Anne is having a contest. (Borrowing from her blog & Amanda's )
To enter is simple:
1. Knit the dishcloth pattern (on her site)
2. Post a picture on your blog, and list whether you used straights or circular needles, and the style of knitting that you used to knit the cloth (If you aren’t sure, knittinghelp.com has some great videos that would show you), and if you knit combined method
3. Link to this post in your post
4. Leave a comment here with a link to your blog post with the photo
5. Viola! 4 steps, 4 entries.
6. You earn a bonus 5th entry by leaving a suggestion as to what to name the pattern in your comment.

I can't wait to knit it up, thanks for the great contest, Anne! I will knit this up! :)

I Went To Alaska!!

I went on Vacation to Alaska, virtually that is. Ingrid & family took me on a Fabulous tour of The Last Frontier. The place I've always wanted to go see! I had lots of Tour Guides and was welcomed in by Ingrids family and we had a wonderful time! I even got to see one of Santa's Reindeers!! (and yes, I do believe)
Check out my Tour here! I got to play in the snow and Oh how wonderful that was (wished I could've canned some of that), a great change from the desert heat! We even played in the water and fished some (something I haven't done but once when I was a kid). It was easier to bring home cans then the real thing :) I'll have to watch when opening those, as I'm sure our 2 cats will be hovering around....lol


Thank you so very much Ingrid for the truly wonderful Vacation and all the great souvenirs! Look at all she sent me home with! I can't wait to wear my new t-shirt and in my favorite color :) I love the different deeper sound of the Windchime, already have that hangin outside. I won't list everything, you can make the picture bigger..lol
The cutting bowl will come in handy too, I have to admit I haven't seen anything like that. (guess I need to get out more)
and this came from her local yarn store....

I Love the colors!! Its handdyed yarn done in whats called "Berry Bush" from Rabbit Ridge Designs...It sure sounds as yummy as it looks!

I hope you'll take a wander through all the tour photo's (same link above) Ingrid and Family really put together a great photo tour and I know they had fun putting it together. They are full of smiles and such a friendly family!! They made me feel like part of the family.
I was floored by this package and I think I still am, but I can't say Thank you enough for such a thoughtful Vacation Package!
Thank you Ingrid!

Little Bit of Catching Up

Thought I'd catch up a bit as seems like I've been busy and not able to do a whole lot...well I got lots done today besides some cleaning (doggies shedding like mad), I also thought I turned into little Ms. Susie homemaker...lol I baked and baked alot...We have Chocolate cake with chocolate icing of course :), chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins and banana chocolate chip muffins...Froze most of the muffins though, good for a quick grab in the morning when I'm not fully awake and getting our breakfast & lunch packed for work days.

I was able to catch up on some blog reads and also spy around on my 2 swap pals :) I'm in the Fall Felted Bag Exchange and the Knit 1 Tea too Swap..getting lots of info on teas from there. Never knew there was so much about tea to know. I've already got a few things for my Tea pal, thinks she's gonna be surprised, I hope!


I finished up and mailed out my Knitter Virtual Vacation Swap package, in fact delivery conformation said it got there on Monday the 27th. I don't expect to hear from that pal at all...last time she wrote was July 8, I'm just glad that one is over with. I'm just waiting for my Virtual Vacation package to come in. I at least still have something to be excited about..I'm posting the pic of what I did send out to my pal on that one, against my better judgement, but I signed up to do it, so I just changed what I had planned. Started out real excited on that, had alot I was gonna do, but slowly went downhill so this is what I threw together, won't tell ya what I wanted to send but a few people know...lol Oh well, whatcha gonna do.. So from the City of Lights, Land of Entertainment this is all I put together...


Did lots of online shopping the last couple weeks, in fact a couple boxes came in today, most is start of Christmas presents...lol I know I'm alittle early, but I have to...last time I waited I wound up getting sick and had to send the kids out with lists and cash..lol Don't want to do that this year and besides getting it now, it'll be paid for by then :) Always a method to my madness...lol (that and I like to drive the kid nuts..lol) Nick was home when the boxes came so I had to wait til he left to go bowl, so Mike & I got to open it all and lookie see :) Now I just wait for all my tea stuff to come!
Well, think thats about it for now..gotta get back to my crochet bags, only a few more on the handle of bag #2. You all have a great Labor Day if I don't get a chance to talk to ya'll before then. Safe travels for those traveling :)

3-2-1 Contact & Contest FFBE

3-2-1 Contact...And a Contest
Please remember to contact your pal by today! (And be sure to reply to your pal once you hear from them, also)And now, for our first contest! On YOUR blog, answer the following questions - that simple!
1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why? Patons is the best I've used yet, quick and easy and comes out great.
2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog. Nicola as I had her in another swap find her blog here
3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog. Alana has 2 Jayda & Flex you'll find her here
4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog. JoAnn has grandkids and loves to knit for them and you can find her here
5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why! I tend to go with November out here in the desert, I know its alot cooler then. Though back East or any other normal state October is when Fall colors start to appear.

TV Yarn Contest Came

Woo-Hoo how excited I was on Monday getting the mail (I'm alittle behind my posts)....my contest winning from Jana came and I did the "Happy Dance"!! Its gorgeous in person and oh so soft.. I absolutely love the colors in it!!
Thank You Jana!!!

This is the post that I had found out I was one of her winners.. I took a close up picture because while taking the first picture I noticed something I didn't see before...guess in all my excitement I missed it!! There is a pretty little stitch marker tied to the wrapper. So pretty and just the right size for doing socks...yes, theres that "S" word again..lol, but I am going to do a pair! Sure would be neat if I could get them done in time for when we start putting up the actual "Polar Express" around the livingroom, (though I doubt it, as I'm new and a slow knitter) But I'm a dreamer!! (and have a crochet "S" book) ;-)
I'm also excited cause this yarn is hand-dyed..I haven't worked a project yet with hand-dyed yarns. I'm so looking forward in doing so.

Thank you again Jana for having the contest! I LOVE it!!

Our Lapdog

Just wanted to post a quick pic of our so called "Lapdog", thought you 'll get a kick out it as I'm always saying Lady thinks she is....lol This was taken on the day (Thursday) Rob was leaving the first time...yes, bus people only took so many and told him to come back at 5 or another day, couldn't believe that!
Anyways, hope you enjoy the pic..told you she thinks she's a lapdog :) this proves it!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Questionaire

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? Been crocheting for years How did you learn? Learned it in school starting with the granny square and then taught my mom how

What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? My first felted project was a tote for the ITEIII..hadn't heard of felting until that exchange and wanted to see what it was all about.

What are your favorite colors? Purples, Blues, Burgundy color Reds, Lime Green, Turquoise, Black/white, Beiges, Multi Jewel tones Any you hate? Orange and Mustardly colors

What are your favorite styles\types of bags? No Favorite type (Long straps?definitely long as I throw over my shoulder Short handles? Handbags? I like handbags, but they have got to have pockets Totes?All the more to carry yarn and projects in Embellished?As long as its not gaudy looking..lol Plain? If need be Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) Will have to add to this part later..

What handbag or bag are you carrying today? a dark off white store bought bag with lots of pockets Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting/crocheting? Oh yes definitely What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? I will try just about anything and sometimes just to see if I can do it. I'm new to knitting so still slow going on what I try to do, but I may go for the gusto soon...lol

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) I'm really liking the bamboo's over the aluminum as for dpns, havent' tried other knitting ones yet, for crocheting its got to be sturdy as I have snapped a couple of my crystalites :)

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? Only one can think of is socks..I want to KNIT SOCKS! I would love to crochet myself a shrug, one with a type of collar on it.

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? There are many as some know I don't have alot available, but I sure would love to try a silk blend of yarn.

What other hobbies do you have? Scrapbooking, plastic canvas, bowling, macrame, beading, I love to bake and I'm sure theirs more..Do you spin? No I don't Sew? Yes I do Garden? Love to and wish I had more time to do so..use to have a great looking area when I was home, not working :)

Besides yarn, do you collect anything? probably more than I want to admit..lol Lighthouses, Angels, magnets, cups sometimes, buttons as in sewing buttons cause I need to build my button collection up as I want to try my hand in quilting to make a memory wall hanging of my parents. Sometimes I collect kids..lol (have alot that call me Mom), collect some wolf items

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Chocolates, Twizzlers, Oreo's, non-paralis's are my fav along with peppermint patties...feel those goosebumps running down your spine..lol I also like puzzles Sweets? Oh yes, junk food junkie here :) Salty? Salt Water Taffies Anything you hate or are allergic to? Hate Black Licorice, no allergies except desert dust

Do you have any kiddos? 3 grown boys, 2 grandkids (Furry kind count!) My girls, 2 dogs, Storm & Lady. 2 cats, Electra & Dyna (yes they are named after Harleys)

What kind of project best personifies you and why? I think anything I make for someone close or a good friend, I love to make things for others whether it be something crocheted, baked or otherwise. My family always tells me I make things with lots of love :)

What is your favorite part of Autumn? Cooler weather!! You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! Being in Vegas we just get the cooler weather maybe..lol I depend on others for all the color changes the trees do when they post pictures and stuff.

Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery. Well first off you all would hear me and know!! LOL
I would definietly take care of my family, buy an RV (I do love to travel) to take me to at least 1 new house along an ocean front and then with some friends we would own the bestest yarn store anyone has seen...

Fun Meme

Brown=where I live
Purple=where I've lived in the past(originally from NJ, yes I'm a Jersey gal)
Blue=states I've visited in my current lifetime
Grey=haven't been there....yet! (a few I have rode through but didn't think that counted, those are in green)

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii/ Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /Puerto Rico /

Me Wee Little Ones While Down

I had hope of posting this earlier but never got the chance so I thought I'd take a few minutes now to post real quick. My crazy last week was a surprise visit not only from our grandson, TJ, but also our DIL, Krista & Kalee too, Sure was good to be able to see and visit a bit with them all....Here's a pic with Krista and the two kids.

Sure was hard to get them all to look forward with all the comotion in the background..dogs and our other surprise, Rob. During Friday night bowling our middle son, Rob popped in at the bowling alley. I had just finished rolling my bowl and turned around and there he was...great to see him again too, think everyone thought I was nuts running up to see and give him a big hug :) So glad he came when he did, he got to see Krista and the kids too as he missed Christmas do to work. Tried to get him on his own but Lady is his new shadow and well Storm was excited to see him too...lol :) Well I'm gone now, need to get going..Have a good one!

As Promised!

Well I did it! I made for the first time- Ginger Orange Scones! I have to tell you this all stems from our Tea Swap and an answer I left on one of the questions on my questionaire about not knowing what scones were and never had one, well...if you read any of the comments you would see one from Roni saying that we need to fix that right now..and she did! Roni sent me in an email a recipe for the Ginger Orange Scones with variation for Lemon Scones. After a few emails and not knowing about some of the ingredients, Roni took no chance and sent me the 2 hardest to find and I was to "Promise" to make, bake & post them when done. Well here they are with all my kitchen mess..lol It was fun not knowing what to do and not being able to find my food processor, but I did it with what I had. Well I sure hope these turned out right. They are Yummy too! Even Mike and visiting son # 2 tried and liked them, (we ate the one casualty, why theres only 7 showing), so now we will be making the Lemon Scones on Tuesday :) My Thank you to Roni for being such a kind & generous person and good friend! I owe you Roni! Thank you! So now, did these turn out right? Is it okay to cut them down in size alittle more? Love to hear comments on this :)

I Won A Contest!

Wow, was I shocked when trying to catch up on some blog posts I was behind on reading. Was I really a surprise when I went back to Jana's through Devon's blog, (as I forgot to bookmark it on my home computer) and found out that "Emicat" and "I" had won her contest for "The Christmas/Holiday Movie TVYarn Contest". The colorway that Jana came up with is absolutely gorgeous! You have to go over to her blog to meet the new "Polar Express" colorway. You can read about it here. I can't wait to see it in person :)
Thank you Jana for having this contest and Thank you to Devon for posting about it on your blog as thats how I came about it. Congrats to Emicat and also the random number generator winner "kimncocoa".

Finished Knitted Dishcloth

Thank you Chan for this really cute pattern (back during my B-day) which was the inspiration for me making it...after all, I do bowl 3 nights a week in different leagues. Well I got the dishcloth knitted, but its hard to tell what it is..lol I guess I didn't do as good this time. Its only the second thing I've knitted and I really think my first cloth turned out better then this one did. :(

I had a lot of problems with this cotton splitting on me and I know I messed up a couple stitches, but Oh this is horrible!! I think I am gonna have to redo this later on and with a different cotton. I was really hoping it would've turned out like the picture on the pattern, but afraid to say it did not. The other pic is my new bowling ball (from our Fri. nite league, 9 pin No-Tap) At least its pretty...lol and it sure does smell good!!! Yep, the Storm Balls all have a scent and this one smells like Cherries!!! Hummmmmmm Yummy smelling Cherries!! lol Now just have to get it drilled and I'm set for Winter league...which I will then only have 1 night a week.

Sorry the knit cloth didn't turn out but when I redo it I will post a pic...hummm, don't think I'll be rushing into socks anytime soon..lol

Dog Days Of Summer Dishcloth Swap

Wow another great package mail day!! Look at what I got!! I just got my Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap package and my pal spoiling me is none other then Melissa B ! Thank you so much for all my goodies!!! Such a great spoiling! I left a post on her blog (hopefully I got the right Melissa) to say I think her cloth was nice but mine is nicer ...lol
I love the colors and the pattern is really neat! (reason for close-up) The colors are right on!
Now is that a varigated or different colors she used I wonder? I was so surprised when I opened the package and read her note after taking everythng out of the box...Pineapple Body soap & moisturizer from my favorite place, a booklet of dishcloths that are crochet and knit (for this new knitter to try), a skein of really soft shine worsted Pima Cotton in Wisteria..a cloth for me I'm thinking :) Also in my package is a package of Comfort Grip for my crochet hooks..gotta admit, first time I've seen anything like that (I have to get out more)! Can't wait to try them out.

Melissa, you did good with the Altoids Chocolate covered Mints..they made it, only alittle soft but all still in their own shape and alittle warm..lol It just so happen I heard the mail truck and hubby went right out to get the mail, otherwise I think they would've been mush...so Yeah... I got to get some Chocolate and Ican say they are mighty good!!!! (yes I still have some left)
Thanks so much Melissa for being such a great pal, I hope we can stay in touch! It'd be great to get to know you more.
Thank you Anne & Chan for having a second round!

My Yarnie Goodness

I alway read on Chan's blog about all the knitterly goodness she gets....well I have been lucky enough to receive some yarnie goodness! In fact I almost feel like I have my very own personal yarn shopper :)

To Nancy, I say Thank you, oh my gosh THANK YOU!!! She made the mistake of letting me know she was stopping by one or two of her LYS and one was going out of business. Well you guessed it...I asked her if she would mine getting me some too, I had money to send her for it...Well look at all this softness and colors ...WOW!! I can't stop fondling this stuff..lol Colors are gorgeous and the yarns are so soft....she was right on that brown being a nice chocolate color.... my biggest problem now is trying to figure what I'm going to make with it all!

Then to top that off, Saturday I get a box from Roni, she was sharing the wealth of yarn she ran across at a good find (I knew I had teal yarn coming)....Love that dark teal, wonder what that would look like mixed with teal wool I have?

She enclosed some black too which is really soft and she even made "me" a knitted dishcloth! Thank you so much Roni for being so kind hearted!! That was a really great surprise!! And your doing so great as a new knitter, hope I can do as good knitting as you are doing :) I hope to have my dishcloth knitted up soon so I can Show N Tell it..lol I kinda miscounted how many rows I had left so it'll be alittle longer, but I will get it!

Hope everyone has a Super week ahead!!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange to Sart Soon

Part of a contest to start off for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange which starts August 15th. We had a blast with the Spring Felted Bag Exchange (or Round 1) :) Hope that you'll join us for this next round, should be lots of fun and more contest too! Hope to see there!!

Mandy's Candy Bag & Contest

Everyone loves a good contest and Amanda created a cute pattern for Mandy's Candy Bag. Its really cute and so she created a contest around it! Check it out! Think tI saw in the comments that the dealines is 9/3..Good Luck to everyone and I may be trying this myself too..lol I can try anyways even if I don't make the contest :)