tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35207840872331391142024-03-19T04:09:53.120-07:00How Big is Your StashRamblings about my knitting, my dogs and horses, and occasionally even my children.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-43289857677332270032012-01-19T00:46:00.000-08:002012-01-26T15:53:34.771-08:00Cable MadnessBut in a good way! This <a href="http://www.universalyarn.com/page.php?page=138">sweater</a> is fun to knit. A couple evenings after this picture was taken ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzWe8CHwLU_WzHj6IwzR8VYXPh4BXEl5H0yz1m11qVYupv34SHe-7MgtQiQUmetus5-wVDPAUvqNUFL9h2uRjdFaGajVBvrEiB04Bb1LIyVkq7xMq4ttkSRK7qP3bFO21agjEQLcDHePx/s1600/winding1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699071705213437234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzWe8CHwLU_WzHj6IwzR8VYXPh4BXEl5H0yz1m11qVYupv34SHe-7MgtQiQUmetus5-wVDPAUvqNUFL9h2uRjdFaGajVBvrEiB04Bb1LIyVkq7xMq4ttkSRK7qP3bFO21agjEQLcDHePx/s400/winding1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
... both sleeves were done. And, as long as I had both sizes of needles out, I cast on for the body. The cable chart looks like a football team's secret line of attack, but after the first repeat, it is easy enough that, with the exception of a couple of very busy rows, reading the sweater is almost all you have to do to know what's coming next. Notice that I said "after the first repeat," which is what I had finished, plus about 15 rows more, when I noticed an errant cable. One of the big ones that couldn't be ignored. My reaction? Suffice to say that my dog left the room.<br />
<br />
In the interest of setting a good example -- for just who, I don't know -- I decided to dive down and repair it. What did I have to lose? If it didn't work, I'd have to rip back. If I didn't even try, I'd have to rip back.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ap9mHe-JfUj_2SCenm8LQQiVVFmDPpVTyaS51glSqVdke8n6q2q0vlA81iZQbu5WltkeYY0lP-wPAv_V2-LRPOaYA3UhQQFFH_Rs0sJcNwyR2ZLp84_Dep0VDYC353BvNja2bWkNg8y8/s1600/winding2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699071710142880386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ap9mHe-JfUj_2SCenm8LQQiVVFmDPpVTyaS51glSqVdke8n6q2q0vlA81iZQbu5WltkeYY0lP-wPAv_V2-LRPOaYA3UhQQFFH_Rs0sJcNwyR2ZLp84_Dep0VDYC353BvNja2bWkNg8y8/s400/winding2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 252px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Technically, the dive-down-and-repair was working, but it looked, well, saggy and nasty. Anyway, the ripout, repair and recovery have disappeared in the rear view, <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNkv8n-RvUelQaDLpo1DkPzyhcNYcx3tu53mvqGS3zW8rNS87vkXO0ZB7tMXSKfyVHUBj9HDV11pN_sifNyRUzLpiLHe1SE-7hqxz5yRrgPk2UoKvGIHqncROY-oWvR9BwfF5XTlmfVy6/s1600/winding3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699071714023760850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNkv8n-RvUelQaDLpo1DkPzyhcNYcx3tu53mvqGS3zW8rNS87vkXO0ZB7tMXSKfyVHUBj9HDV11pN_sifNyRUzLpiLHe1SE-7hqxz5yRrgPk2UoKvGIHqncROY-oWvR9BwfF5XTlmfVy6/s400/winding3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 260px;" /></a><br />
<br />
as has my secret goal of having it finished to take on <a href="http://www.wsranch.com/">vacation</a> in a couple of weeks. Yeah, yeah, I know. It wasn't realistic, but man, I wanted to make it happen.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3L6Q8A_of2hZFSihflHkOsfXjwH1fTCKJxCkftzEDCc8yHLVN0wi2xNzXlWnKfq5BuXqxocFi76I2BMkC8zEocGKld7BmiKBUDEGJsWiFJXxPKnZ4-kK0DIKzwyPy4IrEk_TP2Os5qfg/s1600/winding4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699071718476909586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3L6Q8A_of2hZFSihflHkOsfXjwH1fTCKJxCkftzEDCc8yHLVN0wi2xNzXlWnKfq5BuXqxocFi76I2BMkC8zEocGKld7BmiKBUDEGJsWiFJXxPKnZ4-kK0DIKzwyPy4IrEk_TP2Os5qfg/s400/winding4.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-40485314242336716192012-01-09T10:17:00.000-08:002012-01-10T00:12:13.541-08:00She Likes It. She Really Likes It!*<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rJCIsYgqPSkhfPdDgLT6sKN3DF1UCpEniwG9RAp9idwg_Jpy-97JlL9uzAoHZP8scUoxqkHxTZ7cw-_lmLD8wnysIdkFfWrCYuC2wnbiUjNUdfiYsODu8VtH3t6K65Vm-ZAftf6dqMb4/s1600/cowl1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rJCIsYgqPSkhfPdDgLT6sKN3DF1UCpEniwG9RAp9idwg_Jpy-97JlL9uzAoHZP8scUoxqkHxTZ7cw-_lmLD8wnysIdkFfWrCYuC2wnbiUjNUdfiYsODu8VtH3t6K65Vm-ZAftf6dqMb4/s400/cowl1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695699700739847330" /></a><br />This book -- its patterns range from fabulous to you-can't-be-serious -- has been keeping me company for maybe a year, stacked next to The Knitting Chair. So, with the Christmas clock ticking and finding myself a gift short, it was time to get crackin'. I'd seen the "Buttoned Up" knit in some <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/0108F3D0-DFDC-4C50-B4D8-F23CE2A3BF01/productID/3E96E7B8-17EF-4A77-A41F-26A489ACC54B/">Baby Alpaca Grande Handpaint</a>, and who was I to quibble? Imitation being the best form of flattery -- or lazy thinking, take your pick. I'll own it -- I did the same, but at least struck out and used college girl pink. What a yummy way to spend a couple of evenings! It's nice, nice yarn, so wonderful in the hands and around the neck, I'll be making one for myself, in the burgundy/brown colors. <br /><br />Consumer tip: The pattern called for a 10.5 needle, but I found it a bit loose, especially after blocking. Will definitely try a 10 the next time. <br /><br />Consumer tip redux: If your local shop does not have the book any more, it is available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cowl-Girls-Necks-Thing-Knit/dp/1936096048/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326181955&sr=1-1">here</a>. But please ask at your shop first.<br /><br />It looked a little limp and sorry as she unwrapped it, so it was amusing to watch her put on her game face and a robo-smile. But it looks pretty genuine now!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oXVsa16p5NmnexjFwKpqa24cYmUzacD8t8R0aDnuMN-wDFYK6uHOdggWqdohHOPp5xb6LOsHpOBld2dBlWmDAoPcbTRspAuWUOGTXGnsGeukXLRHnLvImFMZIg2_99VrV5bL4k609Bsu/s1600/cowl4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oXVsa16p5NmnexjFwKpqa24cYmUzacD8t8R0aDnuMN-wDFYK6uHOdggWqdohHOPp5xb6LOsHpOBld2dBlWmDAoPcbTRspAuWUOGTXGnsGeukXLRHnLvImFMZIg2_99VrV5bL4k609Bsu/s400/cowl4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695699724918579618" /></a><br /><br />* apologies to Sally Field -- OK, not reallyRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-84525885221018349882011-12-28T11:35:00.000-08:002011-12-28T18:25:49.490-08:00He's a Sweet KittyI found a couple of pictures of BoingBoing in my phone the other day. They were taken in the last few months, I couldn't really say when. But I like them, so here they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzFf7lM_LeXPVzimChPu4M2KE2TLKCLjUDHi8__b9KRN6AbDRwIcxDo5ozC9jdqflx1d3hQd3UdcvG7QCGbiqxlQL4nitG2hAW6vwhle4SA_6npnXo-JR6ReIxAxc-8HmQuJt5QNBEWdM/s1600/boingwsj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzFf7lM_LeXPVzimChPu4M2KE2TLKCLjUDHi8__b9KRN6AbDRwIcxDo5ozC9jdqflx1d3hQd3UdcvG7QCGbiqxlQL4nitG2hAW6vwhle4SA_6npnXo-JR6ReIxAxc-8HmQuJt5QNBEWdM/s400/boingwsj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691265217820190146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR01AXOHZaAFW-gAoCqcyAn65AVDvD5Yp59h-t84K0BQ5F19_G0LMj7qHhBe88rxqUVOdbZ5K4GA7jUE1fI_uL3YGK9-8vWkUvtFjssksR9YcTw1E8gRPVhMH8niLxPi0jH5IuYs5kVPmC/s1600/boing1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR01AXOHZaAFW-gAoCqcyAn65AVDvD5Yp59h-t84K0BQ5F19_G0LMj7qHhBe88rxqUVOdbZ5K4GA7jUE1fI_uL3YGK9-8vWkUvtFjssksR9YcTw1E8gRPVhMH8niLxPi0jH5IuYs5kVPmC/s400/boing1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691265211752657682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He can be an <a href="http://howbigisyourstash.blogspot.com/2010/05/busy-boingboing.html">imp</a>, but he's the sweetest thing since honey. He purrs and squeaks, but doesn't meow, howl or any other usual cat sounds. His best friend is Henry -- they wrestle and chase and ambush each other, it's pretty funny. I only break things up when the dog drags Kitten by the tail.<br /><br />Yes, he has an odd name. Nothing really seemed to fit, and we didn't want to keep "Lucy" after we confirmed the boy bits. He was spring-loaded when he was small, which is how we got his name. These days, ballast issues may prompt me to change it -- to Thud.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-39460121925489370472011-12-06T17:50:00.001-08:002011-12-06T18:03:17.951-08:00Time Out for Sheep Cuteness<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/28mB950rXLU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GzxkNRvujiw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />And, for the curious, this is how they got those sweet lambs to sing ...<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/atj7sj2wz4I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-51066817760138986942011-12-04T10:53:00.000-08:002011-12-06T15:55:15.138-08:00Reclaiming my Needles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ1Y_7DWy_M6md7MBivhtnasG3JSri9QCXdXJp5xQ21yst1sSIN8pVtXZvWoCWo5IjbQQye7zdCdUCwSWWey4DRZmosBN3rmiglA5JZwIdOHQs7ZZcgRYdqam9EF9d0XkJ8EsL4fIWmJU/s1600/josharpvest4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ1Y_7DWy_M6md7MBivhtnasG3JSri9QCXdXJp5xQ21yst1sSIN8pVtXZvWoCWo5IjbQQye7zdCdUCwSWWey4DRZmosBN3rmiglA5JZwIdOHQs7ZZcgRYdqam9EF9d0XkJ8EsL4fIWmJU/s400/josharpvest4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682349631841855682" /></a><br />Its given name is the <a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/33195898/WIDE_COLLAR_VEST.jpg">Jo Sharp wide collar vest</a>, a project that, according to my Ravelry page, I started in ... 2007! Yes, Henry, that was before you were even born. It soon became known as the project with interminable ribbing. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3S6k1MBI5uPi9KpXiRr6BUR0Pk1CPGYccsLh_MWshjh4RbkBo23snPfSIKWIWJENd4JqYoCzbK5PILDZnp_X3YMTBjKnKcuZzAl0YoWlklODlQRezeMRxUAd9DLiZmjsBrFPKZXKDesy-/s1600/josharpvest2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3S6k1MBI5uPi9KpXiRr6BUR0Pk1CPGYccsLh_MWshjh4RbkBo23snPfSIKWIWJENd4JqYoCzbK5PILDZnp_X3YMTBjKnKcuZzAl0YoWlklODlQRezeMRxUAd9DLiZmjsBrFPKZXKDesy-/s400/josharpvest2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682349641617904018" /></a><br />Also known as too tedious for words and the only justification for a knitting machine. And as of last week ... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey0TAnfdg3PNfj-tyTVVidHZ0GVp8afFwIrofF_QQnioEUUzwuAi3GXcR6Wn8nkyQaOp6U_7ecYqCiPpkaiLJRHqAvvaQQvShLCcak3kuUWnH4Yw0vtVwPdKi74sGAcx9ezUnT9nVKyJS/s1600/josharpvest3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey0TAnfdg3PNfj-tyTVVidHZ0GVp8afFwIrofF_QQnioEUUzwuAi3GXcR6Wn8nkyQaOp6U_7ecYqCiPpkaiLJRHqAvvaQQvShLCcak3kuUWnH4Yw0vtVwPdKi74sGAcx9ezUnT9nVKyJS/s400/josharpvest3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682349627524612978" /></a><br />It's also known as finished! Kvetching aside, I like this vest a lot. It's warm but not bulky and fits nicely whether belted or not. I hope others like it, too, because they will be seeing it alot.<br /><br />I have indeed reclaimed my size 6 Addis, which I thought were 5s, which I need to start the body portion of <a href="http://www.universalyarn.com/page.php?page=138">this</a>. I thought briefly of taping together all the 16-inch 5s that aren't busy and make do, but sanity quickly returned and I opted instead to fetch some 7s and make the first sleeve: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWhdvGutYJEe90ALvATluCQIDCqHurRFTQ1rkssaXI7TeI21kFS4wvw_K6MDHL5pLCe3uxCCvCOHgH2YyV2kJR3TFp8O4j9rk5Y4KpwCCoacRYnn3y0buGJClk8bzzHHVbtdGgixh6oEd/s1600/bluecables2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWhdvGutYJEe90ALvATluCQIDCqHurRFTQ1rkssaXI7TeI21kFS4wvw_K6MDHL5pLCe3uxCCvCOHgH2YyV2kJR3TFp8O4j9rk5Y4KpwCCoacRYnn3y0buGJClk8bzzHHVbtdGgixh6oEd/s400/bluecables2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682544729893065282" /></a><br />Berroco refers to it as <a href="http://berroco.com/shade_cards/blackstone_tweed_sh.html">Blackstone Tweed</a>, shade 2635, but I call it medium teal -- it reminds me of Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran. I've heard one complaint that it breaks, but I have had no issue with it. I am falling in love.<br /><br />I haven't decided what to do with the two leftover balls of the <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/felted-tweed-dk">Felted Tweed</a>, but I should be able to find something <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/books/nordic-knits">here</a>, don't you think?<br /><br />P.S. If you're Christmas shopping for your favorite knitter, be sure to read the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>'s last few posts. She knows what she's talking about. Just sayin' ...Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-1876003651317171912011-11-16T21:39:00.000-08:002011-11-16T21:40:33.943-08:00Hip-Hip HoofbeatsThis is not your grandmother's dressage freestyle:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/knCj92zA0tU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-74055435663118738562011-11-15T13:13:00.000-08:002011-11-15T13:17:37.301-08:00Something is Not RightI saw this item from the <a href="www.latimes.com">Los Angeles Times</a>. Am I the only one who is disturbed?<br /><br />Infants and toddlers are spending twice as much time with screen media as they are with books, according to a national study by Common Sense Media.<br />Forty percent of 2- to 4-year-olds and 52 percent of 5- to 8-year-olds are using smartphones, video iPods, iPads or similar devices, the study found.<br />Among the study’s other key findings:<br />• Forty-two percent of children younger than 8 have a television in their bedroom.<br />• In a typical day, 11 percent of kids up to age 8 use a smartphone, video iPod, iPad or similar device to play games, watch videos or use apps. Those who do such activities spend an average of 43 minutes a day doing so.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-11363289127874777712011-11-13T11:47:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:10:25.406-08:00Compare and ContrastThis weekend has been nothing short of miraculously mild for this time of year -- riding outside in shirtsleeves in November? Yes, really. Everyone is talking about it. What I keep thinking about is a year ago this very weekend, when not only was Dr. Denney bird hunting in South Dakota, as he is now, but it was considerably<a href="http://howbigisyourstash.blogspot.com/2010/11/glad-thats-over.html"> less lovely</a>.<br /><br />Speaking of less lovely ... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGuX5wMfKC1JDSftIX1LU8P3-vdJy-fnIw17eY-wrfafHruUNdYliUwSj9T9snnWl7C1dY1BboW8WorX2fypsDAHMDWGb4dvZ01CwWWqBUWy6ChFoB2U_J4FnndBaUe1806JNOq8o8egA/s1600/tangle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGuX5wMfKC1JDSftIX1LU8P3-vdJy-fnIw17eY-wrfafHruUNdYliUwSj9T9snnWl7C1dY1BboW8WorX2fypsDAHMDWGb4dvZ01CwWWqBUWy6ChFoB2U_J4FnndBaUe1806JNOq8o8egA/s400/tangle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674570298816988898" /></a><br />This is what it looks like the third time a Christmas ornament gets frogged. Why? Because the knitter hadn't read fair isle charts with increases/decreases for ... longer than she realized, clearly! After making probably all of the mistakes that can be made on a small globe-like object, it finally got sorted out. Among the five or six of us who chipped in to help get the <a href="http://www.sheepyyarnmn.com/">shop</a> ready for the holidays, this was the result (The hapless tangle is now the rocking horse, just left of center):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl5a0gj0eXdZCRfSVLqXIIWctB0jCsDu5jDu5ZrZrZNlB1lMM508ERw7ukDX91tN8UcADJRpQu2hK_Wy8WTRn41NTdlavHoAFLUipvP5a1rcvsRvk8gg_qj-vdnFqz-e9e-Sm3sPSXFCD/s1600/tangle2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl5a0gj0eXdZCRfSVLqXIIWctB0jCsDu5jDu5ZrZrZNlB1lMM508ERw7ukDX91tN8UcADJRpQu2hK_Wy8WTRn41NTdlavHoAFLUipvP5a1rcvsRvk8gg_qj-vdnFqz-e9e-Sm3sPSXFCD/s400/tangle2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674570302894020898" /></a><br />Then there's this little odd bit, <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHZjQf7gD_gQnQvjLf2bvWFka2CZdVvV9nlQWPsOvh1hSDoe5dJ_VqwMeH-c4HmwQfcuq4_EH_8-d7IH-nCw4rwbPuCx5kDMsYy8cpNF6QOQ-nffTVvX0Ec8XuraAntM4PFy3_HzJ1o9I/s1600/cordial.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHZjQf7gD_gQnQvjLf2bvWFka2CZdVvV9nlQWPsOvh1hSDoe5dJ_VqwMeH-c4HmwQfcuq4_EH_8-d7IH-nCw4rwbPuCx5kDMsYy8cpNF6QOQ-nffTVvX0Ec8XuraAntM4PFy3_HzJ1o9I/s400/cordial.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674569883201891106" /></a><br />which grew up to be this sweater, a shop sample. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23mqpqnnOmjNnc9rtD5bJ2QGSIBekBHLAqJ6G8jmS6G432JP6kh9OwgoqD_2RqX1EEz8dg2ayPFrHtcD9zrxoryhyN49a77UGyGEmsBxEd6M6dLR-_KFeekgmQpb-61S7fptu62B4idWY/s1600/cordial2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23mqpqnnOmjNnc9rtD5bJ2QGSIBekBHLAqJ6G8jmS6G432JP6kh9OwgoqD_2RqX1EEz8dg2ayPFrHtcD9zrxoryhyN49a77UGyGEmsBxEd6M6dLR-_KFeekgmQpb-61S7fptu62B4idWY/s400/cordial2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674569882975589538" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/cordial">Cordial</a>, a cropped little number from Rowan's 50th anniversary magazine. It isn't my favorite color, but it isn't my sweater, either. It's a large, which fits more people than the teensy sweaters that Rowan sends around! It's a Big Wool special, so it knit up quickly, all that seed stitch notwithstanding. I gotta say, though, that several skeins of the Big Wool had a knot in them, one had four! Let's hope it was a fluke bad batch and not an indication of larger problems. I want to keep loving this yarn.<br /><br />Today's parting shot is, you guessed it, more yarn. Rowan Colourscape, in bracken, found fabulously on sale <a href="www.amazing-threads.com/">here</a> on Saturday. Its spotty reputation precedes it, but four skeins came home anyway, which means a return visit for three more. My first impulse is to make <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brandi">this</a>, but I'm open to suggestions!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAr5-Fuq-22VcuqFplShek9wMsJIgZ58bpuQLEWrI2YJkwQar4mxRumCcShwvnYAHfulwZExwpifSD_1IHEqdsLG_BnYNAWHe4LHw8NWijUx-oBQw3KYsThwAWKVnjcwdiAv17_uNk37a2/s1600/colourscape2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAr5-Fuq-22VcuqFplShek9wMsJIgZ58bpuQLEWrI2YJkwQar4mxRumCcShwvnYAHfulwZExwpifSD_1IHEqdsLG_BnYNAWHe4LHw8NWijUx-oBQw3KYsThwAWKVnjcwdiAv17_uNk37a2/s400/colourscape2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674570295740771378" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-46138068152945193262011-11-09T17:07:00.000-08:002011-11-10T08:18:35.084-08:00Not Like This!I totally stole this from <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">masondixonknitting</a>. It's very funny. Knitting for muggles:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q4_XNKOuODU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-71883502364251952522011-11-07T09:06:00.000-08:002011-11-07T09:10:25.369-08:00Welcome, wee John!For the new buckeroo, cowboy booties:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcKu9I-4fRdckLUfGute1R9xg2zWmibmcam5D34n6fa-5MrAghVuuOuVP1kpsj17zO6ACCVCE2EXrCG_-SRWw75JyinP0i-ONC1iZpZdAewCU0A1riMtSBUMEmEs2oIKq4wvgCOyu09-b/s1600/booties.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcKu9I-4fRdckLUfGute1R9xg2zWmibmcam5D34n6fa-5MrAghVuuOuVP1kpsj17zO6ACCVCE2EXrCG_-SRWw75JyinP0i-ONC1iZpZdAewCU0A1riMtSBUMEmEs2oIKq4wvgCOyu09-b/s400/booties.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672301945957114290" /></a><br />Congratulations Holly and Todd! We're thrilled for you!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-86603909013474394092011-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:002011-10-21T21:26:54.813-07:00Wyoming is Still Wonderful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyW4PGVOmq0ffS2bcBwGW0cGgV2YNClSh8auNIt_FRNj22lWO-Sci44AVofPHEyPNEsaw02akPyVnYNTyGHkSj1f68-QQG-O-zf3LmoTJA5lQ4xgQlejHY4_Q_m-jtA2gVtp7xvpGt11M/s1600/wyoming11blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyW4PGVOmq0ffS2bcBwGW0cGgV2YNClSh8auNIt_FRNj22lWO-Sci44AVofPHEyPNEsaw02akPyVnYNTyGHkSj1f68-QQG-O-zf3LmoTJA5lQ4xgQlejHY4_Q_m-jtA2gVtp7xvpGt11M/s400/wyoming11blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666136159021280898" /></a><br />In case there were any doubts, that is. I can't believe it's been four weeks since we were there (again!), but so it goes. With a third visit under our belts, I noticed a few things: I'm learning my way around the Salt Lake airport, as well as the freeways in and out. The exit at Park City for lunch and groceries? The empty exit that takes us north? Four hours later, the turn off the county road that takes us to the ranch house? Check, check and ... check (grateful for daylight on the last one!).<br /><br />We spent the first full day riding on the ranch, which was plenty swell. There was alot of sky, alot of grass ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D_3fnsVyDra51NOPOonX1vOgsHN_KTJlYxfURgZYuEfdjpGF5GxJ61Z0VTq_TzYQoBfm3RfMfH7jg0NXai0CYuW8xoiPF2ae9CyOtvk1QSTKwyeoxyH68Z1yuoGhsIL2J6fk_l0HJsxX/s1600/wyoming1blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D_3fnsVyDra51NOPOonX1vOgsHN_KTJlYxfURgZYuEfdjpGF5GxJ61Z0VTq_TzYQoBfm3RfMfH7jg0NXai0CYuW8xoiPF2ae9CyOtvk1QSTKwyeoxyH68Z1yuoGhsIL2J6fk_l0HJsxX/s400/wyoming1blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666131518621386514" /></a><br />... and alot of sage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUvV9R1tmTt0SGac8WN9z_gT8emQZnaKJiDsNBqoyDn9ik9frozZ18nJ3yVGkCE4-hZZHwDxKOTY6z5mM1-_4N_KBV6SukGVEFRu7Bus9OKVRVYddXmmAazkENFf9srFAkAg0wlgMSR_-/s1600/wyoming5blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUvV9R1tmTt0SGac8WN9z_gT8emQZnaKJiDsNBqoyDn9ik9frozZ18nJ3yVGkCE4-hZZHwDxKOTY6z5mM1-_4N_KBV6SukGVEFRu7Bus9OKVRVYddXmmAazkENFf9srFAkAg0wlgMSR_-/s400/wyoming5blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666131537759165666" /></a><br />See that white sliver at the middle-right? That's Kara's house. Yes, We're still on her property:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dUvi8iDtRUn2Dm5NsSKZ_0slCfDuhe_nbHmUHVOcS6Zcn0DmTYMh0-t2jFezm40YuLkDX8RwNdabOYEntYCRjsSETiCsXNIONel9ccu8dlaF9RLEPhaOAmeJ_W3Ae06Wp5wqW0_Z5Zz2/s1600/wyoming3blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dUvi8iDtRUn2Dm5NsSKZ_0slCfDuhe_nbHmUHVOcS6Zcn0DmTYMh0-t2jFezm40YuLkDX8RwNdabOYEntYCRjsSETiCsXNIONel9ccu8dlaF9RLEPhaOAmeJ_W3Ae06Wp5wqW0_Z5Zz2/s400/wyoming3blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666131521855297506" /></a><br />We had a tagalong that day, a cutie-pie pony, who was energetic enough that he surely put on a couple more miles than we did. He ran way ahead at first, and then thought better of it. I think he was secretly relieved to be haltered and then ponied along for the rest of the trip.:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI2AQ2STAu86av50sLbwKioaLPMAaDNEt9fPKvmnRQq3_kVA4ImBILP038J_csbn6k8RvAlrZgy7R5ouaYqWpr-hj_A7EfVGkTS_Jo5QcQcxqpuIhXaja6MPBCNpaJQedWFiLUoFKK1SD/s1600/wyoming4blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI2AQ2STAu86av50sLbwKioaLPMAaDNEt9fPKvmnRQq3_kVA4ImBILP038J_csbn6k8RvAlrZgy7R5ouaYqWpr-hj_A7EfVGkTS_Jo5QcQcxqpuIhXaja6MPBCNpaJQedWFiLUoFKK1SD/s400/wyoming4blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666131531229326626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiALdctTnPdg2XOVXwkVxXZ6vyhrt46SgFHWIxbSP0H4TH0BoYUJL1V2NxTplZSrk15vBKc9oHvSbgfFHwaScons648KUUi5i85PweDBH6bHib_z_1ppxgsOSqt9TYI_-q-bWFhLumdw_/s1600/wyoming6blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiALdctTnPdg2XOVXwkVxXZ6vyhrt46SgFHWIxbSP0H4TH0BoYUJL1V2NxTplZSrk15vBKc9oHvSbgfFHwaScons648KUUi5i85PweDBH6bHib_z_1ppxgsOSqt9TYI_-q-bWFhLumdw_/s400/wyoming6blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666133962134649186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugCgBLxJset2ABq8KiMuo-KaFYw9KD6GU5QdDxLB1wsvhzKH7Wc8VbXG1Emhba-hFt3bQlsRHsocxqVtfeG6dMcJkHjrETwkhwQAzhYgjOcLXbFLCdYBsYqlxnxBhLP-czbh4l1RwAbEB/s1600/wyoming7blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugCgBLxJset2ABq8KiMuo-KaFYw9KD6GU5QdDxLB1wsvhzKH7Wc8VbXG1Emhba-hFt3bQlsRHsocxqVtfeG6dMcJkHjrETwkhwQAzhYgjOcLXbFLCdYBsYqlxnxBhLP-czbh4l1RwAbEB/s400/wyoming7blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666133967608879906" /></a><br />The heck with Waldo. Where's the moose? Right there in in the scrub -- that smudge of brown and the glint (the paddle of an antler) -- a cow and yearling were to the left of the frame. I'd not seen a moose before, so this was cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBJ3_znloA0gNDWJ_2Dx0vi4WhYpnl9F2nq3AP4lZm0oHoSR2_gTR0nMgyvP7CwWWMq3iGatHnL_q501Y3B_iF7HUbvqv2U48kVKpAzCw_3TNgJI5TUAl4KjJHfS8MPFDtjvWu8GWAWcb/s1600/wyoming8blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBJ3_znloA0gNDWJ_2Dx0vi4WhYpnl9F2nq3AP4lZm0oHoSR2_gTR0nMgyvP7CwWWMq3iGatHnL_q501Y3B_iF7HUbvqv2U48kVKpAzCw_3TNgJI5TUAl4KjJHfS8MPFDtjvWu8GWAWcb/s400/wyoming8blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666133976108976018" /></a><br />We worked our way to the top of Merna Butte -- funny how it's always a steeper climb than it looks at the bottom -- I made it handily in no small part to this guy, Big Red.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHgHtpjCTEL6EbQpXff76lhmxcV0PG-ZJNnB1lWSSgrZ6o-0MbMSAD3lDGr7zjqQuB-TegV_UnhMPybirB3-hY9-Xg4W3jWkm7by0UK1rQBLgmhEZdwzHGLM6YuZ16bO5x6iCIYt7AIOL/s1600/wyoming9blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHgHtpjCTEL6EbQpXff76lhmxcV0PG-ZJNnB1lWSSgrZ6o-0MbMSAD3lDGr7zjqQuB-TegV_UnhMPybirB3-hY9-Xg4W3jWkm7by0UK1rQBLgmhEZdwzHGLM6YuZ16bO5x6iCIYt7AIOL/s400/wyoming9blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666136120097118530" /></a><br />This is lunch with a view. Looking east and north-ish from the top of the butte. That's the Wind River range pressed against the horizon. Pretty swell, eh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT7GJ6Rxcr6zrjPQMyNzZ5v8Mw3e7gViPfhhwY6e0HkI0lDOEPyX5Yy7-CWcyGhtIsF5nRbq5RYyij0FuPTl6aVWkkwy1KpgvR4ro6Fzgv4c5fZtovT_YIvfcqMuD7-HkajurTw-qhHQL/s1600/wyoming10blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT7GJ6Rxcr6zrjPQMyNzZ5v8Mw3e7gViPfhhwY6e0HkI0lDOEPyX5Yy7-CWcyGhtIsF5nRbq5RYyij0FuPTl6aVWkkwy1KpgvR4ro6Fzgv4c5fZtovT_YIvfcqMuD7-HkajurTw-qhHQL/s400/wyoming10blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666136121067953490" /></a><br />On Saturday, it was off to Glimpse Lake with a bigger group. A friend of ours who lives on the other side of the Winds drove down and around 'em to spend Saturday and Sunday with us. We hadn't seen him for a few years, so it was a fun surprise. The teeth-jarring drive to the trailhead became worth it early on. This was minutes into the ride. Those are the Winds, much closer this time:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52SWpT7Lc_JYpWM8tIeedHAAwPVJ9LEejv8QS1aR1ZiBV_BYWA-c8xaLCk1xSN4jpezhTE3OsDGFERshNZaa2GZGIRhb9V-bZV1DZLwLgFoKFLH2i88R_jmDv9idaIzGrJ3zAKFBkzKjI/s1600/wyoming14blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52SWpT7Lc_JYpWM8tIeedHAAwPVJ9LEejv8QS1aR1ZiBV_BYWA-c8xaLCk1xSN4jpezhTE3OsDGFERshNZaa2GZGIRhb9V-bZV1DZLwLgFoKFLH2i88R_jmDv9idaIzGrJ3zAKFBkzKjI/s400/wyoming14blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141467697215714" /></a><br />Twisting slightly to the right after taking the photo above, a clear view of Fremont Lake, which we followed for awhile up high, until dropping back down and into the trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyivWqZ9so8VQYO7O8eljDc2TW_uYaqj8xbZnudYY6Vv3svW5aScN3d-4jgE3Cj7t7TqJtdOWXkxwTC05Uoe1wtNKcxmQ1Jjn56V0IGnG8D215yZSZk78QiiNQ95703K3TWFeeDFYH8QWG/s1600/wyoming16blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyivWqZ9so8VQYO7O8eljDc2TW_uYaqj8xbZnudYY6Vv3svW5aScN3d-4jgE3Cj7t7TqJtdOWXkxwTC05Uoe1wtNKcxmQ1Jjn56V0IGnG8D215yZSZk78QiiNQ95703K3TWFeeDFYH8QWG/s400/wyoming16blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141469898191810" /></a><br />So, Michelle. I have some major hat envy. To say nothing of your handsome horse. Hi, Wizard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQzUEc1RFUQz0VJssWh86833l699x5s-QNrOBYhptH4c7TU6eIJjv99kgg3f0PrQZ9ItP5unrjwKoZof_UeICEwVmFtVGCwza8x_QGqZ5ucIKYYW34BX2fRfWpFL_ArkBsA4lR0ZJkQOg/s1600/wyoming18blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQzUEc1RFUQz0VJssWh86833l699x5s-QNrOBYhptH4c7TU6eIJjv99kgg3f0PrQZ9ItP5unrjwKoZof_UeICEwVmFtVGCwza8x_QGqZ5ucIKYYW34BX2fRfWpFL_ArkBsA4lR0ZJkQOg/s400/wyoming18blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141472498240466" /></a><br />This would be a parking lot, back-country style.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiDA6-2jupuYw8zPJB7BTmGVJwPMiWX5TAY5EznkVuLf72j0BMpvJ6949o_XiK8SptPVpaGDqnvdXEhEndZ1wLJT5g5GW2C4BnsEDxubkSogcVKOtvf6rlfr3IczDI8mBg94WomAGOzih/s1600/wyoming20blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiDA6-2jupuYw8zPJB7BTmGVJwPMiWX5TAY5EznkVuLf72j0BMpvJ6949o_XiK8SptPVpaGDqnvdXEhEndZ1wLJT5g5GW2C4BnsEDxubkSogcVKOtvf6rlfr3IczDI8mBg94WomAGOzih/s400/wyoming20blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141504745680706" /></a><br />Nice place for lunch and a beverage, don't you think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1gd7naqN7LE9pTcK_EaPwFMRFb1zYaZAWNqZT3o7i-DzfmLG9tPWWp08e9XVIDxsvXBl60m86skPVNJdA-D7A-fX0bbLk0-bihI7ikCqOEtJnHP89FPxc34MHgj3Zj69LS2eEmsCLp6U/s1600/wyoming22blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1gd7naqN7LE9pTcK_EaPwFMRFb1zYaZAWNqZT3o7i-DzfmLG9tPWWp08e9XVIDxsvXBl60m86skPVNJdA-D7A-fX0bbLk0-bihI7ikCqOEtJnHP89FPxc34MHgj3Zj69LS2eEmsCLp6U/s400/wyoming22blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666148284687341058" /></a><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Robinson">Fort Robinson</a> bunch. My dirty knee is a nice touch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeAiTUuhxadEMI22aNT1yhr0OC7Y8VU0xq3KqFfSRMeVHf19Ifm6D0RFIibzl3YvM_WUaXR-BGWtG_G2qeJ5_ryw9Hml0HpFyWOOBCD5lYnbbrJy3LMyMtV-q_L29C4u42cJyDQ04NSmq/s1600/wyoming26blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeAiTUuhxadEMI22aNT1yhr0OC7Y8VU0xq3KqFfSRMeVHf19Ifm6D0RFIibzl3YvM_WUaXR-BGWtG_G2qeJ5_ryw9Hml0HpFyWOOBCD5lYnbbrJy3LMyMtV-q_L29C4u42cJyDQ04NSmq/s400/wyoming26blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666148292886831026" /></a><br />Next stop? Trapper Lake, where it was easier for the horses to cool their heels. Or knees. Valentine, there on the left, wasn't so keen on the idea, but Sage/Steve and Wizard/Michelle didn't even break stride till they got where they wanted to be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKBWbG__ysAdOF-LgE9pDUu0e7C9WZluWH081olXsnlUH7Q115kXtrmQtKABKFnxj2bySUjghjexuDdnU3c0VGHGGIGZrvSUg4JrwvcEZWIi-eBiyBys3yNSIrvq6w1L_rHdCg3e6APMT/s1600/wyoming28blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKBWbG__ysAdOF-LgE9pDUu0e7C9WZluWH081olXsnlUH7Q115kXtrmQtKABKFnxj2bySUjghjexuDdnU3c0VGHGGIGZrvSUg4JrwvcEZWIi-eBiyBys3yNSIrvq6w1L_rHdCg3e6APMT/s400/wyoming28blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666148299064043378" /></a><br />Somewhere in the Bridger wilderness, between Trapper Lake and the trailhead, there is a tube of my favorite <a href="http://www.shepherdschoice.com/index.php?cat=6">chapstick</a>. If you find it, uh, leave it be. I might or might not have dozed off on the way back to Pinedale. This was looking out my window of the truck:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5gdHyFs-PhCp-ErmgqNIZ5opJKi8xerMcn0brUn4I6IJFF9L8IdaJ-5MmJNKJbHvR3KkLFC7R0P8FD3zwVudYWToaHGSZtlEaKRE-3gDP-f0IQ859RGDbhQPT_hjPap37AyGAbVG5XFg/s1600/wyoming30blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5gdHyFs-PhCp-ErmgqNIZ5opJKi8xerMcn0brUn4I6IJFF9L8IdaJ-5MmJNKJbHvR3KkLFC7R0P8FD3zwVudYWToaHGSZtlEaKRE-3gDP-f0IQ859RGDbhQPT_hjPap37AyGAbVG5XFg/s400/wyoming30blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666153995439034162" /></a><br />On Sunday, off to Hoback Junction, then a right turn, a left turn and a couple of rocky miles before parking the trailer. Not long after we got in the saddle, we came across a couple of hunting parties packing out meat. We tried to invite ourselves for dinner, but we couldn't get anyone to agree. Funny that ...<br /><br />So, on we went, through the brush -- willows in Wyoming -- rubbernecking, chatting <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-10xIkFvMQShmjuR7RhVHunL69L2rkg60dp-wQ5k4S28zlYcVWoulp_ZkGUdtytoIkgs3iQ8OhPoZVz7SzHpvsNrpqYatp1B6qs_iVUVeeZRQwPviZIwScRpkwjmr0v4o4eFwEBVysWrt/s1600/wyoming33blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-10xIkFvMQShmjuR7RhVHunL69L2rkg60dp-wQ5k4S28zlYcVWoulp_ZkGUdtytoIkgs3iQ8OhPoZVz7SzHpvsNrpqYatp1B6qs_iVUVeeZRQwPviZIwScRpkwjmr0v4o4eFwEBVysWrt/s400/wyoming33blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666158190575510098" /></a><br />and following Shoal Creek headed for Shoal Falls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSRSJiCt-qikQ_fGrZfPlmhZ6K7KsUMKFZW27nu2i5L6jbpZhbMNSnYS1oBMjcnbbq5i-nkmx4hn2geoj7ivrJck94CjcbOmxNezYKeBFGWExqFmKQnf2jG93ynbpbRzGk_bC56zCfBfs/s1600/wyoming32blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSRSJiCt-qikQ_fGrZfPlmhZ6K7KsUMKFZW27nu2i5L6jbpZhbMNSnYS1oBMjcnbbq5i-nkmx4hn2geoj7ivrJck94CjcbOmxNezYKeBFGWExqFmKQnf2jG93ynbpbRzGk_bC56zCfBfs/s400/wyoming32blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666158186579086674" /></a><br />Yes, this is real. And yes, it's difficult to fit into a camera frame.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCjH0pEyCIHG-kceKVnvxz1UJLkxFe3m2Cvb37YQompINAmHH6E_kRXoyaPdnjzUG1h44ZNaoutMhnDidGhes3FsQxiFjrw-aFA2ZSVdjoYmt7HXIaWqkIZEfBYVnzdJo5N44qVnfcZPv/s1600/wyoming36blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCjH0pEyCIHG-kceKVnvxz1UJLkxFe3m2Cvb37YQompINAmHH6E_kRXoyaPdnjzUG1h44ZNaoutMhnDidGhes3FsQxiFjrw-aFA2ZSVdjoYmt7HXIaWqkIZEfBYVnzdJo5N44qVnfcZPv/s400/wyoming36blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666158189992963746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq2YErW80Kdwn2x3hFTmscw_wxhbFGVY51kwmU1zLUCt27Y6A36d0MPErScIz9S1eiJh6d5WbPEKncf4iDJypa1FmurXIrWAZesjU2fNNOMYuYH3921A-cCHBD41OeX4ZO0GfXFF-hTGF/s1600/wyoming37blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq2YErW80Kdwn2x3hFTmscw_wxhbFGVY51kwmU1zLUCt27Y6A36d0MPErScIz9S1eiJh6d5WbPEKncf4iDJypa1FmurXIrWAZesjU2fNNOMYuYH3921A-cCHBD41OeX4ZO0GfXFF-hTGF/s400/wyoming37blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666160454532852530" /></a><br />We tied the horses deep in the woods in the background and hiked and scrambled and scrambled some more to the spot near the falls where we had lunch and, um, more beverages. <br /><br />We tackled the world's problems -- glad we got that all sorted out! -- and yes, it was pretty funny. Michelle isn't the only one who can rock a cowboy hat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z51QCOM8jg0ewlCjpjgFOa1ld8PX4L_HGx4Zd4uicETw-jugNf0sJOolOFxWJuFSt396kH2Cxlpmg81gHpcP42NJraLc3Co2Kwbq054RPGMlCqcKRNT4fyN9bk-9GMe12b3DaYnDqInB/s1600/wyoming40blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z51QCOM8jg0ewlCjpjgFOa1ld8PX4L_HGx4Zd4uicETw-jugNf0sJOolOFxWJuFSt396kH2Cxlpmg81gHpcP42NJraLc3Co2Kwbq054RPGMlCqcKRNT4fyN9bk-9GMe12b3DaYnDqInB/s400/wyoming40blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666160465591742178" /></a><br />A few more pictures, for good measure. It's difficult to see, but the slabs were lined up like slices in a loaf of bread.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5LBgvl8VsbXWD4b3BQQRMBOdGuVlxyM5mXNdPHM-4kZrKs8twKueSi4MsTVcbyGS-T8bAvQzQ7dovE8LbP985EofxheSYt2SAcy2wNjer0bGEYKn37HFj_eraS9aqZJKE4xlLPgKsNm/s1600/wyoming39blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5LBgvl8VsbXWD4b3BQQRMBOdGuVlxyM5mXNdPHM-4kZrKs8twKueSi4MsTVcbyGS-T8bAvQzQ7dovE8LbP985EofxheSYt2SAcy2wNjer0bGEYKn37HFj_eraS9aqZJKE4xlLPgKsNm/s400/wyoming39blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666160461391678594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymQSTdINiRKvYCKFawrCeaDJFJ647_ANoFtHUwEb6UjngPu0aAS6Ww9znNJjcsFRZCpfR_99TxkShbw0DT7sbq9v6OIFhxQAaELxRTM9cgEJ-k2Y6nFgDfS24NFbGqmc5CP0n6qAmtcCh/s1600/wyoming38blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymQSTdINiRKvYCKFawrCeaDJFJ647_ANoFtHUwEb6UjngPu0aAS6Ww9znNJjcsFRZCpfR_99TxkShbw0DT7sbq9v6OIFhxQAaELxRTM9cgEJ-k2Y6nFgDfS24NFbGqmc5CP0n6qAmtcCh/s400/wyoming38blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666160454278134066" /></a><br />We won't talk about our misadventure getting back to the horses. We were not lost. We weren't! Let's say we took a walk before riding back out. It was just as beautiful heading out as it was heading in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmAtOoiRnOVEjImv-whsI6NE-oFoGXs5uQrxWEbGxc9JxlQpr7zIl5WXXMX8kH29_znWxJhpPLsw2bJoA4u-9KMuL4nVdDk3Ufn07xhq4kDfySOul4Ghq0MhCyZ35t4YgsIjz5eT8sV0Q/s1600/wyoming41blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmAtOoiRnOVEjImv-whsI6NE-oFoGXs5uQrxWEbGxc9JxlQpr7zIl5WXXMX8kH29_znWxJhpPLsw2bJoA4u-9KMuL4nVdDk3Ufn07xhq4kDfySOul4Ghq0MhCyZ35t4YgsIjz5eT8sV0Q/s400/wyoming41blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666164407200411666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWcaPjetVX_461l2kqK9eARB1t1BiXeNrpsOv5AszAghZIKHIrbU6dO6FLW9BepunDzibUmd-clHNDBvQrp11HMYswXa3odHfMtoP-0Q2AqaMH_nAEfTy1LDAWr3r3mZkzASTXKzdoYRN/s1600/wyoming43blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWcaPjetVX_461l2kqK9eARB1t1BiXeNrpsOv5AszAghZIKHIrbU6dO6FLW9BepunDzibUmd-clHNDBvQrp11HMYswXa3odHfMtoP-0Q2AqaMH_nAEfTy1LDAWr3r3mZkzASTXKzdoYRN/s400/wyoming43blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666164409646065938" /></a><br />We kept trying to cram it all into a camera frame, of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5Icda6CHOGLdUkyvmn0iqbA5NITQMDrjvQT-3boTz4FVbs25o-RhRIZtwKG-UbkpFnm-mft4Wod6gVXdWHEity5AsYfXPKMx4smULJuuN2ATrS5hAR2vvE8bgNHBogKjsyMoHApm1f_U/s1600/wyoming44blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5Icda6CHOGLdUkyvmn0iqbA5NITQMDrjvQT-3boTz4FVbs25o-RhRIZtwKG-UbkpFnm-mft4Wod6gVXdWHEity5AsYfXPKMx4smULJuuN2ATrS5hAR2vvE8bgNHBogKjsyMoHApm1f_U/s400/wyoming44blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666164410698713298" /></a><br />Kara came close with this one. If I had to pick a single favorite image from the trip, this would have to be it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK718XJeKyYCuZCnxBV637cTSf7NtcCwqD7LR9tSDVgSgdA-ZQscgK38E5zVgZeo58dqVGMTMTGEIN93a5W0lKFdaAIMtvuowJHj-SQ4UQpAgJhyL2JibaU_bzEVBMBM9J9Qlo5wFZBOx/s1600/wyoming45blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK718XJeKyYCuZCnxBV637cTSf7NtcCwqD7LR9tSDVgSgdA-ZQscgK38E5zVgZeo58dqVGMTMTGEIN93a5W0lKFdaAIMtvuowJHj-SQ4UQpAgJhyL2JibaU_bzEVBMBM9J9Qlo5wFZBOx/s400/wyoming45blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666166172554582114" /></a><br />Thanks, Kara, for another great weekend. Happy Trails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfNojbqbEWMypfesDUz3PqSc4SBaDsldjLg1uPyksbOuF9CqHN1bI9P4Pcrmtt8bS2fr8ZBd_oJPHnazscR1IRZhyLsZ1Xuq7ruTz0Os717_mNtpFVVJaIaMDXZqRoYaW9xSUG99edaMM/s1600/wyoming46blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfNojbqbEWMypfesDUz3PqSc4SBaDsldjLg1uPyksbOuF9CqHN1bI9P4Pcrmtt8bS2fr8ZBd_oJPHnazscR1IRZhyLsZ1Xuq7ruTz0Os717_mNtpFVVJaIaMDXZqRoYaW9xSUG99edaMM/s400/wyoming46blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666166179841081522" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-4140267546929425592011-09-13T00:07:00.000-07:002011-09-13T08:09:21.044-07:00A New Dog ToyWhat could possibly be better than a kong with peanut butter? A woodpile with a chipmunk:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfNMlgznG10-PhbuYlWYLt4ToqajPEHowZN3L1eVk1J43AKLTmRaQ58oq-IqLkIagDr8zQScIVt3KrTGsslns0phYnAg5YkbAvkCncAFVYtK80mLSmfpPyCb3avrCVry-tUoJsYONUPxi/s1600/woodpile1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfNMlgznG10-PhbuYlWYLt4ToqajPEHowZN3L1eVk1J43AKLTmRaQ58oq-IqLkIagDr8zQScIVt3KrTGsslns0phYnAg5YkbAvkCncAFVYtK80mLSmfpPyCb3avrCVry-tUoJsYONUPxi/s400/woodpile1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651738202509089138" /></a><br />They do this for huge stretches of time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrz4sWSDbNeGo0MbuJcCqJhua2HNzv8_L4VV4eDABeMvG_H05yVipe9671eS7oJSP2Rdj-o5xJsiqyfNoGJ-YIuZwCse3dlHqtzzVSjqzx9M6m1U-ydygnpWDllAHziqaUc5n13kW9LYB/s1600/woodpile2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrz4sWSDbNeGo0MbuJcCqJhua2HNzv8_L4VV4eDABeMvG_H05yVipe9671eS7oJSP2Rdj-o5xJsiqyfNoGJ-YIuZwCse3dlHqtzzVSjqzx9M6m1U-ydygnpWDllAHziqaUc5n13kW9LYB/s400/woodpile2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651738208730458594" /></a><br />It has never occurred to either one of them to jump the fence and visit with Titan, the dog next door.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmNSFrb1UfMcNjHf5TbGJidkKwZj_6XG_gsZrsjJP7vopOY5iyT1TjTkwa62NBbx7C-8gQub65-OxqgmyqmiK5l3rOpq0RrgIKuSoWEBIWyPbAMSxsGby8L2wuDI7G-aZOcVvdbNUWwnk/s1600/woodpile3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmNSFrb1UfMcNjHf5TbGJidkKwZj_6XG_gsZrsjJP7vopOY5iyT1TjTkwa62NBbx7C-8gQub65-OxqgmyqmiK5l3rOpq0RrgIKuSoWEBIWyPbAMSxsGby8L2wuDI7G-aZOcVvdbNUWwnk/s400/woodpile3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651738216878154290" /></a><br />The woodpile is getting a little ragged looking and Henry tends to lose his head.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPJvAvLPz2c7wCykCk_pge56KOQrmE7DVRBvDCjBLwTFNa9IR_iX44VzxbpOg0B3oSCGddvwduaXyNxTaaeQnxHpQqjaWMtdy-NNhAttmPBD_qEjPG5MDwsa5nREw9ng68ZP-XUHgkUyu/s1600/woodpile4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPJvAvLPz2c7wCykCk_pge56KOQrmE7DVRBvDCjBLwTFNa9IR_iX44VzxbpOg0B3oSCGddvwduaXyNxTaaeQnxHpQqjaWMtdy-NNhAttmPBD_qEjPG5MDwsa5nREw9ng68ZP-XUHgkUyu/s400/woodpile4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651738220851980306" /></a><br />But, try as they might, Chippie always wins.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-69798764019916289872011-09-09T10:02:00.001-07:002011-09-13T00:07:38.383-07:00AzGym's Turn to Sparkle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ILjHlSTlncKbBNX_cxbiibC32Pc0Ttd622qXkVS3Fb0GSbAx5tqqa4DpsixtHL3bS32gHppuTaQiOOThVPrrFLqPmw-dpmblqoCZIJrNN5LYlqbhEZic9t9vDLxUo4mxQ0ie4Qict1h/s1600/wedding1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ILjHlSTlncKbBNX_cxbiibC32Pc0Ttd622qXkVS3Fb0GSbAx5tqqa4DpsixtHL3bS32gHppuTaQiOOThVPrrFLqPmw-dpmblqoCZIJrNN5LYlqbhEZic9t9vDLxUo4mxQ0ie4Qict1h/s400/wedding1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650406745169944338" /></a><br />Everyone's favorite Grandpa horse had his turn to shine last weekend, when he delivered the groom to his wedding at the Hindu temple in Maple Grove. Yes, he's wearing the headpiece upside down -- it was way too big and he couldn't see, so we spun it around. No one seemed to notice or care. A quick test drive to make sure he wouldn't mind his new clothes and that lurking umbrella:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9yTRquzKYvIYz6N4UJECnUrq6R2ZDAiS_75YRI9STQPlKWqJor43QZmWzC4I-QWNEo_gnj1_bzpj0vzClqmHZOcjujCs5NNCSg-ouvbkJQRRNMXiQoO305M9A4F4B7PwsI_QBxrBzA_2/s1600/wedding5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9yTRquzKYvIYz6N4UJECnUrq6R2ZDAiS_75YRI9STQPlKWqJor43QZmWzC4I-QWNEo_gnj1_bzpj0vzClqmHZOcjujCs5NNCSg-ouvbkJQRRNMXiQoO305M9A4F4B7PwsI_QBxrBzA_2/s400/wedding5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650407090997709938" /></a><br />Check and ... check. Next up? Load the groom. It was a bit easier said than done, but we made it. A last-minute addition of earplugs -- loud music! fireworks! -- and off they went.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp53N78mQKTK-oI0bONvWNc3WFVTzdZJMgdRZwpNeOisCVqyWvYph8cUh9skw0tde975e6864LnfvDGc6TREgai7Dy9T3-TvaTOTc4c11WyPGZfzGaowIUAzKELnLCE2NaubmTSzmjAiz6/s1600/wedding2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp53N78mQKTK-oI0bONvWNc3WFVTzdZJMgdRZwpNeOisCVqyWvYph8cUh9skw0tde975e6864LnfvDGc6TREgai7Dy9T3-TvaTOTc4c11WyPGZfzGaowIUAzKELnLCE2NaubmTSzmjAiz6/s400/wedding2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650406775682761282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA6XYOKXRXG0HkmyCjxQxZ-digwi1sNpC-JiSJ9QnOwsd59065ix-7L56w4zTFGapY5NmkP5nUq2NepxKJFzV3Kk0e5vVoA_fGlYVZMlsmwhkb5__5MX0J1nxaDhiXPG3wx7kVjCLQZzv/s1600/wedding3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA6XYOKXRXG0HkmyCjxQxZ-digwi1sNpC-JiSJ9QnOwsd59065ix-7L56w4zTFGapY5NmkP5nUq2NepxKJFzV3Kk0e5vVoA_fGlYVZMlsmwhkb5__5MX0J1nxaDhiXPG3wx7kVjCLQZzv/s400/wedding3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650406782971954642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-G8cEDL1Xc5TWPWW3CQPljiChkWxbiraoV0vkV59dQzOjl1B9eN5DBqYtIQwQhHfsw2o3c3APjWqcECCx_hbR1-S7ecjygoO7zMFW__TrPTpiKy5eFRflse6fMswE3kayCoVsiDmyqB6/s1600/wedding4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-G8cEDL1Xc5TWPWW3CQPljiChkWxbiraoV0vkV59dQzOjl1B9eN5DBqYtIQwQhHfsw2o3c3APjWqcECCx_hbR1-S7ecjygoO7zMFW__TrPTpiKy5eFRflse6fMswE3kayCoVsiDmyqB6/s400/wedding4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650407076385996450" /></a><br />For being such a good boy, he got a little extra grain in his bucket when he got <a href="http://www.caillefarms.com">home</a>.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-44137720401405860122011-09-07T12:08:00.000-07:002011-09-07T23:41:46.711-07:00Pure and Simple, Another Sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU991Wjg1F2MO-KkGszL7RfYaQ81cFIQD5Aeaik0SEj9lxu6QrcknmTp2npPaGyGFi-6Lf_3dT00wv5KqMNXdBdDAOjQ1MWTaXjMQtvJjLbmPIuavWPzRayE15GN5e4qXyv3RUyiaFe01/s1600/rustic1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="260" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU991Wjg1F2MO-KkGszL7RfYaQ81cFIQD5Aeaik0SEj9lxu6QrcknmTp2npPaGyGFi-6Lf_3dT00wv5KqMNXdBdDAOjQ1MWTaXjMQtvJjLbmPIuavWPzRayE15GN5e4qXyv3RUyiaFe01/s400/rustic1.JPG" /></a></div><br />Clearly the yarn still looks gray, but I swear it's still navy. And, it's been reconfigured into this <a href="http://knittingpureandsimple.com/products-page/women/996-bulky-v-neck-pullover/">sweater</a>, which has been done for a month or so, but I, uh, forgot about it. I know. What kind of knitter forgets about a sweater. One who finishes it during the 95-degree, 95-percent humidity days of July, apparently.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d0gvFqhv2DuyWBNXcLQ0FS1PAe2vlFZSYBXBVYWa6B23Vp3UcJulJAZsX91im7kq2c6WN_Cpa9WIIm3SVEni8mX-KGmG0TIbeH3HpjTGz9i2ma9mw178HWy2Nfw8GkIaCS24jA2tjyd3/s1600/rustic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d0gvFqhv2DuyWBNXcLQ0FS1PAe2vlFZSYBXBVYWa6B23Vp3UcJulJAZsX91im7kq2c6WN_Cpa9WIIm3SVEni8mX-KGmG0TIbeH3HpjTGz9i2ma9mw178HWy2Nfw8GkIaCS24jA2tjyd3/s400/rustic5.jpg" /></a></div><br />No extra charge for the silly model, who was a good sport in agreeing to pose mid-hairstyle! Even she noticed how nice the yarn felt, especially after it had been blocked, when it got even softer and more against-the-skin friendly. The next time I use this pattern, I will make the V deeper than written -- ventilation being an utmost priority these days. ahem ... -- but it fits its recipient flawlessly, which is what counts. Also in the done pile? This:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hxrjAhRwyPyQKwv0IaMLycLNaajaEN99H_7sBrzxsegqpjKFRMxbvS9flNEPsAtfUoZg7w3_tKvaiZcrt33v9Q2yvt5nKAkVqKyuLfTFjBdguAyfvDmm-8pNdR24v65izPBfbT272hbz/s1600/sulka2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hxrjAhRwyPyQKwv0IaMLycLNaajaEN99H_7sBrzxsegqpjKFRMxbvS9flNEPsAtfUoZg7w3_tKvaiZcrt33v9Q2yvt5nKAkVqKyuLfTFjBdguAyfvDmm-8pNdR24v65izPBfbT272hbz/s400/sulka2.JPG" /></a></div><br />Is now <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cassies-cowl">this</a>! I love it! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZlkqT6Ulvf_UkRtksavL7CIjf0SL6J0d1rk0kYpPEPDsbim5ZAxiqIoxphZYdPf4zXX1DZVDq6QNDM1Qi7wwyiyAmkYrpa0tPZ0Rhn3mSLtRpXTevz-OqGMKfR4K1IO9WTE5x1RILLq0/s1600/sulka4.done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZlkqT6Ulvf_UkRtksavL7CIjf0SL6J0d1rk0kYpPEPDsbim5ZAxiqIoxphZYdPf4zXX1DZVDq6QNDM1Qi7wwyiyAmkYrpa0tPZ0Rhn3mSLtRpXTevz-OqGMKfR4K1IO9WTE5x1RILLq0/s400/sulka4.done.jpg" /></a></div><br />Even Mr. Denney noticed ... and asked for his own. Not being a bright-green kind of guy, he quickly added that he'd rather have gray. Or brown. Have I mentioned that he is the King of brown and gray? He will have to wait because I've recently dove into this wee assortment of Rowan yumminess:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pQey2hqHucujs5nrnCzKpb_I1Ba4SPNubD2CTHztEidKPvyLuioeROKG53CHimTk1OZYG_zT-RX2D_TAoSI3Eh_IpNybL-zonexiV9SSGmlGWtJCgWHFZtSAjh5U6FgIwDRA1rH0oXpH/s1600/rowanwrap1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pQey2hqHucujs5nrnCzKpb_I1Ba4SPNubD2CTHztEidKPvyLuioeROKG53CHimTk1OZYG_zT-RX2D_TAoSI3Eh_IpNybL-zonexiV9SSGmlGWtJCgWHFZtSAjh5U6FgIwDRA1rH0oXpH/s400/rowanwrap1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649873994946777826" /></a><br />We'll see what happens.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-56009980399808291392011-08-21T20:35:00.000-07:002011-08-22T09:56:45.301-07:00Yarn on the Hoof!This is <a href="http://www.udayton.edu/">college</a> move-in weekend for my favorite sophomore, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been time for a couple of side trips for Mom and Aunt Donna, who very graciously did the legwork so we could spend a Saturday afternoon ... where else? In a barn. Or two.
<br />
<br />Barely 10 minutes from the house -- dangerously convenient! -- and we wove up the driveway at <a href="http://www.tryalpacas.com/">Tryphon Farm</a>, near Waynesville. Owner Marian Davis introduced us to her herd, who were quite curious. Perhaps they'd never seen anyone from Minnesota before. Funny how courage grew in direct proportion to the quantity of snacks being offered, including by this guy with the blue eyes. Quite striking!
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6yF629bPodgHEhnRxfChHvyDMdENa2XeLtr0W8xUW6fk-ZYSvI3n5zdLdC7b0Fcw5MdvsNL5y2Ry6BIgTbeDBnzZQTXd6hyphenhyphen16LL6OxdVSNIWMOKZLxgCHQ0QS2ZBIygin8vccnaabMZE/s1600/alpaca3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6yF629bPodgHEhnRxfChHvyDMdENa2XeLtr0W8xUW6fk-ZYSvI3n5zdLdC7b0Fcw5MdvsNL5y2Ry6BIgTbeDBnzZQTXd6hyphenhyphen16LL6OxdVSNIWMOKZLxgCHQ0QS2ZBIygin8vccnaabMZE/s400/alpaca3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643521427991713250" /></a>
<br />
<br />Marian had a few sweaters as well as some roving -- "It's like a cloud!" Donna said, with her arm buried up to her elbow -- as well as some aran or maybe even light-bulky yarns. She also had a sturdy dark grey worsted weight that would be perfect for a man's sweater. Inquiring minds might like to know that her property is for sale, so this could be the perfect opportunity for a lovely little farm and a fabulous way of life. You're welcome.
<br />
<br />After a quick trip home to check on the dogs, it was off to <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/alpaca-stores/03_viewstore.asp?name=14481">Stewart Heritage Farm</a>. We spent at least an hour with owner Brenda Hanes, chatting in the barn and feeding more snack-happy alpacas, and then dodging some curious chickens as we visited the boy-flavored alpacas in a nearby paddock. The fleece on the animals, including Mr. Pushy Boy, was very lovely and the colors were so rich! All that brown and grey! Kinda made the knees go weak, says the queen of ... brown and grey.
<br />
<br />Brenda took these pictures in the third paddock, which was all girls, except for one little boy who probably will be moving to the other dorm soon. Some of them were a little stand-offish but most were very friendly, especially after they realized we had some feed in our hands. And, we found out quickly who was the mom of Mr. Pushy Boy. He comes by it naturally. By the way, want to start a small alpaca riot? Bring out some sliced carrots.
<br />
<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXb6rxzbL42eWH1ediyFogObMJNjIvvBUMLFnr03Qp7bXhB-g5zz5E0JjwFkwWiQVMLoFHZrkEu1xqUdJs8tgFiQHH4V15xxl8VKsNjG-MTIIuwuBJopAbMr4gtVijDGsd0HJH8nvjhO8/s1600/alpaca2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXb6rxzbL42eWH1ediyFogObMJNjIvvBUMLFnr03Qp7bXhB-g5zz5E0JjwFkwWiQVMLoFHZrkEu1xqUdJs8tgFiQHH4V15xxl8VKsNjG-MTIIuwuBJopAbMr4gtVijDGsd0HJH8nvjhO8/s400/alpaca2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643521422231343026" /></a>
<br />There were some beautiful animals in this group, too, and it was fun to hear them hum and click at each other. One of my favorites was the one with the speckled neck -- Brenda said that she has friendly days and not-so-friendly days and Saturday was definitely a friendly day. She. Liked. Me. And I liked her, too. Check out the little black one with the white brow. How cute is that!
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveKUHUy84dn7Y28Y46Q7Vh5wQEe3TDjc32O0eHP_5KX3Eyjh660DeHI-hqUAm9iuxHxygS1-r-CUUxziHm00KMwtyE3a1XUPiUuJQJab6iNO8Fwi8Q-t8jSGkXrrnz1iEOveSvGxTS5Dl/s1600/alpaca1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveKUHUy84dn7Y28Y46Q7Vh5wQEe3TDjc32O0eHP_5KX3Eyjh660DeHI-hqUAm9iuxHxygS1-r-CUUxziHm00KMwtyE3a1XUPiUuJQJab6iNO8Fwi8Q-t8jSGkXrrnz1iEOveSvGxTS5Dl/s400/alpaca1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643521415677659090" /></a>
<br />Brenda had been to a farmers market over in Yellow Spring in the morning and it sounded like she'd gotten a fair lot of business. She carries yarn and mentioned some rugs that I would like to have had a look at, but it was getting late and we didn't want to wear out our welcome. And, my favorite college sophomore was waiting for us so we could go to dinner.
<br />
<br />By the way, if you're looking for some brain candy, have a go at some books by Sally Goldenbaum. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Cashmere-Seaside-Knitters-Mystery/dp/0451225538/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313991243&sr=1-4">"Death by Cashmere"</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Patterns-Sand-Seaside-Knitters-Mystery/dp/B003WUYRMW/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313991366&sr=1-7">"Patterns in the Sand"</a> won't change your life, but they're a fun read. If you like them, they are part of a series.
<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-27511108925076297582011-07-18T11:28:00.000-07:002011-07-18T16:46:26.218-07:00How Hot Is It?In case you haven't heard, it's hot. It's humid. It's beyond humid. No kidding, it's steamy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjX2qgzaWmc-_Nd5NxUKx2mnN-w_6brS2jcpwGmnEoqTx2ZbtOx6_vbWjtl0WzPP3B3EYXuVIo2CT-yU-iIbAkPjDATNlRq27yJAr8Ku9L6DvSC_xVHdpmMJ5w2Lyrg8AC7L_IC76f2x_/s1600/sulkafog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjX2qgzaWmc-_Nd5NxUKx2mnN-w_6brS2jcpwGmnEoqTx2ZbtOx6_vbWjtl0WzPP3B3EYXuVIo2CT-yU-iIbAkPjDATNlRq27yJAr8Ku9L6DvSC_xVHdpmMJ5w2Lyrg8AC7L_IC76f2x_/s400/sulkafog.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630761800288255090" border="0" /></a><br />Behind the fog is some Sulka, a single-ply from <a href="http://www.mirasolperu.com/">Mirasol</a>, one of two recent (small) cheats on this summer's yarn diet. It's <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/177A7D3B-0938-4393-821A-A6CADF732250/productID/AE051D42-B2F1-4C14-B231-A837DE61A1F0/">on sale</a>, so how I could resist? This is what it looked like before the humidity and before it visited the ballwinder: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf_hCSW6tQklBSzBEWQwrxi6NVCVXS1XPC0m_1nJm5eFUHTOY5ROreIvTE1cR5CJPLHnJhblN5mGgJjGRJ6daEYalXH9iQIAnodYMLsqDf3Py5FgV5ruECTm3YtEJEirT44wT338SeR-k/s1600/sulka1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf_hCSW6tQklBSzBEWQwrxi6NVCVXS1XPC0m_1nJm5eFUHTOY5ROreIvTE1cR5CJPLHnJhblN5mGgJjGRJ6daEYalXH9iQIAnodYMLsqDf3Py5FgV5ruECTm3YtEJEirT44wT338SeR-k/s400/sulka1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630761774069155106" border="0" /></a><br />It's lovely and I can't stop squeezing it. And, it matches Kitten's eyes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5VJskuR3XFLIzBG9ioXwadeD_uXfA3MtsgxfYDJ93WIcxaXTC2QCenM2FIPIEEuvc4LK0q0Jvh4gFntOG8fIOtJjVoLl2S8Aa-CEp1bUNCK9Nhwq8ufW8Qbfhm8DkYIRoHe7ICTC11IG/s1600/sulka3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftext-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5VJskuR3XFLIzBG9ioXwadeD_uXfA3MtsgxfYDJ93WIcxaXTC2QCenM2FIPIEEuvc4LK0q0Jvh4gFntOG8fIOtJjVoLl2S8Aa-CEp1bUNCK9Nhwq8ufW8Qbfhm8DkYIRoHe7ICTC11IG/s400/sulka3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630761797758561986" border="0" /></a><br />Four hanks -- about 55 yards each -- should be quite enough for a cowl, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cassies-cowl">this one</a>, in fact. One skein into it and I could be in love. Think Lopi gone uptown.<br /><br />Equally uptown is Rowan's <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/Cocoon.aspx?testid=21">Cocoon</a>. It was another departure from the yarn diet -- yes, again -- but it was just a couple of skeins. (Don't start with me. Two skeins is not 10-plus, which is what I'd get for a sweater) It raced through its WIP phase and is quite happy as a hat. <a href="http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/acatalog/Moon.html">Moon</a>, from Kim Hargreaves' "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/acatalog/Cherished_Book.html">Cherished</a>."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXGRQfVySUv_7sGmKKX76bU-BdSbZA4Vgk5TUAusbYHAq7vWc0Xq09XkStzuPXOZdg56KpeVhK4psq2gTkbiDUC5w67_XaqpoEdndyZa4GU0k1sLY_UrQ71sT35NhWnnNNl47r7HSp5yq/s1600/cocoonhat1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXGRQfVySUv_7sGmKKX76bU-BdSbZA4Vgk5TUAusbYHAq7vWc0Xq09XkStzuPXOZdg56KpeVhK4psq2gTkbiDUC5w67_XaqpoEdndyZa4GU0k1sLY_UrQ71sT35NhWnnNNl47r7HSp5yq/s400/cocoonhat1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630767344202659522" border="0" /></a><br />The only reason I blocked it was to flatten out and accentuate the pattern. I had no idea it would get even softer! Kitten was most pleased with the result:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2ao5aZa8fZVX4Ec-6h99ifvgMNw4GluPI8DKIshAhWhN3M_sqbS6B9Hr_3PRjlBijjNzWH-bCFOOQplTy4OObbOgG35rFnJ8XB7n1_smCwIZkrKf7MsRiGifqx8WjyRyHflxubxCKU22/s1600/cocoonhat2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2ao5aZa8fZVX4Ec-6h99ifvgMNw4GluPI8DKIshAhWhN3M_sqbS6B9Hr_3PRjlBijjNzWH-bCFOOQplTy4OObbOgG35rFnJ8XB7n1_smCwIZkrKf7MsRiGifqx8WjyRyHflxubxCKU22/s400/cocoonhat2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630767353057423234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tioIrhrJ7ajckz0xrliK2mVPirzEE117otC_X4sZLXY8XRbYx0soKN6aaoY6-FrvK3DHuezmZdoZKiZE6w0nA_WNz_O9y_THgWARwTLjEPmEv21zpgdxQLdYmhWLCQlKCH47eSS2DNWj/s1600/cocoonhat3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tioIrhrJ7ajckz0xrliK2mVPirzEE117otC_X4sZLXY8XRbYx0soKN6aaoY6-FrvK3DHuezmZdoZKiZE6w0nA_WNz_O9y_THgWARwTLjEPmEv21zpgdxQLdYmhWLCQlKCH47eSS2DNWj/s400/cocoonhat3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630767357968050850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyjAnBj1c875GZtvlfJtmnUBajuurL1GToQmcBmLxJBlNizQkPhmOBbWKWLqCn4FCD2MsLRni7hMeyFCr8TaYsoFs1I_A06h8O2EaGrGSNhBqQhprKyL3Cy3p-OtsqaCjrPYmyBHeUhjQ/s1600/cocoonhat4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyjAnBj1c875GZtvlfJtmnUBajuurL1GToQmcBmLxJBlNizQkPhmOBbWKWLqCn4FCD2MsLRni7hMeyFCr8TaYsoFs1I_A06h8O2EaGrGSNhBqQhprKyL3Cy3p-OtsqaCjrPYmyBHeUhjQ/s400/cocoonhat4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630767367248522402" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-87254467245878498122011-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:002011-07-06T11:05:37.599-07:00Somewhat Knitting Related ...Two links came across my screen lately that are worth sharing. The first builds the case that <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2003013/My-pet-sheep-saved-life-detecting-breast-cancer.html">sheep aren't dumb</a>.<br /><br />The second is today's dose of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68768396/eye-chart-for-knitters-11-x-17-print">cleverness</a>. Because a sense of humor is always appreciated. No squinting.<br /><br />This is included here because I was sitting on the back step when I saw it and took a break from my knitting to get it into a vase:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66yl_z1zPvb7qD9kuGY_RhaETls-p-on8zy_hkikZXI4bFgJjEcsY15PwKju-3Xl1M3min8IsoYaUYrC_9WDYwar5fVDDgF8PBv0bUy2xluTCUcP0Iiy2b547QjGToDnTaPWiXxBXt_LX/s1600/peonyeffect2bw.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66yl_z1zPvb7qD9kuGY_RhaETls-p-on8zy_hkikZXI4bFgJjEcsY15PwKju-3Xl1M3min8IsoYaUYrC_9WDYwar5fVDDgF8PBv0bUy2xluTCUcP0Iiy2b547QjGToDnTaPWiXxBXt_LX/s400/peonyeffect2bw.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626301469779126098" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-41647701177134444662011-07-06T10:19:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:57:08.680-07:00Aubrey's Sweater<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrya-wXZByWXPNnUbXJsk2r30GWDRTHVp55OnYkWSdnuWJ904zeFv_I0wbnl62-_j8-SInHjvrwYEuZnXKT-UaPJ6XIiLbJM7r1EXXpU9D-xGioy5YrTL6BP-VS9eiKeuUWJ7gU6nZcyvD/s1600/aubreysweater.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrya-wXZByWXPNnUbXJsk2r30GWDRTHVp55OnYkWSdnuWJ904zeFv_I0wbnl62-_j8-SInHjvrwYEuZnXKT-UaPJ6XIiLbJM7r1EXXpU9D-xGioy5YrTL6BP-VS9eiKeuUWJ7gU6nZcyvD/s400/aubreysweater.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626290673061912178" /></a><br />The neighbors had a baby about a month ago, so of course, they were the target of recent enthusiasm. Some <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/calmer.aspx">Calmer</a> -- you say kiwi, I say apple green -- had been taunting me at the shop, and at last! A Genuinely Legitimate Reason to break this summer's yarn diet! It was nice in the hand, minimal snagging, just a bit of stretch. Yum. And, it was perfect for my go-to, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed-baby-jacket">most-excellent pattern</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_ATqF7BchxNj7C77Aabs6ueTxxnd7qI5L3wQqrUmQQvQsUXQ8Y-6ugG7Iv1amvp45ddTc6vU9ZkgEU0mKQ4t6NsBsmgHHcvbEzFkU3MbJz_i07E_PtloAFejumE6XqIvQkC8j_HsEnW1/s1600/aubreysweater2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_ATqF7BchxNj7C77Aabs6ueTxxnd7qI5L3wQqrUmQQvQsUXQ8Y-6ugG7Iv1amvp45ddTc6vU9ZkgEU0mKQ4t6NsBsmgHHcvbEzFkU3MbJz_i07E_PtloAFejumE6XqIvQkC8j_HsEnW1/s400/aubreysweater2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626290688041169506" /></a><br />Knitting rarely goes without incident, and this time was no different. No names, of course, but a certain knitter forgot to put in the buttonhole. Thank heaven for large snaps, just sayin'. In addition, it didn't occur to said unnamed knitter -- whose own babies could only be described as, well, jumbo -- that this baby might be tiny, er, normal. In other words, this is a big baby sweater. Or a big-baby sweater. Hyphenate or not, your choice. <br /><br />Anyway, little Aubrey might be 2 or 3 before she doesn't drown in it.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-71474022885379220822011-06-27T10:28:00.000-07:002011-06-27T10:36:37.857-07:00Smiley RileyToday was a difficult day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPdYEwzkkSRETZsiBHmC0cFwOdMenunvtG1dE0v34NobSd3-JOf1Yii-dpi3qXWNBvygjXLg0Sx1Vo9lD03A7q2XWK61sej_Qa7DuE5MsQ747J91Xx36GJjVSpU3bWkMF4NDqxvwWz8Wd/s1600/rileyhandsome.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPdYEwzkkSRETZsiBHmC0cFwOdMenunvtG1dE0v34NobSd3-JOf1Yii-dpi3qXWNBvygjXLg0Sx1Vo9lD03A7q2XWK61sej_Qa7DuE5MsQ747J91Xx36GJjVSpU3bWkMF4NDqxvwWz8Wd/s400/rileyhandsome.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622953636336601250" /></a><br />Sweet Riley. We tried to make sure that the last eight years of your life were better than the first two. Wait for us. Good boy.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-49268947320737239702011-06-14T15:28:00.000-07:002011-06-16T16:36:06.953-07:00Any Stephen Wright Fans Out There?I don't know about about you, but I've been needing a good laugh. Happily for me, someone sent me these gems from Stephen Wright, odd and hilarious:<br /><br />The World According to Stephen Wright<br />• I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place. <br />• Last week, I went to a furniture store to look for a decaffeinated coffee table. They couldn't help me. <br />• What's another word for "thesaurus"? <br />• When I get real bored, I like to drive downtown and get a great parking spot, then sit in my car and count how many people ask if I'm leaving. <br />• When I was a kid, we had a quicksand box in the backyard. I was an only child . . . eventually. <br />• I bought some batteries, but they weren't included. So I had to buy them again. <br />• For my birthday I got a humidifier and a dehumidifier. I put them in the same room and let them fight it out. <br />• I have a switch in my apartment that doesn't do anything. Every once in a while I turn it on and off. One day I got a call from a guy in France who said, "Cut it out!" <br />• I replaced the headlights on my car with strobe lights. Now it looks like I'm the only one moving. <br />• I wrote a song, but I can't read music. Every time I hear a new song on the radio, I think "Hey, maybe I wrote that." <br />• I got my driver's license photo taken out of focus on purpose. Now when I get pulled over the cop looks at it (moving it nearer and farther, trying to see it clearly)... and says, "Here, you can go." <br />• I went to a general store, but they wouldn't let me buy anything specific. <br />• I turned my air conditioner the other way around, and it got cold out. The weatherman said, "I don't understand it. It was supposed to be 80 degrees out today." I said "Oops . . ." <br />• I put contact lenses in my dog's eyes. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. <br />• I spilled Spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone. <br />• My neighbor has a circular driveway. He can't get out. <br />• I bought some powdered water, but I didn't know what to add. <br />• I put instant coffee in a microwave and almost went back in time. <br />• I have an answering machine in my car. It says, "I'm home now, but leave a message and I'll call when I'm out." <br />• I bought a house on a one-way dead-end road. I don't know how I got there. <br />• I have a hobby. I have the world's largest collection of sea shells. I keep it scattered on beaches all over the world. Maybe you've seen some of it. <br />• I Xeroxed a mirror. Now I have an extra Xerox machine. <br />• Last week I forgot how to ride a bicycle. <br />• My school colors were clear. <br />• I stayed in a really old hotel last night. They sent me a wakeup letter. <br />• I'm taking La maze classes. I'm not having a baby, I'm just having trouble breathing. <br />• When I was in high school, I got in trouble with my girlfriend's Dad. He said, "I want my daughter back by 8:15." I said, "The middle of August? Cool!" <br />• My girlfriend's weird. One day she asked me, "If you could know how and when you were going to die, would you want to know?" I said, "No." She said, "Okay, forget it." <br />• I went for a walk last night and she asked me how long I was going to be gone. I said, "The whole time." <br />• My buddy got busted for counterfeiting. He was making pennies. They caught him because he was putting the heads and tails on the wrong sides. <br />• He's in a minimum security prison now; he's on a whiffle-ball and chain. <br />• Hermits have no peer pressure. <br />• Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories . <br />• There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot. <br />• How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn't live there? <br />• Did Washington just flash a quarter for his ID? <br />• I just got skylights put in my place. The people who live above me are furious. <br />• Imagine if birds were tickled by feathers. <br />• I remember when the candle shop burned down. Everyone stood around singing "Happy Birthday". <br />• I accidentally installed the deer whistles on my car backwards. Now everywhere I go, I'm chased by a herd of deer. <br />• I got stopped by a cop the other day. He said, "Why'd you run that stop sign?" I said, "Because I don't believe everything I read." <br />• It doesn't matter what temperature a room is, it's always room temperature. <br />• Yesterday, my eyeglass prescription ran out. <br />• I'm a peripheral visionary. <br />• I make my own water - two glasses of H, one glass of O. <br />• Ballerinas are always on their toes. Why don't they just get taller ballerinas? <br />• The other day, I went to a tourist information booth and asked, "Tell me about some of the people who were here last year." <br />• Why in a country of free speech, are there phone bills?Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-86321524841127431642011-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:37:55.011-07:00Clever is the Best -- AlwaysThis wee video is making the rounds today. It's by Lorna's Laces. (I think I will have to finally get some of that yarn.) Enjoy:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9vDifmLz6nU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-19959125712586697642011-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:002011-06-08T11:02:01.225-07:00Shades of PinkA couple quick fixes of spring! At the barn:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4CdMKZu65PyAk20jytTO5ST-PzS8S8O0Ltz7Ma5PPhDlZpmXFimtnNg4swhW21w8Tn8ZGukH32sXf8Tatz3w8AjD2IJ5t5T0WL7drrfSTCYbmyudWuoRu97MvS-IDIYdriJRQQKVbQwG/s1600/shadesofpink2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4CdMKZu65PyAk20jytTO5ST-PzS8S8O0Ltz7Ma5PPhDlZpmXFimtnNg4swhW21w8Tn8ZGukH32sXf8Tatz3w8AjD2IJ5t5T0WL7drrfSTCYbmyudWuoRu97MvS-IDIYdriJRQQKVbQwG/s400/shadesofpink2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615910334172348930" /></a><br />And in the backyard. If only they were ever-blooming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-X3zBTgfwCotDlbwciiJ-GhDyGDEw0TypPPMaMV0i6OxHp1g4UYyfeL-iUvlduLcj2lK8wEL2plARwwUvI-FFsN0buI_tE23AeG0KVtaLr2_ZmtWPhzWvPmgl7FJbofHpF-COi-tQ3WI/s1600/shadesofpink1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-X3zBTgfwCotDlbwciiJ-GhDyGDEw0TypPPMaMV0i6OxHp1g4UYyfeL-iUvlduLcj2lK8wEL2plARwwUvI-FFsN0buI_tE23AeG0KVtaLr2_ZmtWPhzWvPmgl7FJbofHpF-COi-tQ3WI/s400/shadesofpink1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615910340065767570" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-53234958432632042992011-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:002011-06-08T10:48:35.719-07:00Mini Adventures of Mini Mochi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2Vgtlrd1sMjtRQhlLA1CUmIvv-heHPDJunDv5q5NA_P5aTDOkSDJ8kqB_Y_KfwzzFMk9Ry6WCe-aNrWkPSsb7dILNNOoLgjCKnvEqIfT1WG7h5EExH7GhCJaLnL2ADeUGvAb2S1oW31n/s1600/mochi11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2Vgtlrd1sMjtRQhlLA1CUmIvv-heHPDJunDv5q5NA_P5aTDOkSDJ8kqB_Y_KfwzzFMk9Ry6WCe-aNrWkPSsb7dILNNOoLgjCKnvEqIfT1WG7h5EExH7GhCJaLnL2ADeUGvAb2S1oW31n/s400/mochi11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612959824957490994" /></a><br />As knitting detours go, this one was nearly ideal: one free pattern plus two skeins of minimal expense, in this instance also known as <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/mini-mochi-balls.html">Mini Mochi</a>, (#307 storm clouds -- I was not in a bad mood, honest) equals a lovely diversion. Don't let the <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/accessories/MMochi-Shawlette.html">example on the website</a> put you off -- it would peel paint. Consider yourself warned.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPVMrasRRIxzndNbxG8evSTeRr96SVb2ZyOi75iyHOQix5EO-n7AvaJ3iEZzE2_en7B_2rlXQs7bl1MRqGL1wwUwbYmSfcvEaqaIZqDUv48c8y-5FRzPRlr3vbUOeq-kRMrfNcNPMN4_Q/s1600/mochi2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPVMrasRRIxzndNbxG8evSTeRr96SVb2ZyOi75iyHOQix5EO-n7AvaJ3iEZzE2_en7B_2rlXQs7bl1MRqGL1wwUwbYmSfcvEaqaIZqDUv48c8y-5FRzPRlr3vbUOeq-kRMrfNcNPMN4_Q/s400/mochi2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612957730367471394" /></a><br />It was fun to knit, but nearly didn't happen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jtv6hgUaOGPQZKcNS_1jcQq6Ll9hIl4ZCGnkrtZjx1x2JIRnKSf3sWERszitLKrqiqtIZHeqXrH237tMmSByH_ba-l_a3TqMdjxpMw50LtTxnJado3heu01-ZiLCGo4waJo9wPhsFOum/s1600/mochi3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jtv6hgUaOGPQZKcNS_1jcQq6Ll9hIl4ZCGnkrtZjx1x2JIRnKSf3sWERszitLKrqiqtIZHeqXrH237tMmSByH_ba-l_a3TqMdjxpMw50LtTxnJado3heu01-ZiLCGo4waJo9wPhsFOum/s400/mochi3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612957740739925330" /></a><br />It was the classic MO of my inhouse yarn vandal, who simply couldn't leave it alone!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0dpu1_PNe7Jn08pySNH2pRWV1VyjU0dXImLQHxYOEHHllXm1q8cS8TUQ7LEv1FTmdrghyiPp36S51TPXqb470Mv2W3xEEXVCaG78vWt_cDpk_D3pqO1VuGKaWPMutW86l3sAyHzPtVQe/s1600/mochi8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0dpu1_PNe7Jn08pySNH2pRWV1VyjU0dXImLQHxYOEHHllXm1q8cS8TUQ7LEv1FTmdrghyiPp36S51TPXqb470Mv2W3xEEXVCaG78vWt_cDpk_D3pqO1VuGKaWPMutW86l3sAyHzPtVQe/s400/mochi8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958908701491058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_21k7Ul7qkF_QDWV3tNaApyli_GtUTyNlQSC2CcmlnmlsKac4uXgHEqH44NlYuNu1A6EDLWupXS3e8J1X5uZ-bJG0RWTd5G9CMw78NSdb6dexfHIPqwMxGwi0pzvvlcuU_X6DEDGTT56/s1600/mochi9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_21k7Ul7qkF_QDWV3tNaApyli_GtUTyNlQSC2CcmlnmlsKac4uXgHEqH44NlYuNu1A6EDLWupXS3e8J1X5uZ-bJG0RWTd5G9CMw78NSdb6dexfHIPqwMxGwi0pzvvlcuU_X6DEDGTT56/s400/mochi9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958914284499746" /></a><br />A quick trip back to the shop to snag the last skein (!!) and I was back on track. Being a person of some extra size, I went for broke and did an extra repeat, which added just enough length to the shawl and pretty much took care of that left-over yarn problem:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzU1XlR-pgh_TckpJWhaGTueW4lvfzayxh573SRzgSQ_hx6LDAtQSWsAmSQ78NFT0bOvwjcf8i3GvY4twNeXQch7UGG5-gvseWuSXIR0i3cZlz28v3jFWodY9UvhMpB9EzlzcssSY3w8F/s1600/mochi5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzU1XlR-pgh_TckpJWhaGTueW4lvfzayxh573SRzgSQ_hx6LDAtQSWsAmSQ78NFT0bOvwjcf8i3GvY4twNeXQch7UGG5-gvseWuSXIR0i3cZlz28v3jFWodY9UvhMpB9EzlzcssSY3w8F/s400/mochi5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958328052163170" /></a><br />Perhaps the best part of this was the sawtooth edging. I'd not done it before and it's terrific!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1atNtguhBWZyxSX5bVF1oCIMZ5IYgXr6cHEzHvufTwDXHocfvf0VxxU4xn24qbBuoeBoy5BvkGAAqvLdEjbtowH_d3fMyK2ih1Ah6naOWgd_Ne0SLzhf_gMFdSGR3ufr2dd4EEltyuEn/s1600/mochi7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1atNtguhBWZyxSX5bVF1oCIMZ5IYgXr6cHEzHvufTwDXHocfvf0VxxU4xn24qbBuoeBoy5BvkGAAqvLdEjbtowH_d3fMyK2ih1Ah6naOWgd_Ne0SLzhf_gMFdSGR3ufr2dd4EEltyuEn/s400/mochi7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958903849483602" /></a><br />The yarn vandal returned, lurking for an opportunity. Hi Boing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-fyepkmqL5cgOmIgzi35kFaVTKxf0YfbtV5z6qA_G5HhhjV5UPm0E8MotOzX5VooNiGtB3JIAL_ZcDWc-fkn0kwrLZSOWzr0tDPxRVt_JlwOIcm69lIM_LufwSRdCv0Umg_Ip8xBqNmS/s1600/mochi6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-fyepkmqL5cgOmIgzi35kFaVTKxf0YfbtV5z6qA_G5HhhjV5UPm0E8MotOzX5VooNiGtB3JIAL_ZcDWc-fkn0kwrLZSOWzr0tDPxRVt_JlwOIcm69lIM_LufwSRdCv0Umg_Ip8xBqNmS/s400/mochi6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958332332529138" /></a><br />Knit, blocked, tried on and photographed ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xO3ICx1suHKRZsHbFGo_VSK8iNoRSVWnceEszhL58zhyphenhyphenAA_CTPczAS7hrdVQohCGwPPxzfo9kpMPu8ayCqgrhDlPcZIpsYiCWFvLJipw_JpU5DCI_WmIy2G8bIAo62K70Na5yRDCAdG6/s1600/mochi10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xO3ICx1suHKRZsHbFGo_VSK8iNoRSVWnceEszhL58zhyphenhyphenAA_CTPczAS7hrdVQohCGwPPxzfo9kpMPu8ayCqgrhDlPcZIpsYiCWFvLJipw_JpU5DCI_WmIy2G8bIAo62K70Na5yRDCAdG6/s400/mochi10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612959815397698146" /></a><br />... And I don't know whether I even like it. Sigh.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-91681804970124213572011-05-16T21:26:00.001-07:002011-05-16T21:37:19.966-07:00The Power of Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe4S5CQmGQ2BxA4KFhwoQjPPhfXnL1z7d7Mhl8CFuaI66HmPZQUnOldNGTZuFc8E1RnVBnR-EFG343NEcDwURt7bFJvTfIu2_YP9W6gpPwYZh0rdse0VtMTCFn2KR_sXRQZXCEesbnHgo/s1600/jrstulips2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe4S5CQmGQ2BxA4KFhwoQjPPhfXnL1z7d7Mhl8CFuaI66HmPZQUnOldNGTZuFc8E1RnVBnR-EFG343NEcDwURt7bFJvTfIu2_YP9W6gpPwYZh0rdse0VtMTCFn2KR_sXRQZXCEesbnHgo/s400/jrstulips2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607539367361495202" /></a><br />I found this photo in my phone the other day. I'd forgotten about it -- but not the flowers themselves. They appeared on my desk about a month ago during some awkwardness over a job reshuffling. The gesture meant alot. Thanks, Judyrs. You're grand.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520784087233139114.post-71445051644688969722011-05-10T11:18:00.000-07:002011-05-15T23:44:35.588-07:00Blogger Ate My PostAnd I'm right peeved about it. Not that it was Pulitzer material, but it was a nice chat about moving my favorite college freshman-now-sophomore out of her dorm at the <a href="http://www.udayton.edu">University of Dayton</a>. I remember thinking that afternoon that I should've had that irksome pedometer* along, for all the walking I was doing. <br /><br />She was remarkably organized with her packing, so while she filled bins, I schlepped the full ones out to the truck. Back and forth, back and forth and back and forth some more. I got very lucky when I scored a parking spot close to the door. This was the view from where I parked:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMpnjlf2CHXLx_tvSXTg5Bgwa3-EnsTC6t0TGJvb0eK8a29JWKjFDoFWKKEzMZpI4Dd1Alkf0T65NrGA-rW7uinP5Z14GD-OrcSqcfP42xGuS3EKBRj_PP5e5CLCm_iP4gmfqEzW3AwEQ/s1600/moveoutday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMpnjlf2CHXLx_tvSXTg5Bgwa3-EnsTC6t0TGJvb0eK8a29JWKjFDoFWKKEzMZpI4Dd1Alkf0T65NrGA-rW7uinP5Z14GD-OrcSqcfP42xGuS3EKBRj_PP5e5CLCm_iP4gmfqEzW3AwEQ/s400/moveoutday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605154485889488946" /></a><br />The line went past the horizon and filled the two parking lots that are just out of view. For all the commotion, there was little to no chaos. And not one bit of crabbiness! People held doors, shared vacuums, helped pick up a tipped luggage dolly (thanks again, everyone), and eventually we made our last trip out of the building. We drove back to Mamaw's house, and it felt so good to sit down. And then ... o-o. <br /><br />My favorite college-freshman-now-sophomore had forgotten her fish in the lounge. This wasn't just any ol' beta -- it was a gift from her Pi-Phi big sister. So back to the dorm she went.<br /><br />The next morning, I decided that my reward for being such a good helper mommy would be a quick field trip:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrsDR6I74uA4CIN5_MkIREr0T_FCeMfBAnbSpmnZMkw60K1QJ7fWepDAz04AjUe61D9597d6A5ZWj0jASfKlN0juXvCjOMF1rF7DJbUf41FZkXyUcJk7Rk2D2GkL8S4bYeXfas7pE7H51/s1600/yarnneedle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrsDR6I74uA4CIN5_MkIREr0T_FCeMfBAnbSpmnZMkw60K1QJ7fWepDAz04AjUe61D9597d6A5ZWj0jASfKlN0juXvCjOMF1rF7DJbUf41FZkXyUcJk7Rk2D2GkL8S4bYeXfas7pE7H51/s400/yarnneedle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605154482156442930" /></a><br /><br />In Centerville's historic district, it's a cozy place -- two customers are company, three a crowd -- and arranged a bit differently than most shops I've been to. Instead of being arranged by weight, most of the shelves were arranged by color. It reminded me of the rows of paint chips at [insert your favorite home improvement center here]. Being on a strict yarn diet these days, I didn't buy anything, but I nearly caved when I saw a basket of <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-EcoAlpaca.asp">this</a>. <br /><br />There wasn't a soul there when we arrived, the door wide open. I had just started poking around when the owner returned. She'd been next door finalizing her bets on the Derby. "I only bet on the Triple Crown races," she said. "I win just enough to cover my losses." <br /><br />------------------------------------<br /><br />* we have to use them as part of a pantywaist, ridiculous wellness program we have to complete to get a discount on our health insurance.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780420179592459599noreply@blogger.com0