Knitting Rose

Episode 105: Where is everyone going?

2012-01-18T12:24:00.001-06:00

Episode 105 Where is everyone going?

What’s been going on?

Some podcasts are stopping - goodbye to Knit A Journey

and Stitchit! I am sorry to see these two wonderful podcasts end.

Got our bikes fixed and have started riding them. It is such a fun way to exercise.

Started taking a cake decorating class at Hobby Lobby. I have baked 4 cakes in the last week - I don’t think this is going to help my waistline at all.

Knitting?

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

I have been looking at different patterns to cast on once this is finished. I am going to start knitting on the Kirra Jacket before I cast anything on though. Need to find yarn for the pattern the Infinite Loop.

COC (Cleaning out Cobwebs)

I have finished reading one of the books I wanted to read this month and have gotten half way through the next one. I am on track.

I have been meditating too and I feel energized.

Tip/Technique

Start a leftover stash busting project. I recommend the Beekeepers Quilt or the Barn Raising Quilt for sock yarns. You can also make a long scarf along the lines of the Yarn Harlot’s recipe. I really like the Knitty Gritty Skinny Scarf.

Gift Basket

Jan: scarf completed

Monthly Focus schedule

Jan: Meditation/ Energy Work

Feb: Master Knitter Program

Mar: Spanish

April: Spin

May: Exercise

June: House

then July through Dec will be repeated.

Please come visit!

Knitting Rose Yarns

Checkout my sock pattern - Ruth’s Reversal Socks.

recommended podcasts

Craftlit

Knit Naturally

Episode 104: A New Year; A New Beginning

2012-01-06T16:19:00.001-06:00

Episode 104 A New Year; A New Beginning

What’s been going on?

That is mixed with the “What have I been thinking?”

Things I accomplished this year:

Eat @ Home

Knitting from the Bin

Did not accomplish

Master Knitter Program

Spanish

Spin

I am very unhappy with myself for not accomplishing these things. I have to forgive myself and move forward on this. I am going to set better goals and work on these.

Focus by the month will be:

Jan: Meditation/ Energy Work

Feb: Master Knitter Program

Mar: Spanish

April: Spin

May: Exercise

June: House

then July through Dec will be repeated.

Wrote a new sock pattern - Ruth’s Reversal Socks.

Dawn from Knit Naturally has a great idea to have a gift box! I am going to implement a gift box in the new year. I will try to knit one ‘gift’ thing per month to go in the box. Again, I will focus on ONE person a month and knit an item for them.

Knitting?

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

I am going to cast the Fiber trends Felted Clogs on as soon as I finish the Amelia.

New Year Focus

Take care of my body, my home, my self. The name for this is going to be Cleaning out Cobwebs (COC). I am going to be cleaning out the cobwebs in my mind, my body and my home.

Tip/Technique

None this week.

Please come visit!

recommended podcasts

Episode 103: Just Chillin'

2011-12-19T14:26:00.002-06:00

Episode 103 Just Chillin’

What’s been going on?

Been having friends and family over during the holidays. Have gotten to knit a BUNCH with friends. Finished the sock pattern, but I have to make a new sock for the pattern, because I can’t get a good picture with the current one!

Christmas will have all the kids here - It has been over 5 years since we were all together at Christmas.

Fiber trends pattern - Felted Clogs

Thinking?

Wrote another new pattern - it will be up on Ravelry soon.

Been thinking about how to organize my patterns and yarn and HOME. Dawn from Knit Naturally has a great idea to have a gift box! I am going to implement a gift box in the new year. I will try to knit one ‘gift’ thing per month to go in the box.

Knitting?

Finished my sock pattern - and now have to knit a new sock.

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

Herring Moebius - worsted weight moebius scarf of my own design. I love it! I am going to make a hat to match. I will be putting this pattern (for free) on Ravelry too!

Knitting From the Bin - I look in my stash, but it isn’t well organized. So I am going to organize my stash a little better this year.

Eating at Home is a lifestyle. Healthy eating is the big focus now.

New Year Focus

Take care of my body, my home, my self. Need to think of a name for it.... Triple Care? Pyramid? Give me suggestions!

Tip/Technique

Forgive yourself. Stuff doesn’t have to be perfect.

Please come visit!

recommended podcasts

Let's go Green

2011-12-09T23:24:00.000-06:00

Changes can happen...
This last year my family went from eating out a LOT to cooking at home every night. Now it is VERY unusual for us to go out to eat and we make special occasions of "dining out". Yup - you heard me - we now DINE out instead of EAT out. It is that *special* quality that we were missing.

But some changes can trigger NEW changes. Now that I am cooking all the time - I realize that I use entirely too many paper towels for our little family. I want to stop the madness (and the landfills) so I need a new solution.

I have been researching online and everyone who has done this uses cloth - there isn't a lot of data/first hand experience listed out there. I am not sure what I am in for with this proposition and I plan to give my REAL reaction to the whole debacle. (yes - I am a little worried about the whole thing and think it may blow up in my face). My biggest concern in moving from paper to cloth is cleaning up chicken and other raw foods. I use a bunch of paper towels for that. After I handle chicken - I wash my hands and use paper towels to dry off - tossing them and all their nasty germs into the garbage without a care. I also use paper towels to wipe off my counters after any food preparation or consumption. Since we have a LARGE bar/counter in my kitchen, there is a large area to clean up. I figure there are some steps to going paperless in my kitchen...

Going Paperless in the Kitchen

Step 1: Towels - I know I am going to need a lot of towels to accomplish this, and I think I will probably use more in the beginning. I am not going to invest money in a bunch of towels so I am going to look in my kitchen drawers and see what I have to work with. I also have some old flour cloths and diaper cloths that I can use. Yes, I buy flour cloth for drying my dishes... they are large and absorbent. I also buy cloth diapers for the same reason and I use some as dust cloths. They are really soft, absorbent and will not scratch even the most delicate surface. I have quite a few older towels that I don't like to hang in the kitchen any more, but I am sure they would be fine for cleaning up spills and other dirty tasks. Since they are so large, I will probably cut these into smaller cloths to use for spills and other 'tinier' uses... I will also look in the drawers for old T-Shirts to cut up. I know I have a bunch of T-Shirts that have seen better days. My point here is that I am NOT going to spend money.

Step 2: Convince my family that I do NOT need to be committed and that they should participate in this. This shouldn't be too hard since most of them don't like to clean anyway. If the paper towels disappear then I am sure that spills won't get wiped up. We only have three of us living here (Me, hubby, and grown son) so I really don't think I will have a hard sell on this. I will just do what I always do - which is to TELL them what we are doing and then they DO it. simple

Step 3: Spend a few days or up to a week transitioning from paper towels to cloth towels. This may not take long at all. If I just get rid of the paper towel dispenser, that may be all that is required. But I want the option for the first couple of days. I figure that I better do this step because everyone will grab for the paper napkins if I just get rid of the paper towels. I am not quite ready to move to cloth napkins. But that will be the next logical step.

I am not sure if I have thought of everything - but I am willing to dive in. I will start in the morning. I will go through the kitchen and figure out WHERE I am going to have towels for easy access. I have a large basket that may just fit the bill.

Wish me luck!

Episode 102 December already?

2011-11-30T10:47:00.002-06:00

Please go to my podcast site or iTunes to download

Episode 102 December already?

What’s been going on?

Went to Kid N Ewe shared a booth with Buffalo Wool Co and have had a trunk show at the Knitting Fairy Shop.

I have written a sock pattern and am currently having it test knit.

Thanksgiving was great with lots of family - I tried all new recipes for dinners

Brie & Onion Puff

Leg of Lamb (my own recipe)

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Sausage Brioche Dressing

Green Beans with Garlic

Fails

Chocolate Pumpkin pie

Saturday the Rock Stars are coming to brunch and I will be trying some new things. I will let you know next time what I made.

Thinking?

New Patterns for my yarn - any ideas?

How to set up a booth for fiber festivals.

I am going to Yellow Rose Fiber Fiesta in Seguin in April.

Knitting?

My own sock pattern that is being test knit.

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

Knitting From the Bin is now a habit! I look in my own stash BEFORE I go looking online or at a yarn store!

Eating at Home is a lifestyle! And I have lost 20 pounds!!! Even with Thanksgiving!

New Year Focus

Fly Lady

Tip/Technique

Break things into smaller increments. Knit only 15 minutes a day on something if it seems overwhelming.

Please come visit!

Knitting Rose Yarns!

recommended podcasts

Craftlit

Knit Naturally

Episode 101 Are we having fun?

2011-11-09T14:47:00.000-06:00

Please go to my podcast site or iTunes to download

Episode 101 Are we having fun?

What’s been going on?

Took a trip to Idaho - and realized that I don’t like control freaks to try to make me hunt down people to follow some arbitrary rules that they think MUST be enforced. I also realize that I will take care of myself if someone is using poor judgement.

Thinking?

Starchart app

Knitting?

Wilhelmina Shawlette by Chrissy Gardiner

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

Getting ready to start some garter scarves for Christmas

Tip/Technique

Learn a new technique with a toy or something else that you really would love to have!

Please come visit!

recommended podcasts

Episode 100 Milestone!

2011-10-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

Episode 100 Milestone!

What’s been going on?

We took our short trip to visit some family. We also went to McDonald’s Observatory in the hill country of Texas.

Light pollution map and here is a website for finding a dark sky.

I am still doing FlyLady and Calorie Counter, they are really helping me get myself and my life in order.

Thinking?

There is a lot of math in knitting, it is mostly simple algebra - but it can be important. I realize that when you are trying to figure out yardage it can be especially helpful.

Example: If 100 grams of yarn has 120 yards, then how many yards are there in 75 grams of the same yarn?

120 = X

100 75

you have to cross multiply 120*75

9000 = X

100

Then divide by 100 which gives you

90 = X

Check by

120 = 1.2

100

and 90 = 1.2

So there are 90 yards in 75 grams of the same yarn.

Crazy huh?

Knitting?

32∘ Hoodie

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

Getting ready to start some garter scarves for Christmas

Tip/Technique

Pick up as many stitches as you need for something, then decrease or increase to the specified number required.

Please come visit!

recommended podcasts

Episode 99 Opening Day Jitters

2011-10-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

Episode 99 Opening Day Jitters

What’s been going on?

Since two of our trips were cancelled, we are doing a short trip to visit some family. We will also go to McDonald’s Observatory in the hill country of Texas.

Light pollution map and here is a website for finding a dark sky.

Been working on getting my office in shape and it is great! The website is up for Knitting Rose Yarns! I want everyone to come and visit!

Thinking?

I have been thinking I need to get myself and my home in order. In order to help that I have joined FlyLady and Calorie Counter

Knitting?

32∘ Hoodie - I had the Knitting Fairy finish the last three seams.

Amelia - scarf in laceweight yarn

From the Bin?

Now that I have put all my yarn onto shelves in the office it is like having my own personal store! I love that I can see all my yarn and what I may want to do with it.

Tip/Technique

Shop your stash - including patterns!

recommended podcast

Craftlit

Cogknitive

Sockbunny Knit & Fit

Oh yes we are OPEN!

2011-10-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

The online store is now open.
Visit Knitting Rose Yarns! (url is http://www.knittingrose.net/)

Episode 98 Opening Day Jitters

2011-09-26T15:34:00.000-05:00

The latest podcast is up!

Subscribe on itunes or go directly to my Feed for the podcast
Go to www.knittingrose.com for more information

Episode 98 Opening Day Jitters

What’s been going on?

Picking just a few groups in Ravelry is HARD to do. I need to cut down on them and haven’t figured out a criteria for weeding them out.

Betty Boop is out on her own and we only have ONE chick left to leave the nest!

Thinking?

Knitting is socially acceptable fidgeting.

Try something new it is a good way to figure out the things that you need.

Knitting?

32∘ Hoodie - seaming it up

Chicago Market Bag - crochet

I need to make arbitrary deadlines to finish things. It is like having a goal - I need it to motivate me!

From the Bin?

Going to set up a room for viewing my stash as well as an office - it will be fun to shop from my bins! Like having my own personal store!

Tip/Technique

Finishing can make or break a garment. Finishing is a very important part of knitting a garment.

recommended podcast

Craftlit

Cogknitive

Sockbunny Knit & Fit

Episode 97 Not much knitting

2011-09-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Episode 97 Not much knitting

Chicago was a fun trip! I visited the famous (infamous?) Billy Goat Tavern. What a SHOCK! But way too much fun.

Take time to think about your family and give them a call - they are important!

recommended podcast

Craftlit

Sometimes it just works

2011-08-29T00:14:00.001-05:00

This was a great weekend. We didn't do much. The Big Texan and I went to the Container Store and grocery store. Now that we are all stocked up - I feel better. I FINALLY got some laundry done. THAT was a chore! I kept postponing it and putting it off until I just didn't have anything left to wear. Since I didn't want to go shopping, I did laundry instead.

Tonight's dinner was a huge hit. I made Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Aglio et Olio. PapaG helped me cook dinner. He breaded the Chicken and fried it for me. We had plenty of flour and spices left over so we made a dough, shaped it into balls, fried them and served them with Marinara Sauce. Italian hush puppies. HaHa!

Both of these recipes were simple and full of flavor. I usually change up recipes because they need more flavor but both of these are pretty good. I didn't change anything on them. OH wait - yes I did. I only used about 2 tablespoons of oil instead of 1/2 cup oil in the spaghetti with garlic & oil dish - it worked fine with that.

I have been doing meal planning and searching for new ideas for dinners. I need to come up with a rating system so that I can make the same meals once in a while. I have found that I very rarely repeat meals. There are a few that are stand byes - like hamburgers, tacos, brisket, baked chicken, roasted chicken, and the like - but even those are not repeated in the same month unless it is by request. Many of meals are one-offs that I will make one time and then not repeat. That happens especially when I have company over. I will try a brand new recipe and serve it for the first time to guests. I have never been afraid of trying new things (even with guests that I want to impress). But that makes it to where I don't repeat a lot of dinners. I bet I could serve something different every night for a year if I really wanted to... hmmm another idea. Maybe I will try it for a month. I will serve a different meal every night for a month. Oh that might really be fun.

I am going to search recipes tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

Now - it is time for bed.

Doing OK

2011-08-25T23:32:00.000-05:00

I realize that going out to eat is NOT an option for me here at home. I do need social interaction and going to the park in 100 degree heat isn't really an option right now - but I can get creative.

It was much easier when I was visiting M3 (Math Marine Man) in Chicago. It is a LOT cooler there.

My DIL cooks healthy vegetarian meals (delicious) and we did eat out a few times. But it was interesting not to be so consumed with needing to get to go eat "here" or "there". My life isn't centering on food as much - and when it is the focal point, I am getting really creative and making it myself.

Betty Boop's birthday was just the other day - and I told her that we could either eat out or I would cook her dinner - and surprise! She opted for me to cook! I was thrilled. She asked for a special dinner and I made it for her - and we had a fun filled afternoon in the kitchen. My sister, father, stepmother & little brother came over too - so it became a family affair. We all hung out in the kitchen visiting and talking while I was cooking. THAT is how it is supposed to be!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

2011-08-12T17:56:00.000-05:00

I am having the hardest time today! I really want to go out to eat. I do NOT want to stay home. It isn't that I don't want to cook - that I don't mind. It is that I DO NOT WANT TO STAY HOME! I want to go out and see people.

I went to the grocery store - JUST TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE! I just wanted to be around other people. How sad is that?

I am going to have to start doing some volunteer work or get a part time job or something. I need to get out.

I still haven't broken my rules - but I am getting ready to scrap them. I am so ready to be done with my own challenge.

Episode 96 Quietly Knitting

2011-08-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

Autocorrect can be bad - and had to be turned off on my little screen phone.

Don't take homework for knitting classes too seriously

Rhinebeck tour cancelled - we might still go on our own.

We discovered the joy of fishing with 4 year old Sprocket - but now he has gone home and we miss him.

My son's dog will be leaving soon (either today or tomorrow). How can you get so attached to a dog in such a short time?

My Online shop is getting closer to completion. I am getting excited about letting everyone in on it. I will let you know when it goes live! My yarn is being taken to shows but I need to have some of it knit into sample items - If anyone is interested - let me know.
Going to Chicago in a week - email me if you want to meet up!

I now have a belief that Yarn is a disease, and as it is advances it can manifest with needles and then patterns. It depends on the resistance of the knitter. I am in the pattern gathering stage. If you know of any GREAT patterns - let me know.

Still going strong

2011-08-11T00:36:00.000-05:00

So - we are still not eating out. It isn't from the lack of want. We did have a business dinner out the other night, and it was funny because I really wasn't even interested in the food.

There are days that I REALLY WANT TO EAT OUT. Some days I can hardly stand it. Some days it is all that I can do NOT to just go to the drive through at McDonald's for a few french fries.

There are days that I JUST don't want to cook. Those are the toughest days. But I have been getting more creative with fancy sandwich platters and french bread pizza. I haven't resorted to TV dinners though. I won't do that. I will eat out first (not really).

I am going on a trip to see my son in Chicago in a week and was trying to find out things to do. Everyone kept giving me suggestions for dinner places. I think our whole culture is devoted to food. I will probably go to a few of those places - but not all of them. I am more excited about being in a cool hip city with my son than anything.

This 'restaurant break' has been good for me to refocus on things in my life and to reevaluate what role food plays in everything. I realize now that we are all obsessed by food (which makes sense because we are surviving animals after all). I just don't have to let it run everything.

The other thing I have realized is that without food, going out on dates with my hubby is quite a challenge. Most of the dates that we have are centered around eating out. And with the temperatures being so high, there isn't much else to do! All anyone wants is to stay cool and relaxed. It isn't like we can go to the park for a walk or anywhere outside for that matter. What else is there to do? I don't want to go shopping all the time - yuck. Bowling alleys are not really conducive to having a conversation - nor are movie theaters.

Where can you go and talk and visit for a couple of hours?

HOME that is where. Or a restaurant. It is a challenge I tell you.

Episode 95 SockSummit - HOW MANY PEOPLE?

2011-08-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

SockSummit was a wonderful time!

Everyone should plan on attending at least once in their lifetime. It is hard to believe that many knitters can get together at one time! People do not believe that many people can be interested in socks!

There were over 1900 people registered for classes and 6000 people in attendance! Socks are THAT cool!

Links for the podcast:
Swanx Clogs
The Oregon Woodworker
Blue Moon Fiber Arts
The Sanguine Gryphon
The Jupiter Hotel (I will stay there again)

Time zone wack out

2011-08-03T01:53:00.002-05:00

Today has been tough. I am recovering from the time zone change and still am not over it. It is now 2am here and I am still up. That is only midnight back in Portland. How did I get so used to the different time so quickly? I really don't know.
sigh...
off to bed to TRY to sleep.

I loved Sock Summit. :)

Sock Summit

2011-07-29T02:33:00.000-05:00

My first class this morning was GREAT! I had Carson's KnitteRx - it was about ergonomically knitting. I am now completely afraid to knit... Just kidding - but it does make you think about how you knit and how you hold your body and hands. I want to be healthy for years to come - so I have some things to think about and things to change - to make sure I am not stressing my body while I am knitting (or doing anything else for that matter).
My next class was Planning for Pooling! I am part of the Ravelry group - but I never really "got" it... When they explained it today - I completely got it and was ready to run home and play with all of my variegated yarns!
When they opened the market this afternoon - the line was unreal - it stretched all the way through the lobby, around a corner and into another conference room.

Once you got into the market - some of the booths were outrageous! They were actually throwing yarn to people to get it to people.

The only yarn that was left in this booth was the orange & white colorway. This picture was taken after the market was open to the students for 30 minutes... Can you believe it?

Here is a picture of my chalkboard door. I put this up here myself. Isn't it cute? I wish I had a chalkboard at home to draw things on.

It is late and I still have some homework to do. One of my teachers added more to the homework and I found out about it today. I have to get it done before the first class in the morning.

Let's start this off! Portland!

2011-07-27T21:37:00.002-05:00

My flight into Portland was uneventful. There wasn't any turbulence and it was a nice flight. I sat next to another knitter (I saw her ravelry pin) and we struck up some conversation. Cheryl is a sock knitter who travels around the country and likes small easy to transport projects!

Cheryl is part of the Ravelry group Fingerless glove fanatics and they have their very own TRAVELING MITT! I saw it for myself!

There is another one somewhere - but I am not sure where.

When we were flying in - we saw Mount Hood. (I had to ask someone - I wasn't sure if it was Mt. Rainier or Mount Hood - I got confirmation it is Hood).

The veiws up here are just lovely - and you can't beat a pretty snow capped mountain - can you?

I took the public transportation to the Convention center and checked in for Sock Summit.

I wanted to put my bags up first - but I was right there. I wanted to meet up with some other ladies that have come by themselves - but I just had time to say hello and then trudged to my hotel.

I say trudged because I didn't have the best directions and I couldn't find the bus stop. So I walked all the way around the convention center (and it is not tiny) until I finally found the street that the bus stop was supposed to be on....

There was a bunch of construction and I did not see one bus (stopped or otherwise) - so I decided to walk to the hotel.

What a mistake. It was hot - I was sweaty and the suitcase was heavy. I was walking towards "not the best part of town" and getting more and more disillusioned the whole time. I found my hotel without any problem. It is a renovated old MOTEL. (thrilled yet?) I really need to read websites better and not listen to other folks recommendations.

This is a hip hotel, I will grant that - but it is really more of a hip Motel.

and the kitchenette - isn't really much...

I do have a chalkboard for a door.

I did find a little something by the bed.
And while I appreciate the sentiment, I don't think I will be needing this little helpful item.

Don't you like the little sign that went with it?

I am off to find a market or a meal. Wish me luck!

Sock Summit Meet up

2011-07-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

For those folks going to sock summit! We are having a meetup at 12:30PM on Friday 7/27 in front of the Sock Summit Bookstore inside the Market Area

A whole week gone?

2011-07-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

How did that happen? It seems to have flown by! But I am glad because Sprocket is back and we are having fun again before I go to Sock Summit. I really don't know how I will be able to leave him.

I have already done all my homework for my classes (shock!). I never get my homework done before classes. Never. Socks are different. I am already picking out clothes to pack and knitting to pack. I never do that before a trip. Ever. But have been doing it for the last week! I am really really excited about this trip.

We are still eating at home and doing great! It is funny because my friends try to 'help' me and they try to think of ways for me to go out to eat with them. But these are MY rules! Haha! I don't have to worry about breaking them - because I MADE THEM! And I refuse to eat out. I just refuse. I love my friends and I want to see them - but not out to eat.

I had a knitting buddy come over last night with her hubby and we had dinner and went swimming. It was a great relaxing time. It wasn't expensive, we were able to visit and talk, AND we got to go swimming. What is better? I try to tell folks that we can still eat together - but at my house (or theirs if they prefer) and not in a restaurant.

I have decided to eat out some of my meals in Portland. And there will be no guilt from it.

Episode 94 New Beginnings

2011-07-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

Things have been so active with Sprocket visiting and the Knitting Nook closing that I haven't had much time to knit!

I didn't have a trunk show at the Knitting Nook because of the 'going out of business' sale. I will have a lot more time to work on my yarn dyeing now!

Sock Summit is coming up and I cannot wait for the fun to begin there! Portland - Here I come!

Some knitting has gone into hibernation for a bit, these include the Verdant shawl, and everything else in my Ravelry project page. I am knitting on some socks with my own dyed sock yarn - it sure does knit up pretty!

Eating at home is still going great! I am loving eating at home and getting delicious, nutritious meals. I have a slight problem with macaroni & cheese and may need an intervention there...

I want to go see the latest Harry Potter movie and am probably going next weekend. I really want to see that one, but not enough to brave the crowds yet.

I am trying to decide if I should make a facebook page or not - if anyone has any thoughts on if that is better than a facebook group - let me know!

I don't wanna

2011-07-11T20:23:00.000-05:00

I was going to make chicken and mushrooms tonight - but I had put the chicken in the fridge to thaw and it was still frozen. I was not happy. That made it where I didn't want to cook. Normally that would prompt a call to the Big Texan and ask him to bring something home. But I can't do that. So I had to figure it out.

I had some turkey and blue cheese - so I made some turkey and blue cheese patties. I also had some mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese, and some mushrooms stuffed with cheddar and jalapeno. I baked those in the oven after finding out that the convection oven was broken again. I also made some broiled cheese tomatoes. I also made a tomato & spinach salad. There was so much food that I only ate half a turkey patty.

For not wanting to cook - it was a pretty good meal.

Broiled Cheese Tomatoes
1 or 2 tomatoes
1/4-1/2 C grated parmesan cheese
Salt

Slice fresh firm tomatoes about 1/2" to 3/4" thick. Sprinkle with grated or shredded parmesan cheese (more than you think). Broil in oven until the cheese is completely melted (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle with salt before serving.

My mom used to make these all the time for our family. After going to the reunion this weekend, I was really missing her, so I decided to make something that reminded me of her.

Did you know?

2011-07-11T00:44:00.001-05:00

Did you know that when you drive home during 100 plus degree weather that shade is kinda nice? The Big Texan and I came home from my 30th reunion today and I packed us lunches (so we wouldn't have to stop at a restaurant). We decided that even though it was over 100 degrees we would stop at a rest stop and have our lunch. It wasn't too bad. There was a breeze and some good shade - so we were comfortable. Lunch was great and I still haven't eaten a meal in a restaurant. I did have a jalapeno popper last night, but it was just a taste and not a real meal - so I figure that is ok.

One of the best things about this program is that I am drinking a lot of iced tea. I grabbed a box of tea for us to make while we were in Conroe - and I didn't realize that I had grabbed GREEN tea. HA HA - so I made iced Green Tea all weekend.

I love tea.

Success ANYWAY!!

2011-07-09T10:26:00.001-05:00

Last night was the first night of the reunion. It was for all the classes from my school. Tonight is just for my senior class.

Guess what.

I did great! I was too busy to eat! I did have some drinks (no dehydration here). I started to eat but was just too busy visiting and having a good time!

We ran to the grocery store last night and got the fixin's for lunch today. Instead of buying sodas or other drinks I got tea bags and put together some iced tea before we went to bed. It was sure nice to have sweet tea ready this morning. For breakfast I made us sausage, eggs and biscuits. That is probably the Big Texan's favorite breakfast. The only thing that would have made it better for him would have been if I made gravy to go with it. Maybe I will do that tomorrow morning. I bought a little flour because we were both craving snacks and we are going to make the cheese disks this evening.

We are going to run to the grocery store this afternoon and get tonight's meal. We talked about it and I told the Big Texan that I wasn't interested in eating out if I could cook for us. So we are going to go to the meat counter and pick out some nice looking steak or maybe chicken breasts. Since we are this close to the Gulf, I will check the fish and shrimp options too.

Class Reunion

2011-07-08T08:22:00.001-05:00

I am going to my 30th Class reunion this weekend. It is in a restaurant (well kinda). It is taking place at "Sam's Boat" on Lake Conroe. Rather than worry about if I am going to be 'breaking' any rules, I plan on having some fun and visiting with people that I haven't seen in years.

Yes, I will snack while I am at the reunion, and I will definitely have something to drink (it is Texas in the summer). The reunion itself is going to be one of my 'exception' times. I just don't see how I can make my own snacks and take them with me into a restaurant.

We are staying in a Bed & Breakfast where I have access to a full kitchen. We talked to the owner and she has no problem with my preparing all our meals.

I did have to think long and hard about going to this reunion. I really had to think about whether or not I was going to step into a restaurant. Originally I wasn't going to go to the reunion. But I realized that I really wanted to go and it is a 30th reunion after all. I had to go back and remind myself about what my goals were for eating at home and what I was trying to accomplish. I realize that I have already accomplished the biggest goal. That was TO EAT AT HOME! I re-read my post and got to the line "I am not going to be militant about this - I am going to adjust this to a livable lifestyle choice for me" and I realized that I was considering being MILITANT about this. I am not doing this on a regulated system. I am doing this by my rules and my way.

whew. It is unbelievable the pressure that you put on yourself...

I am going to have a good time at the reunion!

Cravings

2011-07-05T21:32:00.001-05:00

I have been craving some junk food. sooooooo here is what I did:

Tortilla chips
tortillas (homemade, cut into six wedges)
oil

yup - that is it. I took some homemade tortillas, cut them into wedges and fried them in oil. I know it doesn't sound very healthy, hmmm?

I NEVER PROMISED HEALTHY! I only promised non-processed. I made sure to drain these very well (I even put some in the dehydrator which made a bigger difference). Now trust me on this, when you are frying your own tortilla chips you don't down them as quickly and you don't have many left over (because it is a pain to do).

I made homemade salsa to go with these

Salsa
3 tomatoes
2 jalapenos
1 onion
fresh cilantro (to taste)

Slice and dice all ingredients and serve. I didn't think my tomatoes needed any help so I didn't add salt or garlic - but if you are using store bought tomatoes you may need both.

Potato Chips
potatoes sliced thinly
oil

yup - that simple. Take your potatoes and fry them in the oil (just like the tortillas). Make sure to drain well. Salt if desired.

Now I did change this up... I tried taking the potatoes and blanching them, then salting them and putting them in the dehydrator. THOSE were delicious and non-fattening. So - you can do them healthy - you just have to work at it.

Today I was craving some cheese balls.... and I didn't want to fry anything - so I took an old recipe of my mom's for "Ha' Penny Snacks" and adapted it...

Mock Cheese Balls (or Cheese Disks)
2 C sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 C Flour
1/2 C butter (softened)
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt

Form into small balls then slice in half (or flatten on the bottom). Bake 400 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy.

Makes about 24 disks.

You can take this same recipe and then wrap the disks around olives or garlic cloves and bake the same way - they are really delicious and flavorful.

I just needed to have a little naughty food to keep me going.

Here are some of the healthy snacks that I have been making

Dehydrated Bananas
Bananas sliced about 1/2" thick
sprinkling of sugar

Place in dehydrator on about 135 degrees for 5-8 hours depending on the humidity in your area. You can also do these in the oven - but it is more difficult and there is no fan to help. Mine never come out completely 'chip like' they stay slightly soft.

Dehydrated Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Zucchini and/or yellow squash sliced about 1/2" thick
salt

Blanch the sliced squash for about 3 minutes and shock. Place in a layer and salt (LIGHTLY). Dehydrate at 135 degrees for 6-9 hours (depending on humidity). I flip them so that do not stick to the dehydrator pan.
These come out VERY crispy and yummy.

My celery was getting a little bit wilted in the fridge and I wanted to save it - so I decided to try dehydrating it.

Dehydrated Celery
Celery sliced about 1/2" thick

Blanch the celery in the microwave for about 2 minutes then put in dehydrator at 125 degrees for about 4-6 hours. These come out very small and crispy. I have used these to top salads and flavor soups. They add a little extra crunch and flavor to salads and give great flavor to soup.

I have still not stepped into a restaurant at all. YEAH!!!

Still going strong

2011-07-03T00:31:00.001-05:00

This eating at home is working out really well. I am sooo pleased. I have been moving more towards 'less processed' foods. Today I spent quite a bit of money at the farmer's market and I don't feel bad a bit. It was all healthy and good quality. I am making MORE of the dehydrated zucchini and yellow squash. I can't believe how much I like it. It is better to me than chips ever were and I don't need dip to go with it.

I even cooked for our Knit Night. I brought my portable "NuWave" oven and made some chicken. I am telling you the people at NuWave ovens should pay me. I have converted several of the girls to the "NuWave" oven way of cooking. I use that thing EVERY single day. I made some pork ribs in it tonight. It only took about 40 minutes of cooking time. Can you believe it? I really think it brings out the flavor of the meat and I don't have to add any fat to it to make it taste good. I am trying all different kinds of spices to make the meat more interesting - but it doesn't really need it. The only problem that I have with them - is I did NOT order online - the way they do their ordering - you don't get to 'see' the order before you confirm it. I ordered over the phone and didn't have any problems. But people can have different experiences, so I suggest everyone do their own research before buying anything. I have had a good experience though.

I was craving a Dr Pepper today and the Big Texan brought one home for me. But I haven't had it yet (and don't know if I will drink the whole thing). But I thought it was sweet of him. We have been drinking a lot of Sun Tea. I need to get some more lemons and make lemonade too. I love homemade lemonade.

I can't believe how easy this is becoming. I am really enjoying doing the cooking. so weird.

Episode 93 Free Yourself!

2011-06-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

What has been going on?

Eating at home

dyeing yarn

reading books

Land of Painted Caves

The Lovely Bones

What have I been Knitting?

Going to work on UFO and UBO (Unfinished objects and Unbegun Objects)

favorite current projects

Verdant Shawl

32 Degree Hoodie

Recommended podcasts

CraftLit Podcast

What Have I been Thinking?

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution

Dropping the Sweater KAL

Picking back up the Master Knitter Program

Trips Coming up

Road to Rhinebeck

Sock Summit

Favorite Snack

2011-06-27T23:02:00.001-05:00

My new favorite snack is dehydrated zucchini and summer squash.

MY VERY FAVORITE.

I also dehydrated some bananas this weekend - they are really good as well. But I could eat the squash chips all day (till I made myself sick).

I think I am going to try dehydrating strawberries next.

why not?

Big Texan's Dressing

2011-06-26T18:16:00.004-05:00

I made some salad dressing for the Big Texan. He doesn't like most salad dressing - but this one he said is a keeper.

BT Dressing

3 Tbl Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 C Olive Oil
2 cloves pressed garlic
5 shots of tabasco or other pepper sauce
1/4 C grated Parmesan (real stuff)
salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

I am guessing on the proportions, but this is all of the ingredients.

and for dessert - from TEXASPURLGURL

Salted Peanut Caramel Bark
3 lbs. Chocolate Almond Bark
1 jar dry roasted salted peanuts
1 1/2 cup Caramel Bits
Sea Salt

Get 2 cookie sheets and cover each with wax paper. Put the chocolate bricks in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 90 seconds, stir, 90 more seconds, stir, then 15 second intervals until melted. Remove from microwave and pour jar of peanuts in chocolate and stir. Let cool for a few minutes and then add the Caramel Bits. Stir until all ingredients combined.
Pour 1/2 of mixture on 1 cookie sheet and 1/2 of the mixture on the other cookie sheet. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
Put in refrigerator and let harden and break apart or put in freezer and let harden and break apart.

Tough day done!

2011-06-25T23:53:00.001-05:00

Today was a tough day. The Big Texan and I were out most of the day. I really wanted to eat out because I was hungry and tired - but did NOT do it. We had a lot of errands and today would have been so easy to just grab a quick bite or sit and chill for a bit. Instead after we came home I made a loaf of bread, dehydrated some vegetables and made some yogurt.

Yeah - I beat the craving.

Yesterday was such a pretty day that I wanted to sit on a patio and have some wine. Instead of going to our favorite bistro we turned our back patio into a festive space. We had steak, new potatoes, salad and white sangria. We even had chocolate molten lava cake for dessert. It was a relaxing, fun and AT HOME afternoon.

White sangria

2 bottles of white wine (doesn't have to be your favorite)
1 lemon
3 oranges
1/4 cup triple sec
3/4 cup cointreau (orange liqueur)
1 cup sugar
Ice

Slice the lemon into thin slices. Juice two of the oranges (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of juice), thinly slice the third orange. Mix all ingredients (adding more or less sugar and ice to taste).

This is a great way to use up your not so favorite white wine. You can add grapes or other berries to your taste as well. You can also use 1 or 2 cups of ginger ale instead of the cointreau and triple sec.

Tomorrow we are going to hang out by the pool and probably make something else festive.

I am really loving the challenge of eating at home every day. It hasn't gotten tedious yet (I am sure it will though).

Getting into the Groove

2011-06-23T01:05:00.001-05:00

Tonight I had a friend call me and ask me to go out with her for drinks and a snack. I TOLD HER NO!!! I actually told her that I wasn't eating in restaurants for a year and I couldn't go out - but if she would like that she could come over and have some wine and snacks at my house.

I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!!

I didn't cave!!

The really funny thing was - she didn't bat an eye. She said... "OK, so I will be there at 8:30 and we can visit." Then when she got here she asked what sparked this new thing....

My friends really know that I am ODD!! AND IT IS OK!!

They 'get' me. She was curious about what started the whole "not eating in restaurants for a year" thing - but didn't object or give me crap about it. We had a great visit too!

I am so thankful for my friends.

:)

One more time...

2011-06-21T23:44:00.002-05:00

Today the Big Texan took some of the leftover spaghetti sauce to work and a vegetarian friend of his tried the sauce and gave it a big thumbs up! So I am pleased.

and I had it again tonight for dinner.

I made the Big Texan and Papa G some broiled pork chops - with a little mashed potatoes and salad - for dinner.

I also made some bread today. I noticed that we only had one slice of bread left and thought that Betty Boop would want her usual sandwich at lunch - soooooo, instead of going to the store and buying some bread, I went ahead and made a loaf. The Big Texan had a slice of bread with homemade jam on it for dessert. Not the most healthy thing to eat, but certainly one of the most fun things to eat.

I have been keeping a couple of gallons of Sun Tea around as well. I just put the tea bags and sugar in the jar in the morning (I have a 3 gallon jar) and stick it in the sun. By Noon time I can bring it in and let it cool. Then we have Sun Tea for a couple of days. For a change of flavor, I will juice a lemon and pour that in the tea jar as well.

Tomorrow is going to be a little tougher because I need to eat at work - I will have to make some more chicken salad (that is so YUM!) I already put together breakfast by getting some steel cut oats started going in the fridge. What you do is take 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Then you put in a cup of steel cut oats. Boil for 1 minute. Then I put a few dehydrated blueberries and stick it in the fridge. In the morning you take it out of the fridge and heat/cook for about 8 minutes. With the blueberries in there I won't need any sugar. I should have breakfast for a couple of days this way (unless the kids find it).

We are thinking about going down to visit my brother in central Texas - if we do - I am going to be cooking for them as well. My brother loves it when I come and visit if I am in a cooking mood. He will actually take pictures of the food. Isn't that hilarious? It is his birthday weekend and I think it would be nice to see him. I won't be making him a cake though.

Or will I?

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce

2011-06-21T00:42:00.003-05:00

I am still going strong! Tonight was Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce - and it was delish! Hubby thought there was meat involved - but NOPE - Not a bit.

2 fresh Zucchini - julienned
2 fresh Eggplant - julienned
1 onion - sliced thin
3 fresh tomatoes - peeled and cubed
6 cloves garlic - minced
2 tsp olive oil
2 Tbl butter
8 oz tomato paste
1/2 C red wine
1/2 C water
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Saute onions in oil until soft, add garlic, squash & eggplant heat through. Add rest of ingredients and let simmer for 20 minutes (at least). Add water to get consistency that you want. Serve over pasta or chicken.

I added the salt before adding water - because it makes the veges give off water. It was yummy and flavorful.

Next time I will add more tomatoes and probably leave out the paste. I will also add some italian seasoning and oregano for more punch. But this really didn't need any of the extras - the veges gave it enough flavor and fullness anyway.

And I will probably try this same mixture with ground turkey (and less water) at some point to make Sloppy Joe's.

I dehydrated some zucchini and yellow squash to make chips the other night - They were extra salty and crunchy yummy. I can eat a whole handful and not worry ONE BIT!

I am getting into cooking again. Woot!!!!

Another day done!

2011-06-18T01:14:00.001-05:00

I am doing so well on the eating at home thing! I cannot believe it! Tonight was a wonderful example! the whole family ate SQUASH! AND IT WASN'T FRIED!

I am so happy right now.
I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

but I kinda want a box of macaroni & cheese too....

Clear OUT the House!

2011-06-15T11:09:00.002-05:00

Ok - I have to clear the freezer of processed foods. Today I can eat regular food, vegetables and grains. Well, I noticed some little pizza rolls in the freezer and I thought "Oh, just ONE won't hurt." I made some and ate a couple and realized that I WAS BREAKING MY COMMITMENT! So I spit it out! I cannot believe that I did that! After all this time of working towards my goal and revving up - I did that! So after I get home from work today I am going to empty the freezer of all processed foods. I am obviously not strong enough or AWARE enough to resist them. I am going to do it after work so that the kids will be here and they know what is going on. There is also an ice cream sandwich in the freezer. I LOVE ice cream sandwiches. I will NOT eat it though. I WON'T!
So - I messed up. But I am not going to let that stop me. At least I haven't gone into any restaurants or fast food places. But it makes me realize that I am going to have be STRONGER.

I hopped on the bicycle this morning and rode for 30 minutes. At least I did that. That is a positive, right?

Day 1 Breaking the Fast

2011-06-15T00:09:00.001-05:00

Today was the first day of breaking the fast. It isn't easy to do this. I want to say - "Forget it. I will take my chances, I want something crunchy!" But I know better and am being careful. I haven't had ANY adverse side effects while I was on this fast and I don't want to start now. NOW I am planning the meals I will be making.

It is getting easier to ignore the restaurants and fast food places. I just have to keep thinking that I am working toward a GREAT goal. AND I only have to take ONE day at a time. Since the Big Texan and I have two nights of classes - it is more difficult, but I made him dinner before class (healthy and quick) and we were just fine. With proper planning - you CAN do it. At 4pm - I thought - Oh man, I don't want to cook. Normally that would mean thinking about someplace to pick up something quick - but that cannot happen - sooooooo. I thought "OK, either you cook or he doesn't eat. Even if it is just a peanut butter sandwich, you need to think of something." I realized that I can make a quick meal in less than 30 minutes. So I went and got ready for class, came back downstairs and started dinner. I was done in 27 minutes. The Big Texan was able to eat when he came home and we headed off to class. We didn't even have to rush and we got to class 20 minutes early! Amazing.

I have been having some trouble with my 30 year class reunion. I have wanted to go - but didn't want to eat out and it is a five hour trip from our house. The Big Texan was awesome and found a B&B with a FULL kitchen! The lady who runs the B&B is a vegetarian and she completely understood when the Big Texan told her that I wanted to cook our meals. So - THAT was my first BIG hurdle on keeping to the plan. And we jumped it!

I am so excited and thrilled! I can do this! I know I can! I just have to plan and strategize.

I am going to have to research some more healthy quick meals - but I know I can do that. The Big Texan has decided to join me on this whole experience - so we had to add some more rules.

Added Rule:
If it is for business - you are exempt from the restaurant rule (we don't need to jeopardize our living) but you still need to eat healthy and try to find the simplest healthy item possible.

Sunday swimming

2011-06-13T01:16:00.001-05:00

We had company over on Sunday and went swimming! It was too much fun. We weren't going to have dinner together (since I am still fasting), but I am doing fine with seeing food and not being hungry. I am still taking in plenty of calories (don't worry - over 1200/day), so there is not a lot of hunger here. I made everyone roasted chicken, corn on the cob and salad. They all loved it and I was happy to cook again!

This morning I opened the front door and there was a turtle on our front walk - coming up to the door! I saw him and hollered for the Big Texan. He came and got him and put him in the back yard. So all day today we have had a LARGE red eared slider in our pool! We have a salt water pool - so he is fine. Every time we take him out - he turns around and goes right back in. We had another (similar) turtle a few years ago who lived in our pool for over two years. We never could figure out how he got in and out of the pool - except that maybe he used the rocks that come down to the water. I know turtles are supposed to be good luck - so I am tickled by this. Especially with the symbolism of him walking up to the front door like that!

I will be off the fast on the 16th - it depends on how the doctor wants me to go off whether I do the 3-day transition before the 16th or beginning on the 16th. Either way - I will be able to eat regular food by the weekend.

I can't believe I am doing this and succeeding!

Almost there!

2011-06-11T20:51:00.001-05:00

We ALMOST have our house back! The Big Texan and I spent a better part of the day putting another room to rights. We only have the dining area left to go! I cannot believe it! I am so excited! I feel like we are coming back to life! YEAH! And I really want a peanut butter sandwich! That is a LOT better than wanting to go to a Mexican food restaurant (which is what I wanted earlier).

Keep on working it

2011-06-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

I have discovered that I am fine when I am alone. I can easily bypass restaurants and fast food places. But when I am with someone and they want to grab a bite, it is much more difficult. I have been ok so far and I haven't broken my pledge. I am glad I am on the fast - because it makes it much easier to say 'no'.

I have reiterated to the kiddos that there will be no TV dinners in the house after the 16th. And they can eat out - but any food they bring home in doggie bags will be tossed after ONE day in the fridge. They are starting to get it (I think). They are hoping that I will quit in a month or so - but I am really going to try to make it ONE YEAR!

I realize that half of the reason I go to restaurants is for the social aspect. I have gotten to know so many of the servers at the restaurants that I like - that I feel like I am missing friends. THAT shows how much we have eaten out! I don't really know how to counteract that - or what to replace it with. I need the socialization - and not just from my knitting friends. I will have to think on that. Maybe I can replace it by going to the gym and working out more often. I could make more friends up there.

A couple of days in...

2011-06-08T11:14:00.003-05:00

You would think this would be easy - but surprisingly - it isn't! I thought that since I was doing a fast at the beginning - I wouldn't have to worry about wanting to go into restaurants and grab a quick bite. Well..... I have a family. And THEY like to do that too. Yesterday the Big Texan and Papa G both wanted to go and grab a quick bite before our class. I had to tell them that I couldn't do it. I knew that I would want to get a soda or something and I just didn't think I had the willpower. They were disappointed, but understood. They fixed themselves bites to eat before we left the house. YEAH!

I am not only going to have to break my bad habits - but also help my family. I am used to them being able to cook for themselves (at least some of the times) and they have also gotten out of that habit.

Tonight I am working late - so they are on their own anyway. Since my family didn't really 'get it' I am going to cut them a break for the next 10 days. We still have some TV dinners in the freezer and I am going to let them fix themselves TV dinners until the 16th or until they are gone (whichever comes first). I have told everyone the rules - but I don't think they had psyched themselves up for the whole ordeal. They are now aware that all TV dinners left here on the 16th will be tossed and no more will be brought into the house.

Having adult kids makes it a little bit harder - because they do provide for themselves sometimes. I can't (and won't) stop them if they want to eat out - but I am not going to be part of it and there will be a meal cooked here at home.

I have noticed that they don't eat at home much and I have been cooking about 3 times a week. When I do that - sometimes they want to eat and sometimes they don't. Since I am not going to be trying to figure out if folks are eating here or not - we are going to have to have a chat. I have been cooking enough for 4 people (that's how many are in the house). If I know they are coming to eat - I usually cook enough for 6 people. That gives the Big Texan leftovers for lunches (that has always been our agreement). Since I cannot think of an easy solution - we are going to have to sit down and talk as a family. I hate to cook for only 4 people and then have no leftovers for the Big Texan because everyone decided to stay home and eat. But I don't want to cook for 6 people and have the Big Texan have 4 days of leftovers! And I need to be able to plan the meals... hmmm....

I did not realize how bad we had become - I am so glad that we are doing this.

Let's Eat at Home for a Year

2011-06-07T11:00:00.007-05:00

Ok - so I am going to make a commitment to not eat out at restaurants for a year.

What has happened to prompt this?

We had our house remodeled and they basically shut down my kitchen for over 3 months. I really got out of the habit of cooking. BAD. We ate out for every meal for 3 MONTHS! It got terribly expensive. and we got fat. and by 'we' I mean 'me'. I gained all the weight back that I lost. I am soooo ticked off by this.

So - rather than whine and moan about it. I am going to do something about it. I am going to become more active in the creation of my food. That means that I have to set some rules for myself.

1) No eating out at restaurants (this includes fast food).

2)No TV dinners

3)No 'instant' food

1)No eating out at restaurants (including fast food)

This seems to be pretty self explanatory. I will not be going out to eat at all. I will not be bringing anything home to eat from a restaurant. I won't order out pizza. I won't go through a drive through. I won't be eating at a ballpark, amusement park, theater, or any place that I have to pay for the food and they hand it to me prepared.

2)No TV dinners

This one is pretty simple as well. I cannot eat TV dinners. Not a problem. The problem comes when the definition of what constitutes a TV dinner. I am going to say it is any complete prepared meal that has only to be heated before it can be eaten.

My DIL asked me if I was going to include boxed meals in this definition. That makes things more interesting. I don't usually use boxed meals. But I do use boxed macaroni and cheese sometimes. I often use dried pasta. Can I use the pasta that is in the refrigerated section? Do I have to make my own pasta? What about bread? Do I have to make my own bread or can I buy it? This is going to be a little tougher for me. If the item in question is considered a meal on it's own once it has been only heated - then I cannot use it. If it has to have other things added to it to be considered a meal, then it will be acceptable. Again - I may have to adjust this rule as I go along. I will be trying to get further down to the roots of meals as the days go on... So, for the first three months I can use the prepared components for meals to create a meal. I will adjust this rule later.

3) No 'instant' or 'junk' food

This is where things got a little dicey. What constitutes instant food? I needed to expand it to include 'junk' food. I am going to define it as anything that can be eaten without any other preparation. I do not have to wash it, heat it, freeze it or take any other step before I consume it. Therefore - no candy bars, ice cream bars, chips, dips, or any other 'junk' food.

Fruit is an instant food in many cases - but it is not 'junk' food. Nuts are instant food, but I do not consider them 'junk'. If it is coming to me in it's natural state and people have not had to alter it for me to consume it, then it is not 'junk' and I can eat it. Sadly, this also means I will not be getting to eat Snow Cones this summer. Or any iced drink. When the Big Texan and I go on trips - I will have to get my water and drinks from the grocery store and then take them with us. Basically I cannot get food from a convenience store. I may as well stay out of convenience stores.

I am not going to be militant about this - I am going to adjust this to a livable lifestyle choice for me - but I am going to take this seriously. We are going on a trip in October and I am going to Sock Summit - so I have to make special arrangements for when I am not in the same state as my kitchen.

*Added Rule*
If it is for business - you are exempt from the restaurant rule (we don't need to jeopardize our living) but you still need to eat healthy and try to find the simplest healthy item possible.

I have already started. I am currently doing a fast (with Dr supervision) for the next 10 days. So I don't have to worry about anything until June 16. But the countdown has begun and I have sworn off restaurants for the next year beginning June 6.

Here we go!

Episode 92 Summertime

2011-06-07T10:50:00.003-05:00

Recommended podcasts:
Cogknitive
Knit Naturally Podcast
CraftLit Podcast

Trips
Road to Rhinebeck

Sock Summit

Movie about Fast Food
SuperSize Me

Episode 91 Unknown

2011-05-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

Episode 91 Unknown

Podcasts
Knit Naturally Podcast
CraftLit Podcast

Retail
Jennings Street Yarn
Signature Needles
Knitting Fairy
Knitting Nook
Brooks Farm Yarns
Fiesta Yarns
JoAnn Marie Designs

Festivals
Kid N Ewe
Road to Rhinebeck

Sock Summit

Episode 90 Sweater Knitting is UP!

2011-04-27T11:43:00.001-05:00

Episode 90 Sweater Knitting

Recycling a sweater link

Second recycling a sweater link

PIcture of the technique using worsted and sock weight yarns mixed.

Episode 89 DFW Fiberfest weekend

2011-04-11T22:31:00.003-05:00

Ronda and I talk about making a top down cardigan

Ronda got her spindle from Spinatitude

Episode 88 Let's Go!!

2011-03-25T10:02:00.003-05:00

Episode 88 Let’s Go!

Perfectionism can stop you from doing things that you love.

The Master Knitter program is fun and challenging!

Links

Knittinghelp.com

Ravelry

Plymouth Vizions yarn

DFW Fiberfest

Craftlit tour: Road to Rhinebeck

Sock Summit

Knit N Style Magazine

Cast On

Episode 87 Hive & Sneeze

2011-03-02T10:10:00.007-06:00

Episode 87 is up!!

Hive & Sneeze has been my life for the last week and a half.

Sprocket had his 4th birthday!!

The Big Texan and I have been taking drawing classes.

I am avoiding working on the Master Knitter program.

Projects finished:

and this Traveling woman shawl

Check your pattern!!!

2011-02-11T01:17:00.003-06:00

OK - so you should ALWAYS check your pattern for errata ONE LAST TIME before you start knitting.

It is a good thing that I am a true process knitter or I would have tossed my needles in the garbage today.

It started out this morning when I didn't double check my numbers before I started the lace section of a shawl. Did I count one last time to make sure that I had the right number of stitches? Nope. Did I knit the entire row once (over 180 stitches) before I realized that I was 2 stitches short? Yup. Did I realize that I had made a YO error in the previous row as well? Nope. Did I knit the entire row ONE more time before realizing it? Yup. So- I had to rip back three times before I got that row correct... fun.

Once I started the lace section - I realized after the first row that I wanted to do my double decrease so that there was no slant in it... instead of {slip 1, knit 2 together, pass the slipped stitch over} I decided to {slip 2 knitwise, knit one, pass the two slipped stitches over}. Did I go back and fix that first row? Nope.

After knitting 5 rows there is a problem... For some reason I can't make things line up correctly... hmmmm. I undo this row 4 times before I realize the pattern is off by ONE STUPID STITCH... So I fix the pattern - swearing that with over 4000 projects this pattern should be fine... go back to Rav, check the pattern and see that it is corrected BOLDLY over a year ago... Really? I had the pattern that long? hmmmm

ok - so it is fixed and I am ready to move on... Then I look at the double decreases in the beginning section of the lace. I don't like that slant... The stockinette section would flow prettily into the lace section if it didn't have that slant on the first row that is now corrected in all subsequent rows...

Fine - I will just drop down and fix that section.

Did you know that dropping down double decreases isn't as easy as it seems? Well - I found out.

I did drop down and get 4 out of the 5 correct - but slipped up on one and the whole process took over 30 minutes to boot.

Finally I decided it was a better idea to frog back to the stockinette section and start over on the lace.

That was a bit of a challenge as well because there are YOs in that section as well. Fine - 40 minutes later - I am back to where I was this morning before everything started. Oh yeah and I have to fudge the last bit of increases again because the way the pattern is written the math doesn't quite work here - but i can leave out a double decrease in the first center section and it will be fine...

I just love knitting, but I am not sure why.

Episode 86 Ice Holidays?!

2011-02-10T12:01:00.002-06:00

Episode 86 Ice Holidays

Mother Bear Project

Craftlit Tour 2010 Road to Rhinebeck

Long Stitch Wrap

Sonoma Socks

Snow Cap

Traveling Woman Shawl

Pampering

2011-01-20T23:23:00.002-06:00

Today was a day for pampering.

Spa chair, pedicure, manicure, waxing. 'Nuff said.

worth every bit.

Lovely Needles

2011-01-19T00:24:00.005-06:00

The Big Texan bought me some wonderful signature needles for my birthday. I have been wanting some for a while - but just couldn't see paying that kind of money for knitting needles. Now I can say that I wish I bought them ages ago. I started a sock on Sunday and have already turned the heel and am working my way down the foot. I cannot believe how quickly I have been knitting with these needles. They feel great in my hands, have nice balance and just the right amount of grip.

Lovely.

A great birthday present.

Link Added: The Signature Needles can be found HERE.

Watercolors?

2011-01-18T17:19:00.003-06:00

Today is the first class of a new adventure. The Big Texan wanted to take a watercolor class and so he signed us up through our local college. But we have to take a drawing class first. Tonight is the first night.

I think it will be fun.

We will see!!

Monday Monday

2011-01-17T17:18:00.001-06:00

Can't trust that day...

another monday...

Wake up

2011-01-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Most of the time, I naturally wake up early without an alarm. That is always nice. I don't have some horrible noise blaring in my ear to get me up. I just wake up in a soft sweet way.

Waking up in the morning is probably my favorite time of day. Everyone else is asleep and it is quiet. I can do whatever I want and no one bothers me. I can watch the sunrise and just sit and think. Or I can indulge in my love of infomercials for a little while. I can start a batch of biscuits, cook up bacon or just make oatmeal. Nothing has to be done big, nothing is pressing, no one is waiting on me.

If I am feeling industrious, I can make breakfast for everyone. If I am feeling indulgent, I can play on my computer for a little while. If I still feel tired and lazy, I can read for a bit.

Then when the alarms start going off to wake the rest of the house, I am ready to face the day and my family with smiles and the knowledge that I already had some special time for me.

Have you ever?

2011-01-15T22:39:00.004-06:00

OK - today I am fine - no problems - nothing. I guess it was a 24 hour thing.

anyway...

Have you ever decided to call your hairdresser and make an appointment for a haircut and then have 4 great hair days in a row?

Ever since I called my hairdresser last Wednesday to make an appointment (and MADE the appointment) I have been having GREAT hair days...

I don't understand it. I am thinking that I should cancel the appointment and enjoy the great hair days for a while. But I KNOW that as soon as I cancel the appointment my hair will rebel and I will look like a Wookie. But for now it is looking great.

The Big Texan and I are going on a trip to New Orleans for a week and I thought it would be a good idea to get a haircut before we left. Now I am wondering if I should wait until we get back. I need to decide quickly. Why does hair have to be so quirky?

maybe not

2011-01-14T22:28:00.002-06:00

Today went downhill fast. I don't know if I ate something bad or have the stomach flu - but it isn't pretty...

I have been cold and tired all day too - so it is probably an illness. Let's hope this doesn't progress too far down the dark sidewalk.

Even Better

2011-01-13T23:49:00.001-06:00

Ok - so today I couldn't get myself motivated very well... partially because it was cold and overcast. I don't really do that well with cold - and I really need the sunshine. I don't like overcast at all.

but I couldn't really get motivated. I tried to do some work in the spare bedroom, I got a little bit done - but I couldn't see and there was no room. Yuck.

So instead I cooked. There is a new grocery store around the corner from our house. IT IS A VERY NICE STORE. I went there to pick up a few things (and loved it loved it loved it). Then I came home and make a pretty good dinner.

I bought two chickens and had the butcher cut them in half. I put them in a big baking pan. I sprinkled them with a little olive oil, cinnamon and cardomon. Then I cut up a large sweet potato and a russet potato. I put the pieces all around the chicken. I baked the whole thing at 425 for an hour. I made a nice green salad and we had roast chicken, potatoes, and salad for dinner. I also made some homemade italian dressing for the salad. I haven't done that in ages. It was nice to cook a tasty healthy meal.

Tomorrow I will have to motivate and do a little cleaning - darn it.

Or maybe I can sit and knit.

A little better

2011-01-12T23:34:00.002-06:00

Ok - I feel a little better - tonight's dinner was a hit. I am so glad. It was a tortilla cassarole and the kids LOVED it even though it had things in it that they didn't like. I was shocked and surprised (and I think they were too).

Today was a good day at work. I taught a Beginner's Knitting Class and I must say this group of students is AWESOME! They pay attention, do their work and really try hard. It isn't often that you get a group like that. The funny thing is... the best student is only ten years old. She is great and works really hard. I forget that she isn't an adult because she acts so mature. That is nice to see in anyone - especially a student. And even better to see in a child.

Off Kilter

2011-01-11T23:27:00.003-06:00

I am sooo off on my cooking. I put together a Lasagna yesterday and cooked it for dinner today. The real problem is that I followed the recipe without changing a thing.

Not that good.

Edible - but not that good. The Big Texan is funny - he said that it was better than anything that his mom ever made - but she didn't cook, so that wasn't really a compliment. The problem was that there wasn't that much flavor. It was fine - but was lacking in spices. It was a meatless lasagna and that didn't help. Italian sausage can make a world of difference in the flavor. But - I am trying to cook a little healthier and didn't want to add any meat. I am going to be adding more in the spice department though... Healthy doesn't mean flavorless.

I am not going overboard on the healthy - but the Big Texan got a poor report from the doctor on his cholesterol and I want to make sure that I HELP and don't HINDER. Moderation is key for the Big Texan. If he gets unhappy with what he is eating, he will binge and have what ever he wants to make up for it. So I have to make sure he has just enough of things that are "questionable" to make him stay eating healthier.

It is a process. The process of retraining taste buds to crave healthier foods and not be so reliant on the fats and the sodium that are so prevalent in todays diet.

Monday blues

2011-01-10T23:34:00.003-06:00

Today was a regular Monday. Had to work all day. Got to knit. Got home late.

It is now already time to go to bed...

Where did the day go?

Where they all go - in the past and done.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could save days like you save money? Only you could earn interest on them too?

The only place to save a day is in your memory. You have to use it ALL up - every day. You don't get to save it. You don't get to use it later when you are feeling better or you have more friends around. You have to use every ONE all the time.

The best hope is to be able to say "I have used most of my days up and don't have a lot that were only half appreciated."

Lazy Sunday?

2011-01-09T23:30:00.001-06:00

Lots of work today... to tired to blog... COLD WET weather outside.

Posted a podcast though...

Yeah!

Happy Birthday party!

2011-01-08T23:50:00.002-06:00

Today we went and had a birthday party for Sparky - my oldest grandson! He turned 6 and wanted to go to the local pizza place and play games and race cars. We all went and had a great time. It was easy not to eat to much pizza becuase it was just awful - but since we really went to play - that was fine.

He was happy and laughing - for me that was the sweetest thing about his birthday; his enjoyment.

Later - the Big Texan and I went to my dad's to drop off a stollen (German fruit bread) for him. Then we went to dinner and a movie. We saw True Grit. It was a really good movie. I liked it as much as the first one done in 1969 with John Wayne. But I liked it in a different way. Jeff Bridges did a great job and the young girl was extremely good. Now I want to see the original again so that I can make a real comparison.

A great day!

2011-01-07T23:32:00.002-06:00

Today was a pretty good day! I spent most of it baking in my new kitchen! The work in there is almost completed and I can cook and bake to my hearts content. I made Stollen (it is a dense German fruit bread). When I was growing up, my mom and grandma made it every Christmas holiday. It was one of our favorite things about Christmas. I bought the stuff to make it before Christmas - but wasn't able to get in my kitchen to bake it. But I WAS able to get in there today and make some! I love it. I am going to take some over to my Dad's this weekend too. He loves it and never makes it. So I try to make him some every Christmas. He was dissapointed when I didn't get a batch made before Christmas - so I hope he is happy to get it now.

But the real reason it is a great day is because - Six years ago today my oldest grandson was born! He is a light in my life. Sparky has autism and is a very smart little boy. He isn't the easiest to communicate with - but he is a great guy and we love him dearly. Tomorrow we are going to celebrate his birthday at a pizza place. I can't wait!!

Not much fun - but I am getting there!

2011-01-06T23:33:00.001-06:00

Today was not a fun day. I got a lot of things done - but I was in a bad mood for most of the day... I don't really know why.

I was able to unpack another box and got some things put away. I also found more of my kitchen things that were "stored" by the contract help. I was getting angry about it - but cheered up a little when I was able to locate some of the things.

I found out that my pasta maker (that I have had for YEARS) had a recall in 2007. I don't know if I should get the new part or just unplug it everytime I am going to put my hands in it... The recall is that sometimes the safety switch doesn't engage when the top is opened and fingers can get crushed. I am pretty paranoid about things and usually unplug ANY appliance that I am putting my hands into (if it has moving parts), so this has never been an issue. They have a new top lid that they can send to me - but I have to hunt down the information (I don't have the original box and the serial number is not on the machine itself). I am not sure it is worth it.

I made dinner today - it was Chicken Kiev, stuffed flounder, mashed potatoes, creamed cauliflower, green beans and rice. (I only had two chicken breasts and two pieces of fish and there are four of us...) I forgot how much I love creamed cauliflower and how nasty cauliflower smells while it is cooking.

I was able to sit and knit for about an hour tonight... thank goodness. I needed the break.

I also was able to knit on something mindless and relaxing (which is a huge change). I forget how great mindless knitting can be.

I got all of my knitting books put into ravelry. There were several that they don't have in their database - but most of them went in just fine. I forgot how many books I have - I have GOT to look through some of them for patterns. FUN!!!

Have you ever been tired?

2011-01-05T21:58:00.001-06:00

WOW - I am so tired that I kept falling asleep in front of the TV and it is ONLY 9:30!!! Finally I realized how stupid I was and have come upstairs to go to bed...

I can't believe that I am this tired...

Working on the pantry

2011-01-04T23:22:00.002-06:00

Today the contractors put in the pantry. Did you know that I have been living without a pantry for the last three months? Yup - it has been really hard to cook or find anything. I have to look through boxes and boxes just to find a couple of things. I have had to toss a LOT of food becuase it went bad.

But now I have a pantry.

It took ALL DAY to get everything in there and some of it just doesn't fit. It was a matter of organizing things and trying to be able to get to everything.

I have a lot of stuff

a lot of appliances.

and a lot of spices.

They are going to put in a shelf case too...

thank goodness.

Bubble Baths

2011-01-03T23:44:00.003-06:00

Today was a long work day... but I came home and took the BEST HOT BUBBLE bath ever....

Wonderful.

I haven't had such a nice bath in a while. I used to have some bubbles that were "Hollywood style Bubbles" I wish I could remember the brand - they were very expensive and wonderful.

But I put on some lotion after the bath that smells like Honey and Orange. I swear I smell like I am wearing some orange blossom honeycomb. It smells a little bit like mead.

I love topping off a great day with an awesome bubble bath.

I make them really hot too.

Lazy Day

2011-01-02T22:31:00.003-06:00

Some days are just lazy. I thought about getting up this morning and starting to work on cleaning up and organizing the house- then I realized that I haven't let myself relax in over a week... Soooo

I cleaned part of the pantry, put away the dishes from the dishwasher, made a grocery list, found the missing manual and recipe book online for my breadmaker (I know I will find the physical copies soon but didn't want to waste too much time looking for them), made breakfast, and cleaned out the refrigerator. THEN I sat on my butt and watched an entire movie without doing anything else. Nothing. I just sat. It was kinda weird and I got really cold - so I had to grab a blanket. I didn't knit, read or surf the net while I was watching the movie.

After the movie it was about 9:30am and I realized that I needed to get a few things done - so I cleaned the kitchen counters, swept the floor and washed the few breakfast dishes in the sink. Then I sat AGAIN and watched some cooking programs.

I know it sounds silly - but I felt so decadent just sitting and not doing anything. The Big Texan put together his anniversary present. I got him a grill for our anniversary. He has been showing this grill to EVERYONE in our family for the last two months. He really wanted this grill. We had to get rid of our grill this last summer because the bottom had finally rusted out. I even got him a grill cover for it. I made him some lunch and sat and watched ANOTHER TV program. I really don't think that I have watched that much TV in a while... especially when I wasn't knitting on anything.

Later in the afternoon we went over to Southlake Town Square and did a little shopping - we had to stop at the grocery store on the way home so we decided to stop at Sprouts in Keller. I like that store - it seems that everything in there is organic. But it was a little expensive so we ran over to Kroger to pick up a few other little things as well.

Once we got home - I made dinner and we watched some sports on TV.

All in all - I was able to cook all three meals again at home. YEAH!

The Big Texan did invite me out to dinner this week - to celebrate our anniversary. One of the nice things about being married on New Year's Eve is that you can always find a party or something to do on your anniversary- One of the NOT as nice things is that if you decide to go out to eat on you actual birthday then you are charged an arm and a leg in comparisons to your other evenings.

As long as I still cook at home at least one meal that day, I think that will be OK.

oh yeah - does and English Muffin count as a meal?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:11:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone's days are as wonderful as can be. Mine has already started out fun! I got to see the grandkids this morning and my older kids this afternoon. I cooked all THREE meals today! I loved it. After months of not being able to use my kitchen I am determined to get back into the swing of things. I will have to MAKE myself do it at first - but it should get easier.

I am so out of practice with the cooking thing... must work on that. Of course that means I will be going to the grocery store more often - but is that really a bad thing? And they are putting a brand new grocery store closer to my house.

Episode 84 Holidays is UP!!

2010-12-01T23:38:00.002-06:00

To see episode notes - please go to: www.knittingrose.com

Where does the time go?

2010-11-28T22:58:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I never posted pictures here (and I am not going to now). I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and your holidays are going well. Every day is a new adventure (or a new problem - however you want to look at things). I prefer adventures.

Whenever I am having a really bad day - I go here. It never fails to cheer me and up and makes me laugh EVERY time I watch it.

What? Another trip?

2010-10-10T22:11:00.002-05:00

I just got back from another trip... had no internet access (that was less than $30 a day)... Will have to tell about it in pictures... tomorrow -

I have been up for more than 24 hours...

this is not the time for uploading... this is the time for sleep...

SFO Last Day

2010-09-02T09:18:00.009-05:00

On my last day in SFO I took a trip out of town and into the wine country.

The tour guide was pretty interesting. He gave me some facts about San Francisco that I didn't know. San Francisco is only about 7 x 7 miles. That is not very big at all! The 1906 earthquake was the largest recorded earthquake in North America at 8.2. I am so glad that we haven't had any earthquakes while I have been here. I really don't want to experience any.

We drove across the Golden Gate on the way out of town.

And traveled through Salsilito (I don't know if I spelled that right). Did you know that Salsilito has some houseboat neighborhoods? Isn't that something? I guess you wouldn't have to worry about mowing your lawn!

Our first stop was a small winery that doesn't distribute it's wines. Since Homewood Winery only makes 3000 bottles a year, you can only buy from their tasting room.

This was the best winery of the day, and it wasn't just because my palate was fresh. I thought the people were the nicest there as well. I almost waited to buy anything (since it was the first stop), but I am so glad that I went ahead and purchased some bottles and had them sent home.

I knew that the wine country of California was beautiful - but I had no idea of how beautiful.

The wineries were beautiful as well - some had fountains and courtyards.

They were picture perfect places...

We stopped at a couple of wineries and then had lunch in Sonoma. The square was lovely.

I had never seen ducks that had little feathery hats on them - check it out

There were flower gardens

and fountains

And I saw some of the prettiest roses

I do love roses...

After Sonoma - we drove over to Napa and visited a winery there. I didn't like the wine or that winery - they were rude. One of the pourers would snidely correct your grammar and I just didn't like that.

"Can I try your Cabernet?"

"I don't know if you can, but you may."

snob

That is not the way to endear someone to buy your wine.

The wineries were wonderful - I am going to have to talk the Big Texan into coming out here...

SFO Day 5

2010-09-01T00:06:00.008-05:00

SFO Day 5

Today was Alcatraz! I was sooo excited. I had a hard time going to sleep and woke up really early! I was walking to the cable car station and ran into this...

see the name? Funny huh? If you can't read it - it says "Tonight - Brad Wilson" It just struck me as really funny. I would have zoomed in - but my camera has DEAD batteries and I left the extra batteries and the charger at home. I was going to buy new batteries - but they were way too expensive - so I am just using my phone instead.

Anyway - the trip out to Alcatraz on the boat was cool. I love being on boats.

It was a little sad because I went all by myself - but I am getting more used to it. It can be fun.

Going to the ROCK. (now I have to watch that movie again).

There was so much to look at on the island. I walked forever... (mostly uphill)

Guard Tower

How small the cells were.

The exercise yard

See how isolated it feels from the rest of the world?

Breakfast menu for the inmates (I know it is weird the things that I am interested in taking picutres of... )

an old staircase coming up from the pier. See the overgrown one with no handrails above the fencing? This is what people had to walk up with their purchases from town...

I almost didn't want to leave Alcatraz

After getting back to the mainland, I was going to meet Butterfly for tea. I walked back along Fisherman's Wharf

Had some tea

Isn't it adorable? It was delicious. I think I LOVE tea time! (it helps that I had a little sherry with my tea).

After we had tea - we were going to walk along the pier - but Butterfly fell and really hurt her knee. So we sat and had a drink at an outdoor cafe while she iced her knee. (she isn't in this picture - I just wanted to show the cool outdoor cafe).

She isn't in this picture either - but at least I am... It isn't a very good picture - but hey - whatever.

Rode back on a cable car

I tried to take a picture while I was hanging on the outside of the cable car - but I deleted it accidentally.

dang

SFO day five

2010-08-31T00:51:00.004-05:00

Today was not much - mostly shopping and walking.

I hate to shop. I like walking.

I went by Grace Cathedral and Huntington's Park. Grace's Cathedral is a beautiful Epsicopal Church with the awesome carved doors.

They are pictures of stories in the Bible.

It also has these GREAT stained glass windows. I lit a candle for my mom and my grandmother.

Huntington's Park is a cute little park right across the street that is just stuck in the middle of the city. Here is one of the fountains.

Tomorrow is Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf.

SFO Day four

2010-08-30T01:53:00.005-05:00

Day Four

This morning was funny. I had to get up, check out of my hotel and move to a new hotel. I thought it was going to be a bad day because EVERYTHING went wrong. I woke up late - went and worked out and started packing my suitcase. How is it that you can have more stuff even when you don't BUY ANYTHING!? Ok - so I did buy a couple of things - but not that much! I bought two small skeins of yarn and a small pill box. THAT shouldn't be enough to make it difficult to pack. But it was...

I also had two bottles of wine that Butterfly and I had bought and THAT was tough. I had to put those in my bag with the computer - This shoulder bag must have weighed about 30 pounds! Being a thrifty sort, I decided to take a bus to the new hotel instead of taking a cab...

It was NOT easy carrying my suitcase (30 pounds), my shoulder bag (30 pounds), and my purse (5 pounds at most). Then the bus got really crowded and I had to shoulder and force my way off the bus and it wasn't easy. Thank goodness I am the strong sort...

I did have one really bad problem. After eating at the Stinking Rose, I really really really smelled like garlic. I know the people on the bus were offended. One fellow actually wrinkled his nose when I got close... It was rather embarassing. I had to walk about 4 or 5 blocks from the bus stop to my hotel so most of the garlic was sweated out of me before noon.

The new hotel is a Wyndham it is lovely.

Here is the sitting area

The Bedroom

See the shower too?

After getting checked in - I ran over to ImagiKnit to meet Manda (she used to live in DFWand now lives here in CA).

They had a wonderful selection of yarns...

and this is only ONE of the rooms!!

What is one of the first yarns that I pick up?

MadelineTosh... (I just love her stuff).

Oh check this out, I saw this on the way to ImagiKnit...

at the bottom it says

BPcares.co.uk

Don't you just love the Castro District of San Francisco?

Anyway - after the knit shop we ran over to Chinatown for lunch and had some Dim Sum. I love Dim Sum. Just Love it!

Aren't these Chinese lanterns cool?

Manda and I said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It was great fun to see her - she is such a sweetie!

Butterfly came back into town and we had dinner at ...

THE STINKING ROSE!!!

I think I am on garlic overload. I don't think I will smell normal again for a while... mostly I am going to smell like garlic. Hope the Big Texan doesn't mind.

It was a fun, long, wonderful day...

What am I going to do tomorrow?

SFO day three

2010-08-29T11:09:00.012-05:00

Day Three

Funny - but I am getting used to the blank wall outside my window. I don't mind waking up to it any more.

This morning I got up and worked out first thing (because I am obviously not walking enough and getting enough exercise...) Actually I am still working out because I don't want to get out of the habit. It is good for me anyway.

I have a friend who lives in Sacramento and she is staying here with me - but she is NOT a morning person and yesterday we didn't get going until late (about 10 which is noon Texas time) and I felt like half of the day was gone. So I hopped up and got going and was going to go over to a yarn shop first thing this morning. WELL - my friend surprised me and got up and got ready earlier and we went to a little tea shop for breakfast.

It was an adorable little shop and the tea was delicious. Then we were going to toodle around a little bit and my friend (Butterfly) wanted to stop for an Irish Coffee.

Here is the way the conversation went:

Butterfly: "Let's stop for an Irish Coffee"

Me: "No, I am full of tea and I don't like Irish Coffee"

Butterfly: "Just for a minute - let's stop"

Me: "Ok, I don't want anything, but I will sit with you while you have one"

Butterfly: "Ok"

Then we walk in and sit down and Butterfly says to the waiter "Two Irish Coffees please."

I have to admit that the Irish Coffee was good IF you like Irish Coffee (which I don't) and IF you are not full of tea (which I was).

It was in a pretty little glass.

I drank it just to stop the madness (and the argument)

I love Butterfly - but she is really demanding and pushy. Take that above conversation and put ANYTHING in place of Irish Coffee and that is the way most of our stuff has been.

"Let's stop for coffee"

"I don't like coffee"

"Just sit with me, Two coffees please"

"Let's go to the night excursion of Alcatraz"

"No - I don't want to go at night - I want to go during the day - I think going at night is creepy"

"Two tickets for the night excursion of Alcatraz please"

"Let's eat at this restaurant"

"No - I want to eat at the Stinking Rose - I have been looking forward to it for two days"

"I made reservations for us at Da Flora"

These are all actual conversations between Butterfly and me... I am going to have to say something soon - or I will go nuts.

BECAUSE of the above conversations I am glad she went home for a night... I am on my own for the latter half of day three and I got to do anything I wanted to...

Here is what I did!

I went to Atelier Yarns because I needed a serious yarn fix.

It was heavenly. Since I was so close I walked over to see the Painted Ladies

I had to get a picture like this one because of a certain TV show that I like...

I think the Painted Ladies are just lovely and there are some other really cool houses around the area as well.

I went back to the Financial District and got a picture of the triangle shaped building (I can't remember the name of it)

and I finally got to eat at the Stinking Rose.

The Stinking Rose is a restaurant devoted to garlic and since I LOVE garlic - I had to try it. OMG it was awesome. It has garlic decorations all over the place.

I got an Iron Skillet of shrimp

and some roasted garlic with crostini

YUM - Of course I will be smelling like garlic for a couple of days - but I don't care.

On the way out of the restaurant - I walked by this in the alley...

the window above...

Can you imagine what inspired THAT?

I walked around in the City Lights Bookstore - WHAT a cool place!

Then I walked back around on the Pier and saw this...

I didn't have the nerve to put in a coin. See the movie BIG if you don't understand the reference.

I ended up at a bar for a nightcap. They have over 68 beers on tap.

I saw this and it reminded me of the Big Texan.

I wish I could afford something like that for him...

then I went back to the hotel and fell into bed...

What a great day.

SFO day two

2010-08-26T19:35:00.008-05:00

Day Two

Evidently I have a nice aura... at least that is what the lady who wanted to read my palm told me last night.

I walked along the Pier (had to see the Sea Lions) and bought a couple of jackets. I love the jackets in San Francisco. They are a light comfortable material that I can't find in Texas. You REALLY need them here too. I had to call the Big Texan and ask him what month it was... it does NOT feel like August here. It feels like late fall. But that is my Texan showing.

Today was quite a walk. I walked to Ghirardelli Square (you know the chocolate place?) and it was cool. See the fountain?

Too bad that the restaurant decided that 3 minutes was too late to have breakfast.... the place (Lori's Diner) decided that I couldn't have eggs and bacon - but I could have a BLT. All the while the table next to me was having French Toast... whatever... they got their food after me - but I guess they walked in the door 3 minutes prior. I thought they ordered after me too - but WHATEVER. I am not bitter. But I won't be eating there again...

Don't mess with me and my food - that is all I can say.

Then I took a little stroll up to Lombard Street...

Yeah - that is my little stroll. Just a tiny jaunt up a $% degree angle!!!! (that is 45 for those who don't read expletive).

It was very... ummm... whatever... It WAS.

Pictures really say it all.

I would love to drive a motorcycle down this... NOT!

But what a view

It was quite a walk.

I came back to the hotel and took off for dinner. Dinner was at this wonderful place called De Flora (OMG) it was the best food I have EVER eaten. I never thought that I would like whipped salted cod... but there it is. I loved it. And the wine...

Yeah - that is only one section of ONE wall of the wine. It was beautiful and bountiful.

I have made plans to go to Alcatraz and see the Painted ladies and all kinds of wonderful things.

Excitement is my middle name. (maybe not - but it is fun)

Taking a trip to San Francisco

2010-08-26T17:38:00.003-05:00

Day One

This morning I got up really early to take a trip to SFO.

There was a beautiful Texas sunrise to see me off.

Since we had to go across town to the airport - I didn't get up early enough to ride my bike - so no exercise this morning. I didn't realize how important that would be later in the day. You see - I exercise every morning so that I can eat what I WANT during the day. If I get it out of the way first thing in the morning - then I can eat reasonable meals. (This is my definition of reasonable - which has been seriously messed up by our society and the fact that I live in Texas where portions are even bigger...)

Anyway - so my darling hubby takes me to the airport (no he isn't going on this trip - what is it to you?) and I already miss him before I get on the plane. I miss him for more than just his ability to carry bags... I miss him for the companionship and the experiences that you want to share with someone... I will probably be calling him a lot while I am gone.

There is NO line at the checkin or at security - wow - this trip is starting out great! I get a good seat on the airplane and proceed to zone out for a few legs...

At our second stop (no - it wasn't a through flight - but it was cheap) we have to get off the plane and board a new plane. BUT - I didn't realize this. When we landed I heard the announcement that this would be our plane for San Francisco. I picked up the phone and called the Dear Hubby to let him know (and because I was bored). Well - I MISSED THE ANNOUNCEMENT that told us we were going to have to change planes... After a couple of minutes - I looked around and realized that it was only me and another passenger with a child left on the plane... hmmmmm ... The flight attendant then said "Do you not realize that this plane is NOT going to San Francisco? You have to go to gate C9." Oops! I am a little frazzled and hook it on over the gate C9 (and I call hubby on the way to let him know what a dolt I am - see how this shared experiences thing can get in the way?). I get on the plane and land in SFO. It has been a while since i have ridden on BART (San Francisco's public transit system) - but I hop on and go to Embarcadero where I am figuring on taking a cab.

Let me back up here a second. Before I got on the plane this morning I had to have some breakfast. I knew better that to have a biscuit or a Cinnamon Roll - but I needed something. I thought an English muffin would be a better bet - but I didn't think to just order an English Muffin - I decide to get an Egg McMuffin and some hash browns BEFORE I count the calories on them. Let's just say that McDonalds is the devil. Before I knew it - I had already had almost HALF my calories for the day! Remember why I usually exercise in the morning? THIS IS WHY! I want to be able to eat something and not worry about it! Well - since I didn't exercise - I am now worried about it. So I am in San Francisco at Embarcadero station and think - "Hey! I will just walk to the hotel and get in some exercise!" What a great idea! Well - my hotel is on Fisherman's Wharf. That is NOT just a couple of blocks - and San Francisco is not the plains of Texas. It is 1.5 miles up and down hills and I am carrying a 20lb bag and dragging a 30lb suitcase. NOT the most fun idea I have had all week. It takes me about 35 minutes and I am a little worn out when I get to the hotel - but I GOT IN SOME exercise. I tally up the calorie expense and realize I have bought myself about 187 calories... not very much - but better than nothing. Oh well.

I check into my room and excitedly go to the window to see the view. Guess what the view is!

A blank wall.

Yup that is it! Oh well - again I will enjoy walking around and seeing the pier (it is somewhere around here - right?)

A blank wall - seriously?

Episode 77 Summertime

2010-06-16T20:33:00.002-05:00

Blue Heron Rayon Metallic yarn

Freya Shawl

Traveling Woman Shawl

Kirra knit - Berroco book #294 Origami yarn

London, Bath & Wales with CraftLit

Episode 76: And we're back...

2010-05-31T22:23:00.006-05:00

Blue Heron Rayon Metallic yarn

Knitting Fairy

Kirra knit - Berroco book #294 Origami yarn

London, Bath & Wales with CraftLit

Tribute to Papa Gus - The Big Ol' Texan

2010-05-26T00:18:00.003-05:00

thanks to my son & his wife for this lovely tribute to their grandfather.

Time out

2010-05-20T13:07:00.002-05:00

I am taking some time out due to a death in the family. I will be posting a podcast again - but not right now.

thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Episode 75: Another day in Paradise

2010-04-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

Episode 75 Another day in Paradise

Blue Heron Rayon Metallic yarn

Episode 74: Recovery

2010-04-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Episode 74 Recovery

Sensory Friendly Films

www.ravelry.com

Madelinetosh Yarns

BrooksFarm Yarns

Episode 73: Derailed

2010-04-05T11:27:00.001-05:00

Ok - so it wasn’t allergies. I had a bad cold.

I am at the tail end of the cold now - so I hope it all clears up soon. (and by clear up - I mean I hope that my nose gets unstopped).

My son - Army Guy is still here. He was only supposed to be here until yesterday - but his visa wasn’t completed and his passport is still in transit. There are plans for him to fly out on Friday - but that is only if his passport is here in time. Otherwise - he will get to be here for Easter! (which would be wonderful).

Craftlit London Bath & Wales Trip

Episode 72: Oversharing

2010-03-23T19:59:00.002-05:00

I have put up a (sort of) podcast. It is just to let everyone know that I am still here. It is short and personal.

I will post a real podcast soon.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

Episode 71: Jumping off the deep end

2010-03-08T21:09:00.003-06:00

Jumping off the deep end out of the corporate world, back into reality of my family life.

I am knitting a Moebius Scarf by Cat Bordhi - the Big Texan tells me that a moebius strip is a mathmatical representation of the 4th dimension... I don't know if it is true - but it sure sounds cool doesn't it? I want to knit it out of Eco-Wool.

We went and saw Alice in Wonderland this week.

I am going to knit a shadow scarf (Illusion knitting).

We had a GREAT hotdog at Billy Miner’s in Fort Worth.

Episode 70: What? Another Holiday Monday? How did that happen?

2010-02-22T20:07:00.003-06:00

Episode 70 is up...

I talk a little about what is going on with the Big Texan & I...

I am using the Rosetta Stone software to learn to speak Spanish this year.

Latest knitting includes the Impressions Mushroom Cap & I am using Trabajos de Peru yarn to knit it... I LOVE how this is turning out...

Moebius Scarf by Cat Bordhi - the Big Texan tells me that a moebius strip is a mathmatical representation of the 4th dimension... I don't know if it is true - but it sure sounds cool doesn't it? I want to knit it out of Eco-Wool.

Episode 69: Almost there...

2010-02-10T21:16:00.002-06:00

A short podcast is up..

Episode 68: Holiday Mondays throw me off!

2010-01-25T19:27:00.007-06:00

My birthday was GREAT. We went to a lot of places that I don’t get to go to very often. We went to White Rock Weaving, the Shabby Sheep. Later we stopped and had the best cupcakes at Sprinkles. We had dinner at Zambrano Wines in Fort Worth.
It was a wonderful day!

My knitting speed is back up! I am so glad!

Episode 67 A Second try

2010-01-11T20:41:00.005-06:00

Sparky is 5 now!!!

I am teaching classes at DFWFiberfest - check it out if you are going to be in the Dallas Fort Worth area...

KnittingFairy.com is full of patterns and knitterly goodness

the Knitting Nook is my LYS

The best bind off (and the only one I use now) is Jeny's Surprisingly stretchy bind off

THIS is the Knitty.com tutorial

THIS is the Cat Bordhi video

Episode 66: A Brand new year!

2010-01-04T19:27:00.003-06:00

New Group I just joined on Ravelry...

LOTSAFOS10-It is a group designed to help you work through your stash and have lots of FOs (finished objects) in the new year 2010!!

On the needles

Linen Baby Blanket

Fingerless Mitts in hot pink

Ribbed Hat

Not really on the needles yet... just carrying it around right now... Bella Mittens

Fingerless Gloves (with fingers)

Knitting from the Bin is OFF!! I have begun and I think that I am going to be enjoying this!! I am already excited about it.

Not scheduling yet... but after the first of the year - I will be starting a CHAT time in the Knitting Rose Podcast group on Ravelry - let me know what you think!

Episode 65: Mid December, it's almost Christmas

2009-12-21T20:36:00.002-06:00

Two websites to help with your knitting
Techknitting.blogspot.com
knittinghelp.com

Off the needles
Braided Cable Scarf

On the needles
Linen Baby Blanket

Not really on the needles yet... just carrying it around right now... Bella Mittens

After the first of the year - I will be starting a CHAT time in the Knitting Rose Podcast group on Ravelry - let me know what you think!

I will also be starting a "Knitting from the Bin" series... we will see how this goes!!!

Episode 64: Defined - An honest Texas perspective

2009-12-08T19:23:00.006-06:00

I let you know how I 'define' my podcast...

Sensory Friendly Film is going to be "The Princess and the Frog" I am really looking forward to the time with Sparky!

On the needles
Braided Cable Scarf
Linen Baby Blanket
Bella Mittens

After the first of the year - I will be starting a CHAT time in the Knitting Rose Podcast group on Ravelry - let me know what you think!

I will also be starting a "Knitting from the Bin" series... we will see how this goes!!!

Episode 63: Just Keep Spinning

2009-11-23T20:32:00.003-06:00

Kid N Ewe in Boerne was a FUN fiber festival. I stayed with Buffalo Gold most of the time - but also had time to visit with Brooks Farm Yarn (what is that in my bag?) and the Knitting Fairy.

I got some fiber (wonderful Butterfly Bits) for SPINNING from Butterfly Girl.

recommended podcasts:

Cogknitive

Knitajourney

CraftLit

I finished the Mara shawl and have now started on a Baby Blanket in Linen.

Have you ever been to Kid N Ewe?

2009-11-18T13:13:00.004-06:00

Kid N Ewe in Boerne was AWESOME! I spent most of my time in the Buffalo Gold booth - but I did get to walk around and shop some too.

It seems that I spent most of my money at Brooks Farm... I got enough Willow for a shawl in some lovely citrus yellow shades. I KNOW that won't look very good on me, but I DON'T care. I love the yellow/green colors and will use it just because I love it. I also got enough Acero for the same shawl in a color that WILL look good on me (Black & Silver). I also bid on the Brooks Farm Silent Auction entry which was full of an assortment of Brooks Farm yarns. It was put together so prettily - but I didn't get a picture. It was a bright shiny pail that was lined with some pretty blue fiber (I am not sure what kind - but I am going to spin it anyway). The pretty fiber supported a bottle of red wine, two jars of nuts, two wine glasses, chocolates, celebration horns and confetti. These were nestled in skeins of Mas Acero, Ellie, Four Play, Solana, & Solo. it was all wrapped up prettily with some bright ribbons and cellophane. I was so excited that I overbid myself and had to borrow some money from my girlfriend to pay! (I have already paid her back and I sent her home with some fiber as well). I also got a couple of bags of Butterfly bits from Butterfly girl. That is fiber, if you didn't know. I also picked up a couple of skeins of Fiberlady laceweight in a beautiful indigo dyed color. The color matches the Big Texan's eyes and I am going to make him a scarf out of it. I don't care if it is shiny - it will be beautiful and make him look sooo handsome.

So did you notice that I said I was going to spin some fiber? Yup - I am. My girlfriend had me buy a spindle and she taught me how to spin on it. My yarn isn't very good - but I am really enjoying it. She just sat me down and made me do it. I think I was finally ready because I actually WANTED to do it and I wasn't afraid for the first time. It seems silly to be afraid to spin - but there it is...

I have been spinning every evening for about 10-15 minutes since I got home and I really really like it. I just don't want it to get in the way of my knitting.

Speaking of knitting, I finally finished the Mara shawl and the Chevron scarf. I thought I would NEVER get done with them - but they are finished! I seriously think the Mara shawl was unknitting itself at night so that I would have to continue knitting on it...

I have never had a shawl that fit me properly... I always make them too big because I am so short. But this one fits me JUST RIGHT! It doesn't make me look shorter than I am (which is a feat in itself). It makes me realize that I need to adjust my patterns more instead of just following directions blindly. Customization is key in knitting! This shawl is done in Madelinetosh yarn (Malachite color)... yum...

The Chevron scarf has yet to be blocked - but I just LOVE the way it looks. I like the colors in it so much that I am going to make a hat to go with it. I have plenty of yarn for it.

I also came home with a pair of gloves from Buffalo Gold. These are for MMM (Math Marine Man) in Chicago. They will be plenty warm for him and he will love them.

I took my camera with me - but I didn't take ONE - NOT ONE - picture. I am sooooo bad. The Big Texan did NOT come with me either, so it was a little strange. I did have a girlfriend come with me and I am so glad. It was great to have someone to hang out with for dinner and we made ourselves peanut butter and banana sandwiches for lunch. She has a son who is allergic to peanuts - so she doesn't keep peanut butter in the house. I have a DIL that is allergic to bananas - so I don't keep those in the house either... We HAD to have the sandwiches! She also baked some banana bread and pumpkin bread for us for breakfast - so we ate like kings! We also brought the fixings for White Russians and Buttery N*pples. Yup - DRINKS!! grown up drinks - no less. We both giggled like school girls and had a great time.

It was a great weekend - even though I missed the grandkids...