What Was I Thinking???

So last week we had some nasty late night rain and high winds. I'm walking the dogs and there it WAS
mouth open and looking for food.

I put him in a large flower pot. Looked online to find out what to feed him (or her). So I have some little
cans of "Chef Michael's" dog food.....perfect. The site said to feed it with a chop stick!!! Yeah, I have them too.

What I didn't realize (because of course I needed to feed the lil bird) is it NEEDS feeding every 1/2 hour from sunrise to sunset....Boy it is a cutie though.

So the next night another storm and glory be....the nest falls and is in great shape. So my newest buddy is very happy with his temporary home (we have no rehabs in South Dakota).

The next morning at 8:11 am he's verrry hungry. So my day has started..

This is now his 6th day with us ( the 2 dogs) and has feathers coming out...he is thriving.
It's always a great feeling when your kids thrive. He loves me to rub his lil head as he had 4 siblings that died in the storm...very cute.

I just can't wait til he's a full fledgling and show him how to get his own food....no fridge for this child....

Peace,
Darla

Very Busy ..Still Knitting

Alright, I now am starting to take some photos for my blog.

Tonite is the beginning of rehearsal hell.....every day except Wednesday. My muscles hurt in places I had forgotten about at least 15 yrs. ago.

I am still working on the shawl. Now I see why it takes so long to knit one...lots of yardage and
little stitches. So I am cheating..,SURPRISE!!! I began with size 0 then size 2....again to 3.5 and then 5us and now I am on 7 circulars (didn't like that one as my needles were too slippery. So I have put the stitches back on to a size 8 straight needle...

I know I will eventually have to go back to circulars ( unless I am knitting for my dog), because of the number of stitches involved (and boy are they!).

So have a great Thursday and will try to post in the next few days....

"Keep tapping cause you can't stop laughing" by Me

Peace,
Darla

My Best Friend

Okay, I know it seems funny this little old man of mine but
Humphrey Bogart is my bud! He just had his 12th birthday
and this pic is a year old.

Yeah the boots & coat are funny but I didn't want
to run around in the ice either.

I will post later as going to start laundry!!!!

Peace,
Darla

The Last Few Days

Wow, what a June..so much time to reflect on ones self after losing so many young people. MJ what can I say but that he was a star like no other. Farrah had the courage I wish I could have in very hard times ....

It is sad when we see someone we have never met but have enjoyed for the last 40 years the spirit they had to entertain us. It reminds me of how hard the life we lead is. It isn't easy and thank goodness I am not in the spotlight.

June is strange here as last night the temp. actually was 57 degrees. It did feel good to open the windows to sleep by. Unfortunately it got me so relaxed that I read for an hour (2am). So I didn't get up very early.

I'm still knitting alot. I have been making project bags and purses from cotton yarn. Great for the summer to throw in the wash and hang to dry.

Well must go and finish a project and start another. And put the dogs to bed.


Peace and great week ahead,

Darla

Almost Summer

Not here in South Dakota!!! Yes, we had the parade & town picnic but the next day it was (and is) damp, clammy & rainy,....no end is sight.

Oh I was wrong it will be getting warmer but not drier. Yuck..I want sunshine and a cool breeze at night not clouds, rain & humidity. The birds are liking it though ....
dogs hate it as they like paws dry!!!! Me too....

Going to eat will write later...

Peace,
Darla

Sunday after Saturday and before Monday

CUTE BABY BUNNY

I tried to blog on Saturday but I was too busy knitting. I am really hooked on this wonderful art.It was cold and rainy so why not!

It's a good thing I have lots of time to do this otherwise I would be in deep trouble. I can't seem to get enough. What a great addiction.

As I spend the majority of my time alone except for 2 lil dogs and an occasional phone call ,I have filled many hours with knitting. Seems I don't have time to read anymore and am backed up with 17 great books to read. I do have the television on so I can listen while creating.

I also think about my $10 Swap Group, which I adore. Friends all over the world and a surprise every month. And then I get to put a box together for them. It has been so much fun.

Well must get to bed and try not to think of what to knit next!

May all your flowers bloom this summer...

Darla

What A Day!!

Who would have thought the temperature could even be 90 degrees right now in South Dakota...where did spring go?

I understand I can turn the ac off tonite as it is going to drop down 30 - 35 degrees. Okay that sounds more like it.

I would rather have 75 or so that way I can start planting and watching the flowers grow.

People are very hard to satisfy. I can't have it both ways...cold or hot nothing in between.

I'm working on a scarf for my granddaughter A for her Oct. b'day. Need to start early and Kansas is where they will be not DC anymore. They'll be a little closer or at least within driving distance.

Have a great night...I am going to walk the dogs.

Peace,

Darla

A New Book..

Oh the blizzard is on the way..8-14 inches (at least I hope it's inches) starting this evening. So I will have lots of time to knit and read. Can't wait for the dogs tomorrow morning with all the snow. The puppy goes out & wonders where all the blowing leaves have gone ( oh, to be one of my dogs..).

I found a great book for all three methods of knitting socks...."How To Knit Socks, Three Methods Made Easy" written by Edie Eckman. It's got great pictures and instructions. And some new patterns for more socks. I found the instructions so much easier to understand and it is cuff down for "Magic Loop".

I love that I am learning more and enjoying it. I am almost done with the 2nd pair of socks and I can wear them in the blizzard as it seems we will also get more snow on Saturday. Whatever, where is Spring and those pretty little flowers we all look forward to. I just love the help I get on , so many wonderful groups with many knowledgeable woman. They know how to knit and keep friendships going forward.

So have a great evening and look for your spring flowers..cause I can't!

Peace,

Darla

Oh, That Sock !!!!

I can't tell you how much it means to me when someone has written a comment on my Blog. It really isn't hard, you can even be anonymous. I actually have people in my immediate family who believe I will virus them. Well, I am older and wiser and much happier in my life this year because I have found blogging. It gives me an opportunity to meet other people throughout the USA and the world.

I know I am not a published author but I read...ALOT...and I have thoughts that I can share and experience is always on my side. Besides reading other blogs with interests similar to mine open up the gateway of learning from others.

Oh, I don't have to agree with anyone in this world but it is great to see others opinions who are as passionate as I am but they have another way of knitting the patterns together for a different spin and that's great.

I love the groups on, http://www.ravelry.com, as it has really expanded my world. How much more positive can you be than when giving & getting in knitting (or crocheting). I've learned so many wonderful things from the women here...about fibers, fabric knitting....skills and just plain fun and encouragement with every step.

I started my 1st sock yesterday and I think I get it....it was too small for any human I know but it worked. So tonight I'm going to do it for sure (correct size & all). Wish me well as you might receive a pair from me some day!!!

Peace and I'm watching "Lost" tonite,

Darla

The Fabric in Our Lifes

I started knitting a fabric piece today. Nothing like taking old clothes (even jeans) & cutting them up to make a new rug or other interesting piece. I've had some fabric that is really bright and fun..so that is where I started...on 15 US needles...Have to get a rotary cutter though
that will work better than tearing or scissors.

I bet I can use that $5,000 old wedding gown too. Let's see...that is a fabric of my life so , why not...always wanted a very expensive one of a kind rug.

It's Sunday and have been cooking & knitting all day..oh I did take the dogs out too.

Have a good week....yeah Monday!!!!!! I actually saw green under the snow so spring is
on it's way......

Peace,

Darla

The Handknit Coat

This is Humphrey Bogart at age 9 in the winter month of November 2007. It was verrry cold as I had clipped his coat. Obviously the red boots are just too cool.

He is tolerant of me dressing him in winter gear as long as it doesn't restrict him. He is a cutie.

Alright so as I was tagged now you are tagged and need to pick the 6th photo in the 6th folder and write about it on your blog...

Thank you Elle for the fun,.,,,,,,http://toliveistopray.blogspot.com/

I'll catch you another time. So go for it...this way we get to meet more bloggers and knitters....

The first lucky blogger ishttp://craftygryphon.blogspot.com/. Thank you so much for commenting on my blog. So here is your reward. You can check it out. It was fun.

And the next lucky duck is http://www.dkswife.blogspot.com/. I am excited that you are commenting.

I have to finish this up as today is LAUNDRY day!!!!!!! And I have to finish mine.

I'm still willing to give the new Administration a fair chance. I want to see the glass 1/2 full and not empty. I knew it would take much more than 100 days to make a difference as we didn't get here over night...just seems that way.

Peace,

Darla

Knitting with Fabric

I just raided my material for sewing...found some beautifully bright florals to rip & tear to knit with. Oh I love the idea of using t-shirts, sheets & a wonderful choice of fabrics to knit for yourself.

Go to:http://heatherknitzdesigns.blogspot.com/ wait until you see her blog. Wow!!!! What a talent. I belong to a group on www.ravelry.com that she started and there is hope for all of us.

Anyway, I made choc. mint chip brownies...I don't share those with the dogs (NO CHOC.).
I'm not going to blog too much as I have to address my knitting.

I hope all of you have a great evening...I'm going to.

Peace,
Darla

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

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

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