On the Sticks, In the Sticks

What Kind of Flower Are You?

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

Under the Wire

You have until midnight tonight (Jan 31st) to join in Miss Me's contest for her first blogiversary. Go leave her a comment and you'll be entered in her contest. Link from your blog - another entry. Tell her I sent you, another entry for me :)

I've been working on a couple different projects lately. This is a pair of socks for Shane. I'm making them from Morehouse Merino from the stash, with reinforcement for the heels and toes. I recently borrowed Kristin Knits (by Kristin Nicholas) from the library, and the Atlantic and Pacific socks in there are the inspiration for these, though these will only be two colors.

This is the first colorwork project I've done in yearrrrrrs. I still have the knack for carrying the yarn loosely at the back, but I'm not so sure about my gauge. Seems to have increased where I'm working the two colors. They (it)still seem to fit okay when I put it on, so I'm going to leave it. I'm worling on the heel flap for the first one now.

I'm also working on the balaclava for Billy. I ahd stopped for a week or two, while I waited till I could get a size 5 US circular needle. I really like the yarn i'm working with. It's Swish superwash wool from KnitPicks, It works up nice and even, and is very soft to the touch. And you can't beat the price.

High Speed Happy Dance

We signed just the other day for high-speed internet, and our new modem came yesterday afternoon. I hooked it up after dinner last night and I am doing the biggest happy dance around. I know many of you have probably already had high speed for a while, but we were dial-up hold outs up till now. Finally though, it was the last straw, when I was trying to download update for our Antivirus software and it took days!  Days, because if I did it during the day, it slowed down anything else we were trying to do...slower than slow. When I did it overnight, it kept getting bumped offline. Then when i finally got it downloaded, it said it couldn't install because we weren't running the most updated Service Pack on windows...but the Windows site says we are (another issue entirely). But...that was the last straw. I finally decided the extra expense will be worth it.

So today I'm doing a happy dance as I fly around from page to page. I think what I'm really looking forward to is things like photos uploading faster, especially here at Typepad. It took at least 5 minutes per picture with dial-up, which was really discouraging when I wanted to upload several.

I also just joined Ravelry. I actually got my invite last week, but haven't yet had a chance to look around or do anything. My name there is Sunrisewalker, but I haven't set up anything yet. I'll let you know when I do.

And finally, Amanda tagged me for this book thang. I'm supposed to turn to page 161 in a book I'm currently reading, and find the 5th sentence...

"Hundreds of Orthodox jews mill around in their black hats and long black coats and prayer books, all soggy from the light drizzle."

It's from The Year of Living Biblically - One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by AJ Jacobs. This is a fun and interesting read, moreso than that sentence would suggest.

I know quite a few people have already done this, or something like it, so I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you'd like to...go ahead and pick up the ball.

Good Weather and Recipes

I woke up this morning and could see most of our yard! Most of the snow melted overnight.

The temp was up to 55 yesterday, and 50 again today. What a change from -3 and 7 above last week!

The kids and I took a nice long walk this morning and trekked through every bit of mud and puddles we could find.

We played Clue, and with the Leap Frog globe, and had a ball with some really tricky questions on a BrainQuest newsletter I downloaded from brainquest.com. I was wishing they had more, but there seem to be only two or three. I was looking for an ongoing newsletter from them. I'll poke around some more and let you know if I find anything.

I made Veggie Burritos and Quesadillas for dinner tonight. They are very simple and not spicy, but could be as spicy as you like, really.

Here's my recipe...

I saute up a bunch of vegetables in butter or olive oil. I usually use...

1 onion chopped

lots of mushrooms sliced or chopped ('cause we love 'em)

1-2 carrots grated

1/2-1 small zucchini chopped small or grated

chopped broccoli (maybe a head or so, chopped small)

soy sauce (I just sprinkle it on until I think there's enough to flavor it, but now overwhelm)

Melt about 2 T butter in a frying pan. Add onions and mushrooms and let cook until starting to soften, then add the other ingredients. Saute until tender. Add soy sauce and let cook just a little longer to evaporate (the soy sauce also helps steam the broccoli if it's not tender enough).

For burritos, I put some grated cheddar in the center of a flour tortilla, then some veggies, and a little more cheese, fold the sides in, fold the ends, and place folded side down on a plate or in a baking pan. For quickies, I pop them in the microwave, about 20secs per burrito. In the oven, cook them at 400 degrees for 15-20 min. You can also brush them with a little salsa before putting them in the oven. Yum!

For quesadillas, butter one side of two tortillas. Lay one, butter side down in a preheated fry pan (just like making grilled cheese). Sprinkle tortlla with grated cheddar, then veggies, then a little more cheddar to make it stick together, then add the buttered top. Cook on medium heat until ready to flip (starting to turn golden on the bottom). Cook other side till golden. Slice in triangles and serve.

To spice them up you can add chili powder or cumin (or both).

Enjoy!

Sometimes I also make some quick and delicious refried beans to put in the burritos...

Saute 1/2 and onion and fresh garlic, 1-2 cloves, in olive oil. Add 3/4t salt, 1t cumin and black pepper to taste.

When transparent put into a bowl with 1 can of black or white beans (drained and rinsed). Mash together and eat or use in burritos. Delicious!

It's been windy most of the day, and very windy out there tonight. I hear it's blowing in some colder weather again.

I'll have WIP pictures soon. Must get more batteries for the camera.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love to knit with soft stuff but I'm not really picky. I like wool and wool blends, but I'm not opposed to other stuff either. I recently knit a pair of socks with Regia Silk Color that I love. I don't really like  the glitzy, fluffy, fake fur type stuff, though.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have two vases on my bedside bookshelf, one for straight needles and one for dpns. I keep my circulars in a bank money bag my mom gave me years ago, more out of habit than anything...and it zips, so they can't get out!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

My mom taught me to knit when I was about 8...then there was a gap there and I picked it up again when I was in college and I've knit on and off since then over the years. The last two or three years have been my most avid time, since my kids are getting just a little bit older (8,6, and 3) I have a little more time to knit.

For skill level, I would say I'm at least intermediate...maybe when I try something like steeking I'll start to think of myself as getting advanced. I kind of figure there's nothing I can't do if I set my mind to it. Some things I don't really want to try, but I think I could probably do them if they caught my interest. How's that for long-winded?!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No, I haven't done that yet, though I should!

5. What's your favorite scent?

I love anything citrusy - lemon, orange. I also love rose, and lily of the valley...but nothing too perfumy or strong.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Definitely have a sweet tooth...my fave is anything with peanut butter and chocolate mixed, like Reese's Sticks or Mini Reese's PB Cups,  and Lindor Peanut Butter Truffles (when I want to treat myself!)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I don't spin yet, though someday I want to try it. I can sew, cross-stitch. I'm pretty crafty, but right now those have all taken a back seat to knitting.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like a lot of different kinds of music...country, blues, folk, Celtic, etc.  I don't have an MP3 player. I can play CD's at home. Just have a tape player in my car right now.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love purples and greens - esp sage greens -  the most. Don't usually like the combination of purple with yellow or orange, and don't really go for red either.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married, have 3 kids ( a dd8, ds 6 and ds 3), two cats and a dog and we homeschool.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves, hats, mittens, yes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Right now it's socks. I also like to do hats and sweaters, though I haven't very recently.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I've been finishing up a sock of my (first) own design with Tofutsies, and I'm hoping to cast on a new sock, again with my own design idea to try in Reynolds Soft Sea Wool. I also have a simple garter stitch shawl OTN in laceweight merino.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

They're the best!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Usually circular, like for sweaters, but I'm not that picky. With double-pointed needles I'm just realizing I prefer aluminum, with other kinds of needles I'm not sure.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No, not yet.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

A couple months ago I cleaned out a trunk and found a fisherman's knit cardigan I started when I was in college - I graduated 20 years ago ( Ack!) Sadly I lost or used the last skein to finish it...so there it sits.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love the Christmas, the gift-giving, though not all the commercialism. And if my birthday counts as a holiday, I love my birthday! :)

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Besides yarn? (smile) No, not with intention, but I do like folk angels and snowmen, and Native American and Celtic stuff.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Wow, this is like making a wishlist! Ummm. I know there are lots of good books out there I've thought about getting. The ones that come to mind right now are More Sensational Knitted Socks and Cat Bordhi's new book...is it New Pathways for Sockknitters?  Yarns? I don't know... I've heard of so many good yarns out there. I've been meaning to check out the KnitPicks circular needles I've heard people raving about, but haven't yet. And I've been thinking about learning to knit socks on two circs, but haven't yet. I recently subscribed to Interweave Knits. I also like Knitter's magazine.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I've been really enjoying learning new techniques this year. I love learning new stuff because it's like figuring out a puzzle, which I love to do...I want to learn to knit socks on two circs, cabling without a cable needle, more ways to knit a sock heel, more twisted stitch patterns, anything that's a bit of a challenge.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yep, I'm on a sock-knitting bender lately! Though I wear a size 10 shoe, I fit into the average size sock pattern usually, so I'm hesitant to give my leg and around-the-foot measurements because the average fits even though my measurements are larger.  My foot length is 9 1/2 inches.

23. When is your birthday?

February 27th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?  No, I'm not on there yet. I'm only mildly curious so far, even though i've heard good things about it. I just don't know if I'd have the time to keep up with it!

Contests, Contests

I wrote this out earlier and went to save it and it got lost in the ether...rrrghh :( Don't you hate when that happens?!

I was reading some of my regular knitting blogs yesterday, and linked to two fun knitting contest/drawings.

The first is at Donna's blog. Go check out her blog and leave a comment. She'll enter you in a drawing for some yummy yarn, etc.

Then go over to Melissa's blog. For the third year she is doing a drawing in support of a charIty she likes - Interim House. You can read about Interim House and the details of the drawing at her blog. Basically, you send a knitting goody package to Interim House which can include some new yarn or some of your leftover yarn, needles, measuring tape, etc. Anything you think might be helpful to a new knitter. Do this anytime before Aug 8th, then email Melissa. You'll be entered in a drawing for some goodies. My description is really bare bones, so go get the details from her blog and look around while you're there. And have fun!

The Sorting Hat Says...

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

Take the most scientific Harry Potter Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

I saw this one at Annie Modesitt's blog. I'm a sucker for these kind of fun personality test things. What can I say?!

But I must admit I'm not one of those who ran out to get a copy of the latest and last of Harry Potter. Don't get me wrong. I loved the HP books all the way up to the end of the fifth. But then  it started getting a little too dark and evil for me. I love the magic and the fun adventures. I love the Marauders Map and the fun spells and the way they travel by way of chimneys and all that clever stuff, but when it started turning into more evilness and heading toward war, it's a little too like the real world for me. I found myself not wanting to keep going. I've started to read Book 6 twice, but haven't gone very far before just not wanting to get into it. I'll probably try again sometime soon. I loved the first books I read.

In knitting news, I've finished one Regia Sock except for good ole Ms Kitchener and the second is halfway down the foot.

Thinking about doing a worsted weight sock for my next SOS socks. In my stash I have several balls of Plymouth Encore that my mom gave me. This color is #517 - Denim.

Haven't worked on the Tofutsies sample any more yet. I've been very single-minded in wanting to work on those Regias. Can't wait to wear them!

Hey, if you live anywhere near Burlington, MA, Amanda let me know that The Yarn Harlot is going to be at Borders on August 2nd. Definitely worth the trip...she is very down to earth and laugh-out loud funny.

What Finger Are you?

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything. You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word. Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world. You get along well with: The Pinky Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

I saw this over at Julie's blog, Noolie Knits and thought I'd give it a try. How'd they do that? It is really spot on for me. (Except that is definitely not my hand! ;)  )

Going on Vacation (Virtually!)

Here are my answers to the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionaire. (I don't know if there are any more openings, but you can follow the link to go check it out.) Thanks to Amanda for posting her answers to her blog. That's where I found out about it.

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

I visited Colorado about 10 or so years ago, and my sister took my mom and I on a one week whirlwind tour of some of the beauty that is Colorado. i'd love to return there with my family and see even more of it. That and Montana!

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

Ireland! I've always dreamed of seeing Ireland. My ancestors came from there and I'd love to go there and experience firsthand a lot of the stuff that I am so attracted to . The green, rolling hills, the music, the knitting, the history.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?

My grandparents built a small summer cottage in Maine when I was a kid, and nearly every year since then, i've gone up there for at least a week or two. (I always wish it were more!) But we travel across Massachusetts and a little of New Hampshire and part of Maine to get there.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?

Only in my dreams!

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?

Colorado. Not only is the beauty forever burned in my brain, but it was really neat being with my mom and sister for a week just the three of us traveling around on an adventure, camping out.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.

Not really, though we just moved to a new home this past year and I've been enjoying discovering all the places we can go around here.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?

A beach comber and a museum visitor mostly. I love the sound of the ocean and walks on the beach and finding little treasures, wildflowers, seashells, etc. And I love going to museums with my kids.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

Soft! I love merino, cashmerino...(not that can always afford to buy these) but I do love to touch and squeeze them and work with them whenever I can.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

Fluffy, flashy, faux, eyelash type stuff. I have to admit I haven't really knit with any of it, but I don't really find myself attracted to either.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?  Lately I've been on a sock bender...loving those socks! But I also like to do sweaters, and blankets that I can work in pieces.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Last year I was working on a lap throw. This year it will be socks for sure, and maybe yarn for a square of the Lizard Ridge blanket I'm gradually doing.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?

I sew occasionally, but pretty basic. in the past i loved cross-stitch and probably will do it again in the future, but right now my main love is all things knitting.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)

Nope! But if we're talking about scented stuff, my nose is pretty sensitive, so I like stuff that's not too strong/perfumy, and I love lemon/citrus and rose. (Just sayin')

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?

Favorite : I love sage green, purple, and combinations of purple, blue, green

Least : yellow and red

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?

Sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?

This is my first swap and I'm just really excited to be a part of it. I'm looking forward to seeing my town through a tourist's eyes!

Wikipedia Fun

I found this fun quiz at Amanda's blog after she left a nice comment for me here.

1. Go to Wikipedia and enter your birthday without the year:

     February 27th

2. List 3 events that occurred that day:

1860 - Abraham Lincoln makes a speech at Cooper Union in the city of New York that was largely responsible for his election to the Presidency.

    1999 - While trying to circumnavigate the world in a hot air balloon, Colin Prescot and Andy Elson set a new endurance record after being in a hot air balloon for 233 hours and 55 minutes

3. List 2 important birthdays.

   1807 -  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - American poet (d.1882)

   1959 - Johnny Van Zant - American Singer (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

4. List 1 death:

    2003 - Fred Rogers (aka Mr Rogers) - American children's television actor (b.1928)

5 List one holiday or observance:

   Denmark - Street Urchins' Carnival

If any readers decide to play, post it to your blog and let me know so I can go sheck it out! Thanks!

And thanks Amanda for the fun quiz!