few
yards in their sock yarn leftovers of
Louet Gems Pearl in Cherry Red?

Dyelot 80.1112-8 but NOT necessary just need a few yards to finish up
a toe is all..

I love leftovers if you don't need them , can work out arrangements
for them please email me off list. I'm on the east coast but don't
care where it comes from ......

Then I'll be back to my recovery! promise.....yeah right! Seriously yes, back to the couch for a nap!

Knitter Tea Swap 3 Package Arrival!!

2007-06-07T14:35:00.000-04:00

I received my most generous box of goodies from Margene for the Knitters Tea Swap!
This was received late yesterday!

See all the Pretty paper. She's such a delightful person!

Passing the kitty inspection first....

Kitty was very intrigued by these items very first!

who can blame her, a kitty after my own heart.. Spinning fiber fun not one but 2 of these wonderful thrums from Spinderella's Creations. Wool/Alpaca blend which is nice for petting of course but fun to spin up with the extra fun surprises blended in the rovings.. See closer to the detail or the interesting colors.. Oh this will be lots of fun to spin up!!
How lucky is Margene to have a local mill near to her to keep up with her fiber additons....LOL We have to ship our stuff out to processors or process ourselves around here.

goodness I've never had the pleasure nor experience of trying Spunky Eclectic Super Nova in Chocolate Covered Cherries!!! hmm Nope not edible but very yummy indeed! Look at the gorgeous color blends....

then another great color choice of On-Line Sock yarn
both choices are most definitely me and ones I'd choose myself! She couldn't have picked better colors if I was with her!!!

Now she must know I've always been wanting wooden sock blockers... Now Thanks to her I have a set of wooden sock blockers...heeheee Love these little guys.. Key chain and with misc socks with samples to knit up right away.... YAHOOO!!

Also I love this wonderful brew in mug, the box said color Olive but to my surprise when I opened it, it's a beautiful cross of periwinkle/nautical blue color.. Ohhh definitely me for sure! Great size and the brew cup inside can fit in most any mug as well!
Other really awesome items included, a very cool stitch marker from Loopy Ewe in red of course which I'm very fond of besides blue....my 2 most favorite colors of course.. A very neat little book that holds a pad of post-its note pads and one's included from Lantern Moon, has a great stitched design on the front (red)a very neat card (which I forgot in my first package I sent, I was to excited about getting it to her), in the photo has 16 cakes of yarn thats very colorful & cheery! A couple of sample packages of Walkers shortbread cookies (which I've never tried either), 3 mini bars of chocolate (ginger, jasmine & orange blossom tea flavored), a box of 4 melted truffles of some sort I'm guessing but tasted very good, a bag of Ying Ming Tea from Tea Grotto and a box of Ahmad tea Evening Decaf tea....
Last but not least a cute tea cup magnet which was attached to a round purple tea tin which I assumed was tea until I opened it to make a cup to try because I didn't know the type it was, and it wasn't tea but FULL of chocolate candy covered sunflower seeds, which is ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE Of mine and my 19 y/o whose been eagerly awaiting to take some... we've been arguing over them since I found them last night.....heeehee... Guess whose winning!??
Isn't it just amazing how well you can get to know someone online you've never met!!
WE defiantly had a great partnering system by Suzi this round!! WOOHOOO! Thank you Both very much for making my life a little brighter these days!

Thank you for great fun and new friendship!

Knitters Tea Swap 3

2007-05-31T05:08:00.000-04:00

This swap is a one time deal and our swap partners are not a secret. I'm happily swapping with Margene I wanted to send so much stuff it was hard to resist so she'll be receiving these 2 overstuffed packages tomorrow hopefully! (depends on our trusty USPS) I still have a couple things I picked up at a local gift shop that I just couldn't fit into either package, I was so excited to get them off, I should've got a much larger box! oppps! I even forgot to include the card I have picked out for her too. I'm such a badddddddd girlllllll! How embarrassing! Please forgive me...there just maybe another little surprise coming to you soon.....;o)) Hope you enjoy!!

Thanks to Suzie for organizing the swap again! Always enjoy each of her swaps! Hope to be invited back to the next one! If you haven't joined in the past keep an eye out for the next....

Long Memorial Weekend Working

2007-05-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

We planned on putting together a BBQ party on Saturday and relax drink eat and enjoy our friends and neighbors.. No one around here likes to leave the neighborhood on Memorial weekend... Way to many accidents from the tourists who don't' know how to drive where they not use to... So I always like to throw something together. I did lots of preparations on Thursday & Friday. Besides, cleaning house, laundry, cooking what I could ahead of time, shopping, using neighbors fridges for stuff.. made 100s of Jello shots of the adults and virgins ones for the kids.

First I had to finish laying patio bricks, about 75 of them!! woooo is that some hard work digging in the ground and making them level... I think I did a fine job too if I say so myself!! Seriously I was commented on them by several people men included!!

here's more of them...

Then I bought my DH a grill of all grills for the deck! It's a combo birthday (next week), anniversary (last month)& Fathers Day present Besides the beautiful stainless steel it has 5 burners, ceramic grill top, if you look closely a bottle opener to the left, and check this out

inside a light and built in smoke box to the left

a condiment holder

the accessories that came with it too the ice bucket or trash can & the complete deluxe rotisserie kit!! All fit under the cabinet which also has a shelf on the inside door and hanging things.. Woohoo also has a couple spare outlets in the back as well.... check out the BBQ turner spatula..... I had to get that for the new grill from Pampered Chef of course... It's a defiantly must have to anyone who like to BBQ.. It has a beveled front edge, serrated side edge, piercing corner, a bottle opener and also comes with a protective cover... They sell for $15.50 plus shipping if anyone is interested in one let me know....DH loved it!

then of course spread lawn seed, feed & weed killer, then more seed. Then I had to spray some caterpillar stuff and then the ant, spiders and whatever other bug killer stuff as well. I HATE bugs this time of year, the town sprays everywhere but our area, one because we to close to the ocean.
Then to top it all off sprayed rosemary essential oil over the entire yard, house, fence, drive & walk ways too..
a great mosquito killer from what I've learned I also like to add a touch of peppermint oil with it, together the yard and outside of the house smell as good as inside...heeheee

then back to Home depot for plants and lights. I need to paint my statue when I get the energy and patience too

DH bought me a fire pit too.

Everyone had a good time! No one left hungry thats for sure..

Sunday we drove up to New Hampshire to see a cousin of ours we use to go camping with, they had bought a million dollar home. Absolutely Gorgeous!! Had lots of fun in the heated pool, riding quads, eating & drinking again....lol

Monday we went to a friend of DH who lives right up the road not even 5 minutes for a last minute BBQ.

At least I'm enjoying my week off before more DRs, surgery & appointments start up again like crazy!!

the rest of my week off I will continue to do more yard. Home Depot has a great deal on Ceder Mulch 5 of the HUGE bags for $10!! Then maybe a little R&R is an order..
Oh BOY my poor achy body hurts! and I've been totally exhausted as well!

Oh btw my children had a great time and my son has been pretty well, some meds are giving him some unsettling side effect issues that are next to impossible to deal with, (a story for another day) but other then that he had a nice weekend overall!

More updates!

2007-05-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

Well my daughters recovery at home didn't go as planned neither has my son's illnesses, they both ended up back admitted to the hospitals, of course a huge inconvenience too at 2 different hospitals one is our normal pediatricians admitting hospital and the surgeon at a different one of course, nothing in my life can be so simple....
I had to spend time at both places because of course both cry for Mommy but when I'm there they cry for Daddy. That was fun!! NOT!!!
When my daughter got sent home were were so excited how she was doing and insisted on taking her home before we could see the DR because that'd be another day or 2... phewww! They got a hold of the DR and I spoke with him so I was able to do so... Thank goodness! Well it couldn't go as planned of course.. On our way home coming off the highway off the ramp I was at a stop sign because of oncoming traffic and a very young girl rear ended us!!! Ohh lucky us...
A few small dings on the car and because I have a fairly new car 2 years old this year.... It has those locking seat belts that when you have your foot on the brake they lock!! Well of course they did their job but at the same time gave me multiple bruise immediately! The downfall is there no play in them so you don't' go flying but they HURT! So after exchanging information and stuff, called my husband who wanted me to call the police. I couldn't put my daughter through any more trauma of the police showing up with ambulances for us, that would mean flat boards & neck braces and a ride to the hospital that would frighten the witts out of her especially if we couldn't be together.. She wasn't hurt as bad because the should strap she put across her chest instead because it digs into her neck.. She had bounced back into the seat and was stiff against the seat scared out of her mind asking me what had happened!
I told here we were hit by another car an accident and not to move until mommy checked her out.. When she did gracefully.. She's so good! She had some redness and was very sore... If she didn't complain of her neck I most likely would of not gone tot he hospital. The girl who hit us was so worried especially after finding out I had a young child in the car with me.. She kept apologizing up and down. She meant to slam on the brake and punched the gas instead of break to slow down on the off ramp!! Geezzz I had to think fast here I have a teenager who drives.. She was of course upset and I didn't want to send her off driving in that state of mind.. I checked her and her car made sure the hood could open and everything was in working order.. Told her not to worry to much thats why they call them accidents, a police car drove by us and she started jumping up & down to flag him to stop.. Of course not , not around here...I'm mean no one is committing murder of something... I did call them on my way to the hospital and they said to go online to get accident reports and drop one off that we didn't need a car.. So much for there job titles to SERVE AND PROTECT!!! They forget to care about the serve part I guess there to busy cruising around and parking to read the daily papers...Who knows.....Whole other subject there...

When arriving at the hospital and finding out we had the accident, of course stretchers and neck braces ... My daughter started freaking out in the emergency room and refused So I told her to just lay with me on mine.... The nurses wasn't to pleased but I told her she just had a traumaticing experience and we just left about an hour ago. She looked us up in the computer and said looks like your daughter is still upstairs the paperwork hasn't gone through or updated and her record was still on the floor which we had to wait for them to retrieve those before we could be seen.. They took us in right away under the circumstances so that was good. We spent most of the night there didn't leave until well after midnight after a full range of X-Rays on me!! My daughter had 101 questions to the radiology tech's... Tooo funny!

I can't believe how many views they needed to take. They wouldn't take off the neck brace which of course was digging into the bruises from the seat belts.. OUCH!

They gave me drugs and finally took it off after finding nothing broken but lots of pulls, bruising inside/out, some swelling on the side of neck & shoulder, strains, sprains and whatever she said basically all of the above...
same with my daughter... Good things.. We can go home and sleep in our beds for a change! My daughter was just being weined off the codeine and now they said to give her some more for a few days...

After a day and half rest the appointment and follow ups have started up again. Good news she got to go back to school today! She s so happy to see her friends again at school!! I spoke with the teacher to let her know first, she expected the class to be a little disrupted by her return....
My son doesn't have structural damage which is the good news but still not much for answers and alot of I don't' knows and more tests to come ..I had a follow up with my surgeon and he wants to take my gallbladder out next week the 30th!! It's about time and a long long time coming too.. I've had so many attacks and stones sludge,infections regularly for a few years now and more recently for the past year it's not emptying and contracting properly!! So this is long overdue for sure just bad timing!! I got it scheduled into June to give me a little break with stuff and before my sons tests come up. So June 5th DH 40th birthday, pre-op for breast reduction, June 11th if scopes, lots of biopsies for colon cancer I'm a very high risk and removal for polyps... Last day of school that day too for my daughter and then June 13th is the gallbladder surgery. June 16th DH back yard party, a neighbor/friend is helping me with her DH is coming home from Cuba that week (for a couple months then has to goto Iraq) so it's a combination party. June 17th Fathers day & my son's friend's birthday party

All I can remember at the moment without looking at all my appointment cards and calender.. YIKES!! So I need the next week and half to rest up... Oh and of course the 18th summer camp starts 9-12 Mon -Thurs and so does my son's tests and specialist start too. We even need to see another neurologist/neurosurgeon as well in-between sometime...

In the meantime I'm excited about the Tea Swap 3 I signed up for... Zeneedle is my partner!! We have so much in common this will be a piece of cake....heeeheee I can have a little fun in my life this year!! YIPPIE!!

So this is the short version of my life, I'm sure I've forgot some highlights but how can one manage... I'll never know, I'm so numb it isn't even funny!

I haven't touched any knitting in so long, I sure hope I remember how to... I'm still working on my STR Hippy Crunch socks, see this is how far I got a few months ago....

I really like the colorway I just hope I can figure out where I left off in the pattern.

Some updates

2007-05-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to thank everyone for their concern and the supporting comments left on the previous post. Much appreciate all the support prayers & well wishes.. Certainly am becoming a true believer of prayers!! It's sad but nice to read..Of course I'd love to call you Amy or Mandy.. I do have free call plan on my home when... When I'm home for a conversation. feel free to email me!

Well it's been a while since I've been able to sit at the computer for anything. this is breif on what my life has been, To say the very least I've been HIGHLY stressed to say the very least not sure if I'm coming or going half the time, walking around in a trance yes sir no sir state and can't even remember what yarn/fiber feel like anymore..
My sons EEG went ok. I got an immediate call from the neurologist to tell me that in fact yes he has a seizure disorder and that is effecting his entire brain more so on one side then the other. It wouldn't be surprising to see a few different types of seizures based on the findings and we're scheduled to have a MRI on Sunday Mothers May 12th to see if theirs any structural damages. He has been started on anti seizure medicine twice a day to prevent future occurances. Now the other thing is that the type of seizures he's been experience that have been witnesses by both his pediatrician and myself and a few others are not consistent with his diagnosis and the DR has no explanation or answers for this. We are going to be having a second opinion during the summer with a completely different set of eyes.

Over the past several weeks both my younger children have been blue.. My little girl got very DK blue through her wrists, hands, fingers, and my son's mouth face chin.. I almost broke down at the pediatricians office both my little ones looked like smurfs and freaking me out!! The DR kinda laughed a little to lighten up the situation for me, made me feel so much better and told me exactly why...phewwww! The feeling so helpless and seeing them like that has to be the absolutely one of the worst feelings a mother can experience... My daughters heart rate was racing because the heart had to pump more and harder to keep the flow of oxygen going though her body. She was put on antibiotics and back to school. My son on the another hand has asthma flare ups so badly that the combination of drugs hasn't' been to effective, he turned blue 3 or 4 times since my last post at least anyway that I could tell maybe more grey at times as well. He's out of the woods with the asthma still on very high dosages for a 5 y.o double of what I'd be using. Steriod shots daily has helped tremendously!! Hate them but what a wodner drug for him. only 3 hospital stays over the past month or two.. Of course he also developed phenomena & croup 3 times as well, virus's etc. Non specific viruses I can't stand..
My son has been in/out of the hospital for sometime now. He's been currently sick with all kinds of issues and difficult to treat
Now I'm questioning c-diff (because of all the different antibiotics he's been on/off the past couple months) he's been at the hospital this past week or so, my DH came to relief me yesterday afternoon and is still with him.. Thank God I needed a break, certainly LONG overdue!. Poor little guy is so petheitc too with the IV and getting blood work all the time. He's been hanging in their like a tropper though. He wants to come home so badly....He's lost about 7 pounds over the past couple weeks since not eating alot of getting his nutrition though the Ivs.
My daughter had emergency surgery on her tonsils & adnoise because in result of the racing heart rate and blueness she was quickly becoming septic because of her tonsils....The DR & OR nurses couldn't believe how LARGE they actually were could tell from examinations . they we're alot larger then golf balls they kept telling us and on the septic scale or something #2.....She's home resting comfortably, SO I had enjoyed a nice quiet evening with her last night and sleeping in my bed.. oh WOW!!! The little things you miss....!! WOOHOO! a few days ago at a different hospital about 45-an hour away from each other (of course the way) It's been difficult to be at both hospitals, since both kids keep whining for mommy all the time. and we've had my 19 y/o daughter around alot more helping so we can trade places with the little ones being alone at any given time.
another HUGE worry is the thousands of dollars that unexpectedly are needed for co-payments, scripts, not to mention the bills that will be rolling in soon!!

When my son comes home we have so many appointments to try to keep up with in between hospital visits that my life has been totally insane.. Of course my daughters follow ups. My daughters will be home for the next couple weeks from school. Still on frozen pops will be graduating to ice cream later today or tomorrow, she's still having difficulty swallowing. She's also a trooper! With our son the DR did mention that their been be a question of an un-operable brain tumor on the MRI which wouldn't be too surprising but treating systems and prevention is the key to have him live a normal kids life.. Now how is that normal?? Poor kids doesn't have a clue and doesn't remember any episodes.... I guess from the DR we should be seeing some stroke like symptoms if they last more then 2-3 minutes to get immediate medical attention.. I guess it's time to make nicey nice with the fire dept......The fire chief did tell me to make sure we're all certified in CPR & first -aid which I am and my oldest daughter is. DH learned over 20 years ago in the service and thinks thats good enough...errrr! He's also still in some denial too according to my mil. I even had the DR put everything in writing for him too...errrr! Frustrating and a whole other story another time... Last night has been the first time he was even willing to stay over at the hospital with him...

On another note I'm looking forward to joining the next Knitters Tea Swap Suzie is hosting again. (thank you for the invite) Defiantly something fun to look forward to when my life slows down and both kids are home.

Also a huge Thank you Laura for the beautiful book and letting me be part of it.. Woohoo!! Way to go Congrats on yet another wonderful sock pattern book. 'Friendly Socks A-Z Book 2' So many neat patterns....Wish I had time to knit, my needles miss me, I touch them in passing...

Just when you think things CAN'T get any worse!

2007-03-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

Seriously they DO!

My baby (he's actually 5) has pneumonia, acute duress with his asthma, & conjunctivitis.... He has been
having seizures, we had no idea there some type of silent ones with no convulsions. Which we've been clueless........ the other
day he did it again while I was at the DRs office with the DR. I was getting his coat on and we were ready to leave when it happen in front of the DR, this time was bad, in my arms he became blue, he stopped breathing (coded or something the DR was saying) my little girl & myself were freaking, he was uncautious for quite sometime......the episode was 2 minutes then 10 before he woke briefly...in and out of cautiousness for a few hours groggy not knowing who we were. Once he was able to sit up and be himself again several hours later it was like it never happened, he don't' remember anything at all....
that it's been happening for quite some time, starring episodes they call
them. I've been having to wake him every 2 hours around the clock for the
past 72 hours hours. He also does this thing of ignoring people?? Age appropriate I thought he is 5 1/2 y/o.....his eyes get a little glassy (kinda like he's about to cry but doesn't teary thing going on) and he doesn't respond right away to you but snaps out of it quickly type of thing.. We had no idea anything was wrong, sometimes he'd get time outs because we've been thinking it's a behavior issue and we just haven't been able to nip it in the butt yet...tried everything reward charts too...A couple weeks ago he started pre-school part time 3 mornings a week and not once when I picked him up have I got a good repost?? Just several time outs and destruction of property?? All because of he's day dreaming or spacing out, not listening and or ignoring the teachers? and when I called to let them know he'd be out and what happened.. They said they will continue to discipline my son for these behaviors..which the DR had told me that he may not be aware of these behaviors let alone have the memory of them.. I asked for that in writing from the DR yesterday!! They don't believe thats this is the case and my son is basically just a rotten child?! I have to let that one go for the moment since my immediate concern is my son and his well-being and getting the appropriate care ASAP! EEGs, one awake and another sleep deprived, I'm suppose to keep him up all night....hmm that's be fun!
We have several appointments, consultations with 2 and possible a third special pediatric neurologist's in Boston. I've heard from 3 different one the past couple days who 'd like to see him...From my understanding this is a rare type or epileptic form of seizures in less then 4% if that I've been told.

What would anyone think?? Someone trying to get their own way? Who would've thought. The DRs has been checking in every day several times through the days since. I think he had a couple tiny episodes since..... The DR suspects this has been going on for sometime well over a year possible 2 thinking back....I feel like the worlds worst mom!! Very depressing.. Should I have noticed sooner and stopped downplaying it?

on another note

a few weeks back I was teaching a woman how to knit socks, I even RAK'd her a ton of stuff, a Debbie Bliss book with a tote full of different yarns, some needles, etc to help a new knitter get started...I've even been helping her knit trying to get her to do socks....Whats up with rumor of good things for those who give and give and give help & time to others.... Isn't it time for us to have some good things happen to us or at the very least some good karma around us... Why me?? Since it's been one horrifying thing after another
I'd even settle for some boring life time right now.

I've got a couple rubber stamps that arrived from someones home party I went to last month.. Now I think I need to sit and make some cards with my kids or maybe some me time... sounds better I think...I'm suppose to be collecting some orders from a friend... Anyone want to purchase some rubberstamps or scrapbboking stuff you can here but don't order online email me me your order

A couple weeks ago I did finish a special hat for my daughter, she told me what she wanted and we did it.. She LOVEs her new hat and even wears it too! so that in itself makes me feel better

Hard to see by the pictures but it's a purple with speckles and pink around the face opening. I sort of changed this pattern to suit my 6 y/o little girl and some stretch to last sometime for her.....

Ok back to resting before the round of medicines.. he's taking 8 at the moment. None for the seizures yet.

Monkey Pound Cake

2007-02-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

Voting polls are open today & tomorrow until midnight... I hope you enjoy it's really very good!
I made some for a function last week and everyone really enjoyed it! It went so fast , never had a chance of a photo op... sorry

Monkey Pound Cake

A rich & smooth sweet tasty treat that goes great with tea time! (or anytime)

Prep Time: approx. 60-90+ minutes
Serving Size: 8-12

Ingredients
1 yellow cake box mix
4 large eggs
1 cup strong Golden Monkey tea
1/3 cup oil
1 package dry vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup creamy frosting of your choice vanilla or
other flavoring

Directions
Preheat oven 350F. Grease & flour 10' bundt or tube pan
Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, tea & oil in large bowl.
Meat for 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for approx.20- 30 minutes
Invert onto serving plate. Cool completely

For Glaze
heat frosting in small saucepan over med/low heat, stirring constantly, until thin. Do not overheat.
Drizzle over cake

Enjoy!

A HOT week or two!

2007-02-21T06:31:00.000-05:00

Crazy Week! I'm hoping to get some R&R this weekend.....maybe!

Here's some highlights of my life and why I haven't posted for a while.

First my UIL passed away very unexpectedly at age 60! This seems to be the norm for my in-laws and early in life, there's no elderly people in the family. Now my DH is the second oldest man living in the family and only 39 will be 40 in June! He has one uncle left 45 y/o. Hey the good news the women live into there 60s.

Not to mention having to reschedule my daughter's surgery, she had to have a overnight sleep study first, then some other stuff, other appointments and school vacation

I wanted to post some pictures but DH said I couldn't for way to many reasons.

First I head up to the city for my remicade treatment which I get every 4-5 weeks really can't go any longer without pain or problems only takes about 7 hours including travel time. Well 1/2 way up to the city one of the interstates was kinda flooded, had slowed me down of course, cars ahead of me I could see fishtailing, so thought I should slow down even more. As soon as I stepped on the brake (lightly, of course) my car spun around!! Scary must hit some ice thankful no one hit me.....What I won't do for my medicine... Some thought I was NUTs to go an hour away that day, even the nurses said everyone's been canceling and for me being so far the furthest they expected it! No way not that day I was determined and already late getting it, I really needed it or may be looking to face another inpatient stay at the hospital, but right about now, thats sounds like a spa vacation!

That evening when I returned home, put on my PJs, got myself nice & cozy on the couch with my kitty to unwind, my phone rings!! About 8:30pm now, my oldest daughter who was tanning (she was leaving the next day for the week in Florida). She was hysterical on the phone!! A woman was stabbed 9 times in the packing lot where she was tanning when she was leaving, she didn't see to much but after only second of her walking out to her car. The woman in the tanning salon had heard hysterical screaming in the parking lot, she ran outside thinking it was my daughter to find a woman bleeding and stabbed just behind the parking space in front of the building exactly where my daughter was parked. The woman from the tanning salon called my daughter on the phone before she even got home which BTW is only about 4 blocks from us.
My daughter immediately called me (explains her being so hysterical). I told her not to turn around to come pick me up right away and I'd go back there with her! There where 8 local police cars, 2 state and K9 already there.. My daughter was freaking out I wasn't sure the line of questioning there were going to ask her, hmm witness or excusing....I didn't prep her for them and say if she gets uncomfortable about any questions to say not without my lawyer present. There was so many of them who all wanted to question her. They did let me in and stay for the questioning too... Alot she couldn't remember at the time and didn't answer. She told me more it seemed but I was just thankful the other woman was there or it couldn't been her who was hurt. the other woman didn't have any critical wounds which was good news but still...and the man only got $3!!

The next day the electric company shut off the entire neighborhood to place telephone polls.. hmm try keeping a active 5 y/o can be challenging so we had to go out and keep busy and entertained for the day.
That night on the news was how the interstates in PA have been shut down due to ice storms/snow, etc. the coast guard was delivering blankets, food & water to vehicles that had to spend the night on the highways bumper to bumper traffic.. Since my daughter was driving with her friend and their family, they have to go through that way, I tried to get a hold of her all night. I finally got though the next day, they were all fine but had to re-route around another way and were fine just a lot longer drive. Phew! Thank God!

Then the next day after dinner our phone rings, caller-ID says in coming call, not unavailable, out of area, name or number at all. So we don't answer those other calls...Strange thing it only rings a few times not even enough for voice-mail to pick up, then again and the 3rd time I had my husband answer! Some woman who didn't identify herself or even say where she was calling just that there was a boat on fire at my husbands work.... I never seen my husband fly out of the house so fast! His work is only a couple miles away, he's the general mgr of a large boat dealership in the area. (btw this was not a call from the alarm service company either)
I waited about 10 minutes or so to call him to see what was going on, yes in deed a boat was in flames.. A $175,000 boat! He arrived before the fire dept, which is only a couple bldg from his work. As the fire dept tried to put it out it got larger and 2 other boats caught fire, by this time 5 trucks with hoses where on top of it, but not going out, the had to use chemicals and foam...my husband was suppose to be in the office bldg making calls. the owner was at a boat show over an hour away too. In the meantime my phone rings again so I answer, it was a fire fighter friend of my husbands who wasn't on the call and asked where he was?? Hello down at work? He's like I need to speak with him RIGHT AWAY.. I asked why, he said because he couldn't get him on his cell and the office bldg was catching fire!!
I hung up and tried to reach him again with no luck.. I did get a couple neighbors to come sit with my sleepy kids so I could run to his work myself..Thinking no way he said it was just a boat when I spoke to him.. One of my neighbors didn't want me to go not alone or not at all. She understood I had to and followed me. When I arrived, I pulled in around the police car, ambulance & firetrucks, pulled up to right behind where the hoses on the ground laid, Can you believe no one stopped me?? Nor asked me who I was or what I was doing where I think I was going?? Anyway I ran to the office bldg, I guess the fire did spread but luckily they got control of the flames right along side the bldg.. I went and found my husband of course...YES he was fine, so my neighbor left.
I stayed for an hour or so, hang around with him, fire fighters, etc. shaking our heads in disbelief not only about who luck was on their side, no one got hurt but also that the motors and fuel lines (that weren't drained) didn't not ignite!!
Some friends of ours on one truck were packing up? I went over to ask why? Well one of them came to me gave me a kiss and said we have to run the others can take care of yous there another fire up the road!! It was a 2 alarm fire over there at that time, my DH work had 4 towns there. Well when I left to go home I was about 1/2 way through a neighborhood between the main road and our house and it was totally blocked with fire trucks, police, ambulances,etc.... This night isn't getting any better, it usually takes me 5 minutes tops to get home! I got close enough to see flames and smoke, figured out where our friendly fireman had to go. A roaring house fire!! and only seconds from our house I probably could've walked home quicker too.
Very tragic evening, I was calmer when I got home, thanked the neighbor and yet still couldn't relax.. about 10 minutes later or so a firetruck pulls in front of my house on the grass with an ambulance?? Oh NO!! What now? I'm thinking something happen to my husband! Then I thought no way, so many thinks running through my head, so I called someone then my MIL woke her up just in case.. I went to the window and seen them walking up my walkway towards the front door, my heart dropped. I put the light on and was opening the front door, they quickly rushed away?? They apparently was looking at numbers on the house! Myself and mil where very relieved.
I ran went outside anyway.. I seen a woman uncautious on a stretcher being wheeled out of the house next door. A young girl lives there, I know her. Shes in her mid 20s and alone, just got a new room mate from her church. It was her.. The girl was frantic, I calmed her down and had her come over my house She wanted to go to the hospital to make she the woman was OK.. Apparently was was drinking while on some prescription medicated.
Well DH came home, couldn't get a hold of all the owners, had to get up to meet an investigator in the morning. renewing our vows the next day at the church was out of the question & of course I was running the luncheon/coffee afterwards... After I started the coffee urn, the extension cord fried.. WOW! It was fried! Good thing I didn't walked away and started to do something else of it could've turned into yet another fire... So we had to split the kids we each took one to do our thing.. In the meantime we found out a local restaurants roof caught fire the night before.. whats up someone going around starting fires for kicks or what?
My DH has had to meet investigators everyday since. yesterday we find out that Key Largo boats there their selling a the boat show he can't get and who knows when because the manufacturing plant (the only factory too) had burnt down the day before..and one of the boats that was totaled here was a Key Largo as well thats the $175,000 one that was completely destroyed DH had to give an estimate of damage that night and over 1/4 million easy but without being able to completely see the boat at the time couldn't give any specific.

My New car remember the one in the same that had flooding issues inside the car last year, now has transmission issues, 2 weeks ago I brought it in because it was slipping. they replaced the shifter cable, then the following week the blower wasn't working easy they made some adjustment, a little better but now bucking while driving but not on highway at steady speeds.. So had an appointment for Wed yesterday? get there to pick up a rental and the service manager tells me no I have you down for Thursday, he apologized for telling me Wed his mistake come back in the morning. So this morning I had to go back, I think I'll wait and call first. It's a 1/2 hour away! I told him I don't want my car back until it's fixed either!! With my luck it' won't do it to their mechanics!! Isn't that usually the way.. Hopefully it's in the computers memory the manager said.
yesterday or the day before I can't even remember the telephone company shut off all phone lines and internet service which of of me... it was out from 8am to about 4ish of course this is school vacation week to.. they didn't even let anyone know, at least the electric company gave us a letter way in advance of their outage
Ohh I have to jump in the shower and going....

Oh some good news, after re attempting to quit smoking again.. This new drug called Chantix, i think it's working today will be day 7 with no smoking!! I want a cigarette so bad! My cousin was suppose to quit with me and didn't someone gifted her 2 cartons, so she has to smoke them....meanwhile I already started the pills and they to expensive to replace $40 co-payment! and I'm not biting anyone's head off!!

note:
Whoever is watching is......If anything else can go wrong please stay away from us!! ;o)

Socket Pal is Truely AMAZING! Spoiled!

2007-01-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

First she sends me this package from Cafepress which I almost refused delivery because I know that I didn't order anything recently.

She's been blog stalking me for sure, because she sent these a new lighthouse mouse pad which was perfect

then this neat mug with all the cute penguins each one is dressed differently in each
nice tall mug too!

than to top it off this morning my bells rings again, Fedex?! Hmm no Clue!

It was this cute Stuffed Penguin which came in the light blue fabric bag along with a letter stating that someone made a generous contribution on my behalf through the WWF adoption program! Which is the World Wildlife Fund which has this program where you do a symbolic adoption of Emperor Penguin to help protect the animals and their habits. So they send you a kit with the stuffed animal in the bag, adoption certificate, colorful postcard and species fact card. I think he must go in the back window of my car!

I'm so touched but her generosity! Now I'm a proud mom of a penguin right?

It's definately a great cause not just for the cute penguins but all animals. So many have a love & passion for animals that I added the link on my sidebar the penguin there are so many other animals you can do the same not just penguins! Just click on the home link and it should take you there
I'm in aw with my sockret pal so excited and am looking forward to the reveiling! She's been totally AMAZING! Sending lots of hugs to you Secret Pal!
THANK YOU so much, I'm totally speechless! Your the best~!

Spin-Knit Swap

2007-01-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

My secret pal from the Spin & Knit swap sent me

approx 148 yards of some of her soft merino handspun! It's a nice natural color kinda tweedy. Great job spinning!!

also some neat earrings and chocolate which I ate right away; so it missed it's photo session.. opps! It was good too!

Thank you very much secret Pal I love it! Looks like it'll make a beautiful hat!
HUGE THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

You've Been Tagged!!

2007-01-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged! Now since your reading this post, your tagged too!

Just glad I was able to post this at all. Had another death in my husbands family his uncle passed away Monday evening T age 60....Sad to say but there just dropping like wild flies or something in his family the past couple years!

so this is what I came up with. Hope to do more posting when I return after the services!

6 Weird Things About Me

Ari has tagged me for the 6 Weird Things About Me meme.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog post of their own of 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

Hmmm. One of the things I've learned in this world is that weird is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes we do things that seem to make perfect sense to us, but others find a bit odd.

1. I alphabetize my movies.

2. I drink 99% only caffeine beverages.
hmmm could it be why I have a hard time sleeping and have recently had received a auto-bi-pap machine with auto ventilator system to breathe for me if I miss a breath during the night....

3. The space that my craft supplies occupies is 10 times larger than the space my wardrobe occupies. Being the higher percentage yarn of course

This is a common problem among crafters not shared by the rest of the population.

4. I'm getting very forgetful but only with short term memory......

5. I still bite my nails

6. I have 13 pillows on my bed.
and I want more, you can't have to many only 3 are decorative that come off before bed

Now, the 6 people I've chosen to tag with this meme:

1. Zonda at Z knits & sews
2. Cristi at turtlegirl
3. Linda at fiberbliss
4. Erin at the curly knitter
5. Maggie at maggiknits & spins
6. Helen at purlpower

Help t he Penguins!

2007-01-17T18:42:00.000-05:00

Not many of you know that beside Lighthouses I also like Penguins! I love to watch them for hours at the New England aquarium, use my penguin mug everyday first thing in the morning, it's my favorite.

I read about this on Purlpower's blog then investigated more ~'THANK YOU!'

I will have to keep up with this for sure.. My New cause for my penguin friends. Wonder if I can start one here too.....Would anyone be interested? We have some friend at the coast guard on Cape Cod

This article & pattern are are
linked to the post title &
I also put a link on the side bar too!

Presenter: David Kilby
Penguins in jumpers

Fairy penguins in oil-absorbing jumpers. Aren't they cute?

Most penguins dress far too conservatively - every day it's the same black and white formal outfit! But now some Aussie penguins are starting to go casual.

Jumpers are being knitted especially for our fairy penguin population. The clothing is used when the birds have been exposed to an oil spill, absorbing the oil off their feathers and keeping the animals warm in the meantime.

If you're a keen knitter, you can make a penguin jumper to add to the emergency stores. Here are knitting instructions from the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour, who are gathering jumpers for the cause.

How to Knit a Penguin Jumper

You will need:
# 8 ply wool

# 1 pair No 9 needles (3.75)

# 1 pair No 11 Needles (3.00)

Method:
# Cast on 36 Stitches

# K1 P1 to the end of row

# Repeat for 7 rows

# Change to K2 P2 and increase on stitch at each end of every row 4 times (44 Stitches)

# Continue until work measures 10 CM

# Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every row until 28 stitches remain

# Decrease 1 stitch in the middle of the next row

# Leave on needle or stitch holder

# Make second side the same as the first

# Using the No 11 needles knit both sides onto these needles and K1 P1 for 22 rows. Cast off.

# Stitch up the sides to the beginning on the decreasing to 27 stitches, this is to be left open for each flipper. Stitch up the neck.

# The finished jumper should measure 4.5Ã” (115mm) wide and 7.5Ã” (190mm) long

If you are a loose knitter, use smaller needles. And remember, the knitting must be firm to prevent the penguins from getting out of them.

Unfortunately, some jumpers are unsuitable for the penguins because of very loose knitting or greasy wool. Rather than throwing them away, the Pet Porpoise Pool is selling them on toy penguins in the souvenir shop. All the monies received are being shared between the Penguin Rehabilitation Centre and the South Gippsland Native Animal Rescue.

If you do make a jumper, you can send of off to :
The Manager
Pet Porpoise Pool
PO Box 532
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Older WIPS

2007-01-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

First I'd like to thank everyone for all the well wishes.. Still coming along evry slowly.. Gets so frustrating! I feel like I have very bad a head cold that just won't go away or get better!!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Here's a few older WIP's that I should be working on
First up an
Ombre Alpaca Blanket from Last Minute Knitted Gifts &
the French Socks (adult sized) from Knitting Vintage Socks with a skein of Step

then here's 4 pairs of socks on the needles
some Lorna Laces, STR, CTH & Brown Sheep Wildfoote and a lace mobieus scarf (a fiber trends pattern) with KSH

then a tivoli/picovoli Grumperina's pattern

What's New with me

2007-01-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yes another pair of socks....Of course basic 2x2 ribbed pattern such a nice stretchy perfectly comfortable everyday sock

Since I'm feeling a little better, still nasally and stuffed up can't blow my nose yet the DR said but continue the saline rinses often...Thank you so very much for all your well wishes, emails, PMs & cards!

I'm getting tired of being home day/night and really would like to get out a little and a bonus something to help me support my fiber addictions at the same time.. Woohoo!

I recently signed on with Pampered Chef Company! I love their products and buy them often so for nothing more to invest but the cost of a nice bag of yarn $90 + tax free shipping I get over $350 in products and paper supplies.. I'm definitely a happy camper.....lol

* Start for Just $90 and Receive $350 Worth of Products and Business Supplies

* Earn Free Products During Your New Consultant Program and Beyond

* Receive Support Every Step of the Way Â We Want You to Succeed!

* Shipping is Now by Fed-Ex .......

* want to pay down some debt this year

* Help me help you get started have a in-home show, book show or sign up and give it a try for the next 3 months with me....If after 3 months you decide it's not for you, no problem, you dont' have to stick with it. You wont be alone

I haven't set up a website yet for online ordering but I can do in-home shows, schools,fundraisers, take orders, book parties, online parties.. Now my problem since I'm a stay at home mom and don't get out much, I don't knowa lott of people to help me get started. Anyone interested in booking a show for me either way I can come to you if to far a book show, just by passing a catalog around and collecting orders you can get the same host credit too. I love the 10% off all orders for a year part myself...;o))

Anyone that days will be entered into a raffle for surprises from me! They'll be good, could be candles, home decor, fibery goodies or possible a product from Pampered Chef who knows... depends on how many are in the raffle and I'll draw tickets

If you'd like to order a kit like I just did, I'd be happy to help you get started too! Also will get a gift from me for doing so!!!
I have nationwide long distance and will be happy to call anyone and answer any/all questions or concerns that you may have! Feel free to contact me!
Email: michellelmf@yahoo.com

Friday Yarn PrOn

2007-01-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here's some new colors of STR sock yarns from Blue Moon Fiber Arts

First up Mustang Sally

closer view of the gorgeous reds!

and the bonus Rare Gems

this is in the daylight but colors are actually darker then they appear here.

Boston's First Night

2006-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

I won't be attending but will be there in heart! I haven't gone in a few years but always enjoyed it even freezing our butts off!!

http://www.boston.com/ae/specials/first_night_2006

Hope everyone has a FUN safe & happy New Year!

Bye ~ Bye 2006

Hello
2007!!

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-25T04:52:00.000-05:00

Amazing how the Holidays always seem to creep up on you isn't it!?

Still doing some last minute preparations like wrapping & baking.....

Update:
recovering is very slow, didn't get the splints removed until the day before yesterday and still very very tender to say the very least!! Been in bed for the past oh I don't know how many days, just been getting up a little each day preparing the house! Example wash a couple dishes, nap for a couple hours, wash a couple more, nap for a while, that's pretty much how my days have been, So now baking & wrapping I'm totally zonked! Oh did I mention my face hurts! Seriously from the top lip upper jaw cheeks teeth everything, my voice is very nasaly, dry, scabby, nose and I think it's all the facial bones that hurt!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

I was gifted the cutest sweetest....

2006-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

just look how adorable! I love them! Bees.....Fingerless mitts!
Hand dyed, handspun, hand knit and embellished!

here's a close up of the left hand one

and the right hand

Aren't they just awesome! The best part they really do keep my hands and fingers very warm, even the exposed part of my fingers...

Surgery Update:

First Thank you for all the well wishes, very much appreciate! I thought I've been loosing readers lately, since my comments seem to have decreased, and blogger hasn't been sending me messages all the time when I receive a comment either?

Surgery was tougher then expected and the DR said I was very agitated before & after. Spoke to him twice yesterday.

They repaired 3 breaks, deviation and cleaned out all infected areas and scraped the cartilage for polops, and who knows what else. I have a couple plastic splints in wrapped with gauze & mini ice packs with little straws hanging out my nose and stitched through.. Was a bit swollen yesterday & last night to be expected of course, some minor bruising which I bet will get worse over the next few days.
He gave me 3 very strong antibiotics too!

I had paged the DR this morning I look very scary this morning and my face went from a golf ball look to more like a tennis ball and it's much more difficult to apply bacitracin now...
Popping those pain meds all night and have to sleep in a chair like upright position.
thought I'd share the cute mitts I received earlier this week and my updates. Hope I'm making some sense. Will be offline most of the weekend I'm sure!

Early Morning Surgery Today!

2006-12-14T02:16:00.000-05:00

Yes AGAIN! Which I've still been having follow up appointments with the surgeon in his office for removal of continuousness of nasal blood clots and nasties! Those of you who remember I had the nastiness of all sinus surgeries mid August (this year) well, last month I had A tough time with 2 sleep studies for sleep apnea that I couldn't breathe through the masks properly!
Now 2 weeks ago I had another follow up appointment and I mentioned how I've been diagnosed with the sleep apnea and had 2 sleep labs and 2 studies with different equipment and can't seem to breathe through those masks.
Well he reads my chart as we're talking and
'Ohh I know why!!'
hmm I don't like the sounds of that!

'WE didn't finish your original surgery in August!'

'What! WHY?!' I blurted out!

'Well it was so complex and took so long, we had you under to long and weren't able to finish'

What? How?

'but we'll fix it right away for you'

"expect it'll be about the same if not worse'

Ohhh Lucky me!

So here I'm getting ready in a few hours for early morning surgery again the nurse called last night to tell me it was bumped up to 6:30-7am! and to be there an hour early.
These people just don't get it, I have sleep apnea, don't sleep well, can't use the equipment, am a night person NOT a morning person! I have kids that need to get off to school!
I took the pain meds for about a good 3 weeks before I could go completely without it and tolerate the pain!!

I had such a crazy couple weeks, being ill, sick kids, pre-op appointments, 2 trips to the dealership 1/2 hour away for transmission problems still not fixed waiting for parts to come in (mind you my car is a 2005!), a friend passed away Monday morning from cancer which we thought she'd hang on through the holidays, we've spent alot of time together being sick and in/out of the hospital, having treatments, etc. So I cooked alot for her family! (pork roast, 1/2 ham, meatballs, sausages, chicken, wingettes, 4 lbs salad, veggies, chicken ceaser salad, cookies, brownies, muffins, breads, sauce, cheeses, etc. Can't even remember what else......
My neighbor and friend had surgery on Monday (polops removed and trec too) ( she also has laryaxic cancer, which I've tried to help them out as much as possible as well).

My washer broke Monday afternoon and isn't spinning or agitating! I did mangae to get my Dh and children together to a photographer for some pictures that were long over due!

Hmm needles to say I recently started on Christmas shopping, neglected knitting gifts and other projects. Cleaned house, grocery shopped , delivered foods, attended 1 party, 3 loads of laundry at a laundry mat!, striped beds, PO runs, gift shopping & wrapping, etc.

Next up Surgery in the next few hours, home with kids, DH at work, tomorrow night wake, Saturday morning Funeral, Saturday company Holiday dinner party, Sunday church which I'm a Eucharist minister and money collector, then my daughter has religious education, then I get to rest up..
Looks like my recovering will have to wait until next week! YIKES!
I sure hope I'm not totally back & blue. Last time was minor but if this is worse I'm sure the bruising will be too! Lots of pain meds and make up this weekend I guess! Good thing Dh will be doing the driving & cooking (or take out)

hmm anything that can go wrong should ASAP!! Bring it on!!

LOL Have to have a little humor! Helps to get through it!

Looks like I may have to wrap a few IOU's....

So what's next??

More Bamboolze Socks

2006-12-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed knitting with this yarn!
The socks look & feel so very soft.

I used 3 colorways the crystal pink, powder blue, & painted iris!

I used Ann Norlings Sock Pattern #12A Pebble Rib

Fraternal Twins!

Swap Spoliage with Friday Yarn PrOn too!

2006-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

Oh my!! I feel so spoiled for sure! Zonda and myself have swapped a few times in the past, and this last one is the icing on the cake let me tell you!! I just love this woman! I was so envious of her and other too getting themselves organized and every time I was I kept outgrowing everything even a tackle toolbox!
the swap was I knit her a couple pairs of socks and she's help me get more organized and sew for me and one of my SP! I was in no rush for my stuff just the SP I needed right away which she sent directly to my overseas SP! What a sweetheart! I went ahead and knit her 3 pairs for the special help

here's some before and after pictures
some (not all) before
the tool box of needles & notions, which I'll still use but not for needles

then there's the overflow of needles in a basket, I know I have more somewhere

then crochet hooks (I actually have 2 zip lock bags of these about the same amount

not to mentions a few here and there around the house...

Ok back to the swap stuff!

here we have 2 items up first both for needles, I absolutely LOVE this material, the material is thick & heavy so I can't call them needles rolls.....She did such a nice nice job on them too

here's some after photos
one I fit lots of DPNs, straights and a ton of crochet hooks in the last 2 slots
each slot is tripled.. She seen some photos of my stuff!!! It's approx 25" lengthwise

this one has 8 doubled pockets for circs approx 30" lengthwise

This was a bonus, a beautiful large tote

see inside is very roomy and with a couple very deep pockets

Her famous Fish Bag! I tried going for a 3D look see the fins and on both sides there actually pockets

To my surprise was a skein of Sunshine Yarn by Dani inside the fish bag!

Color 'Welsh Green Dragon'

see all it's beauty, I can see what allthe talk is about this lovely yarn!!

Thank you so much Zonda for introducing me to such nice yarn! It's so soft & cuddly I'm looking forward to knitting up some for to cuddle my very cold feet! ;o)

she just finds the cutest little things, isn't this the most adorable note pad, the paper even has lines on it too!

Thank you so much Zonda for all your help in getting me organized! I'm loving everything!

Shocker New Phone!

2006-12-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

Yes this is a shock for everyone who knows me, YIKES!!

WAIT now

Please don't fall off your chairs~!

IT's a PINK phone! Yes I know Pink!
I know so out of character for me but look it's cute!
I gave up my Nextel for this, I sure hope it's worth it and 100 less anytime minutes ... YIKES! but free calling from mobile to mobile who have sprint or nextel to make up for it...

not quite 1/2 inch in width too!

look how tiny it is......

and it only weighs about 95grams my scale isn't sitting exactly flat here.... It's so light~!

Such a deal it was way to hard to resist, picture in picture phone with all kids of fun stuff, my daughter loves pink and she really needed a new phone for Christmas, who could pass up the buy one get one free offer?? I have 60 or 90 days to decide if I want to keep it or exchange for a different color or model... I did add the insurance to this phone for sure, I'm so used to my nextel I'm afarid I might break this one...
hmmm Whats a gal to do?

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

2006-12-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

Welcome to the 2006 Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Highlight, copy, and paste (not forward) and change my answers to your answers. Be sure to send back to me. Enjoy!!

Everyone has time for a few moments of fun! Don't be a scrooge!!!Come on! I want to be a scrooge sometimes, children can be so ungrateful sometimes or greedy!!

NAME: Michelle F

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? wrapped have kids can't even put them under the tree until Christmas eve

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? love the all white look but since having another family do colored on tree and white outside or elsewhere

4. Do you hang mistletoe? no

5. When do you put your decorations up? the later the better the past couple years mid Dec

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? excluding dessert, so not fair, favorite part! SO I have to say lasagna
hmm mimosa's count?

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: hmm not to many good memories, I got coal and had to sit and watch my younger brother open all kinds of stuff!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? truth? what are you talking about?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? used to but not any more unless it's from a visitor and they insist

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? with minimal decorations to keep the cat & kids from causing trouble.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? It's pretty at first the untouched snow which I love it but really come to hate it very quickly!

12. Can you ice skate? yes but haven't in a while, but try to at least once during the season

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? hmm depends when and from who?

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? taping the cards on the inside of the front door on a card wreath and reading pretty cards from family and friends which seem to be less and less each year, but driving around looking at al the decorated houses is fun once a year anyways. Finding gifts for others is right up there too!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? kaula cake and everything else, we went to a Holiday wedding over the weekend, and they had candy out very festive and yummy!! The peppermint bark , dark/white cholate with crushed candy canes.. ohhh YUM!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? use to take down decorations on
Christmas day until the younger kids came along

17. What tops your tree? angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Definitely, giving! especially those fun or knitted gifts; it's great seeing peoples reaction?

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? silent night

20. Candy Canes... Yuck or Yum? Yum! and yuck, depends

Desperately Searching For........................

2006-12-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

you know those kids hats that a PITA to tie or should I say keep tied, I'm desperately searching for the pattern that just slips over toddlers heads without ties covers their ears head & chin.
I like it's a vintage pattern, but not sure. Wish they;'d come back

Does anyone have one that'd like to swap, sell copy or link to one somewhere.
I can't remember the exact name and am at a loss. Really need to knit some ASAP!