Thursday, March 19, 2015

Chipmunks...

"Hey Psssst!"

"Lively and speedy critters, chipmunks are small members of the squirrel family. Their pudgy cheeks, large, glossy eyes, stripes, and bushy tails have made them a favorite among animators, and landed them a series of starring roles in Hollywood." (quote found on the National Geographic website)

And now they are playing a starring roll in our back yard. How cute are they? {smile}

At my new knitting spot at the backyard window, I had already spotted a little Chipmunk a few days ago. I quickly made sure to have my camera ready for the next time, and this morning I happened to spot not one, but two little critters. They are super speedy and I was glad I was able to 'catch' them so to speak...


PS: Exciting times over here: Miss M. is waiting to hear back from all of her university applications this week and next. So far a yes for the University of Washington! (here in Seattle) We should hear of at least one (and maybe three) tomorrow, another one on Saturday and another on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed!


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Red & Yellow & Green...


Lots of crazy color stuff going on this week... 

First of I cut my hair and dyed it Red! (I am a trained hair-stylist, only it was 30 years ago) As you know,  I love playing with all the photo editing filters etc, but wanted to show you the real deal as well, so here you go. The left picture is totally unedited. I must have gotten some sun on my face this week, since my face is looking quite tanned for the time of year: yay!

Remember last week a friend generously gave me her left-over Mustard Yellow Peace Fleece remnant? Well I made the first fingerless glove (free 'Lambing Mitts' pattern by Veronica Jobe) yesterday. I added some yarn-overs (those holes) on the top of the glove, but you couldn't see them very well, so then I added a little bit of embroidery. Not my best, but fun nevertheless...


And before I started those gloves I finished knitting my Bottle Green Miette cardigan (free pattern by Andi Satterlund) I had some fun green buttons (see picture), but they are not quite speaking to me yet. A visit to Joann's will be in order next week...

With bust darts included!  <wink>

Well, that was it for now. I'm getting ready to bake some Dutch pancakes for Master C. and his girlfriend, who are on their way back to Spokane, WA all the way from Vancouver, B.C. for a little lunch break...


Thursday, March 12, 2015

Morning Pretties...

A little garden round-up this morning...



After weeks of beautiful, mild and dry weather we had some rain yesterday and today things are taking off! Lots of growing in the garden...





I'm getting ready to go out for a little run/ walk and after that I will finish my Miette cardigan. Not a bad day at all!

Shift your focus!



Friday, March 6, 2015

Oh Happy Day(s)!



I know I'm repeating myself, but the weather over here has been just phenomenal! I think all that sunshine and extra vitamin D have gone straight to my head: I'm feeling all giddy!  {smile} 


Last night I decided to walk to my weekly stitch circle at Tolt Yarn & Wool because it was just so mild outside. Over there I met up with (among others of course) Beth, who also works there. She had knit the Lambing Mitts (free pattern in link) in a most gorgeous color and yarn (Peace Fleece I think it is called). I admired them at the table and this morning she offered me the remains of her skein so that now I too can make a pair of these lambing mitts: how kind is that?!


On my bike I hopped and off I went to the yarn store once again! There I also met another Instagrammer who I had never met before so that was fun. I caught up with Tif who I hadn't seen in forever and all in all it was a wonderful half hour well spent.

On my way home I stopped by the Snoqualmie suspension bridge (below) to enjoy the wide views of the Cascade Mountains, what a day!


PS: Master C. and his girlfriend are on their way home for a few days as I write this, so that is making me extra giddy as well... <wink>

PPS: Don't forget to check out my Instagram account for more updates!


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Rays of Light...



This morning when I opened the sliding door to let the dog out, I looked up and spotted these rays of light peeking through the trees: a beautiful start to the day!

(picture from last week when I had just started)

It's been a bit quiet on the blog here lately and that is because my life is a bit quiet, by design I must add. I've been knitting away on my Miette Cardigan and I just reached the lace pattern at the hemline. I've been sitting in my new spot near the window where I can observe the backyard plant life and enjoy the sunshine...

Last week the lovely ladies of Tin Can Knits celebrated their five year anniversary with a super sale, so I bought two of their pattern books (in pdf-format): "Handmade in the UK' and 'Pacific Knits'. (click on the links to see all the patterns) I haven't decided on my next project yet because there is so much choice, but my eyes keep on going back to this one: 'Lush'

'Lush' pattern on the right. (picture from the net)

Isn't it just fabulous looking?  {smile}

--  **  --  **  --

In other news: I'm also attempting to get back into 'running' again. The last couple of months I've barely made it out on the trails and it feels like I'm starting from scratch again. My legs and lungs are screaming out their resentment but I'm persevering. I've done this once before, so I can do it again!

I'll leave you with a lovely Spring like picture. I know that the rest of the country has been experiencing the worst winter yet, but we've had no winter whatsoever and have had Spring arrive early. We are not complaining!  <wink>



PS A new Spring header has been made, hope you like it?

And Then There Were Two...