Jacqueline's Stitching & Musings

Happy 2012!!

2011-12-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!!

Recovering...

2011-12-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

As much fun as Christmas was, it sure took it out of me!! I've been recovering by relaxing and taking it easy...also playing with my new Keurig K-cup machine and my bead charm bracelet!!

No plans for New Year's...maybe I just go to sleep!! Got some Martinelli Sparkling Cider just in case!! Just want this week to go slowly!!!

A Wonderful Christmas!

2011-12-26T00:23:00.000-08:00

Maggi our beagle dog all decked out in her Christmas red dress...happily looking at the commotion as my parents and Peter arrived!

My Mom and Dad having a great time as I played with my new Keurig coffee maker that I got from Will and his siblings. I came back with some strong cups of coffee for them. We also ate the Kerstkrans which is a delicious almond pastry in a light flaky crust.

Frank having a good time...

We also skyped with Kara...she opened her packages from Opa and Oma, and Boycat came to say hello! Although we missed Kara being here in person, it was fun to include her in the festivities via the computer.

Peter and his girlfriend Catherine cuddling on the chair next to the Christmas tree which had too many presents underneath to count!! Since we open presents one at a time and take turns, it did take us a good three hours to open them all. It's all in the anticipation and appreciation of it all!!

Peter got his long awaited cheese knife and a big hunk of Gouda cheese as one of his many presents!

Will was happy with his leather jacket...I hope he gets long use of it and keeps him warm!

My Mom a.k.a. Oma was very happy with her new pair of Uggs!!!

And our Maggi doggy looking on with a happy face...she had fun inbetween some of her doggy naps!!!

So another Christmas has come and gone!! They seem to come faster every year!! This is one tired Santa!!!

Ready or not...It's Christmas!!

2011-12-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

Santa's been here already...so glad to be done with shopping and wrapping!!

I love bringing out my Santa collection...my Oma gave me this one and just love him!

The table is all set! I try to do as much ahead of time so that I can enjoy the company too!

My wedding china Lenox "Tyler." Hey, gotta pull out the good stuff once in awhile!!

And the St. Nicholas my late mother-in-law painted in her ceramics class...beautiful piece!

I can't wait until we sit around the table for our feast of turkey and prime rib...it will be a tight fit with 8...not able to attend is my daughter Kara who is working hard at her job at Stanford University hospital...sure will miss her!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!! And a Happy New Year in 2012!!!

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

Child's Play

2011-12-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I work as a substitute instructional assistant in a classroom of 32 children. It's been a gratifying experience, and this week, we were treated to a field trip the the Gardens of the World nearby in Thousand Oaks...no pictures of that, but we had a great time!!! But the next day, we had our Christmas Park party where we had food provided by generous parents, and the kids could relax and have fun with each other...look at the pals above!!

And, of course, these stylish young ladies!! We had foods from a variety of cultures to taste.

And we also had a kids' favorite...PIZZA!

Quite a few kiddos tried out the new "snake" equipment in the playground. This went up and down like a serpent with our gleeful passengers laughing and occasionally falling off!!

Then on to the chopstick contest!! The one who picked up the most dried beans in the time allotted would win a very nice pair of chopsticks!!!

It's not as easy as it looks!!!!

Takes a bit of concentration!!!

And a little tricky holding those sticks!!!

But it can be done!!!

And the winner is...what a happy boy with an even happier teacher looking on!!!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!

2011-12-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I joined up with Disney friends for the Boat Parade on Huntington Harbor!

Just two of the beautiful examples of decorated boats that sailed by...

And a very full and lovely moon!!!

We sure had a good time with good ol' friends...

Silliness and laughter abounded along with conversations and sharing memories!

Oh, and let's not forget about the food...there was dinner and dessert too!

Our hostess with the mostest is Marquise to the right!!!

Great smiles...well, hey, we are ex-Disneyland employees, after all!

Everyone had a great time, for sure!!! Already can't wait until next year!!

Family Togetherness

2011-11-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had as nice a Thanksgiving as we did!! It was also Frank's birthday, so we did the festivities for him first with presents and a card...he looks pretty happy!

Peter and his girlfriend Catherine...

William...

My beautiful mom was glowing with her entire family around her...

Kara with her Oma...

Kara with her Opa...

Frank and me...

And the turkey...

Frank carving the turkey with a hopeful Maggi doggy that something will drop...

Peter, Kara's boyfriend Ben, Kara and Will enjoying the feast...

More than enough food to go around, and the turkey that Will brined was so tender and delicious...

After dinner, the kids decided to play a game, while the rest of us relaxed in the living room...after a bit of break, we ate homemade pumpkin pie made by Catherine and Peter...then we were stuffed for sure!! Such a nice Thanksgiving had by us all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Whether you need to travel far or near, here's hoping you share the day with family and friends and be thankful for one another.

You Have to Have One of These...

2011-11-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

From coffee house It's A Grind, the new Tea Latte Press!!! So delicious that I can't wait to go back and try another one!! Flavors are Black tea, Green tea, and Chai tea. I had the Chai, and it was so aromatic!! The cup acts like a coffee press...after about 3 or 4 minutes, depending how strong you like it, you push in the plunger until it "clicks" into the lid. Then WITHOUT taking the lid off, enjoy!!! The best Chai tea I've ever had!!!

Shabbat Table Topper Progress

2011-10-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Third square completed!!! I'm enjoying the stitching and love the results with the hand dyed Watercolor thread. I'm usually faster in completing these table toppers, but with an indefinite substitute instructional assistant job, I'm a bit slower. I come home completely drained from dealing with my boys as well as helping many from the rest of the class. It's very satisfying, but does cut into my stitching and knitting time!! Oh, well...life is good!! It will be done eventually!!

Opa and Oma's Visit to Peter's Place

2011-10-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took my parents over to visit my son Peter's place...it was the first time they got to see it. Also, got a chance to see the rented washer and dryer, and his new bike which he uses as transportation to school.

Opa thought the kitchen looked pretty good...the boys are keeping the place neat!

We had a nice chance to visit, and we had fun with Peter's roommate's little doggy...he's part weiner dog and Russell Terrier, so he's a lot of fun and active!

I'm surprised Spiro the doggy sat long enough for a couple pictures!!!

Peter showed off his room...he's got it fairly organized and full...wants another organizer for his school books and homework...so told him Target was the place to go and to check out the sales.

Oma enjoyed the tour of the townhome and Peter's room.

Peter looks very happy in his little independent life!! His girlfriend Catherine came along with us to Souplantation for a bite to eat. Of course, we stuffed ourselves!! We had a great time!

A New Project...

2011-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got started on the Dutch Treat's Shabbat table topper. I've had it kitted up for a couple of years, but just wasn't satisfied with the dye lot of the variegated Watercolour thread called Mediterranean. Just had too much turquoise over powering the palette. So tried to make substitutions, but still wasn't quite hitting the mark.

Finally, I made a remark about this at the Dutch Treat's yahoo group to which designer Claudia kindly emailed me and said she had some of the old dye lot originally intended for this chart, and would I like to have some?? Oh, golly yes!! And now I'm loving the results...just the right touch of turquoise with the darker blues...

I love stitching these table toppers...done on large count Anne Cloth afghan fabric which is easy on the eyes and nerves!! And now the results are most pleasing with the right thread!

Ten years...

2011-09-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

We will remember...

Kara in Santa Clara...

2011-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

I recently drove up to Santa Clara to visit my daughter Kara!! She has one more semester to go at San Jose State for her degree in Nutritional Science, and then she does her internship and takes the Dietician test...very busy girl!! Here she relaxes with her boyfriend Ben.

And here's one of her cats...Boycat!! She couldn't think of a more appropriate name, but I think the name is perfect for him!! He's quite the cuddler!!

Kara's kitchen...nice counter tops and appliances!

And here are the ladies from Kara's previously employment! They took Kara out for a Korean lunch and invited me along too!! Kara moved on to work as a Dietary Assistant at Stanford.

Here's my girl cooking in her own kitchen!!! We had a delicious salad with pesto pasta!!

Kara with the mischievous Boycat!!!! He slept with me on my blow up bed the last night I was there...actually, Boycat thought the blow up bed was suppose to be for him!!

And here is Beatrix the cat eating her kibble...such a sweet kitty, but a little shy!!

I had a terrific time with Ben and Kara...went out to eat a couple times, and some shopping with Kara...miss my girl very much, but very proud of her for her independent life!!

Moving In...

2011-08-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Peter moved to a town house with two other college buddies near California State University at Fullerton.

Nice living area with fireplace with plenty of light coming in.

Already it feels like home with a nice place to sit.

Peter getting his room together...and of course, I had to make his bed!

The roomies all worked together getting each others' stuff inside the home.

Kitchen is very nice with plenty of storage and gas range. Refrigerator and washer/dryer arrived that day too.

Wonderful pantry area the envy of all the moms who were there...

Even a small patio area to perhaps grow a small garden, who knows??

And a tired dad who drove the small moving truck and helped out.

Peter is off on a new adventure with college starting up again soon!!

New Projects...

2011-07-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

A very simple scarf pattern found on the label of this interesting bulky yarn by Berroco called Link is working up real fast and pretty!!

Really enjoying the color changes of this color called Arcadia. Purchased at Noble Knits.

Also in the works is a fine lace shawl knitted with a mohair loop yarn...found it in my stash.

I think it may be by Cherry Tree Hill...it's very delicate and hope that it will be pretty when finished.

Summer sure is flying by! I'm already thinking ahead what to knit or crochet for Christmas gifts...guess we'll see!! I usually come up with something!!

Squirrel Hijinx...

2011-07-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

These little critters are multiplying and visiting my yard more often...of course, the peanuts I give them does encourage them, but I love watching them and seeing my 10 year old dog Maggi get all excited over them.
I once saw five squirrels on my wall at once...almost looked like a Hitchcock movie with squirrels!
The squirrels sure like the peanuts...they also love sliced apples too!
This squirrel seemed to be hugging the cool wall because it was hot!!! I have found that usually the squirrels don't really like each other and will run each off, or to the other extreme of liking each other a little TOO much if you know what I mean!!

Happy Birthday, William!

2011-07-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

So hard to believe you were born 24 years ago!! Such a sweet baby you were!

You grew up with a big smile on your face!!!

And you so enjoy life and lived it to the fullest!

Love the handsome young man you've become!!!

Happy Birthday to you, Will!!!!

Simple Shrug Finished...

2011-06-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

I finished the free pattern "Simple Shrug" from the Lion Brand website...it was pretty simple!! You just crochet a giant rectangle of single crochet rows and then do seams along the sides leaving openings for the sleeves...
I used Homespun in #412 Pearls...really turned out pretty...
I did try it on...I think I'll have my mom try it on to see how it fits her and make myself another one and go a little longer making rows...the yarn is a bit stretchy, but so very soft and elegant! Homespun is one of my favorite yarns to work with!

Beer Butt Chicken...

2011-06-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

I finally got to try a new recipe...Beer Can Chicken aka Beer Butt Chicken posted by my friend Lidia at her blog. Don't tell my mom, but I "borrowed" one of her beers for this recipe!! It got a little frothy when I added the butter mixture with paprika and the garlic!Here's the poor chicken sitting on the can...
Then smeared the butter mixture all over the chicken!!
Then placed in an oven preheated for 350 for an hour and a half or until temperature reading is 165...
It smelled so good in my kitchen and the chicken turned out so delicious!! I normally don't eat the skin, but it was so crispy this time that I made an exception!! Very easy and successful recipe!!!

80 and still going strong!

2011-06-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

We celebrated my parents' 80th birthdays...as the story goes, my parents were both June 14 and June 20 in the same hospital with their mothers practically sharing the same room. Back then you spent more time in the hospital after giving birth than you do now. When my parents met roughly 16 years later, my mom's mom remember the name of Korteland when my mom was telling her about the boy she met. My Oma's response? "Ask him if he was born with a broken arm." Sure enough. Same baby. So above you see a large canvas image of the hospital my parents were born at...my daughter Kara came up with the idea and it was received with much surprise and delight!
We continued on to the Cellar restaurant in Fullerton...what a wonderful place with great ambiance and style...and of course, great food!!
My parents looking very young at their age looking upon their almost grown grandchildren with amazement...
We sat on a large round table which made conversation very easy...we shared old memories.
Kara with her boyfriend Ben...
Peter with his girlfriend Catherine...
My tante Truus also joined the festivities...nice to see her on such a happy occasion.
The entire dining experience was topped off with a delicious souffle! My son Will pouring extra chocolate sauce into his chocolate souffle!! I had the Grand Marnier souffle which was simply to die for! I wouldn't mind having another one right now!
Such a marvelous time!! For more photos, please visit my Flick'r! May my parents have many more healthy years to come!!!

Granny Throw!

2011-05-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

No, I don't mean throw your Granny!! I just finished my Granny square throw and I love the way it turned out!! Such a great and easy pattern. http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/weekend-granny-throw
I stayed with the requested colors that the pattern wanted...and the thicker yarn worked really well...ordered it online since I didn't see it at Michael's or JoAnn's.

An easy crochet for sure! Something to do while watching tv!!

Ah, to be Cone-less!

2011-05-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

Maggi has a new nickname..."winky dog!" I really think she's healing so nicely...the missing eye looks like a wink and she seems so much better. No more pain from the eye pressure, and no more threat of the tumor that was in her eye...the vet who did the surgery is confident he got it all since the cancer was all self contained. Thank goodness the daddy insisted we go to the eye vet specialist who discovered the cancer or else we would have never known.

We had our first very long walk today. Maggi was so happy!! She's adjusting well to the lack of depth perception, and trucks along effortlessly with those little legs of her's.

So we've dodged another bullet, and life goes on!! So glad I have my puppy dog for a little while longer!

My Conehead Miss Winky dog...

2011-04-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

My Maggi dog gave me sort of a scare the first night when I discovered her rubbing her face...her eye was bleeding! Just droplets like tears, mind you, but I freaked out and managed to stop the bleeding with tissue and an ice pack, but as soon as I was done, slapped the cone on her and that's where it's going to stay until it's all healed!

Maggi's been doing lots of sleeping along with having a healthy appetite.

She has her cute little pink t shirt on to protect the stitches from the fatty tumor that was removed from her right side...everything is healing nicely, although her eye still looks very swollen.

But she's doing so well!! We had visitors last night when Kara and her friends spent the night for their Nutrition Convention and Maggi was so excited and was such a social butterfly!!! She could care less that she was a Conehead...we could all learn from dogs, couldn't we??

Maggi's Permanent "Wink"

2011-04-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

I was surprised when picking Maggi up from the Vet that the eye removal stitches didn't look so bad...looks like a permanent "wink."

Maggi sure was glad to see us! We had questions for the Vet about the medications and the biopsy, but this doggy wanted nothing better than to go home!! She's very tired, but happy!!

The Vet said that he felt Maggi was very relieved to have the bad eye gone...I think so too...she seemed very relaxed and joyful. So now the healing begins, along with pampering and spoiling of the doggy!!

Watch out, Squirrel!

2011-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Maggi's coming home soon!!! She did really well with her surgery!!!

Sweet Maggi dog...

2011-04-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

My sweet Miss Maggi dog is at the vet right now for her surgery...positive pet vibes please!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

We all had a wonderful Easter at my Mom and Dad's house...even though the kids are practically adults now, it's still fun to watch them get their Easter "goodies" from the Easter Bunny!

Kara and Ben enjoying themselves...

And Doggy Maggi had a great time too...

Quite a table full of food that my Mom prepared...num!

Opa with his grandsons William and Peter...

Kara and Ben about to dive into the asparagus!

Yummy honey baked turkey...and there was ham too!!

Steamed asparagus...and there was fruit salad, garlic mashed potatoes which were inhaled, and waldorf salad.

And, of course, dessert from the Katella Bakery!!! Yummy cake with fruit, whipped cream and nuts!!

Tomorrow, Miss Maggi dog has surgery to remove the eye that's giving her such trouble with glaucoma, terrible pressure, and a benign tumor. We're sad, but needs to be done. So glad she had a happy day around her family on Easter...we love our puppy dog!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a better Easter than this bunny!!! He looks like he didn't get enough chocolate in his basket!!!

Happy Easter, everyone!!!

Qualifying for the Senior Discounts Today...

2011-04-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

My birthday is today, and yesterday my parents came over to celebrate a bit with dinner and gifts. I requested that my mom bring over my old baby book, so scanned almost the entire thing. Above, is the very cute cover.

This was me right after I was born...my Oma (my mom's mom) was there for my birth because my poor Dad was stuck on a broken Merchant Marine ship in Beirut, but he got to meet me later.

I had no hair!!! I looked very much like my paternal Opa who also had no hair!!!

Above is my first birthday...we still lived in Holland then, but soon after in May, we moved to the United States. Since they did not want me to mess up my birthday dress, they stripped me to my underwear, and I proceeded to carefully eat my birthday cake proving them wrong!

Out of all the pictures in the baby book, the above one with my mother is my favorite...

Lots of Jacquelines here!!! So far, having a nice birthday and plan to spread it out during the entire month of April, as usual!!!!

Nice Visit...

2011-04-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Peter and his girlfriend Catherine visited during their Spring break and caught up with old friends...we also celebrated Peter's birthday at Wood Ranch BBQ.

We had a great time with Chris...what a sense of humor this guy has!!! Glad he took time out of his busy schedule to come visit with Peter.

Even Maggi was content with all the visitors...later, Kara and Ben stopped by for a day before continuing on to Disneyland and visiting their Opa and Oma. Now the house is a bit quiet...time to go make some noise!!

No More Teenagers...Happy Birthday, Peter!

2011-03-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, was it really 20 years ago? Doesn't seem possible! Today is my youngest son Peter's 20th birthday!! Above was the sonogram that was done around 3 months...he was cute even then!

I was so happy when he was born!! He was a bit of a trouble maker playing with the umbilical cord!! He kept the medical staff on their toes!! But he was born healthy at 9 pounds 2 ounces!

Always the happy third child along for the ride!! Such a smiley guy! Always having fun! Below is our happy little family!! Wow, we were so young then!! Those kiddos kept us busy!

Now Peter is a college guy with a cool girlfriend!!! Happy Birthday, my guy!! And many happy, successful years ahead!!!

Faith, Hope, Love...

2011-03-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

I finally finished something cross stitch for a change! I feel like I've been ignoring my stitching lately, so decided on this Midnight Stitching design called Quaker Faith, Hope, Love. The designer's blog can be found here: http://midnightstitching.wordpress.com/

Above was stitched with Gentle Arts Sampler Thread in blue "Freedom."

Hope was stitched in a creamy "Oatmeal."

And Love in a rich, red "Cranberry."

I just love how it all turned out!! And very uplifting in its meaning...

A Little Sign of Spring

2011-02-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

These pictures just show a sampling of my mom's many orchid plants.

Very beautiful!!!

And their cat Princess is almost a year old and turning into a pretty young lady.

My parents' back yard with the many orchids and other plants.

It was a nice visit with my Dad and Mom...

Valentine's Day Flower Hunt!

2011-02-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day...I received a beautiful single rose from my son Will and he told me, "The rest is from Dad." So I waited patiently...

It was a sort of Easter egg hunt but with flowers!!! I waited a while, and then decided to go fill up my tea pot and found the lovely tulips on the kitchen table...I moved them so I could see them better...aren't they lovely??

I went back to admiring the tulips and roses for awhile...

Then I found this trio of pretty roses at my desk...

Again, went back to admiring the tulips and making sure my Delft blue was close by...

Then I found these roses and mums on the wooden chest by the garage door! I moved them to the alcove next to the front door...I thought for sure I was done!

Then this sweet heart-shaped arrangement of mums and roses appeared on the stairs!!!

I couldn't believe all the beautiful flowers!!! Thank you my Frank and how lucky we are to have Will who works at Costco and is so talented at flower arranging!!!

A Red Velvet Cupcake Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Finally finished the red velvet cupcake crocheted scarf...turned out quite well...

I decided to embellish it with white chocolate "sprinkles" and cream cheese frosting...making me hungry just thinking about it!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!

Happy Real Birthday, Kara!!

2011-02-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

I still remember how in a hurry you were when you were born!!

And Will was so excited when we got you home!!

And you're the cutest girl on this earth I've ever seen!!

Happy Birthday to my Kara and my Maggi dog too!!

Kara's Birthday tomorrow...

2011-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

While in Carmel, we also celebrated Kara's birthday a bit early...we went to one of our favorite restaurants called Turtle Bay and had some yummy and spicy food!

That's Ben with Kara...he's got a good sense of funny. We had a lot of fun.

Kara finally got her cupcakes scarves!!! I think she liked them...

Although they look good enough to eat, uh, you're suppose to wear them...

My beautiful girl is now a young woman...I sure can't believe how quickly the years go and not too long ago, she was born in such a hurry!!

I hope my girl has a very happy birthday on her real birthday tomorrow!!

Kara's looking at a crochet book with all sorts of wearable food...what shall mom make for me next?? I guess we will see!!!

Beautiful Carmel

2011-02-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Our 24th Anniversary and Kara's birthday were celebrated in Carmel last weekend...the weather was glorious and much warmer than predicted which made going to the doggy beach heavenly. Maggi our almost ten year old beagle had never been to the beach before, but she had a fun time and we had fun watching her reactions!

She was not too keen about the water, but found it quite amusing to be walking on the sand and being around so many other dogs.

Frank had fun also as he carried the towels in case Maggi got cold from being wet, but it was so sunny and warm as she strolled along the beach and dried up.

Her first taste of beach life!! I don't know about this, she says!!

But Maggi had a great day...even met another Beagle dog and they looked at each other as if they knew one another...it was so cute!

We had a work out too walking along the beach...I wish we could do this everyday!

When we got back to our hotel, they had the patio fire place burning for their wine tasting hour...our timing was pretty good!

Maggi, on the other hand, was sacked out from her super beach walk...tired, happy puppy!

The sunset was beautiful as we sat sipping our wine from our little balcony...totally glowing!!

The weekend went so fast! I hope we can go back to Carmel again soon!!

One finished Cupcake deserves another...

2011-01-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

I finished putting the beading on to the pink and white cupcake scarf...looks very pretty!

I hope a certain birthday girl will be very happy with it!

Next scarf will be chocolate with strawberry frosting!!

Chocolate "sprinkle" beads for this one...

Looks good enough to eat!!!

Progress on Cupcake Scarf...

2011-01-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm having a good time creating this cupcake scarf...it's progressing very well!

I also added some cute mini pom poms...soon I'll add the beading too...

I plan on crocheting some "chocolate" cupcakes as well as some "red velvet" cupcakes...should be fun!

Stitching for the New Year...

2011-01-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

I always make it a point to start a new project on New Year's Day, so I decided it was about time I go back to doing some cross stitch and selected Quaker Faith Hope Love by Midnight Stitching. http://midnightstitching.wordpress.com/

I'm using The Gentle Arts Sampler Threads in Oatmeal, Freedom, and Cranberry. The Quaker Faith is done with the blue Freedom color on a more natural fabric than the pattern called for, but I am liking the contrast and think the colours will pop more especially when I get to the white Oatmeal colour in the Quaker Hope which will be the next motif I stitch.

As you can see, Maggi the beagle dog enjoys it when her mommy stitches as she relaxes nearby.

My second project is a cute Cupcake scarf I'm crocheting. It's coming along quickly, and can't wait to add some embellishments. I purchased some pretty czech glass beads of many colors which I think will resemble sprinkles and mini pompoms for the cherries!

If you would like this pattern, it can be purchased here: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1104536

So I hope these projects give me the kick start I need to move on to bigger projects. I really want to get over my fear of knitting my alpaca sweater. I think I've become more experienced as a knitter, so we shall see!! And I don't want to ignore my other love of stitching again!

Happy New Year 2011!!

2011-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

We're very hopeful that 2011 will be a great year and better than the one before. Maggi is hopeful that she'll get more treats this year...but her mommy knows better and will continue to give her a healthy diet so she doesn't get a sore stomach or gain weight again...

New beginnings for my son Peter who brought over his new girlfriend Catherine to meet us. I cooked a yummy Chicken Curry Stew over rice which warmed us all on a cold winter night.

Frank is hopeful that a new job is in his future that is closer to home and that he'll be happy with...

And I'm hopeful also that I may find satisfying work and learn to be more expertise with my new Canon PowerShot XS30IS camera...easier to take pictures of myself with the swivel LCD screen!

And the poor cooped up kitties are hopeful that their mommy Kara arrives soon to pick them up and take them home to freedom!!

Happy New Year to all...here's hoping each year gets better and better...

Christmas is here!

2010-12-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

The packages are all safely delivered under the Christmas tree...

And Cookies are made and ready for serving...

We watched "It's a Wonderful Life" and shed holiday tears...

And the table is set for the anticipated dinner and cheer...

Already we did a little Christmas unwrapping when Kara and Ben came calling...

We shared laughter before Kara went on her Nebraska adventure...while I tried to keep her warm with cowls, gloves, and a felt hat for the upcoming cold weather...

Maggi the doggy already stealing my slanket...

Here's wishing everyone the Merriest of Christmas...hope you get all that you're wishing for!

Cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

Usually, it's my daughter Kara who is so talented in baking cookies, but thought I'd give it a try again...it's been many years since I've made cookies on my own, but was thumbing through my very old Mrs. Field's Cookies cookbook, and thought I'd make these:

So in the oven they went after mixing the flour, sugar, butter, and eggnog together...

They didn't turn out too bad...doesn't quite make the picture in the book, but I did sprinkle with nutmeg!

Cooling them off for the cookie jar...tasted them, and they taste ok to me...a little on the crunchy side for kids, though!

Tomorrow, I'll try to make some cinnamon swirl cookies. The dough is chilling in the frig.

Christmas is almost here...

2010-12-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

I think I'm almost ready...my basket of completed knit and crochet items...just not quite sure who is going to get what!

Already Santa has arrived with presents under the tree...the little helper above is guarding so that no one gets a head start.

Ah, and my Christmas dog keeping warm under her pink baby blanket.

Mrs. Claus was needlepointed well over 30 years ago by me.

Christmas candles sure give a warm and cozy feeling.

And the tree looks so festive along with the lovely live wreath giving off pine fragrance.

So ready or not, let Christmas come!

Deer Doggy...

2010-12-10T20:20:00.002-08:00

It's time for Maggi the Beagle Doggy to get into the Holiday spirit...nice, fleece jacket that happens to have a reindeer hoody on it.
Yes, we're having fun here...mommy's got a treat for me.
Ok...I want another treat...
This is making me sleepy...
Oh! Is that Santa Claus?? I better be good...

Last Night of Hanukkah...on to the next Holiday!

2010-12-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

I've so enjoyed keeping up with this...so pretty and festive.

Now it's on to Christmas and for planning and shopping...
and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive...

I'm Keeping Up...

2010-12-04T21:55:00.001-08:00

I started lighting the Menorah at Hanukkah when my youngest son expressed an interest about three years ago, and I've been lighting the candles ever since...it's just so comforting for some reason...like being part of something bigger than myself. I like learning about the Jewish religion and trying out their traditions.
After preparing latkes from a package mix, I decided to be daring and try to make homemade ones. These were definitely "a labor of love" as one of my Jewish girlfriends always says about making these messy concoctions! Actually, if it would all stay in the pan, it would be fine, but I partially decorated my kitchen, but I think it was successful for my first attempt.
And I didn't forget the apple sauce and the sour cream...
What looked a tad hopeless did finally brown and crisp up as tasty latkes! Basically, the recipe was simply shredded russet potatoes (about two), a couple eggs, and some finely chopped onion. I also added a bit of fresh pepper and garlic powder.
Here they are...pretty tasty, but I felt like something was missing from them, so in search of other recipes...I did see that some ask for matzo meal, so might try that next time. Also saw some criticism of recipes containing flour and milk since that wasn't "kosher," so will stick with as close to authentic as I can. Many variations out there, but the above were basic and good and were thoroughly enjoyed.

Happy Hanukkah

2010-12-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Hanukkah and may miracles abound!

Christmas Lights

2010-11-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

It was a chilly evening while setting up the Christmas lights, but sure made the snowman happy!
And here's hoping the deer "behave" and don't have any misadventures...
The sweet doe is happily eating the ivy...
So here we are approaching another holiday season...is it my imagination or are they coming faster every year?

Thankful Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

We went to my parents for Thanksgiving! It was also Frank's birthday the day before, and my parents always remember it by hanging the "happy birthday" sign and giving Frank presents.
My kids were all together...a minor miracle! Here is Kara with her "oma!"
The boys where very chatty about, what else? Computers and game programs!!
Peter couldn't wait to eat! He loves the ham so much!!
And as is always the tradition, Frank gets to carve the turkey!! It was a wonderfully delicious dinner with the entire family together!!!!

Sweet Baby Shower on a Rainy Day...

2010-11-22T00:16:00.000-08:00

Everyone had a wonderful time at Meghan's baby shower on a very rainy Saturday afternoon.
I finally got to give the block baby blanket I had been knitting for over a month. So glad it turned out well although I was unsure how to put it together at first, but whip stitching was the best way to do it. It also turned out bigger than I thought it would be which is great for covering up both mother and child.
Here's an adorable sailboat quilt stitched lovingly by the baby's "oma!" Each sailboat has an initial of the baby's name Donovan James Hein...so cute!
Here's Meghan mom-to-be with her mom Annelies...both were having a great time!
And here is Meghan with "Oma" and "Granny" to be! Here's hoping the delivery of baby Donovan goes smoothly in January!!

Chili Day

2010-11-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

I made Chicken Chili today and it turned out delicious! I feel like it's finally autumn with the cooler evenings and cold mornings...
So I really had a craving for some warm chili! Best comfort food in the whole world!

Oktoberfest!!!

2010-10-23T13:55:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed some Oktoberfesting with Disney friends at the Old World Village in Huntington Beach...lots of fun!!
There was plenty of beer flowing, but I stuck to my one beer (heck, at $8 a piece, that sort of helped) and had a great German sausage meal with sour kraut...actually better than expected!
Here are the girls!! The evening was that nice cool Fall weather, so we were peachy in our sweaters and scarves!!! Another great time with this wonderful group of people!!

It's Coming Along...7 Squares to go!!

2010-10-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

The multi-color Squares baby blanket is coming along!
Just 7 more squares to go!!
I hope they go together well...I'll be whip stitching soon!!

Finished!!

2010-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Well, all done!!! I had fun with this one with a couple of false starts, but learned another knitting trick in the process...

The finished product below...views from each side.

I enjoy how this turned out!! Now can't wait for the October Knit-a-long!!!

Day 8 Mystery KAL for September...

2010-09-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

What do you mean it's too hot to knit?? Not for me...just because it's a record breaking 113 degrees in Los Angeles and 98 degrees here in Moorpark is no excuse not to knit when I can crank up the a/c a bit...
I can see where this KAL is going now!

More Progress on September KAL...

2010-09-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Above Day 6 and below Day 7...

Interesting how this method of knitting by pushing work back to the opposite needle creates these blocks...just love it!

My September Knit-a-long progress

2010-09-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

Here you see day 4...I made a little boo-boo, but it's too far back to correct and I wouldn't really know how anyway with this new method of knitting with pushing the work towards the opposite needle, so the mistake stays. Hardly noticeable. I do like my color selections of yarn.
The green and the yellow are really looking good in this design...
Here we are at Day 5...
I'm really liking how this is turning out...pretty soon, I'll have another kitchen cloth!!

September Knit-a-long

2010-09-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

Rachel's Knitting Corner http://rachelsknittingcorner.blogspot.com/ September Knit-a-long sure gave me a run for my money this time. I didn't quite "get" the "Do not turn. Slide stitches to opposite end of needle" instructions, especially when it came to my just cast on stitches.
I tend to complicate things, I guess!! So I tried it two ways, and one interpretation was better than the other one, and finally the light bulb came on!! So now I'm on my merry way!! This new technique using the cable needles and sliding stitches and knitting with two colors basically at opposite ends is actually kind of fun once you get the hang of it!

I'm using hot green and yellow...that was the interpretation that "won," and thought I'd just continue...it's looking quite bright!
I'm up to day three now, and I'm still curious how this will turn out...
So far, so good!!! I can't wait until tomorrow's new set of rows!!!

Family Party

2010-09-19T13:22:00.001-07:00

We went to a wonderful family gathering in honor of my mom's cousin's 88th birthday...all my life I've call her tante Nellie, and she is well loved as you can see...
We enjoyed the fine weather in tante Nellie's back yard...
Some partiers passed out from too much commotion and fun...
Cousin Greet came from Holland and enjoyed the festivities...
And great grandchildren of tante Nellie's were all over and playing...
Oh, this trifle was so delicious and the other food was scrumptious too!
Lots of presents to unwrap and admire...
My parents enjoyed themselves too...
Here's a little sweet heart baby that I got to meet for the first time...
And here is tante Nellie holding great granddaughter Clare who peacefully went to sleep...what sweet memories of the day!

Disney Gang at Angel Game

2010-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

It seems every time I get together with this bunch, it's better than the last time! Wonderful pre-game party with more food than I ever imagine! I was so full that I skipped the Angel hot dog!!! And we had gift bags with our name on it containing the red shirts that you see...felt like a kid again!! It was a blast!!

Monterey County Fair...

2010-09-07T17:00:00.001-07:00

Frank, Kara, Ben and I all went to the Monterey County Fair...a sort of smaller version of what we're used to at the Ventura Fair, but a lot of fun! Also some different things to see...above you see a ride that used to exist at the Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch and is now fair worthy...
Here you see the "Wool Room." And what a room it was!! Numerous ladies spinning the wool into yarn...it was amazing to see!
A baby calf was born the night before we attended the fair...both baby and mom were sleeping, and we were told the birth was a rough one on the mother.
Of course it wouldn't be a Fair without quilts and needlework!! I just loved this Hawaiian quilt made with soft pinks and greens.
And my photo doesn't do this white work quilt justice!! The folds and sewing work on this was spectacular!!
Here you see...an angora rabbit!! More fluff than body as the owner was blow drying before the judging. Not only does she breed these lovely rabbits, but also spins the angora into skeins of yarn, or if you're not into knitting, also sold hats and scarves! Wow, that's what I call really homemade!!

Kara and Ben had fun being "flowers!"
And I love what this cross stitch says about Dogs by designer Lizzie Kate!

We had fun looking at all the exhibits, including the preserves and jams!!And later, we had a lovely ocean view from our table at El Torito! Yummy food and a couple of drinkies topped a wonderful day!!!

August Knit-a-Long Finish!!

2010-08-26T10:50:00.001-07:00

Last night, I finished knitting the Mystery Knit-a-long for August! I think it turned out so pretty!! I can't wait for the next one at Rachel's blog!

http://rachelsknittingcorner.blogspot.com/
The pattern turned out so nice with the lattice work and seed stitch...it's also a very functional and thick kitchen dishcloth.
Here it is hanging on my over door alongside the July Mystery Knit-a-long...

Mystery Knit-a-long for August...up to row 47

2010-08-23T21:37:00.001-07:00

It's really getting there!! Progress here is at 41 rows...just love knitting on this and watching it take shape!
Tonight, I did up to row 47 which you see below...I think it's almost done, but we'll see with tomorrow's installment...
Pretty, pretty!!!

Mystery Knit-a-long for August...

2010-08-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here I am up to row 35...looking pretty!

August Knit-a-Long Progress

2010-08-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

This is so much fun and really forces me to sit down and relax and focus on something creative. Above you see my progress up to row 23 from last night. I just love my pretty green cotton yarn too.
Maggi the beagle doggy always loves to be near when I'm knitting...I think it relaxes her too!
Now here's tonight's progress...the knit-a-long is up to row 29 now and I just love the lattice design!

I can't wait for tomorrow's installment since it will make me take a knitting break while I pack food, medicine, and cosmetics into protective bags in anticipation of the upcoming tenting to annihilate the termites eating my house.

More Knitting

2010-08-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I just fell in love with this baby blanket, so hope I'm going to do a good job making the squares...I nailed the colors with my selection of Caron's Simply Soft in pink, blue, yellow and mint green.
Combined with the seed stitch and garter stitch is a crocheted edge. Later, all the squares will be crocheted together.
I'm also doing Rachel's Knitting Corner's Mystery Knit-a-long for August...I'm up to row 17 and love the raised ridges. I pick pistachio in Lily Sugar 'n Cream Confectionary Colors.
So much fun keeping up with this on a daily basis!! It's so interesting to see how it turns out.
To join along, go to http://rachelsknittingcorner.blogspot.com/

Dog and Cat introduction...

2010-08-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I took my beagle dog Maggi with me to my parents to see how their new kitten Princess would get along with her. It took awhile since Princess the cat just had her vaccinations, including a rabies shot, so it was well into the afternoon before introductions were made. When I looked into her, she looked so cute that I grabbed my camera, but doggy Maggi followed me in. That got the cat's attention and made her forget about her shots!
So who are you anyway? The cat seemed to say as she bounced off the chair. And what are you and what are you doing in my house??
Go away...I don't wanna have anything to do with you...what kind of strange cat are you, anyway?
Beagle dog Maggi seemed to be laughing...oh, come on, let's be friends!! I want to play...please!
Well, it did go better than we had expected...they did sniff noses and check each other out, but Princess had enough and made it know with a little gurgling growling noise. Dog was oblivious to the warning, so told Maggi to come to me before she got whacked on the head. But kitty was still curious...and trying to "disappear" amongst the fake kitties...

A Mystery Knit A Long...DONE!

2010-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Knitting this sure was fun!! Here you see Day 6, rows 41 to 48...
And now the finished product with Day 7, rows 49 to 53...gently bind off...and voila!
New little dish cloth hanging on the oven door!!!

A Mystery Knit A Long...Days 4 and 5

2010-07-23T12:24:00.001-07:00

Here you see Day 4, rows 25 to 32 above, and Day 5, rows 33 to 40 below...
I am having so much fun keeping up with this and creating something pretty!!

Miracle Apples and Knitting progress...

2010-07-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

I was doing some yard work today in order to fill up our landscape trash can when low and behold, I spied something growing in our lone apple tree! I had always heard that I needed another apple tree in order for the tree to produce fruit, but never got to the point in the yard to warrant treating myself to a second tree. Well, someone's got another apple tree somewhere, since growing up the branches are some green apples!!
They are not very big...I took a good close up of them! Actually these apples are suppose to be a large variety, according to QVC at the time. I guess we shall see! I'm just glad some apples are growing at all!! I am totally thrilled!!
Now on to the Mystery Knit-a-long that I joined!! Here, you see my progress of Day 3 of rows 17 through 24...

The cotton yarn is a bit stiff to work with, but I'm having fun following the Mystery knit-a-long pattern. I'm lucky with the way the striping of the yarn is producing such nice color changes.
Looking forward to Day 4!!!!!

A Mystery Knit A Long...

2010-07-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

I "discovered" a very cute blog the last time I browsed the Ravelry website...a Mystery Knit-a- long. So I decided to join for some instant gratification and, of course, out of curiousity what the design would be. To join go to http://rachelsknittingcorner.blogspot.com/
I selected a variegated cotton yarn by Sugar and Creme and did part 1 which are the first eight rows.
I love the pattern already!!! Great practice with K2Tog and PSSO!
Day 2, the blog gave out the next eight rows...I really do love how this is turning out!
Now I can't wait for yet another eight rows for tomorrow!!! Join me, won't you? Not much to catch up on if you do!!

A Lucky Kitty in a New Home...

2010-07-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we paid a visit to my parents so Kara could deliver a precious rescue kitty...a very cute Calico! Although only 8 weeks ago, this kitten has a very calm and quiet nature, so Kara thought she'd be perfect for her Opa and Oma.
As you can see, it was love at first sight!!! And no wonder...
Happy New Home!! Gosh, this kitty sure traveled far from San Jose to Cypress, California!!
Kara giving the kitty one last good cuddle!! Such sweethearts!!
Kitty making herself at home already with her first meal. After we were sure the kitty was settling in nicely, we traveled on to visit Kara's grandpa who is being well taken care of at an assistant living house.
Frank's Dad was being particularly chipper and talkative this visit which made Frank and his sister Paula very happy! We even had some good laughs even though on occasion we had to remind him who we were...so we just made the introductions all over again. Living in the moment brought us some happy times!

More squirrel antics...and a finished scarf!

2010-06-22T17:14:00.001-07:00

Our little Moorpark "monkey" a.k.a. Squirrel figured out how to jump into the free hanging bird feeder!!! So funny!!!
When I snapped his picture above, he suddenly had this "uh oh, I'm caught" expression, and you should have seen him jump onto the patio below! He then scaled the stucco wall up to the roof of the house!!
Here is the finished scarf...pattern is one of the little "recipe" cards from The Little Box of Scarves, and I used Laines du Nord's Kiddy Print mohair and Eros ribbon yarns and I think it turned out so pretty!
The lace was simple yet delicate to knit with a very simple repeat for the entire scarf.
I'm glad that it got long enough so I could finished the scarf and enjoy it...and perhaps go and knit something else!

Moorpark Squirrels

2010-06-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

Squirrels are something new to us in the suburbs of Moorpark...I'm sure there are plenty of them in the more rural areas, but in our housing track, it's something new. Sure, we'd see an occasional squirrel, but now we're seeing them in pairs playing on our backyard wall.
Makes for something very entertaining for me and the Maggi beagle dog...
When Maggi sees them, she goes tearing out after them with all her vim and vigor! So funny!! You wouldn't guess that Maggi is 9 years old running after these critters!
They just run away or sashay their tails at her! But the dog sure isn't bored!! And I have fun watching too...

Mom and Dad's birthdays...

2010-06-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

We celebrated both my parents' birthdays since Dad's birthday is June 14 while my mom's is June 20...we try to pick a date somewhere in the middle. Mom received a wallet size of the Family portrait as well as a nice size picture of Will.
Dad is enjoying his Lena Horne cd set...he has the album, but this way, he can listen when he drives.
My sons, Will and Peter enjoying the festivities...we later went out to dinner at a yummy Greek restaurant.
For both their birthdays, we gifted them with the family portrait. It was finished just in time! I was thrilled to find a handsome frame at Michaels that fit right in with my parents' decor.

We had a wonderful celebration...sorry that my husband Frank and daughter Kara couldn't be there but they are coming home soon for the 4th of July weekend.

Ice Cream and Seals...

2010-06-03T14:26:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend together in Monterey where we did a vast amount of walking and visited the piers and coastline. And probably every ice cream shop along the way!

We also were amused by the number of seals that were enjoying the sunshine. Some were sleeping at the boat ramp and sunning themselves.
Frank thought this was a cute boat house...it did have some cute lace curtains in the window...
We saw this seal posing for the cameras...really funny!
And this one just chilling on this rock with his belly in the air. He let out an "AR!" when the tide rose and covered him with water!
So back home again with memories of seals!! We also had a yummy bowl of clam chowder at one of the restaurants at the pier and did lots of walking. I even got to visit the Monarch yarn store in Pacific Grove and bought a very soft hank of silky mohair yarn!

Blackie's By the Sea

2010-05-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

The years fly by, yet whenever I have a reunion of sorts with the pals I used to work with at Disneyland, it's as though no time has gone by...well, maybe not with the emotions...obviously, we have changed by way of having been married, had children or any of the other life changes.
But the sense of "family" and sense of humor and the fun times we've had will never change...
Such great old and new memories!!!
And reconnecting with people we so enjoyed in the past...revisited again!
I love seeing these happy faces...such a soft spot in my heart and a renewed appreciation for once working for the happiest place on earth!

Quaker Hornbook Finished!

2010-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

I did the finishing work today for the With My Needle's Quaker Hornbook. Above you see that I had already carefully pressed my stitched piece with a hot dry iron using a tea towel inbetween to protect the hand dyed threads.
Here you see all my tools and supplies assembled. To the right is a small piece of Warm & Natural batting, while to the left is acid free self sticking mat board that's 1/16th of an inch thick.
I pinned the corners of the stitched design to block it a bit.
Here's the "craft size" of the Warm & Natural...only needed a little bit!
Here I adhered the batting to the self sticking mat board...got away without using glue here!
With my cord maker, I created a handmade cord from the same hand dyed thread that I stitched with...Cresent Colours Tartan Plaid...love the blues!
I had in my stash this wonderfully strong quilting thread by YLI which was the same color as my fabric Lakeside linen's Vintage Examplar.
Here I'm lacing the stitched piece to the batted mat board. I made sure that it was taunt and straight.

Here it is ready to be glued to the wooden hornbook which is made of maple...I had a hard time deciding which side to put it on since both sides had such character with knots in the wood. I almost hated to glue anything to it!
All glued on with cording delicately attached around the edges...gently tucked in the ends with a sharp wooden skewer...sure came in handy!
I love how it all turned out!! So glad I didn't put off the finishing like I usually do so that I can enjoy the hornbook! Finishing instructions were very detailed...reminded myself "Just do what it says!"
I added a thin leather strap and it looks so nice!!! You think someone will find it in an antique shop someday??

Mother's Day Weekend...

2010-05-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

We had a very busy Mother's Day weekend...always great to see our children happy, and, boy, was Kara ever happy with her new car! It was ready for pick up, so on the way to my parents, we stop off at the Pacific VW dealership and Kara got her Jetta Sportswagon TDI...beautiful, safe vehicle!

Our salesperson, Nancy, was a joy to work with and took Kara under her wing showing her all the features and buttons of the new Jetta...wow, what a music system in the car, including an iPod hook in! The car even tells how many miles you have left in your gas tank...
What a happy girl!! And she had plenty to be happy about with this beautiful car!!
Off to show off the car at Opa and Oma's!! Everyone sure admired the car!
Peter was fascinated by the dashboard options concerning the iPod...

After all the excitement, it was time to celebrate a bit of Mother's Day! Mom got some yummy chocolates, a bunny statue for her garden, and an etui that was purchase on Etsy...

Quite a nice haul which made my mom very happy! We also took my parents out to dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant that they've been going to for over 40 years!!

Actual Mother's Day is a bit quiet as everyone went their separate ways...Kara and Frank back up north...poor Frank lost his driver! Peter studying and spending the last couple weeks in his dorm...Will working at Costco...so it's just me and the dog!! We'll be going for a walk soon...as I think about what a nice Mother's day this has been with a very happy girl in her new car...

More Quaker Hornbook progress...

2010-05-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

I finished the stitching portion of With My Needle's Quaker Hornbook class project!
I really liked how the hand dyed thread looks...

Close up of the swan under the magnifier...
Now on to the finishing to make it look like the above...I need a piece of mat board, batting, some glue, and a ton of bravery!!!

With My Needle Quaker Hornbook Progress

2010-05-03T19:17:00.001-07:00

I joined Stitcher's Hideaway's With My Needle Quaker Hornbook stitch a long...it's been a while since I've stitched last, so this is the perfect little project to get going again...
I've been using a magnifier to help with the 36 count Vintage Examplar fabric...and for the thread, I'm using Cresent Colours Hand dyed floss in Tartan Plaid...I found the listed Malady's Teal to be not cheerful enough with its gray instead of the blue tone I was expecting, so switched it out.
After stitching, the finished piece is to be adhered to the above hornbook which has holes along the side for the stitcher to store floss or thread on.
The alphabet is done with one strand of floss over one thread of the fabric, while the motif to the right is done with one strand of floss over two threads of the fabric. At 36 threads per inch, it's pretty small, but I have my magnifier and my petite needles.

So far, so good, except for when I first basted around the edge of the piece with the red thread...I thought it was going to be a consistent four over four, but in some spots it was three, while in still others it was five! Oops! So had a false start, but glad I did the basting since it helps with the placement of the design's stitches.

I'm happy to join this stitch a long!! It helps to motivate me...and keeps me on track!

Fun times!!

2010-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

While anticipating the start of the move out process from Peter's dorm, I managed a get together with my friend Jann who I used to work with at Disneyland. We re-connected via Facebook, and joined this Obama group about having to sleep well at night since he's president, and I brought up the extra Obama fleece blanket that I wanted to give away and couldn't think of a better person to give it to! So we met up at Chipotle Restaurant near Cal State Fullerton, and my son Peter joined us. Jann insisted on treating, but more than that, it was so nice to visit with her and catch up a little!
In case you're curious, I bought the Obama fleece panels on eBay, and then I went to Joanne's for the fleece backing. I used to do those tie fleece blankets, but found that it wasted the fabric and shrunk them down too much, so now I just pin the right sides together, sew up the edges leaving a opening for turning, and then turn them right side out and wipe stitch the hole. That's it. Hey, even this sewing challenged pheebe can do it!

Afterwards, Peter and I went to his dorm and he packed a few boxes for me to take home. CSUF decided that move out day for the dorms would be the same day as the college's graduation, and with the limited parking, we both dreaded how busy it would be. Peter's last final is the day before move out, so we're going to do the rest then...Peter's first year in college sure went by fast! He disagrees, however, since he's the one that had to do all the work!!

Continuing my Birthday Month...

2010-04-26T17:25:00.001-07:00

I traveled up North to visit Kara in San Jose, and Frank in Seaside. It was another birthday celebration and I got totally spoiled again with delicious meals, miniature golf, and seeing a 3D movie called "How to Train Your Dragon."

Frank and I first went to Kara's studio where she had fresh strawberries and a very yummy trifle waiting for us. As always, we set a table and chairs outside so that the cat won't get to Frank, but the kitty Beatrix joined us anyway at the window...it was such nice weather!

These pictures are us at BJ'sRestaurant where we had yummy appetizers of lettuce wraps and chips & salsa. Then we split a huge cajun chicken southwestern salad with a huge portion of Calazone stuffed with artichoke hearts and cheese. We split the dishes so that we would have room for dessert....hot cookies with scoops of ice cream on top!! One cookie was white chocolate with macadamia nuts, while the other was oatmeal with walnuts. It was so decadent!!

Sorry no pictures of the miniature golf game, but we had a very good time, and the weather was beautiful, but it helped to give us an appetite for dinner...after dinner, we went to the the Dragon movie which was much better than I thought it was going to be with a pretty good storyline and great visual affects.

So I'm home again. I still have to play with my kitchen toys. And my doggy Maggi was very glad to
see me!!! Such a long drive home!!

Exciting Kitchen toys...

2010-04-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Boy oh Boy, I love Birthdays!! I don't even care if I'm a year old...if anything, I'm grateful for my health and surviving another year. And, yes, I make no apologies...I love getting presents!!

My husband Frank found a very good deal at Costco.com for a KitchenAid bowl-lift mixer...came with some prep bowls, instant $40 rebate, and a fill-in rebate for either the grinder or slicer attachment. I already have the grinder attachment that I got for my Kara "borrowed" KitchenAid mixer, so I chose the slicer attachment and popped it in the mail...

I'm so glad I chose the silver...almost got wild and crazy and picked the red, but glad I got a hold of myself! I'm loving the shiny silver! Looks so professional!! I can't wait to use it...probably do something simple like a cake mix or something...

I also received a very heavy package from Amazon.com that contained a cast iron Le Creuset French oven. I think it's called a French oven because it's from France, but don't let it fool you...it's really a Dutch oven with a French accent!!

I'd love to find a good scallop potato recipe for this one, so I'm about to go off in search of one, but if anyone out there has any good recipes, I'd love to hear them. I want to do this fine piece of kitchen pottery justice...

My kitchen is officially full...what I need now is a new kitchen, but that isn't happening anytime soon, so I will pretend to be cooking with Fabio or Bobby Flay when I prepare food with my new kitchen toys!!!

Squirrel!!

2010-04-17T11:45:00.001-07:00

Here is one of the many squirrels that come in the yard to steal nuts from the bird feeder. So funny when they come around since we yell "Squirrel!" to the Maggi dog so that we can watch her run around and get all excited. If the squirrel is on the ground, Maggi will even give chase, but no way can she ever catch this squirrel or any other squirrel for that matter.

But I love how these squirrels pause in the tree and look back at the dog as if to say "Neener neener neener!"

SQUIRREL!!

Ultimate Birthday

2010-04-11T11:48:00.001-07:00

It was my birthday yesterday, and I spent it with my parents and Peter at an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament that Peter participated in. It was held at the college I graduated from many, many years ago, California State University at Long Beach, so I wore my Alumni CSULB shirt!! I promise next time to wear my Cal State Fullerton MOM shirt next time!!
Peter had a great time and showed so much energy and technique during his play time. I think I sort of understand what's going on now...kind of a combination of football, basketball and soccer!
In the evening, we had Thai food and then indulged in some death by dark chocolate cake!! It was so delicious!!!!
And very pretty too!!!!
You want a bite????

All in all, a very happy birthday!! I got spoiled again with a pretty sweater and some money...which will be put to good use, I think, buying plants for the backyard!!

Early Easter

2010-04-04T00:04:00.001-07:00

We had an early Easter on Saturday this year since Sunday is a traveling day for Kara and her dad Frank to get back up north for school and work...worked out rather well!! Above, Kara and her Oma preparing dinner and appetizers. Kara made a delicious gaucamole which got gobbled up in no time!
We took the Maggi doggy along even though she does get a little car sick...she's very happy once we get to my parents...here she's kissing William...
And she's ready to get Peter in the kisser too!
Kara showing her Opa her new phone...kind of a complicated one with all the gizmos on it...
We had a nice visit and had a nice family dinner...just being together on Easter and other holidays is what's important to us.

My Baby's 19!!

2010-03-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today, my youngest child Peter turned 19 years old! So hard to believe!! 19 years ago, we were having a time of it popping him out, and now he's this enthusiastic young man in his Freshman year at California State University at Fullerton!
We had a spontaneous birthday party with Peter's friends and a Costco white cake with cream cheese filling and butter cream frosting! So yummy!! So fun to have a house full of Peter's friends again...enjoyed the commotion to its fullest!
I gave Peter this frisbee with the tiger and dragon on it and an Ultimate Frisbee strategy book. That's Peter main physical activity and he does Ultimate Frisbee tournaments...I hope to go to one in a couple weeks!
Here's the crowd goofing off!! This was before they were on their way to bowling!!
Happy Birthday, Peter!!! Love you so much!

I Won!!

2010-03-22T19:16:00.001-07:00

I had a surprise in my mailbox today...this strange squishy package which felt like yarn was within, but I kept thinking, "I don't remember ordering anything..." Well, as it turned out, I won a contest in one of the magazines I buy!! Unbelievable! Now I don't have to feel so bad when my friends win stuff at the blogs they visit...believe me, I've tried to enter those contests to win stuff at other people's blogs, but it was never meant to be.

The contest was to get the yarn to make the hat on the front cover...simply had to send in your name and address to the email address listed. My guess is that the odds were greater to win through a magazine than on any blog, so it's totally ironic that I won!!
The yarn is Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca Chunky color 555 which is a very nice soft pink...
It's so soft! I just love sticking my face into it and smelling it! I'll need to look at the hat pattern again to see if that's what I really do with it!
So what a nice surprise!!! Totally love love love this yarn!!!! I may just look at it and cuddle with it for awhile!

Happy Dog!

2010-03-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here is my Maggi beagle dog enjoying her Spring time day in the back yard...a very happy doggy!! She just turned 9 last month, and is getting older, but still acts like a puppy to me! She is my constant companion with unconditional love.
And here is Maggi's bunny friend, Lincoln. He's quite a character and isn't afraid of anything. He loves the back yard, and also has run of the house when he behaves himself. There's this one basket in my living room that Lincoln loves to chew on, and he does know better, since when I sternly call his name or clap, he quickly goes away from it. But then slowly, but surely, tries to go back!! Makes me laugh! Luckily, it's not an expensive basket, and has turned into a game.

So Spring has sprung...time to tidy up the back yard again, and I hope this time, it will be done completely. It seems we get started on it, and then it gets too hot for us to continue, and it grows back...I really want to plant some new roses and spruce it up. Wish us luck!

Turbo Knitting

2010-03-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

I found out only a week or so ago that my friend Betty wanted a matching hat for her future grandson like the one I made for her. So got my needles out and found some nice yarn...this is the Lion Brand Vanna yarn in a silvery blue. I think it turned out so nice! Above are some booties I decided needed to go along with the hat.
I got my tassel maker out and made, well, what else? Tassels that I added to each corner of the rectangular hat.
I hope the hat isn't too big for a baby's head! He may need to grow into it!

I love how the set turned out!! I hope Betty and her new grandson have fun with their matching hats! Oh, here is Betty with the hat I made for her:

Another Trip...

2010-03-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

I went up to visit Frank again and had a busy weekend. We drove up to Kara in San Jose and together we saw the new Alice In Wonderland 3D movie, and went out for sushi. Then on Sunday, it was Kara's turn to drive to Seaside so that we could visit Carmel and Monterey Bay. Here we are at the beach in Carmel...beautiful! It was a dog friendly beach, so we had fun watching different breeds of dogs frolicking on the sand and testing out the water!! I wonder how our doggy Maggi would do?
We visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium again...never get tired of the place! We saw the baby otter and learned that it is being taken care of by a "foster" female otter; and we watched the penguins being fed.
Although it was overcast, it was beautiful outside!!
On our way back to the van, we noticed we had parked near a beach where all the seals hang out! It was incredible! There were so many of them!!
Such a beautiful area...I'm sure there are more trips in my future...

My New Hat!

2010-03-01T22:51:00.001-08:00

Hard to take a picture of myself wearing my new hat, but it can be done!
I love how my hat turned out!! Nice and thick! I love the colors too!
The thickness with the K1B technique is really neat!! It's airy too and will be nice to wear when I take the dog for our walks.
Now on to the next project!!! What will it be??????????????

Rainy Days Making Blankets...

2010-02-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

I had some more fleece panels on hand and had pinned them together weeks ago with their respective coordinating fleece backings, but needed a rainy day to sew them all up! So on Monday, I went crazy and did about five blankets! Above is the Degas dancers. I love the artwork fleece panels the best, but they are hard to come by. Below is a collector's item fleece panel with Obama...this one went to my girlfriend Sima who is crazy about Obama, so now she can be all wrapped up by him!
I made two of these Iris panel ones...I'll probably keep one for myself!! I'm sure to gift the other one...

And already a Christmas blanket with this reversible deer...I had two and decided to sew them together...
I'm not much of a seamstress, but I have fun making these blankets!!

Bunny Visitor!

2010-02-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

We have a bunny visitor!! His name is Lincoln, and owner Joey is renting one of our rooms.
Isn't Lincoln cute? We often let Lincoln run around the house or in the back yard! Maggi the beagle doggy is having such fun with her little friend! They tease and chase each other! Maggi even protected Lincoln...for a little while, we had Lincoln's cage outside, but a big bad black cat came sniffing, and Maggi barked wildly looking outside from the kitchen at 2 am one fine morning! So Joey put Lincoln in our dining room since not planning any dinner parties at the moment...LOL.
Lincoln just loves parsley and baby carrots, and I've been spoiling him rotten! But he's such a sweet bunny and he cracks me up with his cute ears and nose...just ignore those devilish eyes!!

New Project

2010-02-19T22:44:00.001-08:00

Last week, I became frustrated with a cute hat pattern I found on Ravelry...it used this new-to-me technique of knitting the stitch below or K1B that totally intrigued me, but after a few tries, I started searching for an easier pattern and found it.
I love the thick results of this knitted fabric...stretchy but scrunchy. Also love the Patons Decor yarn which is a worsted yet on the thick side sort of yarn. And the color is a combination of browns and blues called "Sand and Sea."
Here's an illustration of the technique...
It's suppose to rain tonight and tomorrow, so I hope to get some knitting in and get further along with the hat. There's also a scarf pattern with the same K1B stitch that I've suddenly become obsessed with...so neat!