M&M Choppers Open House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!