Monday Again

I have a few errands to run this morning and then it's Knitting at the Library day. Hooray! On the second Monday of each month there is a group that meets at the main public library in downtown Nashville. Knitters of note often attend, there are door prizes, and a good time is had by all. It's been awhile since my schedule has allowed me to attend, so I am really looking forward to it.

Doug and I have been working hard in the veggie garden, too. I need to post a photo or two, but we've been trying to come up with a foolproof way to keep our dog Pogo out of the garden. He has become obsessed with stealing the green tomatoes (I think he believes they are tennis balls) and if things keep up this way we won't harvest a ripe tomato this summer. Doug has reinforced the fencing and is building a new wood gate that I don't think he'll be able to push his way under. I tell ya, sometimes pets seem to be more trouble than they are worth. Of course, I don't really mean that. Pogo is awfully cute.

Dishcloths for Jules

These are the dishcloths I made for my sister Julie. I made her some last year, in more muted tones, and they were wearing out. She requested that the new ones be in brighter colors and I think she got what she asked for. heehee

In my excitement at finshing, I sent these off without taking a picture so this photo is from her. Thanks, Jules. I'm really glad you like them.

Beat the Heat

One of the advantages to this heatwave (heat index is 107 degrees today) is the fact that I feel no guilt whatsoever in staying indoors.

This morning I drove out to Murfreesboro to visit a favorite LYS, The Knaughty Knitter. Meredith has a SnB on Thursday mornings and today she was having a big sale as well. I bought 4 skeins of ArtYarns Ultramerino 8, some Berroco Suede to make a top for my sister Christine, Crytal Palace Maizy for socks, and Tatamy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns to make Rachel a sweater. Whew! Good thing I have my birthday as an excuse! lol

My friends Laurie and Sally were there, too, and it was fun to shop & knit a little. I haven't been making it out on Thursdays since school let out so it was a special treat. School starts for Rachel on the 15th, so I'm sure I'll be making it out there on a more regular basis.

I am still working on the "Polly Pocket Dress" in Rowan Denim from Miss Bea's Seaside. I'll post a photo when I get a little further along. I am almost done with the back but it doesn't look like much as yet.

Monsoon Season?

It's approximately 101 degrees here in Nashville today, and with the drought most of us are wishing for the rains to come, but I just had to go ouside and take this photo of the (wool) Socks that Rock "Inside Out" sock I finished* up last night. This was the February kit from the STR Sock Club, the colorway is called Monsoon. The April & June kirs were beautiful--I need to post photos of the skeins before I get them rolled.

Now I just need to make the other one, and when this heat wave passes and the fall temps arrive I'll be cozy in my "cool" socks. Big smile for my first adult sock!

*Please disregard that end I still need to sew in!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today was my 41st birthday and I had a terrific day. I got wonderful voicemails and e-cards from dear friends and family--thanks everyone!


A few weeks ago I signed up to take a watercolor class from Gail McDaniel and today was the first day (a nice coincidence!). This is my first watercolor from a still life that was today's subject. I still need to add a few more details, but all in all I was pretty happy with it. It has been many years since I did any painting and it was a lot of fun to get out of the house and do something that is just for me.


Next, I had lunch with my sister Christine, my brother Lou, and BIL Eddie at Cozymel's. Rachel was still at the drop-in childcare place and it was a delicious and peaceful lunch. They gave me gardening & art supplies and these beautiful flowers.


After lunch I picked up Rachel & went to see my friends at our Tuesday afternoon knitting group. A couple of members were missing (see you soon Jinjifore & Barb!) but we had a great time together as always.

I didn't make it down to Stillwaters Cafe for the evening Meetup group since Doug and I planned to go out to Red Lobster for dinner. Dinner was delicious and I hope to make it down to see Phyllis and Co. next week.

All told, it was a wonderful birthday.

Knitting for Gifts

I have been finishing up some of the WIPs I have laying around before I succumb to the urge to start something new.


Here is the baby blanket I made from Blue Sky Organic Cotton, colorway 85, for a friend who is having her first baby --a boy--in October. The pattern is adapted from natural knits for babies and moms. The finished dimensions of the blanket in the book was only 18" x 24" . I thought that seemed a bit small, so I added some stitches to the width and knitted a couple of extra repeats. It's not huge now either (approx. 24" x 27"), but I think the size is good for a stroller or car seat, or just carrying around for snuggling. The yarn is wonderful--very soft to touch and a beautiful twist of cream and silvery green.



This is another one of the Koigu beaded purses I have been making. This time in a bright tomato red for a friend who loves all things red.

While it can seem a little sad to give away so much of my knitting, I really love the idea that my time, energy and love are in every stitch --and I know that the people I give things to appreciate that.

My Little Fish

I decided to enroll Rachel in some private swim lessons at the Y this summer. We took several of the group lesson series last year and we didn't make much progress. Rachel's favorite lifeguard/instructor, Beth, was back this summer and in 3 lessons Rachel was swimming underwater and could swim doggie paddle the 25-yard length of the pool. I was so impressed and actually surprised when she passed the Y's swim test to use the large water slides in the outdoor pool and earned the much-coveted green wristband. You go, girl!

Wedding Bells

Yesterday one of my oldest friends got married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Bicentennial Park in downtown Nashville.


They didn't start out planning a summer wedding, but when they saw the 07-07-07 date, they were sold. Ed is the son of my mother's best friend and we grew up together--at each other's homes, on summer vacations and at our older siblings' swim meets. He is almost like a younger brother & we have a lot of terrific memories. It was a lot of fun reminiscing, seeing both of his parents and making each other laugh.


Best of all-- seeing Ed and his beautiful bride, Jennifer, so happy. Some days are just good.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th! We had a great family day today--swimming, horseshoes, the cookout, watermelon, fireworks--the whole deal.

We started out only expecting my sister Susan, her husband Ken and Angus but then Doug's sister Jennifer called. They decided to forego the craziness in downtown Nashville and join us for a more laid-back holiday out here in Franklin.

Despite the mechanical failure of the gas grill, we had a lot of fun. I only wish that the 4th hadn't fallen mi-week this year and we could have gotten a long weekend...

Cousins

My nephew, Sam (far left), cam home for a few days after his graduation from NYU. Despite my shock at the whole Grizzly Adams look, it was really good to see him. Sophie was home from college for the summer as well, so it was the perfect moment to grab this rare photo of Rachel with her cousins from my side of the family.



Take note of the very cool turquoise '65 Chevy pickup truck my sister Susan got for Mother's Day.