What A Day!!

So this was such a beautiful today. Couldn't ask for better weather the last day of January.
I had to get out & I did. The snow was melting with 46 for our high today, actually had to go inside & put a spring jacket on & take the winter coat off. Love it!
So much for that it's 28 & windy now...almost Feb.

I have been on the computer alot today as I needed to do more research on blogging set up.
My brain hurts....then I did more research on grant writing.

Lots of sitting and no progress on "THE SOCKS" as yet. Not true I did a swatch...

As Scarlett would say, "tomorrow is another day".

Have a great Sunday & hope (pretty sure) the Steelers will win.

Peace & good thoughts,

Darla

I WON!!!!!!!

Wow...I won. I love blogging, thanks Tab. I am so excited as I was reading a blog ( a fellow knitter) and saw it was her 3 yr. blog anniversary and as I have just started I thought I would enter her contest (read below). Never did I imagine I would be the winner.

It's 46 outside & sun is shining and thank you Elle...what a day.

Peace

Darla

vivo est precor: We have a winner!

vivo est precor: We have a winner!

Friday Nite Knit

Well this is Friday and I'm going to do a swatch to check on the gauge of the yarn I want to make my very 1st pair of socks. It may not feel exciting to you but I keep promising myself I will do this.

It seems that every time I start I find something else to knit. Dishcloths?? What's with that. I'm one person and how many can I own...I still have the 1st one I made. Oh, it's a different pattern.

Monk & Psych are on tonite so lots of laughing while being frustrated not knitting socks well. I think after I read the pattern I get obsessed with the fact that I have to turn & make a heel & then a gusset. Don't worry I'm still doing better than Congress. My problem is a pr. of socks & as far as I know it really won't affect anyone else but me!

Enjoy your Friday nite & see you on Saturday.

Peace & laughs (lots of them),

Darla

Oh, so tomorrow I want to finish setting up my Blog. It will be study time for me (and Sarah P.,.you know the next Pres.), anyway must go before I get in trouble.

1986

What memories I have of 1986...myt 3rd back surgery (22 mos. in a hospital bed) & watching the terrible Challenger failure. My life wasn't that bad...it was an eyeopener for all of us.

So, laundry almost done...yeah!! Then I can concentrate on tv? knitting?? or food!!
I actually got to speak to my daughter today as they had an ice storm out East.
Went to the doctor & all is well. Tried to talk him into reading my blog (maybe not a great idea, it may prove insanity) but he's not really into it..I'll work on him.
He's young & has a 2yr.old so what was I thinking...I'm his patient of course he has no time.

Went to lunch at our local Bistro..."Wards Store" , here in De Smet, SD. It's great....espresso, breakfast, lunch (homemade of course) & all the baked goods you could want. Patty is a riot..Showed her my blog & my knitting, told her I would write about my little town lunch experience. It's great to solve the problems in the world around your local eatery. Oh, you can shop too...clothes ,books & fun stuff. And always chatter!!!!

Okay Patty....DEAL with it.

Have to finish laundry...be back later more to say.

Peace,
Darla

A Blogiversary- Hurry Go

http://toliveistopray.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-blogiversary-giveaway.html

Go here and you may win the contest...She has a great blog and is celebrating her 3rd yr. of blogging. So we can all share in her happiness.

I f you leave a comment I get another chance of winning and I would love handspun yarn......
ooh, never had that yet.

So. you have until Jan. 31st to see her blog..hurry go go now!!! Just a lil reading time...no $$$$$$.

Peace and thanks ,
Darla

Please Help if You Can

I was just reading CiCi's Blog ( http:2sistahsknittogether.blogspot.com) and she let us know about a little boy named Dylan who has lost his Mom and needs some help. Oh, did I mention there is a contest where you can win YARN.....really beautiful YARN.

Here is the info and if you do donate I please mention my blog so I can get an extra lottery ticket to win. Thank you ahead of time. Below is the information you need..

Oh by the way you can donate through Pay Pal & all instructions and a button are at


http://peacesoup.wordpress.com/

Thank you ahead of time..I donated as I was a single parent household with 2 kids.


Peace and help someone not as blessed as you,

Darla

Following Patterns

Well today is Sunday. It is sunny out and cold. I've tried to think of something to knit but I think I burnt myself out after the holiday sprint.
Yesterday I wrote every politician that has ties to South Dakota...Tomorrow will be an email day from them. More layoffs...huge state budget cuts...how sad for all of us.
Enough of that!

So I'm trying to change the pattern of my life by writing and knitting every day. I don't work anymore but seem to have not enough time in the 24 hours given to me. What am I doing up at 3AM....reading, walking dogs for the nite and just don't lay down,get a drink (might die of thirst ya know) then to the ladies room . No I am not hyperactive & never have been. Guess it's cabin fever or I might miss something.

Tomorrow will be busy as I have appointments. Yeah a reason to leave the home. Can't wait for spring, not sure why as I really don't mind the snow or even the cold cause I can wear different clothes and sometimes 2 sets(kidding)at a time.

Do need new boots next year though...but not for many months.
Alright back to patterns. I seem to want to create my own spin on a knitting pattern I happen to be using. What is wrong with me that I cannot follow the darn thing? I understand it but now that I think about it ..must be my willful nature. Well that's what the nuns said...

Have a great day & start Monday by NOT following a pattern but step out of your groove, I am!!!!

Peace,
Dar

Knitting and Walking

Alright, so I can't knit and walk at the same time. I used to be able to crochet & walk but NO knitting. Have to think about it too much. It was soooo beautiful yesterday, sunny, calm and a warm almost 38 at times. I walked the dogs 5 times each for a total of 10 walks for me as they do not get along as yet.

I am really trying to post each day ever if it is very short but I love knitting and creating. Okay for you that know me it's not printable copyright creations but it is mine.

Very cold today with the wind it's tettering on -20 to -30 below. A great day to catch up on www.Ravelry.com , read(oh a book my friend K gave me "Confessions of A
Counterfeit Farm Girl, bySusan McCorkindale)and of course knit. This book is so funny, LOL funny. I relate as I am a city girl in farm country. Read it you will laugh.

Okay going to take the kids (dogs) out . See you later.

Peace,
Dar

To Knit A New Life

To Knit A New Life

Yesterday

Wow, what a day yesterday was. Full of hope & promise in being an American.

So I'm doing the laundry and thinking of felting a great wool sweater I have and making a tote for myself. Looks fairly easy & why not.

Okay I tried socks......it did not work well..maybe need bamboo dpn's as yarn kept slipping off.
So I'm making baby leg warmers for my grand-neice. I have really nice Lilly Chin sock yarn but it is lighter than thean winter wools.

I will be trying again I will not give in or up.

I went to http://www.whitehouse.gov/ what a great site for all that is going on in our Government & the blog...lots of information. So sign up & enjoy.

Peace,
Dar

January 20,2009

What can I say about the overwhelming feeling I have as an American in 2009. I have hope and courage again in our Nation. Amen, Amen what a day for all.

I am glad I picked this title for my blog as I have the feeling we will be knitting our Nation together again. I have darned a sock & believe our people can come together again in a spirit
of goodness to darn America together again.

Have a great day & celebrate "We the people".

Peace,
Darla

What A Day!!

Okay, so I didn't write yesterday but I did knit & catch up on Ravelry & Twitter.

Today I had to do Multipy (MSN) as a group I belong to has also had to move. It's a great group for"victims" of acrachnoiditis. I'll put it under my links later as it is getting later now.

I want to start my 1st socks....oh please let it be done.

It was great as my daughter found me on Twitter this eve by accident. It's so amazing how
much alike we are....many interests in common, especially books.

Well good nite folks..will be here & there tomorrow and maybe a part of a sock...

Peace,
Dar

Just Love the Excitement!

What a day...watching the train with our President-Elect & Family onboard. How exciting, can't wait for the Jan. 20th...It's great to have a person we can hope for. I'm happy with the transition so far, and must give President Bush credit for working this right.

We all need to have hope...look at me.......THE van started at 4:00 today & off to the grocery store I went. Can't believe I hadn't been downtown since thursday a week ago. Well we needed 32degrees.
Watching & knitting and checking out other blogs. Very interesting people we knitters are and very kind too.

Going to the couch and work on my swap for [www.ravelry.com] group, {Swap 2}.

I love the big city but it's hard to manage alone. Something about the spirit of NY or DC.
Yeah it's hyper and loud but there's always a hum there.

Enjoy your weekend,
Dar

Things I've Done

Okay, I cut & pasted this from someone elses' blog and I think it's fun to do. Thank you DisPrincessJen on blogspot. Well, have to have lunch now. Have fun... Okay so I can't take the time to use the BOLD key so I am using the STAR key...too lazy right now....
Dar

Copy, paste, and bold what you have done!
1. Started your own blog **
2. Slept under the stars **
3. Played in a band **I was back up singer (HS)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower **
6. Given more than you can afford to charity **
7. Been to Disneyland **
8. Climbed a mountain **
9. Held a praying mantis **
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea **
14. Gone rollerskating **
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (It was closed. :( )
18. Grown your own vegetables**
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight **
22. Hitch hiked *
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill **
24. Built a snow fort **
25. Held a lamb**
26. Gone skinny dipping **
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse **
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset **
31. Hit a home run **
32. Been on a cruise **
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Half of them.
35. Seen an Amish community **
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Acted in a play or performed on stage **
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing **
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke **
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight**
46. Been transported in an ambulance **
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - Not all the way to the top, but it was high enough!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling **
52. Kissed in the rain **
53. Played in the mud **
54. Gone to a drive-in theater **
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business - with my sister when we were little **
58. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment **
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies **
62. Gone whale watching **
63. Got flowers for no reason - Thanks! **
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check **
68. Flown in a helicopter **
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy **
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial **
71. Eaten caviar **
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square **
74. Toured the Everglades **
75. Been fired from a job - Well, not fired. Just taken off the schedule...
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone **
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle **
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person **
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car **
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper **
85. Read the entire Bible once
86. Visited the White House **
87. Won Money **
88. Had chickenpox**
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous **
92. Joined a book club **
93. Had to put someone you love in Hospice Care
94. Had a baby - **
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone**
99. Been stung by a bee **
100. Read an entire book in one day - **

Okay I did this and now I know it shows how mature you are..(ok, your era)

Knitting Complete & Life Changed

Alright I finished a lavender, white & purple toilet tissue cover for a friend's bathroom.
I designed it myself..that may not seem like much but I've only been knitting for 9mos.
I love using stitch patterns...from a stitch directory. Just love it...will do pics later(I have to look up how).
It amazes me that I can do this and actually be a bit creative with knitting...It is calming for me and the living room is full of yarn. I can't even stash it , I might miss it too much. That will come later.Thank you Kate for the 11lbs. you sent me, what a blessing you are in my world.

I'm still trying to begin socks....I actually started this blog to avoid not beginning them now..
Why am I scared???? Just a pr. of socks for myself. No one even has to see them, right?
I have the dpn's and even the 40" for "The Magic Loop". oh yeah the Loop...Can't figure
that one out yet. I figure it must be like a relationship....start verrrry slow......be careful
and not push the envelope, one level at a time.
Oh, if I only believed that one.

Well the dogs are in bed...no more barking...stressing me out! Too much noise, I quess that is why we have kids young. I didn't mind being interrupted then and liked the noise. When you live alone for a verrry long time you aren't used to that anymore. Not that I feel I'm a quiet person as anyone who knows me understands. I talk alot!!! That's why I figured blogging might be an outlet for me.

Off to the couch now and watch the shows I dvr......yes I dvr everything...just in case.
Not surewhy but I don't want to miss a thing...never enough time in a day.

Good Night and Peace to All....
Dar

Warm Cherry Pie & Friends

Hope you are all jealous as I just had warm pie and cool whip with J and K. K has the cutest little yellow bird (who apparently likes warm cherry pie)"Big Bird". J is very tolerant of us women. Just shakes his head or nods.
So I am knitting for a friend & 2 swaps. Finished a beautiful piece for a friend which I will add later in pics.....one internet creation at a time.

I have found that knitting has brought something great into my life....many new people and opportunities which I didn't have before.

Van not running as it is toooooooo cold. Would be happy with weather in the 30's. Boy, quess I have been here awhile.

Will write again must walk, talk and feed the kids (dogs),

Dar

The Light Bulb Of Life and Knitting

I did it...finally I can find myself on the internet. The past 2 days I was lost & finally very stressed. Didn't have time to knit, then the puppy barked for hrs. And I stood outside in -13 degree weather (w/o wind chill).

I now am linking my URL to and on http://www.ravelry.com/ .

work on that.

I will knit tonite and gain my peace....

Peace to all........
Dar

Getting Help From Others

Wonderful...great and a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all who can help beginners like me. I'm doing just as I read and it's working.

Thank you People of Blogspot and Bloggers...

Blogging

Okay, it's my 2nd day of trying to figure out why I cannot find me on the4 internet. Checked Help but I am missing something.
I am now going to approach a human & hope that person can let me know what I am doing wrong.
I am not discouraged...just inpatient!
Talk Later.

My Artwork- Pen & Ink Drawing

Okay, this is a pen & ink drawing that I did a few years ago. I have been knitting so much I haven't made time to draw...I can do this in the summer when it is not below 0.

I surprised my friends & family with this work, they didn't know I could do this. Fooled them again.

dacg

Blogging Experience

Okay, so I took my daughters advise & am now blogging.
After reading some other blogs & realizing since joining www.ravelry.com, I seem to writing very long PMs' to others on the site. So here I go.
This will be short today but knitting has changed my life for the better.
I no longer dust, clean or want to even eat...I knit.
Involved in swaps and having a fling at being youthful.
Oh, did I mention I live in South Dakota & blizzardly cold -degrees alot.
I will return later & write more.

Thanks Dacg