More Finished Projects

I’m ready for fall with this wavy throw in autumn colors. The 5 different yarns made for a lot of weaving in. although I managed to carry the Cascade anchor color up the side.

The different yarn textures create interest, and I like how the coordinating colors tie all of the yarns together.

I love the finished project, but after I was 1/2 way through I was really wanted to be done with it.

This kit was part of a 2011 Trash-2-Treasure raffle prize.

Finished measurements 44” x 54”

Rippling Cascade Throw designed by Doreen L. Marquart. Yarns are Di.Ve Mohair Kiss, Butterfly, Starship, Fiamma, and Cascade 220.




I never thought that I would knit a skirt and actually wear it, but this project intrigued me.  Knitting began mid-April, 2011, and the skirt was completed in about a week - all except for the waistband.  I did not want  elastic, so I thought (and forgot) about it for 5 months and settled on a drawstring. Whew - finally finished!  Lanesplitter Skirt,  Pattern: Lanesplitter by Tina Whitmore. Needles: US 9 - 5.5 mm, US 8 - 5.0 mm, US 7 - 4.5 mm. Yarn Noro Kureyon.

Off the needles - at last!

On a visit to Oregon’s Columbia Valley on my 5th wedding anniversary, I found this beautiful handspun, handpainted yarn at Foothill Yarns in Hood River. I fell in love with the waterfalls of the area, and I decided to knit the “Multnomah” shawl after the grand waterfall of the same name. Project name: Multnomah in Plums. Pattern: Multnomah by Kate Elsa. Size 17" x 45". Needle: US 3 - 3.25 mm. Pagewood Farm Handspun Yarn. Colorway: New Horizon - Purple multi





2011 CCS Retreat contest winner! My first Fair Isle project. Pattern: Fair Isle Hat by Mary Ann Stephens. Needles: US 3 - 3.25 mm, US 5 - 3.75 mm. Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Merino Superfein in colorways 443 Heather Grey and 444 Flannel.

Inspiration and Lesson Learned

I am moved to tears by the optimism, perserverance and attitude of Emmanuel Kelly. Despite his seemingly unsurmountable struggles, he does not let his disabilities get in the way of following his dreams. This young man inspires me to set goals and work toward their achievement.

When things seem challenging in my life's journey, I will think about Emmanuel's spirit and zest for life. The obstacles he has overcome make my "pity-parties" seem trivial. He sets an example for us all.

Take a look, and don't forget the tissues.

5 Years

5 years ago, Bryan and I celebrated our wedding.  Our journey has been both wonderful and challenging, but, along with Jeremy, we have bonded and evolved into a loving family.  I am excited about our future together and ready to continue the journey. Happy 5th Anniversary, Sweetie! xoxoxo

Quickie 1/2 off deal for Texas West BBQ

Hey BBQ lovers!  Get $20 worth at Texas West for $10 with a Groupon. We visit the Fulton Avenue location often, and kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays.  I usually order a salad I created, the Hot Link Salad; DH and Jr. like the ribs.  Yum!

Click here to buy.


Note:  This deal ends Friday night at midnight (or is it Sat. morning?) The Groupon must be used by 3/15/2012.


P.S.  Texas West is not paying me for advertising; I just like to pass along a great deal!

Meet Sandi

There I was, checking out from a Dr. appointment, minding my own business, when I saw it. A flyer containing a photo of  "Sandi," the cutest Miniature Schnauzer, looking up at me. Her mom had to move and couldn't take her along. How could I resist those eyebrows, the beard, and her sweet expressive eyes? I was in love.

I called Sandi's mom; we hit it off immediately and arranged a time to meet. Our whole family drove over to meet Sandi, and we bonded right away. Unfortunately, she had met up with a skunk, and she stunk to high heaven! There were a couple of issues: Sandi was 8 years old - how would she take to a new family at that age, and she had not been spayed - we would have to take care of that right away. We decided to adopt her, but we had to wait a week because we were going on vacation.


Upon our return from "the happiest place on earth," we went to pick up Sandi to bring her to her new home.  She had just been vaccinated and groomed,  although still a little skunky.  After a tearful good-bye, we loaded Sandi in the car along with a supply of food, her zebra bed, and 150 toys. (Ok, slight exaggeration - maybe 10 toys!)

It took a little while for Sandi to settle in.  She had a few accidents on our white living room rug, and she came into heat 2 days after arriving at our home.  Our 15 year old neutered beagle, Scooter, was very excited to meet her even though he couldn't figure out her intoxicating scent! After a few days of power play, they developed a good relationship, and they play together nicely. 


Sandi does not bark much, only to let us know when someone comes to the door. She loves to cuddle and does a cute little dance for a treat. We are lucky to add her as a part of our family.

Drink Wine After Its Time?

You know that saying, "Drink no wine before its time?"  Well, how about "old" wine?  What if a person (I wonder who?) has lots of wine that is "officially" after its time?  I say, "Drink it!"


Two days ago I opened one of my favorites, Latcham Vineyards 2003 Petite Sirah from the Fair Play region of El Dorado County. The cork was intact and wet with no sediment in the bottle - so far, so good. As are most of my old wines, the color was dark purple-red with no translucence.  My swirl released a light peppery bouquet. A smooth slightly tannic taste ended with a mild peppery finish with blackberry notes.  Delish! While doing some research, I found that this wine may be enjoyed for many more than the 8 years that this bottle has aged.


Because it has been 2 days since I opened this bottle, and a couple of glasses remain, I am having another taste to refresh my memory.

Aside - My DH, ever so helpful, reminds me that it is not even 5:00 in New York yet. I say that, if it's ok to drink a beer during an afternoon football game, a glass of wine is also appropriate.  At least I will not be bloated or belching.


Ah yes, I remember now!  Even though not newly opened, it is still yummy and definitely enjoyable. 


Result:  Highly recommended. Drink It!

Disclaimer:  I do appreciate a glass of fine wine, but I am no wine critic. So, my wine notes are very casual, extremely subjective and definitely not what you will find in a shi-shi poo-poo wine magazine. Read and drink at your own risk.

Where the *&#$ have I been?

Oops... my New Year's resolution to regularly update this blog has gone to pot.  Never fear, conveniently for me, there is another New Year, another chance for a fresh start.  So, here is my Chinese New Year's Resolution to blog in a timely fashion.  No more procrastination or thoughts of unworthiness.  Like I said in my profile, my job is to write.  You decide whether or not to read it.

What's been going on since my last post?  (I know, it has been over 3 months.  Yes, I feel guilty, but I'm trying to catch up now, ok?)  

On Dec. 11, Bryan and I achieved our goal of Black Belt.  After 3 1/2 years of training with focused preparation in the last 3 months, we passed the challenging intense black belt test.  It was physically and mentally tough with expected precision in kickboxing, katas, self-defense and stick work.   

My FB page has more photos and videos of our tests.  Click on my FB badge below to check them out.

After the Black Belt test, our family took a well earned cruise vacation. More about that later. Soon - I promise!