tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366462872024-03-13T02:27:37.664-08:00MidwifeKnitsJust a little blog about Knitting, Birthing, & Life in General.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-86689014111898992672012-01-08T08:58:00.003-09:002012-01-08T09:08:03.861-09:00Happy 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_NdWGB9kYs/Twna0Bmw6GI/AAAAAAAACO8/e3lZOdDdzEw/s1600/MS3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_NdWGB9kYs/Twna0Bmw6GI/AAAAAAAACO8/e3lZOdDdzEw/s400/MS3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695323791105779810" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ua8egFO3P8/TwnazlfLU5I/AAAAAAAACOw/Pm-fro4Wa70/s1600/MS2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ua8egFO3P8/TwnazlfLU5I/AAAAAAAACOw/Pm-fro4Wa70/s400/MS2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695323783557763986" /></a><br /><br />It's been a while. Lots of business. Lots of babies....lots of travel....mostly good things. And...there is knitting. Gasp.<br />Visited baby girl down in OK over Thanksgiving. She wanted one of the cute earwarmers everyone is sporting these days. I used the Morning Stroll earwarmer pattern provided through Ravelry along with some bulky well marinated stash yarn to create this cute and super warm topper. She LOVES it! Sorry, but I just don't have any of the details other than I think I used size 11 needles, and a size J crochet hook for the flowers and leaves (patterns for those cobbled together from various links on Ravelry as well). All told it took abut 3 hours. Perfect for those quick gifts!<br /><br />Right now, working on sox, and a scarf, and a sweater...more details as things progress! Knit On with your bad selves and I hope to keep up with the blogginess a little more this year....knitting goals for 2012? 4 pairs of sox, 2 sweaters. That's it...because scarves and hats and mitts really don't count.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-85768987204702118332011-06-27T07:16:00.008-08:002011-06-27T08:00:50.011-08:00Monday, MondayAhhh....Monday, Monday....<br />Last week was crazy busy! Had an old friend visiting which kept me hopping. We took the Readers Digest Condensed version of the Alaska Tour. Traveled to Talkeetna and found a beautiful summer day. My friend flew Talkeetna Air Taxi to Ruth Glacier on Denali and was awestruck by the grandeur and majesty of it all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8jqH06mr7Q/Tgilh9G2K8I/AAAAAAAACNo/2tTczp8NN_I/s1600/Talkeetna%2BAir%2BTaxi%2BBlog%2B7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8jqH06mr7Q/Tgilh9G2K8I/AAAAAAAACNo/2tTczp8NN_I/s400/Talkeetna%2BAir%2BTaxi%2BBlog%2B7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622926137529609154" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed another afternoon trip to Seward with a boat (my friend insisted it was a ship) to Fox Island where we skipped stones on the beach and had a lovely dinner of fresh grilled salmon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_xfgHr4BO0/TgimHGOY3OI/AAAAAAAACOA/SbNZHWLW7a0/s1600/Fox%2Bisland%2Bblog%2B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_xfgHr4BO0/TgimHGOY3OI/AAAAAAAACOA/SbNZHWLW7a0/s400/Fox%2Bisland%2Bblog%2B6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622926775632321762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-1_O67BnxM/TgimG-7vDCI/AAAAAAAACNw/zf7-cQeUnVw/s1600/Fox%2BIsland%2Bblog%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-1_O67BnxM/TgimG-7vDCI/AAAAAAAACNw/zf7-cQeUnVw/s400/Fox%2BIsland%2Bblog%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622926773675035682" /></a><br /><br /><br />We fished unsuccessfully for kings at the Eklutna Tailrace <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fe81sKwIE5g/Tgim30Ht6SI/AAAAAAAACOI/xECDzYxD1xI/s1600/Fishin%2BEklutna%2Bblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fe81sKwIE5g/Tgim30Ht6SI/AAAAAAAACOI/xECDzYxD1xI/s400/Fishin%2BEklutna%2Bblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622927612586092834" /></a><br /><br /><br />then fed baby muskox at the muskox farm in Palmer.<br /><br />Like I said, it was the condensed tour. I worked the whole week...caught 10 (yep ten) babies...the level of fecundity is astounding.<br /><br />I am also in the throes of puppy parenting. Was "gifted" with a delightful new friend. Her name is Adele but I call her Addy for short. She's a now 13 week old Min Pin. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ-uRaxRdtI/Tginne_-t5I/AAAAAAAACOQ/lscku99Yh94/s1600/Addy%2Bblog%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ-uRaxRdtI/Tginne_-t5I/AAAAAAAACOQ/lscku99Yh94/s400/Addy%2Bblog%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622928431550216082" /></a><br /><br />Like dynamite in a tiny dog body. Very fun and very energetic. Has increased the noise and clatter quotient of the household exponentially! And of course, she likes the knitting!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GiK1R-k78/TginoLoSCGI/AAAAAAAACOg/L4frAEARzrI/s1600/Addy%2Bblog%2B8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GiK1R-k78/TginoLoSCGI/AAAAAAAACOg/L4frAEARzrI/s400/Addy%2Bblog%2B8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622928443530414178" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xnbr6zCMqI/TginnqJ4EgI/AAAAAAAACOY/SFnv78XF6zY/s1600/Addy%2Bblog%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xnbr6zCMqI/TginnqJ4EgI/AAAAAAAACOY/SFnv78XF6zY/s400/Addy%2Bblog%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622928434544513538" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of knitting....yes, there still is. <br />I am currently enjoying the baby sock pattern from Joelle Hoverson's "more Last-Minute Knitted Gifts".....I picked this book up from Joann Fabrics a week or two ago because I fell in love with Leah's Lovely Cardigan. There are an awful lot of other super-cute patterns as well, and with the 50% coupon, it was a no-brainer. <br /><br />Worked in the garden a bit yesterday, my Blue Himalayan Poppies are stunning! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ2Ep7uZCRw/Tgio9Bg9aKI/AAAAAAAACOo/kFsWhyT00bY/s1600/blue%2Bpoppy%2Bblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ2Ep7uZCRw/Tgio9Bg9aKI/AAAAAAAACOo/kFsWhyT00bY/s400/blue%2Bpoppy%2Bblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622929901104228514" /></a><br /><br />Planted a raised bed full of strawberries and completed 2 more 3' x 6' x 12" boxes to paint and fill for veggies. Am envisioning a backyard with minimal grass mowing and lots of veggies and perennials along the Southern fence. Will spend this winter developing garden plans and hopefully get the landscaping initiated next spring. <br /><br />Enough of my ramblings for the day. Time to mop the floor (thanks to puppy its a more than daily chore)...bills need to be paid, laundry needs to be folded. Thanks for the comments and support. You probably dont know it but you blog buddies are a fantastic source of comfort! Until next time...<br /><br />Knit (or garden) on!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-27965281261175731752011-06-21T08:13:00.002-08:002011-06-21T08:18:00.349-08:00Cinque Terre<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb_-kLHe8Qw/TgDD5Jg1FQI/AAAAAAAACNg/YzoJMYS2GG8/s1600/CT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb_-kLHe8Qw/TgDD5Jg1FQI/AAAAAAAACNg/YzoJMYS2GG8/s400/CT.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620707721531954434" /></a><br /><br />candy colored neighbors clinging to Ligurian cliffs.......LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-74940637439961212302011-06-16T08:01:00.003-08:002011-06-16T08:49:39.496-08:00Venice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaYCzHQCDqU/TfoqoHI37zI/AAAAAAAACNY/LIOS_1uTmco/s1600/venice%2Bgrand%2Bcanal%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaYCzHQCDqU/TfoqoHI37zI/AAAAAAAACNY/LIOS_1uTmco/s400/venice%2Bgrand%2Bcanal%2B2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618850353697517362" /></a><br />decaying grandeur,<br />ghosts. <br />imagination.<br />unforgiving elements.....LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-347509326391953982011-06-15T21:41:00.002-08:002011-06-15T21:52:51.359-08:00Here we go again....So, it's been over a year and a half since I last blogged....lots of good reasons...lots of life changes.....<br />Big breath....I got separated...I am getting divorced. <br />That was easier to write than expected. Such a small word for such a big change. <br />Yes, we sold the house...but, I myself, bought a new house. Much smaller, much older, much, much closer to work. Such an adorable cute house. I love it. <br />The daughter has grown up, moved out of state, and is pursuing her dream...working hard, learning life lessons, independently. Guess we did a good job. Miss her LIKE CRAZY!<br />I am OFFICIALLY middle aged. Over 50.<br />Took myself to ITALY for two weeks for my birthday. Best. Vacation. Of. My. Life. Ate gelato three times a day sometimes. Felt like a cliche'. But loved it. And will go back!<br />Still catching babies. A lot. <br />Still teaching at the University. A little.<br />Started working with SART as well...I'm SANE...(google it)..still the acronym makes me giggle inappropriately.<br />Losses....Tucker man...beautiful, loyal furfriend......hemangiosarcoma off his pancreas...passed away in April of this year. Peacefully. Surrounded by love.<br />Grandma Clara. Would have been 90 in July. Passed away peacefully May 11. I was holding her hand. It felt like....a soap bubble popped.....I looked down and she was gone. Miss. Her. Like. Crazy....more than I ever thought I would. Really. Still getting used to her being gone. Still see things at the store and think "oh, she will like this"....and realize belatedly that she's gone.<br />So many many changes. And yet...I still knit. I still catch babies. I still am me.<br />I think, it is time to start blogging again. <br />If you are still out there and reading this...let me know...LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-63876957927861229232009-11-29T18:04:00.003-09:002009-11-29T18:45:41.628-09:00A Delightful Thanksgiving Holiday and an Almost Finished ObjectWhat is this?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3QPwhZJI/AAAAAAAACL0/LvRwulDVBnk/s1600/FLS+blocking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3QPwhZJI/AAAAAAAACL0/LvRwulDVBnk/s400/FLS+blocking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409728329649579154" /></a><br /><br /><br />It's my February Lady Sweater....pinned out and blocking. I was able to finish her during the few days off after Thanksgiving. I think it turned out well..and this photo is much more true to color (Calypso Green) than the previous pics. Modeled shots will come later this week for sure!<br /><br />Despite having to cover L&D Wednesday day and overnight Thursday night...and the multitudes of babies accompanying the holiday, I was able to have a lovely day Thursday with the family. Much of the prep work, and the homemade cranberry sauce was completed on Monday and Tuesday. Thursday morning was devoted to putting the turkey in the oven, along with the stuffing in a side dish pan (we do NOT like our stuffing in our turkey...we like our stuffing crunchy on top! and full of wonderful things like sausage and cranberries and pecans and savory saute'd onions and celery and such)...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3QdwGyhI/AAAAAAAACL8/X0dO0nD6t5s/s1600/GC+TDay+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3QdwGyhI/AAAAAAAACL8/X0dO0nD6t5s/s400/GC+TDay+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409728333405932050" /></a><br /><br />Had the best darn sweet potatoes (not yams) whipped up with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla and egg...smothered with a crispy crust of toasted chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour and butter....even the teen preferred them to the marshmallow covered variety...in fact, there are none left. None. Between the granny, the girl, and the man...they were devoured.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3Q-XOraI/AAAAAAAACME/dQ4_maB_EWw/s1600/TDay+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3Q-XOraI/AAAAAAAACME/dQ4_maB_EWw/s400/TDay+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409728342159961506" /></a><br /><br /><br />The spinach salad added just the perfect touch of green leafy things....<br /><br />For dessert, pumpkin pie (with whipped cream of course) and a decadent apple/cranberry pie topped with walnut streusal...my personal favorite.<br /><br />Life is good. I have much to be thankful for. And the girl GRADUATED from high school!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3RcfMINI/AAAAAAAACMM/pGs4bOXPJpk/s1600/TDay+2009+me+and+zoe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM3RcfMINI/AAAAAAAACMM/pGs4bOXPJpk/s400/TDay+2009+me+and+zoe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409728350246412498" /></a><br /><br />With a decent GPA and all. A semester early. She's working full time for now, and will likely work at a lodge this summer before leaving for college in the fall. Yes. Life IS good. Here's hoping you all enjoyed a wonderful day with friends and/or family members....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM75M9wxAI/AAAAAAAACMU/QA6lVMhRXP0/s1600/family+photo+Thanksgiving+09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SxM75M9wxAI/AAAAAAAACMU/QA6lVMhRXP0/s400/family+photo+Thanksgiving+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409733431320953858" /></a><br /><br />Until next time...KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-46655385850136011392009-11-09T10:20:00.007-09:002009-11-09T12:23:06.014-09:00Long Time No BlogYes, I know it's been months. But I have been using my time productively. Honest.<br />Since we last connected, I've hiked through enchanting Alaskan terrain covered in waterfalls and glaciers and lakes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxDNotOCI/AAAAAAAACKE/-22mhW8-fHU/s1600-h/eklutna+39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxDNotOCI/AAAAAAAACKE/-22mhW8-fHU/s400/eklutna+39.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192053044852770" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxCqhbq2I/AAAAAAAACJ8/eimFet94YFw/s1600-h/Eklutna+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxCqhbq2I/AAAAAAAACJ8/eimFet94YFw/s400/Eklutna+11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192043619101538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxCaeoqzI/AAAAAAAACJ0/ZHpujfvs-Qc/s1600-h/Eklutna+10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SvhxCaeoqzI/AAAAAAAACJ0/ZHpujfvs-Qc/s400/Eklutna+10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192039312403250" /></a><br /><br />I've traveled to Peru for a volunteer medical mission, a life-changing experience if ever there was one....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAalmDa9I/AAAAAAAACKk/0S58tVpe2kA/s1600-h/perublog3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAalmDa9I/AAAAAAAACKk/0S58tVpe2kA/s400/perublog3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208947287583698" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAaYAQBAI/AAAAAAAACKc/G5jjzmyuYfw/s1600-h/perublog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAaYAQBAI/AAAAAAAACKc/G5jjzmyuYfw/s400/perublog2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208943639364610" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAZ6OZ87I/AAAAAAAACKU/ExWd3kJto08/s1600-h/perublog1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAZ6OZ87I/AAAAAAAACKU/ExWd3kJto08/s400/perublog1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208935645672370" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAZVxUGpI/AAAAAAAACKM/Dqc9KJZDmxQ/s1600-h/fbmp27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviAZVxUGpI/AAAAAAAACKM/Dqc9KJZDmxQ/s400/fbmp27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208925859977874" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviCpZ4WYVI/AAAAAAAACK0/NvmV0yU5dUs/s1600-h/perublog6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviCpZ4WYVI/AAAAAAAACK0/NvmV0yU5dUs/s400/perublog6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402211400864391506" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviCo3X88QI/AAAAAAAACKs/3dsz1tgd-bU/s1600-h/perublog5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviCo3X88QI/AAAAAAAACKs/3dsz1tgd-bU/s400/perublog5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402211391601701122" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hiked the Sacred Valley Inca Trail and watched the sunrise over Macchu Piccu.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGkowJJGI/AAAAAAAACLc/1mmYqBemVAg/s1600-h/fbmp5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGkowJJGI/AAAAAAAACLc/1mmYqBemVAg/s400/fbmp5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215717003666530" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGkG4b_rI/AAAAAAAACLU/e7005LhC5Eo/s1600-h/fbmp4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGkG4b_rI/AAAAAAAACLU/e7005LhC5Eo/s400/fbmp4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215707911650994" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGj-2rZ_I/AAAAAAAACLM/LS7fxVyVtU8/s1600-h/fbmp2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGj-2rZ_I/AAAAAAAACLM/LS7fxVyVtU8/s400/fbmp2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215705756788722" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGjYWMgcI/AAAAAAAACLE/IYRs4Uj4imY/s1600-h/blogmp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGjYWMgcI/AAAAAAAACLE/IYRs4Uj4imY/s400/blogmp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215695419998658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGjJqOqZI/AAAAAAAACK8/gyOuyoH8Ph8/s1600-h/blogmp2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviGjJqOqZI/AAAAAAAACK8/gyOuyoH8Ph8/s400/blogmp2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215691477494162" /></a><br /><br />And now back home, reinvested in myself...have begun a rigorous training program towards a triathlon next summer.<br /><br />I'm feeling great, feeling strong, and yes, I am still knitting. <a href="http://scrabblequeen.wordpress.com/">Knitbud Ruth</a> and I are doing a mini-KAL...it's her first grown-ass woman sized sweater...yes, it's the ubiquitous February Lady Sweater....I know, I know, I started one of these a year ago...but it just wasn't a good marriage of pattern and yarn at the time...this one..much improved! I'm using <a href="http://elann.com">Elann.com</a>'s luscious Highland Wool in Calypso Green (which is actually somewhat greener than it shows in the photos)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviHhD2tyMI/AAAAAAAACLs/dXyEcRxUHV4/s1600-h/FLS2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviHhD2tyMI/AAAAAAAACLs/dXyEcRxUHV4/s400/FLS2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402216755071142082" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviHgkH3VjI/AAAAAAAACLk/xYGG3mKI_LA/s1600-h/FLS1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SviHgkH3VjI/AAAAAAAACLk/xYGG3mKI_LA/s400/FLS1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402216746553136690" /></a><br /><br />purchased during one of their amazing bag sales a year or more ago...and if you noticed the clever stitch markers between each 7 stitch lace repeat..why they are nothing more than cut up drinking straws (because who has eleventyjillion matching stitch markers?)...clever idea culled from the FLS forum on Ravelry.<br /><br /><br />So, I'm back...not sure how frequently I'll be posting, or what the content will end up being...but I've missed the blogging...until next time...<br /><br />Knit On!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-62269692892846565472009-07-06T08:15:00.013-08:002009-07-07T08:48:14.814-08:00It Was Like Giving Birth......To Myself...."What the hell is she talking about?" you might be asking yourself .......well, it went down like this.....<br />A few months ago, my friend "Sassy Nurse Heather" (who you might remember from the Beer Train episode) and I were talking about growing older, bucket lists, life goals..etc. And one thing that we both wanted to do was hike the Crow Pass Trail from Girdwood to Eagle River. Crow Pass is a 26 mile hike through some incredibly rugged, yet stunningly beautiful wilderness, replete with glaciers, glacial streams, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife,...you name it. So guess what. We did it!<br /><br />We planned and prepped and initially had thought to do a three day backpacking trip, but then decided to cut it down to two days, thereby lightening the backpacks by at least a pound or so.<br /><br />Here we are at the trailhead, don't we look cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj88SHrAI/AAAAAAAACE8/YdMuy83v9-I/s1600-h/ea1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj88SHrAI/AAAAAAAACE8/YdMuy83v9-I/s400/ea1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355382436778191874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gratuitous trailhead waterfall beauty shot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj9LlH2YI/AAAAAAAACFE/8rYHJlQAU2s/s1600-h/ea2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj9LlH2YI/AAAAAAAACFE/8rYHJlQAU2s/s400/ea2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355382440884427138" border="0" /></a>Heather was very excited!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj9srI6WI/AAAAAAAACFM/9776VZinc08/s1600-h/ea3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj9srI6WI/AAAAAAAACFM/9776VZinc08/s400/ea3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355382449768032610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj95c6PTI/AAAAAAAACFU/qTReFarXQSU/s1600-h/ea5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj95c6PTI/AAAAAAAACFU/qTReFarXQSU/s400/ea5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355382453198011698" border="0" /></a>The view back from where we came....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj-E25DsI/AAAAAAAACFc/wxZWUkZsrEw/s1600-h/ea6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIj-E25DsI/AAAAAAAACFc/wxZWUkZsrEw/s400/ea6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355382456259776194" border="0" /></a>why yes, now I CAN say "I've looked at clouds from both sides now"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsptsLKFI/AAAAAAAACFk/kQ6SHuqkdMU/s1600-h/ea7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsptsLKFI/AAAAAAAACFk/kQ6SHuqkdMU/s400/ea7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355392002048075858" border="0" /></a>The wildflowers were spectacular! Wild columbine, lupine.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsp8uGf9I/AAAAAAAACFs/i1q166KvU4E/s1600-h/ea8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsp8uGf9I/AAAAAAAACFs/i1q166KvU4E/s400/ea8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355392006082691026" border="0" /></a>Miniature Jacob's Ladder.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsqB876qI/AAAAAAAACF0/BlgLPSlTmi0/s1600-h/ea9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsqB876qI/AAAAAAAACF0/BlgLPSlTmi0/s400/ea9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355392007487089314" border="0" /></a>The first four miles or so are uphill all the way....but at least this part of the trail had relatively good footing...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsq0qeo3I/AAAAAAAACGE/6xu7xFNXDo4/s1600-h/ea11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsq0qeo3I/AAAAAAAACGE/6xu7xFNXDo4/s400/ea11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355392021099881330" border="0" /></a>Narrow, and steep...then things got a little more...'interesting''!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsqTXfZsI/AAAAAAAACF8/ASajokmn27w/s1600-h/ea10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIsqTXfZsI/AAAAAAAACF8/ASajokmn27w/s400/ea10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355392012161869506" border="0" /></a><br />More of the looking back from whence we came....<br /><br />And get, this, a mountain goat wandered right down the trail in front of us to munch on a bit of grass. Why yes...thoughts of cashmere did go through my mind...and nerd that I am, I might have even voiced them to fellow knitter Heather..who being not so much the nerd, rolled her eyes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0VKpYpyI/AAAAAAAACIk/u6klaLBUNMw/s1600-h/ea36.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0VKpYpyI/AAAAAAAACIk/u6klaLBUNMw/s400/ea36.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400445136774946" border="0" /></a>There was lots of the shlepping across steep and slippery snow berms....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0U-7fxNI/AAAAAAAACIc/6yWC0xnI4bw/s1600-h/ea34.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0U-7fxNI/AAAAAAAACIc/6yWC0xnI4bw/s400/ea34.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400441991513298" border="0" /></a>But we were rewarded with an amazing up close and personal view of the glacier...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0UasLGTI/AAAAAAAACIU/ujqvecUGCj0/s1600-h/ea33.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0UasLGTI/AAAAAAAACIU/ujqvecUGCj0/s400/ea33.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400432263567666" border="0" /></a>STRONG IS BEAUTIFUL!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0UN71yFI/AAAAAAAACIM/xzy-DxLi2WU/s1600-h/ea31.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0UN71yFI/AAAAAAAACIM/xzy-DxLi2WU/s400/ea31.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400428839618642" border="0" /></a>About 7 miles in and still feeling good!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0Twd2jEI/AAAAAAAACIE/mMz1eJHlMOM/s1600-h/ea30.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI0Twd2jEI/AAAAAAAACIE/mMz1eJHlMOM/s400/ea30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400420929211458" border="0" /></a>So is Heather!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbzsoCOI/AAAAAAAACH8/4CNeaowtQx0/s1600-h/ea29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbzsoCOI/AAAAAAAACH8/4CNeaowtQx0/s400/ea29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355399459723806946" border="0" /></a>How could you not in the presence of this type of greatness.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbhRT13I/AAAAAAAACH0/qpttF-BJh1U/s1600-h/ea27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbhRT13I/AAAAAAAACH0/qpttF-BJh1U/s400/ea27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355399454777399154" border="0" /></a>The trail became progressively rougher....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbVSzZ7I/AAAAAAAACHs/Pw5f8FurbQ8/s1600-h/ea26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbVSzZ7I/AAAAAAAACHs/Pw5f8FurbQ8/s400/ea26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355399451562436530" border="0" /></a>3500 feet above sea level...now we are at truly in "The Pass"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbCXUV4I/AAAAAAAACHk/TuPVCkZGURM/s1600-h/ea23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzbCXUV4I/AAAAAAAACHk/TuPVCkZGURM/s400/ea23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355399446481098626" border="0" /></a>Not a glacier but still a beautiful scene...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzasaAFbI/AAAAAAAACHc/7kRF58QHrcE/s1600-h/ea22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIzasaAFbI/AAAAAAAACHc/7kRF58QHrcE/s400/ea22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355399440586773938" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Heather having a Kodak moment!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx9t6-IyI/AAAAAAAACHU/KJKv34b5sbY/s1600-h/ea21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx9t6-IyI/AAAAAAAACHU/KJKv34b5sbY/s400/ea21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355397843265659682" border="0" /></a>I know, doubles, but this was so gorgeous I couldn't help myself...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx8l0IflI/AAAAAAAACHM/A3eOGfuun_g/s1600-h/ea20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx8l0IflI/AAAAAAAACHM/A3eOGfuun_g/s400/ea20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355397823909625426" border="0" /></a>And we kept on trekking.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx78nMYOI/AAAAAAAACHE/arrxy0bSRCs/s1600-h/ea19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx78nMYOI/AAAAAAAACHE/arrxy0bSRCs/s400/ea19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355397812849500386" border="0" /></a>and trekking.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx65DcHOI/AAAAAAAACG8/tyvK4tzDJ94/s1600-h/ea18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx65DcHOI/AAAAAAAACG8/tyvK4tzDJ94/s400/ea18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355397794714361058" border="0" /></a>Not so happy with the slippery, steep slopes.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx6i2Uo4I/AAAAAAAACG0/p_nAfvwyMgM/s1600-h/ea17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIx6i2Uo4I/AAAAAAAACG0/p_nAfvwyMgM/s400/ea17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355397788753765250" border="0" /></a>In fact, after the third one, my knees were visibly shaking.....but still we kept going...and the terrain became even rougher...lots of sharp protruding rocks....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu-Okux6I/AAAAAAAACGs/q3-_4DR8gSI/s1600-h/ea16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu-Okux6I/AAAAAAAACGs/q3-_4DR8gSI/s400/ea16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355394553495865250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu9g_trHI/AAAAAAAACGk/8HtcZo6h6Oo/s1600-h/ea15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu9g_trHI/AAAAAAAACGk/8HtcZo6h6Oo/s400/ea15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355394541261007986" border="0" /></a>yep...lots of rocks...aka ankle busters...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu9E3eNqI/AAAAAAAACGU/eXC4M1aCdwA/s1600-h/ea13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu9E3eNqI/AAAAAAAACGU/eXC4M1aCdwA/s400/ea13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355394533710247586" border="0" /></a>with the occaissional 100 feet of decent trail just to give you hope...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu8uk4QnI/AAAAAAAACGM/iK5cQqwemFA/s1600-h/ea12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlIu8uk4QnI/AAAAAAAACGM/iK5cQqwemFA/s400/ea12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355394527726682738" border="0" /></a>amazing terrain.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1SIm5q3I/AAAAAAAACJE/VdLZeuHvc1M/s1600-h/ea40.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1SIm5q3I/AAAAAAAACJE/VdLZeuHvc1M/s400/ea40.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401492561505138" border="0" /></a>and this was only the tiny glacial stream we had to cross....so cold it stings...and then makes you go numb....and a two city block wide one yet to cross.......<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1R7sKCaI/AAAAAAAACI8/w5gsn87uD2A/s1600-h/ea39.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1R7sKCaI/AAAAAAAACI8/w5gsn87uD2A/s400/ea39.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401489093888418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1RehwXxI/AAAAAAAACI0/sOGUcmKqcrk/s1600-h/ea38.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1RehwXxI/AAAAAAAACI0/sOGUcmKqcrk/s400/ea38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401481265635090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1RPdA-sI/AAAAAAAACIs/kZEPKKA0QCY/s1600-h/ea37.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1RPdA-sI/AAAAAAAACIs/kZEPKKA0QCY/s400/ea37.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401477219220162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1SZQ9z-I/AAAAAAAACJM/pYDDBz-kOBs/s1600-h/ea43.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SlI1SZQ9z-I/AAAAAAAACJM/pYDDBz-kOBs/s400/ea43.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401497032904674" border="0" /></a><br />It was an indescribable first day....we crossed this bridge and continued on to set up camp on the river bank...a total of just under 13 miles the first day. I was whipped. I'm waiting for someone else's pics of day 2...my camera battery died. Let's just say Day 2 was even more physically challenging....and I think my 40 lbs of backpacking stuff doubled it's weight. We crossed a big cold glacial river, crossed ravines on single peeled log bridges by holding onto a rope above our heads, and used knotted ropes to pull our sorry butts up and down steep gullies. More glaciers, more waterfalls, more incredible scenery. Oh, and we ran into not one...but two...black bears, one only 80 feet away. But I will save that part of the tale for the accompanying photos. Until then...I will tell you, I've only ever been so tired, so sore, so exhilarated and so dang amazed once before...and that was when I gave birth to my daughter. This two day trip gave me back my faith in my physical abilities. And, guess what, we are planning another big adventure in 3 weeks!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-32119018597499226622009-06-25T19:08:00.004-08:002009-06-25T19:20:46.692-08:00A Quick HelloSummer's been busier than I like....working, summer fun (hiking, canoeing, etc.) and teaching a course at the University on Thursday evenings (remind me NOT to do this again). And of course, the man had a total hip replacement last Friday. He's doing well, getting around on crutches now...has made it up and down all the stairs. Just slow healing...but already the hip itself feels much much better. Saw this momma moose and her two babies on the way home from UAA and had my camera in the car. Thought I'd share a little Alaska moment with you all....these calves appear to be about 5-6 weeks old...so sweet! (Remember you can click on the pictures if you want to see them closeup!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8ritQloI/AAAAAAAACE0/xK0N4FaRsLY/s1600-h/june+moose+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8ritQloI/AAAAAAAACE0/xK0N4FaRsLY/s400/june+moose+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351468975971669634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8reKXDsI/AAAAAAAACEs/BvivpSAAUSo/s1600-h/june+moose+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8reKXDsI/AAAAAAAACEs/BvivpSAAUSo/s400/june+moose+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351468974751551170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8q8iLY-I/AAAAAAAACEk/kevqlDaVfxQ/s1600-h/June+moose+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SkQ8q8iLY-I/AAAAAAAACEk/kevqlDaVfxQ/s400/June+moose+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351468965724644322" /></a><br /><br />In the knitting, I finished Cosima while at the hospital with the man...but made the darn neck ribbing too small. Finally ripped that out this morning and restarted it. Should be finished in the next day or so and then I'll post a pic. Well, that's all in a nutshell for today...until next time...knit on!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-89887067160782727472009-05-27T19:44:00.004-08:002009-05-27T20:36:25.673-08:00Good Food (but no pictures!)I'm back to work this Friday. It's been great having a few weeks off to do fun things with friends, spend some quality time with the man, and work on some home and garden chores.<br /><br />Memorial Day weekend was lovely. Russ and I drove north to Talkeetna Saturday afternoon. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.talkeetnalodge.com/">Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge</a> and spent a pleasant afternoon on their back deck with appetizers, good beer, and a great view of Mt. McKinley. That night, we attended another of their "Wine Dinner"s. Amazing gourmet food paired with different wines for each course.<br /><br />Sadly, I left my camera in the room, otherwise you'd have pictures to accompany this narrative...you'll just have to imagine I suppose.<br /><br />On a plate when we sat down was a large soup spoon. In the bowl of the spoon was a rolled up piece of prosciutto next to a scoop of what appeared to be melon-colored tapioca. I guessed that it was caviar of some sort. There was a small sprig of thyme lying across the top of it all. We were instructed to "eat up" and enjoy the entire mouthful. The salty prosciutto was enhanced by the thyme, but I couldn't find any "fishyness" at all that I normally associate with caviar. In fact, there was a melon flavor. It was actually quite tasty.<br /><br />Chef Zimmy, then explained that it was prosciutto with cantaloupe that had been treated to look like caviar! Fake out extraordinaire! Cute.<br /><br />The first course was served and was a deliciously creamy White Asparagus and Shrimp Bisque. Frothed cream was beautifully swirled in the pink bisque making for a lovely presentation. It was so good that if I'd been at home, I'd have licked the bowl. As it was, I did think about it, but after a furtive glance around me, opted to show a little class and not. It was paired with a Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells Riesling. Normally, I'm not a Riesling gal, finding them much too sweet. This was dryer than I expected and was an excellent pairing for the bisque. Yum!<br /><br />The next course was a Lobster Ravioli with a Shallot and Sweet Pea Emulsion drizzled with Carrot Oil. The ravioli was as large as the palm of my hand and a good 2-3 tall! Stuffed with succulent lobster, and sitting in a puddle of pureed sweet peas. You could see the orange carrot oil fancifully swirled through, but I honestly didn't taste it at all. This was heavenly. And filling. I wanted bread to clean the plate. Sadly, there was none :) It was paired with my favorite wine of the evening. Yep, I found a new favorite Chardonnay. This was Chateau St. Michelle's Canoe Ridge Chardonnay. I've been to many wine tastings and have learned to appreciate and identify the different descriptors for the flavors but had never ever found a wine that I could honestly call 'buttery'. I found one tonight in the Indian Ridge. Wow. It was delicious. So much so, that after dinner, when we were able to mingle and go to the wine tables and get additional glasses of our favorites, I did so...twice. Yep, it was THAT good. And of course, a great pairing for the lobster ravioli.<br /><br />Next came the salad. This was a nice wedge of St.Andre triple cream cheese surrounded by dried black figs atop micro greens. These little greens looked like lawn clippings...or like someone had raided the terrarium with cuticle scissors. Teeny, tiny little greens. A bit 'precious' if you asked me...in presentation anyway...the dressing though..oh my god...it was drizzled with just a few drops of Honey and Lavender Vinaigrette. Now I love the fragrance of lavender. It's one of my favorites. I'd never thought ever in my wildest imaginings of lavender as a food enhancer. I mean really, who thinks of this stuff? Chef Zimmy's sister evidently lives in Hawaii on a lavender farm which is where he procured the lavender oil to make this concoction. It tasted amazing. Like I think heaven would if you ate it. I want more honey lavender vinaigrette. And St. Andre's triple cream cheese wedges. Lactose intolerance be damned.<br />The wine was forgettable. Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay. After the Canoe Ridge Chardonnay...this was nothing, nada. <br /><br />This was Chef Zimmy's first wine dinner. Chef Felix had been with these events since their inception four or five years ago. He retired last year. A wonderful chef. He was very flamboyant and had a delightful European accent which added flair to his sometimes over-the-top descriptions of our dishes. Chef Zimmy on the other hand...well, this kid definately has chef talent...but what a kid...shy, soft-spoken...he looks like Harry Potter...like he's maybe all of 16...but the kid can cook and wowza, what an imagination.<br /><br />Our intermezzo...a palate cleanser...was (get this!) an Heirloom Tomato Sorbet and a Lemon and Olive Oil Sorbet on an Asiago Crisp! I looked askance when I read this on the menu...pshaw...I mean really...Tomato Sorbet...lemon and OLIVE OIL sorbet...but guess what...it worked..it worked really really well. I LOVED the Heirloom Tomato Sorbet...and the olive oil really accented the lemony goodness of the other one. It was obviously really really good olive oil. What kind of magic was this? Created by the boy chef..it was delightful.<br /><br />The main course was next. A Veal Osso Bucco on Turnip Puree with it's own basting juice. I'm not a veal fan. This tasted very nice and was very tender...but, i'm just ethically against veal...the turnip puree was lovely though...smooth and creamy and sweet and earthy all at once. Yum. It was paired with my very least favorite wine of the evening...which the wine dude touted as "the best of the best" "only 1% of the top grapes" go into making the Ethos Syrah. Too strongly aromatic, too fruity, too sharp..too whatever. Not my kind of wine. Not to my taste. I'm sure other, more sophisticated palettes would disagree.<br /><br />Lastly, Dessert! Picture a miniature torte on your dessert plate...the bottom layer, a good half-inch thick, crushed pistachios...the second layer, a full inch and a half of richly decadent dark chocolate mousse, the third layer, strawberry rhubarb compote, the fourth and topmost layer another inch and a half of thick rich bavarian cream...and crispy dark chocolate cookie lightning bolts crowning the treat...additional strawberry rhubarb compote mounded to the side....bliss! oh, and the wine...another winner...a smoothly rich Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. Oh my, it did go so very very well with the dark chocolate delight.<br /><br />I learned a bit more about good wines and my tastes...I had a delightful gourmet dinner from an up and coming young chef...I tried impressively adventurous cuisine...and after a few more glasses of the Chateau St. Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay, happily took myself off to our room for the evening and slept ever so well. And wonderfully, no headache the next day (I remembered to drink a LOT of water between each glass of wine! And it worked like a charm!) We left the Lodge around 9a the next morning in order to relieve the grannysitter. It was great to have a night out with the man. He's very good to me that way. I look forward to the lodge's next "Wine Dinner" at the end of the season. I have more Memorial Day adventures to blog about...but that'll have to wait until next time. Until then...Knit On!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-74041864551917666352009-05-21T08:20:00.007-08:002009-05-21T10:12:08.318-08:00Seward Roadtrip 5/16-17/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKURV2CxI/AAAAAAAACDE/0dwwTKXNNtg/s1600-h/SR11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKURV2CxI/AAAAAAAACDE/0dwwTKXNNtg/s320/SR11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338325014174632722" /></a><br />(Driftwood at Lowell Point, Seward, AK)<br /><br />This past weekend, my BFF MaryKay and I celebrated our birthdays with a little roadtrip to Seward, AK. It's just a beautiful 2hr drive with fantastic scenery along the way. <br /><br />We stayed at the Seward Resort which is a lower-cost alternative for military personnel and their families, in a nice condo (with or without fireplace) that can sleep up to 6 people quite comfortably.<br /><br />We ate well, drank adult beverages, walked the boat harbor pretending to boat shop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5o2jxII/AAAAAAAACCM/TZhRCW4j3No/s1600-h/SR4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5o2jxII/AAAAAAAACCM/TZhRCW4j3No/s320/SR4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317959559627906" /></a><br />(Harbor, Seward, AK)<br /><br />I have always loved the smell of the sea......it reminds me of amniotic fluid...i know..wierd..huh..<br /><br />Saturday was "opening day" for the summer/touristy/fishing season and was celebrated with a parade, softball games, and street dance with live music. We had a great dinner at "Christo's" across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center, then drove to Lowell Point and rambled along the beautiful beach for a while. There were sea otters playing in Resurrection Bay....you can just barely see their heads in these pictures, but trust me, they were there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD56M5M5I/AAAAAAAACCU/Af2N3-tKIH0/s1600-h/SR5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD56M5M5I/AAAAAAAACCU/Af2N3-tKIH0/s320/SR5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317964216710034" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5a61PmI/AAAAAAAACCE/nhflQV2rMDo/s1600-h/SR3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5a61PmI/AAAAAAAACCE/nhflQV2rMDo/s320/SR3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317955819454050" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5E8fPnI/AAAAAAAACB8/4COxNNeKjk4/s1600-h/SR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD5E8fPnI/AAAAAAAACB8/4COxNNeKjk4/s320/SR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317949920820850" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD4wA_ObI/AAAAAAAACB0/M8hCKr0a3yQ/s1600-h/SR1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWD4wA_ObI/AAAAAAAACB0/M8hCKr0a3yQ/s320/SR1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317944302549426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHP8jZqrI/AAAAAAAACC0/fuk8DutZmFA/s1600-h/SR10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHP8jZqrI/AAAAAAAACC0/fuk8DutZmFA/s320/SR10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338321641339988658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHPsHrIQI/AAAAAAAACCs/tFeQFWjk8LA/s1600-h/SR9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHPsHrIQI/AAAAAAAACCs/tFeQFWjk8LA/s320/SR9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338321636928725250" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHPaOBvTI/AAAAAAAACCk/WUIzhe5A8K4/s1600-h/SR8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHPaOBvTI/AAAAAAAACCk/WUIzhe5A8K4/s320/SR8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338321632123534642" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHO14EOuI/AAAAAAAACCc/7ZctBC5Pk3o/s1600-h/SR7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWHO14EOuI/AAAAAAAACCc/7ZctBC5Pk3o/s320/SR7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338321622367746786" /></a><br /><br />Sunday morning we got up early and hiked Exit Glacier. The weather was highly cooperative, with warm, sunny, clear skies. We met several tourists along the way, rambled along the riverbed for a while, and were back to the car by noonish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKV7ueAtI/AAAAAAAACDk/zTwNX0Vd_4k/s1600-h/SR22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKV7ueAtI/AAAAAAAACDk/zTwNX0Vd_4k/s320/SR22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338325042732073682" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKVqwQVXI/AAAAAAAACDc/nFg3ti3D73E/s1600-h/SR21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKVqwQVXI/AAAAAAAACDc/nFg3ti3D73E/s320/SR21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338325038176163186" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKVSXM7eI/AAAAAAAACDU/_6H7q1XG9sU/s1600-h/SR17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKVSXM7eI/AAAAAAAACDU/_6H7q1XG9sU/s320/SR17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338325031628631522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKUkFEjcI/AAAAAAAACDM/tRFGmYzFhEA/s1600-h/SR15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWKUkFEjcI/AAAAAAAACDM/tRFGmYzFhEA/s320/SR15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338325019204554178" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRr0x6LTI/AAAAAAAACEM/pI0mTEmTyng/s1600-h/SR35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRr0x6LTI/AAAAAAAACEM/pI0mTEmTyng/s320/SR35.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338333115405970738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrvuW6GI/AAAAAAAACEE/OjseWZL_wJQ/s1600-h/SR33.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrvuW6GI/AAAAAAAACEE/OjseWZL_wJQ/s320/SR33.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338333114048899170" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrdD_dAI/AAAAAAAACD8/TdwgTZ9sKnM/s1600-h/SR31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrdD_dAI/AAAAAAAACD8/TdwgTZ9sKnM/s320/SR31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338333109039363074" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrMG5cJI/AAAAAAAACD0/KLxohBkD-YU/s1600-h/SR29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRrMG5cJI/AAAAAAAACD0/KLxohBkD-YU/s320/SR29.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338333104488149138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRqzp8DCI/AAAAAAAACDs/IDtZfbvj7zY/s1600-h/SR24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWRqzp8DCI/AAAAAAAACDs/IDtZfbvj7zY/s320/SR24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338333097924234274" /></a><br /><br />On the drive home, we saw other intrepid Alaskans playing outside. There were hundreds of people fishing for hooligan along Turnagain Arm, but what made us stop the car and get out? Kite-surfing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWW1k6di3I/AAAAAAAACEc/jV52H8qhPQI/s1600-h/SR41.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWW1k6di3I/AAAAAAAACEc/jV52H8qhPQI/s320/SR41.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338338780503706482" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWW1uJnwmI/AAAAAAAACEU/nqLPy9BbMQE/s1600-h/SR40.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ShWW1uJnwmI/AAAAAAAACEU/nqLPy9BbMQE/s320/SR40.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338338782983209570" /></a><br /><br />We watched these folks for a good half-hour to forty-five minutes! <br /><br />It was a great weekend and a much-needed break from the fam. I think we just may do it again some day! Until next post.....KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-69990989647645928022009-05-13T23:00:00.003-08:002009-05-14T07:01:00.176-08:00You Gotta Watch THIS!<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H7DrP4-po5U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H7DrP4-po5U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DvONLKYfaIA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DvONLKYfaIA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-26112130368179723662009-05-06T06:40:00.003-08:002009-05-06T07:34:50.512-08:00Cosima Capers...crappers!Months ago I fell in love with Berroco's Cosima pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiMwRu8wI/AAAAAAAACBM/lmqONkgoiCw/s1600-h/cosima1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiMwRu8wI/AAAAAAAACBM/lmqONkgoiCw/s320/cosima1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721773784789762" /></a><br /><br />Showing it to a friend, she said, "yep, that's definately your style". This pattern was not to be found in Anchorage (yes, I even sent DH on a mission for it...and called all the LYSs myself in disbelief). I finally ordered it through Webs and it came in the mail a few weeks ago. Then, Elann.com had a bag sale of their Seta Lana (50% wool/50% silk chunky weight buttery goodness) and I indulged (ahem) quite heavily. If I didn't say it before, I'll tell you, this is mondo wonderful luxurious buttery fiber. A delight to knit. Amazing, glowing, deeply saturated colors. I decided on the Raspberry for MY Cosima.<br /><br />I swatched and got gauge on the first go round, with the called for needles even..wow..that NEVER happens for me anymore. Even with a nice blocking, yep...same needles. So I started the back, merrily knitting along, enjoying the pattern, the yarn, the stitching. Just an hour or so each night...We have had AMAZING WARM SUNNY..DID I SAY WARM...weather and other recreational pursuits diminished my knitting time....but anyway, last night I picked up my almost half-finished back and thought to myself..."self..this just doesn't look quite right".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNMGymWI/AAAAAAAACBU/gqb3jUSfXY4/s1600-h/cosima2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNMGymWI/AAAAAAAACBU/gqb3jUSfXY4/s320/cosima2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721781255084386" /></a><br /><br />Now, the picture on the pattern only shows the fronts...but one would think that the pattern on the back SHOULD match the patterning on the fronts right? I read through the rather simple instructions...no, no different chart for the back. I compared and read my knitting against the chart and realized....for no particular reason...that I had just jumped over a big old 22 row section of said chart. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNVe6ibI/AAAAAAAACBc/Om2hCN9uiAs/s1600-h/cosima3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNVe6ibI/AAAAAAAACBc/Om2hCN9uiAs/s320/cosima3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721783772187058" /></a><br /><br />I kind of felt like an idiot...Pearl agreed and gave me a look as if to say "can't help you sister". <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNtss53I/AAAAAAAACBk/WN8YPRoDdt0/s1600-h/cosima4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiNtss53I/AAAAAAAACBk/WN8YPRoDdt0/s320/cosima4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721790272464754" /></a><br /><br />So instead of knitting last night. I ripped back a bit more than half of what I'd knitted, replaced it on the needles with appropriate stitch markers, and decided to walk away slowly and start anew another day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiN_CD6FI/AAAAAAAACBs/y_SC2c9EFRs/s1600-h/cosima5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SgGiN_CD6FI/AAAAAAAACBs/y_SC2c9EFRs/s320/cosima5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721794925455442" /></a><br /><br />And that's all I have to say about that. Knit on.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-47853513303710003722009-04-29T16:07:00.003-08:002009-04-29T16:47:39.255-08:00In Preparation for Summer....I have a new finished object to show off. And frankly, I think it's quite adorable!<br /><br />Back in March, St. Patty's day in fact, I treated myself to an Elann.com bag sale of the discontinued Needful Yarns 'Geranium". I purchased a bag of Sea Glass and a bag of Valencia. This yarn in skein looks like a thick/thin/variagated boucle and is listed as bulky weight. The Sea Glass is a melange of turquoise, cream and olive. Intriguing yarn. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw7ArV-hI/AAAAAAAACBE/96wRt2QaRlc/s1600-h/Waterlily+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw7ArV-hI/AAAAAAAACBE/96wRt2QaRlc/s320/Waterlily+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330275055577725458" /></a><br /><br />I swatched...and swatched...and swatched...and for the life of me could not figure out a use for such an insolent fabric.<br /><br />Somewhere along the way, on Ravelry, I read someone's comment...and pipe up if it was your idea because I cannot remember whose comment it was...about the possibility of using this yarn for Waterlily (Interweave Knits Spring 2006). Now, the original uses Colinette Giotto, so subbing the Geranium was quite an imaginative stretch...but I figured, what the heck, and played around with needle sizes until I got the fabric I liked. (The pattern suggests 10, 101/2 and 11s...I used 8, 9, 10s)<br /><br />Wow! What a cute little pattern. I love long drapey tops, I love 'racerback' style exposed shoulders.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6nOutXI/AAAAAAAACA0/4svejgEgreU/s1600-h/waterlily+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6nOutXI/AAAAAAAACA0/4svejgEgreU/s320/waterlily+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330275048746825074" /></a><br /><br />I love just knitting in the round on and on while watching lots of fun programs (like <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/tudors/home.do">Season 3 of The Tudors</a>..pant, pant) and the<a href="http://www.hbo.com/films/greygardens/"> HBO movie "Grey Gardens</a>"(which I watched THREE times..I never hardly ever watch a movie more than once..on purpose), and <a href="www.tnt.tv/series/savinggrace/">Saving Grace</a>, and <a href="www.hbo.com/no1ladiesdetectiveagency/">The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</a> (alright, busted, I watched A LOT of TV last week). I love having just a teensy bit of eyelet here and there for shaping and interest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6RDUcaI/AAAAAAAACAs/_51yXdvJXsQ/s1600-h/waterlily+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6RDUcaI/AAAAAAAACAs/_51yXdvJXsQ/s320/waterlily+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330275042793386402" /></a><br />I love the swingy little flouncy bottom.<br /><br />Now, I'll tell you. This stuff was some lumpy mess before blocking. But a quick soak (and sad to tell you it bled like blue hell through 3 rinses..but a vinegar bath stopped that noise!) and a nice patting out into shape...Well ladies and gentlemen what we have is a great little summer top!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6OjzWsI/AAAAAAAACAk/oUNDSlS-Hpk/s1600-h/waterlily+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6OjzWsI/AAAAAAAACAk/oUNDSlS-Hpk/s320/waterlily+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330275042124323522" /></a><br /><br />Perfect for cropped pants. Or with a drawstring skirt...with a cami or Tee underneath, or just by it's own self. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6_tUjAI/AAAAAAAACA8/wpuVse3Hdvg/s1600-h/Waterlily+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sfjw6_tUjAI/AAAAAAAACA8/wpuVse3Hdvg/s320/Waterlily+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330275055317584898" /></a><br /><br />Despite the full body picture, it truly is a flattering piece. Even my daughter said so...and getting a complement from your 17 yr old daughter..well everyone knows that's high praise. <br /><br />So once we start getting a little more warmth with our sunshine up here, I think this will be getting a LOT of use this season. And that's all I have to say about that.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-68503234048392762312009-03-27T18:10:00.007-08:002009-03-27T19:56:22.017-08:00I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the WorldThis story has no knitting content, but it's how I spent my morning today, and in my opinion, an important story to be told. It's a bit long and drawn out, so you may want a refreshing beverage before you begin to read.<br /><br />This story begins in 1992. I was the clinical manager at the time for the largest private Ob-Gyn practice in Anchorage. We had a new patient, 41 year old Eva, who was pregnant with her first (and only) child. Due to her age, she was immediately placed on the 'Hi-Risk" list and part of my job was to follow these patients closely to assure that none of their appointments were missed or labs fell through the cracks etc. <br /><br />Eva had other plans. She most certainly DID NOT consider herself high-risk. She had been a midwife in Sweden, her country of birth, and had worked most recently as a flight nurse accompanying travelers with health concerns to destinations around the world. This job brought her to Anchorage on more than one occasion which is how she met "Jim", the father of her child and soon to be her husband. Eva declined amniocentesis and a host of other "routine high risk" labs, an accelerated appointment schedule, etc. She happily set up housekeeping in the Mat-Su Valley while Jim ran the auto repair shop in Anchorage. She was intelligent, interesting, funny, and we soon became friendly through the multiple phone calls I was required to make to her to document her declination of services. When she came to appointments, we would have tea in my office and enjoy the conversation of our beginning friendship. <br /><br />She and Jim married, but just a few months later, when Eva was around 5 months pregnant, disaster struck. Jim had a major heart attack. He was flown to a hospital in California, but died despite the best surgical efforts available at the time. A heartbroken Eva returned to try and put the pieces back together, close up the auto shop, and await the birth of their daughter. We became much closer during this timeframe and she shared her fears and dreams with me as she had not yet made many friends in Alaska. My own daughter was less than a year old, and we talked a great deal about motherhood. She shared her fears about being a single parent in a foreign country, and her indecisiveness at the time about what she would do next. <br /><br />Easter came, and Eva spent the day with us, enjoying my famous "Jack Daniels Roasted Ham".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2ceJ4b3aI/AAAAAAAAB_8/d7yTEy_As88/s1600-h/Eva001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2ceJ4b3aI/AAAAAAAAB_8/d7yTEy_As88/s320/Eva001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318078776857058722" /></a><br />(Eva, the day before Rachel was born)<br /><br />She attributes that ham recipe to making her go into labor because sure enough, early the next morning, her contractions began. By late the next day, her beautiful, healthy daughter Rachel was born. About two months later, needing an income for her small family, Eva began to work as a nurse in the L&D department of the hospital she'd given birth in. She and Rachel spent many dinners and weekend barbecues with us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2cebYzoMI/AAAAAAAACAE/4qoDLenlOYU/s1600-h/Eva002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2cebYzoMI/AAAAAAAACAE/4qoDLenlOYU/s320/Eva002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318078781556236482" /></a><br />(Eva and Rachel)<br /><br />She made new friends and life was settling down for my Swedish friend, until the hospital experienced a budget crisis and decided to lay off registered nurses. Rachel was not yet 5 months old. And Eva, being one of the most recently hired, was one of over 100 nurses who lost their jobs.<br /><br />Our clinic had recently lost an RN and I offered that job to Eva. She was a hard worker, and the physicians and patients appreciated her candor and sense of humor. Then the government stepped in, and in a most ungracious manner, decided that since Eva had been married to Jim for less than whatever specified time, she would need to return to her country (Sweden)...in essence, an order for deportation. By this time, Eva had decided to raise her American born daughter as an American. I'd climbed the food chain at the clinic to become Administrative Director, and did what any self respecting friend and employer would do... I called our Senator's office to ask for advice and intervention. Eventually Eva was able to remain in Alaska on a work visa as 'Nursing' was (and still is) listed as a difficult to fill profession. It took a number of letters written, phone calls, official forms filled out...but Eva was able to remain and work in the land she'd come to think of as her home. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2cemxsgYI/AAAAAAAACAU/ybFpcgv2RKs/s1600-h/Eva004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2cemxsgYI/AAAAAAAACAU/ybFpcgv2RKs/s320/Eva004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318078784613417346" /></a><br />(my DD and Eva's Rachel)<br /><br />Our friendship continued over the next few years, but the frequency of time we spent together decreased to holidays,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2ceYVT28I/AAAAAAAACAM/Y4sIiUCMUEI/s1600-h/Eva003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2ceYVT28I/AAAAAAAACAM/Y4sIiUCMUEI/s320/Eva003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318078780736265154" /></a><br />(Eva, BFF MaryKay, Me, Jackie J)<br /><br />then infrequent lunches or coffee. With job changes, and my return to graduate school, we eventually lost track of each other. We would hear of each other through mutual friends and our job circles continued to overlap. Eva eventually worked for the Municipality's STD Clinic, then as one of the RNs for the state's youth correctional facility. Sometimes we would see each other at continuing education programs. I thought of her once in a while, but until about three weeks ago, could honestly not say when I'd last seen her. I had no idea what was going on in her life. Early this month, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face in our hospital cafeteria. "Eva!", I shouted across the line of people. She turned and smiled broadly, rushed to give me a big hug. She had been shopping at our hospital gift shop. We are both lovers of Alaska Native artwork...another thing I'd forgotten over the years.<br /><br />She told me some wonderful news and we were both a little amazed at how life can bring friends back full circle. She invited me to attend a special event today, and even though my schedule is usually written in stone six weeks in advance, coincidentally, today was already scheduled as a day off. Coincidence? Karma? Who knows? It really doesn't matter. <br /><br />"You remember that you are the one that started this for me, don't you?" she asked. And I smiled, because honestly, I had forgotten so much in the intervening ten or twelve years. <br /><br />Despite snow flurries and volcanic eruptions, I drove to the Federal Courthouse in Anchorage.<br /><br />This morning with tears in my eyes, sentimental slob that I am, I watched my friend Eva,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aNvLFZMI/AAAAAAAAB_U/eo3JoTVrx8c/s1600-h/Eva.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aNvLFZMI/AAAAAAAAB_U/eo3JoTVrx8c/s320/Eva.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318076295786357954" /></a><br /><br />along with 58 other individuals from 25 different countries take the Oath of Allegience to the United States of America. Her brilliant, beautiful daughter and several work friends were there also to support her. When Eva walked to the podium and said her name and the country she was from, she raised her certificate and said loudly.."My name is Eva -------, I was originally from Sweden, and today I am very proud to say I AM AN AMERICAN"!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aOV87k-I/AAAAAAAAB_k/3TqGLlFY8jQ/s1600-h/Eva+becomes+a+citizen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aOV87k-I/AAAAAAAAB_k/3TqGLlFY8jQ/s320/Eva+becomes+a+citizen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318076306195977186" /></a><br /><br />First item on the agenda, after photos of course, was Registration to Vote!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aOquAYoI/AAAAAAAAB_s/BjeIGYDR618/s1600-h/Eva+registers+to+vote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aOquAYoI/AAAAAAAAB_s/BjeIGYDR618/s320/Eva+registers+to+vote.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318076311770522242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2du1UKMyI/AAAAAAAACAc/66pDs_-qjWg/s1600-h/Eva+and+friends+at+courthouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2du1UKMyI/AAAAAAAACAc/66pDs_-qjWg/s320/Eva+and+friends+at+courthouse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318080162905600802" /></a><br /><br />After the ceremony, we had lunch at a delightful new restaurant, The Spenard Roadhouse. All American hamburgers, with homemade apple pie (from friend Kathy)for dessert!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aPMEPcfI/AAAAAAAAB_0/HikqJgnMXLA/s1600-h/Eva+and+Apple+Pie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 142px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/Sc2aPMEPcfI/AAAAAAAAB_0/HikqJgnMXLA/s320/Eva+and+Apple+Pie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318076320722153970" /></a><br /><br />Too often, we take our status as Americans for granted. I challenge any of you to attend a 'swearing in' ceremony. Reflecting upon the words of our Pledge of Allegiance, seeing the hope and pride in the eyes of new citizens, it is an amazing reminder of the good fortune to which we are born, the opportunity that is our birthright, the respect for ourselves and our neighbors to which we are beholden. It was a wonderful morning.<br /><br />Let Freedom Ring!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-46436404334095230122009-03-25T09:15:00.002-08:002009-03-25T09:38:55.097-08:00A Sweater for Freja!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ScpnaS53B3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/jQ8cmg8-d14/s1600-h/babysweater1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ScpnaS53B3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/jQ8cmg8-d14/s320/babysweater1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317176011513071474" /></a><br /><br />It's been a while hasn't it? I've been working a lot (which is not an excuse)...only had 1 scheduled day off (last Saturday) over 12 days and more than a couple of those were 12+ hr days. Not complaining mind you, I normally have a ridiculously wonderful schedule. It's just been busy. Finally had a new carpenter come to do the finish work around the house (door and window trim, baseboards etc.) and a heating fellow come to put new covers on our 25 year old gas hot water baseboard heating system. All that's left is paint touchups and hanging the curtains in the dining area and repainting the entryway and hallway...I'm thinking "Marigold" yellow! An Alaskan girl can never have too much warm color going on. The painting and curtain hanging will likely happen over the weekend. I have an overnight L&D call tonight and then will be off until Monday! Hoorah!<br /><br />I have been knitting, in fact, quite a lot of knitting. One raging success...one abysmal failure. We won't talk about the failur..it's sitting quietly in timeout awaiting its fate (although the decision has been made to send it to the frog pond..sigh..a full bag of yarn invested in that sweater...my own feeble design attempt..but the only failure is the failure to keep trying eh?) Let's move on shall we.<br /><br />The successfully Finished Object is, of course, another Helena. This one is for dear friend Solveig's sister-in-law. Funny story...about 8 months ago Solveig asked me to teach her to knit as her brother's wife was newly pregnant and she wanted to be superaunt and knit the baby I sweater. A little yarn, a few needles, a book, some hands-on training...and well, a knitter was born....or so I thought. About 2 1/2 weeks ago, a frantic Solveig begged, pleaded, gave me "big eyes", promised me chocolate, pedicures, financial reward etc...if I could "just make a wonderful baby sweater for her before this Saturday..which is coincidentally the day of the baby shower. Loving Solveig dearly (and being a sucker for "big eyes") and having succumbed to the realization that my big sweater was doomed...I gladly complied.(Can you read "Suckah" on my forehead?)<br /><br />So anyway, a week later, here is the finished Helena in all her glory. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ScpnaBgH54I/AAAAAAAAB_E/L0mE8y2cZG8/s1600-h/babysweater2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/ScpnaBgH54I/AAAAAAAAB_E/L0mE8y2cZG8/s320/babysweater2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317176006841722754" /></a><br /><br />The pattern: Helena from Knitty.com<br />The yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Superwash 100% merino in a lusciously soft dusty blue/green tone...depends on the light..but it's perfect for a baby of Scandinavian descent.<br />The needles: KPOs size 6, Addi Lace size 2, and yep, I broke another Brittany size 2 on those dang YO/K2Tog for the adorable picot edge hem. Save yourself the trouble..use metal. <br />Size: Used the numbers for newborn size but with the gauge of the heavy worsted 1824, it's closer to 6-9 month size.<br /><br />Altogether a very satisfying knit. This is my go-to sweater for baby girls I think. The only modification was the closure, crochet'd double loop over 2 abolone shell buttons in lieu of the ties.<br /><br />Solveig was thrilled. She will truly be super-auntie ;0<br /><br />Until next time. Knit On!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-35426853307277184402009-03-02T14:58:00.005-09:002009-03-02T17:16:09.607-09:00Top Down Long Lacy Cardigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayQtxJ9eKI/AAAAAAAAB-8/Xt1GmUwJAt8/s1600-h/green6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayQtxJ9eKI/AAAAAAAAB-8/Xt1GmUwJAt8/s320/green6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308777176726599842" /></a><br /><br />C'est fini! Started around January 23 or so....finished up the knitting last weekend but didn't have a chance to seam the sleeves or weave in ends, etc. until the past few days. <br /><br />The pattern: <a href="http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/top-down-lacy-long-knit-cardigan.htm">Top Down Long Lacy Cardigan</a> by <a href="http://sweaterbabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm">SweaterBabe</a><br /><br />Super easy. I modified it a tad to make it tunic length and 3/4 sleeves. I probably SHOULD have carried the lace pattern down further an inch or two into the nifty knitted in pockets, but I wasn't feeling compelled to rip out and reknit. Besides, it's just awfully cute the way it is. It fits well and feels great. (teehee...Miss Bella Blue is watching through the window and probably wondering about our crazy antics!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_Xop8kI/AAAAAAAAB-c/RpFcxyD4SF4/s1600-h/green1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_Xop8kI/AAAAAAAAB-c/RpFcxyD4SF4/s320/green1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308775280090411586" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_q1cvUI/AAAAAAAAB-k/rY_qpPu8Bpk/s1600-h/green2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_q1cvUI/AAAAAAAAB-k/rY_qpPu8Bpk/s320/green2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308775285244345666" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_wkaQ4I/AAAAAAAAB-s/N_tXHjnpnRU/s1600-h/green3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayO_wkaQ4I/AAAAAAAAB-s/N_tXHjnpnRU/s320/green3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308775286783492994" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayPAa1xK8I/AAAAAAAAB-0/7gJf2kXxpTQ/s1600-h/green4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SayPAa1xK8I/AAAAAAAAB-0/7gJf2kXxpTQ/s320/green4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308775298130586562" /></a><br /><br />and no, there are NO side seams (just seaming the length of the arms and the pit area) but I haven't steamed out the blocking lines yet...<br /><br />The yarn: Elann.com Superwash Bamboo Cedar Shaded Solids (bag sale from June 08). I think I used about 16-17 skeins (held double throughout)<br /><br />Gauge was slightly less than required but I made size Large and it fit just fine with a bit less ease than specified. Used my size 101/2 KPOs.<br /><br />Re: the pattern. I really like the clarity of instructions and the stabilizing effect of the M1s (knitting into the stitch below) for the raglan increases. The yarn is super soft and drapey. <br /><br />I'll be wearing this one for St. Patty's Day! And let's give the man a round of applause for the excellent photos!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-35379532095175450872009-02-23T16:09:00.002-09:002009-02-23T16:16:32.221-09:00Hola mi amigas!Well, we are finally back and the dust...er sand...has settled. Laundry has been caught up, the fridge is restocked with groceries...life is resuming it's normal pace, and I'm back to work tonight.<br /><br />It was an incredible vacation. <br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/zihuatanejo">Zihuatenejo</a> is a small fishing village on Mexico's Grand Coast, south of Puerto Vallarta and just outside of Ixtapa. It is NOT a resort community. The Zihuatanejo bay is surrounded by 3 beaches, 2 of which are wonderful for swimming, snorkeling and all sorts of water activities. The weather was in the 80s and sunny every day. The people were engaging, friendly, helpful. <br /><br /><br />We rented a 2 bedroom 'villa'(like a condo) with kitchen and living room for our entire stay. It was on the 4th floor of the <a href="http://www.zihuatanejo-villaselmorro.com/ingles.htm">Villa El Morros</a> and extremely reasonable. Comfortable lovely rooms with AC (when needed), ceiling fans, and the nicest staff I've ever met. A bonus was the daily housekeeping and towel origami art.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3KKn_4QI/AAAAAAAAB8M/6LlW8ykxwjk/s1600-h/origami+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3KKn_4QI/AAAAAAAAB8M/6LlW8ykxwjk/s320/origami+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306075065018736898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3J-yMWoI/AAAAAAAAB8E/I0biZMsLg-I/s1600-h/origami+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3J-yMWoI/AAAAAAAAB8E/I0biZMsLg-I/s320/origami+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306075061840272002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3Jm9ADHI/AAAAAAAAB78/AQNiVpHoowc/s1600-h/origami+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3Jm9ADHI/AAAAAAAAB78/AQNiVpHoowc/s320/origami+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306075055443151986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3JkpE6PI/AAAAAAAAB70/7rQgX7oUVZU/s1600-h/origami+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL3JkpE6PI/AAAAAAAAB70/7rQgX7oUVZU/s320/origami+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306075054822713586" /></a><br /><br />A new design every day we were there. Three connecting balconies, one off each bedroom and one off the living room gave a stunning, unparalleled view of the bay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL4EFY_tSI/AAAAAAAAB8U/rYqUrGJWnzA/s1600-h/zihua+bay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL4EFY_tSI/AAAAAAAAB8U/rYqUrGJWnzA/s320/zihua+bay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306076060046046498" /></a><br /><br />In the morning we awoke to the sounds of local roosters announcing a new day....at night we drifted off to the sounds of music drifting up from the town square. There were many other 'snowbirds' staying at the villas...some remaining as long as 2 or 3 months and they'd been coming to Villas El Morro for years. The swimming pool was cool, clean and also afforded a view of the bay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL5GMG1U1I/AAAAAAAAB8k/wZyv1PTmaXA/s1600-h/pool+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL5GMG1U1I/AAAAAAAAB8k/wZyv1PTmaXA/s320/pool+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306077195720282962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL5FDUlSFI/AAAAAAAAB8c/ouwdpN6-YSA/s1600-h/pool+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL5FDUlSFI/AAAAAAAAB8c/ouwdpN6-YSA/s320/pool+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306077176182163538" /></a><br /><br />Each morning, after breakfast, we would traipse down the 173 (yes we counted...each time) stone steps (quite a workout up and down 2 x each day!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL637zsG1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/HwT3xyKl2Es/s1600-h/steps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL637zsG1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/HwT3xyKl2Es/s320/steps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306079149850106706" /></a><br /><br />to the cobblestone road edged by the bay.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64egG7SI/AAAAAAAAB88/yL61kpQ_KQI/s1600-h/road.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64egG7SI/AAAAAAAAB88/yL61kpQ_KQI/s320/road.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306079159163219234" /></a><br /><br /><br />We said hello to the pelicans<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64gGEw9I/AAAAAAAAB9E/NVP0rUxUQfU/s1600-h/pelicans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64gGEw9I/AAAAAAAAB9E/NVP0rUxUQfU/s320/pelicans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306079159590896594" /></a><br /><br />and other waterbirds. We saw puffer fish and other types we couldn't identify in the waters. A short (less than 10 minutes) walk, "buenos dias" to the local fishermen and dive shop folks, and across the yellow bridge<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64E5mF4I/AAAAAAAAB80/STCfCZ3WMuQ/s1600-h/bridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaL64E5mF4I/AAAAAAAAB80/STCfCZ3WMuQ/s320/bridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306079152290797442" /></a><br /><br />into the beachfront shops and restaurants abutting the Playa Principal (beach)....but this is the beach where the fishermen bring their daily fresh catches...not a beach for swimming. We would then take a 5 minute water taxi across the bay to Playa Los Gatos, or walk a mile further down to Playa Ropa.<br /><br />At Playa Los Gatos, we were made to feel like princesses.....restaurants had umbrella shaded lounge chairs lined up and waiting...we would pick a good spot, drop our things and head into the water to play.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNF7aapiZI/AAAAAAAAB9M/ygxc_7oWPwA/s1600-h/beach+me.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNF7aapiZI/AAAAAAAAB9M/ygxc_7oWPwA/s320/beach+me.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306161672978270610" /></a><br /><br />Back at our chairs, friendly wait staff would bring beer, other adult beverages, and food menus. They were very attentive! You could get your hair braided into a million braids, have an hour long massage, rent snorkel equipment, get henna tattoos, be serenaded by strolling guitar players. We spent hours and hours of several vacation days there. The dollar exchange was very good, 14+ pesos per $1 american. We spent maybe $30/day total for all the food/drink and extra fun we could stand.<br /><br />I felt badly at one level though. The economy has caused a 40% devaluation of the peso in the past year (i.e. one year ago the exchange rate was 10 pesos/1 american dollar) and has also impacted the sheer number of tourists passing through. Up until several months ago, cruise ships came through the town 2x weekly....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNGpKCDpmI/AAAAAAAAB9U/v8iJVo2SBAo/s1600-h/cruise+ship.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNGpKCDpmI/AAAAAAAAB9U/v8iJVo2SBAo/s320/cruise+ship.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306162458854139490" /></a><br /><br />now it's down to once per week/ with far fewer passengers/tourists. The beaches were never crowded during our 10 day stay. And the prices have remained the same.....and lower...if you decline to purchase anything, vendors will follow you offering their wares for lower and lower, sometimes even as much as half their initial asking price. They are seriously hurting economically.<br /><br />Another thing I was unaware of is that there is no free public school......we saw many private school kids in their different uniforms, but far more children not in school...and working. In fact, one day a petite girl, probably no more than 6 years old, made her way from beach chair to beach chair singing and dancing for whatever pesos people were willing to give her, while her mother and sister wandered the beach selling jewelry. It was a good life-lesson for my daughter. We also purposely drove through some areas not on the 'touristy path', where the working class people lived in rough shanties with pigs and chickens wandering in and out of homes. I think it was a good eye-opener for my privileged daughter to obtain a real world reality check.<br /><br />The Mercado Centrale was our stop for fresh fruits, veggies, fish, meats, etc. We loaded a shopping bag every couple of days and made fresh guacamole with tortillas we watched being made...we also purchased vanilla beans, strong coffee and other traditional foods<br /><br />Sometimes we would eat from sidewalk stands that catered to local workers. The food was amazing. So fresh, so delicious. I know I ate my weight in shrimp while there...barbecued shrimp, garlic shrimp, shrimp tacos, shrimp empanadas, coconut shrimp (aahh Lety's the best coconut shrimp ever ever ever...and I Don't like coconut shrimp...but this was divine!) Drank lots of cerveza (mostly Corona) and a couple or three margaritas......:)<br /><br />The girl was able to go horseback riding on the beach at Playa Largo one day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNIBEw0DSI/AAAAAAAAB9k/CN4KW8lD2VE/s1600-h/horse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNIBEw0DSI/AAAAAAAAB9k/CN4KW8lD2VE/s320/horse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306163969268124962" /></a><br /><br />Think miles and miles of soft sandy beach...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNIA2KXf1I/AAAAAAAAB9c/aKGqmiy3DHM/s1600-h/horse+beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNIA2KXf1I/AAAAAAAAB9c/aKGqmiy3DHM/s320/horse+beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306163965348773714" /></a><br /><br />it was glorious and she had a fabulous time.<br /><br />We also did an amazing, once in a lifetime experience...we swam with dolphins.<br />yes. we did.<br /><br />Now, I have to tell you, I have conflicting feelings about this. For one thing. I believe that dolphins are intelligent wild animals and should not be in captivity. period. However, the desire to have the experience of being in the water, touching and interacting with these creatures (who were extremely well cared for....and the numbers of people were highly regulated.....and strict rules about no lotions, sunscreens, perfumes, or jewelry so that the dolphins can remain safe and healthy)...well the opportunity over rode my hesitations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJlLdjMYI/AAAAAAAAB-E/-rMgAIVYP3s/s1600-h/dolfinzoehug2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJlLdjMYI/AAAAAAAAB-E/-rMgAIVYP3s/s320/dolfinzoehug2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306165689053294978" /></a><br /><br />I'll admit, for me, it was a very emotional experience. And these guys were so well trained. We had an hour or more in the water with them...and they did tricks with us....like letting us hold onto their flippers<br /><br /><br />and getting a 'belly ride' the length of the (very very long and 20 foot deep) pool...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJk_LNEwI/AAAAAAAAB98/feXpK3ApT0g/s1600-h/dolfinzoebellyride.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJk_LNEwI/AAAAAAAAB98/feXpK3ApT0g/s320/dolfinzoebellyride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306165685755122434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJkpxjC8I/AAAAAAAAB90/if_nGjs89gs/s1600-h/dolfinswimlisa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJkpxjC8I/AAAAAAAAB90/if_nGjs89gs/s320/dolfinswimlisa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306165680010365890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJkQz8oAI/AAAAAAAAB9s/1e_LKrkbong/s1600-h/dolfindancelisa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SaNJkQz8oAI/AAAAAAAAB9s/1e_LKrkbong/s320/dolfindancelisa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306165673309544450" /></a><br />and get this....the trainers asked us to lie flat on our stomachs in the water, legs slightly apart, lock our knees. Two dolphins came up under our feet and lifted us out of the water....pushing us the length of the pool (like circus performers standing up straddling two horses....only these were two dolphins and no reigns....) Like I said, it was a once in a lifetime experience. I only wish that they had given more education about the dolphins and their training etc......I'm sure many people feel the way I do about this. Again, they are amazing animals. This is the website for <a href="http://www.delfiniti.com/en/index.html">Delfiniti</a> if you are interested in more info.<br /><br />I read 4 books while there...<a href="http://us.macmillan.com/sarahskey">Sarah's Key</a> (which the girl also read and loved), Friday Night Knitting Club (total tearjerker), something else that was pretty forgettable...i can't even remember the name...and <a href="http://www.ellisavery.com/teahousefire.html">The Tea House Fire</a> which was amazing and i highly recommend.<br /><br />I did knit a tiny bit....a sock...which is at the toe. That's all. I napped, I sunned, I ate, I wandered. It was everything a vacation should be. I plan to return again and again as I'm able. Zihua is charming in its Mexican authenticity...no McDonalds, no WalMart, no Costco....just a beautiful place, with wonderful people. The perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.<br /><br />Well, that's about enough for today....until next time...KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-92002397510966955042009-02-09T08:05:00.004-09:002009-02-09T08:28:30.054-09:00Knitbud (and ubernurse!) Sarah...aka Evil Toad, had a brilliant idea recently. There are two nurses and two midwives (inc. me) with live in senior parents. She decided we should form a club and have dinner parties each month or so to get the seniors out and meeting other folks.....or at least let us feel like we're facilitating that sort of thing. Thus was born the S.P.A.H. group (Senior Parents At Home...or Senile Parents At Home...whichever is most appropro!) <br /><br />Me and Grandma Clara.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBilNi9DNI/AAAAAAAAB7M/YK_Q8Y8wsGo/s1600-h/lisa+and+clara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBilNi9DNI/AAAAAAAAB7M/YK_Q8Y8wsGo/s400/lisa+and+clara.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300845152846023890" /></a><br /><br />Marlena, her mom Pam, Zelda's mom Dee, Zelda<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBlDTfbFoI/AAAAAAAAB7U/75LAgU8tQhQ/s1600-h/spah1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBlDTfbFoI/AAAAAAAAB7U/75LAgU8tQhQ/s400/spah1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300847868861159042" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Scots (Sarah and her Dad...I forgot his name..how embarrassing...but they brought a six-pack of wine!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBlD_8WxUI/AAAAAAAAB7k/9QHU0Bea9xk/s1600-h/spah3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SZBlD_8WxUI/AAAAAAAAB7k/9QHU0Bea9xk/s400/spah3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300847880793670978" /></a><br /><br /><br />We met last Thursday night at Marlena's home. She and her mom, Pam, fixed a wonderful roast Turkey with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy! Zelda's mom made a green-bean casserole and rolls. I brought a green salad with fresh spinach, dried cranberries, toasted almonds and feta, and the Scots brought wine and a yummy fruit salad with cookies and whipped cream for dessert.<br /><br />We ALL had a grand time, and despite Grandma Clara's shyness, she is looking forward to helping me host the next dinner in March!<br /><br />In Knitting news...i've about 3 inches of ribbing left on the superwash bamboo long and lacy cardi. Maybe it'll be finished before catching the plane tonight....<br /><br />Plane tonight? Yes....The long awaited Mexican Vacay has arrived! Whoohoo! Just me and the girl, heading down to Zihuatenejo for the next ten days....lots of sun, lots of sand, lots of relaxation! The man has vowed to keep close tabs on the grannymeister and I trust him to do a great job! I have yet to figure out what knitting to take for the plane and the beach......but I have a few hours yet to narrow it down. I'm sure I'll have lots of pics and fun things to post when I return....until then....<br /><br />KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-39323176606000004452009-01-24T12:28:00.006-09:002009-01-24T13:08:29.022-09:00Superwash Bamboo Take ThreeLast June, my #1 Favorite on-line yarn shop, <a href="http://elann.com">Elann.com</a>, had a bag sale of their Superwash Bamboo a nice worsted weight 65% washable wool/35% bamboo for a crazy cheap price. This is one of their stock yarns but a dye-lot that came out with a shaded or 'kettle-dyed' look to it. I purchased 2 bags of the Shaded Cedar<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuOb4wRfvI/AAAAAAAAB68/7nMgn0GzqSk/s1600-h/suerwash.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuOb4wRfvI/AAAAAAAAB68/7nMgn0GzqSk/s400/suerwash.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294982396646620914" /></a><br /><br />and one bag of the Shaded Claret. Gorgeous yarns. I started out by casting on for the <a href="http://www.flintknits.com/blog/?p=151">February Lady Sweater</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuOcPC0lFI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wxW-IN7AcmA/s1600-h/superwash2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuOcPC0lFI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wxW-IN7AcmA/s400/superwash2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294982402629997650" /></a><br /><br />but ended up ripping out and going down so many needle sizes to get a fabric to my tastes for the garter yolk, that I eventually gave up and frogged the mess. That was "Take One".<br /><br />I recently decided to join <a href="http://clapotiskal.blogspot.com">Joan's Fashionably Late KAL</a> and re-started the FLS on appropriately sized needles ('5's for me for the yoke, 7s for the lace) omitted the YO increases, ommitted the buttonholes on purpose. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIcyOFjgI/AAAAAAAAB60/2FNgw-T8avs/s1600-h/superwashtake2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIcyOFjgI/AAAAAAAAB60/2FNgw-T8avs/s400/superwashtake2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294975815002721794" /></a><br /><br />It's quite yummy...at least the yoke is quite yummy. I've knit, frogged, reknit, refrogged, the stupid gull-lace pattern 5 times, only making it past 2 full pattern repeats (and it's only a 4 row repeat, 2 of which are purl rows for the love of god) What gives. I can't freaking count. I don't know. So, naturally, it's in time-out for a while. That is "Take Two". And it is a wunnerful color! And I will get back to it when I'm over my fit of pique!<br /><br />I needed something instantly gratifying, satisfying, something....and then the new free subscriber on-line email <a href="http://www.sweaterbabe.com">SweaterBabe</a> pattern came out! The <a href="http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/top-down-lacy-long-knit-cardigan.htm">#74 Top-Down Long Lacy Cardigan</a>. Whoo! Only free for 2 weeks, I quickly downloaded and printed it out. It was just what I needed. And the Superwash Bamboo, 2 full bags of Cedar, held double would be perfect! I swatched and swatched and wet and dried and found the best fabric on size 101/2s. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIctYqlSI/AAAAAAAAB6s/lrXQ226XWyw/s1600-h/greencloseup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIctYqlSI/AAAAAAAAB6s/lrXQ226XWyw/s400/greencloseup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294975813704914210" /></a><br /><br />It's a roomy sweater and with my gauge calculations would make a size large come out just a few inches smaller which would be most flattering. I cast on and am loving the pattern/yarn matchup a lot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIcN2FW4I/AAAAAAAAB6k/6cDaw45ujIk/s1600-h/green1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXuIcN2FW4I/AAAAAAAAB6k/6cDaw45ujIk/s400/green1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294975805238369154" /></a><br /><br />I love the very explicit and clear instructions. I love the M1-R and M1-L that she uses for the raglan increases. They stabilize an area that tends to stretch out or feel less strong. Nice detail. I'm loving the color variations too and the sheen of the Superwash Bamboo. Let's see how this "Take Three" comes out. I'm hoping to finish up within the next 2 weeks!<br /><br />Knit On!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-66896773491167190632009-01-22T09:56:00.010-09:002009-01-23T10:12:39.610-09:00Dry Jaime Bar 1981-2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMGMdgo0I/AAAAAAAAB4w/NWK4MvDzjA8/s1600-h/dry16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMGMdgo0I/AAAAAAAAB4w/NWK4MvDzjA8/s400/dry16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294205768770298690" /></a><br /><br /><br />We lost a friend yesterday. A registered Quarter-horse and dear old gentleman<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMGt1p4VI/AAAAAAAAB44/gDPjq8u8B_M/s1600-h/dry17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMGt1p4VI/AAAAAAAAB44/gDPjq8u8B_M/s400/dry17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294205777729937746" /></a><br /><br />Dry Jaime Bar was a champion barrel racer, an equestrian competitor, a gentle companion. He would have been 28 in March.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIUTXYUZI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/5lKy0HCH8CA/s1600-h/dry4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIUTXYUZI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/5lKy0HCH8CA/s400/dry4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294201613095293330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I am so sad for my girl. Dry was her second horse, acquired just a few months after horse #1 (Shorty) proved a bit green for her level of experience and riding at the time.. DD was just 9 years old when Dry came to live with us. He was a geriatric horse even then, but healthy and spirited.<br /><br /><br />A wonderful teacher for our horsecrazy preteen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLD-V47AI/AAAAAAAAB4o/d1wgomOrieI/s1600-h/dry15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLD-V47AI/AAAAAAAAB4o/d1wgomOrieI/s400/dry15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204631108873218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The girl rode him in 4H events<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDUPlXTI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/mxmFF4Gg2ac/s1600-h/dry12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDUPlXTI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/mxmFF4Gg2ac/s400/dry12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204619808136498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDQf7cpI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/0ZNxNkl64aM/s1600-h/dry13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDQf7cpI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/0ZNxNkl64aM/s400/dry13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204618802950802" /></a><br /><br />local parades, playdays... and became state youth champion barrel racer under his tutelage. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIT_PNy9I/AAAAAAAAB3A/HGSZ3JMaA5A/s1600-h/dry2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIT_PNy9I/AAAAAAAAB3A/HGSZ3JMaA5A/s400/dry2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294201607692340178" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjITlWc7hI/AAAAAAAAB24/kPbM4SC4NGc/s1600-h/dry1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjITlWc7hI/AAAAAAAAB24/kPbM4SC4NGc/s400/dry1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294201600743370258" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Upon retirement from racing (a couple of summers ago), he became a lesson horse for small children.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMHDvN6nI/AAAAAAAAB5A/7J7MedbTXIE/s1600-h/dry18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjMHDvN6nI/AAAAAAAAB5A/7J7MedbTXIE/s400/dry18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294205783608519282" /></a><br /><br /><br />His gentle ways and excellent ground manners made him a perfect therapeutic riding horse as well. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDsFm57I/AAAAAAAAB4g/dzrAKl1JtQY/s1600-h/dry14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 336px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLDsFm57I/AAAAAAAAB4g/dzrAKl1JtQY/s400/dry14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204626208745394" /></a><br /><br />He lived in our back yard, that friendly old man. He enjoyed playing with his best pal Shorty, and new friend Nacho. <br /><br />He loved running and chasing at the horse park,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLCS78auI/AAAAAAAAB4I/iDtskUnLDys/s1600-h/dry11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjLCS78auI/AAAAAAAAB4I/iDtskUnLDys/s400/dry11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204602277456610" /></a><br /><br /><br /> summer baths,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhgJiOSI/AAAAAAAAB34/f3NJf2-nyow/s1600-h/dry9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhgJiOSI/AAAAAAAAB34/f3NJf2-nyow/s400/dry9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204038888438050" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKiEhXEuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/SsIw3LJlH50/s1600-h/dry10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKiEhXEuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/SsIw3LJlH50/s400/dry10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204048652047074" /></a><br /><br />swimming in nearby lakes, and being ahead of the pack steeplechasing through the snow. He hung out at the lower corral gate by the street, hoping to beg apples, cookies, carrots, candy from passing neighbors and school children.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhXqJ4nI/AAAAAAAAB3w/P7jlJYSs1LE/s1600-h/dry8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhXqJ4nI/AAAAAAAAB3w/P7jlJYSs1LE/s400/dry8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204036609335922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhLhl-KI/AAAAAAAAB3o/g0sKwC7B6tU/s1600-h/dry7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjKhLhl-KI/AAAAAAAAB3o/g0sKwC7B6tU/s400/dry7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204033352202402" /></a><br /><br /> In fact, our next door neighbor would bring him fresh salads daily during the summer. I guess he was probably quite spoiled according to many horse people. But he deserved it.<br /><br /><br /><br />This past fall, he'd had to have several teeth removed. He had difficulty chewing up hay so the girl took him buckets of hot mash a couple of times a day. He's had difficulty keeping weight on the past few winters.....and I think our weeks long extreme cold snap tipped the rest of the scales against him. <br /><br />Yesterday, the girl went out in the morning and found him down. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to get him back to his feet. With the help of another horsey friend, she made him comfortable with straw packed under and around him. He had another big bucket of hot mash before our vet came. And a couple of double cheeseburgers with large fries courtesy of the teenagers. And chocolate peppermint kisses. Our wonderful vet scratched his head on that one and said it was one of the most loving and unique sendoffs he'd seen. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIUd-ySjI/AAAAAAAAB3I/tcxhcUJnotE/s1600-h/dry3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXjIUd-ySjI/AAAAAAAAB3I/tcxhcUJnotE/s400/dry3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294201615944927794" /></a><br /><br />Dry Jaime Bar. 1981-2009. We'll miss you.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-91861461247392751022009-01-19T08:30:00.004-09:002009-01-19T08:46:37.645-09:00Here's HelenaFor those of you not on Ravelry, here at last is the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATThelena.html">HELENA</a> I finished a few days ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5xshM-vI/AAAAAAAAB2E/bQLw9k8lzdc/s1600-h/Helena+FO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5xshM-vI/AAAAAAAAB2E/bQLw9k8lzdc/s400/Helena+FO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293059725482326770" /></a><br /><br />This is a super easy top down knit. Very very quick knit. I think it took maybe 3-4 evenings. The yarn is mother-friendly Lion Cotton-Ease (50% cotton/50% acrylic) in a lovely dusty TerraCotta. The smallest size took less than 2 skeins. I love the new colors this comes in and have a small stash just for cute baby things. I used size 6 KPOs for the body, and size 2s for the edgings. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5yFH8Z2I/AAAAAAAAB2M/m0kXQGFiLG0/s1600-h/Helena+picot+hem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5yFH8Z2I/AAAAAAAAB2M/m0kXQGFiLG0/s400/Helena+picot+hem.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293059732087269218" /></a><br /><br />I must say I ADORE this picot hem on the bottom and sleeves. However, the K2Tog broke TWO, count em, TWO of my bamboo doublepoints on the sleeve hems. The picot hem gives such a finished and professional look!<br /><br />I didn't care for the tie-front so I took another Raveler's idea and made a crochet double loop closure with shank buttons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5yRQrcOI/AAAAAAAAB2U/1-ioysmmmhQ/s1600-h/Helena+button+detail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXS5yRQrcOI/AAAAAAAAB2U/1-ioysmmmhQ/s400/Helena+button+detail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293059735345131746" /></a><br /><br />I used the numbers for the smallest size. This came out to fit about a 6-12 month old (depending on the size of the 6-12monther ;0) <br />It was a very satisfactory knit and I can see myself making this pattern again in the future.<br /><br />KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-81388677414646710522009-01-16T09:17:00.009-09:002009-01-16T12:31:12.536-09:00Wacky Weather and Remodel Updates....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsVm7gk8I/AAAAAAAAB0s/Vm1fgNne-x8/s1600-h/jan16windowsnow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsVm7gk8I/AAAAAAAAB0s/Vm1fgNne-x8/s400/jan16windowsnow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989418131887042" /></a><br /><br />For all you Lower 48 and International readers, I truly sympathize with the crazy cold temps and snowfall you've had the past few days. I know it hit you unprepared because it's not your norm. Here in Alaska, we expect, even greet, the challenges of winter with open arms. It's part of our Alaskan culture and identity. But we too have had crazy insanity with the weather the past few weeks. <br /><br />We had a huge dump of snow right around Christmas, then record-breaking, metal breaking, bone chilling, energy bill raising cold spell. -20 to -40 at night, -10 to -20 daytime. For MORE THAN TWO WEEKS we did not get above ZERO. Then, 3 days ago, it started to warm up. And rain. And hit the high 30s low 40s. And the snow melted. And the ground was frozen. So there are feet of standing water over frozen ground ice. Everywhere. The highways are not so bad, but the neighborhoods are impassible for many. Especially those living on hills/mountains. Like us. Oh, and did I mention the hurricane force winds (70+ mph) that glossed all icy surfaces to skating rink smoothness. Our schools have been closed for three days now. They were not closed in the multiple days of -20, -30 temps. They are closed due to ice. The travel danger is too great. I could not make it out of my driveway. Hah, I could barely walk across my driveway/yard. DH and DD parked their trucks at the bottom of our street and walked/crawled up the 1/4 mile "S" curve to our driveway. From their they pulled themselves up with by their hands on the fence and landscape branches. This morning they walked down with crampons on. Thankfully, the sand truck came by a bit ago. And neighbor Paul who plows our driveway/parking area came by and sanded everything well. I got a bonus day off today. I feel badly about having my patients reschedule in clinic, but they don't need to be out in this mess either. I'm off til Monday now! Whoo! I'll play bloggy catch up since I'm feeling rambly and have a bit of extra time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWCreEJI/AAAAAAAAB00/DGP35dJrL4w/s1600-h/jan16rayschurro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWCreEJI/AAAAAAAAB00/DGP35dJrL4w/s400/jan16rayschurro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989425580806290" /></a><br /><br />I finished Reynaldo's "Churro". I love this yarn! Needful Yarns Kaleidoscope purchased from elann.com. Washable wool. Sproingy and great coloring. I was s'posed to have lunch with him today but obviously will have to reschedule. I know he'll overlook my sucky round changes. You'd think by now I would've remembered to make that part be in the back when I positioned the ear flaps. Of course not. (slaps forehead). Maybe next time. I know this pattern is in Amy Singers Knit Wit, I don't have a linky for it right now, but seriously, I just do it from memory, top down, measure head for height, position ear flaps for front/back comfort.......<br /><br />oh, and yes (bragging again) that is that new granite countertop in the background. So, some folks have kindly asked for a remodel update. Your patience is rewarded with a little photo tour today. It's not totally finished everywhere yet. Remodeling, I have found...is an evolutionary process. Once something new is in place, the surroundings look shabby in comparison and need a spruce up......so to begin, we'll go with the most complete and satisfactory part of the remodel to date, the kitchen...<br /><br />You can look back at <a href="http://lisamidwifeknits.blogspot.com/2008/06/remodel-hell.html">THIS POST</a> for some of the before pics.<br /><br />Here's where we are to date:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsXL2rq8I/AAAAAAAAB1M/6lVV5KhbHC4/s1600-h/jan16kitchenwest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsXL2rq8I/AAAAAAAAB1M/6lVV5KhbHC4/s400/jan16kitchenwest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989445223623618" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWrM38RI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ZVQRiii0I9E/s1600-h/jan16kitchensouth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWrM38RI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ZVQRiii0I9E/s400/jan16kitchensouth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989436458332434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWQJq8pI/AAAAAAAAB08/VnKh91FtWYU/s1600-h/jan16kitcheneast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsWQJq8pI/AAAAAAAAB08/VnKh91FtWYU/s400/jan16kitcheneast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989429197140626" /></a><br /><br />I love it. I love the double drawer dishwasher. So quiet and energy efficient. Love the farmhouse sink and the faucet. DH was afraid it would just get more piled up with dirty dishes but that hasn't been the case at all. And it's depth makes it very convenient for yarn craftiness and DD filling large water buckets for horses when the outside faucet froze up! I haven't yet gotten the cabinets full or totally organized as efficiently as I'd like. I have a piece of Raku pottery/artwork that I want to hang on the wall above the sink. We also need to touch up some of the paint that got dinged with the granite install, sand and restain the ceiling and beams where the pass-through kitchen wall came out, and remove and restain under the old lighting support braces. A weekend project.<br /><br />Here's the dining room. It needs a bit more finish work but is essentially complete. (yes, I did get a new dining table and chairs....DD, known as "Jethrine" in some circles, accidently broke one of our old chairs from the old set. Sigh. And it was time to freshen up. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtSJWNg1I/AAAAAAAAB1c/MfanE9s4p3k/s1600-h/jan16diningroom2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtSJWNg1I/AAAAAAAAB1c/MfanE9s4p3k/s400/jan16diningroom2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291990458162840402" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsq_Dk1lI/AAAAAAAAB1U/wXkb2Xp-Flo/s1600-h/jan16diningroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDsq_Dk1lI/AAAAAAAAB1U/wXkb2Xp-Flo/s400/jan16diningroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291989785385424466" /></a><br /><br />Again, paint touch-up, and finish trim around the windows...and a new overhead light and wall sconce. Just haven't found the right ones I like yet on that. Have FABULOUS new curtains though...I'll show you when that part's finished. Oh yeah, and have to put new covers over the baseboard heat elements (gas hot water baseboard heat). <br /><br />The new hardwood flooring is just insanely beautiful. Here's a shot of the old floor (OK, it's my sealskin slippers but the floor is behind it)...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtTMg2gTI/AAAAAAAAB1s/syh1VdT8UnU/s1600-h/jan16oldfloor+houseshoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtTMg2gTI/AAAAAAAAB1s/syh1VdT8UnU/s400/jan16oldfloor+houseshoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291990476192645426" /></a><br /><br />and the new.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXD3eMLkgWI/AAAAAAAAB10/yQHLSNdwh1g/s1600-h/jan16floor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXD3eMLkgWI/AAAAAAAAB10/yQHLSNdwh1g/s400/jan16floor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292001660198224226" /></a><br /> <br />This covers the kitchen, dining room, living room, hallway between the girls' rooms and the main bathroom. (i know, i know...nutz to have hardwood flooring in a bathroom, but the last hardwood floor there last 20+ years without much problem). Yes, I know Pearl needs a shavedown....it's just been too cold lately to do it...<br /><br />We added energy saving window treatments in the lower living room windows. Expensive but Holy Cow they keep the living room much more comfortable...even with the extreme temps. Yes, these are daytime pics..around 11am..yes, it's our dark winter days...but we are gaining minutes of daylight every single day now...and I'll be in Mexico in less than a month. I digress again...We also redecorated with a comfortable dark chocolate easy care microsuede sectional. Very comfy and cozy for knitting, reading, napping, watching movies etc.......and we can chat and travel easily between kitchen and dining room. Love the fact that the island rolls! (no, that wasn't a scratch on the island earlier, just some camera artifact)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtS_pCwnI/AAAAAAAAB1k/k3XytQ9jRMc/s1600-h/jan16livingroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXDtS_pCwnI/AAAAAAAAB1k/k3XytQ9jRMc/s400/jan16livingroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291990472737342066" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXD5vEOvfrI/AAAAAAAAB18/ufyemlii2RE/s1600-h/jan16windows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SXD5vEOvfrI/AAAAAAAAB18/ufyemlii2RE/s400/jan16windows.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292004149145075378" /></a><br /><br />I still need new end/coffee tables and a different floor lamp but I'm pleased with the new table lamps and sofa pillows and such so far. We also need another occaisional chair/small armchair or something that Grandma Clara can sit in and get in and out of easily, so that's next on the agenda.<br /><br />I'm binding off Helena as pics are loading up, then just to add the buttons and loops for closure. Maybe I'll add it later, or maybe I'll wait to post another day. This was long enough. So until next time....KNIT ON!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-50603654264028674882009-01-06T16:54:00.002-09:002009-01-07T17:22:45.219-09:00Midwife Musings.....I met the nicest couple having their first baby the other night. <br />They were in their early 20s. She was petite with huge dark eyes and beautiful full smile, he was tall and lanky, with hair drawn back into a black ponytail. 4 days past her due date, she'd arrived to the hospital in good, early, SPONTANEOUS labor. Sent to walk for a few hours, she made good progress and was admitted to L&D. Heploc started for the GroupB Strep antibiotics. Sore arm. Hate that. Into the jacuzzi with her...yes, you can be in the jacuzzi with your IV...aahhh, warm swirling waters, vasodilation....hmmm...the sore arm is now much better and isn't this jacuzzi the best thing for labor. Her light brown skin glows. Her eyes close with contractions. Her partner kneels over the tub, he is only focused on her. He tells her to breathe, to go limp, massages her hands, arms, back. He holds her and tells her how much he loves her. She says she has to push..no not yet..i can't stop she says...do this..i tell her "HOOOO...HOOOOO...HOOO..."blowing out hard and loud...she tries it, it works...for the next hour or so we hear them together...HOOOO..HHOOOO....HOOOO.HOOOO....their sounds rise and fall in a crescendo. they are loud and in sync and their noise mimics the start of this whole thing. we smile at the nurse's desk. A bit later, after some toilet time and slow dancing time...it's finally time. She easily delivers her more than 9 1/2 lb daughter, up onto her tummy and into her arms. Dad is ecstatic. He drops to his knees, hands raised, tears streaming. The pink chubby girl takes a wide eyed look around, then scrunches her face and screams her displeasure at this change of venue. Everyone beams. Everything works as it should and babe is happily on the breast minutes later. Seems it's been a while since I've had an unmedicated first-time mom. (Nothing wrong with that, i'm all about meds and epidurals and all and whatever it takes to have a positive, healthy, safe birth experience) Constant appropriate bedside support is a huge factor in helping moms through labor. Kudos to this brave strong young couple. They made my day.LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36646287.post-79206121517994183252009-01-05T10:31:00.002-09:002009-01-05T11:12:50.957-09:00Ooh Baby It's COLD Outside!Well I'm back. All the falderal and hoopla of the holidays is finally over. We had a lovely Christmas and I caught the first baby of 2009 for the city at 0028 on 1/1/09! Whoohoo! I've spent the last several days de-Christmasing and de-cluttering the house. Sent bags of clothing and clutter to the Salvation Army. <br /><br />It has been COLDER than snot for the past week or so. Temps have dipped to -28 (yes that's a negative number!) and we've not risen above -7 in 5 days. It's been clear and sunny in the few hours of daylight we enjoy at this time of year. And we are gaining almost a minute of daylight every single day now! <br /><br />First FO of 2009.....an alpaca hat for a sweet young man. Araucania Atacam in Blue Granite (a blue/grey variagated) knit on size 4s for a dense fabric. Very soft. Love this yarn. About 1 skein for an 8yr old boy, probably would need another half skein for a grownup man size. I made up the pattern as I went. Deep ribbing for folding up over ears, stockinette on the crown. bottom up. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SWJgzhjIo-I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/e2EAMKpazVA/s1600-h/Alpaca+Hat+for+Boy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SWJgzhjIo-I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/e2EAMKpazVA/s400/Alpaca+Hat+for+Boy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287895350781715426" /></a><br /><br />Next up, and blocking as we speak...Helena from Knitty.com in one of my favorite mother friendly yarns...Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. Love this warm TerraCotta color. Pattern is as easy and cute as can be. Just need to hem and do the neck/front edging and then decide upon a closure. I'm thinking double loop button closure instead of the ties. We'll see. This is for the new daughter of one of our CMAs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SWJg0UH1mHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/mQFPoIW8MhU/s1600-h/Helena.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Ip1XK8dYUo/SWJg0UH1mHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/mQFPoIW8MhU/s400/Helena.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287895364357429362" /></a><br /><br />One the needles is YET ANOTHER HAT. My standard top down earflap "Churro" in Needful Yarns Kaleidoscope. I LOVE THIS YARN and seriously wish I'd purchased more instead of the few measly balls I picked up. It's superwash wool, cable construction. So soft. So sproingy. So washable! Don't mean to be a yarn-ho here or anything, but if anyone reading this has any extra Kaleidoscope that they won't be using...I'll buy it off of ya...I lurf it. This hat is a going away gift for one of my favorite male L&D nurses. He just finished his MS and took a job with the State. I'll miss you Reynaldo!<br /><br />There are two bald eagles in the cottonwood tree behind my house this morning. Their feathers are all fluffed up and they look fat and sassy. It's so clear, so crisply cold. I'm staying warm inside doing laundry and reorganizing the stash. I have an overnighter on-call tonight so I'll try to get a nap this afternoon before going in.<br /><br />In my neverending quest to abort the depression that comes with isolation and winter in Alaska...I joined a BUNCO group. It will start on Jan. 12th. I am SO excited. I was snubbed by the Bunco queen at an office I worked in years ago...it scarred me for life. So it was a total Sally Field ("you like me, you really like me") moment when I was invited. I'm also looking forward to a VACATION in February. Why is VACATION capitalized? Because it's a real, honest to gosh, going away VACATION. I'm taking DD to <a href="http://www.zihua.net">Zihuatenejo</a>, Mexico for 10 days in February. We. Cannot. Wait. Just us two girls, doing the beach. oh yeah! More on these developments later. <br /><br />I'm not going to try promising to post more often. It's frankly just not in me right now. But as new FOs come off the needles, you'll continue to see just what it is that the MIDWIFE KNITS! Until next time....knit on!LisaW.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00127886567995750258noreply@blogger.com9