One Down!

I actually finished a project!! Of the 5 (Celtic Cardigan, Baby Norgi, Clapotis, Forest Canopy and these Monkey socks) I finally got something off the needles. Yea me. This is what happens when you don't have a life! I am going to start and finish another quick project - these are just too fun - for a silly gift for my sister. Then it's back to the Norgi Sweater. We'll see....


Sorta like Pumpkin - Don't bug me!
Blogger is being bad about adding pictures - darn - I moved my bird feeders so I could watch from my chair - and in minutes it was mobbed. Juncos, Chickadees, Towhees, Nuthatch, White Crowned Sparrows and a fat Jay!! Fun to watch.
Enjoy the wonder that is fall!

And this is Fall?

It was 84 yesterday and I still have flowers blooming! This is some kind of record I'm sure. Spent the day outside - duh!


But most things are turning color on time.


I love the leaves and the colors of fall - they suit me well!

I'm still here....

Yep – I’m here but nobody else is! These have been a busy few weeks since I last posted.
On the job front – I went for an interview for a great position that I thought would suit me very well. When I came out of the interview there were 4 voice messages – my other project is a go!!! The development is proceeding at a very rapid pace. Because of Oregon’s screwy land-use laws we have to have a huge amount of work completed before the law changes in December – so we are on the ground and moving forward. So it looks like I’m gainfully employed again. Was only slightly reluctant to turn down the other job – but I’ve got so much time and effort invested in the development I just had to go that way. We have a good team and I am proud of what our end product will be!
On the home front – I expected to have the last four days to myself here at home. Molly went out of town to visit some friends for the weekend – but then got a call about an apartment she had applied for – she got it! So she returned home the next morning to pack. Marianne was of course at school – but was bored and so she also came home….so I had a full house. Spent the weekend working, packing and moving. Most of her stuff is at the new apartment – just the unorganized junk is left for mom to deal with! It’s such a great place – a few blocks from her job and a few blocks from downtown. She is in the best spot. Old 1920’s house that has been converted to apartments. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, lots of charm. Now I’ve got our house to myself – strange to say the least. I don’t think I’ve lived by myself for over 30 years! This will take some getting used to. But my kitchen will always be clean and the laundry won’t pile up! Joy!
On the knitting front – I have startitis – I started another project. I had some bright Interlacements in my stash and seeing that Clapotis is again being blogged about – I started one. It is an easy project to pick up for a quick minute. It will be for a gift I’m sure.
Also still am working on the Norgi baby sweater – Oh my gosh it is so cute. I’m almost finished with the body – pictures when the pattern part is complete.
The Forest Canopy Shawl is still in progress as are my modified Monkey Socks. (These are my Weight Watchers project – 10 pounds! – Now that I’m kidless I can do better) Also the Celtic Cardigan is sitting by my chair begging to be finished.
Before blogging I would have never had more than one project on the needles nor would I have had a stash. You all have enabled me towards bad habits! Thanks a lot!
We are supposed to have beautiful weather the next few days – 70’s. So will hopefully be outside raking leaves and general cleanup projects! Enjoy it while it lasts because there was snow on the ground over the weekend!
I promise to have photos of WIP next post – until then hope all is well with you!

The other day Joan had a picture of her grandmother’s thread holder. As I have one just like it – it got me thinking about the treasures I have. There is this….
The thread holder. It's just like hers! It is intact with all the wires that hold the spools in place. I used it when I sewed a lot. Not so much anymore! But her Rattan basket does hold my sewing stuff today.
I also have this wonderful blanket on my wall. It was made in 1910 by Oregon City Woolen Mill. My father remembers it being on the end of his grandmothers bed. It is a featured blanket in a book called Legend of the Robe. I can’t believe I actually have this….my mother was cleaning closets out giving stuff to Goodwill and found it and gave it to my husband as a gift (She had no idea of its value as an historical piece) – so when we got divorced I demanded the blanket – he agreed as long as I promised to pass it down to our oldest. Duh!
This summer I have been working on restoring her wicker rocking chair. I had originally wanted to have it done to use it outside on the patio – but it was just finished this week. (Since it is raining now and the National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory - I doubt I'll be spending much time rocking on the patio!)I actually did very little of the work – there is a woman locally who does this and I worked with her a few times. But she did most of the work by far…what an intricate process to reweave the wicker. It’s now been primed and repainted and will be put away til next summer…can’t wait!
I have a few things that belonged to my Grandmother – her China and some silver pieces and a beautiful pin that I only wear at Christmas. They aren’t things I use everyday – but am very glad to have them when I need something special.

I do have all my mother’s knitting needles! Although I barely remember her knitting (She did do tons of needlepoint) she had quite a collection of knitting notions. I don’t use her straight needles very often – but she luckily had lots of circulars and dpns. My favorite sock needles were hers. I also have her wooden darning egg. She used it often darning dad’s socks. It sat in her sewing basket which is still beside her chair (although completely hidden by the piles of junk my Dad and his girl friend can’t seem to pick up!). Next time I go up there I’m going to rescue it.
The legacy these women passed to future generations is so special – they remind us of different times and different circumstances. Although my grandparents were wealthy for their times – they for the most part lived like they were still in the depression – everything had a function and purpose. They luckily passed that down to their children and hopefully I’ve still got that attitude! Wish there was some of the financial wealth left – but I’ve got the best of what they had to give! Great love for my family and a strong appreciation for what I have.