Solstice

And it is Solstice.  ready to start on the upswing of daylight.

Solstice

Patch woke me up at 4:00, this morning.  The moon was bright on a little bit of snow in the yard.  A couple hours later, Patch, Meggen and I went for a walk in about 3 inches of fluffy snow.  so clean and bright.  Patch likes to roll and make snow dog angels, Meggen like to run.
The temperature has warmed, it is slushy, wet snow and the road is just wet.
Tomorrow is Solstice, we will start to gain daylight.  I always look forward to winter Solstice.

Dog Walk

Just got in from the nightly dog walk and there was no sparkly, crunchy grass.  It has warmed up a bit.
I have new glasses and my husband, now calls me Elton, as in Elton John.  There is a bit of color in the frames, whether it is same level of Elton John is questionable.

Almost December

November has had some beautiful dry days, I have walked the neighborhood loop a few times.  Meggen has a sore leg, so only goes on short walks.  Patch is too old for a loop walk, so short walks for her, too.
On the knitting front, the mystery knit along was started.  I was not loving it, so it got frogged.  The yarn has found a new project, a shawl called Happy Street.  I am about 75% complete.
I have been working a little at WildFibers, it is kind of fun.  Tomorrow, the first Sunday of the month means sock Sunday at WildFibers.  I think I will string a few days in a row at the shop. 

Fresh Snow

On my way home from Sock Sunday, I saw some new snow on the mountain tops.  It looked bright and fresh. 

Swans

Trumpeter swans are moving back for the winter.
Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of my 21st birthday.  What a difference in 40 year?!

Knitting

completed shawl

what a week

It has been a bit crazy, around here.  Wednesday night, Patch had a seizure.  She was sleeping, Gary was sleeping, I was on the computer.  I heard her stumble into the door or wall.  Her right front and rear leg seems most affected, I initially thought she had a stroke.  Her eyes were twitchy, she seems disoriented.  We comforted her, as best we could.  Discuss veterinary options.  In about an hour, she seems back to normal, just tired.  The next morning, Patch seemed to her old self.  Both Patch and Meggen are due for their yearly checkups in early November.  We saw the vet, today and they both got a star on their check ups.  Yes, it could have been a seizure and whether it is a one time deal, we will monitor.  Dogs usually don't have strokes.
Then, today, I took the dogs for a walk up the access road on the north side of our place.  There is a parcel of property for sale up this road.  There are tire tracks more frequently with the property listed.  I walk, this every day.  Today, there are fresh tracks that curve to the northwest.  I think that is odd, so I look at the end of the tracks.  There on the side of the access road is a deer carcass.  What the heck.  This is right before time to go to the vet appointment. 
When we return home, I walked over to the neighbor, he is retired Fish and Game.  Mike and I walk up to the deer, which is partially in a drainage ditch.  The deer (doe) had been gutted, he said poorly and dumped.  He says this happens, similar to this situation, quite a bit.  He took a photo with his phone and knew who to call at Fish and Game. 
I almost forgot, we lost power about 9:30 Tuesday night, car accident, utility pole and fog.  The power was out about 10 hours.  The internet and land line phone were out 20 hours.  Our cell phones are not great without the signal booster, which goes through the internet.  This month has been vary foggy.

Oct 16

I have had blog posts in my mind, but am slow in posting.
On Sunday, I drove from Spokane on highway 2.  I had not traveling this route in 12 or 15 years.  I was enjoying the different scenery.  One photo of my mind was Banks Lake.  Banks Lake was a lovely deep blue and the surrounding terrain shades on tans, light to dark.  I liked the contrast of the texture and the color of the natural surrounding.
I visited with Dorothy Ann, both Saturday and Sunday.
My drive on Saturday was the more typical route of highway 90.  I had a stack of jazz CD to keep me entertained.

9/11

Twelve years ago, our country was stunned with tragedy.  It is a day that stands boldly in my memory.  I am not sure if all the tributes (yes, I am writing this) are necessary. Is it time for the families to have some time and peace to heal, with their own memories?
Some one left a small bouquet of flowers at our volunteer fire department, 12 years ago, that touched my heart.  such caring and sharing. 

Yarn and stuff

Baby Hat

Yarn for a mystery shawl, knit along

A shawl in progress



One would think, I would have miles of knitted fabric with my new found time.  Not so much, so far, lots of time going to the father in law's estate.

Speed Bumps of Life

I had thought, I was on track with a plan.  My big plan was to retire, next year.  I had been thinking of details for the big retirement day, let's just say, until I was thrown under the bus, Wednesday evening.
So, my retirement began in a fast forward mode.  I am no longer employed, have been adjusting to the idea and liking the idea.  Not exactly, as I had planned in my mind.  If you given lemons, make lemonade and look at the positive opportunity ahead.  Onward and upward!

Sunset

As we were driving home from dialysis, tonight, the sun was bright red as it was dropping below the horizon.

Lew

rest in peace

Another Sock

the start of a sock

A Bit of Knitting

 Windward April 2013

 Alpaca scarf March 2013

 Jeff's Socks

Bermunda June 2013

1950

Mom and Dad

Sock Knitting

When sock Sunday falls on Cinco De Mayo, that becomes sock knitting with Margaritas.

Sock Summit

The big knitting news of the week, there will be no more Sock Summits.  I attended both SS09 and SS11in Portland, Oregon.  The energy of sock knitters is wonderful.  I love the fact, that I am part of sock knitting history.  I have attended other knitting events and retreats, but Sock Summit is the very top of my list.
Change does happen, and we can only move forward.  So, I feel since there will not be a SS14, it is time to reach into my bucket list and plans some other travels.  Current ideas include, road trip to New Mexico, via Crater Lake, Zion and Bryce, knitting cruise in the Canadian Maritime Provinces, and some where south of the equator, currently leaning towards New Zealand and/or Australia. 
I took a knitting class, yesterday on Estonian Lace Knitting, Estonia could be added to my bucket list.  Nancy is very compassionate about the history and traditions of lace knitting.

Knitting Camp

I have returned from my yearly knitting camp.
Getting to camp was a bit challenging.  The car was running rough and the check engine light was on, so I dropped it off at the dealer, after Sock Sunday, a week ago.  One part arrived on Wednesday, the other part arrived on Friday.  Friday, I got a ride to town with my camping gear, traveling light (only 2 knitting projects).  Had to wait a bit for the car, but I had knitting.  Got the car, filled it with gas and a coffee for me and head to camp, which is not far.  Well, the check engine light came on, so I drove back to the dealer and they were out of loaner cars.  So, can I get a ride to camp?  Sure, they have a stretch limo, I got my ride to camp.  Fellow campers were disappointed and had wished I called to say I would be arriving in a limo, they said they wanted to come greet my arrival.
Got a ride to Mount Vernon with Donna, today.  Gary and the dogs picked me up. 
Hopefully, we are in for a week with one car, again.
Camp was good, nice to catch up with friends, have a weekend of knitting with our meals prepared for us.

Drive Home

Last night, I left work right at 5: pm, a rare occurrence.  Stopped for one errand, then as I headed west I watched the sunset.  Nice.
Off to knitting camp, today and the sun is shining.

Dad

Happy Birthday, Dad
What age will you choose, this year 16? 27?, or maybe 85. 
I do miss you, Dad.

Cold Weekend

I am sticking to my schedule of at least 3 walks per week in our neighborhood.  I have a 2.7 mile loop, which Meggen and started walking, (again) on Thanksgiving.  As I worked 4 days, next week, I didn't an options on which 3 days.  I am not walking in the dark.  Friday, was rainy and windy and crisp, debated about turning back a couple times, but walked the entire route.
Saturday was the best weather, just early in the day, as I had an all day knitting class to attend.
Sunday, just windy, but a cold wind, but finished my walk, then a warm shower and lunch in Edison.
Think to put my feet up and knit a bit.

Nicole and Meggen

 

Yellowstone

August 2008

Adorable

Bayview State Park.

2008

 

Nicole

A few days before Nicole's second birthday
 

Sunshine

Meggen and I walking on a sunny day, earlier, this month.

Knitting

 Lale Shawl completed Dec. 30

 Hat completed, today

 Baby sweater out of sock yarn, completed, earlier this month.

another view of hat.

Goal

Early in 2012, I stated I will learn 12 new knitting techniques in 2012.  My original list was about half done, but did learn 12 new techniques, last year with my modified list.
I am not going to attempt 13 techniques for this year.  I am always learning.

Happy New Year

I do plan to continue to blog.