Kelli-E

Till we meet at the Rainbow Bridge

2011-05-14T07:07:00.000-04:00

We lost our Chloe this week. It's been a long time coming. She was 15 and had been diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago, receiving insulin twice a day like a trooper. Poor thing, her body was just too tired. She died in my arms. I lost another cat to chronic kidney failure 4 years ago and vowed not to put another one of my furry babies through what he went through - multiple car rides to the vet, test, ultrasounds, even IV fluidss which were horrible. We, yes two adults, had to hold him down to hydrate him. In the end we only had him for another month. It was agonizing. When Chloe was diagnosed I was ok with the insulin. My thought was that's all - we get to keep her! She was a trooper. We trained to get in her chair every morning get her shot and then the whole crew (Chloe, her 4 year brother Frankie and baby bro Leonard) all got a treat.

She started to obivously decline a couple of weeks ago and we considered putting her down but she wasn't in any type of visible distress or pain so I opted to put her in God's hands. I pray I wasn't just being too selfish and that she really didn't suffer. I miss her terribly....

Another Wednesday

2011-02-16T06:56:00.000-05:00

Taking a mental health day today. The stressors in my life have caught up with me - darling daughter's situation, MIL is back at a rehab and hoping we can keep her there till she gets strong enough to go home, and dad has just been placed at a rehab after back surgery with complications.

What will I do today?

1. Knit - see what I am working on:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEw11/PATTchrysanthemum.php

I really love this pattern. Actually I have discovered how much I enjoy working with charts and doing the color work. This is a lot further along than pictured.

2. Car wash - my Jeep needs a bath and a vacuum.

3. Pilates - get a workout on my performer.

4. Zumba - just bought the dvd's and will get a session in while the hubs is at hockey.
     Why not just go to a class? After driving all day the last thing I want is to get back in
     the car to go anywhere in the evening. I won't even get into what an unbelievable
    dork I am when it comes to any type of dance/class situation. I am so self conscious
    too. Looked like fun we will see how it goes.

5. Dinner with my man. Yup, making an appointment for this one. We have been out
     of sync for a week plus now. He's had a man-cold and with everything listed above
     plus our work schedules we need to re-connect.

6. Get my nails done. A little pampering is good.

Have a wonderful day.

sometimes it just doesn't matter

2011-01-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I just don't rate. Maybe it's what we have been going through with our daughter over the last 10 months. Maybe it's always been there. I just feel so inadequate. I am nothing special and maybe I am just over reacting to my husband's pissy mood - to which he will not discuss with me.

It's a feeling that has always been there but sometimes it seems to dominate everything. Is this what paranoia feels like? I don't know, too textbooky. The wife of our best friend couple called today - I am going to be an "associate" grandmother! Her son and his wife are expecting a baby in August. I think this is what set it off...

What iced the cake is that tomorrow is my husband's birthday; ok so he has to work until 8:30 and I am planning on meeting him at our local hangout - I've also invited his best friend (see above) and want them to tell him the good news in person. But my brother in law just called to see if he, my husband, wanted to get together on Sunday for his birthday. I don't know, maybe it's just not how my family does things which in itself if pretty lame - we've been together for 18 years and I don't know what to do with his family. Both of his parents are not aging well so I don't want to ask anything of them, it would be cool if they could remember his birthday.

Pardon me tonight, I think its Vitamin D deprivation. It snowed again today and I worked from home. I just feel like crap.

Made a hat; gauge is too tight -

It fits, but it's not slouchy...whatever, I guess this is just how things are going to roll.

Have a good night

catching up

2011-01-18T18:36:00.000-05:00

First of all, if anyone reading this can recommend a site for online blog training/education, please leave a comment. I am hoping to move towards a journaling / scrapbooking type of blog incorporating photos etc...

Finished the mohawk hats - great pattern, just finished a third hat for the girl next door. Will probably make a few more for the kids of co-workers too.

Started the Wendy Johnson Heart to Heart socks for myself for Valentines Day. Have about 3" done on one. Tough charts! This aging thing is for the birds - I couldn't read the charts! I usually copy row by row onto index cards to make it easier when I take the project out of my house. It was quite the photocopier project.

1/3 done with the Encompass cowl. Love it but don't love the Bernat Roving I am doing it in. May frog this one and use the yarn for another hat.

Court has been put off for two months for DD. Both Eric and I received summons' to appear for the prosecution. I told him he and our attorneys just have to find a way to get me out of testifying. I can't do it. Yup the kid is a mess up and has done me and her father wrong in a huge way but while I believe she needs to pay for her actions, and be responsible and accountable I can't bear the notion of saying "my daughter is in jail". We live in Massachusetts, home of pretty tough gun laws. Her "mother' wants her to go to jail and to learn her lesson, I'm just not sure if she needs to learn those kind of lessons. Clearly the kid psychological issues (bipolar I, ADHD, and so on) along with a female disorder that would certainly rock anyones world (MRKH - look it up) I don't know that prison is going to help her. I just don't know.

Happy Tuesday - stay dry!

TGIF

2011-01-07T05:17:00.000-05:00

It's Friday and it's supposed to snow...again. The holiday's are officially over for 2010-11 as I took the tree down last night. The living room seems so sad with out it. This year I did a firefighter themed tree. Every ornament was fireman related with gold balls and white lights. It's my favorite tree.

Goal for 2011:
1. Find some type of blogging class and do it! I would love to incorporate my love of scrapbooking in my blog.

What I am working on:

Mohawk hats - one almost done only needed trim and ties. The second one has about 4 inches before I start decreasing. Here is the link to the pattern: http://knithappyri.com/2010/02/hello-world/. It's a great pattern.

Climbing Shells Preemie Ghan - http://danetteangels.tripod.com/patterns/climbingshells.html I am making two of these for one of the doctors that is adopting two children (3 and 5 yo's) from Ethiopia. I am extending the size. I think everyone needs something to suggle with.

Encompass by the Yarn Harlot. http://knithappyri.com/2010/02/hello-world/ another great pattern. Very easy and works up fast. I doing this in Bernat's Roving on pale green.

Misc projects
Clapotis (2) - one on size 3's and the other on size 8's. Guess which one is closer to being done.
Mitts - haven't started the thumb gusset yet
Socks - too many to mention. I have sss and have decided that wearing the same color socks in two different patterns if OK!

Whew, I have a lot to do before I allow myself to start a new project. That said I just put in a KnitPicks order for yarn for 5 new projects for myself ;) More on those tomorrow.

Peace & Love, Peace & Love
-Ringo Starr 2008

New Year New Look

2011-01-03T05:24:00.005-05:00

Wishing yet again I could be a more faithful blogger but totally failing I try again hence the "new year, new look" title. Maybe that should be my motto for the year.

Not too much has changed on the homefront with our daughter. She is in another program after a relapse in the fall. She's looking towards a cosmetology school but the reality is she really should put all her plans on hold until her court date in a few weeks. I want to believe what I hear from her but always wonder is she just telling me what I want to hear.

Time to get back on track with my weight. Ha ha, don't we all (well most of us) say that this time of year, every year? I know I do. All I can say is that I am working on it.

Sleeping Leonard

As you can see Leonard hasn't changed much. He is such a beast these days, you would think he was never fed!

This is a memory quilt that I was asked to make for some former co-workers for the daughter of one of our secretaries that passed away this year. It was such a compliment to be asked to do this. I only wish I had more time to design this piece. My next quilt(s) will be a collection of my husband and daughter's t-shirts that need to be cleaned out.

it's been a while

2010-11-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm, seems like I have said that before. New things about me since last post:

1. We have a new family member - Leonard the cat. He's a love adopted from Angelcat Haven in Attleboro, MA. Yes, he's named after the character on the Big Bang Theory.

2. I have lost 11.4 lbs on Weight Watchers. Had to do something, hit maximum density. Love feeling in control.

3. Still knitting up a storm.

4. Daughter is still not a home. She's in a program and doing very well. That's all for now. They go back to court next month.

5. Met my childhood boyfriend - Johnny Gage!!! See my profile picture. He actually came my office and hung out in our area for a bit.

6. We have the best friends in the world. That said I am a bit jealous of them (see #4 above and previous posts), but wouldn't take away their happiness for anything.

7. Really wish I could be more faithful in my writing. There are days I feel like I have adult ADD/ADHD. I just can't focus or stay on track.

8. I really need to start using my camera. I used to take the best photos. Now I have a great camera and never use it. That said, today I did photograph my homemade applesauce that I put up (5 pints).

That's all for now. It's good to be back.

lack of motivation

2010-04-11T16:43:00.000-04:00

I guess that's what you would call it - I don't know. I just can't seem to get anything done. I cleaned my daughter's room for the most part since she won't be home for a while. On a more positive note I bought myself an Aero Pilates Machine. It takes a lot of space and I intend to put it to good use. I have to do this, I can't believe how I have let myself go. I am so sad over what I have done to myself. But spring is a time for new beginnings - just take a look outside. I know it's ok to be a little selfish right now. We have been through so much. Some how it sounds so entitled...

Anyways, we continue to visit on a weekly basis for a couple of hours. I am greatful that we are allowed this time to visit the way we do. I know if this goes another way we will be speaking through a glass partion potentially. Do you realize that? I don't really think so. I hope you are getitng the help you need. I wish you could understand your illness and accept it. I think you are of the mind that your meds will do all the work for you. That isn't and has never been the case.

Spring has sprung and the buds on all the trees are bugling waiting for that right mix of the season to burst into bloom. The lilacs outside the bathrorom window I expect to be so fragrant this year. The tree is it a bush has grown so much! Some of my perennials have come to life in the vegatable bed recently - fresh chives with our potatoes tonight :) There is lots of brush that we need to take care of but again as I started this with - lack of motivation.

You sound so happy today...your friends just left. Funny...two of the girls from a place we would have preferred to forget have become the truest of all your friends. For that I am greatful. Right now I am glad you are away from here without access to your former so called friends. So...where are they now? Not one of your "friends" the good and bad have contacted us to get in touch with you. Then again my heart aches because this must be such a lonely time for you. I hate to say this but you brought this all upon yourself.

I still have my moments of immense anger and sadness but they are moments and not days. They say time heals...this is gonna take a while.

3/26/10

2010-03-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

Just got off the phone with you. You sound so different. I also know it's the meds talking and if you were out in our world you would more than likely be more "with it" so to speak. For once I got to to express myself without an arguement from you. I don't know if it's your meds or you but it was nice.

Thre is a commerical on right now for making "easter eggs" - I know you are too old for all that kind of stuff but as your mom I proclaim it my right not to let some of that stuff go. I also realize that you are not always at home on Easter and with your other family and that's cool. It's the main reason Daddy and I have decdied to travel during the Easter holiday. It just made me so sad that I won't even be making the premise of an Easter basket for you this year. Heck my mom still would if Dad and I hadn'[t been married for almost 15 years. Actually she would if we were home.

That said I hope you see that based on decisions you have made for your life how much you affect others. Dad and I are trying to plan a vacation, yes, our first without you. I know what we told you last fall after our Disney trip, but honestly...do you really think we are so awful that we would have shut you out? As long as you were working or being productive...I don't know that we would have gone anywhere without you.

The major issue is trust. We don't have any at all. PERIOD. END OF CONVERSATION. You will have to fix that. Dad and I will have ot find other places to travel - but not Myrtle Beach or any where in Floriday for the moment. We truly can't travel where we have gone together.

too tired now - see you tomorrow.

love you.

I just don't know

2010-03-24T19:54:00.004-04:00

For starters - this format is nasty! I must take the time to learn about designing my own blog. Right now though I have the attention span of a gnat!

We saw you the other day. It was so awkward, another person there listening to our family time to make sure we don't discuss your situation. You were wise enough to find a game to occupy our time with you. I broke down when we left I just can't bear it. I don't know why but I am so numb.

I talked to Sandy the other day...she told Daddy she wanted you number. So I called her for him - he was busy bailing out the basement again during the latest rainstorm. She told me she got her ring back - that's good for her anyways. I offered your telephone numbers to where you are and she didn't want them afterall. She didn't want to speak to you - sorry that may hurt but I am so done sugar coating her actions and comments. I have to be true to myself and now that you are an "adult" you get to hear the honest version, not the Kelli/Mommy protecting you version. I hate that too. All your life I have surgarcoated so much to protect your feelings. Anyways she asked for your mailing address so you can expect to get something from her.

It's funny you say you are so tired all the time. It must be your new meds, being a little depressed I am sure and pure fear of your future. I know I would just want to curl up in a ball. Dad and I aren't sleeping much anymore. We went to bed at 8:30 the other day but woke up at 1:00 am and were ready to face the new day. Maybe it was in anticipation of seeing you where you are...I don't know. Generally we get about 4 or 5 hours of sleep and that's about it. I worry so much about Daddy and his health, he's under so much stress right now. I take care of him the best I can.

Still extremely sad - hate that our doors are locked all the time. Hate that I can't leave the windows open during the day to get some fresh air in the house when I am at work for the kitties. They miss you too. They know something is wrong. Probably because I tore your room apart when we made our discovery two weeks ago and I am just now able to start putting it back together. If only our hearts, trust and faith in you were so easily repaired.

This can't be happening to us..

2010-03-20T09:22:00.008-04:00

I don't believe it...my daughter is going to jail! Without all the details, she is in a psychiatric facility now being evaluated for competency. She will be there for a couple more weeks.

We are not horrible people or parents. I still think I am in shock as I feel so numb, dead inside.

That said I thought I could let her know whats going on and my thoughts. I don't know, maybe all this is verbal vomiting, purging myself of feelings. My mind is so scattered and unfocused. It's been a week now and I've debated starting writing again so here it goes...

You have no idea what you have done to yourself. So adult, don't want to listen to anyone. Look what you did to yourself! Look at what you have done to your father. I don't know how you can stand yourself knowing you have made your hero cry on a regular basis. Because my heart physically aches everytime I see him. I am here trying to be strong for all of us. I can barely leave the house to go to work. Speaking of which I have had to inform my boss and co workers of your predictament as I have no idea where this is going. Your dad has done the same. I don't know how we are ever going to be able to go to the grocery store.

Thankfully we have a lot of people that love us - friends and family alike and for that I (we) are eternally greatful. However that doesn't take away the overwhelming sadness and emptyness that overcomes us when we are alone or stop moving. This is not the life we planned when you were a little girl for any of us. We had dreams for us - for you. And now they are shattered.

How can we celebrate anything? Christmas? Your birthday? Please tell me how? Easter is in two weeks - tell me please how we are going to get through this. Not being able to do even the littlest thing for you, for us....I can't stand this. Last Saturday I had an absolute melt down over a pizza pan. I can kiss those nights goodbye. No more girl nites.

As we have told you many times over the years, you are a representative of this family. What you do affects us. The world is not just all about you. You seriously need to recognize that and grow up.

The story has made the paper, no names for now though. But your friends names are in it and it won't take a genius to put things together.

It's a goreous spring day today - I'm sorry you are going to miss it.

WOW - Where did the time go - part 2

2009-11-05T18:32:00.006-05:00

I can't believe it's November already! Time flies when you are having fun (or not). It's been a tough year and let's just leave it at that for now.

Back to 100 Things About Me:

16. I believe that chocolate is a food group.
17. We just got back from Disney World. Note I did not say vacation at Disney . There were was nothing relaxing about it :)
18. I love my job.
19. I miss my high school girl friends.
20. I love Christmas.
21. I believe in the perfect gift - all the way down to the wrapping. And I will spend countless hours looking for the perfect gift.
22. I love making homemade gifts, even though they are not appreciated
23. Wine, not beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Sorry Mr. Franklin.
24. I am a list maker. They make me feel productive.

On my needles:

CLAPOTIS - my first and I am loving every stitch. What a wonderful pattern, so clever. I have two skeins of LimenViolet's Intentions yarn in the patience colorway. If you know me, you get the colorway.

TUSCANY SHAWL - my first shawl, very easy. It's going to be a lovely gift for my sister for Christmas.

KnitPicks crew neck sweater - for my daughter for Christmas in her favorite color - green with navy stripes. Unfortunately it will be a work in progress in her gift box.

Plain vanilla socks - half of the foot to go and the pair will be done. The yarn is a self striping / fair isle.

JAYWALKERS - brought the beginning of this sock on vacation and never touched it. It will probably be frogged.

WOW - where did the time go?

2009-01-31T19:46:00.008-05:00

WOW, it was my full intention to write on a regular basis for 2009. Good intention. Now whereto begin....

Since this is the first post for 2009 it seems ok to post a list as that's what we all do at the first of a new year. Here goes:

100 things about me - in no apparent order:

1. Being a parent is the single hardest thing I have ever done.
2. Being a parent is the most rewarding job I have ever had.
3. Words do not exist to express how much I love my husband.
4. I am a stepmother - even though at our house we are like the Brady's and "step" is not part our vocabulary.
5. Someday I hope my daughter reads this blog.
6. I absolutely adore my daughter, even when she isn't very likeable
7. I love to cook -even though my family are very fussy eaters.
8. I am so proud of my husband - he is just an amazing man.
9. I love to knit.
10. I knit in traffic (a lot)
11. I am an ADD knitter - I LOVE to cast on!
12. My mother is my best friend.
13 My husband is my everything - he's on a playing field so much above everyone I know. Words cannot express my devotion to him.
14. I wish I had more patience.
15. I love my kitties - they are my babies and a huge part of my family.

When a bandaid doesn't fix it

2008-11-24T19:08:00.004-05:00

What do you do when your daughter has a problem and you can't make it go away? I guess mother's through the ages have been asking that question. I would like to wrap her in my arms, give her a hug and help her work through it.....not tonight though.

It seems that a teen on the other end of her cell phone did or is doing the trick - I hear giggles.

When do we turn this Mommy thing off?

My Weight Watchers journey has been placed on a temporary "time out". I'm such an emotional eater. I've just been so bogged down with work and what's going on there - my husband's family, the holidays, my daughter - gee let's see how many more excuses I can come up with. I haven't journaled my food for a while, but am trying to be aware of what I put in my mouth, including the multiple candy cane Hershey kisses :) Go, no run to the store right now and get some!

I have noticed one thing. I made a personal resolution to allow myself to be happy, to let the little things go. I guess I'm sort of coaching myself through it. But I feel happier. I have made conscious choices to change my tone of voice and hopefully the targets have noticed the edge is slowly softening.

I just love this time of year - Eric seems to have caught the spirit a lot earlier than usual too. We're putting up the fire fighter tree this year. I can't wait, Saturday won't get her fast enough! I love just sitting in the room with the tree all lit up and nothing else but the glow from a candle or two, some nice music - ah paradise in November.

Another weekend

2008-11-08T05:52:00.003-05:00

Another weekend and we're off to North Conway for the weekend. Don't really have an agenda other than some holiday shopping. This will be a little different as usually Aimee doesn't come with us for get-a-way weekends and this was her idea. I guess she was feeling left out.

I plan on finding all the LYS in that area. My mother has give me her order! Not that I need to buy anything else!

Currently on my needles:

Basic socks for Lt E
2nd Magical Fingerless Mittens - great pattern!
Lady Eleanor for me
Morehouse Farm Alligator scarf for my sister
two different 2nd socks for me! (they will just have to wait)
random bath puffs for holiday gifts - ok, I'm a hooker too!

Weight Watchers - stopped going to meetings as we are now cooking for the in-laws everyother night for the time being and I just don't have enough hours in the day for everything. I will continue to watch what I put in my mouth and make my best effort to track EVERYTHING! That should be a lot easier now - Ijust got the new Palm Centro phone/pda. I will always have my tracker with me and will always be connected to WW.

Did you Vote?

2008-11-04T19:05:00.004-05:00

Of course I did!

Now, if my 17 year old daughter could only understand that somethings in life are private. As I wrote on my FaceBook page - "I don't discuss politics in mixed company". I truly believe that. We are all entitled to our opinion and I certainly don't want to debate yours or mine. My husband and I don't even discuss it. But through the eyes (and ears) of a 17 year old who has NO problem voicing her opinion, it's not good enough that we don't want to share our choices. Her feeling is that if we don't agree with her opinion we are automatically against her. As adults and responsible parents, we have chosen to let her express her opinions on the election, but also are trying to point out the other side of her opinion to open her mind so to speak. However, as an oh so wise 17 year old - she doesn't see it that way.

Mom, yet again, I apologize!

Can't believe it's only Tuesday! Yikes, this week won't pass fast enough. Mom and I are off to the Boston Christmas Festival on Saturday. This is probably one of the best craft shows I have ever been too. It's the official start of the Christmas season! We have gone every year. Unfortunately DD will not be coming with us this year - she has to work at noon and I would hate for her to be late.

We are though doing something that we have NEVER done this weekend. When DD gets home from work on Saturday we are heading north to New Hampshire, North Conway specifically. No reservations, no agenda other than coming home Monday afternoon. So, if anyone can recommend a yarn shop in the area please contact me!

Must remember to get batteries for the camera - the kitties have been just too cute tonight and I have a few projects that I need to photograph.

I have decided to do WW only online as of today. My husband and I are again preparing meals everyother day for his folks and it's just too much to rush around like this to attend the meetings. I know it's only once a week, but my commute can be 1 1/2 hours just to come home! I would rather spend my time away from my family at a class. I am actually toying with a belly dancing class offered in our community. I am hoping I will be able to continue to journal and keep up with the posts online through the WW site and Ravelry.com and keep up the success I have had to date.

GO VOTE!!

Thoughts for Sunday

2008-11-02T10:58:00.005-05:00

Brrrr it's chilly out today. Then again, I live in New England and it's not like it should be 70 degrees out on November 2nd!

Here's another recipe I found through Weight Watchers and Hungry Girl.

Pumpkin Muffins

18 muffins / 3 pts each

one box of yellow cake mix
one can of pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350
Mix well and spoon into cupcake pan. I sprayed my pan instead of using the liners.

Bake for approximately 17 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

These were yummy, even my finicky daughter liked them. Very light.

Plans for the day:

Finish Magical Worsted Fingerless Mitts
Do two sections of Alligator scarf
Take top off gazebo in back yard and put away cushions/furniture.
Groceries and laundry.

Ok, now that I've written it - looks like I better get to work.

Happy Saturday

2008-11-01T08:15:00.010-04:00

Well, we made it through another Halloween - actually 75% of the candy we have left will go in the freezer. Next month while my husband is away on his annual hunting trip my daughter and I will make candy dish ice cream. It's something we've done numerous times.

Tonight for dinner I thought I would drag out the crockpot and whip up this:

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
From the kitchen of JING04/Weight Watchers
12 servings

16 oz. dry spaghetti, cooked
1 lb. Velveeta Light cheese
12.5 oz. can chicken breast, drained and flaked
10 3/4 oz. can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
10 3/4 oz. can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup, undiluted
10 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup water
1 small onion, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
salt & pepper, to taste.

Instructions
Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and stir to mix well.Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir again just before serving.

I am going to substitute the canned chicken for a couple boneless/skinless breasts that I didn't use last night. I will most likely omit the mushrooms - I'm the only one who likes them.
For those following WW here is the NI: 286 cal, 5.7 gr fat, 2.7 gr fiber

I'll most likely make a dash to Walmart for a few of the missing ingredients. My husband has a hockey tournament all day today so this recipe should warm him up. I'll probably make a salad too or garlic bread to keep my daughter happy.

A. and I will probably take a run to the mall to look for an outfit for her to wear to a wedding we are all going to in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we will find something that will do double duty and work for her homecoming dance.

Knitting:

CO - second basic sock for Lt. E (husband)
Must work on Tracy's scarf - Morehouse Farm Alligator.
Will do a couple of tiers on my Lady Elanor

Less of Me - weigh in on Tuesday!

back OP...

2008-08-23T09:46:00.004-04:00

Don't want to - have to, Weight Watchers that is. We've had a lot of fun but enough already. The entire family needs to lose weight for our health. This is the re-start of that journey for me. This too will also be the first thing I'm doing for myself in a very long time. I hope the leader doesn't mind me knitting during her meetings :)

More to come!

still looking for that life...

2008-07-08T20:30:00.006-04:00

What a blur it's been!

The Bullets finished first for the softball season and then swep the playoffs. Thanks to Coach Davies and Coach Jerry. That's my girl front and center in white. What a great bunch of girls and we are only losing two next year.

Now that softball is so over, we have been trying to spend some time on the boat - Eric has been out twice and I got to go with him once so far. We are supposed to be going to go out on Sunday - this first day of commercial striper season here. Hopefully we will catch enough to buy lots of lobster! with any luck Capt/Lt E will agree! (Soirry he's such a man-boy as far as camera's are concerned)

Still knitting away - more to follow!

Catching up

2008-05-20T18:04:00.004-04:00

It's been a while, we've been busy getting through the Junior Prom, 17th birthdays, work and so on. My darling daughter was the prettiest girl in bunch looking all princess-y.

Finally finished the remake of the BSJ and love it. I just started another for my friend Deb's grand daughter coming in July. It's a pink cashmere blend. So far so good.

Also started a shawl in an alpaca blend for a weddding shower gift. The wedding is in November, it should be perfect.

That's all for now, I really need to get a life!

Re-working

2008-04-27T10:07:00.003-04:00

I've started the BSJ over (again). I changed the yarn to a worsted weight and it's working up much nicer. Mrs/Dr/Mommy L. had her baby boy two weeks ago (Welcome Aidan!). She'll be back to work in July and I'll most definitely have it done for her by then.

Also working on an aran sampler afghan for a wedding gift in the fall and a pair of short socks for my daughter.

The Junior Prom is next weekend - on her birthday eve. Will post pics as soon as I can - we did the consult with our hairdresser (love you Cheryl) - I can't wait to see her on Friday. She's going to be sooooo pretty.

BSJ - it's done

2008-04-09T05:10:00.003-04:00

I've been knitting like a fiend trying to be my first BSL jacket done for a Dr. friend that is due any time now.

I HATE IT!!!!! My intention was for it to have stripes to resemble a Boston Red Sox uniform (white with red trim) - I will have to frog the whole thing. I'm not loving the yarnn (Plymouth Baby DK). The front corners are wrong because of the stripe/increase thing. I realized at 4:30 this morning that I should have done M1 vs the increases I had been doing. I don't like the wholes created with M1 so I had done increases which looked fine.

If the yarn looked better I would just rip back to the stripe around row 105 and finish. Thank goodness it's a long season!

Best day of her life

2008-04-05T08:21:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, according to our daughter was the absolute best day of her life - we got her a car. All I can say is Mom, now I understand everything. We gave it to her as a surprise thanks to our wonderful neighbors. He called the house and told our daughter to get her car out of his yard. She had no clue! The look on her face was priceless.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

2008-04-05T07:28:00.002-04:00

This is a favorite of ours - perfect for parties. I originally got the recipe from Weight Watchers and this is the full fat version from Frank's Redhot with my modifications. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup FRANK'S® REDHOT® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or FRANK'S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing Sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken

DIRECTIONS:
1. HEAT oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep dish 9-inch pie plate. Microwave 1 min. to soften.
2. WHISK in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese until smooth. Stir in chicken.
3. BAKE 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Microwave Directions: Prepare as above. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 5 min. until hot, stirring halfway through cooking.
Tip: For a party buffet table, keep this dip hot in a small crock pot or fondue pot.