Displaced Knitter

To All of You

2010-12-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

From our house to yours--

Whatever you celebrate, may it be full of love and good cheer!

See you in 2011!

Holidays

2010-12-02T15:04:00.005-05:00

I hope all of you here in the States had a lovely Thanksgiving!

We had a lovely day and ate way too much good stuff. Hubby said it was the best Turkey he had eaten in years, and that is high praise from him. I think it was because this is the first year that I had a fresh Turkey and will definitely do it again next year.

Christmas is not far off and after that the New Year. My goodness, this year has flown by it seems.

There are some pretty cool happenings in my little hometown this weekend. Our Christmas parade and Downtown celebration, as well as a trunk show at the local yarn shop.

There have been full classes at the shop in which I work and I couldn't be happier!

This is my favorite time of year. I love the anticipation and the decorations, shopping for the perfect gift for the few we buy for, the cozy nights at home with the man, and of course all the holiday foods!

Wherever you are I hope that you can find the time to enjoy the season in your own way.

Bye for now friends!

Oh My!

2010-11-15T08:58:00.007-05:00

I'm here!

Where does the time go?

I have nothing planned for you today, but looked at this poor sad space and thought that I should just add something.

Christmas knitting has commenced. Gasp! Being very picky about whom I knit for, this is not a terribly large list for me. It should be easily accomplished (I say that hopefully).

I am cleaning the stash and planning a huge decrease very soon. Lots of friends will be attending my stash sale and I will post a lot on Ravelry as well. I have rethought some things and need to simplify just a little. The stash has grown so large that it overwhelms me.

Take Care my friends and I will be back with real content in a few days!!

The North Pole from 40,000 feet. I've been looking for Santa, because I need to talk to him about a few things!

Today's News

2010-08-11T12:19:00.012-04:00

Classes are going very well at Yarn Explosion and I will be working there on a semi permanent basis now for a while. I am excited about it and hope to keep the designing and classes going.

This is my Pendragon Banners Socks, (click on any photo to see larger image)

knit in the Arthur colorway dyed for me by Unplanned Peacock Studios.

After reading The Mists of Avalon, I just had to knit from it, so my Camelot series was born. Natasha is dying my ideas of colors for each character and I am designing a knit for each of the main people in the book. Since the bloodlines were such an important part of the story, the red will be in all of them. This is just the beginning of the quest and I am very excited to be collaborating with Natasha on this project. These socks were knit from the toe up on size 1 needles in the Superwash Merino Fingering.

Also from Unplanned Peacock in the Forest colorway is an idea that came from The Hobbit. "In Mirkwood lives the big spiders."

I am terrified of real spiders but this one is very cute sitting on its web. Knit on size 5 needles with Superwash Merino DK.

There's been a lot of reading going on here as well. I got on the band wagon finally and read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I really did enjoy it and look forward to the next two soon. The best thing that I have read recently, though, is Handling Sin. This was a book with a Southern theme, but anyone that grew up in a large family of fun, goofy aunts and uncles will certainly appreciate its humor. I remember my dads large family getting together every year at least twice and all the food, music, and celebrating! Honestly, it was one of the best books I think I have ever read and I have some more of his books in the que.

Now, for some more very exciting news!!

Guess who I will be going to see in October?

Need a hint?

And one more just for the hell of it!

I can hardly wait!! Love me some Alice!!

Hot Time in the Old Town

2010-07-21T18:02:00.005-04:00

So, hubby comes home in 4 days. I have a list of things to do a mile long to prepare for his return. The last 4 weeks I have have avoided doing a lot of things that I wanted to have done by now. Just have to be sure to hide anything that may not need to be seen when he gets here! (Just kidding sweetie!)

What have I been doing with all my free time you might ask. Class knitting and teaching has taken up some of my time and also a secret project that I have been working on for some time. But all the class knitting is done and the secret knitting is almost done so in the next week I should be doing something that I have wanted to do for a while.

First up, I am going to cast on for some super cute little bathroom curtains. My bathroom has undergone a little color redo. It was looking really institutional with its belgian waffle color walls and all the white towels and clear shower curtain.Now I have beautiful green towels and a great new shower curtain and I will be adding some little linen knitted curtains with a cafe rod. I will be sure to let you see them!

I am sitting in Barnes and Noble (one of my favorite hang outs) having a decaf coffee. Some people might say, "decaf, what's the point!" but I am really caffeine sensitive and stay away from it after 5 pm. But I still love that delicious coffee flavor! The smell of coffee and books is almost the most sensual experience in the world! Almost.

Yesterday my friend, Roseanna, and I took a trip to Hillsborough, NC. We of course visited the Yarnshop, but we also found a really cute bookshop in the little town that has a big section on Hillsborough authors and apparently they are very prolific in that area. Roseanna and I both picked up books by Michael Malone. She got this one, and I picked up these two. I can't wait to dig in!

I know! You want to know what I got at the Hillsborough Yarnshop. Well I had a $20 card, so I picked up a beautiful skein of Pagewood Farms Alyeska in the Harvest colorway.

It was Hotttt in the Piedmont Triad region! Nevertheless, a great day!

Stay cool and take care "til the next time we meet!

Hot D@#n Summer in Virginia!

2010-07-12T22:02:00.007-04:00

I get to stay in the states for the Summer and I'm glad but miss Hubby.

While I am here I will be teaching at Yarn Explosion and hanging out at my other favorite places, Barnes and Noble, The Crooked Stitch, and Mosaic.

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Columbus TNNA (The National Needlework Association) show with the super nice ladies at Yarn Explosion and we had such a good time!! I met a cabbie whose name is Tom and was from Kentucky that called me Hillbilly, imagine that! I was able to sneak out on Sunday morning and go to a bookstore in the German Village in Columbus. It is called The Book Loft and contains 32 rooms of books. I am thinking about having my afterlife there! There were 4 rooms of bargain books and I managed to pick up a couple of lovelies. I got Le Morte d'Arthur complete edition for a mere $4.99, Out of Africa, Some Terry Pratchett, and Kurt Vonnegut all at steals! Long sigh-----I love books.

Also while I was there I picked up Shutter Island which was just a fabulous book. I read it on the way home from Columbus and finished it the next day still weary from jet lag and the weekend excitement. It was a wonderful book.

Hubby got me a Nook for Valentines Day this year and it went with me to China! I am enjoying it so much. I still shop around for the best prices as some of the books on the Nook use the trade paperback size for pricing and the mass market paperbacks are still cheaper. So I always compare prices first and, anyway, when I am in the states I still love that new book smell and feeling a nice tight spine. Wait a minute, I know hubby has been gone for a while, but this is a little ridiculous! (Fanning myself briskly!) Anyway, I have the 3G and Wireless model and I really do love it. Its MP3 feature is another of my favorite things about it and I have downloaded audiobooks on it to listen as I knit. I can plug it into the stereo speakers for the computer also and have real surround sound!

Before sweetie left we were able to take a long weekend to Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore and took the bikes and had homemade ice cream and fresh seafood. I just love it there. Not to mention the sea air is great for my sinuses. Click on any photo to embiggen. If you look carefully you can see the Assateague Lighthouse in the background of the center photo.

Talk soon!! All about knitting next time. Hope you are all enjoying your Summer!

Countdown

2010-04-24T23:06:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow morning we will be leaving for China again. The countdown is already on for coming back on June 9th.

Sorry that I have not been a good poster this year, it's just life things and staying very busy.

So to all friends, I say stay safe until I see you again.

Bye-bye!

Flossie

2010-03-04T13:52:00.003-05:00

My Mother-in-law gave up her battle for life on March 3, 2010, at 10:55 AM.

The last time I posted was the beginning of her struggle and it has been a long one for everyone, but especially her.

Flossie was born in 1932 and came through some hard times to make it to where she was. She was funny and happy and really knew how to laugh. Her family always knew she loved them even when she was really mad with them. She was a divorced single mother in times when that was heavily frowned upon and single handedly raised her 4 children. She was tough, but had to be because herself was all she had to count on.

After all of her children were grown and on their own, she met her life's mate and they were together for 25 years before he passed away in 2004. She missed him until the end. His nickname was Flip. So for a while this world had Flip and Flossie and what a team! Man do I have some funny memories of them!

She was a good friend and if she loved you she would move Heaven and Earth for you. There were several phone conversations at 2 in the morning with her, and a few times she came with her bathrobe on if she was needed. Hilarious stories I will always remember!

She held hubbys hand when he was a boy and then she gave him to me and now he holds my heart. I thank her everyday for him!

Godspeed on your journey, Flossie! We Love You!

Almost February?

2010-01-26T20:29:00.006-05:00

This month has flown by and I haven't posted any! Sorry!!!

Hubby left for China on Sunday the 10th and had to come home on the 17th. MIL has been in the hospital since the 9th. We didn't know that it was going to turn into such an ordeal for her. She has since had her left leg amputated and they have discovered leaking valves, extremely low blood pressure, and fluid around her heart. The doctors were able to stop the progression of a second heart attack. She has become confused and nervous and it has been so hard on her and the members of her family that have had to see her this way. We have only missed one day going to see her and it is so draining, physically and mentally. Tonight she almost broke my heart- when someone begs you for help and you can't help, it is just heartrending. Tomorrow they will maybe move her closer to us to begin some therapy and we will have to see how everything else progresses.

Also, I taught 3 classes this month at Yarn Explosion and am planning my next sets of classes. I've enjoyed it enormously!

My plan to read a book a week? Yep, going strong! When Christ and his Saints Slept is a fabulous read and I actually missed it when it was done but the good thing is there are two more books in the series so I can go back to these characters and pick up where I left off! Death in the Stocks is the third Georgette Heyer mystery that I have read and they just keep getting better. I love early 20th century writers! The language and humor are just wonderful! Finished Fer-De-Lance and read the second novel, The League of Frightened Men. Again another early 20th century author and I can't tell you how much I truly enjoyed these mysteries. Nero Wolfe is an eccentric, and his personality is so true to his character. I have already bought several more Rex Stout and can't wait to dive into them! The current book on the nightstand is this one. I'll let you know.

In February I will be receiving something very special and will let you know all about it then! I can hardly wait!

Will have the first pair of socks for personal sock club done by the last day of the month. It's been a close race with everything that has been going on and the preparatory knitting that I have been doing for classes this month as well, but I am pretty sure that I'll get there!

My friend Roseanna and I have been able to catch two matinees this month. We saw Avatar in 3D which was just one of the most awesome things I have ever seen for the animation. Also caught Sherlock. As a huge fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his Sherlock I had to get past Robert Downeys looks as the master deducer, but he had the personality down to perfection. The fighting and action part was not true to the original stories either, but it was enjoying none the less. We are going to try to catch as many as we can because during the week the matinees are great!

Phew! Just reading back over what I have written made me suddenly feel very tired. I think it is time for that long winters nap!

2010 Here I Come!

2010-01-05T08:15:00.005-05:00

These are not resolutions, just plans. I can't commit myself to say resolutions or right away I am resenting that I HAVE to do something. I guess it all goes back to my youth and the antiestablishmentarianism of those times. Whew, that is a helluva word! Said it lots, never typed it, wow!

Anyhoo, I plan to get healthier this year. If a perk of that is weight loss then much the better. My plan is just to eat well and get moving.

I plan to read a book a week, which is not unusual but will continue.

Several people here in blogland have done what they call a personal sock club. Already have mine bagged and ready to go and will have 12 pairs of socks at the end of 2010.

Write more, here and in my journals. Draw more.

Thanks to the commenters, you're all special to me.

Hope your 2010 is treating you well so far. We will all travel it together.

Oh, another plan is to take more pictures for this here blog! ;o}

2009

2009-12-31T22:49:00.007-05:00

This year brought adventure to me. Hubby and I have lived together on the other side of the world where we had no one but each other for support and friendship and we did very well. Trust me when I say it is a challenge. We made it and are even closer because of it. I've met new people and absorbed myself into an entirely different culture and learned a completely new way of life. It's been a trip!

I had to be unemployed this year and that was a challenge for me also because I don't do so well at loose ends. It is always good to feel useful and that was something very hard for me to let go of. Still not sure about this.

We have had to deal with some family issues this year and there is no quick solution to these questions. Time and patience are the only weapons against this kind of problem.

Lots of knitting, stitching, reading was done this year. New, exciting authors have been found that I will enjoy for years to come, and others waiting out there for me to discover.

Friends have been reconnected with during the last month, and I have decided that I know, and hang out with, some of the neatest people in the world!

Happy New Year all! I'll see you in 2010!

What I Got For Christmas

2009-12-29T18:59:00.002-05:00

This!

Oh Boy!!

It is going to be tough because anything purchased with this has to be gift card worthy!! One thing is on order and will be released on January 16th. Sherwood is a reprint and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Knitting on a couple baby gifts at the moment and have a sweater that I need to finally finish. Reorganizing the yarn room and slowly cleaning out the bedroom closet. Sewing a few small things as well.

January will be another month that I will be here in the states and so I plan to teach a few classes at Yarn Explosion. I couldn't be more excited to get back into doing classes again as that is my favorite thing to do and I have really missed it. The ladies at Yarn Explosion are so nice for allowing me to do these classes for them.

The book on my nightstand now is this one. I'll let you know how it is. The Crystal Cave was wonderful and I will be reading the rest of her Merlin Trilogy. I never read books in a series one after another as I like to think about them a little while before the next one.

Hubby and I had a nice quiet Christmas Day and it was so enjoyable. We had a super dinner at home and I stayed in my flannel pjs all day. It doesn't get any better than that.

I hope you all had a great Christmas! What were your best gifts this year? Talk to me.

Merry Christmas To All!!

2009-12-25T08:55:00.002-05:00

I hope you all enjoy your day with family and friends and those whom you love. Keep safe and warm and spread good cheer.

Hubby and I are happily spending a quiet day together and enjoying each others company.

Whatever Holiday you observe at this time of the year, enjoy!

On The 4th Day

2009-12-21T22:02:00.007-05:00

This is day 4 of the snow in. I'm still here and have been living in flannel pjs for 4 days. Don't worry I am taking regular showers, changing underwear daily and have plenty of clean flannel pjs.

Didn't have to work up the courage for the John Deere as my son volunteered to do it for me. He scraped but has never used the tractor before so it still needs to melt out a little, but he has my appreciation and I am sure he did a much better job than I would have.

Actually, a lot has been accomplished during my confinement. The sewing machine was pulled out and book covers made from Laurel Burch fabrics in stash. It is hard to find covers for trade paperbacks or books with more than 400 or so pages. As most of my books tend to be rather large, I decided to take it upon myself to design and sew some myself and I must say they turned out pretty terrific. Laundry is all done and floors are clean. I have gotten some last minute Christmas knitting done, and have enjoyed every evening sitting in my living room watching Christmas shows and seeing the twinkling lights on my tree.

On my nightstand now is The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. I haven't read the Arthurian books in a long time and have found lots of new authors which will be shared with you as I get to them. Most of the Arthurian authors call for this series to be read first and they have built on it. Personally, I don't know where any of them would have been without T.H. White, but that's just my opinion.

Two more days and hubby will be home! Whoohoo!!

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2009-12-19T11:17:00.004-05:00

We got snow and lots of it! It has been 12 years since I have had this much snow at my house. I do love the snow and enjoyed watching it fall yesterday. If not for the fact that I have to get out of here in a couple days to pick hubby up at the airport, I would be completely over the moon about it. My driveway is almost half mile long and all uphill. Also I live way out in the country without a dairy farm on my road so we usually don't get scraped at all. Mostly just some large machinery is run over our road and the snow is packed down. Here is how my driveway looks right now and, though you really can't tell, it is 17 inches deep.

The driveway will have to be scraped before I can get to the main road and even then may not be able to go anywhere if the state doesn't do something to it.

Here is my rock bench,

Anns' house,

and she is not having any part of this stuff!

She has been on her fleece on the carport all night and is very concerned that she won't be able to find all of the meaty bones she has buried everywhere.

I watched her this morning and had to laugh. She walked about 3 feet from the carport, dragging herself through, as the snow is higher than her belly and she is a heavy dog. She peed, turned and came right back on the carport where she has remained since. This is her first big snow and I am enjoying it for her much more than she is.

Anyway, me and the John Deere tractor are not such good friends. I am actually pretty scared of it because it is awfully big. The scraper blade is on it and it has been under the shed and just needs to have the heater plugged in for a bit to get started. I'll have to try, I guess.

Stay tuned.

Breaking News

2009-12-17T09:51:00.004-05:00

Blogger missing. When last seen she was staring vacantly and drooling as she tried to knit just one more row and clutching a ball of Debbie Bliss Como with this hat dangling from her needles. She is armed with double points and not afraid to use them. Approach with caution.

Oh and under her arm was a copy of this.

It Was a Winter Wonderland

2009-12-07T19:57:00.005-05:00

We got the snow Saturday!! I awoke to see all of this gorgeousness.........

And after a few more hours of snow there was about 5 inches total. I so enjoyed it, but it went away so quickly on Sunday.

I had driven up to Blacksburg for the 3 Bags Full Charity knitting event, thrown by Mosaic Yarn Shop, on Friday evening to spend the night with a dear friend and maybe even do a little shopping beforehand. We did hit Barnes and Noble, but it's a secret so don't tell anyone! Shhhh.... Anyhoo, when we woke we were so excited by the precip and in no way deterred from going to knit hats for the homeless (bless their little bare heads out in all that cold and wet) and now around 70 of them should have a little warmer noggin.

That's my friend Roseanna up top working on her fabulous hat, and below look at all of those knitters!! I had to take mine with me, as I was busy stalking the vendors, and finished it later that evening while we talked about everything under the sun and had a super visit. It was dropped off on Sunday and hopefully will be warming its very own head soon. I didn't even take a picture of it but I swear there was one!!

We had a great time and thanks to Gina for hosting this. Knitters are just the best folks and will take up the needles for any cause. Hopefully homelessness will be wiped out and we can remove them from the list. Until that time, though, it is good to know that such a devoted group of people will continue to be providing love and warmth.

Sunday was a thaw and I came down from the mountain to my own warm home and my Annie puppy. After all the excitement, it was nice to knit alone for a little while on Christmas gifts and listen to Christmas tunes while watching the lights twinkle on the tree. If I haven't said it before I will say it now--I Love this time of Year!!

I'm trying to decide what to read next and have three books in mind. The Once and Future King, which would be a re-read, Death in the Stocks, or My Life in France. What do you think?

And lastly, but certainly not least today, I finally have my picture to show of my goodies picked up from Maryland Sheep and Wool 2009. It only took 7 months for this. Some of this is actually already knit and maybe it will not take 7 more months to post those pictures.

Isn't it all pretty?

Talk to you all again soon and stay warm if it's cold where you are.

It's the Hap Happiest Season of All!

2009-12-04T06:52:00.008-05:00

My Christmas tree is up!!

That means Christmas has officially begun. I love Christmas! Love Love Love it!!

One Christmas gift has already been gifted before I came home this time.

Gifted to a friend who is in North Dakota celebrating time with family. The yarn is long discontinued from stash and I found the cute dragonfly brooch at a little shop and thought it just added a nice bit of bling. It is the Glitterspun Slouch hat without the glitter, but I really like it.

Knitting like crazy right now trying to get gifts done!! Stay tuned.

Tomorrow is a charity knit and I will post about that Monday. Note to self, don't forget camera!

Going through photos this morning, came across this one and had to share. My fancy Pedicure from a couple months ago. I think it was around 7 US bucks!

The little flowers were sculpted onto my toes. The girls who do this are so cute and I feel badly because they get paid so little so I force a tip on them. I say force because they really are not used to it and it scares them, but my conscience feels somewhat better when I leave.

Took hubs back to the airport a couple days ago and he is safely across the pole for a couple weeks but will be home for Christmas. I miss him and speaking of him here is the picture of the day.

I have lots of things planned for the New Year and I will let you all in on it as we go along.

Have a great weekend and, if we get the snow they are calling for, be safe and stay warm!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T10:24:00.006-05:00

It's Thanksgiving and my turkey is in the oven and the house is starting to smell all Thanksgiving-ish. So I thought it would be a good time to list a few things that I am truly thankful for.

First is my Hubby. He makes my everyday warm and safe. Thank you baby!

My home. It may not be anything fancy, but it is a castle to me and I look forward to being here at the end of everyday.

Family. Mine and his. Good folks all!

Ann (see picture above). She's a special puppy and the one who makes me cry when I am in China.

Friends. Special people in my life, and if you're reading this then you are one of them. Thank you all.

Authors. With a good book I can go anywhere and be anything! Right now I am in England, mid 14th century, with Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt. Katherine by Anya Seton

Yarn Companies. For the hours and hours of enjoyment they give me!

My Country and Those who protect Her. Can't say enough about how much I Love living here.

I feel very fortunate to be able to say that there is really not anything that I need. My life is small and wonderful and I am happy to be where I am.

It's good to be back home this past week and jet lag is almost over I feel sure. It's been really tough this time around and not only sleeping but eating as well. I am truly sorry that there is lack of communication here while I am in China, but blogspot is blocked over there and I can't even get to my own blog! Maybe soon I will just create my own domain and blog away.

Hope that you all enjoy your day wherever you are and however you spend it!

A Helluva Year!

2009-09-17T08:56:00.012-04:00

I don't know about most of you, but I think that this year has been unusually short! Maybe with the traveling it has made it seem that way. Where did Summer go??

Fall is on the way and it is my favorite time of year. I love the way the sun feels on my skin as we go into Indian Summer. There is a different feel in the air and the evenings start getting cooler. Days get shorter and I can't really explain it but I start to feel more cozy somehow in my home. Of course the color show outside is much better than the finest painting found anywhere!

This year I am going to miss all of this as we are headed back to China in less than a week. We will return just in time for Thanksgiving. Hubby and I were discussing how things change when we are away and I think it has hit me hardest this time because I will seem to miss a whole season. I know it will still be fall when we return but all of the beauty of fall will be gone. We will leave with green still everywhere and return to bare and grey.

It's all okay, though, as I will be with hubby and that is my most important time spent. And it will once again feel like knitting weather when I get home!!! I'll be able to pull out my knitted sweaters and socks!

Knitting has been kind of on the back burner this summer, don't ask me why. Reading has taken center stage. I have rediscovered some authors and found some that have made my summer so enjoyable. I'm reading Jean Plaidys historical fictions on the European royal houses, and also was directed by Susan at Yarn Explosion to Sharon Kay Penmans historicals. Very good!!! Thanks Susan!! Georgette Heyer is being reprinted also and I have been reading her mysteries which I LOVE and also have one of her historical fictions which I will start on very soon. More new to me authors are in Mystery, Ariana Franklins medieval series, Christopher Fowlers Peculiar Crimes Unit (awesome!!), Robin Paige (pseudonym) and Victoria Thompson Victorian series. Also new to me is Anya Seton historicals reprinted. All of these have helped to make my summer spectacular!

Also high on the list of fun was being able to work a few days at the Yarn Explosion shop and seeing a lot of my acquaintances and friends from Needle on the Square and my shop. It was great fun!! Hopefully when we get back I will be able to teach some classes there for them and I will be doing some workshops for Carole at Orchardside Yarn Shop as well.

I hope that you have all had a great summer!

When we get back here in November there's going to be a yarn stash sale. There's been a lot of decluttering at my house and it is time to clean out the yarn as well. If anyone is interested let me know! So it's back now to our second home!

Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, Xian, China. We were able to see this a couple years ago and it was unbelievable!! (Click on photo to embiggen)

Also, RIP
Patrick Swayze
Mary Travers

Talk to you all soon!

He's In Hong Kong!!

2009-08-25T09:02:00.004-04:00

Hubby is now in Hong Kong, the night before his flight home, and I am so happy he will be home in just a little over 24 hours!!! It seems like he has been gone forever!

If there is anyone still out there reading after my long absence, I promise to do better now.

It has been quite a busy summer for me and I will tell you all about it!

For now, I need to do a little house work and make a trip to Goodwill and to the garbage dump.

Talk to you all in a couple days!!!

A Quick Catch Up!

2009-07-13T09:39:00.003-04:00

First I found this meme over on Knitnanas place and I was curious how many I had read. Let's see......

Instructions: Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.
1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (X)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (X)
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (X)
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (X)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (X)
6 The Bible - (X)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte(X)
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell ()
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman ()
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (X)
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (X)
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy ()
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller ()
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (X)
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier ()
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien (X)
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk ()
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger ()
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger (X)
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot (X)
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell (X)
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (X)
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens (X)
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy ()
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams ()
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh (X)
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky ()
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (X)
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (X)
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (X)
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy ()
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens (X)
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (X)
34 Emma - Jane Austen (X)
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen (X)
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (X)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - (X)
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres ()
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden (X)
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne (X)
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell ()
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (X)
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ()
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins ()
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (X)
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy ()
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood ()
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding (X)
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan (X)
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel ()
52 Dune - Frank Herbert (X)
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons (X)
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (X)
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth ()
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon ()
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (X)
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley (X)
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon (X)
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ()
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (X)
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov ()
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt ()
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ()
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas ()
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac (X)
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy ()
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding (X)
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie()
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville ()
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens (X)
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker (X)
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (X)
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson ()
75 Ulysses - James Joyce ()
76 The Inferno - Dante ()
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome ()
78 Germinal - Emile Zola ()
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray (X)
80 Possession - AS Byatt ()
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (X)
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell ()
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker (X)
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro ()
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert ()
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry ()
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White (X)
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom ()
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (X)
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton ()
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad ()
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery (X)
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks ()
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams (X)
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole (X)
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute ()
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas ()
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare (X)
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (X)
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo ()

Wow, I think I counted 54. Correct me if I'm wrong. I have always Loved to read, started reading very early and still read as much as I possibly can. Maybe I'll even tackle a few of these that I did not check.

I've decided to try to get a little more healthy and have started an exercise program 5 mornings a week with a personal trainer. I truly enjoy my knitting, and needlepoint and cross stitch as well, but they are not very conducive to good health as I sit the whole time I am engaged in them. Since I enjoy them so much, I was seated quite a lot. Now I get up and go to exercise and I am starting to feel stronger and have more energy. I'm starting to feel so much better, not to mention the benefits to my butt and other areas!!

I'm still knitting, though, believe it or not, and one of these days soon I am going to get pictures off the camera and onto the computer.

Hubby and I had such a great weekend and I hated for it to end. We just have so much fun together!! He's gone back to work this morning and I miss him a little even though I know he'll be home in a few hours. I know, I know. All of you with weak stomachs, I'll wait til you get back......

Okay, anyway, have a great Monday!!

They Say It Comes In Threes And Sometimes Fours

2009-06-27T08:14:00.007-04:00

It's been quite sad in Hollywood the last few weeks. First, we lost the Shaolin Priest. Then we lost Ed McMahon who was the voice of The Tonight Show for so many years and worked with Jerry Lewis on his telethon for Muscular Dystrophy for many years as well. Then Farrah Fawcett lost her fight with cancer and while we were still reeling from that Michael Jackson passed away from us.

All of these are equally sad and I, for one, will miss them all.

I have to take issue with the Michael Jackson case, though. Michael had a rough several years with all the negative publicity in his life and, while he may have brought a lot of it on himself, it was sad to see the once so sweet, innocent, and talented young man fall from grace in the eyes of the world.

We have seen it happen just in recent years to another child star. Brittany Spears went into a sharp tumble for a while and we feared for her life.

I have always felt just a little sorry for these kids who have so much placed upon their small shoulders so early. We, who had the opportunity to be children and enjoy all of the freedoms and innocences of childhood, don't know what happens to these kids. It seems that it does eventually manifest itself in some way as we have witnessed.

The way I perceived Michael Jackson was a man-child. A man so desperately wanting to recapture that which he had to sacrifice for his art and also for his fans. The child artists enter this occupation hopefully because they want to, but probably without a clue how their life will change. They become so important to us, the fans, that they might somehow feel they have to live up to our expectations. I personally can't imagine not being able to leave my home without being surrounded by photographers, or never being able to just go to the mall to shop without being afraid someone would hurt me because they love me so much. Having my life under constant scrutiny all the time. So I just try to imagine how these things feel to a child.

Michael did do and say some pretty crazy things, but don't most children?

Yes I did feel sorry for him and I will remember the little boy who sang so beautifully, but I will remember the man who wanted to help the world also. And what talent they both had!!

Next up knitting content and pictures, and finally my Maryland Sheep and Wool report!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming

2009-06-25T00:17:00.004-04:00

We just walked in the door of our home in the US! It's been a long 29 hours!! I was so glad to see my baby, Ann. She is our Sooner rescue dog and we LOVE her and she LOVES us. Right now she is guarding the door to make sure we don't sneak out again.

Blogger was blocked for the entire time we were in China this go round, so I am sorry if you've been here and I haven't. Just think of all the blogs on blogger that I get to catch up on reading as well!!! You all know who you are! ;^)

It's 12:20 AM Thursday morning and I'm so tired that I don't know if I will be able to sleep, but I am going to give it a helluva try.

Good to be back home and will catch up with you all again in a day or maybe two.

I've missed you all!

Maryland, Here We Come!

2009-04-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

If you notice the ticker on the side bar, just a few more days til back to China. This time we will be there for a little more than 6 weeks and home for July 4th. I don't know if I will ever get used to the jet lag but it is manageable.

Heading out to MSWF bright and early tomorrow morning. It's going to be so much fun!!! I look forward to this festival every year and start planning for it usually in November. I know, I'm a little bit of an idiot, but I love the festival atmosphere. I enjoy seeing folks that I haven't seen for a year and the festival food and the fiber! So much beautiful fiber!!

Roseanna and I will make a quick stop for Dunkin Donuts coffee then we're on the move!

Jerry Clower is traveling with us this year as well. Hubby and I rediscovered him and he was a hoot.

I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll show you what follows me home next week. If any of you are going to be there, look for me and say hey. I'll be the blur going by with the armful of fiber!

Happy Birthday Guy!!!

2009-04-27T11:13:00.004-04:00

Today is my sweeties birthday. I won't tell you how old he is as he might not want you to know. Whatever his age, he is fabulous!

Guy is just the best friend a girl can have. He is the most caring person I have ever met and is always there to lend a hand if needed. His heart is the size of Texas and he feels the pain of others. One thing that I have always admired so much about Guy is his true affection for the elderly and those who have difficulty helping themselves and how he loves doing the little things as well as the big for them.

The man is his most happy when he is working around outside, gardening or CUTTING WOOD! His wood shed runneth over!

He was raised a farmer and still enjoys it. He calls himself a sod buster and that is okay by me, especially when he looks so sexy in his straw hat with the green visor! ;o}

And talk about smart! Guy has changed careers several times and, with just a little time in each one, he is doing things that just amaze me! I could fill pages and pages with his accomplishments but the most important one is just how wonderful he is inside and out!

We have had so much fun together in the past 15+ years and I look forward to a whole lot more time with you sweetie!

Today is your special day and I wish you all happiness! Your chocolate cake will be waiting for you when you get home!

I Love You!

Evolution and Resolution

2009-04-13T16:59:00.010-04:00

This trip to China was a bit rough. Several things combined to make it a little difficult.

First was moving into the apartment and the cleaning involved there. The place was a mess and I didn't take pictures so you'll just have to take my word for it. Then hubby got sick for about a week and I worried about him. Next was the crappy internet that still wasn't working very well when we left. Also, hubby had to take me to the hospital there with a severe ear infection.

Going to a doctor in a foreign country is hard at best, but imagine going to a doctor that can't speak any English. Thank goodness that our friends Elaine and Horace were available to go with us! I bypassed the traditional treatment, which is an IV drip for 3 consecutive days of antibiotics, and opted for the pills instead. The doctor was not pleased that I didn't want to follow his prescribed course of action, but all turned out well and the infection was taken care of. It was in both ears and extremely painful for about 5 days. Still have a little bit of fluid, but the infection is gone.

Jet lag is working it's way slowly out, still have to battle the urge to nap, but trying to stay awake for the day.

Today was for getting some of my errands and appointments out of the way. Mammogram and Pap this morning. I hope all the ladies reading are taking care of these things yearly!

I've been knitting at the oddest hours while trying to adjust, but alas have nothing finished yet. Socks are all that I have the desire to pick up at this point.

I am feeling a little under the weather. Coming home has been a bit of a shock to the system in more ways than one. I had gotten used to 70 and 80 degrees and since I have been home I seem to be cold constantly. It would be great if I could wear my coat to bed!! Also I have been thrown into the allergens without being prepared for it and am suffering with the sinus and sore throat of that. Everything will be fine soon, though.

I've made a very important decision as well. Everyone of you that know me can attest to the fact that I spend quite a fair amount on yarn. Thanks to this and many nice shop owners (you all know who you are) I have a HUGE stash of some of the nicest yarns available. I also have a few Needlepoint canvases and even some beautiful Cross Stitch patterns, threads and fabrics. While away this time, I packed up some of my stash and took it with me with specific things in mind and was able to finish quite a bit and have a few more things so close to finished that I will have an entire post of FO's soon. It felt good! I am already starting to think what I want to get out of hibernation next and ideas are just buzzing. So for the rest of this year no more yarn purchases from shops. I do plan to go to Maryland in a few weeks and, if I can swing it, Rhinebeck in the fall. I plan to make a few purchases there of things that can't be found in my shops, mostly handpainted lace as I have several patterns that I am looking forward to working. I like to think this decision is a sign of maturity, but really, it is just good sense right now. Sadly, I will miss Sedalia!! I am truly sorry for that!!

Still hope to see all of my nice shopkeepers and enjoy their friendship!

Take care all!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig*

2009-04-09T10:58:00.003-04:00

Okay, back in the good old US! Back to internet access! And back to bed!

No sleep for 25 hours +.

Will post as soon as my eyes stop trying to close involuntarily. Now I know how Garfield feels when the Nap Attack hits him. Boom! Here I go!

*A song I remember from Burl Ives.

Still Here!!

2009-03-15T07:14:00.010-04:00

Hey Everybody! I know it's been a loooong time since my last post but a lot has happened and I'll try to catch you up.

First, I have been going with Hubby to some of the factories just to see what they make and how they work. It has been very interesting. We went to an art factory and man that was impressive! Oil paintings done by hand, each one unique. Same design but unique because each painter does things just a little differently, even though they need to be as close to the same look as possible. Not able to take pictures there for obvious reasons so you'll just have to take my word for it when I say WOW!

Norman, the factory owner, looks just like an American Indian! Long black hair, high cheekbones, slim. Put some buckskin on that boy and a feather in his hair, then slap him on the back of a horse and the wild west could be reborn! Okay, enough of my fantasies! Norman was kind enough to give me a very large roll of super quality cotton canvas that is primed and ready to be painted upon. I have dabbled with oils a little in the past, a very little, and I am going to dabble a little more now. Thanks Norman!!

Hubby was gone for a few days and I was able to watch all of the award nominated movies. Some were good, some were just plain bizarre! One thing is surely true; to be nominated for an award, it has to be depressing. I absolutely Love F. Scott Fitzgerald but the man has his dark side! Take time to read the story, though, it is very good.

When Hubby came home he was sick for a week, the Delhi Belly I've heard it called, but it was definitely from China. He is getting back to his self again now and hopefully this is the only episode for this trip! He and I will be jetting off to Hangzhou tomorrow for a few days and I will be visiting factories there with him. New area, new sights I say!

Also, there has been a lot accomplished on the knitting. (After all this is a knitting blog.) February Lady Sweater--Done! It's beautiful and I LOVE it! It's Dream in Color Classy Happy Forest colorway purchased at Mosaic as were the buttons. Aren't they pretty?

I haven't blocked it yet, but when it is blocked it will come together in the front easily and be just perfect for this time of year at home.

Also knit the Lenore socks from STR Sock kit from 2007. Boy am I behind on that! They are very Lovely, though and feel nice and smooshy on my feet. The pattern is just awesome and so fun to do that it seemed like they took no time at all.

Also finished three of the Prairie Schooler Cross Stitched Santas. I want to finish these and have them framed here and see what the cost will be. Let's just say I'm curious! I have finished 1984, 1985, 1987, and am currently working on 1986. These were the first four and I have all of them up to the present. I am a big fan of Santa!

And my neighborhood by night.

Good night everybody and talk to you all again soon!

Welcome To Our Home

2009-02-20T04:22:00.033-05:00

Take the middle or left elevator, the one on the right will not bring you to my home. Get off the elevator and turn to the left. Come down this hallway

and turn left again. Welcome to house number 1902.

Come inside with me.

Here in front of you is the dining area and if you notice those white floors, that were black with soot, you will understand why I must ask you to remove your shoes. This is where we will store them for you.

Dining area.

The bananas are in season and the wine is readily available.

Let's take our wine and have a seat in the living room and watch a movie maybe,

or knit, or even stitch something. For the next three nights, I will be alone for the first time here, as hubby had to travel to another city for work. Last trip here we picked up all of the Audrey Hepburn movies at the DVD store, so this is the weekend for them!

Here is a great place to relax, look out the window or just get a little light.

These are a couple of things that I am working on.

The February Lady Sweater in Dream in Colors Classy Happy Forest. What a fun knit!!

Prairie Schooler Santa 1984. I tried to find a link but I think this one is no longer available. When in China you must cross stitch!!! It is ever so popular here.

Later, I will fix myself a little bit of dinner. This is the contents of our fridge.

Frozen Veggies,

Fresh Veggies, carrots, onions, and potatoes.

Milk, bread, cheese, sodas and, most importantly, water. We found jams, mayonnaise, elbow macaroni, and lots of other foods, and the fridge is stuffed to overflowing with good things.

My kitchen and just off the kitchen is the al fresco laundry room.

After eating, maybe a little more knitting and movie time, then I will take a shower, brush my teeth,

and probably head to bed with a good book.

If you would like to stay with me, there's a spare room for you.

And another bathroom for your use.

Hubbys office is a work in progress and hopefully we can get some things on the walls pretty soon as it is awfully bright in this solid white house! This is the office room as it is now. Hubby spends evenings here receiving and answering emails from the US. The time difference right now is 13 hours ahead so at 7am US time, it is 8pm here.

That is all I have for you today, thanks for visiting with me and, until I talk with you again, please say hello to all my neighbors and even my little neighbor who loves to play with his cars.

Talk to you all again soon. Have a great weekend!

Coming Soon

2009-02-18T21:29:00.003-05:00

So sorry it has been so long since my last post. We have worked very hard, moved into the apartment and started life.

Today is going to be for preparation for a good long post. Please come back and visit tomorrow!

Today it is raining here a nice steady drizzle. They need it here as this country is seeing a terrible drought now.

Have a great day and see you tomorrow!

We're Back!

2009-02-09T18:42:00.002-05:00

Got to the hotel safely, had a really good flight.

We're headed to the apartment today to start preparing for the move in. Hope to be there in 3 days.

As we were coming from the airport in Hong Kong last night, there were fireworks everywhere! It seems we got here on the last night of the Lunar New Year celebration. It was a beautiful ride into China for a couple hours.

I will be catching up with you in a few days. Until then, take care!

Tuesday's Gone!

2009-02-04T17:37:00.011-05:00

Wow! What day is today? Tuesday I slept all day and night, only coming up briefly to eat and maybe potty. Hubby is a great nurse, a really good thing to remember for old age!

The surgery went well. If you're squeamish, don't follow the link. The day was a drugged haze, though. I remember telling the doctor at some point during the procedure that I was hungry and he thought that was a good sign.

Monday night this appeared.

And Tuesday morning we woke to this beautiful sight.

It's not much, but I sure was glad to see it! Even Ann, in the lower left of the picture, seemed happy with it.

Today was for a little bit of healing, but the rest of the week is going to be extremely busy getting ready to leave and I probably won't come up for air until ready to go.

I've been trying to decide what projects to take with me for a couple months absence from yarnshops or stash. Hopefully I can buy clothes over there somewhere as the space in my suitcase is quickly disappearing! ;o))

Take care all my friends, and I'll talk to you again very soon.

Friends, Fun, and Drugs?

2009-02-01T22:38:00.015-05:00

It's been a fun weekend!

Roseanna and I left Saturday morning for a day of fun.

We went to the annual Superbowl Sale at Orchardside on Saturday, I got to say bye to some good friends before leaving. I picked up a skein of Koigu to go with my stash of Koigu for a possible mitered square afghan. Carole has lots of Koigu in many, many colors!

Stopped by Yarn Explosion to visit for a little while also.

Couldn't let the day pass without stopping at the Roanoke City Market. stopped into a couple shops there and came home with another little treat.

This is what followed me home Saturday afternoon.

The black is Kraemer Sterling Silk and Silver in the Tuxedo colorway.

Thanks Roseanna, for a great day!

Saturday night I had a date with my sweetie and on Sunday we did a little shopping and went to our favorite restaurant for lunch. We enjoy our time together on weekends and try to find fun things to do. This weekend we definitely had some fun!

Now we get to the drug part.

Tomorrow I have to have a little bit of surgery and will be drugged to the hilt and spinal blocked also. I think the drug cocktail has me more freaked out than the surgery as I really don't like to take this many pills at one time. As a matter of fact, I don't like taking pills at all!! I think I'm a little afraid of them. Hopefully, though, the surgery will be succesful and I'll have one less thing to worry about. The effects of the pills will wear off pretty quickly also, I hope.

Please send some good vibes my way on Tuesday, I'll need them.

If I'm not wandering around Roanoke or Rocky Mount in a fog the next couple of days, I will let you know how it goes.

Wishing for Winter

2009-01-23T17:25:00.014-05:00

This has been the view from my deck for the last several days.

That is our pond and it has been frozen, until today. We had a very warm day today. Not Winterish at all!

Now I realize there are a lot of folks out there that don't particularly like Winter, but I'm not one of them. I LOVE Winter, and I Love the shorter days. I know this puts me in a very small minority, but I just can't help that. It's not because of Skiing or any type of icy sports, and I don't care to have to be in the cold any more than necessary. But I do enjoy coming in out of the cold and feeling cozy and warm in my home. Fixing a hot meal for Hubby and I, curling up on the sofa for knitting and a little tv (or my new favorite, BBC radio), or reading a good book by lamplight while the dryer is working. Ahhhh, gotta love that white noise.

For me Winter is a time of rest, when I don't feel like there's a million things left undone at the end of the day.

Soon I will be leaving Winter and going back to Chang'an where I will be back in warm, slightly tropical temperatures. There may be a few cool days but my cold weather will be gone and when I return here again Spring will have sprung.

I would really enjoy it if I could see one snow, however small or large before I have to leave. So, just for me guys and gals, please think SNOW!!!

On Thursday, I started my February Lady Sweater and it is proving to be a fun knit. It's moving along rather quickly and hopefully will be done in time to wear when I leave.

This is the view from my 19th floor balcony in Chang'an.

Man Versus Yarn

2009-01-21T12:03:00.016-05:00

Hubby has been complaining that my stash is taking over his life. The closet door in the small bedroom won't close and it offends him to see all that yarn! IMAGINE THAT!!!!!

I ask you, is this too much of a mess for a room that is supposed to be my storage room for yarn? As you pass the room this is what you see from the hallway.

This is what you see as you enter the room to the left,

straight ahead, but these doors close and you don't see this,

and to the right.

Turn around and this is the offending closet.

Okay, maybe I admit that the mess in front of the closet could be organized. I will also not mention the trunk of my car that is still full of stuff from the shop that has to be put into this room somewhere.

Still, I ask you, Is this too out of control?

My first finished object of 2009? Clapotis! Yeah, I'm awfully late to this party, but I have to say it was amazingly fun and I will have the pictures as soon as it is blocked.

I'll leave you with a picture from China. A tea room and enjoying a tea ceremony and tasting.

I'll keep you all informed on the battle of the sexes as it unfolds.

New Year, New Post (Finally)!

2009-01-05T19:17:00.005-05:00

Received the itinerary today, and will be headed back across the pond February 8. I'm really excited because this time we will be moving into our apartment. While the Hotel is extremely nice, it will be nice not to have someone ringing the bell all day and the click of heels in the walls all around you day and night!

We have enjoyed being home to see all of our friends and family and to celebrate the Holidays with our Loved Ones. With the severe attack of jetlag, I really didn't do as much for Christmas as I would have liked to, but it was enjoyable just the same.

The sale that I decided on the spur of the moment to have went very well and the remainder of the yarn found a home with one of the organizers of the NoSo Knit and will be door prizes and goody bag fillers in September! I am always glad to contribute to those folks. Hubby and I, with a little help from friends, got everything out of the shop and the sign came down on New Years Eve. The key has been returned and that's that.

Now I just have to get ready to go again! Things that needed to be done around the house are first priority. Then I'll be packing again.

Sorry that my posts have been few and far between lately. Please keep coming back as one of my hopes this year is to post quite a bit more.

Take care all and a very very Happy 2009 to you!

Playing Catch Up!

2008-12-15T21:48:00.007-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been a little busy doing Christmas shopping and watching all sorts of good movies and trying to spend as much time with Hubby as possible, having dinner with friends and even,on one occasion, having a little too much of the local brew. We have been playing ping pong, and I must say I am enjoying the hell out of that! Talk about fun! It's amazing as we grow older the things that we forget that was so enjoyable when we were younger.

My Christmas shopping is done and now I just have to be able to pack it all in the suitcase! I must say that I am looking forward to getting home to see friends and celebrate Christmas in the traditional way. Also, and you all may think I'm crazy here, I am looking forward to COLD!! It's just not Christmas to me when it's 70 or 80 degrees F outside. I know a lot of people live in the warmer climates and do just fine with it, but I guess I'm just accustomed to the cold Christmas and I miss it. A little bit of snow would be nice as well but I realize that we can't have everything!!

I have discovered a love of the fresh Mandarin Orange as they are in season here and have just about eaten my weight in them. This is the fruit basket we get in the room once a week, not to mention all the fruit you can eat in the mornings on the breakfast buffet.

The two bags of Mandarins go first let me tell you!!

These are two of our friends, Linda and Neo. Yes that is Tsingtao Beer, my new favorite!

And after a few Tsingtaos we decided to entertain everyone at the shopping center. Here we are standing at the big Christmas Tree. Don't let the coats fool you. It is at least 68 degrees F. The street sweeper will have plenty to talk about for a month telling everyone about the crazy American Girl who was dancing in the parking lot!

I'll be home Friday night if the weather allows and all will be good!

Hope to see you all as soon as I can!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:30:00.009-05:00

Click on picture to make bigger!

I hope you all are having a super day filled with all good things today! Here at the hotel we were served a Thanksgiving feast! Well there was no stuffing or gravy but we had the Turkey and Cranberry Sauce! When we got to the dining room they had not carved the Turkey yet and the guy asked me if I wanted Turkey and I told him that I wanted the leg-- I Got It!! If you look to the right of me you can see the Big Christmas Tree in the Foyer of the Hotel. Everything is going up over here for Christmas too, but it's time now I say!

Anyway, we had a good day. After that wonderful dinner we went and had a 90 minute massage and I had a manicure and pedicure (just the basics) all for the staggering price of $20 dollars for both of us!

Came back to the hotel and slept like a baby!

Happy Turkey Day to all my Friends and Family! And to those who don't celebrate, Happy Day!

Oops!

2008-11-23T10:00:00.007-05:00

I forgot how slow the server is here on Sundays. There is no way I can do pictures today!

I'm so sorry! I will try again tomorrow.

It's been a tough day here today. Can't go into detail, just a bad day. Oh, well, tomorrow is just around the corner!

Since I can't load my pictures for you I will let you hear what puts me to sleep every night. Our window overlooks the big park and they have a HUGE TV screen there. People come to socialize and enjoy their evenings and watch the entertainment. This goes on until around 11 PM. Also enjoy the beautiful scenery in this clip. I have been to several of these places and it is really beautiful.

Not a bad way to fall asleep, huh? Sometimes it is a little more lively and lots of drums, but later in the evening it is very soft and soothing.

While you are looking check out this one as well. They had a cultural arts show in the park this weekend and had this going on there. Absolutely amazing!

Dear Friends, have a great day!

Still Live and Kicking

2008-11-17T21:07:00.004-05:00

I haven't forgotten you I promise. I've been very busy getting accustomed to everything and meeting people that can help me become more comfortable with day to day life here.

It is much different here than in Virginia where I could jump in the car and go anywhere I wanted whenever I wanted. Here everything must be planned ahead and you get all you need or want while you are out. No taxi driver speaks English and so that is out of the question unless you really don't mind where you end up. I'm planning a trip into Hong Kong in the next couple weeks and have to wait for Elaine, my friend and Victorias mother, to get her Visa to go for the day. It will take about a week for her to get it. I have several addresses of yarn shops in Hong Kong that she will help me to find. Also, buttons are only 10 minutes away from me and we are planning a trip to Shenzhen in the next few days to see them. Elaine assures me that it is button city! How exciting!!

I found Chinese knitting magazines in Walmart of all places and will get some just for the novelty. I really enjoy the pictures!

But so far I am really enjoying being here!

I have started exercising everyday because the gym here at the hotel is just awesome. The food is very healthy and it is much easier to pick and choose now than it used to be. This past weekend we walked about 4 blocks and had lunch at The Bluebird Diner. I had pork chop and the best onion soup I have ever put into my mouth! Of course you still can't drink the water and ice is out of the question, so diet cola is very unpleasant warm and I carry bottled water with me everywhere. Someone put it to me the best way the other day. You come here and you have money to spend and you would love to have a slice of apple pie, but no matter how much money you have there is no apple pie to be had. Sodas taste absolutely nothing like they taste in the states even though they are Coke or Pepsi products. Commonplace foods that we eat everyday at home are completely different tasting here, and no amount of money can buy you what you are accustomed to.

My little girl Victoria got to come and visit with me for a couple of hours yesterday and it was so good to just get to squeeze on her for a little while. She has grown so much and is now 22 months old. She is quite a tall little girl and talks up a storm! Mostly in Chinese but she has some English vocabulary as well and is learning.

My knitting is progressing as well. I had a very big list of things to finish for Christmas gifts and it is getting smaller and I feel that it will be done before I come home.

A while back I asked you to guess who my favorite Beatle was and today while surfing I found this that should answer the question.

My Beatle devotion was always with George!

He was "not long for this world" but boy didn't he help to make it a little nicer?

I promised pictures and I am busily taking them and will have a very heavy picture post by the end of the week. Tune in on your Sunday for a visual treat from me to you!

On Monday Morning

2008-11-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

Okay, I think that jetlag is finally over and sleep is caught up. The last few days have been sleep, wake, sleep, wake, and sleep some more. Finally feel able to think.

We arrived here on Wednesday night and checked in to our room which is spectacular! We have our own steam sauna! As soon as I finish unpacking I will get camera charged and take pictures.

Breakfasts are awesome here in the hotel and each morning I have been able to drag myself down to the Botanical Garden to sit and knit just for a little while.

I have been to the health club a couple of times and exercised to try to get myself back in the swing of things. The health club here is almost as good as your local gym or YMCA. And very well taken care of!

Each morning I am starting out with breakfasts of fruits and cheeses. The fruits here are out of this world as they are so fresh, but they do have Washington State apples! Just a touch of home to make any gal feel a little more in touch. The only way I can explain the grapes to you is small plum. I've never seen such huge grapes! And very tasty too!

There is a shopping center straight across from the hotel that is 4 floors and has a huge variety of things, but no yarn!

We were able to go out to dinner with friends Horace and Elaine the second night here and hope to see them again very soon.

Right now is the busy time for the factories as it is sample time and my husbands bosses are here to pick out the new items for their catalogs. He is very occupied for the next few days and then we will kind of be able to take a breath. The bosses are only here for a week and they are working 14 hour days while here going to sample showrooms. It is pretty amazing to walk in the sample showrooms here and see all the new furniture that will be gracing the homes in USA, and so much of it that it is a little overwhelming. They will pick what they believe their market will buy and it is very time consuming. I am so glad that I do not have to make these decisions!

In the knitting, I have been able to finish a hat and scarf that is a Christmas present.

And now to go exercise and to start unpacking so that I can show you all what I see everyday.

Take care and have a great Monday!

What Do You Do At 3 AM?

2008-11-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

Find a good quiz, of course!

Here's mine this morning.

You Should Be an Artist

You are incredibly creative, spontaneous, and unique.

No one can guess what you're going to do next, but it's usually something amazing.

You can't deal with routine, rules, or structure. You're easily bored.

As long as you are able to innovate and break the rules, you are extremely successful.

You do best when you:

- Can work by yourself

- Can express your personality in your work

You would also be a good journalist or actor.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

Pretty good, I'd say.

Back to bed again!

It's Over

2008-10-31T21:28:00.000-04:00

Today was the last day at my shop. It is officially over. My last class was held Thursday night and it is all pretty bittersweet for me.

Also Thursday night hubby and I lost our little old man. Our Miniature Schnauzer, Sir Buckingham Bolling (we called him Buck), left us quietly and now rests on our property in a beautiful spot underneath the apple trees. The grief has been overwhelming. He was our very first baby together and we are both pretty shook to lose such a dear friend. Our lives are better for having him in them for so long, though. We'll never, ever forget him.

And as Forest Gump said, "that's all I've got to say about that".

Tomorrow the packing and getting ready begins in earnest after a quick ride up to see my dear friend Carole at Orchardside Yarn Shop in Raphine, VA. I just can't leave without saying bye to her.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, I already have.

Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you all again from China sometime next week!

A Beautiful Day

2008-10-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

What a gorgeous fall!

I had a great weekend at the shop! Visits from many friends who came to enhance stashes and sit and knit and chat with me for a while. I LOVE to visit with my knit buddies!

Today I am cleaning house and getting ready for sweeties return on Thursday. Now cleaning is not the my favorite thing to do but I feel that he deserves at least a place to be able to set his luggage down when he walks through the door! Six weeks worth of stuff have accumulated and the laundry basket overfloweth.

This is what has caught my interest today, though.

Those guys were so adorable! Can you guess who my favorite Beatle is? Come on Guess!

Also found this.

I can't help it, I just Love Ozzy!

On the knitting, I am enjoying small objects right now. Instant gratification is what I need and have completed some Christmas presents that were quick but beautiful. I will post pictures soon.

Have a great day everybody!

I Have To Agree On This

2008-10-03T10:01:00.000-04:00

I was at over at Chez Knitnana and she had this great quiz to take. Mine matches me to a T! Try it for yourself.

You're Adventures of Huckleberry Finn!

by Mark Twain

With an affinity for floating down the river, you see things in black
and white. The world is strange and new to you and the more you learn about it, the less
it makes sense. You probably speak with an accent and others have a hard time
understanding you and an even harder time taking you seriously. Nevertheless, your
adventurous spirit is admirable. You really like straw hats.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I do love Adventure, and I do have that southern "drag talk" as I've been told by people even in my hometown. There are those who find it hard to take me seriously because I can change thoughts or beliefs pretty quickly. Prove something to me and I'm on board with it! And yes the more I learn about the world the less it makes sense, especially right now!

Besides, I always did love me some Samuel Clemens!

Superstars or Shooting Stars

2008-10-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

You've got to see this! Watch now!

Moving Right Along

2008-10-01T17:13:00.001-04:00

Well things have certainly began to move very quickly for me! The big sale started at the shop today and was a huge success for the first day. My airline ticket is bought and the paperwork for the Visa is moving right along. Only things left to do-buy clothes, get last hepatitis shot and whatever other shots the CDC is pushing now for Asian travel, passport photo (UGH!!! who ever has a good passport photo!), absentee vote, pack, decide what knitting is going for a 6 week stay, and and I'm sure there will be more. Phew, that was a long sentence!

Leaving November 4th and will be back December 19th to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Don't know exactly when in January we will go back but will post when I know for sure.

We will have to find yet another apartment and decorate again (boy isn't that just awful to get to pick out furnishings and spend someone else's money doing it?). And I will finally get to see Elaine, Horace, and Victoria who some may know I was honored to be allowed to name. I haven't been able to see them since last July and am very excited about it!

I've been to China with hubby twice and I do like it. It is just like anything else in life, you have to adjust a little. But I am glad that we will be able to be together as the looooong times apart are very hard.

I feel like I have been the luckiest person alive to have had so many fantastic people come into my life and I cherish them all.

So here's to the next phase of life!

I Promise I'll Get Over It Soon!!

2008-08-22T17:20:00.001-04:00

I just got this beautiful video from Jessey, you remember her, the beautiful bride. I just can't help it, I Love her!

http://www.vimeo.com/1570047

Please go and watch!

The Minister is my dad. Handsome guy isn't he? The brides father is my older brother, he's handsome too.

Okay, I've wiped the tears away and am on to other things now!

New stuff is pouring into the shop and I will have everything that I ordered (I'm promised) by the end of October to first of November.

Lots of Eco Wool, Cashmere Lace, Cotton kisses sweater kits for the little ones, Alpaca Lace, Boku, Dream in Colors Classy and Smooshy, Jewel. Also Malabrigo, and Manos is on the way. Whoo Hoo!! Seems like Fall is good at the shop!

I always get inspired newly at this time of year to have lots of warmth ready to slip into very soon and the cooler nights are beginning.

Right now I am knitting a Weekend Neckdown Sweater from Brown Sheep Burly Spun. I am determined to have a very warm sweater ready to be put to use.

From all my indicators we are going to get an early Fall and I can't wait! The farmers around my house are cutting their corn and there's nothing like following behind a tractor pulling a trailer load of cut Silage and having the fine pieces of corn float all over and around you! It's like a snowstorm in the early Fall. The sun feels different when Fall is approaching and I have already felt that little difference in the air.

Can you guess what my favorite time of year is?

What's New?

2008-07-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Just into the shop--all eight fabulous colors of Silk Garden Sock yarn, knits a beautiful pair of socks! Noro colors, can't beat them! David Simpson sock yarns, gorgeous!! David is a local dyer in Blacksburg and he does a super job of joining beautiful colors together.

Also just in is Elsebeth Lavolds Silky Wool. The drape and feel of this yarn is just unbelievable and the price is super!

I'm also getting some yarns together to have on discount that I no longer want to carry and they will have their own special place of honor in the shop.

There's been a lot of Knitters Knook friends in lately and I always enjoy seeing them!!

Soon we will start a knitting group on Sunday afternoons, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, 2 to 5. Hope to see lots of you on those days!

Hope everyone is having a good summer and will continue to post when I get in more new things that are to come!

Happy 4th!

2008-07-03T16:21:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow we will be celebrating the birth of our nation and with that also the freedoms that we all enjoy here in the United States. I've heard a lot of people complain about the US and its government, but I never hear anyone say , "Oh my, I just hate that I CAN complain about my country and get away with it!" Folks, we are way lucky to live here and I have traveled a lot, but I always love to come back to my home, in my little piece of this vast and varied nation. Every Government has its flaws and ours is no different. I may not always agree with the things that my President does, but, no matter what party or agenda, I will defend my country to anyone anywhere. It's all up to us to make the difference in the choices that we make, but isn't it great to have those choices?

I Love the USA!

The shop will be closed for July 4th day but will reopen on July 5th at 11 AM.

I Hope you all have a great celebration with friends, family and loved ones.

Oh, and if you have time, get a little knitting done as well!

Love And Another Day!

2008-06-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

The wedding was beautiful! This is my neice, Jessica, on her wedding day.

It's been a hectic week and a half and I'm glad to be getting back to a measure of normalcy. The Eastern Shore was very relaxing, the seafood awesome!!! I will not get on the scales at this time.

It's been good to get back to my little shop and make plans for a big happening. The 20th - 22nd of June is for a sale here at Knitters Knook! All in stock merchandise is going to be 40% off and that is a huge savings to everyone!!

I've been looking and making plans for the new fall inventory and I am very excited about the chance to bring new and luscious fibers to my knitting and crocheting family!

Look forward to seeing everyone those 3 days and hope to make plenty of room for more!

No I haven't forgotten to post pictures of Swan Lake, I still have to download them from the camera. Promise I will post them soon. There is a lot of catching up to do. I must try to update all my projects on Ravelry as well.

Have a great few days and I will catch up with you all soon!

Here Comes The Bride And Fiber Too!

2008-05-21T13:09:00.000-04:00

Some that have come into the shop know that I've been knitting the Swan Lake Shawl for a nieces wedding. I have only 93 rows to go and the blocking to be done and it will be in her hands on her wedding day. I will post the picture when it is blocked. On Sunday my husband and I went to Lowe's and I bought an 8 foot sheet of blue insulation styrofoam to do my large blocking on. It can be placed out on my deck on nice days and possibly cut my drying time down a little bit. Of course I will have to stand guard to keep birds away if you know what I mean!

My niece has grown from a beautiful child into a gracious, beautiful young woman. Time goes by so quickly and if we're not careful we'll miss so much. I admire her for her independence, her talent, and her sweetness of spirit. I remember the first time she told me she was going into toe shoes in her ballet class and now she is going to be married! I just couldn't be prouder of her.

I'm getting things ready for Sedalia and am looking forward to seeing friends old and new. Not to mention getting to fondle fiber!

Hope to see you all!

Alpha

2008-05-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

Beginnings are pretty frightening to everyone. First times include lots of things: First steps, first day of school, first date (or the first date with someone new), first kiss, first child. You can see how many things could go here.

Not very long ago, I started my first business and it is just as frightening as any first. Will I pick things that people will want? Are my color choices right? Will people like me? Can I make a go of it? All these things and so much more plague me every day.

I have met so many wonderful people and it is my pleasure to be around them. I have regulars that come again and I so appreciate everyone that comes through my shop door.

Knitters Knook is small but I want it to be a gathering place for knitters and friends. There is new stuff coming in all the time, and picking things is so exciting and seeing what is new to bring to my knitting family is just loads of fun.

Hope to see you all soon and stay tuned for fiber and knitting content!

Don't forget to join Knitters Knook at the Sedalia Fiber Festival this weekend