It’s overcast in my summer office today … and my mood is equally gloomy. I know what I should be doing and I don’t want to do it but if I continue to procrastinate, I’ll fall behind and then I’ll be in a pickle. Phooey!
Three chapters to read this week in my Human Biology online class … and it’s nowhere near as fun as knitting or baking or reading or anything else that I can think that I’d rather do. I’m feeling a bit like Eeyore – which if you really know me well, you know is not my style.
This vest is on my needles! (In a different colorway because they were sold out of almost all their cotton yarns after this pattern appeared as a free pattern on Ravelry.com!) They only had two colors … all the others (and there were many) were gone! Shelves were bare!
I love the simplicity of the pattern (and it’s easy enough to remember … even when I’m talking – or having a martini!) and the yarn colorway that I chose is great. Neutral but rich enough that I believe I will be able to wear it a lot.
The yarn, Halcyon‘s cotton, is fabulous to knit with and maintains the shape of the garment and doesn’t stretch out like with “normal” cotton. (Not to say that this yarn in abnormal, it’s, quite frankly, the best cotton that I’ve knit with to date!)
The pattern is a simple two-row pattern with the first setting the pattern and the second is just knitting. Together they create a diagonal stripe effect that I hope will be slimming and comfortable, too!
Pictures coming up!
Off I go to the porch … my summer office is sunny and clear today and I’m going to take full advantage. (The class work will have to be put aside today in favor of the sunshine!)
Gone knitting!
If you’ve never heard me recommend Jon Katz and his Bedlam Farm Journal blog, hear me now!
This morning, Jon tells a story about having given a sermon and a talk. While I know minimally about his life history, Jon is sage and doesn’t waste words (while I waste them constantly!) In his post he says, “And I said at both that in America, we are led to believe the world is in turmoil and coming apart and that we must be angry and afraid for our lives, for the weather, for our health, about money, about the rest of the world. I said I didn’t believe this. I said I believe we need to repair the earth, not make it into a political argument. And we need to live our lives, define our own notions of health – healthy people do not live in fear and anger – and lead lives of fulfillment and self-determination. That is the sacred call to life for me.”
What is my sacred call to life?
I agree with Jon. I believe that we are the creators of our own world. We are responsible for our health and the health of the little patch of world we live in. Here in Maine (and in Florida when we’re there) we don’t waste resources. We recycle everything we can. We use “clean” products and keep adding to our list. We eat as locally as possible and work to improve this, too. I value the friendships and family and remind myself of the blessings that I receive daily (well, some days are dark and ugly … I’m human and accept that I still have some growing to do.)
Canine Cousins on the Couch
When was the last time you played with a paddle ball?
We just had my brothers and sisters and my daughter and her boyfriend and eight dogs here visiting for a week. We really only left the “campus” that is Camp Smedley once – to relive the bucolic childhood that we remember in Tenants Harbor, Maine. Thirteen people (ten adults and three kids) and eight dogs got along (my mom would be so pleased!) for a week in a house on the shores of Lake Messalonskee. The visit was too short and painful when they all left – painfully quiet at first and then we simply longed for the good company of people we care about deeply. Sharing this place that means so much to us with our family was very meaningful and will be stored away in the memory as one of the best ever experiences.
Cousins and Cards!
I know I am on this planet to do something that will make a difference. I may have already made it … I raised three children to be independent and they know that they need to find their own happiness. They have the tools and the “smarts” to do what they need to do to get there and they are all on their way. I have touched the lives and hearts of children, volunteering in the schools, bantering with my kids’ friends. I have held the hands of friends who were struggling and I have mourned their passing. I’ve tried to be supportive of their loved ones left behind – at least I offered to be available and with an open heart. I’ve shared my talents and continue to share the things I love to do. I think there are still great things that I can do and I am learning about myself and discovering what I am passionate about.
Life is full of blessings and the world is a wonderful place to be … if you just believe it is so.
So, we’ve been talking about making our own laundry soap and other household cleaners. Part of the desire to do this is that we’re in Maine for the summer and everything here just seems cleaner and more natural. The other part is that the stuff you buy in the grocery store is anything but natural and it’s pretty expensive. So, we raced to the Internet and here’s what we found.
I found several websites with my Google search for “natural laundry soap recipes” but the “best” one that I found is on Tipnut.com which has ten (yes, ten!) recipes and some other ideas and suggestions (click here to visit). And the bonus is that we have all the stuff we need here in the house. So, we’re going to try one or two of them and I’ll report back on how the clothes look (and smell!) We have had a challenging towel situation and I’ll tell you more about that, too.
All of this natural cleaning stuff really started because of my allergies … I have had an allergic cough for ever. So, since we’re here and it feels like the thing to think about and discuss in the evening, I’ve also been researching natural home cleaning products. Yes, I may be willing to give up my swiffer – or at least the disposable and perfumed cleaning pad part! And I may be sharing a knitted idea that will replace them. Stay tuned!
One thing that I’ve learned so far is that one of the best natural disinfectants is vinegar. Yes, plain old white vinegar! And the only reason that the information isn’t “out there” is because of “red tape”. You’re welcome to read more about this here but suffice it to say that the EPA has fouled this up … and, um, doesn’t natural disinfectant protect the environment? So, anyway, if you’re cleaning a bathroom, check the link for tips … and don’t buy toilet cleaner and shower cleaner and floor cleaner and sink cleaner any more.
We’ll update you when the house and laundry are clean!
Till then, I’ve got some knitting pattern research to do!
I’ve been making a pair of Bella Mittens (and they’re quite lovely) from the free pattern on Ravelry but you can find them on Marielle Henault’s blog by clicking here. I really like the way they’re knitting up and the yarn that I bought for them at Halcyon Yarns in Bath is really soft and a pretty color. I’m quite pleased.
One of the things I like best about the pattern is the way that Marielle does her increases in the thumb gusset. I’ve made a bunch of gloves and mittens and never were the directions (at least it’s my perception) so clear. And she has designed using M1, one is a left-leaning increase and one a right-leaning increase which makes the added stitches look so pretty on the finished garment.
The left-leaning increase or M1L is made by using the left needle to pick up the stitch between the two needles from the front to the back and then knitting into the back of the stitch. Thus adding a stitch.
The right leaning increase is just a tiny bit different – you pick up the stitch from the back to the front and then knit into the front of the stitch. Notice how each different increase leans slightly to the left or right … cool, huh?
The end result is a really nice looking gusset (once you’ve increased a few times, you’ll see the pretty pattern developing. This can really be used in any mitten or glove pattern where there are increases for the thumb gusset and they make the piece look so professionally done. Imagine caring about the garment that you are making?! 🙂
So, now that you’ll be practicing your increases, the residents in our home will also be increasing. My brothers all arrive with their wives, families and dogs on Thursday evening. We can hardly wait – although our dogs will be a bit less comfortable with all the cousins around. My eldest daughter is also coming with her boyfriend and dog. We’ll be ten adults, three children and eight dogs. One brother and two sisters (I’ve told you before how I don’t like the in-law tag, right? I believe that my brother’s wife is my sister and that’s just that. Having been an in-law for almost 30 years, I never was made to feel an equal in their family and I don’t want that in my family) … as I was saying, my oldest brother and two of my sisters, happens to be the two newest ones, have never been to Maine. So, we’ll be eating a lot of lobster and touring our old stomping grounds from when we were kids. The house will be full of fishermen and women, knitters, dogs, dirt, laundry, cooks, dish washers and lots and lots of love.
I feel so blessed to have my family growing exponentially after the age of 50 … and it’s just not my kids who are adding those family members! Maybe that’s the coolest part of all. One new sister by marriage and a new big brother and sister by miracle.
Life is good!
Gone knitting!
I stumbled upon this “poem” (?) on another blog because it was quoted by a friend on facebook … how technology has educated me! Anyway, it is long but it’s worth a good (conscious) read. I’ve added some of my thoughts in living color, of course!
I’ve Learned
I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them. (And if they can’t love you, that’s their issue, it’s not about you/me)
I’ve learned that no matter how much I care,
some people just don’t care back.
I’ve learned that it takes years to build up trust
and only seconds to destroy it. (Amen to that!)
I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts. (Life is too short to “waste” on people who don’t have my best interest at heart. I choose to be around healthy, productive, loving, honest people with whom I share something. I don’t have hundreds of good friends but I have a few – and that is good.)
I’ve learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you’d better know something.I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself
to the best others can do,
but to the best you can do. (Comparing does no good, it always makes me feel badly.)
I’ve learned that it’s not what happens to people,
It’s what they do about it.
I’ve learned that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.
I’ve learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you’ll see them. (Yup.)
I’ve learned that you can keep going
long after you think you can’t.I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don’t know how to show it. (I believe this was my father!)
I’ve learned that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love. (This is all about my college buddies … who’ve been my friends through thick and thin, married and divorced, happy and sad, sober and drunk. They’re the best gang of girls I could ever have as friends – and it’s been since we were 18!)
I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to
doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have. (I also believe that you can teach people how you want to be treated … if they want to change, they can! And don’t accept anything less that what you want!)I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend is,
they’re going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. (Best way to heal and move forward but not easy!)
I’ve learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken,
the world doesn’t stop for your grief. (And we shouldn’t expect the world to stop for our broken hearts. It’s nice to have it acknowledged, and nice to acknowledge the grief of others … you may be the only one who’s thought to do it and it’s never a wasted effort!)
I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do. (Fight fairly. Cruelty is not OK. Period.)
I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put the individual
ahead of their actions.
I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.
I’ve learned that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves go farther in life. (And oh, this is not easy! You have to eat a lot of humble pie when you’re honest with yourself.)
I’ve learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don’t even know you. (OMG, this is so true. I found my full-blooded big brother at the age of 50 thanks to a perfect stranger. It was a true miracle!)
I’ve learned that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.I’ve learned that writing,
as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains. (… and it helps me work through problems or issues in my own time and in my own way – which is the only way that I know how to do things. Someone else may do it differently and that’s what works for them. Doesn’t make my way better or worse – it’s just mine.)
I’ve learned that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.
I’ve learned that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice
and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I’ve learned to love
and be loved.
I’ve learned…
… and I’m still learning … actually, I work to learn something new almost every day. That’s the only way that I can keep improving and keep moving. With a smile on my face, I choose to move forward with love in my heart (and my heart on my sleeve.)
Gone knitting!
The Bella mittens are on the needles and, thanks to a trip down to Concord, MA, the first one is nearly done. Had I brought my “ditty bag” full of all the markers and holders, it would have been completely finished. I’m using a really great red yarn that I bought in Bath last week.
The two socks on one needle are knitting up well. Not sure I love the fiber – it’s a bit rough but I’m sure my feet won’t mind. When the toes are warm, it’s all good.
I’m going to try to photograph how easy this two socks on one needle is and put the pictures up here.
I also love the way the thumb gusset is made in the Bella mittens – with a left and right leaning increase, it looks so professional and polished.
Pictures to come. BUT since I am “pooped” from our little foray into Massachusetts, I’m going to grab a little bite to eat and climb into my own bed.
More knitting tomorrow!
So, I’ve finished the second design for the Prima Dogma for Queen Bee Knits line. An Irish knit sweater that I think I’ll be calling “Mac Tire” (pronounced “mock teerah”) which is Gaelic for wolf or, literally, son of the land.
As I’m new to designing, this sweater isn’t perfect yet but I think I’m on the right track. I love the cables that I chose and I am happy with the fit except for the length under the belly (it’s too short) and the chest needs to be a bit longer. So, back to the drawing board!
And while I have your attention, I wanted to show you a lovely natural phenomenon that we witnessed in recent days (well, before the rain returned!)
One day we noticed a patch of the new mulch was covered in these: 
Turns out that this phenomenon is called “puddling” and it’s male tiger tail butterflies who do it. It’s part of their mating ritual – they are sucking nutrients out of the mulch to give them what they need to reproduce. Cool, huh?
I counted up to 10 at one time, here in the mulch. One had a damaged tail but seemed to be doing just fine. We’d walk in and out of the house and they’d fly away and then return to the same spot. Over and over, all day long.
And then another day, we heard this strange sound up by the railroad tracks. The train didn’t seem to be moving. Well, upon further investigation, this is what we found …
Central Maine Railroad - New Rails
They were laying down new rails! The rails are one quarter mile long a piece and they slide out of this “train” like play dough out of an extruder. The process was rather interesting and left us “blocked in” because we have to cross the railroad tracks when we come and go … and this is what was at the top of the driveway.
No way, even with the truck, that we could drive over the rail. Luckily, though, the next step was for a big “digger” (backhoe?) to dig up the driveway and bury the rails on either side of the existing tracks. One of these days (and that’s a relative term) they’ll come back and put the new rails into place and remove the old rails and build a new crossing at the top of the drive.
Could be next summer! I love Maine!
It’s another rainy day in New England and so we took a drive to Freeport where there was a “huge tent sale” advertised and as it was to support a foundation, we thought it was a good one to support. Well, not so much “huge” as “pretty big”. I was thinking yarn and needles and maybe even a spinning wheel (not that I would know what to do with it) or an armoire for the bathroom. Yeah, well, no. But we did buy a $10 canoe paddle (we don’t own a canoe).
While in Freeport, I had to stop for a couple of gifts at L. L. Bean and then while N. went to look at a used canoe … I got dropped off in Bath. Home to Halcyon Yarns. I’ve been there before and loved wandering the store. Halcyon has fiber and just about anything you can imagine for spinning, felting, weaving, knitting, crochet, etc. I have yet to leave the store without saying, “Someday, I want to learn to …” (weave, spin …) I loved a shrug-cowl-thingy that they had as a sample and if they’d had three or four skeins of the yarn in the bargain bin, I’d have bought that too … it’s from the book Cowl Girls which is loaded with cowls that I would love to knit (if I just had more hours in the day!)
Today, after a couple hours of browsing, I left with a big shopping bag full of yarn.
My Haul! 🙂
Cotton (on a cone!) for a vest in a really pretty khaki with a browny-green tint for moi! – and several other gift items that I want to make for birthdays and Christmas. (Yes, I’m already thinking ahead to Christmas!) A couple of pairs of worsted weight socks, alpaca fingerless gloves, mittens and a couple of patterns. The best part is that with the exception of the yarn for my vest and the aaforementioned pair of mittens that I’ve been wanting to knit (you’ve seen the Bella mittens from Ravelry?), all of the yarn was half price or just about half price. So, when the total was rung up, I was so excited! Such a deal!
All knitters know that this is an expensive habit. Today I celebrated clearance bins!
When we got just a little bit lost on the way back home, the second (or was it third?) dead end we came upon, we decided to stop to let the dogs out to do their business and saw a bird that I don’t think I’ve ever seen
before … I consulted the bird book that lives in the car and found that it was a bobolink. They are really pretty little birds and we enjoyed watching a couple of males and a female fly around this lovely field that we “found”. Thanks for the photo to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website … if you like birds, you’ll love this site!
After that, we decided to follow Ethel’s (our GPS) directions and we actually made it home.
Now, dear readers, I’m going to upload a couple of photos for you and then I’m outta here. New fiber means new knitting adventures!
This is my coffee cup. I made it in a pottery (wheel) class in Cincinnati ages ago and it lives here in our summer “camp” in Maine. This is my summer “office”, the front porch. Most days, this is what it looks like when I get to the office at 7 or 8 a.m. My typical day starts here with my knitting bag and whatever knitting project I happen to be working on – some days I even let myself choose to knit just for fun! I realize that not everyone gets to take their work with them on the road and I am feeling extremely grateful today that I have the most wonderful (and beautiful) “office” to work in.
I’m off to the office. (*wink* *wink*)
Queen Bee Knits 