Secrets Revealed

When I got home from work today I had a package waiting for me. I needed to check emails from work one last time so I set the package aside for a few minutes but Bert had other ideas. He wanted in - NOW!


What could possibly get him so excited about a package? Well, it was my reveal package from my Secret Pal. I'll give you a sneak peak at what got Bert so excited. -


Kitty treats and toys filled with catnip. There's a couple of the catnip puffs missing from that bag because I had to open them up in self defense so he'd leave me alone long enough to open the rest of the package.

This lady is one serious pal! Remember the flowers I got the week I said work was going crummy? Remember all the good stuff I got in my first package? The flowers for my birthday? The other good stuff in other packages? I have been gifted beyond belief! My goddess of the gifts is Jennifer from Urbana. This time around I didn't expect much because I've received so much already she must have totally blown the Christmas budget for the next 3 years on me! But surprise! I opened a box filled with yarn goodies - chocolate goodies - kitty goodies - and other goodies. WOW!



Just to give you a feel for how much I got - Chief is a huge 18 lb cat and he looks dwarfed next to the stash I received. Want a closer look at the goodies? Me too!

Well - you already saw the kitty goodies how about checking out the yarn.


PRETTY! Blue - It's deeper than the picture shows-midnight blue. Malabrigo merino wool. The label says kettle dyed 4-5 sts /in. 2 skeins. What should I make?????
But that's not the only yarn. Jennifer, this is crazy! You are way too generous!! I also got this -


4 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca. These guys are from my back yard (about 20 miles away) but I've never been there. After fondling these skeins I think I'll have to make a trip up there. The alpaca is so "pet the kitty" soft. They feel like Bert. (side note: British Shorthairs have very short, very dense fur and feel like shaved beaver. I tend to rate things by the Bert scale - how soft and pettable they are compared to him. It's sick but, hey that's just me...)
Next - the food of choice - chocolate.


Not just any Chocolate. My beloved Lindor truffles in dark chocolate. I love to pop one of these in my mouth and just let it sit until the outer coat melts away and the inside oozes liquid chocolate all over my mouth. Besides, chocolate is good for you, the health reports say so!

Last but certainly not least -

Addi Turbo Lace size 3 which I don't have yet and a cute little Christmas angel. Did I mention I collect angels? How did she know?

This weekend I started unpacking Christmas boxes and some of the angels are hanging out together waiting to find their holiday position in the house.

Here's 6 of the angels patiently waiting. I haven't decorated this house for Christmas before so I don't have the placement of things figured out yet.

Here's 9 more angels. I haven't unpacked the tree angels yet and have several others hanging out on different tables and shelves. I need to get busy and find homes for these ladies!

Meanwhile, back to the Secret Pal package. This was my first time doing the secret pal and I wasn't too sure about doing this. Jennifer has been a pal I'm not worthy of. She read my blog, figured me out (yarn, cats, chocolate) and spoiled me beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for everything. I've got your address from the box and will be sending you some REAL tea to show you why it's worth the extra effort!

Just to prove we like all the presents - Bert is STILL playing with the catnip puffs.

Pictures of flowers and cats

Okay - I've got a few minutes. Here's the pretty flowers!

And a close up of the pretty flowers.

Bert had to check them out.

Meanwhile, Chief found his sweet spot between my legs on the afghan I made back in 1973. Sure, I can remember when I made an old afghan but I can't remember my birthday - geeesh!

What else? Bert and his latest secret spot. He has the kitty cottage, the tunnel in the living room, the jungle gym and where does he go? The bookcase. I give up!

Finally, I've been watching Ballykissangel lately thanks to Netflix. It's a BBC series from Northern Ireland. Small town stories and a group of "characters". This one lost all his money so ended up getting a cell phone from frozen food labels. Check out his great new phone!

Guess I shouldn't leave without at least one knitting picture. I started the Stony Lace Scarf my Secret Pal sent me. It fingering weight Jade Sapphire Cashmere/Silk in Lupine (pale lavender). Very pretty, very soft.

My Secret Pal Strikes Again

I heard from my Secret Pal yesterday that my package had taken an extra journey but was on it's way. I got it today - YEAH!

Last package Chief was all over it from the second I set it down. This package - Bert was the chief inspector.

After I got all the packages out of the box Bert wanted to check out each one. He doesn't care as much for paper as the actual goodies so he left.

In comes Chief - let's see what's in the packages. I got goodies. My Secret Pal has obviously read all the little bizarre comments I've made lately. I got Lindt candy - truffle candy bar and Lindor truffles. YUM! There's only one thing I like better than these and there it is - 3 Aero Candy bars. These little goodies are only available from England or speciality import stores here in the states. I've only found one source so far. My Secret Pal found one too! YEAH! The boys also got treats. Hand picked by her "boy".

Of course there's yarn goodies too. I got Regia - the Kaffee Fassett line color 4251. I almost bought some of this on the Shop Hop last week but decided to hold off till next time the shopping bug hits. Now I don't have to. Then there's the last skein. I've been petting it since I opened it. The light lavender skein is Cashmere Silk from Jade Sapphire. Color - Lupine. It's very pettable (Chief likes petting it too). I've been gathering silk and "nice" yearns to make a sampler sweater. This may be saved for that project or I may just have to find a scarf that takes 400 yds. Such decisions!

Well, once again my Secret Pal has made perfect choices. My only problem will be how long can I hold out before I snarf down all the chocolate. THANKS!

There Be Presents!

How can you tell when your cotton blocking is finally dry?





On the more exciting side of life - I got a package from my Secret Pal. Or should I say - WE got a package. Yep. I got help opening it and exploring what was inside.


There was a lovely card (good grief - who says "lovely" now-a-days!) I think I have my Secret Pal fooled! She/he (handwriting look like - she) thinks I'm a brave person and admires how I'm taking care of my folks. Fooled you! I spent this week totally ignoring my parents. Mom called Wed all upset because she had gone off somewhere with some people from church (couldn't rememeber who it was) and got back somewhat late (5pm). She thought I would be mad because she had been out. Why would I be upset. She doesn't live here, she doesn't have any responsibility except to herself. What in her life got her so screwed up that she doesn't think she can go out and have a little fun without feeling guilty!?! Poor lady. But- I talked to her for a few minutes and that was it for this week. I needed to concentrate on work and I knew the people where Dad lives would take good care of him and if anything really happened with Mom someone from her place would call. So - bad daughter - but I'm okay with that. We'll all go out for lunch tomorrow and they won't remember I didn't see them this week. Bad memory can really work for you sometimes!


But - back to my package. Let's see what I got.

Chief - out of the way! No. The packing paper isn't the present - there's more!

Okay Chief - you can have the little toy.

Yup, the boys got a present. I can't imagine how my Secret Pal knew I have cats. I try to keep it quiet and just never talk about them :-)

With the boys busy with the new fishy, I checked out MY loot.

I got some lip balm she says is her mission to introduce to everyone. It's lightly minty-menthol. It's not a heavy strong smell and I think I'll like it.

Then some hand lotion her friend swears by. I like lavender and that's what's in it. Good choice.

Also a notebook. I just filled my current one- good timing. I like to keep one in my purse to write down books people suggest and other things my growing old brain doesn't want to remember anymore.

Finally. Yarn. OOOH! She sent me hand-dyed yarn from Loopy Ewe. It's All Things Heather Raspberry color. Very subtle color changes and very pretty. Another good choice.

My Secret Pal has now taken care of my spirit (the flower a few weeks ago- and 1/2 of them are still looking fine); my body (lip balm and hand lotion); and my artistic self (the gorgeous yarn). THANKS!

Meanwhile - back in the living room Bert is still busy with the new fishy. Just after the picture the fishy ended up in the kitty tunnel like many of their toys.

P.S. I just remembered. Best Buy had memory stick on sale this week. They were giving a donation to the Alzheimer Assoc. for each stick sold. How sad is it that I forgot something for a memory organization!

Secret Pal and Stash Secrets

Quick knitting update. I finished the cotton mitered vest today. It's sitting quite soggy on the blocking mats. When it's dry tomorrow I'll get some pictures for you. I'll also post detailed at that time.

Secret Pal
Now let's talk Secret Pal 11. I've been hanging out at the Secret Pal Participant list and looking at many of the blogs. I was always one of the kids at the end of the line - the back row of the picture - the one without a date because I was taller than the other kids and normal sized (i.e. not a little skinny wimpy girl). I got a complex. So I tend to start looking at things from the back side. I take pity on the back of the line people. I started looking at the blog list with the "Z". I can say with much certainty I know some things about my Secret Pal.

You will be amazed at my deductive reasoning. Sherlock Holmes has nothing on me. My Secret Pal is from the United States. There - aren't you impressed. Beyond that- no clue.

What I can tell you is the flowers I got from my Secret Pal Labor Day weekend are still looking beautiful. One of the flowers wasn't a long term as the other and about half of it are gone but the others - just as fresh as they were almost 2 weeks ago. Amazing!

Stash

I have a few things to say about the comments I got about the stash, GIVE ME A BREAK! ;-) Deb do you really think because the boxes are in different parts of the house I don't know what's in each and every one. Ask me where the Sugar and Cream in light brown from 1986 is and I can tell you. This version of organized is what happens when you live along with 2 cats and a massive craft obsession.

Confession time - the real reason things are all over the house is because the basement isn't safe for yarn at the moment. It "leaks" when it rains outside. Until I find the cause I don't want to put anything of a fiber nature down there. I will not have my precious stash subject to potential mildew! Once is fixed I will have a well lit studio with great storage potential. The stash (both yarn and fabric); the knitting machines; the 4 heddle loom; the sewing machine; serger; cutting table, etc. will all have a new home. Until then, stash south lives in every room on the main level.

Randomness

Okay - can I cry now? I just saw a comment from my Secret Pal saying something was coming my way. How special is that!!!

I've been reading my secret pal receiver's blog and getting ideas about what to give but I kind of forgot I'm going to get spoiled too. I can get used to this!

State Fair
I went to the State Fair Friday. I had requested the day off to use my last vacation day before the end of Sept. and decided I needed a ME day. It sure was different walking around looking at stuff instead of working long, hard, hot hours. I spent many years working the machine knitting booth and a booth for the sewing store company I used to manage a store for.

Back in the day I knew all the food booths that did not have fried food and the cheapest pop in our area. I was pleasantly surprised to see more healthy food (if you want it). Being a one day visit I enjoyed my honey sunflower seed ice cream YUM!

Unfortunately I wore a pair of shoes that were not broken in yet so I had a short visit. The Creative Activities building was filled with wonders to behold. Because I can't seem to stay with just one craft (I suffer from STASOC - Short Term Attention Span of Crafts) I like to see everything people have created. At one point or another I've been involved in: knitting, crocheting, weaving, sewing clothes, quilting, cross stitch, wood turning, stained glass, painting, - the list goes on. SO - this is definitely my favorite building at the fair.

One other spot I hit was the crop art area. I've got pictures and will get them up before the weekend is over with a bit more about this craft.

Knitting
I've managed to do some knitting so far. The Sock of Month group at Amazing Threads met last Monday night. I didn't have the last pair finished but started the new one anyway. The new sock is in tufutsie which I hadn't tried yet. I've decided I'm not going to do the pattern we got because it's for a medium and I don't think it would size up real well. It has 4 small cables around it with stretches of plain knitting between. We'll see when I actually start knitting after I rip out what I did Mon night.

I am down to the toe of the 2nd sock from last month. With any luck, I'll finished this weekend and get some pictures up.

I finally got around to blocking the shawl I made about 2 months ago. It's drying as we speak so, yes folks, I may get some pictures of this up too.

Looks like I'm going to be very busy with the camera tomorrow!

Family Tree
I found the old copies of both family trees when I was cleaning out the folks stuff. I had most of it in Family Tree Maker on the computer but that computer died several and along with it a ton of my work. At least I lucked out and found the paper copies. I've been spending an hour or so each night this week typing away.

My Dad's father has always been a mystery. We know he was born in Brooklyn and had a brother. We also know his parents died when he was young and came from Switzerland. There was a difference of opinion about their names and when they came. With Grandpa gone and having no idea about his brother I always let that part of the family slide. This week I think I lucked out. When I out FTM on my new computer I got to playing around with the web sites and I think I found Great grandma & pa on a ship manifest from Switzerland. It lists them - her name we knew and it lists her husband as a watchmaker (we knew that) and his name was one of the two names I've heard used. I need to do some hunting but I may have them tracked down!

I've got Tea
I like tea. I'm a tea snob. I prefer loose tea that I can properly brew. I collect ways to brew tea. However, I also know my limitations. It's hard to brew a good cup of tea at work so, I make do with substitutes. I also drink a lot of iced tea in the summer. My waist is goodly plenty without the addition of more sugar and I can't do Nutrasweet (more on this later). I can handle Splenda just fine so I search for things with Splenda in them so I can keep my sweet tooth happy and keep my waist from growing.

Anyway, I discovered Arizona Green Tea with Splenda and love it. But buying it by the gallon would be very pricey and heavy because I drink alot. Target started carrying the powered version of the tea and I thought I was in heaven. It comes in a little tin with 4-5 2. qt packets. Easy to carry around, easy to make. Life was good. Then it happened! Target quite selling my beloved tins. I cried. (not really but it makes a good story). I suffered through Arizona tea withdrawal until last month. I went to the Arizona Tea web site and found the tins are still available. You can buy them 4 tins at a time. But - because the shipping was alot for 4 tins, I bought 8 tins and the shipping decreased per tin. It arrived and I am a happy camper. I have enough iced tea for a long, long time. Now my only problem, what am I going to do with all these cute little tins that I'm too cheap to throw away!!!

Nutrasweet
I have to start out by saying this is my opinion. I am not a doctor or anyone who should be taken seriously unless you feel like it.

I can't have Nutrasweet in my body. It's bad for me. I break out to the point of facial sores, I get headaches/migraines, I forget words. It's just a bad thing for me.

Someone may say it in my head but I have pretty good documentation of what happened to me. I kept records, my experience as a dietitian taught me how to investigate food chemistry things. But - like I said, this is about me, I'm not claiming this to be a universal truth for everyone. Studies I've read talk about how terrible aspartame is for people with MS. These studies are old now and I don't know what's been done recently. I just know I have to stay away.

So, for me it's real sugar, no sugar or Splenda. So far Splenda has been fine.


Well, let's see if I manage to get some pictures up before the weekend is out and if I manage to get some bathroom work done (nothing's happened so far....)

More SP11 "homework"

I got some more SP11 homework and - if I don't do it right now, I'll forget. So here's more useless facts about me. Bet you can hardly wait! :-)

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
Besides the obvious needles and yarn I would have to say -er,um, a....... I can't think of just one accessory. I'm stumped. What a usually keep with me is a good pair of scissors, a good darning needle, notepad and pen, a small crochet hook. Come to think of it - the notepad and pen are the one thing I can't live without. I've used paper clips as cable holders, dental floss threaders as needles. I can come up with substitutes for everything but paper to take notes on or jot down new knitting design ideas.

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?
I haven't headed anywhere for vacation for a couple years. (sad but true) When I head out for business trips I take a tote full of current knitting with me. Usually the latest sock project, a magazine I haven't read yet, a small project such as lace, scarves or part of a project (like the sleeve or back). If it's more than 2 nights I try to hunt up a local yarn shop for my evening entertainment.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
I LOVE Great Britain. I've been there several times and usually rent a flat in London and use that as my home base. I've been to Scotland once so far and need to get back. The great thing about GB is how well they care for their history. Here, a building is 50 years old its ancient and torn down. Over there you walk around a corner and find a building from the 1500s or older. It gives you a sense of your place in the world beyond instant gratification. Also, The Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum has a killer textiles area with knitting from the beginning of time!

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Almanac is the book I keep coming back to. I have an autographed copy that I am very proud of! Other books I've been "hanging out with" lately are Unexpected Knitter; Vogues Stitch Patterns- cable volume; and Victorian Lace Today.

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
I haven't gotten around to listening to podcasts yet but they're on my list of things to check out.

SP11 "Homework"

I got homework today. I joined the Secret Pal 11 and we have been asked to answer the following questions. You may be interested or not. But - here they are…..

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Favorite yarns are comfortable yarns that are all or mostly natural fibers. I do not like acrylics that are hard on the hands or natural fibers that are hard on the hands. With this said lately I've been knitting with Cascade 220, cottons, KnitPicks merino wool, I got some bamboo but haven't tried it yet.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Two things. I made a case that's the size of a 3-ring notebook out of denim several years ago. It's got plastic pockets and a zipper around the whole thing. That holds my huge collection of my old straights and my Grandmas straights. The circular and dpn have been living in a hinged metal box because I haven't gotten around to getting something better.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I started knitting about 1964. Grandma taught me and I made a ton of Barbie doll scarves. I quit until college and took it up again in the late 70s. I'd consider myself advanced. I've gotten ribbons at the State Fair, taught classes, wrote for a few magazines (machine knitting) and last decade I owned my own shop for 5 years.

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

5. What's your favorite scent?
I don't like heavy smells. I never wear perfume but in candles I like natural smells if they're light. Rose, lavender, other floral, and light fruit smells such as citrus.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Give me chocolate or give me death! My sweet tooth is expensive. I'm not big on Hershey's candy bars (but I won't turn them down). Lately I've been into Lindt's Lindor dark chocolate truffles. YUM! I also like but can't find Aero bars from England. But - if it's chocolate, I'm happy.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Spinning is the one fiber thing I haven't tried, yet. I have a 4 heddle loom, quilt, do stained glass, I'm sewing a lot of stuff for my "new" house (moved this winter). Crafts are pretty much- if it exists I'll try it at some point. (hey, I even sew my own undies)

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 classical, christian contemporary, light rock, new age. I have several MP3 players.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
If you look in my wardrobe you see a lot of navy and black pants and tops of many colors including blues-roses-teals. The house is mostly dusty blues and roses but heading toward Tuscany type colors. I really don't enjoy oranges.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
If you spend any time on my blog you know I am owned by 2 cats - Chief (a Ragdoll) and Bert (a British Shorthair).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I live in Minnesota - do the math! However - no ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
My favorites are things out of yarn. It's hard to narrow down favorite things - I knit sweaters, vests, shawls, socks, scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, baby stuff, afghans, dish cloths, dolls, you get the picture.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A cable sweater, a mitered vest from the last Knitters, socks, Mystery Shawl, silk cardigan, and various small projects for charity

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yup!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I'm building a new collection of Addi turbo and lace circular. I just got a pair of KnitPicks circ but haven't had a chance to try them to see how they feel.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Both. Leftovers from when I owned my shop.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I just found a Christmas socking I think I started about 20 years ago.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. The whole family including extended family gets together.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Hundred dollar bills! (sorry, had to try) Lilliput Lane Cottages. Angels that are "adult" - I don't collect cutesy angels. Jim Shore angels. Local cookbooks.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Not having to deal with a husband gives me the chance to buy most books I want. But - I haven't tried too many sock yarns yet. I like to try yarns that other people have tried and like. I'm working on my Addi circular needle collection (I have 24"-6; 32"-2,4,8,9) my other circular have the stiff cables like Boye and I find them hard to knit with. One book I'd like is Starmore's Tudor collection but it's impossible to find and from what I hear very expensive.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm always trying new and strange techniques. I taught people how to knit 3-D faces (machine knitting) and have decided to play around with realistic looking cats next.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yup. Women's size 10 with thick ankle. I like short sock legs.

23. When is your birthday?
Nov. 6

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Nope.

Sorry. This got a lot longer than I thought it would.