Monday, March 19, 2012

Doctor Who Swap Two (Part I)

OK, it's far past the time I should have posted pictures (long story involving taking pictures then a lost camera in a suitcase)....but FINALLY here are the photos of my amazing swap package.
I was so excited when I got the package, like my birthday or Christmas....I can see where swaps can get addicting. Each item I pulled out made me bounce up and down like a little kid.
 My package came in a box that was much bigger on the inside!
 The project journal is so cute. I got three wonderful dish towels, one with the Doctor Who logo, one with a Weeping Angel and the TARDIS, and one with an Adipose baby. And look...
...Adipose stitch markers, too! I love the TARDIS yarn and nearly swooned when I opened the project bag with the TARDIS in the Starry Night painting. I loved the "Vincent and the Doctor" episode and can't wait to carry this around with my next project in it. I do have a weakness for shortbread (yum!) and I am looking forward to trying the Ritter Sport Chocolate. How can you go wrong with milk chocolate on a butter biscuit?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Let the Adventures Begin


One flight down, one to go Then we are in Washington and a short drive to Grandma's house in Idaho. We got some great pictures from the plane as we were flying over Three Sisters (on the other camera to be posted later). So excited to be on the way and ready to start the fun!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Cat in the Pot

I planted a pot of flowers at my parents' house since I thought they would make a great spot of color in the front of the house. I did not, however, make any plans for watering it. Well, the plan was rain, but the eaves on the house kinda divert the water away from the house and the pot. So long, painful (for the flowers) story short...the plants died. I did not anticipate that a pot of dirt would make such an inviting cat bed!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Harry Potter in Pieces

My nephew's birthday is speeding toward me and I am making a Harry Potter doll and broomstick. Right now he looks a little bit odd and unfinished. Never fear, I will not traumatize my nephew by giving him a Harry Potter doll in pieces (that would just be wrong!), but it is also competing with all the other October birthdays. So, here it is so far!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Breakfast at the Lake


It doesn't get much better than this!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A Weekend at the Beach

As usual, time has been flying by and it was Thursday, September 1st before we realized that Labor Day--and a three-day weekend--was here. After some last minute planning about how productive my weekend at home was going to be, I got an invitation Friday morning to leave for the beach that evening after work. I was sold! (Pack at lunch? No problem.)
As so, as the rest of Fresno was sweltering in the heat, I was blissfully (somewhat smugly) enjoying the cool beach air in my sweatshirt. On Saturday we went to a fun craft fair in the park. There were so many different artists, from jewelry makers to painters, photographers, woodworkers, and more. Tyler got a wooden airplane, which he loves. He did notice that there really should have been a third wheel at the back of the plane and found a creative solution to try out.
A trip to the fabric store and then into the spa (with cute little tree frogs to keep us company). Doug got homemade BBQ sauce from one of our clients and he marinated the tritip in it for a day or two. It was delicious! Vegetables, garlic bread, fruit and some Fiasco wine through a very cool wine difuser rounded out the meal.
The beach was a little overcast, but that was the perfect escape from the heat of Fresno. The fresh salty, sea air makes your lungs feel a little bit cleaner. :) And of course, no sea trip is complete without looking for shells and burying yourself in the sand!
And of course, after all of that food for dinner, we had absolutely no room for dessert ... so we made it the next day. It was the first time I had eaten BBQ peaches, but I would definitely have them again. First they were drizzed with a sugar/cinnamon mixture and then put on the BBQ and drizzed with more of the mixture. It certainly makes the peaches less healthy, but oh so good. Add a little ice cream and berries and you're set!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

I Think it Must be Love...

I have started a new project. I have done plenty of sweaters, hats, blankets and more, but, believe it or not, this is my very first shawl. It is a pattern that I have loved for a long time. The Ginkgo Shoulderette Shawl is a perfect blend of stockinette (I confess, I love the look of stockinette) and decoration along the edge.

I just needed the perfect yarn to go with it. When I got an incredible early birthday present of Anzula Luxury Fibers Squishy, I knew it was the perfect yarn for this project. I took a little bit of time to get started because I love the anticipation of a new pattern and a new yarn. I don't think I should have waited. Both the yarn and pattern are better than anticipated. I love, love, love the feel of the yarn on my fingers! Maybe it's the super soft merino, maybe it's the added cashmere, but it feels lovely when I'm knitting. I was only supposed to cast on and maybe do a row or two before getting back to cleaning. Yeah, it didn't happen quite like that ;) But I love it so far!