KnittingGolfer's Blog

The Third Day of Christmas

knittinggolfer — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:47:40 +0000

The week before Christmas, our elementary school celebrated with a holiday concert. The new music teacher, Mr. E., did an outstanding job.

The girls were excited about their songs for weeks and I was so excited to hear them finally sing at the concert.

It was truly a wonderful way to kick off the holiday week!

Good job my girlies! I am so proud of you!

The Second Day of Christmas

knittinggolfer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:45:06 +0000

One thing that has become a tradition here at our house is the Gingerbread House that magically shows up each year. Neil and Ellie Claus are on the ball!

You have never seen such a perfect gingerbread house that is as tasty and fresh as it is pretty!

My dear ole friend, Neil, from my before-the-kids, working days on Beacon Hill began sending this holiday treat to the kids years ago. How many, I can’t even remember. Neil and I worked together for years and he was a mentor, friend, and even father figure. His advice got me out of some pickles and surely saved me from myself on more than one occasion. We had some great times together and I still carry lessons with me today that I learned from him. He met all the kids when they were babies but admittedly it has been too many years since we last saw each other. (I’ll take the heat for that .)

But, the gingerbread house usually appears here about the time of his birthday so we usually reconnect annually in December. It is also a great time for me to tell my kids stories about Neil and when we worked together as we devour the holiday treat.

Neil has 4 kids of his own and 5 (I think?) grandkids and yet takes the time every year to remember my kids. When I count my blessings every year at Christmastime, you can be sure that Neil is on that list.

Love ya Neilie!

The First Day After Christmas

knittinggolfer — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:48:33 +0000

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas (or happy holiday, whatever you may celebrate)!

I was so busy the last few weeks and apparently too busy to blog. But I do have things to share so I thought I would start a 12 Days After Christmas blog series.

On the First Day After Christmas, I am still so happy that all the kids are busy enjoying their new gifts!

Hope your day was merry and bright!

Denial No More

knittinggolfer — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:56:53 +0000

It was 60 degrees again yesterday. I love it but it is hard to think Christmas when I am running in shorts still. Try as I may to deny that Christmas is coming, that attitude is only going to land me in one heap of a pickle. So, last night I hardened my resolve to begin to celebrate and plan and shop and decorate for Christmas.

What does that mean? First and foremost, holiday music! My car radio is glued to the all Christmas music station now and I have a few new albums (just like Debbi) to add to my playlist.

A little Michael Buble

and Orla Fallon

and some Trans-siberian Orchestra

and something for the kids, Taylor Swift.

I will take the mild temperatures and rely on the mood enhancing music to bring me the Christmas Spirit.

Off to tackle the major to-do list…

and as a reward, I get to work on my Polar Chullo Hat which is coming along nicely (2 earflaps done and a liner so far.) I chose the Midnight Blue as you can see.

What are you up to?

Just Wondering

knittinggolfer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:34:56 +0000

Do you usually notice a person’s new haircut? I live with 5 other people and none noticed my new do. It is similar but shorter and the former grey streak in the center may be gone.

What is the normal delay time in your house? I think I will count the days just for giggles.

Oh, and I started my Polar Chullo and finished my latest Patricia in Flicker. Pictures tomorrow…

Random Thoughts

knittinggolfer — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:09:24 +0000

1. It is nearly December and I ran in shorts today. It is 61 degrees F where I am. I am amazed at this spring-like weather and consider every day that is like this means one less day of winter.

2. I rationalize that I will eventually trick myself into being happy about the cold weather because I will be able to wear my wool knits.

3. My favorite new iPhone app is Shazam. No more “what song is that” or paying attention to a song or band only to forget it anyways. My app tells me and then records it so I can go back to it later and buy the song if I want. Try it…it is so cool, especially if you are amused by small things.

4. Half of my songs on my running playlist are by Lady Gaga. I wonder what this says about me.

5. All of my songs on my running playlist are ones my kids love or ones that they have introduced me to. I don’t remember my mom liking my music? huh?

6. I wonder if my kids think I am a cool mom or if I am just pretending?

7. Time to stop thinking and go to bed.

What’s on your mind?

I Forgot…

knittinggolfer — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:26:52 +0000

…Ooops. I have been so good posting every day and I just plain old forgot. So here is the make-up post.

And this is what I would have showed you:

my mawata silk mittens in just sort of a generic pattern. Done.

I did these with Pat as a KAL and we both had fun doing them.

I loved these matawas from Blue Moon FIber Arts that I got at sock camp this year. The color is I Mad Heart Ewe, cute, huh? I used 38 of 40 grams and a size 5 needle (magic loop).

They are 7 inches around the palm and 9 inches tip to cuff (not counting the 2 inch ~~junk I knit before I figured out what I was doing~~ cuff liner. They are perfect for throwing on with my brown coat for my driving duties.

Once I got used to prepping the hankies, my mittens got better and I got the hang of knitting from the fiber in the raw.

I wasn’t sure but I do in fact like them and may even do it again!

One Year Ago

knittinggolfer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:24:07 +0000

My kids looked like this…

as we celebrated the wedding of my brother-in-law and new sister-in-law. Happy First Anniversary John and Steph! How time flies. The kids look so much older even in just a year!

Which reminds me…it’s time to pick a picture for this year’s Christmas card.

So it begins…

PS. Thanks for all the great color comments! Very helpful!

Progress and Indecision

knittinggolfer — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:13:29 +0000

I made a deal with myself.

I will work on my plain mawata mittens (BMFA I Mad Heart Ewe)

and then, I will begin my next color work (and first Christmas present) project when they are finished.

Of course there are other must completes on the needles so I have time but need your help. The pattern is the Polar Chullo hat from the Twist Collective

Photo by Caro Benna Sheridan from the Twist Collective

and here is the yarn:

The question is which blue to choose. I am substituting one of these three blues for the dark grey on top.

What do you think?

From Sea to Shining Sea

knittinggolfer — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:56:10 +0000

Here they are! The Rhinebeck BFF hats. Similar yarns, one pattern (almost) and two fraternal hats make for 2 very warm heads!

From the west

and

from the east

Perfect to remind me of my bff across the county, warm head, warm heart.

Love ya Debbi!