Here comes Peter Cottontail

(listening to Mumford and sons)

Peter Cottontail had nothing to do with these eggs. Jeff, Bryan and I attended an Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating class. Mine is on the left and Jeff's on the right, Bryan squirrelled his up to his room. Jeff was the only real Ukrainian in the room. We had a good time but it was difficult to remember all the steps. Amy who sat next to me was very good. I would like to do this again. Maybe read all the instructions first next time!! ( I may have trouble with that part!)
I finished my Shalom sweater and like it. However, there is always an however, I wish I was the size of patterns as they are written. This one came in one size that I haven't seen in a long time. Someone had written instructions for larger sizes but they were vague at best. I ended up doing some interpretive knitting. Note to self: Stop knitting sweaters that show off belly.

On to other topics. The young one was in and out this weekend. It is hard to believe that his higher education, as we know it, is almost over. Summer session and a degree in hand. Young ones don't follow the paths we did so many decades ago. At least he knows what his path is. I think.

Windows open today. After the snow on Wednesday, I didn't think this would happen. Now, dealing with open windows and allergies! Fun.

PPTs requested. Need a cat scan for a change in a nodule on my lung. Update soon.

Socks finished. Two bluebirds. Project Linus blanket still on needles. (I am not loving this blanket) Oh, niece is expecting a baby this September. What to knit, what to knit!!!

That's it. Keep those needles busy!

Put some vodka in that lemonade

It's is about five and a half weeks into this new journey we are taking, and I must admit that it isn't easy. I am trying to learn to keep my tongue in check but that isn't easy either. At times, things look almost good. Jeff is Executive Director of Inflammation at a start up company, but they don't have any money. He will be writing their papers, and he is good at that. And it seems there is information in the air, but it doesn't land. But enough about that. I might be writing about joblessness a lot, though.

Oh, the coquille shawl!!! I really enjoyed knitting this one. The pattern was written so well, and I greatly appreciated that!!! I was making it for me, but I think I will give it to my friend who has been so kind to me during this time.

My youngest son says that I don't blog enough, but my life isn't as exciting as his. I sit and knit and read (Ohhh, did I mention that I love my Kindle??) and try to stay out of Jeff's way. Or maybe my life is exciting, I just don't realize it. But probably not. I just try to keep up with the boys. Or men, they aren't little anymore. The youngest also known as the lazy vegan, has been taping himself preparing food. I must admit that the videos have been quite funny. If you need a laugh, go to indyvegans.com and check out the lazy vegan for a good chuckle.

I have been knitting a lot to relieve the stress. My hand is aching from it. Another pair of socks on the needles. The Shalom sweater is back in my graces. Knitting groups are a big relief for me.

Keep those needles going!!!

Making Lemonade

There we were, just standing when, whip, the rug was tugged out from us!! We never saw it coming. It came out of the blue. Jeff lost his job. It was not a fun event. Just when I thought everything was good. We were in a good position, retirement not that far away. Thinking of warm places to live. And now this. Back to square one.

Hopefully, Jeff's networking will pan out. Hopefully, it won't be a long wait, but we will just have to see.

I thank everyone for their positive thoughts and prayers (yes, I am one of those who believe in prayer) There are so many kind people out there, and I appreciate all of you.

Although there are no pictures, (I haven't been keeping up with Ravelry much) I have been knitting up a storm. On my second pair of socks and working on whatever is in project bags at my feet.

So, keep those needles going and thanks for everything.

The Iceman Cometh

The first wave of ice, sleet, snow and whatever else is in that category has come and gone. Second wave in a few hours. Can't wait. I am knitting, reading and staying sane during all of this. Kona went out this morning and didn't leave any puppy prints. And she has some weight behind her!! I just couldn't put a picture of the yucky weather, so instead, one of me in much warmer weather. It was taken a few years ago.
There was the first big celebration in the Wolos' house last week. Bryan turned 24. I can't believe it, but he did. We had a very nice dinner at Olive Garden with the whole family. Nathaniel made it for all the festivities.

No pictures of any knitting I have finished. But I have really been knitting. Finished a sweater set and baby blanket for baby Eva. It is really cute, take my word for it. Foster child sweater , cowl, some Schuyler blanket squares done. Socks, Shalom sweater on the needles. (is that all, don't I have more??)

Keep safe in this weather. Knitting should be the only thing done during this!!!

201 Martinis, 197 to go, 195 to go, I lost count to go

Another Christmas, another Christmas tree. The biggest one yet thanks to Alex. We listened to him and had a beautiful tree. We really didn't need to use our front door. We had room for all our ornaments and then some.
I didn't show the picture of Alex in his footed pajamas with the back flap down. This is a family blog. Suffice to say that he provided that image many times and on Christmas. It is a bit scary to see a 6'3" large man in that much red plaid.
I got the Martini Book, 201 ways to mix the perfect cocktail. I could not imagine that there were so many, but there they were in black and white. We started tasting them right away. I like the fruity ones and anything sweet. I tried ones like James Bond, dirty martini and frankly, they were much too strong for me and somewhat medicinal. I really wanted to like the dirty one, because I love olives, but maybe not so much. I think that is because I have to sip them slooowly. I tend to guzzle.

I also realizes that knitting after drinking martinis is not a good idea. I then have to rip out the next day. I have knitted quite a bit once my eyes started working after cataract surgery. (that could be a whole other blog) But I haven't taken any pictures or updated Ravelry. Eva Claire was born last night and her outfit is blocking now. Take my word for it, it is really cute!!!!

A new year, new promises, new projects.

Another year, another wrinkle

Oh, dear, another birthday. But like I always say, "I wasn't suppose to be here, so each year is a blessing."

Kona had her birthday on Tuesday. She is 6. What a sweetie. She got lots of special treats on her special day. (but she gets lots of treats every day!)

So, my day started early. 8am at the gym and Josh didn't give me any presents by being easy on me. Lots of leg exercises! Ouch today. Alex bought me a great lunch. Avocado sub from Mellow Mushroom. Yum! And a cannoli from Shapiro's. Then time for a nap!

We weren't sure when or if Nathaniel was coming out to dinner with us. Finally heard from him and he had a bike accident. Pretty banged up. We picked him up and off to Mama Carolla's for a wonderful dinner.

Then back to the homestead for presents!!!!! I hit the mother lode. I think they went overboard, but I am not really complaining. Look!!! The first season of Glee, Mass Ave gift card, spa certificate for my car, Baltic Bootie pattern from peace fleece and a new yellow purse!!!!!!! (there was more, but these fit in the picture!)

And now it's back to the real world, second load of laundry in, dishes etc. But I have a great family and they make everything so much easier.

It's off to Mass Ave and my gift card this weekend to take advantage of their sale!!!

Happy Knitting to everyone!!!!

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who the hell is that person in the mirror???? I don't recognize that person. It is certainly not the person I see in my mind when I think of that person. I see a younger woman with a lot less wrinkles, pretty hair, less fat. Mirrors are not my friend. Unless it is my makeup mirror that I don't clean often. I find the dust covers up the wrinkles and imperfections well.

I think they get the mirrors at the gym from travelling circuses. The kind that make big heads, taller and funny looking. My gym got ones that make people short and very wide. Not a good look. I am thinking of wearing a burka to the gym so I don't see that short wide person.

I got my hair cut this week. I don't know where my hairdressers got her mirrors. I think maybe an illusionist. My hair can look fine until I get there. Then it is very mousy and every grey hair is magnified 1000x. It also makes my face very round. I'm thinking of getting the Nathaniel hair cut. Then I don't have to worry about it.

I don't really want to look as young as my high school picture (for those wondering, I graduated in 1972!!! omg). I should just accept that I am in my 50's. I tend to forget. Not that that is bad, just that sometimes I think I am younger. That can frustrate me until I remember that I am not 20 years younger and shouldn't expect others to think that too. Anyway, I really am blessed to be turning 56. I wasn't suppose to make it this long.

Knitting, knitting, knitting. Finally finished the super bowl scarf. I am not doing another one for a long time. Started Dusk, a wrap sweater for me in a luscious cranberry. A prayer shawl for church, unfortunately, there was a run on shawls there. And still working on the silk scarf

Keep clicking!!!

Celebrate, Celebrate, dance to the music!

I hope everyone is dancing to their favorite tune. We have had lots of celebrations in the past few months. Jeff and I had our 28th anniversary in April. Then a week later, Jeff turned 60!!! (I am much younger, a trophy wife) He handled the new decade quite well. Then a week later he ran the Indy 500 mini-marathon. I was so proud of him. He did a personal best. Then a week later, we had a 60th party!!! Jeff, "I have no friends", had a great time. He really enjoyed himself with his friends around him. Then two weeks later, he ran the Geist mini marathon. What a man.

Today is Nathaniel's 21st birthday!! My baby. Nathaniel wanted to make pierogies and that's what we did!! Vegan pierogis!!! Yum if you like chili powder and red pepper flakes in them. We also made lots of regular ones.

Now for what is being knitted. Did some 8" squares for the Schuyler Blanket Project. I learned not to knit two scarves at the same time. No matter what the yarn and pattern, they take tooooo long. One is for the Super Bowl, 2012. The other scarf is a luscious silk in a wonderful pattern.

Keep those needles busy!!!

Another Birthday?

Alex turned 26 last Thursday. These birthdays are having an effect on me. These guys are getting much too old. Seems like just a couple years have passed when I was making baseball, soccer ball, lego and kitty litter cakes. But who can resist a guy in a kilt towel??? He gets cuter every year. We went to India Garden for dinner. Oh, yum. It was delicious. Then back home for cake. My exercise trainer told me about Holy Cow Cupakes that had Guinness cupcakes. (Isn't that wrong for a trainer to tell me to eat cupcakes?) But OMG, her cupcakes were incredible. So, now we wait for the next birthday, Jeff's 60th!!!

I made the mistake of going out to Melly's jewelry party on Monday night. Not that I didn't enjoy my night out, I did. But when I came home, there had been some redecorating done to the first floor bathroom. Never let men do redecorating. Yes, that is a TV and DVR and reading material in the bathroom. They wanted to fill the tub with ice for the beer. They didn't see anything wrong with this. They were disappointed that I didn't need to use the room as the TV was ready to play Nathaniel in marching band. OY!

And now on to knitting. I am in knitting doldrums. I finished the Super Bowl Scarf and can't get anything done. I am trying the Ishbel scarf again. Two steps forward, one step back. Sigh. I am going to take a deep breath and knit on!

I left my cookies in San Francisco

I got back from San Francisco the other day, and my body and mind don't know if they are coming or going. It was so nice to get away even for just a couple of days. Left in snow and arrived in flowers and green. DH had a one day meeting, so I was off with credit card in hand. First stop, Imagiknits! Got there at 10:10 and it was closed (note to self--check store times before heading out!). So back to our very nice hotel to regroup. Then off to shop. Thankfully, there is a mall next door! Found a Bare Essentials store that really came in handy since I forgot to pack brushes for my make-up. Then some lunch and back to more shopping. Back to the hotel to catch my breath. Uh oh!!! Something must have been wrong with that lunch!!! Good thing dh is not going to be back for awhile! There went my cookies. ugh.

But fine by the next day. Dh and I off to sightsee. Cable car to Fisherman's Wharf. Trip on cable car much more relaxed than last time with the boys. They were hanging off the side putting their mom in fear. Lots of walking along the wharf. The sea lions were back (they had left for a long time) Stop at Giradelli square. Really nothing there. Note to tourist-- the same chocolate is $6 cheaper at Walgreens!!! And then my dh said let's go to the yarn shop! What a dear. It is filled with yarn. Two rooms. However, I couldn't figure out any organization, so it was difficult to find my way around. The staff were helpful, but were all very busy.

Then dinner with my cousin!!!! We haven't seen each other for 15 years, but it felt like we hadn't seen each other for only a week! It was so great to see and talk with her.

Next day, off to Napa Valley!! Stopped at Vistor Center. What did you say?? A yarn shop near by??? What luck! Dh didn't object. I was in heaven. Alex had recommended some wineries and we hit the first one at noon. They were all fun, but drinking all day was overwhelming!!! Plus everyone driving on that two lane road?? No wonder there were so many limos!!!

Then we found our Bed and Breakfast. The Ink House. Lovely place and more wine and cheese. whew. Had a lovely time in the parlor with the other guests. Off to dinner. I didn't think we looked bad, but the waitress said "No wine, right?" How did she know?????

Finally, back to the Inn. And our room. The Elvis room! Yes, Elvis stayed there in 1960 while making a film. It was a lovely room, no black velvet. Not even a plaque. Jeff and I looked at that bed and each other and promptly fell asleep. At 8:30!!!!

So now it is back to our reality. I just feel like napping. Knitting on my super bowl scarf on the trip. Easy to pack and carry. Now I have to get some serious knitting done. Back to the Ishbel scarf.

Keep knitting!!!!

Make a Wish!

I haven't written since October! I don't know if it is because I didn't have anything to say or I had too much to say or life got in the way. Maybe a little of everything.

Today is Bryan's birthday!!! And beside the awful sinus headache I had, it was a good day. He spent some of the day with a friend and then we went to Olive Garden for a really nice dinner. And the sun was out to make the day even better!!

Alex is back from London. It is nice having him home, sort of like having a butler. He goes to the store, gets my car gas, sometimes cooks great meals and makes me tea. And thankfully, he got his old job back at the wine store. But he is looking forward and realizes he needs a masters, so that is on the agenda now.

And of course, I have been knitting. Fiesta the hippo is modelling the drop stitch scarf or the daughter I never had scarf. It is for Elise, a friend of Nathaniel's. Really enjoyed knitting it. The yarn is mini mochi.

And then there is the infamous (ok, why do I have underlining??) "the sweater that won't be worn" It was a joy to knit even for someone who doesn't like sweaters. He actually wore it to church and to work. And looked stunning in it!!

On the needles, socks (oy, from September!) , foster child sweater, always squares for the Schuyler Blanket project and I guess that's it for now.

Keep those needles moving!!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Sometimes it is hard to find any purpose under heaven or anywhere else, for that matter. I think I am always trying to find a purpose to my life. Especially now. I have been through a few careers and now I wonder what is next.

I got a degree in medical technology and I really enjoyed the years I worked in that field. I was lucky to work for many esteemed people in the field and learned more than I thought possible. Then we moved to Ohio and was pregnant. I didn't go back to the lab, but that was ok with me. I had two boys at that time and kept pretty busy. But Jeff and I started selling antiques and juggling boys. I learned to cane chairs and had a nice little side business. I also taught caning (chairs, not people) at the local community college. Then another move back East. Now, what? A little poor health issue interfered for a few years. Ahh, subbing at the middle school. Two sons in that school, so it was convenient if not hmmm, interesting. I got very good at working visual aids. ( I showed movies)

And then another move to the Midwest. Whew. It was the hardest move. Boys in high school. No one wants to associate with a mom with teenage boys!! But the seasons go on. I find options at my church that keep me busy and productive. And I think I am a stay at home mom. But now my youngest is in his third year in college. I guess I am not a sahm, but there is that part of me that always will be.

And so I knit. And knit. And I find this keeps me busy and very productive. And my knitting friends have enlightened and amazed me. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

So, keep stitching!

(Oh, my Christmas cactus decided to be a Halloween cactus this year!!)

He's left on a jet plane

Yes, Alex has left but I do know when he will be back. December 22. He made it to England, and they let him in. This place is already almost too quiet and clean. Well, not really.

I do miss him. I miss the kitchen table used as his closet. Well, not really. I miss the million of shoes in the family room. Well, not really. I miss all the pots and pans used for one meal. Well, not really. I miss all the lights on until three in the morning. Well, not really. I miss his voice. Really, I do.

But thanks to computers, I talk with him all the time already. And if we could figure out what is wrong with the computer camera, I would be able to see him. His roommate is from Sweden and is in England to learn English. And he is rooming with Alex?? Hmmm. I think I do have an idea for a new career. I could teach young Swedes English. Yum

Now on to another new chapter in the lives of the Wolos family. Alex leaving the nest once again. I used to say that I was a SAHM, but I don't think I can say that anymore. My youngest is in his third year of college. I think my sons take care of me more than I take care of them. Maybe I am retired now.

But the knitting goes on. Finished a sweater for me. I am very proud of it and actually wear it a lot. Scarves and hats for the shoe box program at church. It is hard to believe that there are so many children in this town that are so needy. A shawl for my godmother (yes, there are people actually older than me.) And squares for the Schuyler Blanket project. Oh, and I cabled!!!! Used it on some mittens that match my sweater!!

Keep stitching!!

Bollywood meets Fiddler on the Roof

(Jeff and his brother, Greg, father of the bride)

We had a great weekend in Saratoga Springs, New York.  We were there to attend Jeff's niece, Cassandra, and Vicram's wedding.  And what a wedding.  There were actually two weddings.  There was a Hindu one and a Jewish one.  And all in the same day.  What a melding of two different cultures.  It is hard to explain it all.  I had no exposure to Hinduism, so it was all extremely interesting.  So many traditions and beauty.  The usual Hindu wedding takes about 6 hours.  We got the 2 hour version with translations.  Jeff was in charge of Cassandra and got to walk her down the aisle.  This was very special as we have three sons.  Jeff wasn't walking them down any aisle.

This is Vicram riding in on the horse with family and friends dancing around him.  It was a sight to behold.  Riding the horse shows that he now was a responsible adult.  Or that least that is what I think our translator said.
Casey watched from the balcony all the goings on.  She was beautiful in her Hindu outfit.  Her arms, hands and legs were all henna painted in very intricate designs.

Then it was time for the Jewish ceremony.  Casey had changed into her wedding gown.  It was the one her mother had worn.  Stephanie, Casey's mom, crocheted the yarmulkes, made the veil and arranged the flowers.  They were all beautiful.  The Jewish ceremony was lovely and mixed well with the Hindu. Then it was time for the reception that went well into the night.  So much dancing, food and drink!! 

It was all so  much fun.  I only wish we could have stayed longer to spend time with our East coast family.  We also missed Nathaniel being there.  It was the first week at  school plus they had classes on Labor Day.                                                                                      

I knitted all weekend and made time to go to a yarn shop!!! (of course!)   Got some lovely local yarns!  Keep on knitting!!!                                                                                                                            

Take Me out to the ball game, Part Two

What a day Sunday was!!  The whole family loaded into the rental mini-van for our day trip to Chicago.  And THE YANKEES!!!!  The boys have been to MLB but had never seen the Yankees play, so we were all excited.  Jeff had gotten these tickets for my birthday.  He said that since he had to get five tickets, he didn't get very good seats.  Bring the binoculars, he said.  What a silly man.  We sat ten rows up just past third base!!!  I could almost touch Jeter.  I know he could see me! The Yankees hadn't played well in this series, but won Sunday.  Whew.  It is hard to go to the other team's stadium to watch a game, but we really didn't care.  Plus there were lots of Yankee fans all over the stadium.  We were in prime seats for foul balls.  Unfortunately, a little girl did get hit by a hard hit in our section.  And I knitted while waiting for the gates to open and in the stadium.

Then Nathaniel found a restaurant for us to eat at before we trekked home.  A vegan soul food place.  Interesting combination.  The meal was very hearty and very good. All in all, a wonderful day.  Thank you Jeff.  You are very thoughtful.

Now, this is what happens when you rip out your stitches!!!  Kona was healing well until she decided to play vet and take out her own stitches.  Back to the vet again.  Staples this time.  Oh, Kona!!

Knitting still going on.  Finished my open cardigan and ready to make another sweater for myself.  Keep knitting!!!

Don't Rain on My Parade

Well, it did rain on my parade on Saturday. Not too bad, though. At least we didn't get soaked like last year. If you ever consider being in a parade, first get a long range weather forecast. And practice waving for long periods of time. The float highlighted our church's veggie garden and feeding program. We did not throw the plastic veggies that were on the float. We had people handing out the necessary candy to keep the hoards happy.

The first delivery of veggies for the summer happened on Wednesday!!! Much rejoicing for zucchini! Our garden looks great. We have tomatoes, peppers, melons, cucumbers.  Beans being picked on Saturday!!  And, knock on wood, everything looks very healthy. Our new location on the grounds is working out great.

I think all I am doing this summer is weed and knit. Trying to exercise, but it is useless. They had member appreciation day at the gym. There was food. This was very wrong. They just want me to work harder. On the needles: a foster child sweater, my Crabby Crafter socks and a darling hat!!!

The laundry gods are calling. Must obey.

Happy Knitting!!!

You say it's your birthday,

It's my birthday too, yeah. And my brother-in-law, and my niece, my knitting friend and an old neighbor's daughter!! It has been a festive week so far. A great time in Kentucky for Father's Day. Went antiquing a the Burlington Antique Show. We used to sell there a lifetime ago. Saw some dear old friends and bought three amber bracelets. Happy Father's Day!!

Monday was Kona's fifth birthday and she is such a party animal.

Today was a great day. I finally met Silvia, my ravelry knitting same day birthday friend. And we met up at the Village Yarn Shop, of course. A great way to start the day. Then a nap before the family got sort of together. Nathaniel was here for presents. Opened some home, then to the wine store to open some with Alex. It turned out to be a Yankee birthday!! A Jeter shirt, a Jeter bobblehead and the whole family is going to a Yankee-White Sox game in August!!! (Plus the Yankees are on TV now!!)

I also got my Crabby Crafters magic ball swap. Such lovely items. The rosewood cable needles and rosewood seaming needles are beautiful! But now I have to learn to cable. I will do it in style.

And Alex's sweater vest is done. It's a miracle. It fits.

Out to dinner tomorrow and then the festivities are over for now. No more birthdays in this house until next year.
Happy knitting everyone!!

Happy B'day Gnat!

Ah, my baby turns 20 today. Happy Birthday, Nathaniel. I hope you have a great day!

No more teenagers in the house. This doesn't mean no more juvenile behavior though.( How did Elise hurt her nose? Well, we were on the roof. OK, I don't need to know anymore.) And the list could go on.

This was a hard birthday for me. Not because I was sad about it but because I had no idea what to get him. He only requested a new expensive button machine. So, I took him clothes shopping. He wanted skin tight denim shorts. These don't exist. Well, they did, in the girls department and they were a little too frilly for Nathaniel. I didn't think it was smart to buy $40 jeans to cut off. Then it was on to vegan slip on shoes. That was a no go too. So, we went to Kroger and got a hand held can opener, garlic press and a new salt shaker. I am so good to my boys. (there was a little trouble at Kroger though. They stopped carrying tofu!!!! How can this be possible??? I did cause a bit of a ruckus)

We went to Amber India restaurant for dinner. It took me about 3 hours to get through the menu as it was very extensive. They had a good variety of vegan items, so Nathaniel was happy. My meal was very good and everyone enjoyed theirs. Lots of spices. Lots of water. Then home for the vegan carrot birthday cake. I should have made the cake in the pan recommended and not in cake pans. Cakes without eggs do not stick together well. It didn't look very good but was very tasty. Very moist. Yum!

This is where I mention that I can't believe that it has been 20 since his birth, but in reality, I do believe it! I also won't mention that his birth was shown on the Jerry Springer Show. It wasn't really, but on the news show that Jerry Springer was an anchorman in Cincinnati! (we were file film for many years for the birth of children on that channel)

Now, all the festivities are over. It was fun and now Nathaniel is off to shows here and there. I think we get to see him sometime this weekend. Or maybe not.

And back to knitting Alex's sweater vest. It is coming along well and may actually fit him.

Good knitting all!!!

Take me out to the ball game

The weather was great, so we decided to go to the Indianapolis Indians game. Jeff got us good seats. The guys like to see me duck when foul balls come my way, so they picked close to the field just beyond first base. I got hit in the head once at a knothole game, and for some reason, I think they are trying to reenact this. There were about 300 pitching changes and this game went on forever. And then our team lost.

I did get most of the ribbing done on the back of Alex's sweater vest. The lighting is very good at a ballpark! And no one even noticed what I was doing. I found it hard in the beginning of the game to knit and watch the game, so I decided to only knit when the other team was batting.

Then we went to Granite City for dinner. A nice cold beer went down quite quickly. The food was good but could have fed a small country. I did not take out my knitting there.

Finished my Wanida socks from Socks Innovation. I really like the way they came out in Mandie's red yarn. I can't wait until cool weather to wear them. What am I saying? I wear them now.