May what?

May, this is one month I'd really like to put behind me.

Shall I do a recap? How about in list format (remember my OCD)?

1. DH needing emergency eye surgery
2. DH needing 8 Dr. appointments within last 30 days
3. DH 4x day eye drops
4. DH still unemployed & now on state extension (can you say stressful?)
5. I took a really bad fall onto concrete
6. Couple weeks of knee pain with #5 occurring
7. Messing up wedding band from said spill
8. Seeing Aunt (first time in long time) realizing her cancer is worse than she lets on
9. DH's transmission light now staying on 100% of time, can't be a good thing with 120,000+ miles
10. Moi getting a new boss in 3 days (UGH!)
11. Half of my staff is moving to another building - what fun it will be running in between!

So, here it is almost June and guess what next week brings (besides a new boss)? A dentist appointment and DH back to eye surgeon (keep fingers crossed for GOOD news!)

How did I ever get to be SO lucky!

Needless to say I have been knitting, just to keep my sanity. I showed you last time that I finished my Montego Bay Shawl. I've worn it so many times I'm so glad I finished it. It is the perfect piece to wear at home when the temps dip a little.

I made my friend Joanne a smaller version of my shawl, as a scarf - a little closer to the pattern as it was intended. I can't wait to give it to her!CO: 29 stitches
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Ocean
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace Circulars US 6

I also started a Drop Stitch Scarf.CO: 26 stitches
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Renaissance
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace Circulars US 6

I've also been baking bread at a record pace! You see I located this recipe that you can make a 'ton' of dough, store it in the refrigerator, and only bake what you need at the time. So, here is the first dough rise:There is nothing like beating a bit of dough for stress relief!

Until next time...

Finished Objects

It is amazing what one can accomplish spending the weekend knitting!

DH had a eye procedure on Friday, which led to the past 4 days of being home. As a result of this I have not one, but TWO finished objects!

First off, my Montego Bay Shawl:
CO: 99 stitches
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Ocean
Pattern: Montego Bay Scarf by Amy Singer
(pattern was for a scarf, I turned it into a shawl)
Length: 60 inches

Love it, LOVE IT!!

I also was able to finish my Ruffle Scarf:CO: 200 Stitches w/YO's to create 800 by the end
Yarn: Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Silk Lace
Colorway: Dark Pine
Pattern: Aimee's Scarf by Wrypunster
Length: 54 inches (w/ruffles)

I was SO nervous that I would run out of yarn on this one. However, I have enough yarn left that would equal the size of an American quarter worth left! Talk about close call!

Like I mentioned in my previous post, it went so much easier when I had the correct needles for this yarn!

So....what did I cast off next? I'm glad you asked. One Montego Bay Scarf coming up! I told you I loved it! I love the pattern, I love the yarn, I love how it looks....

Unfortunately, the only bunny photo I have for you this week, is more of a snack. They are made of sweet-tarts and delicious! They helped to keep my hyped up on sugar so I could finish my knitting!

It is all in the needles

I learned quite a knitting lesson this week. I'd been working on my ruffle scarf with Lantern Moon circular needles. I was getting quite frustrated that it was taking a little over 2 hours to knit a row.

Now, in my defense a row now consists of 800 stitches (CO 200, then 2 rows of YO's). I broke down and purchased some Addi Turbo Lace circular needles. That night, my row took 45 minutes!! WOO HOO!!Lesson learned: Let the yarn pick the needle, just because I have a love for wood needles doesn't mean every yarn likes wood.

I've also returned to knitting my Montego Bay Shawl. It now overlaps when I wrap it around, so I figure about 8 more inches and I'll be done.)Also, to complete my weekend I transplanted some plants, and purchased some new ones. This is now my view from my knitting chair.LOVE IT! (2 African Violets, Easter Cactus, Parsley, Hens & Chicks, Jade, Palm [bulb])

I also have a bunny that loves flowers too, she has her own flower wreath:

What kind of sweater are you?

A quiz...I haven't done one of these in a while. I think it is funny, considering I wear them all the time.

You Are a Turtleneck Sweater

You are sophisticated, streetwise, and even a little cynical. You are quite cultured, and you don't fall for gimmicks or trends easily. You are naturally chic. You have a urban, cosmopolitan style. And you know that the secret to looking good is not trying too hard!

What Kind of Sweater Are You?

Easter

Happy Easter to you!

DH and I spent a very quiet day at home.

I was able to cast off on my next project.CO: 200 stitches
Needles: Lantern Moon Circulars US 6, 36"
Yarn: Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Silk Lace
Colorway: White Pine

Now here is where I feel like the Yarn Harlot. I CO the 200 stitches, completed row 2 as a YO then knit, row 3 as knit....THEN I re-read the pattern. My YO row was to be row 4 not row 2. ARGH! That would be 1000 stitches that I FROGGED!

So back to CO 200 stitches, row 2 KNIT, row 3 KNIT then YO, Knit 1, repeat. Row 4 & 5 Knit, That would be what you see the photo above.

Ms. B wanted to be in the photos today, being that it was Easter and all. So here is your bunny photos for the day...Ms. B being as she was ALL day long!

The Easter Bunny

He came into our yard this morning to get a nice meal before his busy night:
The photo didn't come out half bad. As it was taken through both a window and storm window with extra zoom!

Here is the finished Bunny Dishcloth. I LOVE the look of it! I know it is hard to actually see in the photo with the variegated yarn, however, I will have to do another one in a plain color. I'm thinking plain navy.

I've also put out an Easter Bunny decoration in our living room. So, might as well add her to the bunnies for blog before she gets put away!Did you notice the Easter cactus in the background? Any bets on how long it will last before it passes away?

Mail call

Oh what could it be?
The knitting needles that I won from Kerry @ Penny Dog came in! When Kerry asked me for selections, I chose blue with sparkles and black polka dot buttons. They are beautiful!

I can't wait to cast on!! Thank you Kerry!!

I've been working on my secret project. I have it about 50% done. It feels like it is creeping along. Thank goodness it is for a Christmas Present, so I still have time!

I've also been knitting up some dishcloths.CO: 4 stitches
Needles: small blue US 3 / variegated US 7
Yarn: Knit Picks / Lion Brand Cotton

I also cast off for a bunny pattern one. I should have that completed and a photo for you next time. I like the fact they knit up quickly.

Since Spring is in the air, we have a rabbit picture for that:

April 1

Hmmm, April Fools Day. What a day.

My boss got me REALLY good today. I had it all planned I was going to go into the boss' office and hand him and envelope and say "DH took a job across the country, so, here is my notice." However, before I had a chance to do that this took place:

I had given my boss a PTO (paid time off) slip. I'm asking for a day off in like 6 weeks. I needed him to sign off on this form that it would be approved (ie: paid!).

As he was leaving the office for a meeting, I got it handed back to me and he continues to walk away. I notice a couple of things at the same time, he signed the 'Not Approved' line and listed the following comments:

"This is INAPPROPRIATE!!!! All this time off in light of your productivity? We simply need more effort from you, 1. More knowledge!!! You need to start being more involved and not just sitting in your cubicle surfing the web!!!!!"

Needless to say I didn't know what to say as he proceeded to walk away, he turned around long enough to give me a smirk and at that point I yelled "You forgot to include the line about eating Bon-Bons!"

I HAD BEEN FOOLED BY MY OWN BOSS! I think the thing that is irking me is that he got me before I got him. Hmpf.

I understand that most of you who read this do not know what I do during the day. Let me sum it up for you. I'm a salaried employee. I had to lay off 2 staffers back in November, they have yet to be replaced. We are now in the busiest time of the year. One of my other employees had to take some personal time off - family emergency thing. This has led me to working on average 11 hours a day for the past 3 weeks! Most days I am not even taking a lunch.

So NOW you can see what my boss was referring to. As I left tonight (yes after 11 1/2 hours) he said "If you want to give me a new PTO slip I'll sign it correctly.' I replied with "Maybe now I'll ask for the entire month off!"

Since I've been working SO much, it has not left much time for knitting.

I leave you with your bunny photo. This one seems quite fitting to my life right now, feel like I'm holding on for dear life!

I won a contest!

I came home last night (after working for 12 hours every day this week!) to check out just a few of my favorite blogs, then head off to sleep.

I went to Little Cotton Rabbits and I see this:I hover over the 'Dawn' and see www.neknitsandbeads.com pop up and go "I WON, THAT IS ME!!"

I basically got my second wind at that point and didn't get to sleep for a few more hours!

What did I win you ask? Handmade needles from Kerry at Penny Dog. You can find her here on Etsy and her own website.

Kerry has since contacted me and now has my preferences. I can't wait to receive them and show them off to you!!

I know, I owe you completed knitting projects...I'm just waiting for some daylight around here.

As for your bunny photo, how is this:
My MIL purchased this while we was visiting Hawaii. Over the years it has gradually turned darker. Interesting.

Family Photo

We, as shown above in our family photo, are filling in for a little bit while the missus is busy studying.
Apparently her designation exam is coming up real soon and she needs all the time she can get to study.

Although... we have found her knitting when she said she was going to go study...
but her secret is safe between us right?
You won't tell will you?!...I mean we would hate to get her in trouble.

Anyway, as you can see from our photo we have excellent accommodations.

The grass is always green, the missus of the house placed us next to Dottie.
You can see Miss Dottie's bunny slipper in our photo if you look real hard.
You can find out more about Dottie on her page.

We also have a birds nest next to us. It provides a nice place to take a nap.
The missus and mister of the house found the nest in the driveway a couple of years ago.
They told us the birds had grown up and left the nest, so the bird's parents
really didn't need the nest anymore cause they were something called
'empty nesters' now.

Well off to turn in for the evening. Hopefully, the missus will be back shortly.
'Cause all this hopping around the keyboard typing this was back breaking.

3D Glasses?

Could only mean one thing...we saw Coraline! I really enjoyed it! It was even better that I had movie passes to get in for free...only had to pay for the glasses.

We also had to head into Michael's craft store to pick up some art supplies for DH. While we were there, I went over to the knitting section. I had always wanted to make a dish/facecloth from cotton. I figured if the skein wasn't that expensive I'd buy it. Sure enough $1.69 not bad, as in total we were just over $10.00 for all the items we purchased.

An hour later:CO: 4
Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream
Colorway: 00231 - Early American
Needles: Lantern Moon Circulars US 7 (4.5mm)

I can totally understand why everyone says these are so addictive!!

I was recently asked if I remembered where all my rabbits came from. Yes, I can either remember if it was a gift and from who or if it was one I purchased myself. This one came from our dear neighbors. They bought it while they were on vacation in Maine. It is a old chocolate candy mold and VERY heavy!

Banner

Did you see my new banner? DH has been busy. He created a new summer one that I can't wait to show you...however with the current weather conditions outside (crazy big snowflakes) it will be a few more months!

My secret project is coming along. I measured the yarn ball and I'm down about a 1/2 inch in diameter. I call that making progress. I'm having a tough time with the way the needles are gripping the yarn (way too much!). I can only work on it for a hour and then my fingers start to ache. I'm torn with continuing to work on it an hour at a time or buying new needles that would slide the yarn a bit.

I never showed you the lepidolite stone necklace I made. It has become my favorite! Each time I wear it someone new comments on it.I also was able to complete this one as well. It is made from ivory potato pearls, green Swarovski pearls with sterling silver accents. These clearly are not the best pictures, as I need to come up with a permanent solution for my jewelry pictures. I have the light tent and that works out really well for my knitting, however I do not have anything that would hold up a necklace, bracelet or earrings. Must talk to DH about constructing something! :-)

I have a pair of bunnies to show you today. I saw these at my Aunt's beach house. I made a comment to her that I loved them...later that day they showed up in my take home bag. They fit tea lights in them, however I only use them for display!

Long Weekend

A much deserved long weekend started with a delicious treat! It was either a Chocolate Martini or Root Beer Floats, we opted for the latter!!

I've been studying every night this week, which hasn't left me a lot of time for knitting, blogging or basically having a life outside of insurance topics.

Although a nice thing about studying in the living room chair is having a bunny over my shoulder. This is one that my DH and I found while at a bookstore.

Secret Project

I've got a secret project. Once I finished the Darkside Cowl, I felt a strong need to CO another project. So, here it is:
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply Cotton, Rayon
CO: a number between 20 and 101
Needle Size: US7 / 4.5mm
Pattern: from Yarn Harlot

Did you click on the links to get more details?

I'm making it for someone who reads this blog. So, that is all you are going to see - maybe a finished photo but you can be assured it will be disguised somehow. ;-)

DH and all bunnies have been sworn to secrecy about the project too! So, please do not ask.

Darkside Cowl - Finished!

I'm going at quite a nice pace with my finished objects this year...in a mere 46 days I've completed two items! Let us check again in a few months!

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton
Colorway: Chicory #401
CO: 88 stitches
Pattern: Darkside Cowl
Needles: Lantern Moon 16" Circular US 7 (4.5mm)

This was a fun knit. I ended at the 8th row of the second set of repeats and height wise, I'm quite pleased with it.

Bunny shot (please disregard the partial bunny foot on the left - you saw that bunny yesterday!):Enjoy the rest of your weekend as I'm off to study.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This one was from my SIL. I think it is perfect for this Valentine's Day photo!

I owe you photos

Finally, some natural sunlight around here that I can catch you up on this past week.

Here is the finished Cowl:


Of course, since I finished that one in 3 days I just HAD to start another one.
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton
Colorway: Chicory #401
CO: 88 stitches
Pattern: Darkside Cowl
Needles: Lantern Moon 16" Circular US 7 (4.5mm)

Here in New England we have been dealing with snow, ice, snow, ice then rain and I believe it then went back to ice - all just this week. Anyway, I snapped this photo on my way out the door one morning.
This was the scene out the back door:I think we are ready for Spring! Even the bunnies around the house are hiding from this weather:

What type of reader?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader   You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Interesting.

Bunny photos back tomorrow. I've been too busy knitting to take another photo tonight....must finish cowl....gotta finish cowl.

Actual Knitting in Progress Photo

I decided that my fingerless mitts were really taking me so long since they are not something I can wear right now. The temperature outside is currently 0 degrees! That is correct, big ole ZERO! That isn't counting the wind chill.

I haven't given up on them, just put them away for the time being. So, I brought out the ever faithful US 7 circulars and started a cowl for me.

CO: 112 Stitches
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton
Colorway: 774 Lush
Needles: US 7 Lantern Moon 16# Circulars

I LOVE how this is coming out! I'm thinking if I keep this up all day I may have it ready to wear tomorrow.

I'm also multi-tasking, I have my mp3 playing my next insurance exam overview. This is my last one for my third designation and by far the hardest! I've created additional stress for me in wanting to pass it on my first try, as I've accomplished with my other 5 tests.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, we have taken down our Christmas decorations. However, when I took this photo last week we had yet to put away my 'Christmas Singers'. Enjoy!The rabbit dish is from The Potting Shed. They make reproductions of the original Dedham Pottery Company. I really LOVE the items that they create (hint, hint, they make GREAT GIFTS!)! My grandmother got me this piece 2 years ago for my birthday. This is the only piece I have and I cherish it tremendously!

Now I must get back to studying and knitting - yes in that order!

Annual Tradition

I have an annual tradition that I've been doing for years now and I thought I'd share. Each year after we celebrate Thanksgiving, we get out our Christmas things. I just love how our house looks for the Christmas season, so bright and festive!

So, after the first of the year, when we take down all the decorations, the house just looks so plain until we readjust to it.

However, I keep one Christmas decoration out all year long. This 'item' changes from year to year. This year I've kept out Christmas Light Bunny!
I know each time I pass my Christmas item when the temperature hits over 90 degrees I smile!

Ice and more ice

You would think that we got our share of ice last month. This is my little tree.

I transplanted this little seedling last year. It was originally in our back acreage and looked worse than the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. I'm glad to see that it is holding up well to the recent ice we have received. (also note that I didn't crop the bottom of the photo, it was under the snow)

I've decided to get back to knit my fingerless mitts. I've been getting home too late to snap a photo of where I am, so I'll share that with you this weekend. It was quite an adjustment the other night going from the size 5 needles I had been using down to the 2's for the mitts. I made the comment to DH last night that it felt that I was knitting with toothpicks!

This is another bunny from the tree, and we each got one attached to a present one year from my Aunt. Too cute!

First FO of 2009

My orange scarf!

Pattern: K2, P2 repeat and alternative on each row
Needles: 5mm DPN
CO: 26 Stitches
Yarn: Rowan Cotton Rope, 2 skeins
Color: Orange 061

I chose to start decreasing and add a button hole. I'm not sure if this button is going to always be the one on this scarf, as I'm thinking I would like a wood one. However, this button was handy and doesn't look bad at all!

I'm trying to decide what to knit next. Do I start a new project or finish the two WIP's that I have still on needles? One is the Shawl I'm making out of seasilk (WIP from August 2007) or the more recently started fingerless mitts. I could also go with an entirely new project, as I could always use a new pair of socks.

Decisions, decisions. Well, I guess we will see what mood strikes me this week.

In the meantime, another bunny from the tree. This was from my MIL.