In Progress...

Over at Carole Knits, she asked what about what we were in the process of working on this week.

The Pink Henry's People Paws are 75% done! I can't believe it. The pattern is so fun! One is totally finished and am half way on the second paw. I am thinking next week and they will be finished. I only knit on them when I go to the knit shop on Monday's to sit and knit. (Or any other time that I have a few free hours to hide out at the shop!)

These are a new pair of socks and they are going on the needles next!
As soon as I finish these socks. They are currently over half way finished. The second sock is just past the ribbing - so they will work up well.
The other item on needles that there is no photo of is the snuggle for Griffin - the dog! It is slow going! Basically because it is over 90 stitches across - and am using two strands of worsted weight so I can manage to do three or four rows a night as my hands start to hurt.

So there you have it - as far as my knitting goes...

Rainy and Cold...

The last few days have been rainy...and today it was a really cold rain. Ran a couple of errands -

the post office to mail some fabric to a friend who needed it to finish a project (now you understand why we have fabric and yarn stashes!!!);

the library to renew a movie;

K-Mart - just to hang with Scarlett while she bought some shorts and shirts they had on sale;

and, then to the grocery for the usual milk and bread!

Now I'm chilly - and thinking about turning the heat back on for the evening!!! And, cuddling up in my chair with my knitting.

Have a good Tuesday! And, I'll leave you with a little quiz!!!

you are lavender #E6E6FA

Your dominant hue is blue, making you a good friend who people love and trust. You're good in social situations and want to fit in. Just be careful not to compromise who you are to make them happy. Your saturation level is very low - you have better things to do than jump headfirst into every little project. You make sure your actions are going to really accomplish something before you start because you hate wasting energy making everyone else think you're working. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Super Sized Round Robins...

This block belonged to Ann...She did that center piece, then the darker border was added by Milly. When it came to me - Milly said she wasn't happy with her border...so, she and I agreed that I should pull off that light blue small little border and just leave her dark border.

I then added my own border of three batiks and a 9-patch in the corners. The light fabric that I used in the 9-patch came from Ann. Being the third person to work on this block, I then sent it on to Susan...I haven't seen what she did with this block. You should recognize those fabrics as I posted a photo of them when I bought them.
This was the block that Milly sent to me. It is her block so she was the first one to work on it. I loved her colors...but the red around it was a very difficult color to match.
Finally, I found that paisley material. The red matched perfectly! The small greenish border was fabric that Milly sent and matched her center. I combined that fabric and the paisley and made a 6-1/2 border...and then 9-patch blocks for the corners. So, I was the second person to work on this block. From me it once again went to Susan and then to Ann. Can't wait to see what they did.
Sometimes these round robins really cause you to think about different fabrics than you would normally use. I would never have picked out that paisley...but combined with the other fabrics it just worked!

New Yarns...

The top two yarns were bought by Scarlett along with the one seen here. They will become Henry's People Paws. Seems like Scarlett saw these "paws" and just had to have some - so, she bought the yarn and the pattern and asked me to knit them. They are fun to knit.

My Henry's Paws:

Reynolds

Soft Sea Wool

100% Wool -162 yards - 50 grams

Color 0320 Lot 03

(It is a much darker purple in person)

Scarlett's Henry's Paws:

Brown Sheep Company, Inc.

Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn

75% Washable Wool/25% Nylon - 215 yards - 50 grams

Color SY-02 Desert Dyelot - 006

The above will be a hat for me - It is called a beach beanie!

Sirdar Spinning Ltd

Silky Look Double Knitting

93% Acrylic/7% Nylon - 147 yards - 50 grams

Color 0965 Dye Lot 7156

Quilting Content...

One of the things in quilting I seem to enjoy very much is a Round Robin. For those of you who don't know what that is - I will explain using my returned Super Size Round Robin Block which arrived yesterday...

There were four of us in this Round Robin...I began my block by making the center of the block which is the 12-1/2 Turquoise Maple leaf. I also had to send some fabric which could or could not be used in this block.

I sent it to Susan who was the next person on the list...Susan used some of the main fabric and the blue triangle fabric (and I think the lavender - but, I can't remember sending that) to make that four inch border around my maple leaf.

From Susan it went to Ann - and she did the adorable pin wheels in the next border - it is a five inch border - the blue wheel in the pin wheels is the fabric I sent.

Ann then sent it to Milly - she added the 6-1/2" border. She tied the entire block together by making cornerstones of maple leaves out of some of the fabric I sent. Then she sent it home to me.

The block measures 27" square. I think I might add a three inch or 6 inch border of some kind - and quilt it up into a lap size quilt. It would be just big enough to cover up while watching tv in my lounge chair.

I could also add a three or 6 inch border to the top and bottom - then add the above mentioned border - this would then make it a rectangle 51 x 39. Or I could just leave it alone and quilt it up so that it would be a wall hanging. The possibilites are endless.

Friday Fill-In #69...

1. When I fell in love it was all sunshine and roses!

2. I just love it when the flowers bloom and it heats up outside!

3. Oh no! The internet connection is down, I can catch up on housework and quilting.

4. Samantha Who is the craziest tv show ever.

5. Cheese and Wheat Town House Crackers make a great meal!

6. I love the sight of food growing in a garden.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching "The Cradle Will Fall" by Mary Higgins Clark, tomorrow my plans include washing and ironing some fabric and adding a border to a Round Robin block and Sunday, I want to get out of the house for a while since the last two Sundays I've been sick!

You can find the Friday Fill-in here.

Doodles...

This would be Doodles...he is five days old today. His mommy doesn't like to feed him so he is being bottle fed by his human owner. He is one of 14 lambs born this season at Sue's farm. She owns HodgePodge Yarns.

Here he is sleeping on Mama Sue's lap. It was the strangest thing - he knew her voice...and when he was running (actually, it looked more like a hop run thing) and she'd say "where are you going" - he'd look around and run right back to her.

Investigating the yarn shop floor...just paper...

Hunger hit about 2:30 and he had just drank milk at Noon...he polished off the bottle and went and took a nap in the crate she has for him.
He weighed six pounds and his twin weighed ten. He was the sweetest little thing...

Really got my dose of cute and soft today...He is a little charmer!!!

And, Yes...I did get some knitting done - half way through a Henry's People Paws...

Guess Who's 60!...

My sister!
That would be her on the right - Mary Ellen! (Of course, this photo is 11 years old). She turned 60 on April 11th!

So, Happy Belated Birthday, Sis!

(I waited to post this until she got internet at home - as she now can read my blog! They are a little behind the times!)

Ten on Tuesday...

10 Things I Love About My Life

1. My Family:

My daughter, Tara Danielle, is the pride of my life. I've loved her from the minute she was conceived. She has grown up to be a wonderful, beautiful, and interesting woman.

My mother, Carmen still brings joy - even though the disease continues to eat away at her memory - she is happy here in her home and I am happy that I have the ability to care for her.

My sister, Mary Ellen, and I have managed to become closer as we have aged...and I am thankful for her and her husband, Michael, in my life.

2. My Friends:

Both offline and online friends share their lives with me and have always been there for me. They forgive me when I don't always stay in touch. I am thankful that my last relationship ended with us still being able to be friends.

3. My Pets:

Killian, my cat, has been with me for almost 12 years. He was a little scrawny kitten in a cage at the humane society who happened to yell the loudest & climbed up his cage door to get my attention the day I was looking for a pet to love. He loves me unconditionally!

Isis and Zac, my dogs. Even though we don't live in the same household anymore - they are always so happy to see me when I go over to walk or feed them. I love them so much!

4. New England

I love living in New England. It is where I was meant to live. I love the beauty, the traditions, and the people. I love the look of the land and the seasons. Each season is so very special!

5. My knitting and quilting

I love the ability I have to knit and quilt - not only for myself but that they are talents that can be shared with others. Both bring me joy and a sense of fulfillment.

6. Books

I have always had a love of books and reading. I love to get lost in a story, feel a book in my hands, and gain knowledge.

7. Being at Peace

I love that I am at a stage in my life where I am at peace with myself and my world.

8. My Home

My home is my sanctuary. I love the feel of being in my home. It reflects the things I treasure and the people I love. I love the feeling of safety and joy that I have within its walls.

9. Music

The love of music has always been with me! Even though I couldn't carry a tune if someone gave it to me - I still love music! Love the freedom music brings, the joy it creates, and the memories of times and places it can bring with a simple song.

10. Travel

I love the fact that we have the ability to travel...whether it be in person, via a book, or via a movie or television show. I love the fact that I can travel around the area where I live and to other wonderful places. Travel brings me joy! It always educates me! Maybe it's because I love to learn that I love to travel so very much.

Car Update: It must have seen my post - and known I was not happy! When I went to start it to take it to the mechanic - it worked fine...and hasn't quit yet! YEA!!!

Da Car...

Okay, I am ticked off! Well, that's putting it mildly!!!

The car...again...I am sure you all remember that it ate my Montreal money for this year when I had to get some things done to it so it would pass inspection.

Well, last week - that blankety-blank "Check Engine" light came on again...so, I called my mechanic...and took it in...the code was something different - not what I just had fixed!

Of course! Why would it be the same damn thing!!

So it was fixed and running fine...

Today, I go to library, grocery store, and home...I go back out and crank the car...I can't get the gear thingy to move from park to anything...okay - let's try it again.

I double check: I've got the key on, my foot is on the brake, but that damn button you push in won't move! The guy across the street comes over and shows me how to use a screwdriver to get it to move...and tells me that will work til I get it fixed...

"IT" goes to the shop tomorrow! And, I'm going to be checking my options at local dealerships this week!!! I refuse to let this car "nickel and dime" me!

New Yarn...New Pattern...

This would be the yarn...

Plymouth Yarn

Jeannee

51% Cotton/49% Acrylic

Worsted Weight

Color: 0025 - Pink

And, this would be the pattern:

Creative Knitting

May 2008

I know I am going to try and knit myself a cardigan. It is really pretty...

Busy Day...

Today, I ran up to Lebanon, NH...it is about 20 miles from home and is the place where one finds the majority of the bigger stores.

Started out at the Beauty School...Spring is here and so begins my ritual of a facial every month! It felt wonderful to have one - and renew my skin as the season changes.

Dropped into the local grocery and to Borders - really didn't get much...at either. They did assure me at Borders that they are not going to close - but, the store seems to have a lot more open space.

From there hit Walgreens as they had that new mineral powder and blush on sale and I wanted to try it...plus I had a gift card to use!

Lunch was next on the agenda and suddenly I was hungry for BBQ - I know - whatever! I actually found my favorite little BBQ joint and had a pulled pork sandwich complete with slaw - all the flavors of Southern BBQ in one bite!

White River Junction was the next stop - to pick up some yarn I had ordered for a sweater - and a magazine at the quilt store next door.

Then home...it was a nice pleasant day with beautiful weather....

Friday-Fill-In #68...

1. The last time I lost my temper I was a nasty bit**!

2. The actions of our government and the president is what I'm fed up with!

3. The next book I'd like to read is The Jim and Dan Stories by Colleen Redman. I bought it and haven't gotten it read yet.

4. Summer SPA at Sherry's is what I'm looking forward to. (It's a knitting, spinning thing)

5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, barricade the door!

6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was a notice that mother might qualify for that stimulus payment.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, knitting, and watching some shows I taped, tomorrow my plans include getting a manicure and Sunday, I want to go to church and then just relax at home! All events outside my home are dependent on how I am feeling by morning!

UPDATE: Today I managed to go grocery shopping and to get a part put in my car. That pretty well wiped me out...but, I am starting to feel better and stronger...

My friend...

Renny recently sent me an e-mail with photos of her two winning quilts! We became close friends when I lived in Tennessee. It started out that we went to the same church - then we found out that each of us quilts. (Although she quilts a lot better than I do...) And, as the saying goes - the rest is history!

I invited her to join our quilt guild - and encouraged her to enter her quilts in shows - and now she is a top award winning quilter in Tennessee. She teaches classes at the local quilt shop and serves in my old role as president of the quilt guild.


These quilts are just two of her magnificent quilts. I am so happy and proud of her accomplishments!

Health update:

Still hanging in there - not as sick as the past two days - but still staying home today and taking care of myself!!!

Still Sick...

This is the pits! Yesterday, I managed to go to my last class - suffering from this sinus thing!

But the trip home kicked my butt big time! I hit the couch and never got off it until I crawled to bed at 11:30...and this was after I had to tell Mom that it was the middle of the night and she needed to go back to bed. (She'd gotten up and took her sponge bath - and was getting dressed for the day!)

Scarlett was good enough to come over and fix dinner for mother and made me eat some food.

Think I finally dozed off about 4:00 this morning - and now I am just lying back on the couch...and watching mindless game shows on tv...I don't even have the damn energy to pick up the book I am reading...

But, the meds are working...

Sick...

Will someone explain to me why it is that two or three days after you go to the doctor for a regular checkup - you end up sick?

I've got the crud...my throat hurts, my nose is stuffy, and I'm coughing and sneezing and I've got the chills! Yes - I'm whining!

So it is back to bed for me!!! Later...

101 in 1001...

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Start Date: April 10, 2008

End Date: January 7, 2011

Bold Means it has been accomplished.

Household related:

001. Finish unpacking bedroom
002. Put pictures or wall decorations in living room
003. Put pictures or wall decoration in bedroom
004. Get a new recliner or comfortable chair
005. Organize jewelry box
006. Make my bed everyday
007. Organize file cabinet
008. Organize freezer
009. Prepare packages of items I've collected going to family/friends & get them mailed
010. Buy flowers for house once a month - 0/33
011. Light candles at least once a week - 1/143
012. Continue to recycle cans/glass - take money earned & save for trip to Montreal.
013. Get two plants for the apartment and keep them alive.
014. Use canvas bags when I shop
015. Plant an indoor herb garden
016. Go through mail each day - file it, answer it, or toss it.
017. Shred all papers with personal information before throwing out
018. Organize birthdays and anniversaries in a date book
019. Send birthday and anniversary cards.
020. Organize my address book
021. Send cards and/or letters to family/quilt/knitting friends for no reason 1 a week - 1/143

Food/Health/Personal Growth

022. Bake bread once a month - 0/33
023. Read the Bible
024. Take a cooking class at King Arthur's Flour
025. Take a French class
026. Moisturize daily - 4/1001
027. Take medicine as directed
028. Finish New Hampshire Advance Directive and appoint an agent
029. Get a manicure once a month - 0/33
030. Get a facial once a month - 0/33
031. Vote in the Presidential Election in November.
032. Relax by using quided imagery CD once a week - 0/143
033. Have a yearly mammogram - 0/3
034. Drink one bottle of water every day for 30 days - 0/30
035. Take a relaxing bubble bath once a month - 0/33
036. Take a photography course
037. Walk twice a week for 15 minutes - 0/286
038. Eat fish once a week - 0/143
039. Send Christmas cards each year - 0/3
040. Learn to make sushi
041. Go to a pick your own farm or orchard and cook/eat food I pick
042. Read Daily Meditation book every day - 4/1001
043. Eat out once a month at a sit-down-get-waited on restaurant - 0/33
044. Make a new recipe once a week - 0/143
045. Learn about all the settings on my camera & use them.

Financial:

046. Pay off all my debt (with the exception of a new car)
047. Donate $50.00 to charity each year - $10/$50 - 2008
048. Support a craftsperson - buy something handmade (either in person or online)
049. Get a safe deposit box
050. Buy a car
051. Change cable service to reflect my viewing habits
052. Pay bills by the 5th of the month - 0/33

Computer related:

053. Complete A-Z Reading Challenge
054. Finish Romance Reading Challenge - 5 Books - 2/5
055. Send one postcard a month on Post Crossings - 0/33
056. Scan all photos and make cd for self, daughter, sister, Scarlett
057. Back up all entries on my blog onto a cd
058. Clean up and answer all e-mail once a week
059. Take photos of all finished craft projects and post on blog/Ravelry

Travel Related:

060. Get my passport
061. Take a vacation to Montreal in May 2009
062. Go to a planetarium
063. Go to Hood Museum each time exhibit changes
064. Go to Nova Scotia
065. Go to Niagara Falls
066. Go to SPA in February 2009 (weather permitting)
067. Go to NYC for a week-end
068. Visit my daughter or have her visit me
069. Visit my sister or have her visit me
070. Take a day-trip once a month - more often if possible - 0/33
071. Attend New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival at least once
072. Attend Summer "SPA" at Sherry's
073. Visit the Botanic Garden of Smith College
074. Visit the Museum of Art at Smith College
075. Take a tour of Dartmouth College
076. Go to Boston for a week-end
077. Go canoeing

Knitting/Quilting/Other

078. Make a lace shawl and/or lace scarf
079. Knit a pair of socks every 2 months - 0/16
080. Finish quilting Tara's quilt
081. Work on a UFO until finished - show progress on blog
082. Finish quilt top for Carl
083. Go to a quilting retreat
084. Participate in quilt guild challenge
085. Make one 60 x 72 quilt top for charity each year - 0/3
086. Knit two hats each year for charity - 0/6
087. Knit two sets of mittens each year for charity - 0/6
088. Knit two scarves each year for charity - 0/6
089. Organize quilting cabinet
090. Knit myself a sweater
091. Finish dog snuggle for Griffin
092. Learn Fair Isle
093. Knit and felt a purse
094. Knit myself a hat
095. Make black and white quilt for my bed
096. Buy or make a needle case I like
097. Organize printed patterns into a notebook
098. Finish rug
099. Make candles from candlemaking kit
100. Knit 12 dishclothes using stitches from 365 Knitting Stitches A Year Calendar - 0/12

Misc.

101. Listen to one music CD every day and document - more if possible

Spring Cleaning...

I'm in the "mood" to work on getting the house finished...and cleaned up for spring!

So, I'll leave you with this little quiz! Actually it is right on about me!!!!

What Your City Walk Means

You are optimistic and hopeful. Sometimes you do get disappointed by expecting too much. You are generally confident and friendly with strangers. You are well mannered and sociable. Money is important to you in as far as you'd like to have enough to survive. You enjoy the world around you, and you thrive on new environments. You can be easily surrounded by natural or man made beauty.

The City Walk Personality Test

Friday-Fill-In #67...

1. I love springtime in New Hampshire! It seems that the earth is revitalized after the winter snow.

2. Eggs, hash browns with onions, bacon and rye toast are foods I love to eat for breakfast.

3. It seems I'm always searching for my car keys!

4. Listening to soothing music is a great way to end the day.

5. I think I finally feel like Spring Cleaning!

6. Rice pudding is what I've been craving lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing a sock and starting the second one, tomorrow my plans include watching two movies based on Mary Higgins Clark's books and Sunday, I want to relax and read!

Florida Bound...

Yesterday was a difficult day for both Scarlett and myself. Our friend, Tammy, that lived with us in Tennessee and moved up with us to New Hampshire left for Florida...back to her home town - after ten years of being away.

She will be missed...and so will her baby girl - Venus. I will especially miss Venus!

After all, I was the one who found her at that flea market in Tennessee. We had a booth selling our crafts there and I had taken a break to walk around when some kid yelled at me that he had a puppy to give away. It was the last one and they were "fixin' to leave" and if I didn't take the dog his daddy was gonna drown it.

Well, that's all it took - I grabbed this ugly little brown dog (yes, I said brown - explanation forthcoming) and raced back to our booth -and explained to Scarlett that I just couldn't let this dog die - so, it should be a belated birthday present for Tammy since she had been saying she wanted a dog.

Scarlett agreed and we decided that I should go on home and give the little thing a bath and have it all pretty when Tammy got home from work. As soon as I got in the car - she laid her little head on my leg and fell sound asleep on the trip home.

Four baths later - and an entire bottle of dog shampoo - I discovered a beautiful little BLACK lab. She had been so mistreated that the clay and dirt had embedded itself in her skin and fur so badly that she looked like a brown dog.

She has been Tammy's baby ever since...And she has lived with us in the home we shared in Tennessee and our home here in New Hampshire until last year when Tammy moved to Vermont (about 6 miles away) and I moved from the house.

Venus and I were especially close - since I was the one that was always home - for the last nine years I've been home without having to leave the house for work - so, she and I plus our other two dogs were always hanging out.

It's scary to see her move to Florida - as Scarlett put it - "She's a country/small town dog - and it's so busy down where they are going."

But, I know she will be okay as Tammy adores her...as she should! So, good fortune to both...

You will be missed!

Edited by Sara: 6:42 P.M. - April 12th - Tammy and Venus have arrived safely in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are at her dad's house.

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday...

Ten Favorite Actresses/Actors:

1. Cher - She is my favorite!

2. Laura Linney - I've always liked her - she just seems so classy.

3. Nicole Kidman - What's not to like! She is gorgeous...and she sizzled in "Practical Magic".

4. Harrison Ford - Indiana Jones - no one will ever be Indiana Jones but him.

5. Don Johnson - He's not a great actor...but, he was the hottest thing going in "Miami Vice"

6. Jodie Foster - I can't think of a bad movie she's ever made. Love to watch her and she gets more beautiful with age!

7. Richard Gere - He just looks damn good!

8. Julia Roberts - Think she has done some really good work - but put her with Gere and there seems to be magic!

9. Mark Harmon - NCIS would just not be without him.

10. Matthew Gray Gubler - He's a little quirky - but as Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds - he is really good.

Taxes...

I won't be around much today...gotta finish the "blankety-blank" taxes.

Trying to get Scarlett's taxes finished tonight...and

Then tomorrow I need to do the form for mother. They sent us a form so that she can participate in the Rebate or incentive or whatever they are calling that thing.

It's enough to set one crazy!!!! But, I am "this" close to finishing it all up!!!

G is for...

Garlic...

I love cooking with garlic. A few weeks ago I was given all this wonderful organic garlic. Quite a bit of it has been used.
Made some wonderful Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes the other day...using this garlic and it was so good.
Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

4 - 6 Red potatoes - washed and cut in quarters (leave skin on)
3 cloves of garlic - whole

Boil potatoes and garlic until potatoes are done. Mash potatoes and garlic. Add 1/2 cup Sour Cream and 1/4 stick of butter. Mash and stir until mashed potato consistency. You can leave a little lumpy if you prefer.

Day Trippin' ... Harrisville...Part II...

My intended stop: Harrisville Designs!

According to their website (which you can reach by clicking above), they are a family owned and operated business , "started in 1971 as an effort to preserve and help re-establish the economic vitality of the historic 18th century textile village of Harrisville, New Hampshire."

And, they have done it with style! You should look at the website as it shows that creek I was talking about in my last post as it is right next to their building.

Upon arriving I entered the building and not being sure where to go I went upstairs - and ended up in the classroom. It is huge! A very friendly lady asked if I had been to the store yet - and when I said no she walked me back down the stairs and opened the door to this:

The store is beautiful! There are no other words to describe it. Gorgeous wooden floors! And, yarn, looms, wheels, and knitted samples everywhere! The other thing I noticed was that it was clean - there wasn't a speck of yarn or anything on the floors.

The above case showcases their New England Shetland (100% pure wool). The colors were gorgeous! It was like be still my heart. Most of the yarn that is in the store is made right there in their mill - they did have a few other yarns that they do not make (like one of my favorites Reynolds Soft Sea Wool).

Orchid Yarns - with Cashmere (25% Mohair, 70% Fine Virgin Wool, & 5% Cashmere) filled this case. It was so soft and so beautiful...but, I was looking for sock yarn ... and this would not have held up. But, it sure would make a great sweater or maybe a shawl.

This shot is taken from the front looking toward the back of the store...there is a nice little area where you can sit and peruse the knitting books. Plus they have their own original patterns complete with knitted samples!

There are Heathered Wool Bulky yarns, Wool Worsted and fingering weight yarns, the Orchid yarns, Flax and Wool Blend yarns, and Silk and Wool Blend plus they have 56 colors of Weaving Yarns and carded 100% Pure Wool Fleece! Their prices are very reasonable!

So what did I buy???

New England Shetland 100% pure wool. The colors left to right - Violet, Bermuda, and Periwinkle.

The day was a really wonderful day - not only did I get to go to store that inspired me - but, I was out in nature looking at the beautiful New England country side. The girls at Harrisville Designs sent me home a different way so I would not have as many frost heaves to contend with. So, I got to see more of the area.

Harrisville Designs is on my list to visit more often!

Day Trippin' ... Harrisville...

Harrisville, New Hampshire! What a beautiful trip to get there! The scenery was breath-taking!

Lakes like the one below were the norm. Actually on one road I drove almost all the way around a beautiful lake which was still frozen over.
This lake is on Route 10 right before I turned off onto 123. It was the way Google mapped me - and the scenery just kept getting better and better.
Immediately upon turning onto 123 there was a sign about Moose crossing, then a little further down the road a sign that read: Crossing Deer. Okay, got keep my eyes open for the moose and deer - only to find about 1/2 a mile later a sign with Cows on it!
The road was full of frost heaves. For those of you not from these parts and who have no idea what frost heaves are - allow me to explain. It is when the snow, water, ice gets under the road and it bubbles up - then when it all melts the road sink. Therefore it makes driving on that particular road seem like the worst rollercoaster ride of your life. That's what the above road was like. The speed limit was 35 - I barely did 15!

Never saw a moose or deer! Did manage to see a few cows but they were safely behind a big fence. So, needless to say I was breathing pretty easy when I turned the curve heading into Stoddard - only to come face to hood with a huge turkey. The suicidal turkey was crossing the road to catch up with his 15 or so brothers and sisters who had just crossed ahead of him. He managed to get across tail feathers in tact...and I continued along.

I was finally rewarded by arriving in Harrisville. First stop was the Harrisville General Store. Very nice people there - they along with a nice young man pointed me in the direction of my "reason" for going to Harrisville.

It seems Harrisville is rather a neat little artsy town. Beautiful painting and photos were featured on the walls of the store and were done by a local person. A rack of lovely photo note cards done by a different local was by the register. They also informed me that all the baked goods, soups, and other foods were locally made by the owner of the store.

The town had lots of old brick buildings...and a beautiful brook that ran right across the road from store and my intended stop.

The saga will continue...

Friday-Fill-In #66

1. Tonight I saw some of my new friends at our Upper Valley Stitch N Bitch.

2. Just about any kind of music makes me wanna dance!

3. Splitting a few appetizers between friends makes me feel like I am enjoying tapas in an exotic foreign country.

4. Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa) is someone I'd like to get to know better.

5. The smell of lilacs reminds me so much of springtime!

6. Being served a dish of butter pecan ice cream along with a big hug and that made it all better.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing the second book in a series that I am reading, tomorrow my plans include spending some time on the phone with my daughter and Sunday, I want to finally finish up the damn taxes!

Day Out...

Can't say where! But, I'm taking a day trip today!!!! There will be lots of photos tomorrow!

And, tonight is a new knitting group - Upper Valley Knitting group - and we are meeting at 6:30 in White River Junction. So, I'm going to get to meet some of the knitters from Ravelry! The yarn shop we are going to meet at is one that I go to all the time - (right next door to the quilt shop!)

Camera is in hand and I am out the door!!!!

Surprised...

Big Surprise yesterday! My blog was selected as Michele's Site of the Day!

Now for those of you who don't know Michele - I will explain. She runs a really fun blog - and each week has cool questions (some actually make you think!)...and on the week-ends she hosts a Meet and Greet. Basically, you log onto her blog - and during the meet and greet - you say "hello" to her and then go visit the blog of the person who has posted before you! Also, once a week, she has what is called the Site of the Day where she picks a blog and everyone goes and says "hi"...

I have met some really fascinating people through her Meet and Greet and her Site of the Day...writers, artists, photographers, and even ordinary people like me...and some have become friends...

Thanks, Michele - you made my day!!!

Proof...

There is proof that I knit...Last night at Hodgepodge Knitting Group! There I am working on the pink Henry's People Paws...Don't you just love that face! I've always bite my lip when I concentrate on something...
The first Henry's People Paw will be finished next week! I've only been working on them when I go to the shop...and I be there next Monday night!

Edited by Sara: Henry's People Paws are fingerless mittens!