Live to Ride - Love to Knit

Pampered Pets

2012-02-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Today was a high maintenance day for the dogs. They got the "works" including a soak in a warm bubble bath, ears cleaned, teeth brushed and nails trimmed. Sheba would just as soon have all the pampering time to herself instead of sharing the day with Molly.

The Stash

2012-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Like I need more yarn! But how could I resist when I got a call from a friend (Celi) who was trying to sell off someone's yarn stash. All she had to say was, "Noro" and I was in. Then she carried in about 8 bins full of other yarns like Malabrigo, Manos, and Lamb's Pride to name a few. For $40 I have a pretty large pile to add to my own stash.

Weekend in Texas

2012-02-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Mom and I went to Texas over the weekend to visit family. Like usual, we stopped in Canton to shop at the First Monday flea market. I was searching for planters or pots for my patio and found a man who made wrought iron supports for terra cotta pots that will work perfect for my patio. On one, the 8" pots spiral up from a larger pot, and the other will stack 10 pots together (my favorite).

Patio Complete

2012-02-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

The next step was to lay down concrete supported to the foundation of the house. The bricks we were able to get were not the same size as we've used before so we couldn't continue with a basket weave pattern. We staggered rows in each section for a different pattern. Now I need to decide on patio furniture and big pots to put in front of the basement windows. It's good to have a project completed.

DIY: Duster Refills

2012-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

I had seen something similiar to this on Pinterest so when I saw an 8 pack of wipes for $1 at the grocery store I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. Reusable Swiffer duster refills that can be washed after every use. I simply stacked 4 wipes, machine stitched three lines down the middle (following the pattern of a real Swiffer dust pad) and clipped fringe along the edges with pinking shears.

A Warm Bum

2012-01-27T15:28:00.001-08:00

The heating element went out on my motorcycle seat and we had to send it off to get repaired. Why it took several months can't be explained but I'm happy to finally have it back. This one has a cute, lighted switch. I'm a pretty tough chic, but not when I'm cold so it's good to once again have a functioning seat warmer.

Front Porch Sit'n

2012-01-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

For as long as we've owned our house, we've struggled with this area between the front porch and driveway. It gets blazing full sun everyday and is a pain to water things that don't grow. So what's the solution? We hired a friend to dig it out to make an extended patio. Just perfect to do some front porch sit'n and keep an eye on the neighbors. Stay tuned for the progress...

Dog Park

2012-01-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

I had so much anxiety about throwing my baby into a pen of dogs but I knew it was time for her to learn some animal social skills. Plus I watch Dog Whisperer and had it all figured out. Really, no secret but just to calmly do it. At first she cowered to all the big dogs and then she was off running with the best of them. Happy Dog!
Another great reason to support the Kansas Humane Society.

Productive

2012-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

Some recovery down time has given me the opportunity to knock out some knitting projects this week. I can't believe it took me two days to finish these leg warmers. I tried different sized needles, messed up a couple times following the chart and almost lost all interest but managed to get them done. Who says you can't wear leg warmers with Harley boots?

Also finished some headbands and got them out in the mail.

Winter Knits

2012-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Winter makes me want to knit, knit and knit some more for things like ice skating and chilly outdoor walks with the dogs. This time some mittens to match the wool headband I made up last week. More to come on the legwarmers now on the needles...

Leafy II

2012-01-07T09:14:00.001-08:00

I really like these headbands. This one from leftover Comfort Chunky.

Leafy Headbands

2012-01-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

I've started a tradition knitting for my neighbor for her birthday. This year, I gifted her with a leaf lace patterned headband in chunky Cascade 128 in tweed.

This gray yarn matches a new down coat I got for Christmas so I knitted myself a stockinette version headband over my lunch hour.

Another 100 Miles

2012-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I'm ready to take on another 100 miles in 100 days challenge. It worked for me in the past and I'm giving it another go in 2012. I've been dealing with some knee pain so the miles will consist mostly of eliptical jogging and walking. Just the perfect fitness goal to prepare for wearing a bikini in the Caribbean.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here and I really don't want the long, holiday weekend to end. It has been packed full of last minute shopping and knitting then time with friends, family, and our pets, Molly and Sheba. Our neice Amy looked adorable in the striped slouchy watch cap I knitted and she was a dear to make us a prime rib dinner on Christmas Eve. It amazes me that she can be such a great host when she is getting married in just 6 days.

Slouchy Watch Cap

2011-12-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

I found a great Cascade yarns pattern, the Mock Cable Watch Cap. It calls for Eco Cloud, but I'm using Berroco's Ultra Alpaca. The yarn makes this relaxed-fit hat soft and slouchy (but not too much of a rasta slouch) and I really like the mock cable design. I'll be making many more of these hats.

Out for a Spin

2011-12-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Met up with some of my knitting friends, Jan and Pat, for an afternoon of spinning at their monthly gathering at Covenant Presbyterian Church. It's probably been over a year since I've had my wheel out and it was so much fun to chat it up with them about our dogs, life, sloths and menopause while working on a spool of recycled silk.

Antique Vanity

2011-12-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've been looking quite a while for a bedroom/makeup vanity and finally found one at the Flying Moose antique mall for the bargain price of $150. I debated it for several weeks and today Mom shows up with it loaded in the back of her Subaru. It's in very good condition but I gave it a good soaking with Old English dark oil scratch cover and went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to get some drawer organizers filling it up with beauty products from two of my bathrooms. It will be nice to have everything in one comfortable, girly place. I feel much more organized and everything has it's place now.

GAP-tastic Cowl & Mitts

2011-12-11T14:29:00.001-08:00

The pattern for this was inspired by the huge loopy cowls that can be found at the GAP. My home-made GAP-tastic cowl is even better in a Kermit the Frog green, soft Berroco Comfort Chunky yarn and fingerless mitts that I made up to match.

Santa Baby!

2011-12-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

That's my Santa Baby making an appearance for the kids at a lock-in at the Tae Kwon Do Academy. They all went nuts when he walked into the room with his bell and bag full of toys. I'm nuts for him too!

Christmas Boxer

2011-12-08T16:11:00.001-08:00

This is Molly's first Christmas so I needed to get a holiday picture of her to make my annual ornament. She was so naughty on our trip to see Santa. She piddled on his lap and while I had my back to her, she raced across the room and jumped up on the table where I was paying. So cute but such a bad baby boxer!

Purple Haze

2011-11-28T17:34:00.001-08:00

I found the perfect shade of purple to knit up a pair of arm warmers/mitts to go with a hand spun and dyed hat I made a couple years ago in my spinning class. The pattern is Toast in 100% baby alpaca that's oh so soft and hazy.

Pink Cables

2011-11-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

What Up, Dog?

You're looking pretty fabulous in that hot pink hand knit cable sweater.

Molly struts her stuff in this Irish Fisherdog and Friend ensemble that I knit from two skeins of Encore Chunky (75% acrylic/25% wool) from the book, Knitting for Dogs. It seems to bring out her inner super star.

Just Finished

2011-11-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

I've been on a Plymouth Yarn kick lately. It's an affordable, practical, easy to care for yarn that doesn't "split" like other acrylic blends. I just finished a second Kimono and cast on a third for Christmas gifts.

Denim Kimono

2011-11-17T18:57:00.001-08:00

Inspired by the sample on the shop hop at Wildflower Knits in Manhattan. It's the perfect lounging sweater to go with pajama bottoms on chilly winter days. Easily knit over a sick weekend from Encore Colorspun (75% acrylic/25% wool) that's simple to care for and just as cozy as an afghan.

Paint the Towne

2011-11-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

My neighbor, Shawndra, invited me to a girls' night out at Paint the Towne. I've always wanted a crash course in (acrylic) painting and this was a quick and affordable way to do it. They provide all of the supplies and instructions and we just showed up with a bottle of wine and got to work on our pear paintings. I now have my work of art hanging in my kitchen.

November in Canton

2011-11-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to Texas over the weekend to visit family and spend a day shopping in Canton at the First Monday flea market with Molly in tow. She's great around crowds but it was warm and she got tired so I purchased a shopping basket that's very popular at these events. She loves it and I joke that I don't need to carry around a tiny dog when I have such a well behaved baby boxer.

Socks for Mom

2011-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Mom asked me to knit her another pair of socks. She has small feet so this way she can get them to fit and she likes to wear them as bed socks. For this pair, I knit them from Cascade Fixation (cotton/elastic) that makes them fit snug and warm.

Yarn Hop (Day 3)

2011-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Only three local shops to cover today starting with some catch up time with my friend, Tracie at Odd Balls Yarn shop. The new Knit Noro book and sample ruffled knee high socks has me really inspired. Then there's more baby yarn from Heritage Hut and Twist. My yarn hop Hobo Bag is complete and I now have so many projects to keep me busy this winter...bring it!

Yarn Hop (Day 2)

2011-10-22T14:26:00.001-07:00

What a great excuse to get the motorcycle out for a 100 mile round trip hop for yarn. At iYarn in Winfield I got a couple of Pure & Simple knitting patterns and took a scenic curvy road back road home from Augusta. The cool air and smells of fall have me feeling refreshed and happy. So far I have the handle and top of my hobo bag complete and now ready to start on the body of the bag.

Yarn Hop (Day 1)

2011-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

There are 12 yarn shops participating in this year's Central Kansas Yarn Hop. I picked up my friend Karen in Canton and we started our hop up north in Wamego where I found inspiration in a sample Tea Leaves Cardigan (I really want to make this). In Manhattan at Wildflower Knits I purchased yarn to make the shop sample kimono (comfy for wearing around the house). Some yarn to make another moebius cowl in Abilene, Knitpicks #2 needles in McPherson, clog sock pattern in Lindsborg and striping baby cardigan yarn in El Dorado. At 480 miles we called it a day and I still have 4 more shops yet to make it to.

Yarn Hop Project

2011-10-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Each shop in the yarn hop gives participants a ball of yarn to combine to make a project. Last year it was a linen stitch scarf and this year a scrappy crochet or knit bag (pictured). There's a passport book that each shop will stamp and prizes to be drawn from all 12 shops. I'm working on my bag right now.

Turn a Heel

2011-10-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

The best part of constructing a sock to me is when I turn the heel and pick up the stitches to start the gusset. This is where the fun action takes place and the ball gets rolling.

Moebius Cowl

2011-10-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

Moebius, an object with one surface and one edge. Take a strip of paper, twist it and tape the ends together will illustrate the basis of this wonderful cowl . It was so enjoyable knitting around and around. I started it on the drive down to Oklahoma on Friday, then worked on it tableside while family played cards in the lodge and while sitting beside the creek on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I will make many more of these. Knit from Plymouth kettle dyed superwash fine merino wool.

Singer Sew Handy

2011-10-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

My cousin's wife, Michelle, brought me a gift that was left in a rental house, this 1953 Singer Sew Handy Model 2 sewing machine complete with an owner's manual. I've been coveting these at flea markets for years. It's a real machine - not a toy. In true 50's verbage it reads, "Using this machine you will learn the basic principals of machine sewing, first making your dolly's clothes and perhaps small gift articles; then your own play clothes, shorts, pinafores, skirts, and clothes for little sister." How sweet.

Family Reunion 2012

2011-10-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Molly had a big adventurous weekend at my annual family reunion in Osage Hills Park outside of Bartlesville, OK. She got to learn how to be a dog by playing in the creek and going for long hikes in the woods. Poor little thing was flat out dog tired when it came to sitting by the campfire at night curling up in my lap in a deep sleep.

Boxer Blanket

2011-10-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Molly has been waiting patiently for me to complete her baby (puppy) blanket. She sat beside me this afternoon as I sewed the paw print fleece to the back of the embroidered top, turned right sides out and seamed up along the edges. Then used red yarn to tie both pieces together in the middle of the fabric squares. Now she has her very own personalized blanket to cover her spot on the couch and car seat cover for some road trips coming up soon.

Baby Boxer

2011-10-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

That's my little gremlin, little Miss Molly at 4 months old. She's just about house broke, leash trained and my constant companion for errands in the Jeep and long walks around the neighborhood. And she's working on growing into those ears.

Baby Sweater

2011-10-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

Making baby clothes is so very fast, easy and gratifying. It takes no time at all to knit up a cardigan and this seamless yoked sweater is for the newest addition to our family, Jozie, fitting her at about 3 months. The pattern can be adapted to a girl or boy and is one of my favorite patterns. Debbie Bliss's baby cashmerino yarn (merino wool/microfibre/cashmere) makes it exceptionally soft and the slate color is neutral enough to go with other colors besides pink.

Blues, Bikes & BBQ

2011-10-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

It was another good ride to Fayetteville for the Blues, Bikes & BBQ biker rally. It gets bigger every year and is now the 4th largest motorcycle rally. With temps in the 70's we had some really nice weather for hanging out in the sun listening to live bands and riding around. I found that I can overdose on caffeine and that I will never get tired of having breakfast at Waffle House.

Welcome Fall

2011-09-23T17:26:00.001-07:00

Today is the first day of fall. It's about time our weather cools down so that I can ride my bicycle to work after a summer of 52 days of at least 100 degree temperatures. Talk about being robbed of summer, bike rides, tops off of the Jeep and golf...it was just too hot to enjoy much of anything outdoors.

Campmates & Bluegrass

2011-09-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

I now have campmates! Angelique drove in from New Mexico and picked up our LYS goddess, Shelly, and they set up camp beside me. To my delight, they brought a stove and "real" food to prepare along with cheese, crackers and wine. We have been living it up.

There are several stages set up on the fairgrounds. We laid out blankets on the hill by Stage 2 and knit the day away while huddled under umbrellas during periods of light rain. Later tonight we set under cover at the grandstand and saw The Wilders perform while down below a group of women danced around in can-can/tutu skirts, cowboy hats and boots while waving around bright glow sticks. It was somewhat magical and they looked liked dancing fairies. Tommy Emmanuel played a mean guitar and my favorite turned out to be Michael Martin Murphey and his cowboy songs. After he performed I got to go up and meet him and get some CD's signed. That was pretty awesome.

Fiber and Inspiration

2011-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

I met up with Karen and her daughter, Jamie to shop at the arts fair. There were a couple yarn and fiber vendors. Jamie picked out a handspun yarn and Karen went straight to work knitting Jamie a hat. I was low on cash and only purchased some handmade soaps and an event mug. I did see this interesting 14" crocheted doily that a woman used to make a hat. She added feathers and other trinkets to the design and in this kind of hippie festival it looked right a home.

Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival

2011-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Walnut Valley Bluegrass festival in Winfield starts tomorrow so I got my tent set up all by myself (GIRL POWER!) at the far west end of Pecan Grove, right beside the Walnut River and across from the 24 hour west entrance. This campground is where all the "action" takes place outside of the main grandstand where all the big name acts perform. In this area, smaller stages are built for the amateurs to perform as well as gather around and play in their own camp sites. Basically, music is going on all night throughout the area.

My friend Karen was set up in the same area and I got to hang out with her family and see her son, Dylan, perform on Stage 5 with his band, Sizzle Biscuit from McPherson, KS. It's such a good, hippie vibe here in Winfield, KS and I'm enjoying a night to myself in my own tent listening to the sounds of fiddles playing from the campsite next to me.

Small Town Finds

2011-09-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Work meetings had me in the small town of Burlingame today. I got there early so I drove through town (about two blocks) and stopped into the Chicken Coop Antiques shop where I found this precious ceramic spinning wheel night light and colorful southwestern wool blanket. Two great finds in a little small town.

Riverside Park

2011-09-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

As we all remember 9/11 on this 10th anniversary, I was feeling a little melancholy. I had a lot of work to do around the house but instead decided to make time to take Molly on her first trip to the park. What better place than Riverside Park to socialize her with other people, children and dogs. She was hesitant around little kids but eventually warmed up to the cutest little boy. Both of them were adorable and made for a joyful way to spend the afternoon and give thanks for the freedoms we have.

Molly at 12 Weeks

2011-09-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

So far Molly has a clean bill of health at 11 pounds and her cropped ears have just had the bandages removed this morning. The vet told us that next week we will need to bring her back to get her ears re-wrapped so this weekend she's loose and free.

I've started calling her my Little Gremlin especially when I turned my back for just a minute and found her tearing apart my latest knitting project. At that point I was calling her naughty and a few other choice words but it was salvageable.

12-Hour Jaunt

2011-09-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

I had several errands to run in Kansas City so Mom and I headed out at 7 am and got home at 7 pm for a quick 12-hour jaunt for shopping and antiques. We enjoyed the 200 mile drive talking and singing along to the radio. We made a stop at Stuff in Brookside and I got a handmade pair of earrings for a friend and some yarn at The Studio by the Plaza. Then over to the west side of town for the monthly Bottoms Up Antique Market. There was no air conditioning and several of the floors of the old warehouses were almost too hot to think straight let along shop for long but I did find a crochet table runner and adorable gold and crystal night light chandelier just perfect for my sewing room. Dinner and margarita's at Manny's and then over to Cabelas. Going to Cabela's is always an "event" and the place just makes me happy. A very good day of shopping and spending time with my momma.

Embroidery

2011-08-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

I found some great dog themed fabric to combine with 9" squares of denim from husband's old jeans to make a baby (puppy) blanket for Miss Molly. Strip-pieced the squares together and now hand embroidering her name, dob and dog motifs to the denim squares.

Sick Puppy

2011-08-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Our little pup has been sick with a form of parvo, coronavirus, as well as a recent bout with intestinal parasites for the past couple of weeks. She's on the mend now after a couple visits to the vet and some TLC.

Patches

2011-08-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

I've always liked patches. I think it goes back to my Girl Scouts days of earning them. So, that's what I've collected over the years from the places that I travel to. I sew them to bags jackets and t-shirts and I found several on my last trip to Sturgis and the year before. I've accumulated so many that it took all afternoon to get them all sewn onto things.

Aunt Melanie

2011-08-14T17:40:00.001-07:00

Molly got a visit from her Aunt Melanie today bearing baby gifts. A purple stuffed snake, some chew bones and biscuits. Thanks, Aunt Mel!

My mom (Gramma) watched Molly last week while we were away on vacation and we've been able to get back into our 8 week old puppy routine. It's true, it takes a village...

Live to Ride

2011-08-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Riding my motorcycle across Kansas I watch an amazing orange sun set in my rearview mirror. I've never noticed how the red blinking lights on the tall, white power windmills look like fireflies hovering above the prairie. A bright, white moon moves in and out of the clouds following a storm while gold colored lightning strikes across the sky in the distance. We all move in and out of traffic in unison following the two red tail lights ahead and I look beside me at a good friend living in the moment just as I am. The wind is cool on my face and although I've been in the saddle for over 15 hours, I feel like I can ride forever. This is what Live to Ride means to me.

Sturgis 2011

2011-08-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

There's a reason this was my 13th time to attend the rally. Great times with friends (& neighbors!) and the most enjoyable riding starting with 800 miles just to get there. The Rapid City HD dealership came to our rescue again this time repairing my husband's bike a couple days into our trip. We shopped on Main Street, spent a couple nights in Deadwood and rode the scenic Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Some things just never get old. In all, 1,955 miles of fun and adventure.

Beads from Santa Fe

2011-08-06T18:45:00.001-07:00

On my last trip to Santa Fe I purchased these green glass beads and Hill Tribe silver beads to make a necklace. The green matches a belt buckle I got in Hill City, South Dakota last year on my trip to Sturgis. It's good to be able to tie items from my trips together.

Molly at 7 Weeks

2011-08-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Adjusting

2011-08-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a week of adjusting to having a puppy in the house. Sheba has been amazingly patient and kind to the pup. I must confess that Molly sleeps in our bed with us and like clockwork wakes every two hours to be let outside. Besides the interrupted sleep, during the waking hours I don't get much done but to play with and adore the little new addition to our family.

Homecoming

2011-07-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

We were so relieved to find that our 9 year old pit bull, Sheba, took to Molly instantly and treats her like she's her own baby.

The Journey Home

2011-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

It was a long almost seven hour trip home with frequent stops for bathroom breaks for the little one, Molly. She's simply adorable and I found it hard to concentrate on my driving.

She's The One

2011-07-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

I wasn't really intending to get a puppy but when I saw Molly, I knew she was the one for me. Her breeders told me she was the runt of the litter and showed me pictures of her father (black) and mother (fawn) and I was sold. She's a registered boxer brindle blackmash born on 6/15/2011.

New Puppies

2011-07-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to Canton, TX for the First Monday Trade Days and we both picked out a new puppy. For Mom a Morkie (Maltese and Yorkie) and for me a reverse brindle (black) boxer that I've named Molly. There was a little shopping too but the highlight was caring for our new additions while visiting family in Texas.

A Hot Afternoon Ride

2011-07-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

I don't have many friends who'd go for an afternoon motorcycle ride with me in 107 degree heat but I found one hearty country girl. Karen's one of my favorite riders and she also knits so it was a perfect combination for a trip to Abilene for yarn at Shivering Sheep. This quaint little shop is jammed with things I can't find in other shops and always a treat because it's only open a few days a week. The shopping was good but the temperature was a challenge for us but really, if you're waiting for perfect weather in Kansas - you'd rarely go anywhere!

Go Becca!

2011-07-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, this makes me really happy. My first knitting bud took riding lessons and got her own motorcycle. I'm hoping all my other knittas take note and join in. We are already talking about riding to the next Yarn Hop. Live to Ride - Love to Knit!

M&M Choppers Open House

2011-07-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Matt & Melanie, had their annual open house at their motorcycle shop in Galva, KS. It was blazing hot with temps over 100 but we stayed cool with music, shade, misters and margaritas. Always a good time in the company of good friends.

Coastal Citron

2011-07-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

The Citron shawl that I worked on during my northwest vacation is now complete. Knitted from one skein of Manos lace on a #6 cable needle. To get a larger size, I basically blocked out the rouching but it's lovely all the same and a special reminder of my trip to the coast.

Quack Dog Toy

2011-07-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Our LYS owner Shelly, got a new Standard Poodle puppy (Brick) and I joined in with the Wednesday knitting group for a puppy shower making this felted mallard stuffed with pieces of t-shirt scraps. It should make for a fun, sturdy puppy toy - for awhile.

Portland Markets

2011-07-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

A must-do in Portland is to go to the Saturday Farmers Market for cheeses, vegetables and a bag of fresh Rainier cheeries. Then head over to the Saturday market next to the river for arts shopping, music, people watching and a delicious gyro. I bought some jewelry this time. A great day of shopping and spending time with my aunts before I go home tomorrow.

Mountains & Bridges

2011-07-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

I left Vancouver and spent a couple nights with Aunt Rita on Sauvie Island. When you get up on the bridges you can see all the surrounding mountains. Facing east there's Mt. Rainier in the far distance, Mt. St. Helen, Mt. Adams, and Mt Hood. We like to gaze upon the mountains and walk the bridges surrounding the island.

Kayak, Knitting & Music

2011-07-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

A cloudy, cool day did not impede our plans to go to a Washington lake for a picnic, knitting and kayaking. Aunt Rita sat on the bank and crocheted baby blanket squares while Aunt Janine and I inflated her Coleman kayak and paddled out to the middle of the lake. Multi-tasking runs in the family and we both sat our paddles down and picked up our knitting projects. It was a perfect afternoon day floating around listening to music on my iPhone. After that, we got cleaned up and went to an evening outdoor concert in the heart of Vancouver. It's there we did a little more knitting and grooving on the dance floor. An absolute awesome day spent with my Aunts.

Hiking Mt Hood

2011-07-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hiking Mt. Hood has been on my bucket list for years. Thank you, Aunt Janine, for making this dream come true. We were joined by her husband, Dave, daughter, Katie and dog, Lilly. We started our 8.5 mile hike following Wahkeena Falls and ended at the incredible Multnomah Falls. Some of the trails were maintained well and others were jagged, rocky and over streams with moderate difficulty.

Knits on the Beach

2011-07-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

What better background to showcase a knitting materpiece? Actually, my Scrap Sock Yarn blanket has gotten a lot of use as the Pacific Coast temperature varies in the 50-60's. That was an adjustment for me coming from a warmer climate in the low 100s.

On the Beach

2011-07-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

The first night we had a fire on the beach and I stayed up all night into morning with wine and music listening to the waves. Anxious for the day to begin, I'd get just a little rest to walk along the beach collecting sand dollars and exploring tide pools. The sand smoothing the bottoms of my feet.

Coastal Road Trip

2011-07-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Laura and I loaded up our stuff and her dog, Molly and headed for the Orgeon Coast for a couple night's stay at the pet-friendly Surfsand Resort on Cannon Beach. In fact, this place is an oasis for dogs and I will replay our walks on the beach and Haystack Rock a thousand times in my memory.

On Crystal Mountain

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Laura and Dan had a surprise evening set up for me high atop Crystal Mountain. They invited several of their friends along and we rode the gondola up to the top that gave us in incredible snow covered view of Mt. Rainier and had a wonderful four course dinner that stretched throughout the entire night. It was amazing and I'm beginning to feel like a mountain girl.

Just Like Old Times

2011-07-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe Laura and I have known each other for over 30 years. We just don't feel that old and when we are together it feels just like it did when we were silly junior/high schoolers. Day two we are riding bicycles, sunbathing, sharing makeup and wearing each other's clothes...some things just never change. Next thing you know we'll break out in a cheer, well, not really.

Northwest Vacation

2011-07-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, I'm very fortunate to be able to take off for the Northwest again to visit friends and family. Just like last year, the first part of my week I'll stay with my high school BFF, Laura outside Seattle and then on to visit my aunts in Portland/Vancouver.

Laura picked me up at the airport and took me directly to a knit shop, All Points Yarn in Des Moines, WA where I purchased two great crocheted patterns the owner, Morgan Hicks (pictured) designed using Noro yarn. What a great find! Then we were off to Redondo Beach for a seafood lunch at Saltys -- a great place we like on the water.

Northwest Knitting

2011-07-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

With the blanket now complete I can start a new project on my nortwest vacation. That's one of the best things about airports and flying, all the uninterrupted knitting time. Citron will be the perfect project for this trip as it's a small, uncomplicated lace-weight project...here I go!

Crochet Baby Blanket

2011-06-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

We have a new baby coming to our family so I used my family crochet pattern for the 36" square body from Bella Shimmer and then added a scalloped edging in green and brown Comfort DK.

Camping at Council Grove

2011-06-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hubby went on a trip with the guys so my girl Melanie and I met up at Council Grove Lake for some fun in the sun and camping with our dogs. While I got a little showy with my Coronaville theme, the weekend really turned out to be all about the dogs.

Sure had a good time with ya, Melanie and Gunther!

Blanket Complete

2011-06-21T04:40:00.001-07:00

The scrap sock yarn blanket is now complete and ready to go. I made it just the right size to roll up as a pillow or stuff in a backpack. It's going to be my new traveling companion!

Prairie Ride

2011-06-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Shared a little slice of freedom with a dear high school friend, Paul, riding the prairie back roads today. It was a day trip for him to put on some miles and get comfortable with his new bike. For me, it's much more than just riding. It seems that the older I get the more things are constantly changing. I find comfort in the familiarality of spending time with old friends who really know me and where I come from. Now it's just a bonus when they ride too!

Heartbreak Monday

2011-06-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

I started the day with a trip to the vet to find that my beloved dog Sassie has bone cancer. I really wasn't expecting such devastating news and only wish I had just one more day with her. But, she was in pain and we had to let her go. I will miss her energetic and adoring presence in my life.

This afternoon, my Aunt Blondie lost her 2 year battle with cancer. Growing up she treated me like a daughter, inspired creativity and served as the matriarch of our family. While it was such a difficult day, I feel blessed I was able to be with both of them to the end. God be with you, Blondie and Sassie.

Engagement Celebration in Santa Fe

2011-06-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

New Mexico calls to me like no other place (besides Sturgis) so when neice Amy announced her engagement-and they both ride-a road trip was in definite order to Santa Fe. There's an unexplainable comfort in being with family and sharing our common interest in motorcycling. And I must add that Amy is one of the most spirited and adventurous individuals I know and she makes us proud. We had two days/1,300 miles riding time, nice accomodations, and two days of sightseeing in Taos and shopping in Santa Fe. Congratulations, Amy and Jason!

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

It was a long holiday weekend at home filled with friends and family. Saturday morning I took off early on my bicycle in a light drizzle to meet up with a friend for coffee and a walk around the Farmers Market. That night we had a BBQ and stayed up late chatting with friends on the patio. Sunday brought breakfast with family and the drive-in that night with hubby and mom. What a windy, cool night that turned out to be but always a relaxing, good time. Basically all the good stuff a holiday weekend should be.

Replanting

2011-05-22T20:54:00.001-07:00

Baby grass is popping up all around and this weekend we completed the last of the yard work on the side of the house. I had to dig up all my iris plants so that we could bring in a load of dirt, lay some commercial grade edging and cover with mulch. Replanting the iris's allowed me to separate them and spread them out which is a good thing to do with them because their root systems/bulbs become over crowded. We got it all done with the help of a good friend. Now I've got a little more seed to lay down along the edging.

Knitta Campout

2011-05-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Jackie and I picked out a great spot on El Dorado Lake for the night. It was overcast, cold and windy but we still got our Knit ON sitting by the fire all day and night. Becca showed up later in the day and we had a classy dinner with wine and hummus. My big tent was cozy and warm for the most part. Knitting has brought me so many precious friendships and fun times.

Ready for Summer

2011-05-10T18:34:00.001-07:00

Our high school friend, Glenn Welch with Custom Touch Landscape has been working on our lawn installing a sprinkler system, dirt work, verticutting/seeding and today brought out some really nice dark cedar bark mulch for my flower beds. It's amazing to me how much of a difference a thick layer of mulch can make.

New this year in my front flower bed are some crape myrtle bushes, seed geraniums, petunias, lupine, black-eye susans, caladiums, elephant ears and coral bells. All the work is done and now I'm ready to kick back and enjoy the summer and a fresh, new lawn.

DIY: Crystal Necklace

2011-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Inspired by one of my most treasured necklaces, I sat down with some grey crystal beads and headpins and started making double ended looped beads, connecting them together to make a longer necklace. Then I added a hand made silver heart pendant I had from Tracine's Treasures (Abilene, KS) to make a necklace and earring set.

Girls on the Loose

2011-05-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's been about six months since I've rode my motorcycle so I jumped at the chance to hit the road with my best riding bud for the weekend. Although we didn't ride far this time, it was so good to get out and spend some time together in SE Kansas with her and her family. Love ya, Melanie!

Manos Citron

2011-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Starting a new knitting project right now is probably the last thing I should do -- but I just couldn't help myself. When I saw this Mano lace yarn out of lucious baby alpaca/silk/cashmere I had visions of pearls and a lace shawl. It's really soft and lovely. So, what's a girl to do but to get busy!

DIY: Day of the Dead Bracelet

2011-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, these skulls are cute and are going to make a fabulous Dia de los Muertos bracelet. I found these great beads and findings at a small, packed little bead and bauble shop in Hutchinson, KS called Amelia Beadelias. A shop that's worth the drive (or ride)!

DIY: Tshirt Tubes

2011-04-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

It was a cold, cloudy day that had me wanting to stay home and make something. I had seen this exact same Mtn Dew top for sale in Texas for $55. My version set me back $15 at the most. Cut them a couple inches wider than my measurements, sewed down the sides and folded over at the top to make a casing for elastic. Iron on crystals add a little pop to these tshirt tube tunics.

Goin' Coastal

2011-04-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Kenny Chesney brought his Goin' Coastal Tour 2011 to Wichita tonite at Intrust Arena and I invited my best riding bud, Melanie along to the show. Uncle Kracker opened and then it was Billy Currington pleasing the crowd with his song, "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy." Corona was the tour sponsor and I had my own special little goin' coastal Corona moment. Kenny was great.

It's a Blanket!

2011-04-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

My scrap sock yarn project is now starting to look like a lap blanket. Before starting this, I would have never guessed it would turn out to be the most enjoyable knitting project I've ever done.

Sock Blanket Progress

2011-03-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

I've been making slow progress on this project but that's okay. I complete several squares a night while I wind down from the day and then wake up early wanting to do a few more before starting the day. Changing yarns and colors keeps it interesting to see how each square will turn out.

Sock Blanket Challenge

2011-03-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

I'm calling out all my knitta's to start a Sock Blanket. This morning at our Knit in Public get together, Becca and I had a great time swaping our stash sock yarn and winding 15 yd mini hanks for each square of the blanket. Swaping allows you to get different colorways of yarn you might not necessarily pick out for yourself and share stories of the projects from the leftover yarn. True, knitting a blanket out of 3" mitered squares can be intimidating but keep an open mind and don't stress out about having to get it done quickly. It's the perfect mindless kind of project for SnB's and KIPs so please join us on Ravelry at Wichita KIP.

P.S. We are also going to have a KIP traveling bag if you would like to donate sock yarn scraps or swap your stash.

Come on Becca - Deep down you know you want to do it!

Skating Jacket

2011-03-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

I don't ski, so for me, the Ski Jacket by Veronik Avery is going to be my skating jacket. The bulky wool I used (Cascade 128) knitted up quick when I got to going on it. I surprised myself by fearlessly making fit modifications as I went along and they all came out successful which makes for some happy knitting and some warm skating!

Time Passes Slowly

2011-03-07T04:20:00.000-08:00

Time has passed slowly the last couple of weeks while husband recuperates from knee surgery. We watch a lot of movies and nap. I injured my elbow making it somewhat painful to knit for long periods of time so my ski jacket is progressing slowly as well.

Don't Go, Winter

2011-02-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Kansas weather is exciting and so is starting a knitting project. We had a 95 degree variance in one week from Thursday to Thursday. Really, I'm not ready for winter to sneak into spring. Guess that's why I'm starting on a new wool project. The main color will be charcoal accented with gold. I should have started this Ski Jacket earlier but I had to order the pattern book and the winter months just got away from me.

Bella on Ice

2011-02-15T18:49:00.001-08:00

Second pair of Twilight replica Bella mitts that I made especially for some chilly lessons on the ice. Followed Dianasamour's pattern instructions for a coordinating headband and knitted all from two skeins of Comfort Chunky.

Valentine Jeep

2011-02-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

Forget roses and candy! Our timing to get me a new vehicle fell right in line with Valentine's Day. I knew I wanted a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and then had to make a choice between several different packages. At first I thought I wanted a basic black Rubicon, switched to the Black Ops, walked into Steven Chrysler and there sat the Jeep Sport of my dreams. It didn't have auto locks/windows so they ordered another one, dressed it out with the dealership chrome package, custom wheels and smooth riding all-terrain tires and now she's ALL MINE! It was the best car buying experience we've ever had. Not once did we feel we were being hustled, they worked within our offer and exceeded every expectation we had. If you are looking to make a car purchase be sure to check them out and ask for Regan.