Knitting with no camera, what' up with that?

I am knitting up a storm and organizing my stash, but no pictures for you :( I loaned my camera to my son, Chris, for his big adventure in the middle east and alas, I miss it, oh and him too :) My husband, Geoff and Chris are having the most amazing trip and are still gone, hmmmmm, a total of more than 2 weeks. Wow!! They have been to Jordan, Egypt, Petra, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Israel, and will end up in Palestine (other places that I can't really remember) with some friends for about 5 days. I am so excited to see the pictures and hear about the adventures, I can't wait! Chris is 16 and I think this will be a real growing experience for him. It is always good to see how the other half lives and get a bit of perspective on your own life.

At any rate I hope your summer is going well and that you have plenty of fiber in your diet, ha, ha!! Happy Knitting! Jeanne

Going on a road trip....

Hey there all, I am going on a road trip next week to southern Utah and any tips would be appreciated. We are going to (hopefully) meet our daughter and her boyfriend who will be riding their bicycles down from Green River, in Escalante. They have had some set backs getting this trip on the road, but the lucky ducks are off for the next 2 1/2 months, so it's really not that big of a deal. However, we are not and our plan to meet is quickly changing. Alas, I am learning to go with the flow. We are taking the motorcycles, dogs, teenager (maybe teenagers girlfriend) oh yea, the kitchen sink too! I am really ready to get away and have some down time with my crew! Stay tuned....

Just because I am here...

I am here, but really not here, but well, yes I am here! Clearly I am here on this computer right now at this time! I am learning some new things (non knitting related) and trying to remind myself to look up from my knitting once in a while. I really do need a 12 step knitting program, yes I am powerless over knitting, thinking about knitting, talking about knitting and only the knitting God's can save me from my knitting self!

Here is my latest photo, but not my latest project. This is just one that I owed Jimmy a picture of and so stopped knitting long enough to actually shoot the picture. Please stop me before I knit again!!!!

Hee, hee! I CRACK myself up! This is the Brickwork Scarf in Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn and boy is it fun to work on!

Well I gotta go and knit! Bye for now....

Happy New Year! Tuba's, dogs, and gratitude...

Well, we did it! We made it to the Rose Parade and Chris marched all the way; with his Sousaphone aka Tuba!!! It was tough but he hung in there and they were AWESOME!!! This was so worth all the driving, dogs (who had to come due to doggie neurosis), LA traffic and just general craziness! We took our travel trailer and had some interesting moments along the way, but we enjoyed the whole adventure.

Ok so where to start? Hmmmm the beginning may be the best place and our excellent adventure began on December 27th as we said goodbye to Chris and with our trailer, trailing behind the truck we set off down the road! Our first night was spent in a Moss Landing on HWY 1; were we were fortunate enough to get a spot that we didn't have to unhook the rig. Well, we had the electric brakes installed quite a while ago, but this was the first time using them; and alas we woke up to a completely DEAD battery on our truck! UGH!!! There was a little stress and cursing, but a great guy helped us out and we took off again. After a lot of discussion we decided that it must be the electric brakes that caused the problem and from then on we unplugged whenever we were stopped longer than a nano second! Now that we are back we will be calling the installer (who shall remain nameless, as everyone makes mistakes GRRR) and have them correct this problem!!! Ok on the road again!

Next stop Pismo Beach and again we lucked out and didn't have to unhook the trailer (unplugged it though) and the weather was amazing!!! We both love HWY 1 and just couldn't believe our luck with the weather and holy cow; where are the bikes babe?? Oh yea, freezing cold at home and lots of snow! I can't wait to ride down to the coast on Mariah, but I digress, sorry...We enjoyed this drive immensely and our next stop was San Juan Capistrano and Geoff's brother's place! Very nice Chris and Katherine! Thanks for the hospitality and driving up to Pomona to see us on our last night! You two are the best!

So after Piglet ate our trailer due to the falling acorns on the roof...sheesh, Piglet, you just wouldn't make it in the wild; we just (barely) made it to Bandfest to see McQueen play. (note the wreckage on the sidewalk and the guilty dogs watching me clean up, Piglet is on the right) Thanks to the guy at Amco in Pomona, who helped us out with GREAT directions. Geoff decided (since I was weeping) to stop and ask for help finding the RV Park, phew, we made it with literally, 2 minutes to spare. This is where we actually got to speak to Chris and not just text! Hi Chris! Are you having fun? Do you have enough money? Hug, hug, kiss, kiss; later gator! Oh yeah, TUBAS ROCK! Of course the band was great and I ran around and took tons of pics! Gee whiz Mom, give it a rest!

So on to the next day, which was New Years Eve, WOOOHOOO! That Uncie aka Chris (Geoff's brother) is a car nut, buff, expert, well you get the idea! He has his first muscle car, a 1976 (?) Pontiac Firebird, which is restored and beauuutifulll; took us into Pasadena too have coffee and see some of his friends muscle cars! Oooohhhh, neat! If you didn't know I was into muscle cars way back when and had a Dodge Challenger 340 Six Pak; which if I had put in the garage would be worth something today. I was a dumb kid and couldn't afford the $79.00 a month car payment on the thing, DUH!!! At any rate, we saw some cool cars and met one of Chris's friends. Here is a tail fin on a Plymouth Super Bird, that is not a common car and can be yours for only $150,000.00. I think the guy is nuts, but it never hurts to ask right?

So now on to tracing our route for the morning drive to the parade parking at 4:00 am! Oh yeah, first Piglet got her tail caught in the door (just the big rubber seal, no injury) and she got grouchy and then Sierra decided to start snapping and I had to sit in between them to calm them down. It was not really a hardship as the two brothers had lots to say to each other about which HWY to take, where to turn, and who's map (electronic or paper was the best). Of course I must admit that every once in a while I had to pipe up and put my 2 cents in!

We finally got there and figured out the best way to go, which freeway exits would be open, and well the general condition of the universe, ahhhh all is well! I had tickets to see the float decorating, but alas, these two were kinda spoil sports and I didn't get to go, boo hoo, boo hoo! I have to admit that I was a bit tuckered out by now. The LA basin is just drive, drive, drive and maybe if you are lucky you will get somewhere. Of course we won't talk about the SMOG, hmmm, I guess I just did; it is incredible! It did make me appreciate home, even with the summer like weather. Ok so we had a quiet evening and went to bed at 8:00 pm; 8:00 pm on New Years Eve! What's up with that? Oh yeah, we are going to see our boy march in the Rose Parade!

Didley dee dee! Hmmmm, what's that? Ahhh I remember the 4:00 am alarm, ok up and at em'!! Here we go, tickets, check, water, check, coffee, check, dogs, check, camera, check; let's ROLL! Holy cow I am so impressed, we got to the parking lot without a hitch and got to walk around and see the floats; find the porta potties and just settle in to a wonderful day!

I took pics of some of the waiting floats! They were amazing and to think they are made completely of flowers, seeds and the like! So many of them were animated and it was so cool to see them coming down the road later in the day! The people were so nice and handing out flowers!

Clorus Leachman was the Grand Marshall and we had the Marine band in front of our seats for sometime and it just makes me choke up to think of the amazing commitment of these young people. When they started playing and marching I did shed a bit of a tear in thanks for their service.

Of course it looks like I am a little fixated on Tubas, hmmmm I wonder why? The parade really was awesome and I have to say I just couldn't get over the organization of the whole thing!

Here is a video that one of the McQueen Band parents found of the band marching the parade. My friend Dannette was texting me and sending me pics from her TiVo?? That was cool Dannette! How did you do that? Even my stepdad called to find out what order they would be in and watched! Our neighbors watched, that Uncie recorded it and thanks to all of you for your support. The band worked hard to get here and raise the incredible amount of money to do this trip. They got a 6 day vacation, marching in the Disneyland parade, riding roller coasters, and just generally being kids! How cool is that?

Well, that evening (after a nap for all of us, dogs too) Chris and Katherine came to our camp site and we all went out for a nice dinner. Thanks for coming all that way to see us off!

It's time to go home though and we will be glad to get there. Geoff is talking about going the long route through Death Valley, NOT! Let's go it's supposed to be snowing and there is fog here, sheesh! We did the drive home in one day and we are all very tired! Chris got home the next morning about 7:30 and we were really glad to be here to pick him up!

Happy New Year to all and may you have all that you need this year!

Today I learned

Today I learned that I am human,

that I make mistakes,

that life is confusing for everyone,

that my cat loves me and will nuzzle my ear no matter how

stupid I am!

Today I learned that I can forgive myself my mistakes and do my best to make it right,

even though life is confusing; I am happy!

that my cat, well, she is my cat and always loves me!

I am grateful for my life, today, tomorrow, and always....

Tiny Bubble Socks

There are done!! I am so happy and I really enjoyed working on these. They look more difficult than they are and I think you will enjoy knitting them up.



They would be beautiful in any sock yarn and are shown here in the Indie Dyer Supersock Select; Boogey Man colorway.

Happy Knitting!

So much and so little time!

So much to see and do! I am knitting like a maniac and have 2 patterns about to be released; I am taking pics today and putting the final touches on them now. Of course socks and then a bag using the coolest beaded handles!

On the motorcycle front, my poor, poor Mariah is not feeling well! We were riding yesterday and all of a sudden she started to ride rough and lost tons of power! She's in the shop now, but I probably won't have her back soon, as Street Vibrations is just winding down and the number of bikes needing service is amazing! Here she is a couple of weeks ago up at Virginia City. Isn't she pretty?? I do love to ride and if there was anyway to knit and ride at the same time I would be a very happy girl. Alas, that just wouldn't be a safe thing, so don't worry, I will keep both hands on the handle bars, BUT you can be sure that there is knitting in those saddle bags!!!

Well, I'm off to work and knitting!

Thinking??

So much is going on around here and then it seems like nothing is happening to move things forward one little bit. Have you ever felt that way? I still have yet to get the paper work together for our 2007 taxes (partly because I didn't do a good job keeping track of our bank statements last year). I am going to suck it up today and look at the office to see where the statements may be hiding, although, Geoff & Chris have both looked and minimal finding has happened. UGH! I hope we can file another extension, sheesh! I wish it was due to the fact that we earned so much money last year, but alas, it is just laziness, or denial, or probably both!




On the knitting front I have cast off my Undulating Scarf/Shawl, but have decided to go back and add as many more repeats as the little bit of yarn and beads I have will allow.

I am looking forward to having this one done, but it has been a fun knit and very quick.




We did get a chance to go camping last weekend and we didn't have to go far to find some amazing country! Geoff and I had done a 250 mile ride a couple of days before, through Hope Valley, so I said let's pack it up and GO!! We had a GREAT time and the dogs loved it too.


Many years ago, I had mentioned to my too stressed out husband, Geoff, that he needed to stop and smell the flowers. He has done a terrific job and here is one of his lovely collections!

So with that I will take my leave and wish everyone wonderful moments, because isn't that all life is? Just a collection of moments?

Life...

This Monday, the 14th of July our family said goodbye to an old friend. Pooh Bear came to us as a puppy with her sister Piglet and was one of the gentlest creature I have had the pleasure to know. The two puppies helped our dog Junior get over the loss of his brother Wolfie and helped all of us when Junior passed on. Of course having to let go of a good friend is always difficult and this was no exception.


We will miss Pooh Bear, but are of course glad that she is not suffering from her bodily failures any longer. Gifts come in all shapes and sizes and this dog was a real gift in our lives.

Thank you Pooh Bear for letting us know you for almost 12 years.

Quiet...

It's quiet as I sit here thinking of what to say. I close my eyes and hear the birds and smell the soft morning coolness as it wafts in from the open door. Should I say that I am me and that is unclear as something defined. Confused and yet accepting of that state of mind, I like me today. I even liked me yesterday and that is a good thing. I have decided that I will never truly 'find' myself because I am not actually lost. I am living and full of the beauty of my life. I am just as I should be at this moment in time. I am...

Nature is...

Nature is,

harsh, yet soft,

it is cruel, yet kind,

it is calm, yet violent,


it is beauty personified,

it is the question,

it is the answer.





Ask the question and look out the window to see the answer.

Nature is...

I am a bit SOCKY...

Well, I am excited because I took 2nd place in the Lorna's Laces sock contest! I have won 3 copies of my patterns and 4 hanks of Lorna's luscious sock yarn! That's enough to make 2 pairs and I chose 2 of my favorite colors; Edgewater & Baltic Sea! You can see the colors here at my favorite yarn shop Jimmy Beans Wool

I named the socks 'Herringbone Lace' and the wonderful Lorna's folks are taking their knit up version to The National NeedleArts Association where lots and lots of people will see them. I can't wait to see which colors they choose to knit them in.

Now this may all seem a bit silly to anyone who may be reading this, BUT my wonderful friend and knitting mentor, Allison Judge, and I started 2 Askew Designs late last year and this is priceless publicity!

Thank you to all the wonderful people at Lorna's Laces
whose infinite dabbling in the paint pots is the inspiration for these socks and many of my other creations. I am currently working on an elegant shawl in one of the Limited Edition colorways (Becca's Last Day) in Lion and Lamb. OOOOhhhhhhh yummy silk blend, in a worsted weight yarn.




Anyway, I am a bit excited, and humbled. I am new to design and well, to be recognized by such amazing artists is quite nice. Thanks you Lorna's!

Beauty!

It's 6:15 in the morning and instead of turning over and going back to sleep, I got up when the birds started chirping (5:15). I am sipping my coffee and my sweet gentle cat is nudging my wrist to pet her. Ahhhhhh, purrrr, she says! I am purring too!

Yesterday, we absolutely kept the television off! Wow, the difference it made in the tone around the house. AMAZING! It's not like I don't know the effect that infernal chatter box has on us, but we read, cleaned, and worked on our earthquake proofing of the stuff in the house. It was such a lovely day! I am going to take the blasted thing out of my bedroom and that's that! Maybe I will just throw it out the window!


I have truly had the most gifted days since Friday morning! I have been a complete dimwit of late and am trying to figure that out, and my only conclusion is that I think I should be a dimwit, so I am! Clearly this is an internal problem, but awareness is the first step to change. Oh, gosh there was a point to the side track on Dimwitteness and it was that on Friday I began the task of rehanging paintings with sturdy earthquake approved hooks (focusing and trying to chase the Dim Wits out of my head) and then my honey, Geoffy, called me and suggested we play hooky on the bikes! Well, gee you don't have to drop a Harley on me; I'm there! Let's ride......well, one of our routines is to check each other's tires for sharp things that are stuck in them, and well, bloody hell, I had a nail in my rear tire. Now, the truly interesting portion of the nail story is that while most riders NEVER have a flat; Geoff and I have both had one AND this is the second one for my bike! Holy cow am I glad I have an extended warranty on my bike! Sheesh there goes our ride, or at least mine....ahhhhh, but wait, I have a free rental coupon from the good folks a Reno Harley (because I spend sooooooo much money there, UGH) and well, why not? They have a Heritage Softail and I jump at the chance to ride that bad boy for the next 24 hours. So we are back on for a GREAT ride up Mt. Rose HWY and all the way around Lake Tahoe!

Beauuuuutifulll ride! Well, I need another want like a hole in the head, but that Heritage is the most amazing machine! The difference is like a VW Bug (which I have) and a Cadillac. I rode like the wind and my butt wasn't numb and well, of course I would LOVE to have one of my own. However, for now, I will stick with Mariah (she's a truly amazing machine too!) and just look with a wanting eye at all the Heritages on the road.

Rockin' and Rollin'

Well, I am awake and it is 5:27 am, and actually I have been awake for most of the night. My sweet little Sierra has been on edge and then of course we had a 4.0 earthquake at 4:33 this morning. It's hard to imagine that the 4.7 we had Friday night was so much more than that, but it was! Geoff, my brainiack says that as the numbers go up the severity goes up by a factor of 10. Now, I am no math wiz (as anyone who knows me will attest) but, I do know that when the shakin' started on Friday night it was much more severe than this morning. So, the way I understand it is that is a factor of 70. I just can't imagine what bigger is like? All the California earthquakes that have done such damage and taken lives are becoming quite real to me.

This really hits home to me, the fact that the Human race is so powerless over our environment. Sure, we can build to help with damage in lots of situations, but the bottom line is we need to have more humility for the awesome power that is Mother Earth. I have always worked hard to live in the moment and yesterday I had some GREAT moments! We went for a ride with two of our new motorcycle buddies and it was beautiful! We rode up to Lake Tahoe and had lunch at Garwoods. It was warm and the lake was like a still pond. As we came back down, we rode through Truckee on Glenshire and I thought of Dannette bobette! I know she lives around there somewhere. Then we rode around Boca and along the rode by the river. Boy was it beautiful! Earthquakes and all, I am so grateful for my life at this very moment. Have lots of great moments today and don't let the stupid stuff get to you; it's just not worth it.

UGH! Technology..

Ok, I am just on a rant about technology and especially software! Computers are so ridiculously specific. If you type just one thing that isn't right they will NOT forgive. Picky, picky, picky! So I just stopped by to let anyone who may care that 2 Askew Designs now has a website, BUT that silly little me can't get the site 'pushed' out there yet. You can check out our blog if you like and I will try to keep that somewhat current.

Phew, maybe I will go ride the bike! I did just water the yard a bit and finally the weather is getting sweet!

Happy Spring!

Crazy times, or is it just me?

Well, at the shop if I get a little tilted; we call it being 'Pickley'. I have been a little tilted lately, but have seemed to pull it together the last couple of days.

I am currently relearning HTML, or better known as web design, after an extended hiatus (about 10 years)! UGH! I have some great mentors and have had a ton of awesome input that has helped get the cobwebs knocked down. However, it is still a big learning curve. The site I am working on getting going is of course, 2 Askew Designs so far there is still Godaddy's page holder there, BUT stay tuned it is starting to come together!

I have gotten the email up and running, so give me a shout at Info@2askewdesigns.com and I should be able to get back to you soon! In the meantime we do have some new patterns out that you can see here at Jimmy Beans Wool of course riding, knitting, and some crochet are on my mind too, phew!

Stay tuned same Bat Channel for more....

I am here, really..

Hi all,

Well, contrary to popular belief I am around! I have been working on some patterns for 2 Askew Designs and of course any chance that I get; riding the bike!

My fellow 2 Askewer, Allison, has been working hard on her end of things and well, I am designing our website. It is fun to remind myself what I know and of course learn the things that I can't remember! There is currently just a place holder here Stay tuned though it will come together!

http://www.2askewdesigns.com/

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Well I did it! I made it to 50, the big 50, half a century! Wow, I really love it! I enjoy every birthday, everyday is a miracle. I am so blessed in life that words just can't really express my joy. I had a visitor at work for my birthday, and I got to spend some much needed time with my family (mostly my husband). Thanks Jimmy for the early out on Friday!

Finally! Snow, snow, snow!

Well, it is finally snowing and it is so beautiful! There are some down sides, as there has been some spotty flooding and well my guys are a little sick, but otherwise it is so cool! Well, actually down right cold, wet and white. It's knitting weather for sure and I am on it too! I have some long, warm, Luscious Loungers I am working on for 2 Askew. I am using Lorna's Laces Worsted and have already finished the shorter version. Ooooohhhh I can't wait to wear them, but for now they are down at the shop doing a little advertising. I used one of the limited editions in the worsted, Autumn Leaves. WOW! It is so beautiful! 2 Askew is up and running and we now have 3 whole published patterns. The wonderful Jimmy of www.jimmybeanswool.com
will be putting up the 3rd offering from my dear friend and partner in this endeavour. It is called Basketweave Watch Cap, by Allison Judge! Way to go Allison, although I am still not happy that you didn't take me to Hawaii with you! Sheesh! Ha Ha Ha! Have a great time! Aloha....

At any rate everyone please be safe and knit, knit, knit, oh yeah wanna go for a Harley ride?? No takers, well fine then I guess I will keep the bike in the garage for now.

Almost a New Year!

Happy, Happy New Year!

I wish to reflect on all of the things that have made up my personal perception of 2007. However, I don't know where to exactly begin. I have stumbled and even landed flat on face this last year. I stood up from those falls, sometimes with skinned knees, and sometimes with nothing more than a little dust to brush from myself.

I have learned more about myself in this last year, than I can remember. I have learned to keep my mouth shut and not blurt out the first thing that comes into my little pea brain. Thinking first is a very good technique for me to practice. Sometimes even not taking any action on some of my thoughts is the best technique for me to employ.

I have learned that if you don't think about where you want your motorcycle to go; sometimes it will go where it wants. Not only will you bruise your ego, but your skin can take a lickin' too! I learned that an old dog can learn new tricks and be pretty darn good at those tricks too. I remembered this year how MUCH I love to ride motorcycles, and that I can have my own Softail Harley to ride. I named her 'Mariah' (that's the name for the wind), from the old movie Paint Your Wagon, with Clint Eastwood. I even rented the movie and watched it again what a crack up!

I have realized that life is tenuous at best and that I need to live for today. I know I want to be a better person today. I want to look for the joys in the moment, not the complaints. See each moment as the real gift that it is and not worry about what is going to happen next to screw it up.

Resolutions? Not really, I just want to live, laugh, love and be grateful I woke up and take it from there; everyday. Of course I would like to loose weight, win the lottery, sell millions of knitting patterns, have a housekeeper, cook, gardener (oh well I guess that all falls in line with the lotto), travel, go to Sturgis (I think?), take a class with Kathryn Alexander, um, well you get the idea.

I guess the bottom line is I am just plain grateful for everyday I get to be here with my family and friends. I wish everyone a year full of whatever you need to be complete.

Happy New Year!