TAG you're it!

Ah yes, another tag meme' got to love it... I haven't done one of these in a long time and I will most likely not pass it one since I am late running off to some where or procrastinating calling a therapist so here goes... oh I was tagged by Alaina so please go stop by her blog and leave her tons of comments!

Here is what I have to do....List 7 Random Facts about Me. Da rules say they must be posted to your blog. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (did that).List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag seven random people (yea don't think am gonna do that) at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

1. My favorite animal is a giraffe. I collect wooden sculptures of them, have gone to the Philly zoo to sketch them and have even done some painting of them. I think Miss Sunshine even likes them since she keeps selecting a stuffed Giraffe at her pre-school

2. I have this penchant for what we around here call "crap" TV especially now that there is a writer's strike. I watch Project Runway and Top Chef, not so crappy but I also watch America's Next Top Model, Make Me a Super Model, Millionaire Matchmaker Rock of Love (ok that one is very rare) ok you get the picture

3. If you have every been in a swap with me, you know all my regular allergies but what you don't know is that I am also allergic to Beer. Yes, go ahead, feel sorry for me

4. When I was younger I wanted to be an eye doctor till I dissected the frog for the first time in 7th grade. ewww

5. Until I had graduated from college I had never visited my state's capital city (Harrisburg)

6. I am the oldest granddaughter on my Mom's side of the family and am named for my maternal great-grandmother and The Princess is the oldest granddaughter on her maternal side and is named for her maternal great-grandmother.

7. I still have a magic 8 ball that my girls now play with

Okay that is all she wrote!!

Rough Day Yesterday

Yesterday was a rough one all around. The Princess had to be picked up from school, strep throat. She at least stayed long enough for the book fair and we bought a few books. Had to go to the doctor and everything. That was fun with the two of them in tow.

Miss Sunshine also had occupational therapy which started off terrible and you can read about that here. Then when she usually is okay with going in herself almost 99.9% of the time, I had to be there the entire time with her. I bet because of what happened in the waiting room. Her therapy session isn't as good when I am in the room with her. At least she got something it.

Then when we got home she was a mess all around as if she never had any therapy, ever. Running around, throwing things, jumping, flapping, mumbling, the works. I felt terrible for her and the princess because the princess was sick. My husband had the audacity of not only asking what was for dinner but wanting since he was leaving for New Orleans he thought we needed some grown up time. Yea right. Grown up time, what is that? The kids were attached to my hip and Miss Sunshine even fell asleep literally on top of me. I barely had time to finish the baby sweater I am making for a friend who I think either delivered today or will tomorrow since will be inducing her.

Happy 43rd Anniversary to My Parents!

Yes, my parents got married one day after my Mom's birthday. I guess my dad didn't want to be able to forget either one. And yes, they got married in January even though my Mom hates the winter and the snow so as my family tradition goes.....

Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!

Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!

Many, Many, Many more to come!!!

Hot Cocoa Swap Question Of The Week

For the Hot Cocoa Swap the topic of the week....


What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

When I was 12, my family went on what I still to this day call a whirlwind vacation. My oldest cousin was getting married in Panama City , Panama during the summer so we started there. We saw the Panama Canal which was incredible, a once in a lifetime experience! From there, we fly this mini 8 seater plane to a small Island off the coast called Contadora. We spent close to two weeks there with some cousins deep sea fishing, sun bathing, snorkeling, you name it. After that we went to my Mom's home Country of Colombia for a while. Two of my other cousins were graduating from high school. We had been to Colombia many times, in fact every summer since birth practically. After some touring and visiting of friends and relatives, we flew back to the states to Miami to visit more friends and relatives and ended the summer with an extended trip to Disney World.

Definitely a vacation to remember!

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap Topic of the Week

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap topic of the week....

There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

Practically ALL of my knit items are gifted away. I rarely ever keep any of them myself except perhaps the rare hat or once in a blue moon the rare scarf and then those get stolen by my daughters in the end anyway. I have even been known to sell a washcloth and soap bag or two with my handmade soaps :-) It pays for the yarn LOL.

I do have one story that isn't really bad, per say, but she never put the sweater on her baby. She thought the sweater was too precious to be worn by her spitting up, throwing up, crying little infant so instead she bought one of those preservation boxes and put it in that with the card I had made and hung it in the babies room as wall decoration instead. I told her it was made to be worn and to be seen and could be washed in the washing machine but, she refused. She insisted it was too gorgeous, the yarn was simply to incredible and must have taken me too long to make to be wasted and she wanted it to be kept and a remembrance. It still hangs in the child's room.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Happy Birthday to the woman whom I owe everything to including life!! Mom has been a GREAT help to me through everything this past year with my illness and Miss Sunshine so I wish her a very, very happy birthday and many, many more to come. I know how old she turns today but let's just say she is celebrating an anniversary of her 29Th birthday.

Being that this week is restaurant week here is Philadelphia, my dad is planning on taking Mom out every night of the week (especially since their wedding anniversary is tomorrow) so the girls and I celebrated with her on Saturday with a yummy dinner and birthday cake of course.

Fans of Billy Joel

If you are a fan of Billy Joel's, you need to check out this wonderful Presentation. This guy put pictures and words to "We Didn't start the Fire" It is just amazing!

Hot Cocoa Swap Question Of The Week

For the Hot Cocoa Swap the question of the week....

What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood? I know it's not knitting content, but I love learning about the little quirks and interesting things about people!

Yes, that is a bit of a quirky question and so open ended. I wasn't even sure where I wanted to go with my answer. I mean there are so many 'random' memories from my childhood.

I remember once going to this children's clothing store with my Mom in the very late 70's and the sales lady kept wanting to show me this bright colorful clothes, corduroy pants, out of control sweaters . All I wanted was black. Mind you I was something like 8 or 9. I wanted black pants, black dresses an black tops. I must have been in a mood or something. My Mom finally relented and got me one of each but, still bought the bright stuff so I'd "fit it".

Of Course a few years later the style was basic black and I told my Mom, I told you do ;-)

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap Topic of the Week

Another swap, another topic of the week. "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap topic of the week....

Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?

It is all one and the same to me. I actually call it a washcloth because I us them with the handmade soaps I make. If you use it for what ever purpose, what difference does it make what you call it? In fact, to be honest, when I first started making them, I made a variety of those fancy patterns and kept them in a container till I had enough squares to make a baby blanket then sewed them all together to make a very adorable baby blanket for a friend. Now I just make "cloths" to give with my soaps.

I'm Back With and FO and a WIP

I had a great weekend with some knitting friends. We chatted, knitted, drank wine, knitted, ate, knitted, slept, knitted... you get the picture.


I finished Miss Sunshine's green hat and she was very happy with it. However, she wouldn't model it so, I got the Princess to do it.



The pattern comes from a book called "101 Designers One-Skein Wonders" The pattern is called Child's Hat with Pom Pom and it is on page 111. I used Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton to make the hat because of course I could not use the wool the designer recommended.


I next casted on a cardigan for my good friend's baby who is to be born I think at the end of January beginning of February. The pattern is called Easy Peasy Cardigan by Little Knits which you can download here. I am already on the second side of it and then all I need is to sew up the seams. When I have a picture, I will post it.

The Princess would like to work on her blog, so time to sign off. Have a great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Do something for your community today!

Knitting Weekend

Heading off for some knitting fun and relaxation. The girls are spending the weekend with my parents which they are so very much looking forward to doing.

See you when I get back and I hope I have some FOs or at least some projects started

Inches & Purls Hat

Ah, yes, another baby hat for yet another to be born baby

100% cotton Lily Sugar N Cream Twist on US7 DPNs. Waiting room knitting at its best

Hot Cocoa Swap Question Of The Week

For the Hot Cocoa Swap the question of the week....

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

My knitting doesn't change in the winter. I still have a gazillion babies to knit for, I still don't like long, intricate projects that take a long time to knit and I still can't knit with animal fibers so there isn't much to change ;-) Miss Sunshine wants a new hat that is 100% green (her current one is 50% pink, 50% green)

I'd like to try Rowan Calmer, which is a blend of cotton and acrylic, this winter. Other than that, status quo

Needle Thief Strikes Again!

She might be young. She might be cute. She might look innocent. She might have the most adorable smile you have ever seen. She might give warm hugs, sweet kisses and smell like chocolate chip cookies but, she knitting's worst enemy.

That is right, Little Miss Sunshine strikes again! She has been on hiatus for quite some time but those double pointed needles sticking out of my knitting bag must have look oh so good to her and RIP! GRAB! RUN! Out it went. Grrrrr... Baby hat to fix. Thankfully (or unfortunately) I am too used to this and fixing was oh so easy.

Miss Sunshine is angry with me because she doesn't like her pink and green hat anymore. She wants a 100% green hat and she wants it yesterday. She won't wear it. Nor will she wear the yellow one nor the Raspberry colored ones I have either, "Those are Princess colored!!".

Guess what project is skipping ahead of all others and going on the needles next? I guess my cousin and good friend who are having babies at the end of January/beginning of February will have to wait because Miss Sunshine comes first!!

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

Yet, another swap questionnaire for the swap addicted this time for the "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap a favorite swap where the name changes but the concept does not.

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Knit Only

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? I prefer Bamboo or other wooden needles

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I like Peaches & Creme, Sugar N Cream and even love using KnitPicks Shine Worsted

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? My Kitchen is very neutral being that it is white with very little blue trimming. Same with my bathroom

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? Favorite are purple, pink, lime green. Least favorites at the moment are neon bright

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? I cannot stand winter especially the snow and ice. I count the days still spring. I would miss the seasons changing but why can't we just skip the winter one? ;-)

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? I'd do something fun with my daughters

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? A really good milk chocolate. Chocolate can always cheer you up

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? All three but not at the same time, LOL. It depends on my mood which one is necessary

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? Right now I would love to get away from the cold but since I have been sick, I just need a break from the every day so perhaps some place where I can get some rest and relaxation

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Ah the allergy question. Well for starters, if you are going to send food, not an allergy but just make sure it is vegetarian, it will make it easier on yourself, trust me. Second, I am allergic to animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns including silk. Check the labels to make sure they aren't in any blends too. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass. Aren't you glad you asked?

Which Fiber Are You? None of The Above

I get this email newsletter, Knitter's Review, and the writer of that newsletter wrote a book, "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". In support of her book, Potter Craft put together a quiz to help knitters determine which fiber you are.

Well, here is where I have to protest. Your final choices Mohair, Angora, Camel, Wool or Odd Ball. I am none of the above!! Um, where is Cotton? Bamboo? Soy? If these are the only types of fibers this author thinks about and writes about she is missing a great many options and a HUGE target audience. Forget people like me who are allergic what about all the vegan and vegetarian knitters?

This isn't the first time this writer forgets the non-animal fiber knitters and it makes me think she is alternative fiber-phobic.

How Do I feel?

Well, it has been three very long weeks since I was diagnosed with Pneumonia. No, not walking Pneumonia, the real thing. The same thing Eminem (AKA Marshall Mathers) spent time in the hospital for over the New Year's holiday for with complications and he is younger than me. I had two chest x-rays, spent some "quality" time in a suburban emergency room, took 10 days worth "fast acting" antibiotics and was prescribed Oxicodone, Motrin and Codeine and had chest pain that felt like I was having heart attack. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

I am definitely feeling a whole heck of a lot better. I still get winded going up and down the stairs and feel "something" in my chest, call it a bit of pain. I am also still a bit congested and have a bad cough but, I am slowly getting back to that thing people call routine.

The Princess and Miss Sunshine have really, really, really been trying to help out and not destroy the house. They have both been enjoying cuddling with me for laying in bed during the day for "nap times" so to speak as well (Mom lays down they watch TV or read in bed).

Now I can get back to some knitting, maybe, since I am so behind on my list. Add more babies to the list who will be getting hats instead of sweaters due to lack of time or energy. They will just have to deal and love what they get.

Happy 14th Anniversary to My Brother & His Bride

And to go with Family Tradition...... (found the picture to go with it)

Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!

Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!

And many more big brother!

Oh and happy birthday to the King. Today is Elvis' birthday as well!

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? I love homemade recipes but a good rich milk chocolate blend is good also. made with milk in a big mug

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Neither. It is very difficult to find kosher marshmallows and I'd prefer not to waste the calories on whipped cream

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Since I am allergic to ALL animal fibers, I love cotton, bamboo, soy, corn and linen

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? knit only

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I use predominately only bamboo needles but would be willing to try something new

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? I can always use more

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? Project bags

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) HAt pattern of my own creation

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Drink Hot chocolate ;-)

2. What is your favorite animal? A tortoise

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Yup, I hate the cold

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Dream of Florida

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? My youngest daughter's birthday

6. What are your favorite treats? chocolate, marzipan, sleep

7. What is your favorite board game? I am a sore loser so I try not to play games

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? 2 girls and a tortoise

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass. You asked.

An ER Visit, Road to Recovery and A Winner

Of course the Pneumonia has to got a lot worse before it gets better so on New Year's Eve I ended up in the Emergency Room for 4 hours. I was afraid I was going to end up in the hospital over night but an EKG, chest x-ray and blood work later the ER Doctor gave me some serious pain medication and more antibiotics and sent me home. Yesterday I took my last one. I still feel run down, cough a TON and have a little bit of pain but not as bad as last week, thankfully.

And now, a drum roll please........

The winner, better late than never...... of my Blogoversary Contest is none other than .......

Michelle of InsanKnitty Congratulations!!!!

I think I still have your address from previous swap so I will mail out your prize this week!

Happy New Year!!

May 2008 bring you and your families happiness, health, wealth and, of course, more yarn :-)