tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80042632024-03-13T20:01:36.870-07:00YarnivorousLynne's random ravings about life, the universe and everything with added dashes of crafting and gardeningyarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.comBlogger1512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-41419237190828995192018-01-25T20:37:00.002-08:002018-01-25T20:37:26.593-08:00Seattle SixG'day all!<br />
<br />
12 is a big number around here, being all to do with Seattle Seahawks and the 12th man - did you know that American football has 11 players active on the ground at any one time and the twelfth man is the spectators watching the game? I didn't. I know about the 12th man in cricket but not this thing that has been adopted here regarding what I usually call gridiron.<br />
<br />
But I don't want to talk about American football and I don't want to talk about 12, I want to talk about six.<br />
<br />
Yes, we have now been in Seattle for six years (and a number of days).<br />
<br />
Six<br />
<br />
years.<br />
<br />
Where has the time gone?<br />
<br />
This is our seventh winter - how have we managed? Some people love gloom but we are solar powered. And Seattle tends to be rather gloomy in winter. I manage by making stuff like crazy, I wear bright colours, and I hang out online on Ravelry. Without my rav mates, I'd be bored out of my brain. I'd get a job but I don't have a work permit and that means no job for me!<br />
<br />
We had such excitement this Christmas. We had snow! A White Christmas, only my second ever and the last one was sorta cheating since we were in Canada in one of the snowy parts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hyuv6dfR9FkDDA9H27qJjdSa0w2H1kFcvQbchQFwrNzxTUCQYy1hodO0XX4jbjoXfOIiLjKXqD2ESIu-_mfTBrlVWpVSFJLUCdeJeupUp_yLZAncG_9kN4niV8m_cxHM4xvBSQ/s1600/20171225_102112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hyuv6dfR9FkDDA9H27qJjdSa0w2H1kFcvQbchQFwrNzxTUCQYy1hodO0XX4jbjoXfOIiLjKXqD2ESIu-_mfTBrlVWpVSFJLUCdeJeupUp_yLZAncG_9kN4niV8m_cxHM4xvBSQ/s320/20171225_102112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyow2mYwjSuxnftRnBAbxSVOKs12mon9-Kzk0Ogetd0Y8hmv2qAydEaTrJYzPYCk33aEoox6ba2Aa9JlWw-l0hjt2Pjqd3prIZpEOyrP6DEq0cEJyNbyFZX5zOjfFUGGx2pl1qAw/s1600/20171225_093444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyow2mYwjSuxnftRnBAbxSVOKs12mon9-Kzk0Ogetd0Y8hmv2qAydEaTrJYzPYCk33aEoox6ba2Aa9JlWw-l0hjt2Pjqd3prIZpEOyrP6DEq0cEJyNbyFZX5zOjfFUGGx2pl1qAw/s320/20171225_093444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is amazing how the most unappealing locations suddenly look pretty in snow and nice locations look amazing. The industrial areas near here look like fairyland. And may I just say I actually enjoyed driving my car home in snow on Christmas Eve? I took things gently and slithered around some corners - it was quite interesting seeing how the car slid at certain points and how to regain control, safely because there were so few cars on the road.<br />
<br />
I'm making stuff - most recent finishes are this sock (okay I need to weave in the ends)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UdF5R4_ktJf0SCbBegEZ5WVEJsyMnKrYsKw5L9VIxeNgNxyj-wbjhdTM_9Af7JQOTNsEbtjqYu1g_h2pUva6wWWpCyUNifKlCfkShvdYtoWV2kv26bJwGm7B1E41GMFCp_UePg/s1600/20180106_201618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UdF5R4_ktJf0SCbBegEZ5WVEJsyMnKrYsKw5L9VIxeNgNxyj-wbjhdTM_9Af7JQOTNsEbtjqYu1g_h2pUva6wWWpCyUNifKlCfkShvdYtoWV2kv26bJwGm7B1E41GMFCp_UePg/s320/20180106_201618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And I refinished this jumper that needed to be longer. I had to graft it together. Not pretty but eh, it is fine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gvWNVhQ2wAPJuHTFdpwzxlsIg3HdkGPyqTzn_J7jlA6V1X3b5JlbihH_vhTonfgkyU3ESfYcwVujT3WmrUDBuNY71FQ-sGZiMyZdnERmhPvmcUuLOpu7J3lt-BmlZ8WiD0cGGA/s1600/20180103_172135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gvWNVhQ2wAPJuHTFdpwzxlsIg3HdkGPyqTzn_J7jlA6V1X3b5JlbihH_vhTonfgkyU3ESfYcwVujT3WmrUDBuNY71FQ-sGZiMyZdnERmhPvmcUuLOpu7J3lt-BmlZ8WiD0cGGA/s320/20180103_172135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a cardigan for me<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2DbebreQXr7HQ2lQxhN9GvD2ZaQOmuzb76d7hj2XHN4NobUCHlr0EGA_ZzzjzkcPU_ePWj8YMxtrRWRGpIPRZzdqIrs8ydu21PdamvSb2T2lLDcPIzcDoio2idJ_HUy_hyphenhypheneZlg/s1600/20180101_175552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2DbebreQXr7HQ2lQxhN9GvD2ZaQOmuzb76d7hj2XHN4NobUCHlr0EGA_ZzzjzkcPU_ePWj8YMxtrRWRGpIPRZzdqIrs8ydu21PdamvSb2T2lLDcPIzcDoio2idJ_HUy_hyphenhypheneZlg/s320/20180101_175552.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
And a quilt to give to a women's shelter, when I find one nearby. This is based on <a href="http://www.sewkatiedid.com/product/psychedelic-baby-improvisational-strip-piecing-quilt-blocks/" target="_blank">Katie Petersen</a>'s improv strata quilt series. She ran a workshop for the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild last year and I had quite a deal of fun playing around with blocks and stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoo9Zh5aaxc4FyMpvJZrTjit1AYmrcQnKDC7eAiyrd4RrR8b1VYkq1lD9hv4VVL9Q1pEhUUZh09Lu0muXWU0nIyHZ2qqJdOF4-Cs63ZY8KKYRCaKhdc9TLBSMhY1miRqkQHzLVQ/s1600/20171231_141106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoo9Zh5aaxc4FyMpvJZrTjit1AYmrcQnKDC7eAiyrd4RrR8b1VYkq1lD9hv4VVL9Q1pEhUUZh09Lu0muXWU0nIyHZ2qqJdOF4-Cs63ZY8KKYRCaKhdc9TLBSMhY1miRqkQHzLVQ/s320/20171231_141106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCJBDPeZDgbFQPWIDI0UxMgcbtCYttaffdpRD6wTcVCucEtDy8lQbsKQm-uI-9KUzH0vT4Gp9zNZkcphyphenhyphenawKlKB3kgEZ7Jj8W8AxDn6JsLU-H8KWxCmRQMZdrySUQW0ncwA8iw/s1600/20171231_141208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCJBDPeZDgbFQPWIDI0UxMgcbtCYttaffdpRD6wTcVCucEtDy8lQbsKQm-uI-9KUzH0vT4Gp9zNZkcphyphenhyphenawKlKB3kgEZ7Jj8W8AxDn6JsLU-H8KWxCmRQMZdrySUQW0ncwA8iw/s320/20171231_141208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Can I just say I big puffy-heart the back? I don't know why it does it for me but I think it is the almost swirl in it that makes it cool.<br />
<br />
Also see that light on the quilt? This indicates that at some point fairly recently it has been both dry and sunny. Sun has become a limited commodity again here this winter - we've had some brilliant days but the soggy, dull ones are much more common. It is another La Nina winter and I don't likey.<br />
<br />
I've got more stuff in the pipeline that will be finished off over the next week or so. I made a list of things to get done this month. I've slowed down quite a bit because I got the bug that is going around - if that was the flu it was awfully mild - so I might not get everything done, especially as I've been doing a bit of a purge of stuff I'm unlikely to ever use.<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-5101002531158842312017-06-23T23:49:00.000-07:002017-06-23T23:49:08.483-07:00Ten yearsG'day all!<br />
<br />
Today marks ten years since we first moved to the US.<br />
<br />
Ten<br />
<br />
whole<br />
<br />
years.<br />
<br />
My doesn't the time fly?<br />
<br />
It has been interesting - I've learned a heap along the way, seen a bunch of stuff. I've learned and grown and changed. One can't really help it.<br />
<br />
And I must publish this as a little note so that it gets today's date on it, not tomorrow's - 23 June 2017 is ten years since Colorado.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTBvDnP_BwkbkafxsNMlx8WMGDPrzeZ4DTT76tkMJz0VBiuwTXiMuR0YFBEjZwo9UCfH5NwVJIDgEKpNu4Cgp5ELprx6Cks2hGGJcxaqqszmZm7V1FwNz9IGp6HnnbfjI_6h9Fw/s1600/20170622_115525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTBvDnP_BwkbkafxsNMlx8WMGDPrzeZ4DTT76tkMJz0VBiuwTXiMuR0YFBEjZwo9UCfH5NwVJIDgEKpNu4Cgp5ELprx6Cks2hGGJcxaqqszmZm7V1FwNz9IGp6HnnbfjI_6h9Fw/s320/20170622_115525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ten years, stretching out. So many memories, good and bad! Some of my writings from <a href="http://yarnivorous.blogspot.com/2007/06/" target="_blank">June 2007</a> are a hoot, so enjoy!<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-42264223781415002362017-06-04T19:49:00.001-07:002017-06-04T19:49:23.120-07:00Heavens to Betsy, a finished object (or two)G'day all!<br />
<br />
I've had a frantic few weeks. Okay, couple of months.<br />
<br />
We've finally reached a detente on the crappy weather here - we're getting glorious summery weather interspersed with mank - pretty typical in June here really.<br />
<br />
I've been busy making a quilt. I didn't realise making a quilt could be a full time job and more but boy did I work on that quilt for weeks for many many hours a day. However, until it reaches its recipient, you can't see the quilt.<br />
<br />
Instead, I offer you a bit of knitting. It's a cardigan, believe it or not. I started off with a bold choice for me - burgundy and gold and white stripes. And I hated it. Not me. Not colours I wear or have stuff to wear under it. So I changed it, overdyed the gold yarn to make it green, changed the burgundy for blue and SURPRISE! Colours I will wear happily.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKDOozLm44PyQLUMaUxLnmfhST3oqPZa68ElV2oSEKeWiv3p4bdXlbG2PP5LEKvW4v5eKLlFO_eZFwlUsGAy_yJIoSF8H9TWhFSGRu9bJ52wBV9-6gGU9ufRwl9PbUw5exhsObQ/s1600/20170415_130237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKDOozLm44PyQLUMaUxLnmfhST3oqPZa68ElV2oSEKeWiv3p4bdXlbG2PP5LEKvW4v5eKLlFO_eZFwlUsGAy_yJIoSF8H9TWhFSGRu9bJ52wBV9-6gGU9ufRwl9PbUw5exhsObQ/s320/20170415_130237.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not an FO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
::Rolls eyes::<br />
<br />
I've had some quilts done for ages. I'm having a bit of a love/hate with the first one - I love the fabric, I think it is so pretty and lovely but I'm not so pleased with the fabric designer. It's not a personal thing, mind, it's just something that made me somewhat more of a Tula fan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LpqojNsKTxLm9B7SBCspJ8rDnSlgB2cHgGaKz5eyrt4v7SaXgixTi3WpRDT0PHY90tsFpQIMGQgjGzcARTnZSwZaFIyBvMCKB7TPy3FQP2fugg80-iVQzWjYam_IJ9OwRiuerQ/s1600/20170409_170353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LpqojNsKTxLm9B7SBCspJ8rDnSlgB2cHgGaKz5eyrt4v7SaXgixTi3WpRDT0PHY90tsFpQIMGQgjGzcARTnZSwZaFIyBvMCKB7TPy3FQP2fugg80-iVQzWjYam_IJ9OwRiuerQ/s320/20170409_170353.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have fun with my free motion quilting. I just do stuff as it happens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I'm doing the backing, I often like to have co-ordinating fabrics and also use up scraps and excess blocks from the front. Sometimes I have to cheat. I nearly always do pieced backings, though the most recent finish doesn't have anything from the front on the back. This one does.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauwNaLVf4HUCkxEpoBH0JZ9CcnkLq4RbnEGruwWb6gctBy321AR9wV7X8SMgvOtviJ677UPIVxjpAvA5zrs5M692nH8Y1wPLmEtf2agL1bYLY7z3SJnuX2P3U5a0UCvggvcpHww/s1600/20170409_170326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauwNaLVf4HUCkxEpoBH0JZ9CcnkLq4RbnEGruwWb6gctBy321AR9wV7X8SMgvOtviJ677UPIVxjpAvA5zrs5M692nH8Y1wPLmEtf2agL1bYLY7z3SJnuX2P3U5a0UCvggvcpHww/s320/20170409_170326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back - this is a really badly centred shot, sorry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The front is pretty. Very simple, just pretty. I was going to set this one free into the world but I sorta like it so I'm currently vacillating between gifting it and keeping it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NEH9MnHHY9pQwGznIBADz4uisjNNbFS9ozp_OHaS7I1ZKQ0Oxiejt_bdYbl_bXAxyyvtHbFTi1in04hIHPYOwOe7pZ95AiLm_VNeIqZTQhyphenhyphen_rYyCLJ79mp-HNmTzj1-FOCDqA/s1600/20170409_170207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NEH9MnHHY9pQwGznIBADz4uisjNNbFS9ozp_OHaS7I1ZKQ0Oxiejt_bdYbl_bXAxyyvtHbFTi1in04hIHPYOwOe7pZ95AiLm_VNeIqZTQhyphenhyphen_rYyCLJ79mp-HNmTzj1-FOCDqA/s320/20170409_170207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day I'll stop relying on phone shots of the quilts for blogs.<br />That day has not yet come.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then there's this thing. I had some charm squares that I bought, thinking they would be pretty. Nope, hideous. Hideous the lot of them. So I put them all together and made a two faced (or two backed) quilt. Got rid of some of my favourite and least favourite Rowan fabrics too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMyRr32RMD8aovIe5Aa6t1lFJvPxyTE5IlcXEmYiyUm1_siUiMn-bWz-3kUt5na5iXKJFrElVTmcv6uSxSU2mPy_er91VhyyawF8xZVj8smv1GE6E0hFx1zQGkbqL6GAkb8kzjA/s1600/20170409_170016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMyRr32RMD8aovIe5Aa6t1lFJvPxyTE5IlcXEmYiyUm1_siUiMn-bWz-3kUt5na5iXKJFrElVTmcv6uSxSU2mPy_er91VhyyawF8xZVj8smv1GE6E0hFx1zQGkbqL6GAkb8kzjA/s320/20170409_170016.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front or back?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's one of my more hideous creations but I'm owning it (though I haven't put a label on it!). I am going to get this quilt free in the near future when I find a place to donate it too. I think it is awful but someone out there will like it and think it is really cool.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO_Q0RUcxyS7eb_loCHHenPxdwqGCENK_ywNdBVt9Mz5TuyW6OAwn1jHTQF2Z4X3AE2kuUKOcHK3ohdj5kgVEmoJnab6Qch4UEn4h6LOfT8ilk6oRaWJCrSG1jsvz8TVR797WKg/s1600/20170409_165824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO_Q0RUcxyS7eb_loCHHenPxdwqGCENK_ywNdBVt9Mz5TuyW6OAwn1jHTQF2Z4X3AE2kuUKOcHK3ohdj5kgVEmoJnab6Qch4UEn4h6LOfT8ilk6oRaWJCrSG1jsvz8TVR797WKg/s320/20170409_165824.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front or back?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope ;-)<br />
<br />
I've got some other quilts done earlier in the year so I should share them. Some of them need to find new homes too. I've done a bucket-tonne of knitting too. It occurs to me that I don't have beauty shots of the knitting. Should get them.<br />
<br />
Finally a few shots of happiness and joy in my garden. Some Austin roses and hyoooge poppies like we are not allowed to have in Australia. We can have Flanders/Corn poppies and Californian ones and Icelandic ones but we cannot have ones that look like opium poppies. Woecakes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeHjtjuc2YxywhqJueMmbwUbPs8AQqhFLW8mO3E9y9yWnO0e3n2NsNANIS7TzbVlmhOFl7I7IWP0VglMTAQVosPqY7qyPWmoUi6hSAUjrDBCtIW7Ke53xZT537vfsiYXKH2QkCA/s1600/20170601_182007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeHjtjuc2YxywhqJueMmbwUbPs8AQqhFLW8mO3E9y9yWnO0e3n2NsNANIS7TzbVlmhOFl7I7IWP0VglMTAQVosPqY7qyPWmoUi6hSAUjrDBCtIW7Ke53xZT537vfsiYXKH2QkCA/s320/20170601_182007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGqDlu6gcA5ETIMtISBGN4XDLcnb8X-b-uFcsi9NdIEB6YCZFe1GTXWvxTwDMpooA0cHUKe8JXXw5f0lt6prf1hHRugMU2nkG5xWq9euZor4YHE3WvPpiXqDLZPtkYRbRdqRLNQ/s1600/20170603_155411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGqDlu6gcA5ETIMtISBGN4XDLcnb8X-b-uFcsi9NdIEB6YCZFe1GTXWvxTwDMpooA0cHUKe8JXXw5f0lt6prf1hHRugMU2nkG5xWq9euZor4YHE3WvPpiXqDLZPtkYRbRdqRLNQ/s320/20170603_155411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KRFgTabJSvYjWfW0lwr_tjwj9OtbtfuFj7Qw3CNbrqk8mu9NZaEXZhxYcdBc6Ec1NOJ7wVQyuXOn4SBQGkWi6SA96-wCG_HYSm-MQQIl_Z9dfGF7ggiRhGvBRffSzYORU_F5Lw/s1600/20170603_155431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KRFgTabJSvYjWfW0lwr_tjwj9OtbtfuFj7Qw3CNbrqk8mu9NZaEXZhxYcdBc6Ec1NOJ7wVQyuXOn4SBQGkWi6SA96-wCG_HYSm-MQQIl_Z9dfGF7ggiRhGvBRffSzYORU_F5Lw/s320/20170603_155431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And strawberry season has arrived!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1sdEaCTEALbm7iwpx_NBDBS3bT_GsKkDIT4GsYXCSOEgZ4BWJ9ge4dvOt3XL_0kosCr1nb1H1kVvehcAk1Ld0lZ8nR5mIWneyfQ3PSOEnmLaRiDWmq7_2Hcplns0pE1EL-RxFg/s1600/20170603_205413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1sdEaCTEALbm7iwpx_NBDBS3bT_GsKkDIT4GsYXCSOEgZ4BWJ9ge4dvOt3XL_0kosCr1nb1H1kVvehcAk1Ld0lZ8nR5mIWneyfQ3PSOEnmLaRiDWmq7_2Hcplns0pE1EL-RxFg/s320/20170603_205413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-11000638738737335082017-03-22T23:15:00.002-07:002017-03-22T23:15:15.263-07:00The long winteraka the winter of our discontent.<br />
<br />
G'day all!<br />
<br />
Long time no blog. It's been a pretty rancid winter here, cold, wet, even quite a few snow days! And very very grey.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRq4Fsi0Ig5fcBHH8G8tlqNdmhnJel-tOESJHtkQvWJhz3Nf26Dmx-vse5Ct4poTZZL57RIgFuq4URiabzX1PD6YMwB0d_vI5PyMzkk4dSz-CEPxffZuHerQ5vOBwZIfHQoL4kQ/s1600/20170322_163746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRq4Fsi0Ig5fcBHH8G8tlqNdmhnJel-tOESJHtkQvWJhz3Nf26Dmx-vse5Ct4poTZZL57RIgFuq4URiabzX1PD6YMwB0d_vI5PyMzkk4dSz-CEPxffZuHerQ5vOBwZIfHQoL4kQ/s320/20170322_163746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffa-daffa-daffa-daffa- daffodils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But Spring is now here, or at least the plants assure me that Spring is here - the (cherry) plums are flowering and so are the daffodils. The crocuses have croaked and the pears are getting ready to flower, along with the tulips. The stellate magnolias are coming into full bloom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3wEKFmI5olPTYentR89txijQgL6PDw_yrrP0RUJFqvh-H7XMo-Nv-lmhvkI1xkH0V4c8mSPMAv2mPkpzVMSHRw0deVDu0wa0wVVOeIXHVilEg_wqE0vNgsL8WCJvL6j8hEUPvA/s1600/20170322_164747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3wEKFmI5olPTYentR89txijQgL6PDw_yrrP0RUJFqvh-H7XMo-Nv-lmhvkI1xkH0V4c8mSPMAv2mPkpzVMSHRw0deVDu0wa0wVVOeIXHVilEg_wqE0vNgsL8WCJvL6j8hEUPvA/s320/20170322_164747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellebore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqAndz5X-o7mDPs5HgVCNMikdw4Y8xI8SrNFeAqufiyA6ppqJIbFLJA2zdnoaGzRyOLARJ7KOSS-Z4U22JtL8-CGk5aZABGb_jhJsX0lB_xkzc6mj7DXNoTIq-m6Jw9Xx471Www/s1600/20170322_164001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqAndz5X-o7mDPs5HgVCNMikdw4Y8xI8SrNFeAqufiyA6ppqJIbFLJA2zdnoaGzRyOLARJ7KOSS-Z4U22JtL8-CGk5aZABGb_jhJsX0lB_xkzc6mj7DXNoTIq-m6Jw9Xx471Www/s320/20170322_164001.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmdakNMBCpxX64BYtMQEI3uYixQa9Lpss4ZFZ0XoH92Bpo6YwQyUII-mGfBRmtR_5RD347zUb7qtEAaWzl9yUHMOJD8ktvLoqqI7jML43gwZlRedG9ex1Go5WfUmbdUcdNtynag/s1600/20170322_163156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmdakNMBCpxX64BYtMQEI3uYixQa9Lpss4ZFZ0XoH92Bpo6YwQyUII-mGfBRmtR_5RD347zUb7qtEAaWzl9yUHMOJD8ktvLoqqI7jML43gwZlRedG9ex1Go5WfUmbdUcdNtynag/s320/20170322_163156.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stellate magnolia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So nice to see Spring at last.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f5GzpWCkVY/WMOHyGPiaRI/AAAAAAADn-w/FYwEfGzqgUsn3PFBSGp2DJUAdg3U0QEfACPcB/s1600/20170310_142756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f5GzpWCkVY/WMOHyGPiaRI/AAAAAAADn-w/FYwEfGzqgUsn3PFBSGp2DJUAdg3U0QEfACPcB/s320/20170310_142756.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocuses-wot-croaked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I've been making stuff all the way through. DH started a new job and that has been umm interesting, often in the Confucian sense. We've had a trip to California out of it, a trip that brought almost record amounts of rainfall to those parts (yay us?). And we aren't mentioning politics but that is hella interesting too. I have learned a lot about how politics works in the States over the last while.<br />
<br />
If the weather continues to improve I might be able to get some outdoors shots of all the things I've been making. Pretty much every semi-decent day recently has been rather windy, making it hard to get shots of stuff as it blows away.... The lighting inside has been pretty average most days. The few good days I've spent out in the garden, prepping it for spring and summer planting. I've got to find places to stick two quinces, a nectarine and two American pawpaws. (I think they are pawpaws.) And there's some hardy kiwifruit too. That will make about 10 or so different sorts of fruit trees on the property. Hope I can share some pics later in the season when they aren't just bare sticks!<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-22219947558218315342016-12-12T14:28:00.001-08:002016-12-12T14:28:22.245-08:00Home, glorious HomeG'day all!<br />
<br />
What an exciting few weeks I had!<br />
<br />
We flew Home for over a month. Yep, home to Australia.<br />
<br />
I was having a very big birthday you see and wanted to be in Oz for it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vk3Yzy180zQ0lO73lznch6yM2GUqDLMkKckQFupON8TU-P1CUkbxrqBPZ_wa8GPj-7Y8fhQJbv87zEAM3RHWkgECJt3RbXiyeYYad3W6svwEqtH6EJCsG1NKSXhxSJ4SRyq9vg/s1600/20161105_143012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vk3Yzy180zQ0lO73lznch6yM2GUqDLMkKckQFupON8TU-P1CUkbxrqBPZ_wa8GPj-7Y8fhQJbv87zEAM3RHWkgECJt3RbXiyeYYad3W6svwEqtH6EJCsG1NKSXhxSJ4SRyq9vg/s320/20161105_143012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake! Yum! I think this was my third or fourth cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Turns out my government wanted to send me a birthday present - it was a bit late for my birthday but hey... My government cares about my innards and doesn't want me to die early.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z2tukYZuvoedTAjVHQZmJMyg9BrhJcMT7HgWTBk7NTdXStvMPzBfhey7O1Y97fz5xngND00abMerZoGrKIIG290FQ2BfR9b6H9HjAKN4PPa3UbUoE_et81Mzn1ew-DI2bLsGgw/s1600/20161115_180350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z2tukYZuvoedTAjVHQZmJMyg9BrhJcMT7HgWTBk7NTdXStvMPzBfhey7O1Y97fz5xngND00abMerZoGrKIIG290FQ2BfR9b6H9HjAKN4PPa3UbUoE_et81Mzn1ew-DI2bLsGgw/s320/20161115_180350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best birthday present EVAH???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The trip (and the birthday) were most <i>excellent</i>. I caught up with a lot of friends (and missed some but hey, they didn't contact me after I directly contacted them) and got to see family and new family. And I didn't do the screening because I already am being screened.<br />
<br />
The US Department of State (which grants us visas to live here as <i>temporary</i> residents) will be very pleased to know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OCKXLXWNXg" target="_blank">I still call Australia home</a> (gah, can't handle this in any of its versions and when I read the comments, I'm not the only one). It is most definitely Home. This is handy because our visas do make it clear that we need to maintain links with our home country. Well we do. All our family is there and we have property there and friends and everything. <br />
<br />
Going Home was like sliding back into a comfortable pair of shoes. Oh there were wobbly moments, like having to do a bit of Oz bureaucracy, driving on the proper side of the road (LOL, glad I was on mostly familiar roads cos they make it much easier to remember which side to drive on, but this doesn't help with mixing up indicators and wipers!) and then having to get new visas (because someone went and got himself a new job) and change our flights (because someone went and got himself a new job and they needed him in the US on a certain date) but it was so nice to be Home.<br />
<br />
This greeted us when we went for a walk at a nature reserve near big sister's place:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQO1V3Xla0LNB-cVkm75l6XppTqMCh_p64R7jzLK95D5OD6tdiFB_VU7-E_xtqpSQCOM7NI_bWRqEZ5XdwgCb1QyDWlV4mbN_hvYamLV8gd2ntJStG4avAMNe0I3lEsUsPzMyag/s0/20161028_155210.mp4" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6363338827060216242?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Kookaburras (that is cook-a-buhras) laughing. So kind of them to say hello!<br />
<br />
I think I wandered around with a stupid grin on my face for over a week. Everywhere I looked, there were gum trees (Eucalyptus trees and their cousins). I had forgotten how ubiquitous they are. They are like conifers here in the Pacific Northwest. A view without one of them in it has to be very very urban or a cityscape.<br />
<br />
A big thank you to my big sister and her husband and family for welcoming us when we were not sure where we would stay. They gave us our own bedroom suite, fed us, looked after us and loaned us a car even though it inconvenienced them.<br />
<br />
But birthday parties and weddings (number 2 nephew) and new babies (new niecelet to add to niecelet) and travels around the state don't last forever and then you have to come back to other home.<br />
<br />
Other home is a bit challenging at the moment. Home is nearly in summer, which means the days are long (14 or so hours), the weather is warming up (generally in the 20s C) and the rain is backing off. Other home has 8 hour long days (when it is sunny), is blasted cold (somewhere between freezing and 6C), often is overcast for the whole day, sometimes rains and indeed greeted us with snow two days after we got back. Resetting our body clocks has been massively challenging because it never really gets light. I can't even get good photos on the phone camera because it is so dull. Plus it is not Home home, just current home. It is lovely here in everything bar winter, but coming from almost summer to definitely winter (no matter what the calendar says) is difficult.<br />
<br />
Also other home is having a bit of renovation done so there is stuff everywhere to add to the stuff I/we brought home with us and we've got a never ending mountain of washing to do after an incident with some overly perfumed washing detergent whilst in Oz (not at sister's place). We don't have a dryer so everything has to be dried on racks.<br />
<br />
I have a gazillion pictures to sort through and share - I might have to do a links post cos there are so many pretty pictures. If I took less than a thousand shots on the phone, let alone on the big cameras, I will be surprised.<br />
<br />
But now I have the run up to Christmas. I have stuff to knit and a quilt to make and a house to tidy up and clean and a mountain of never-ending washing so that at least keeps me occupied on these short, dull days.<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-14729535473419468552016-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:002016-09-15T11:04:35.103-07:00A summer of lace, part oneG'day all!<br />
<br />
I thought I should do a knitted finished object post - I've been knitting like crazy for the last couple of months.<br />
<br />
I've been taking part in a knitalong my favourite group on Ravelry (RemRants), Summer of Lace 2016. I guess it isn't so much a knitalong where you all do the same pattern as a group encouragement thing where we show off what we've been knitting and it should have some lace in it.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I took some of my new knits down to the beach and did a photo shoot of them and a quilt I finished months and months ago.<br />
<br />
First, for your delectation and delight, we have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnivorous/girdle-of-melian" target="_blank">Dawn</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQZlfqxmwdYb16zMk5uq54XPzU3WKl6pQoAe1X7jH6HGTRSIpOG0Ze98_0fNLXvrVP5qOsiukSYbt2evOM7-5e0OduGAHhBz8V_sWG1_oNvgoieAaQaJo-CnG9fzBa2i0EMTRnQ/s1600/20160828_115946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQZlfqxmwdYb16zMk5uq54XPzU3WKl6pQoAe1X7jH6HGTRSIpOG0Ze98_0fNLXvrVP5qOsiukSYbt2evOM7-5e0OduGAHhBz8V_sWG1_oNvgoieAaQaJo-CnG9fzBa2i0EMTRnQ/s320/20160828_115946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convenient driftwood, and colours match the shawl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girdle-of-melian-shawl" target="_blank">Girdle of Melian</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/raven-knits-design/patterns" target="_blank">Raven Knits Designs</a> (links go to Ravelry). Light yarn is aptly named Dawn, in a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/fidalgo-artisan-yarn-company-marine-silk-fingering" target="_blank">silk, wool and seacell blend</a> by Fidalgo Artisan yarns. Its colour is more subtle than my pics show. It really looks like that clear blue light of just before sunrise. The darker edging yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/malabrigo-yarn-mora" target="_blank">Mora</a>, 100% silk, in Azules by Mmmmalabrigo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai8FuGG0mETbZLChzhuke5Ij9hV73O2i4BMjmrU3oepIZ_pyE4jmLRX7M07iEfQ0YwXI-Cg4A_wNwjCJfSdDmnbhYY-fSxpLrFyhhyphenhyphenC5pKR2Hxr1M3zhBssSr8o24PcNQ8EBT-A/s1600/20160828_123054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai8FuGG0mETbZLChzhuke5Ij9hV73O2i4BMjmrU3oepIZ_pyE4jmLRX7M07iEfQ0YwXI-Cg4A_wNwjCJfSdDmnbhYY-fSxpLrFyhhyphenhyphenC5pKR2Hxr1M3zhBssSr8o24PcNQ8EBT-A/s320/20160828_123054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More driftwood! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88W_HY3cTpOKCnG5PpQw3J3RTiAYu1yBur-I0R8nK5_aePPIfFKw67mvAM_4rRF1v5T4oqISHw9t2JU6GF5T7DW0W9235EZb78ZoBtomky25AJberojNJmGrAx55RMGO7yyXSFg/s1600/20160828_121614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88W_HY3cTpOKCnG5PpQw3J3RTiAYu1yBur-I0R8nK5_aePPIfFKw67mvAM_4rRF1v5T4oqISHw9t2JU6GF5T7DW0W9235EZb78ZoBtomky25AJberojNJmGrAx55RMGO7yyXSFg/s320/20160828_121614.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convenient old piling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This one was actually a knitalong in six or seven parts. I took it with me to Glacier National Park and knitted frantically on it during the evenings. (Did I mention we went to Glacier? Probably not!)
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDmeGz56qSrbYsIUwOFN-5bBMPEO-kEADCiZsV6qiPgIp8F9bwE6AITnVaMUI4HsRZB1TscubJJGnm7Mf6qQlyZ1_oifYnJcXfutdQzrkaYndmEcyrYQCv-yWYt45rfxsn6GWQ/s1600/20160828_114958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDmeGz56qSrbYsIUwOFN-5bBMPEO-kEADCiZsV6qiPgIp8F9bwE6AITnVaMUI4HsRZB1TscubJJGnm7Mf6qQlyZ1_oifYnJcXfutdQzrkaYndmEcyrYQCv-yWYt45rfxsn6GWQ/s320/20160828_114958.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yarn provides a lovely drape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next we have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnivorous/waiting-for-rain" target="_blank">Deepwater</a>, my version of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waiting-for-rain" target="_blank">Waiting for Rain</a>. This was an interesting knit, very wordy pattern mind, that you can customise to be how you like it. So of course instead of being a single colour, I immediately used a gradient set of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/a-hundred-ravens-iachos-mini-skein-set" target="_blank">mini skeins</a> (Graphium in Iachos by A Hundred Ravens - apparently I'm the only person to have ever put it on Ravelry). The dark colour is Madtosh Stargazing in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-twist-light" target="_blank">Twist Light</a>. My phone pics (and the big camera pics) lose a bit of the subtlety of Stargazing - it is really a dark blue with lighter blue and bottle green bits and very yummy. Actually the phone pics also lose the beautiful shades in the Graphium minies - a couple of the colours are absolutely gorgeous IMO, subtle variants of blue and green with a bit of mauve thrown in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBTKoVTVQg3Ql1R9jUIxVFr7SXd0otnFsXwqtj2hmqaxMFJLziW1a0RUN8eZIokdPFcdj5H3jcdxDXuucoiDqelu_dw7Dsu2wP7nlOFVySzt8TlQvqUh29gTSPA-_bBsUXwQ0sg/s1600/20160828_123220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBTKoVTVQg3Ql1R9jUIxVFr7SXd0otnFsXwqtj2hmqaxMFJLziW1a0RUN8eZIokdPFcdj5H3jcdxDXuucoiDqelu_dw7Dsu2wP7nlOFVySzt8TlQvqUh29gTSPA-_bBsUXwQ0sg/s320/20160828_123220.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUsWwo9m9d5_57FOpekxjQoPj_BZxCl7cHonHZkOoqlrKclnhBPgH6bALJwrE-AsJ7dKUnArfqeQ4iq3jazWTlO82zp2G0AHj7bDoVpKXo31mlAlrELG79wjqFKUEw-fgPpVwGw/s1600/20160828_123211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUsWwo9m9d5_57FOpekxjQoPj_BZxCl7cHonHZkOoqlrKclnhBPgH6bALJwrE-AsJ7dKUnArfqeQ4iq3jazWTlO82zp2G0AHj7bDoVpKXo31mlAlrELG79wjqFKUEw-fgPpVwGw/s320/20160828_123211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So long. Rightish side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is truly a very long shawl. It is over two metres from tip to tip and as such, terribly hard to get shots of! Very pretty though.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV__v509zoBvb8xOAPOo-b1Lvr-FTNoANhb_LfiZC003Axhb7eULWWSjaST2E2krDKFCA-MNDU-De8HCYuGGEJ92ECM2d1HPstgFEDwUP_8_qrJj0RgBvPFi8Su1yFzoLdJUy8Bg/s1600/20160828_123200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV__v509zoBvb8xOAPOo-b1Lvr-FTNoANhb_LfiZC003Axhb7eULWWSjaST2E2krDKFCA-MNDU-De8HCYuGGEJ92ECM2d1HPstgFEDwUP_8_qrJj0RgBvPFi8Su1yFzoLdJUy8Bg/s320/20160828_123200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It spans all of the roots of the driftwood tree!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Third, but by no means least, is my version of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnivorous/anemone-canadensis" target="_blank">Anemone canadensis</a>, another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anemone-canadensis" target="_blank">design</a> by Raven Knits. This one is a design that is meant to stand up to variegated yarn, so I pulled out a skein I bought in London and had at it. Yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/i-knit-or-dye-ziggy-stardust-4ply-sock" target="_blank">Ziggy Stardust</a> by I knit or dye. Colourway? None was given. Pink, mauve and deeper pink.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmta8E86cqMI6MIvT7pN5ia6L4_VA7Xc5u639MWjMbCSIDRQZ8ztTS3kJnjiv6u3VPN217VxibdvtSZghM-uVh9pep-tlInpZADVdAqMxHsnsrF8VavEz5E3UF9dLN7WC6BdXhUw/s1600/20160828_122819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmta8E86cqMI6MIvT7pN5ia6L4_VA7Xc5u639MWjMbCSIDRQZ8ztTS3kJnjiv6u3VPN217VxibdvtSZghM-uVh9pep-tlInpZADVdAqMxHsnsrF8VavEz5E3UF9dLN7WC6BdXhUw/s320/20160828_122819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice size shawl, fits over the shoulders and onto the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was a test knit so I did it exactly as written. This was a fairly easy knit for me - once I had the lace pattern established in my head, I could zip along. The pattern changes at the edging but again, it becomes obvious after a while, at least for me. There's beads along the lace border - that slowed me down a bit!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JFZ5eLu9pe4anVTroCq4XnSPyg5_dP-jfC3D_5AzmZC65UE4NCEZkOvwU0cHruioFcFGKOG5Top8XmJUQGLGAThnRhTAtiQsYnYeWpqNHiEZCtl-XnCLKxFdKUtJDaMNz1vt8g/s1600/20160828_115810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JFZ5eLu9pe4anVTroCq4XnSPyg5_dP-jfC3D_5AzmZC65UE4NCEZkOvwU0cHruioFcFGKOG5Top8XmJUQGLGAThnRhTAtiQsYnYeWpqNHiEZCtl-XnCLKxFdKUtJDaMNz1vt8g/s320/20160828_115810.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's mauve beads and pink beads there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BMInRrXnqAQz8z1JWYZKvfpwQkjL0x24iWn3j3pnw8pivw90B73gOB5hWUz3Pb__QF7JiY7g12r4h0z4Qj9cbb6xtVb2fYN4Kaancv4FzHr2S7chyjKqCQFvD5OtUzVvf2bdng/s1600/20160828_115719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BMInRrXnqAQz8z1JWYZKvfpwQkjL0x24iWn3j3pnw8pivw90B73gOB5hWUz3Pb__QF7JiY7g12r4h0z4Qj9cbb6xtVb2fYN4Kaancv4FzHr2S7chyjKqCQFvD5OtUzVvf2bdng/s320/20160828_115719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one doesn't match the scenery. That is fine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1Gwb2h5BQ3Ery5nXvNbx6VCJSK-RaD5T7FpivCfV-ULmBFc0xNK6WycpfA9MXM0XuAMhIIM-gJwX2Mwpzyou_FLq-so4UJb6f375mt3iyTiqcKyQ8jlji5LFOrKqN1fyxQG7mw/s1600/20160816_103751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1Gwb2h5BQ3Ery5nXvNbx6VCJSK-RaD5T7FpivCfV-ULmBFc0xNK6WycpfA9MXM0XuAMhIIM-gJwX2Mwpzyou_FLq-so4UJb6f375mt3iyTiqcKyQ8jlji5LFOrKqN1fyxQG7mw/s320/20160816_103751.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare modelled shot. Yes the back is on my front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now what to do with the shawls? They aren't really a thing to wear with tie dye tshirts, though maybe I could get used to them worn that way. They are warm, surprisingly warm for such light and delicate things.<br />
<br />
Finally, here's a sneak peek at a shawl that is still waiting for its soak and blocking. Do you like the little glass turtle? I think he is gorgeous. He was made by <a href="http://beautsai.com/gallery/" target="_blank">Beau Tsai</a>. I have another shawl just off the needles and a third one only needs another hour or two of knitting before it joins the other five I've completed this summer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYimW_coMLlDzmgrtmlGM-37X1qiT_3bpdYkxCKr9q-8re0kI1lJKyU4K57aEMylaBEAbHUAATDR4GcoqiW_CdtYa9m7FSYglAemCEFYoIXNLmO2S_YDzEPdA-4nPYMUh0E5AKHQ/s1600/20160831_224326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYimW_coMLlDzmgrtmlGM-37X1qiT_3bpdYkxCKr9q-8re0kI1lJKyU4K57aEMylaBEAbHUAATDR4GcoqiW_CdtYa9m7FSYglAemCEFYoIXNLmO2S_YDzEPdA-4nPYMUh0E5AKHQ/s320/20160831_224326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />
PS if you are a knitter or crocheter or have interest in the fibre arts including dyeing and weaving and are not already on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>? GO! Join! It is free! Free, do you hear me! There's no catch, except you might get soul-sucked into the world of Rav and never resurface. Your fibry world will never be the same again. There are fora for chatting about your favourite patterns or techniques or designers or yarns and your fan-person tendencies, you can look at patterns until your eyes fall from your head in amazement, you can look up yarn and look at other peoples' finished objects....so much good stuff!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-11983488435239823182016-09-08T19:38:00.000-07:002016-09-08T19:38:21.246-07:00Life happens, even when you aren't looking!G'day all!<br />
<br />
Time is slipping through my fingers. How did it get to be near the end of the day already? How can I not have blogged for all of August? How can it be September already? Signs of autumn are showing up everywhere - stressed trees are losing their leaves, non-stressed trees are starting to go orange and red....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImqjze1mOQ5c8L4l6JVKb6lYo9M6Vo0pUnuuyzPpSkzjQXWTj30TXHIBI15v_VcGHDSWYcmJdSpekOYdxmoYUWZ1cipDMiuyDQqCwp2_5AbZB0srR46Sx1dBTKwXMlIkmGujxoA/s1600/20160908_170322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImqjze1mOQ5c8L4l6JVKb6lYo9M6Vo0pUnuuyzPpSkzjQXWTj30TXHIBI15v_VcGHDSWYcmJdSpekOYdxmoYUWZ1cipDMiuyDQqCwp2_5AbZB0srR46Sx1dBTKwXMlIkmGujxoA/s320/20160908_170322.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, not yet, I'm not ready!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My garden is going bonkers but I'm starting to worry that I won't get many more tomatoes ripened. I've got many many green tomatoes, like I'd say at least 20 kilos/50 lb of the things are still green. The weather has been pretty average the last week or so, though it is meant to become a bit sunnier now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLBI0P3DO1wAaRW-Vd6Dn6Q8wWkr-A43NoaoI1YPcpKuiJviJsSCQxTG33KAvF0vgbvjnq-T_N82D9c9ovAflBicVcD0sc78GvlqnckaadhRuJf1_33sWPRuDt1nNzg49f6lJ1A/s1600/20160908_153005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLBI0P3DO1wAaRW-Vd6Dn6Q8wWkr-A43NoaoI1YPcpKuiJviJsSCQxTG33KAvF0vgbvjnq-T_N82D9c9ovAflBicVcD0sc78GvlqnckaadhRuJf1_33sWPRuDt1nNzg49f6lJ1A/s320/20160908_153005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thriving, half-fallen over tomato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIQGySAjuIhjqncKTstFy5-f1QqZKY3MPaeApoimnss8d384Y66lGWqeqjwIvzIq0wopJWy3SpDXh47PT2RkANl2c29LEP_R2f5z1pG2nH0OQa30nNl0mLchQT-vNpKpvfCw1bQ/s1600/20160908_152723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIQGySAjuIhjqncKTstFy5-f1QqZKY3MPaeApoimnss8d384Y66lGWqeqjwIvzIq0wopJWy3SpDXh47PT2RkANl2c29LEP_R2f5z1pG2nH0OQa30nNl0mLchQT-vNpKpvfCw1bQ/s320/20160908_152723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big tomato!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2NgnwdvuBLbxlAyGCud3vFik6pzpA-1FsR9AQbQaYkLoxTT_yinrHicfCzqA-XoEWgTpTGgoxX_luA9CXUWodoxVf-_TwmHxKNdXkW_S-jqYenoi4p9u2a5bSoM3uCOVHX6YuQ/s1600/20160908_152743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2NgnwdvuBLbxlAyGCud3vFik6pzpA-1FsR9AQbQaYkLoxTT_yinrHicfCzqA-XoEWgTpTGgoxX_luA9CXUWodoxVf-_TwmHxKNdXkW_S-jqYenoi4p9u2a5bSoM3uCOVHX6YuQ/s320/20160908_152743.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little plant, many capsicums/chillies/bell peppers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb91Y4Q46p7nxEueMnFhtk7xt5uojYKgmSc0YNXjHvsWChaOjFyDYCqO-f4OQ0iZ-TBlCHXSIxMQQuNjLA0iE4rTsElozMMOfL6NFSTa9vaou4RH_dfCvQlOTuLq2nUg7lZco5g/s1600/20160908_153023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb91Y4Q46p7nxEueMnFhtk7xt5uojYKgmSc0YNXjHvsWChaOjFyDYCqO-f4OQ0iZ-TBlCHXSIxMQQuNjLA0iE4rTsElozMMOfL6NFSTa9vaou4RH_dfCvQlOTuLq2nUg7lZco5g/s320/20160908_153023.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would like my eggplants to keep producing/start producing. The little finger sized ones have been going great guns but the bigger ones have only really just started getting into it. The capsicums are coming along nicely though I'm learning not to expect too many fruit off the one plant. I only seem to get three or four capsicums off many of the plants.<br />
<br />
But I have been getting some good yields even with the weather being bonkers - hot one week (30C+) and cold the next (struggling to get to 20C).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFflMna3uKAr2-1GRqFmtOXPk3aFOWrJAdQCH4l7e1Wn85DkuuVog8xE5ztak_Wxt1Ppf0Gin0OUClvbdPfm71ewgtGoJwrHtYIq2dzUm002bjs9Qid-ZhUfaMBe_B94-ODUDKcg/s1600/20160906_191404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFflMna3uKAr2-1GRqFmtOXPk3aFOWrJAdQCH4l7e1Wn85DkuuVog8xE5ztak_Wxt1Ppf0Gin0OUClvbdPfm71ewgtGoJwrHtYIq2dzUm002bjs9Qid-ZhUfaMBe_B94-ODUDKcg/s320/20160906_191404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruits of my garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today I've done a bit of spinning, plying up about 220m of a rather rustic yarn. Four years ago I bought some fleeces at Oregon Fleece and Fiber Festival (OFFF). I had them processed by a couple of different processors. The dark fleece from a sheep called Odette came back rather full of VM (vegetable matter) and neppy. After wondering what to do with it for three years, I'm just going to spin it up and deal with it being rustic. The big lumps of veggie matter and lumps of not-well-carded wool get pulled out, the rest are being spun up. The result is a quite bouncy yarn, not exactly butter soft but not too bad either. I think Odette is/was a Corriedale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreGpeUEc4qW99dhVqbav2Nyjt2OsP_GmkcjVSbyMyYALk12C2JR3bpS4Ke6r0Zr-qFnuGBUw7ipivcCQCuP1SzJ6FGZFhtYnXEoTUzm8KskRORrZ5Ml54Kh6jB2xsbcfEO3ZfXQ/s1600/20160908_182917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreGpeUEc4qW99dhVqbav2Nyjt2OsP_GmkcjVSbyMyYALk12C2JR3bpS4Ke6r0Zr-qFnuGBUw7ipivcCQCuP1SzJ6FGZFhtYnXEoTUzm8KskRORrZ5Ml54Kh6jB2xsbcfEO3ZfXQ/s320/20160908_182917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I pieced the back of a quilt. Then I fixed up the front of the quilt. It is a simple design, some leftover jelly roll strips pieced together then cut into long strips, joined by white.<br />
<br />
And for whatever reason, even though all the pieced strips were the same length, by the time they were sewn onto the white sashing strips, the last one was a full inch longer than the first pieced strip. I had to rip out three nearly 70" long strips.... Who would ever think that such simple things could cause such annoyance?<br />
<br />
Remember, pins are your friends. Pins were the only way I could make those bad boys all play together nicely.<br />
<br />
We had some excellent fun on the weekend. DH's parents were in Vancouver, BC. They wanted to visit Butchart Gardens. We managed to co-ordinate well enough that we met up in Victoria on Vancouver Island and went off to the gardens together. They took a Harbour Air seaplane from Vancouver, we caught Kenmore Air from Seattle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpJXOXTa2NoiNCkfjpgZOniNIeBbT2aOjJcBEy6DP7epryPiP61BFxquaj-qZQF2k8mZUGzdbl6wMZUazbZhZL8NCg9oDp8K0q9z9w8dbVHkiGNoAGFdEpWsQ00_cLVLW02UF2w/s1600/20160906_102617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpJXOXTa2NoiNCkfjpgZOniNIeBbT2aOjJcBEy6DP7epryPiP61BFxquaj-qZQF2k8mZUGzdbl6wMZUazbZhZL8NCg9oDp8K0q9z9w8dbVHkiGNoAGFdEpWsQ00_cLVLW02UF2w/s320/20160906_102617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De Havilland Beaver, from the trip back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was <i>excellent</i> fun!<br />
<br />
The float planes navigate by sight - they must remain low enough to be able to see features in land (or I guess water). They can't fly through clouds that obscure the ground. They can't fly if the clouds are too low. This means the views are amazeballs. On the way up, we got to see some splendiferous views - the islands and Puget Sound are so pretty. The mountains would've been pretty too if there hadn't been puffy cumulus clouds in the way. I was able to recognise where we were most of the way - it is cool being able to tell where you are from your memories of how the roads go and the sights you see along the way when driving. (Links - take offs and landings, <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/2VUz4xAyCiJB1wGYA" target="_blank">going up</a>, <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/3KFVXotKxDx8T5uH8" target="_blank">coming back</a>.)<br />
<br />
Victoria put on a <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/crdXM2Aaumuijw9y6" target="_blank">lovely display</a> for us on Sunday. It was sunny and so pretty, and a <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/NHE1EHo5Zak44Hah7" target="_blank">wooden boat festival</a> was on.<br />
<br />
Monday was meet up with the parents day and be chauffeur driven in our rather large, double-decker "limo" to the gardens. They are <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/mVQPWQb5bdE3MfDE7" target="_blank">impressive gardens</a>, I must say, and worth visiting. (Click the link if you want to see more pics - there's too many to put in the blog.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidHvhcw4v6pSu3bc2nSoJcuq9tEselaHCYr7Ix6GyVLps1PAddPEm6cIeTfTfON1ansvAI84ZtjdzeP7k7FlYxpHnBTzg_9uyik1ukzphJ33Nlpg1wEFxfwikBCMm3H46RJ7IHg/s1600/20160905_103055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidHvhcw4v6pSu3bc2nSoJcuq9tEselaHCYr7Ix6GyVLps1PAddPEm6cIeTfTfON1ansvAI84ZtjdzeP7k7FlYxpHnBTzg_9uyik1ukzphJ33Nlpg1wEFxfwikBCMm3H46RJ7IHg/s320/20160905_103055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also impressive is that after an incident with a carelessly flailing hand (not mine), my phone still works after bouncing two or three times on some rocks and then PLOP! Straight into a little man-made creek. I think some credit must be given to the protective case I keep it in (Tech21's D30) and to Samsung making the phone water-resistant. It isn't water<i>proof</i> but it should be okay if it gets rained on or falls in the toilet, etc. And so far, so good. I took the case off and dried the cover carefully, then flicked the phone a few times to get water out of the headphone jack, and dried it again, then took the back off and dried any water there (around the speaker in particular). The phone was still working through all of this, btw. It only turned off when I, ahem, accidentally dropped the battery on the ground. Oops.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW3kOmtjHadtCqdfMaY2wYxON-E-H3mXONejhXem9HSjyaMHOZ2Ndah2W7RGyMZWHfcD59K96ALhgH6fKgXdsV64SjzFrJWxISDgN_VLU9SxLzKxebzrfVbvqPoIaunLNGL3CHw/s1600/20160905_122649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW3kOmtjHadtCqdfMaY2wYxON-E-H3mXONejhXem9HSjyaMHOZ2Ndah2W7RGyMZWHfcD59K96ALhgH6fKgXdsV64SjzFrJWxISDgN_VLU9SxLzKxebzrfVbvqPoIaunLNGL3CHw/s320/20160905_122649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressionist picture thanks to a dunking in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My lasting memory of that will be the gasps and the looks of horror on peoples' faces as they watched the phone bouncing straight towards the drink. I was pretty peeved at the hand flailer, especially as he stood in the way through the whole thing, but also half amused by the aghast looks.<br />
<br />
If that isn't a good ad for my now outdated Samsung Galaxy S5 and my D30 case, I don't know what is.<br />
<br />
Just as we left the gardens, it started to rain. Timing, eh?<br />
<br />
The in laws then took off back to Vancouver after a spot of arvo tea and a beer, we wandered in the rain to dinner and our second night in Victoria. On Tuesday morning we looked at the weather with some trepidation - it was grey but apparently not foggy and the cloud ceiling was high enough for the planes to fly. DH had a meeting to go to at noon and we expected our 9am flight would get us home by 10:30am at the latest.<br />
<br />
Just as well the meeting was at noon because our flight was late and then we got caught up re-entering the States (can you believe there were five Australians out of six passengers on our flight? I didn't even realise it until we got to Seattle - they sounded normal to me and it was only when I saw their passports that I realised they were normal but not American if that makes sense) and it was after 11am before we left Kenmore Air. Good thing the bus trip only takes 20 minutes and a bus showed up right smartly when we got to the stop.<br />
<br />
Canada gave us parting gifts - DH has a cold and I'm fighting it off, though I think it is a losing battle.<br />
<br />
Did I buy yarn whilst I was there? Is the Pope a Catholic? (Some people will debate this.) Of course I bought yarn! I bought yarn of varying Canadian-ness.<br />
<br />
Yarn processed in Canada (well roving, Briggs and Little), yarn dyed in Canada (Indigo Dragonfly) and Italian yarn imported and distributed by a Canadian company.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehYaHhFrA2SumgLwG8XvYUL7FLxeZKMHRILatg5skX2CR3eTVGI_ZZeZTSd7DUXoY6SmGJPTKlLexAd1UXqUcZimq5O6Z_maCV1p2nXX2q7zYwjG3XmHk2Bxp-5bAehA4pl4P3A/s1600/20160907_151449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehYaHhFrA2SumgLwG8XvYUL7FLxeZKMHRILatg5skX2CR3eTVGI_ZZeZTSd7DUXoY6SmGJPTKlLexAd1UXqUcZimq5O6Z_maCV1p2nXX2q7zYwjG3XmHk2Bxp-5bAehA4pl4P3A/s320/20160907_151449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Canadian woolly stuffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I must show off some of the things I've been knitting recently. I've been on a shawl kick even though I forget to wear the danged things. Do love knitting them though - there's no pressure about them fitting. As long as they can wrap around your neck and hopefully even your shoulders, it is all good! Must remember this blogging thing more often.<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-42999285363859920302016-07-19T14:06:00.000-07:002016-07-19T14:06:06.170-07:00Time to breathe!G'day all!<br />
<br />
Life has been hectic for the last while. Nothing bad has happened, I've just been busy.<br />
<br />
I put us in for the edible garden tour and confirmed just after we got back from England. Who knew that there was so much to be done in the garden?<br />
<br />
And then my in-laws arrived three days after the garden tour. It may not surprise you to know that clearing the study was a laborious process? My knitting, quilting and computer room became their bedroom for nearly three weeks.<br />
<br />
The in laws left yesterday evening.<br />
<br />
What did we do whilst they were here? The first week involved puttering around and waiting for good weather, not pretty average weather. We took off to Artist Point at Mount Baker on one fairly clear day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpQF7TJFYoGR-oYkaz_QYevh5IQHhYsp7AhwOC7l_ugQThJXbtb00shoU0U67ci3kNjpaZXzTozF-4qSvIAZrSDBAa_qd8sS62Q04FvmvvR30H8QCiul-EkDS3MdqrVAz0V5PMg/s1600/20160706_175943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpQF7TJFYoGR-oYkaz_QYevh5IQHhYsp7AhwOC7l_ugQThJXbtb00shoU0U67ci3kNjpaZXzTozF-4qSvIAZrSDBAa_qd8sS62Q04FvmvvR30H8QCiul-EkDS3MdqrVAz0V5PMg/s320/20160706_175943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOcNlRZ9MJARZCmPV0kIK4JNHNE9yKTGXkUbd2-8YJtd4UdH6QmaLhU7bhpe2JGELHNN2WsDa1JfZi_fqLg8HsoRQ9LCZ9LFnR8XEDl6a-QeKJqOpbAD6aqCcaYYLl4s6lUaclw/s1600/20160706_170204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOcNlRZ9MJARZCmPV0kIK4JNHNE9yKTGXkUbd2-8YJtd4UdH6QmaLhU7bhpe2JGELHNN2WsDa1JfZi_fqLg8HsoRQ9LCZ9LFnR8XEDl6a-QeKJqOpbAD6aqCcaYYLl4s6lUaclw/s320/20160706_170204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS86JoYUIXEb8e32aDEJLUkEeSFb3oHQZMySeIkaw1Wiq3YuzrDschwrzbBWaALKstCqLNQ5fIGkkiSblBF9MIuX62z29v9-NQJI09q3NQxtnWXvAbYv50twUU_6BTLcafyQ6lqA/s1600/20160706_161733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS86JoYUIXEb8e32aDEJLUkEeSFb3oHQZMySeIkaw1Wiq3YuzrDschwrzbBWaALKstCqLNQ5fIGkkiSblBF9MIuX62z29v9-NQJI09q3NQxtnWXvAbYv50twUU_6BTLcafyQ6lqA/s320/20160706_161733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiv4lAjk3vZ0DUj-zrlHJ86QY0WLsH-ZG2kBN7YFUVicreIabv-nrbwelWr74V5suclvOQZhWcLrK41BxlBX5QC2cDLCj5UF6s5cXE3JJmBXA7gMMjWnQvXNFsu2QO4Xpb2ydTg/s1600/20160706_155111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiv4lAjk3vZ0DUj-zrlHJ86QY0WLsH-ZG2kBN7YFUVicreIabv-nrbwelWr74V5suclvOQZhWcLrK41BxlBX5QC2cDLCj5UF6s5cXE3JJmBXA7gMMjWnQvXNFsu2QO4Xpb2ydTg/s320/20160706_155111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwTq6MgxxmI6_pAtfbK513Uh8U7OeDt_xSbXT0rAItlWIyyxgSki-m17BUekzA_59ZlTwf8HzVFRb0OBhxGVT0_mFy9VQK8-HRhzoUcX39ovV8o7OAgETyy2EZ4a45veVsJ8w8Q/s1600/20160706_152248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwTq6MgxxmI6_pAtfbK513Uh8U7OeDt_xSbXT0rAItlWIyyxgSki-m17BUekzA_59ZlTwf8HzVFRb0OBhxGVT0_mFy9VQK8-HRhzoUcX39ovV8o7OAgETyy2EZ4a45veVsJ8w8Q/s320/20160706_152248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77tg1YeEimjTemHnnVQh5S29eTAfCaBhhpEnM70ZdXsrzhXJeyi0W7nDxb5GL4yBa1QeZheOtnLg7gFBH_aGvTFYYBzznWxVgHmj6hQmwJCVJGZuTSbMyUdB5AjOwwbdzLc8IEQ/s1600/20160706_155105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77tg1YeEimjTemHnnVQh5S29eTAfCaBhhpEnM70ZdXsrzhXJeyi0W7nDxb5GL4yBa1QeZheOtnLg7gFBH_aGvTFYYBzznWxVgHmj6hQmwJCVJGZuTSbMyUdB5AjOwwbdzLc8IEQ/s320/20160706_155105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKisuTUumRXj0QbImjMMdi59Yl7X1H31XaE7RvO9sFh1tcISgkFTPsh5CjawmO8eNgJRj4CwLojlHCbbdrX90enLigs8YUhyphenhyphenG6Ah1qY5C0icHPPjBu2K5T5J_KIfzdqU2FEf3uIA/s1600/20160706_150745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKisuTUumRXj0QbImjMMdi59Yl7X1H31XaE7RvO9sFh1tcISgkFTPsh5CjawmO8eNgJRj4CwLojlHCbbdrX90enLigs8YUhyphenhyphenG6Ah1qY5C0icHPPjBu2K5T5J_KIfzdqU2FEf3uIA/s320/20160706_150745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
The second week DH and his dad started building a shed. The shed will hold the bikes and the mower and plywood and stuff. DH and I have to deal with the windows, the gables and the shingles. We were inspired by a pretty shed we saw in someone else's yard and then went sideways from there. As we are wont.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWtFIW0If8XKMx0ap4AI_0otM65KO8tEWg0b5sPQx9eCBjaRmyXQdgPZC9Vc4HLCHaq5EWH9gzYvzziIP8lYmt8kteN3uWVtX2BSNOubK7kXvfZSMg0meUomngOGfOTGDu3OFA/s1600/20160702_185226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWtFIW0If8XKMx0ap4AI_0otM65KO8tEWg0b5sPQx9eCBjaRmyXQdgPZC9Vc4HLCHaq5EWH9gzYvzziIP8lYmt8kteN3uWVtX2BSNOubK7kXvfZSMg0meUomngOGfOTGDu3OFA/s320/20160702_185226.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up the floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomQpj5rsoQHVcQN1XzDTLrBJpSHgJ_7i-U7yddcyBuEc4LE71znHOLBFTuetsM-7e1sPCcf4gEp2ATFRFmb0-nYjqYRvZ1QUc_iD26VZ7iVe_UPbzMpj5khxax9PiNAmaikR1Eg/s1600/20160703_140721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomQpj5rsoQHVcQN1XzDTLrBJpSHgJ_7i-U7yddcyBuEc4LE71znHOLBFTuetsM-7e1sPCcf4gEp2ATFRFmb0-nYjqYRvZ1QUc_iD26VZ7iVe_UPbzMpj5khxax9PiNAmaikR1Eg/s320/20160703_140721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing the walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu8qvv8LqgPdr_gAgwnDZAkNugQdbb4stwNa_OuB3JT7fxXYUonu9lkSqmaRGORh1bHgb3tsV5YsBF13H0lve2F9-zZtQsnNZIaY7o9P4wagjmy7cqQ22sriEsqRoO6fvxk7uHg/s1600/20160705_202317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEW1ESJHRtD9prOuws8lY4qby-SaCqYeaQsjziF91OWhV2CZMSFvULYA7B2Oml6zLZlVGCKjcoeTdJiGXMaCDPnlr6bCqE5MBznDLs4zpXwKypzDprVjbwvx1aSl2me9JyBY1w/s1600/20160703_135540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEW1ESJHRtD9prOuws8lY4qby-SaCqYeaQsjziF91OWhV2CZMSFvULYA7B2Oml6zLZlVGCKjcoeTdJiGXMaCDPnlr6bCqE5MBznDLs4zpXwKypzDprVjbwvx1aSl2me9JyBY1w/s320/20160703_135540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the doors and windows home.<br />
Amazing what you can fit in a Fit! (Jazz)<br />
Admittedly my passenger walked home....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hzhrp3X34VXqrX3b1wJmaN-XRSXK66C9VpdH5arI2qSqYJURqGazQ0KEEtEYQ6ujm67R5KDRh31YGPbmKWhBOLJ7We9L9H_IHqJXAbvF38jtnaGeIA_WSdLxb50du2FVu5sgZw/s1600/20160704_140125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hzhrp3X34VXqrX3b1wJmaN-XRSXK66C9VpdH5arI2qSqYJURqGazQ0KEEtEYQ6ujm67R5KDRh31YGPbmKWhBOLJ7We9L9H_IHqJXAbvF38jtnaGeIA_WSdLxb50du2FVu5sgZw/s320/20160704_140125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tying down the window frames in the right spots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRswS0lgDLazBPpHYRzGqAlP3o0Ejazb1Oa8kO2PWn4YP-LSm8LvcP4yNjQl0HUtkqyvjnbk_zG4za9bfOKq9ryI2gVftgtmJXlU1KmGZ-sbdV5-pdBT1Wv7UmiNM8GSZfo8Kf3g/s1600/20160704_150404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRswS0lgDLazBPpHYRzGqAlP3o0Ejazb1Oa8kO2PWn4YP-LSm8LvcP4yNjQl0HUtkqyvjnbk_zG4za9bfOKq9ryI2gVftgtmJXlU1KmGZ-sbdV5-pdBT1Wv7UmiNM8GSZfo8Kf3g/s320/20160704_150404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the sheathing/bracing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXTb71do5jtrICueKXGPbq2TDhqbWOjIo6T5tAKpKaFF37HQkr7w8rGP5zAbWUslh9NkQ04l3H2vrPmH7wla7ZiUyYS_iM0zTWlU8sdJLUFNHjLoMKR7equSHLu0_ENgp3xNKaQ/s1600/20160704_182156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXTb71do5jtrICueKXGPbq2TDhqbWOjIo6T5tAKpKaFF37HQkr7w8rGP5zAbWUslh9NkQ04l3H2vrPmH7wla7ZiUyYS_iM0zTWlU8sdJLUFNHjLoMKR7equSHLu0_ENgp3xNKaQ/s320/20160704_182156.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheathing done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu8qvv8LqgPdr_gAgwnDZAkNugQdbb4stwNa_OuB3JT7fxXYUonu9lkSqmaRGORh1bHgb3tsV5YsBF13H0lve2F9-zZtQsnNZIaY7o9P4wagjmy7cqQ22sriEsqRoO6fvxk7uHg/s1600/20160705_202317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu8qvv8LqgPdr_gAgwnDZAkNugQdbb4stwNa_OuB3JT7fxXYUonu9lkSqmaRGORh1bHgb3tsV5YsBF13H0lve2F9-zZtQsnNZIaY7o9P4wagjmy7cqQ22sriEsqRoO6fvxk7uHg/s320/20160705_202317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOasnqyCUSJqrNHNtU3A89-dW0beSYJVm9QasSJnAt254QCeOiFK4WMX8vbVM_97RhqvNGjFzqjFnTHPB6UNbU3caBDxSWvMAU4S4aexfcXM7Cvdme6E4EJ02T70XoDie6eRlT9g/s1600/20160705_203339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOasnqyCUSJqrNHNtU3A89-dW0beSYJVm9QasSJnAt254QCeOiFK4WMX8vbVM_97RhqvNGjFzqjFnTHPB6UNbU3caBDxSWvMAU4S4aexfcXM7Cvdme6E4EJ02T70XoDie6eRlT9g/s320/20160705_203339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge beam in place<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyQDQwfraSMuCZRowK4A6yiAJhZY7Dn-a_9anOzbvX4GZFdJLULX9mqG1yYH7BQa_4GXjrN2HzFcFqHkmflzjRjNnQyfxjlF7JREHHLgUYx8CRhFXWMRnImkfhr4D79LR1aGYtQ/s1600/20160716_170644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyQDQwfraSMuCZRowK4A6yiAJhZY7Dn-a_9anOzbvX4GZFdJLULX9mqG1yYH7BQa_4GXjrN2HzFcFqHkmflzjRjNnQyfxjlF7JREHHLgUYx8CRhFXWMRnImkfhr4D79LR1aGYtQ/s320/20160716_170644.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKvyxa3mmVkL5qmMideMzQPF5CBjXPwYbWOXATOVoVUe4rnS1JIhiQsxdCTDK_l2GQhMuKiQg0Xt7mGkQFOMjVQl2rky_sh4ITWUwtCrFb6HzxPRsICeMDLz3XaX42G5pqHlijw/s1600/20160716_170659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKvyxa3mmVkL5qmMideMzQPF5CBjXPwYbWOXATOVoVUe4rnS1JIhiQsxdCTDK_l2GQhMuKiQg0Xt7mGkQFOMjVQl2rky_sh4ITWUwtCrFb6HzxPRsICeMDLz3XaX42G5pqHlijw/s320/20160716_170659.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfBvYMppUHB-cosm9lTnrMM2Y-IlBv2QEen7Obsc41tDC4pDbohojffyBInTaJv6PgFOzWoSuC9SNS3XG5vRaRkrS6aHEu6BKt5T_2rogOAqTYJzQl6x2klezHO_1kpMuYFjp7w/s1600/20160717_154448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfBvYMppUHB-cosm9lTnrMM2Y-IlBv2QEen7Obsc41tDC4pDbohojffyBInTaJv6PgFOzWoSuC9SNS3XG5vRaRkrS6aHEu6BKt5T_2rogOAqTYJzQl6x2klezHO_1kpMuYFjp7w/s320/20160717_154448.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Now you can knock at the shed door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently I have put too many pics in or swapped them around too much because I can't caption the polycarbonate roof one nor the one above it. Weird.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEjf5SDiSxEmxSCK7OnEJiGd_LbOv0iG8Hq2y_NU3qpgMYF9b175RK_JwS3Omt4J8e22HWX49N5QiZQGt72Ruo8vvvEbWk9FqtY1NfbgJhu6d3kWYdeqfAMxzpigQOjcb3IZgew/s1600/20160717_180323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEjf5SDiSxEmxSCK7OnEJiGd_LbOv0iG8Hq2y_NU3qpgMYF9b175RK_JwS3Omt4J8e22HWX49N5QiZQGt72Ruo8vvvEbWk9FqtY1NfbgJhu6d3kWYdeqfAMxzpigQOjcb3IZgew/s320/20160717_180323.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doors hung!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We wandered down and saw the salmon run at Ballard Locks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eet230Hq6HJBtqhBmdruWmz1IIb3PVM1z4BuJ_HJQB6KdkFYTVcQ3kJMQ0AmUK-9DOxcFQM1a_BC7om-VwtaI-Lbc2q2hIXJc7ICK4y4RlLOO_jgi1NoYDVqMgBDE1iYArxqDw/s1600/20160630_150200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eet230Hq6HJBtqhBmdruWmz1IIb3PVM1z4BuJ_HJQB6KdkFYTVcQ3kJMQ0AmUK-9DOxcFQM1a_BC7om-VwtaI-Lbc2q2hIXJc7ICK4y4RlLOO_jgi1NoYDVqMgBDE1iYArxqDw/s320/20160630_150200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
DH and his dad dealt with a bit of a dry rot problem in the kitchen. It started on that bottom right corner where we found a bit of fungal fruiting happening. DH pulled the trim off and found not a whole lot wrong with that but when he looked further afield... the lady who owned the place before us had had a new window installed by a certain Very Large Hardware Store chain and they used plain old plywood as sheathing. She bought the house in 99 so the ply didn't last 20 years and maybe only ten years....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOxRty8Wa-fpvpO1pullSZgt9FbvWApabU7qdEHNsds8UNSjX_lE5ZyisZgyhBQkFcWm4w6Su9KfKUviU7Vu8WBwizogCv9CSmOrjhxmE997eeGKa2ZG0mcKRS8-2WZVp7bifcA/s1600/20160629_180016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOxRty8Wa-fpvpO1pullSZgt9FbvWApabU7qdEHNsds8UNSjX_lE5ZyisZgyhBQkFcWm4w6Su9KfKUviU7Vu8WBwizogCv9CSmOrjhxmE997eeGKa2ZG0mcKRS8-2WZVp7bifcA/s320/20160629_180016.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was pretty breezy in the kitchen<br />for a couple of days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We went on a grand trip to Glacier National Park. That was fabulous! I have <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/DjFMASnuh8yGXb9E6" target="_blank">so many pics to share</a>. I'll just leave that link there. I should talk about that more.<br />
<br />
And then we got home, DH and FiL hung the doors on the shed and then the in laws were gone! The house feels rather quiet and empty without them. I've got plenty to do though so I'd best get cracking on it.<br />
<br />
anon!</div>
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-5881786656561966392016-05-18T14:36:00.001-07:002016-05-18T14:36:30.936-07:00Quietness and a trip to the seasideG'day all!<br />
<br />
I've been quiet recently. Firstly I was flat chat getting ready for us to get new visas, then we went and got new visas and then had to get over the jetlag!<br />
<br />
No excuses now though, we've been back for a week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40Hog3VNRFCRYFSSCrbd-mmN4FJ_YXQuAVMB_ddMT0qlpbNQbSaUxLwh5o1J4Jii23J0lNAeqjXOCZCKfH0BUNd87_1POkM4xHPuMlAB2Uu4XqDwaNyEP4a2LF-xs5oM-s8qx7A/s1600/20160503_185220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40Hog3VNRFCRYFSSCrbd-mmN4FJ_YXQuAVMB_ddMT0qlpbNQbSaUxLwh5o1J4Jii23J0lNAeqjXOCZCKfH0BUNd87_1POkM4xHPuMlAB2Uu4XqDwaNyEP4a2LF-xs5oM-s8qx7A/s320/20160503_185220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We were lucky enough to visit London, <i>the</i> London, the one in England. Again! We had such an excellent time! I walked and walked and walked. My poor feet nearly fell off. Thank heavens the weather became glorious after the first few days and I could wear my Tevas.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t67LTDY-h_D3PgjetXZPeQtQCeJS106pm545xhpFYDdyGkMHN3D5Fan7u_-_VmXCYsT65zMA9ZR6bp1l3Fj8w4OUzeSU-g9XbUgA0NUwA2zw1gBF699u_QSoF9E7wS2VizJVlA/s1600/20160503_110421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t67LTDY-h_D3PgjetXZPeQtQCeJS106pm545xhpFYDdyGkMHN3D5Fan7u_-_VmXCYsT65zMA9ZR6bp1l3Fj8w4OUzeSU-g9XbUgA0NUwA2zw1gBF699u_QSoF9E7wS2VizJVlA/s320/20160503_110421.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess who lives here? Not in the flower beds, silly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I sorta wonder why I like London so much. I think it is the energy. London isn't sad and dirty anymore, it is alive and doing stuff. So many things happening there. Of course it is a very big city with a lot of people so I guess there should be things happening all the time. We've also been blessed with the weather we've had in our last two trips there (though I did get to wear both the raincoats I purchased specifically for this trip!). But why like London more than say Paris? Paris is more scenic, but for me also more confusing - I need to understand, read and speak better French, I need to understand the culture better to be comfortable there. At least in London I can read the signs and understand what people are saying to me!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HCShOp4OmmasnT9tVkq0vjlxWzuDz-OBhxKcahtdzkVVS3yGgbEvYS1j2QSQPpR3HcC3OkzkS6odcNc8OnBjPowlEdMOJ3fGK5ROsyoZD90pQru4KeQ3KdygFoq-wFpTIC9Tuw/s1600/20160429_130207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HCShOp4OmmasnT9tVkq0vjlxWzuDz-OBhxKcahtdzkVVS3yGgbEvYS1j2QSQPpR3HcC3OkzkS6odcNc8OnBjPowlEdMOJ3fGK5ROsyoZD90pQru4KeQ3KdygFoq-wFpTIC9Tuw/s320/20160429_130207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses of Parliament and Big Ben<br />We got to hear Big Ben bong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway I just have to boast. We went to London! I had a lovely holiday, DH did some work, we got new visas.<br />
<br />
Kudos where it is owed though - it now takes longer to fill out all the forms online and get photos and stuff than it does to go to the embassy, stand in line, go through screening, wait for your number to be called, do the first part of the visa interview, wait in another queue and do the second part of the interview. We were out less than an hour after we went in - I barely got to knit any sock at all! - and it would've been shorter if the Iranian guy ahead of us wasn't getting the third degree. Well done, US Embassy London! Also flying in to Seattle meant that we didn't have to stand in enormous queues for what feels like hours waiting for customs to eyeball us and decide whether or not to let us in.<br />
<br />
I did a day trip to Brighton - oh I do love to be beside the seaside! - and DH and I both went to Oxford, Bletchley Park and then Cambridge (Cambridge was a very last minute decision). The trains were excellent, well except for the one from Brighton. It was already late and I had to stand in the first class section cos they only opened one first class carriage, then just when I got a seat, someone fell ill and they had to get the paramedics at the next station and said it was going to be ages before the train moved, so we should go and get a different train. That would've been fine if we had known that if we chose the wrong overpass to a different platform (at Gatwick airport's station), we had to pile into a lift to get to the platform! Anyway, eventually I got on another train and had to stand in second class instead, whine moan. I had paid six quid fifty (p) extra for a first class seat and they had totally failed to deliver on that trip back. But the other trains were great.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfh6zUUS0VUnKWF7GFxI42SZHjicj5-0_uV8VGV616Web84fm0eg8EnlYJxnLBoDflGMuFMRGoQ3-pSYfEZNtdPpda6B2yjzC8dzVMOonl-a-jLZ907mi0AjP5t5pIXm9KCsU4Q/s1600/20160504_155752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfh6zUUS0VUnKWF7GFxI42SZHjicj5-0_uV8VGV616Web84fm0eg8EnlYJxnLBoDflGMuFMRGoQ3-pSYfEZNtdPpda6B2yjzC8dzVMOonl-a-jLZ907mi0AjP5t5pIXm9KCsU4Q/s320/20160504_155752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Brighton itself was the most amazing mix of fabulous and tacky. I don't think I've been anywhere like it, not even Blackpool was like this! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVaWKNTBgayE5cD9MLQAjbX_8pzMz8UspBCXPLxwSr_k8MHCIoOjlNg-uvHnlaq6038Rr6b0RnOg09E0B-6vC5YQGcmEOUGTXWHZYjJltvyRC-h1DJ2VS3e48wpFQYRQV1UMT7Q/s1600/20160504_124650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVaWKNTBgayE5cD9MLQAjbX_8pzMz8UspBCXPLxwSr_k8MHCIoOjlNg-uvHnlaq6038Rr6b0RnOg09E0B-6vC5YQGcmEOUGTXWHZYjJltvyRC-h1DJ2VS3e48wpFQYRQV1UMT7Q/s320/20160504_124650.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKziM-xsvRF0XKfsz-3ynCLq9vaYdpenitIdq2it5RNkRgpyJ-aJQREHZ_ZfdjYWePeLI-3-BXWelZ1ud0oEHL-tyn3IZd9kMG2gancSQB5XA98Ek3czlZJtIxUiamD_Ww22eSg/s1600/20160504_162737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKziM-xsvRF0XKfsz-3ynCLq9vaYdpenitIdq2it5RNkRgpyJ-aJQREHZ_ZfdjYWePeLI-3-BXWelZ1ud0oEHL-tyn3IZd9kMG2gancSQB5XA98Ek3czlZJtIxUiamD_Ww22eSg/s320/20160504_162737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many little shops to explore, some good some ????</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tvzYbGmcfIHK_QuPOAH65spoptsYboU-FFL0oaUAXN3ZdFhsBdCEaheYlhc3g413gICO-RfPfn9M6PV0tb0B43f5LtaIvGSbdsC8shyphenhyphen7v77sct_x35zBkXKpMF83ujqt8HP4hQ/s1600/20160504_155257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tvzYbGmcfIHK_QuPOAH65spoptsYboU-FFL0oaUAXN3ZdFhsBdCEaheYlhc3g413gICO-RfPfn9M6PV0tb0B43f5LtaIvGSbdsC8shyphenhyphen7v77sct_x35zBkXKpMF83ujqt8HP4hQ/s320/20160504_155257.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rent a deck chair and bask in the glorious sun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But it was sunny and I had a lot of fun exploring the little shops in the narrow streets on the way to the beach, and I rode on Volk's Electric Railway (a weird little tram thing) and discovered that I did not like the marina one bit, and I walked on the pier and marvelled that it can take the forces generated by the fun fair rides at the end of it... And took many pics of the interesting buildings like the Royal Pavillion.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8d99l3yNbQpveO_ky_Hwd9OLxH6D1OYMBeXFYpghjWDk_SiledZwyLz60t3AknN8_J-8xwKRHYBWw3Rjlbs87kOh8qlH_UaBQA3sH7liezbdXUwesLKiFOjRgVtg9EPbWlLcYg/s1600/20160504_170325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8d99l3yNbQpveO_ky_Hwd9OLxH6D1OYMBeXFYpghjWDk_SiledZwyLz60t3AknN8_J-8xwKRHYBWw3Rjlbs87kOh8qlH_UaBQA3sH7liezbdXUwesLKiFOjRgVtg9EPbWlLcYg/s320/20160504_170325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street mosaic - couldn't see the chip they were flying for!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvApNIJWvBDefkldV8sEXq_b4gmDNuUfatCYipg_Q0_NxFyqzCl82mrQBb-MSIr_wnOGhhjVZaTvumxTRrF7HEK9bPkGAoAZ_Ncg0rKenFIlJttF1Qjmk_jcmpCz-hLqXqPoTKg/s1600/20160504_154326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvApNIJWvBDefkldV8sEXq_b4gmDNuUfatCYipg_Q0_NxFyqzCl82mrQBb-MSIr_wnOGhhjVZaTvumxTRrF7HEK9bPkGAoAZ_Ncg0rKenFIlJttF1Qjmk_jcmpCz-hLqXqPoTKg/s320/20160504_154326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endless water. No I don't know what the thing sticking<br />out of my head is...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfZLLUOxweqynpGOpahjnY9ZkJ-5rTRbgslHYYXfbpn8vPtQVn2DKjIArL3fV-WBTTvHGDeavX72Yl5xXTbwNju2RlbrshinQ6p1P9iJKszSUxTyCgNnL-QIv_teVwJIckcmwQg/s1600/20160504_153031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfZLLUOxweqynpGOpahjnY9ZkJ-5rTRbgslHYYXfbpn8vPtQVn2DKjIArL3fV-WBTTvHGDeavX72Yl5xXTbwNju2RlbrshinQ6p1P9iJKszSUxTyCgNnL-QIv_teVwJIckcmwQg/s320/20160504_153031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach and ferris wheel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBVqfwJOAZAh2l57rhdFYoUx-Do-OqXjl-Yu_QDvCFQgUzFxoaFVG1TXODVqhwsiClujgycgl8L5gZcGDfFowr4k3PX9PKfyFhfmpUmqH3RcuPdxXihC2-agd0CqsKs3dEk0L-w/s1600/20160504_134230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBVqfwJOAZAh2l57rhdFYoUx-Do-OqXjl-Yu_QDvCFQgUzFxoaFVG1TXODVqhwsiClujgycgl8L5gZcGDfFowr4k3PX9PKfyFhfmpUmqH3RcuPdxXihC2-agd0CqsKs3dEk0L-w/s320/20160504_134230.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pebbles! Not much sand at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The beach is all pebbles - flint pebbles in the main. It isn't very fun to walk on bare foot. There was also a warning that the water is cold enough to induce hypothermia rather quickly, and I will own that it was pretty chilly!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJZ3p1FWhFsfnYR2tm_bL2SU1J2uHXg9whm9VhB7vFtl6iSKN4rC9SJFQ85NyTc1MvvJ92-vX1DvPcpqboCU467Ni2fr3yETENZ9fOqaswMa2vcVCm_eDMjtovIW9ma5UCy3epw/s1600/20160504_133949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJZ3p1FWhFsfnYR2tm_bL2SU1J2uHXg9whm9VhB7vFtl6iSKN4rC9SJFQ85NyTc1MvvJ92-vX1DvPcpqboCU467Ni2fr3yETENZ9fOqaswMa2vcVCm_eDMjtovIW9ma5UCy3epw/s320/20160504_133949.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not me, a Russian dude. Madness I tells ya.<br />(He didn't go in any further....)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistdy0xsOZConnbwzEIYjDqdCAD7T41p3UipX_XD1-7Zshd6oINY5XC8M7NZi_TNcxhtzoLJHgAf2NLhkVjvW9C_Khx6kTT-jdQYrem7JBt3FSCWVUAgy_FYibqDTs2iWnkDQ11Q/s1600/20160504_133800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistdy0xsOZConnbwzEIYjDqdCAD7T41p3UipX_XD1-7Zshd6oINY5XC8M7NZi_TNcxhtzoLJHgAf2NLhkVjvW9C_Khx6kTT-jdQYrem7JBt3FSCWVUAgy_FYibqDTs2iWnkDQ11Q/s320/20160504_133800.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toes preparing to repel invaders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0BII6Xq-g6nxt4disF7fATckMH0kEV4lFZfnedrRSdMRaOwBZXW6kczXX9KrJTUHEPIj9Ycq58Vh68qUXGFxLXCBzn8jfWaZm6ITwcZu4zm3kWrJixSXlUDM5VjjyzXEBpz5yw/s1600/20160504_133801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0BII6Xq-g6nxt4disF7fATckMH0kEV4lFZfnedrRSdMRaOwBZXW6kczXX9KrJTUHEPIj9Ycq58Vh68qUXGFxLXCBzn8jfWaZm6ITwcZu4zm3kWrJixSXlUDM5VjjyzXEBpz5yw/s320/20160504_133801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's pretty cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7-sDszTugak-SD5AFPMhJIqasNht_VVGokqBIkl8XXg2hTGcNN7lj58vQU9RYOgl11_qNnE5RTjWgIP_agTTIwhqk3wWBphumDV72U71TtuxwhH5lj-2fD5JdNYYei-EJGwvCA/s1600/20160504_133802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7-sDszTugak-SD5AFPMhJIqasNht_VVGokqBIkl8XXg2hTGcNN7lj58vQU9RYOgl11_qNnE5RTjWgIP_agTTIwhqk3wWBphumDV72U71TtuxwhH5lj-2fD5JdNYYei-EJGwvCA/s320/20160504_133802.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, that is really cold, not going in any further!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioucDOuhphHLrs_UNbPx1jIITju-jlMqKS20QSnmbT4hFjqjgwc8KeGrm5Q6Kk8aOlDq_I2V2HDDJHYW5Gk5-XVhiM7C8-Zi_uh8CWq1xAq8S6609rr70hRUmEP0bUjbUEm6HYEA/s1600/20160504_133223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioucDOuhphHLrs_UNbPx1jIITju-jlMqKS20QSnmbT4hFjqjgwc8KeGrm5Q6Kk8aOlDq_I2V2HDDJHYW5Gk5-XVhiM7C8-Zi_uh8CWq1xAq8S6609rr70hRUmEP0bUjbUEm6HYEA/s320/20160504_133223.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Flint!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepRn_lPnjInrti8kST_Vs89qJfLogzc_ojyP3OY3IeWtuiXdvQSMGRqhTFH0rD9MH5LYMWPuJC_6S5hfXeslcP-FI_1RCMJpz9X4D_jAqrALuDDAeZ4sP_cf2nuMVcS7BkjYEWw/s1600/20160504_131435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepRn_lPnjInrti8kST_Vs89qJfLogzc_ojyP3OY3IeWtuiXdvQSMGRqhTFH0rD9MH5LYMWPuJC_6S5hfXeslcP-FI_1RCMJpz9X4D_jAqrALuDDAeZ4sP_cf2nuMVcS7BkjYEWw/s320/20160504_131435.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal pavillion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfatGpZo6L92Mx54xpUbvvPI-olQamqb5YiAD4vOTdcPsaHMyiWfzPMmIRKpXsk6rnSsoJeu9aUjH0keXqhFjC6VgeJ7ON9c5kyTjD1vxTo6M874eKL_l_lRXugIM_tbL-Oug1A/s1600/20160504_160112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfatGpZo6L92Mx54xpUbvvPI-olQamqb5YiAD4vOTdcPsaHMyiWfzPMmIRKpXsk6rnSsoJeu9aUjH0keXqhFjC6VgeJ7ON9c5kyTjD1vxTo6M874eKL_l_lRXugIM_tbL-Oug1A/s320/20160504_160112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brighton Pier and beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuDty24Sd9u3O7Rhzeu7MTDntddWxZkGCqJeMAQGsvXC5wrR7z7HiOrcNcbC-5otxoE53jB8KSanYaXLTqW5jDbHPEIOYOgoA9oXypheGcNtCqSzhOmWPCn39yARV7LYqyrYOEg/s1600/20160504_142351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuDty24Sd9u3O7Rhzeu7MTDntddWxZkGCqJeMAQGsvXC5wrR7z7HiOrcNcbC-5otxoE53jB8KSanYaXLTqW5jDbHPEIOYOgoA9oXypheGcNtCqSzhOmWPCn39yARV7LYqyrYOEg/s320/20160504_142351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volk's Electric Railway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I need to do a bit of catching up. Some posts about other places that we visited. Some posts about finished things. Maybe I'll even remember to blog some of the trip and the other stuff.<br />
<br />
Maybe?<br />
<br />
anon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-80646118586167437012016-03-30T23:08:00.000-07:002016-03-30T23:08:24.865-07:00Well that was unexpected, and so was that and...G'day all!<br />
<br />
I've been following the Takata airbag issue for a while now. I drive a Honda, and Honda is particularly badly affected. But no recalls had been issued for my car so onwards and upwards.<br />
<br />
Until last Thursday, when I got the recall letter.... the letter that says people have died after deployment of the airbag and here, we will give you a loaner car until your car is fixed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3_LUe5n1CRihqOFil1jtcpsqp0MW8PMWyOJ8oR6566Ww0juSBSbbzvr6UdWVy88hENXLsG4v1EB9KOQ1txj4EmCoBFGamitcQ5PMOk8bw0NVW9mw5hsEWeJup9yKg6p624jv4A/s1600/20160330_183347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3_LUe5n1CRihqOFil1jtcpsqp0MW8PMWyOJ8oR6566Ww0juSBSbbzvr6UdWVy88hENXLsG4v1EB9KOQ1txj4EmCoBFGamitcQ5PMOk8bw0NVW9mw5hsEWeJup9yKg6p624jv4A/s320/20160330_183347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils and trout lilies in my garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well crap. I rather like my little car - he is small and willing and zippy and has driven us on most of our adventures in this pretty amazing state.</div>
<br />
And then on Saturday night, some mongrel ran into his wing mirror/side mirror and shattered the mirror and cracked the mirror housing. Hope they get seven years of bad luck cos it wasn't me who was cretinous enough to hit a parked small car. Nearly $500 to fix it and it needs to be fixed cos it is the driver's side and I use that mirror a lot!<br />
<br />
So I took my car in to the dealer and arranged for him to get the mirror fixed and get serviced and get stored until the airbag parts come in. That will be in summer some time. Woecakes! I already miss him.<br />
<br />
My car, as I said is small and zippy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj9iXoOtdlaAogGVhUm4OpoYDJfcuZFyi8LOh6ctxQV3EihbWJuGQXc0Tw-oINRE29hUYr4Io-zlfl8HJQ4c8SD-Va8EtTmgxwVIaDEQWBVm4P0XaZ5AajDSOQTmUENZmainJDQ/s1600/IMG_9063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj9iXoOtdlaAogGVhUm4OpoYDJfcuZFyi8LOh6ctxQV3EihbWJuGQXc0Tw-oINRE29hUYr4Io-zlfl8HJQ4c8SD-Va8EtTmgxwVIaDEQWBVm4P0XaZ5AajDSOQTmUENZmainJDQ/s320/IMG_9063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty shot of my baby when he was six or eight weeks old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I was offered one of three vehicles, all SUVs. The smallest is a Jeep Patriot. I may have made my dismay rather clear. <br />
<br />
"Which do you want?"<br />
<br />
"Umm, none of them?"<br />
<br />
"Well that is all we have today. We'll have sedans later in the week. Oh also, pay the $14 a day for extra insurance on the vehicle or take the risk that they will charge you for damage to it."<br />
<br />
$14 a day for the damage waiver for a car that I'm likely to have for a hundred days or more. Gee, thanks for the "free" car. Worst case scenario seems to be if the car is written off, we have to pay the difference between its appraised value and its salvage value. I can not take the damage waiver insurance and hope that I (or anyone else) doesn't damage the car.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFPR8U6JlowR9rXbwof5ZFPn0892dKoXQ2_0OmDeJdsNMIjGTnHeX3_XVtM8DU6upnotol-SCwHvQqpzfylKtUubRS8yF7zF5XSfX1qH8Zax_cNWWABw5gDVz7bGNyfzMdhzdGw/s1600/20160329_194513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFPR8U6JlowR9rXbwof5ZFPn0892dKoXQ2_0OmDeJdsNMIjGTnHeX3_XVtM8DU6upnotol-SCwHvQqpzfylKtUubRS8yF7zF5XSfX1qH8Zax_cNWWABw5gDVz7bGNyfzMdhzdGw/s400/20160329_194513.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracking sunset!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So now I am driving around in Sluggy (not right now, I'm sitting at home typing this!), the Jeep Patriot. I will say this much for it - it feels much more solid than the Hyundai I drove in California. Both have about the same number of miles on them but the Hyundai felt like someone had installed sponges in the steering and suspension, plus it made alarming noises when it went up hills under load. I cannot imagine why you would rent an SUV - you aren't allowed to drive it off road or on gravel/unmade roads or tow with it or have pets in it. Maybe they are good for trips to the snow....<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I ring the dealer up and annoy them to see if I can get something smaller and more suited to my very suburban lifestyle. Also? Gas mileage/fuel economy sucks. When you drive less than 15 miles and can see the fuel needle dropping, that is scary! Not like I was driving like a lunatic or anything either.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PNwnLv4PPTdaC_6JFvxQ_fQW_TxKqcY0_AfBagzjyd-yhaRB2FXraN5Umsl_obuO6yUEulP7UN90aug54xcdBDTL2DhBRV3SmhvI3AGkfBr4u_LeqM1cT54-jas7qpGEblAAQA/s1600/20160330_121515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PNwnLv4PPTdaC_6JFvxQ_fQW_TxKqcY0_AfBagzjyd-yhaRB2FXraN5Umsl_obuO6yUEulP7UN90aug54xcdBDTL2DhBRV3SmhvI3AGkfBr4u_LeqM1cT54-jas7qpGEblAAQA/s320/20160330_121515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In other exciting news, I now have something in common with Larry Page, one of the founders of Google/Alphabet. Alas it isn't millions and billions of dollars.<br />
<br />
You might remember that I've been having voice and breathing issues for some time. Over 2.5 years now. The ENT I saw said my right vocal cord was paralysed but after six months or so had regained function. Didn't explain the ongoing hoarseness and breathing problems and me occasionally choking on stuff and not being able to laugh or cough properly. I kept going back to my GP and saying there's an issue, there's an issue but started to believe that maybe it was all in my head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpMF6CqJ0UcA-y_83SlDlRLeC5rmxw6fuzp_c7EEGEh6e2YakEOAaOe4nCbs0Lv8DUwmK5x9g_PEZZK7U2d8EMO9gY2K5z1xceP0wKfUieKu7FB3lhfsRaeE1heLzHMpxkMtP7A/s1600/20160330_121659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpMF6CqJ0UcA-y_83SlDlRLeC5rmxw6fuzp_c7EEGEh6e2YakEOAaOe4nCbs0Lv8DUwmK5x9g_PEZZK7U2d8EMO9gY2K5z1xceP0wKfUieKu7FB3lhfsRaeE1heLzHMpxkMtP7A/s320/20160330_121659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the lime green of new leaves (and flowers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Monday I saw a new-to-me otolaryngologist (we used to call them ear nose throat doctors). He's one of the top dudes in the state. I waited and waited and waited and then finally got into the testing room after going through my history with his resident. <br />
<br />
They had a look at my vocal cords. To do this, they first numb your nose and pharynx with a topical anaesthetic. Apparently I'm sensitive to it or maybe the epinephrine that they use in some forms of it as I always get super nervous/anxious when I'm given an injection or have it sprayed up my nose. Then a squirt of decongestant and they stick an endoscope into your nose.<br />
<br />
It was fascinating. I saw my insides! Well the inside of my nose and then my pharynx and my vocal cords. Alas my tremor came into play because of a) my reaction to the spray and b) the position I had to hold my head it was exactly wrong.... But anyway I had to say various things and do the usual eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and sing happy birthday and whistle happy birthday and they ummed and ahhed and made me do more things and asked me how things felt, then decided they'd done enough testing.<br />
<br />
What I saw was my right vocal cord didn't seem to be doing much and my left was flapping in the breeze a bit.<br />
<br />
What they saw was that my right vocal cord is stuck halfway open, halfway closed and not moving, whilst the left is still working a bit but not very well. They asked over and over if I had problems swallowing water. They said I was doing very well, all things considered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3BCNjFLo8TR2c3kSNOUcc1GMTLArZL0zCApxPDGkt_w9r3REK3YNbTcvQNYcF1bsPP8Q2qJgWqC7EtHHC017F0sHDhdJFDQDUfsExPQQNKfhgB9ztv-MdWY5TkLPzLd7RMfRew/s1600/20160329_163631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3BCNjFLo8TR2c3kSNOUcc1GMTLArZL0zCApxPDGkt_w9r3REK3YNbTcvQNYcF1bsPP8Q2qJgWqC7EtHHC017F0sHDhdJFDQDUfsExPQQNKfhgB9ztv-MdWY5TkLPzLd7RMfRew/s320/20160329_163631.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulee-tulee-tulee-tulee-tulip time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All things considered turns out to be a diagnosis of bilateral vocal cord paresis, ie my vocal cords are not up to snuff and not doing their job of either closing when I swallow or opening fully when I breathe in and out. It explains why I feel that there is an obstruction in my larynx when I'm breathing (<i>cos there is</i>!) and why I can't sing or laugh or cough and why I choke on water sometimes and why my voice is generally pretty rubbish.<br />
<br />
And you want to know what can be done about it?<br />
<br />
NOTHING! (cries)<br />
<br />
I'm going to have a little bit of voice therapy and breathing therapy to give me some tips and tricks to help manage it but if they do minor surgery to help me breathe more easily, I'll lose what remains of my voice and if they help me talk more easily, I'll become even more breathless. Neither option is palatable because I'm already socially screwed if we are in a noisy environment or if I need to project and if I get more breathless.... I'm getting a CT scan to see if there are any physical reasons for the paresis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseAexzaljzpUKHdYj70W5zmXbPn-BvE09qhv7nxpQdS-5Hf3N7Bp7lPootn_7DdaDPBgwC7pzYUj3KXHo0gzcCODoKJ9N8ClcgMxwa4aEE70VUgpb9VxyjZz3glyyFu1yX-4XJg/s1600/20160325_172134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseAexzaljzpUKHdYj70W5zmXbPn-BvE09qhv7nxpQdS-5Hf3N7Bp7lPootn_7DdaDPBgwC7pzYUj3KXHo0gzcCODoKJ9N8ClcgMxwa4aEE70VUgpb9VxyjZz3glyyFu1yX-4XJg/s320/20160325_172134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More tulip time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can exercise but only within my limits. I already knew that - anyone who has asthma and has trouble breathing knows the panic that comes with the feeling of not being able to get enough air into their lungs. I know that panic well. Even hurrying across the street can bring it on. They actually said do not push yourself, do not see a personal trainer, these things will not be good for your continued life! I have been slowly improving my fitness though, ever so slowly. I just have to be slow and gentle about it, not force it to happen.<br />
<br />
If the zombie apocalypse happens, I may as well just lay down and let them eat my brainz straight off.<br />
<br />
At least it isn't all in my head, right? It certainly won't be if the zombies get me.<br />
<br />
sigh<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDSxyw_H9-X_sAOZ0jhZ7sNRVt5j-X0zFj6zPSfRGexqmf8UjprEq0cfqoOEl0zmZCP5AxH8mzP50pp0r9dIzhMStg-CDKCzNlxdTK4MEte1Ibdq7KzRGiDHpQLs4g4mBP8vXyA/s1600/20160325_165440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDSxyw_H9-X_sAOZ0jhZ7sNRVt5j-X0zFj6zPSfRGexqmf8UjprEq0cfqoOEl0zmZCP5AxH8mzP50pp0r9dIzhMStg-CDKCzNlxdTK4MEte1Ibdq7KzRGiDHpQLs4g4mBP8vXyA/s320/20160325_165440.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering cherries are amazing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have to admit it is a bit hard to keep my end up. I had hoped that there would be a solution for me but at this stage, no. I'm hoping that I don't get worse (what if I have some degenerative disease?), that I will slowly creep towards better - I am much better than I was in November after getting some horrible virus that I seriously thought would land me in hospital because I had so much difficulty breathing. I actually can sing about an octave of the tenor range now, as long as the phrases are short. Between this and the car and having to deal with visa stuff and it being tax season... thank heavens it is Spring and the weather this week is fantastic because I can distract myself but in quiet times, the gnawing worry sets in. And also the pity party. I like singing. I like making music with my voice, blending it with the voices of others. I like laughing. I like being able to be heard at social things. Heck, I like breathing, especially when I've just had to run from the road to not get run over. And I might never do these things again. Even the breathing ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXjEoRiJYljSXyoVYJvcpcxnhK72dfnwBDyXsmYbM41TZTThJw7b5ni9JbnmEE8TC1tgMAbWL8kPjGGb6mrH0vbkLdfIvgLkq1XniNdX09ERO7sDGkjEeK789j8vIGyDrt9Z9rw/s1600/20160330_121949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXjEoRiJYljSXyoVYJvcpcxnhK72dfnwBDyXsmYbM41TZTThJw7b5ni9JbnmEE8TC1tgMAbWL8kPjGGb6mrH0vbkLdfIvgLkq1XniNdX09ERO7sDGkjEeK789j8vIGyDrt9Z9rw/s320/20160330_121949.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not slime or algae. Pollen. The trees are pretty enthusiastic<br />around here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pictures are supplied by the glory of Spring in Seattle. Hope you like the pic of the pollen sludge in the water - no wonder we are having allergy problems!<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-90109541850366844062016-03-12T15:30:00.001-08:002016-03-12T15:30:40.090-08:00Two hours with Gwen MarstonG'day all!<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, I hopped on a ferry (with my car!) and took off to Port Gamble. <a href="http://www.quiltedstrait.com/" target="_blank">The Quilted Strait</a> was hosting <a href="http://gwenmarston.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Marston</a>, a luminary in the improv quilting scene and all-round quilting bad ass and enemy of the quilting police.<br />
<br />
Did you know that she doesn't think that points need to match?<br />
<br />
Can you hear the quilting police having conniptions?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had no idea what to expect.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWVKeiUf7iRXykIJ3N7-R9FD3I6q0eLLUVTRjZ3njEiIAY16oXknZk0-Oil_CQsBM-mqQBBBQIK95iSqoHUN07W5K_M2UiogGORmTWOURv-8jTSpbszV4aXdEIOuY3cO5Y7YCCA/s1600/20160228_124930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWVKeiUf7iRXykIJ3N7-R9FD3I6q0eLLUVTRjZ3njEiIAY16oXknZk0-Oil_CQsBM-mqQBBBQIK95iSqoHUN07W5K_M2UiogGORmTWOURv-8jTSpbszV4aXdEIOuY3cO5Y7YCCA/s320/20160228_124930.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammatus clouds - full of om!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The trip across was fun - there was a howling wind blowing up the Sound and the clouds and the wind and waves were magnificent.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I7Dr9wIX-KZK9z-KGJKwAFJwpsr37sob0_zU3w8SjMLFWg9C9YWzvbR6Ge-2lOLWdx6XnIYjwrVEbgdTY5JfS1tlxJ1GqzVMLWJLbrqEbLUcaeuZYQy-Jn998rV3_JAu6S6U3Q/s1600/20160228_130126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I7Dr9wIX-KZK9z-KGJKwAFJwpsr37sob0_zU3w8SjMLFWg9C9YWzvbR6Ge-2lOLWdx6XnIYjwrVEbgdTY5JfS1tlxJ1GqzVMLWJLbrqEbLUcaeuZYQy-Jn998rV3_JAu6S6U3Q/s320/20160228_130126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the calm of a bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I may have had a little accident with the credit card in the quilt shop too... they had some excellent low volume fabrics.<br />
<br />
What did I find? A slim lady with an iron-grey triangle bob who was always in motion during her talk. After the talk she had a sit down, but she did talk for two hours! There was lots of humour during the talk - she's well aware of what the quilt police have to say about her work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8FwKNqoPnuCYTL2z5ArdeORWHCUK0L-XHiY3pspUcUz9QB_b489a0mg5vbU9QSuFWbJMUT49kYLMgc7jk8xdiQC7rLWQ16G9bVntvrR19-Ea2bVrBZsMQIq1Et4G9CHK30dZiA/s1600/20160228_143453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8FwKNqoPnuCYTL2z5ArdeORWHCUK0L-XHiY3pspUcUz9QB_b489a0mg5vbU9QSuFWbJMUT49kYLMgc7jk8xdiQC7rLWQ16G9bVntvrR19-Ea2bVrBZsMQIq1Et4G9CHK30dZiA/s320/20160228_143453.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwen is constantly in motion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She grew up on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle - that's about two-three miles from where I live now. After she married, she ended up in Michigan, and a collection of antique quilts in a museum there sparked her interest in quilting. She was a tailor by trade and a crafty type.<br />
<br />
After a move to Salem, Oregon, a Mennonite church there had a quilt show and Gwen's interest grew. She eventually asked if they would show her how to quilt, and a monster was born! They showed her how to construct quilts and how to hand quilt them.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Gwen took the lessons they taught her and ran with them. It was an act of God if the applique worked. Whoops, that block isn't quite right - it's mis-pieced. What a shame. It will work anyway. Traditional quilters had a life and made quilts as they went with what they had to hand. Their quilts were not predetermined and predictable. One can see the hand of the maker in their quilts.</span><br />
<br />
Traditional quilts did not follow The Roolz. Points didn't match. Lines weren't straight. Appliques were uneven and not symmetrical.<br />
<br />
They had no patterns. The look of the quilt was not pre-determined (presumably beyond a certain idea of it must have an eagle and a rose on it). And from that, Gwen started creating.<br />
<br />
She played. She sewed a triangle to a square and voila, a house! Sew a square on top, a window! But it's pretty low, that's a basement window. She had no plan, she just sewed scraps together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfdh97nFOdqA2ITBgMW4vjwDlTkcwivtWJJV7XDU4ly6RaIIHpNhDK4B_DH0RaK9Wyz_72sqzOTm0PEIZE2OyQDvCKP-BYH1TG0FmIqSJMRL00g7Z9VNotUSrB51he3CzbOAzQg/s1600/20160228_154849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfdh97nFOdqA2ITBgMW4vjwDlTkcwivtWJJV7XDU4ly6RaIIHpNhDK4B_DH0RaK9Wyz_72sqzOTm0PEIZE2OyQDvCKP-BYH1TG0FmIqSJMRL00g7Z9VNotUSrB51he3CzbOAzQg/s320/20160228_154849.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraps from a workshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I notice a lot of these scrap quilts have bunches of red in them. Gwen likes to collect scraps from the workshops she runs (she is finishing teaching this year) and sews them together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ_kbHh8B5WWmyPZtUa_czrlu1_UxNh5ghLJ8CUfWBySjW3Pb3v_em_xnWU6nshp5ogxEbVhhzKpqYbOVhGoFyPKM_a42_odhJu6JEfXZDwqugM1EcX5IN8dogsgAheEh5B1dRQ/s1600/20160228_154837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ_kbHh8B5WWmyPZtUa_czrlu1_UxNh5ghLJ8CUfWBySjW3Pb3v_em_xnWU6nshp5ogxEbVhhzKpqYbOVhGoFyPKM_a42_odhJu6JEfXZDwqugM1EcX5IN8dogsgAheEh5B1dRQ/s320/20160228_154837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberated stars are not even </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She developed the idea of liberated quilting - quilting that does not follow The Roolz. Points do not have to match. Squares, triangles, rectangles, hour-glasses, whatever shapes do not have to be exactly the same. Having them inconsistent in size makes them more lively. Having strips like the borders around the quilt above and below not fit perfectly, having the triangles cut in half adds movement to the quilts. She doesn't do maths to make exactly the right length borders - traditional quilters didn't! Having things not be symmetrical gives them interest.<br />
<br />
Can you hear that funny sound? That's the quilting police having heart attacks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYvv1ZaRjt3K26p3XdN-z3tNQK0qoJRGfHjaUPp2dn8WDIROgRwJQlRtwKUAPqBIb6GkAZpN4EPtrCAO6Tm6-D1zSJRuuNsm1R9tM0ZW8rb-ApMjvOyEWzwjdB7ttzuAoe8Z4DA/s1600/20160228_154826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYvv1ZaRjt3K26p3XdN-z3tNQK0qoJRGfHjaUPp2dn8WDIROgRwJQlRtwKUAPqBIb6GkAZpN4EPtrCAO6Tm6-D1zSJRuuNsm1R9tM0ZW8rb-ApMjvOyEWzwjdB7ttzuAoe8Z4DA/s320/20160228_154826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angles! Triangles don't run nicely to the corners<br />on this liberated medallion quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Block size not consistent? We can still make that work with little bits and pieces added here and there or blocks sewn together and then bits added. Run out of that colour? Sub in another. Rectangles in rectangles not all the same size? That can still work. <i>Quick, where are the smelling salts?</i><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a2ce-Ca0ulDj-boq36geuiUpOhenFOcbnACKL0Ze4UtWHJQ4I0uRb1kSeQ0z1Z37cPU4w7n484rVO0142ikPf7iB4WVvoPhsDccgdZtUWRJ1EHl96nXEZr8s-nAdKMlvR2v8hA/s1600/20160228_143154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a2ce-Ca0ulDj-boq36geuiUpOhenFOcbnACKL0Ze4UtWHJQ4I0uRb1kSeQ0z1Z37cPU4w7n484rVO0142ikPf7iB4WVvoPhsDccgdZtUWRJ1EHl96nXEZr8s-nAdKMlvR2v8hA/s320/20160228_143154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry but you get the idea of different size blocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The "mistakes" make the quilts interesting. <i>She speaks with authority but is often wrong.</i><br />
<br />
She doesn't like putting blocks for quilts in progress up on the design wall and critiquing them - oh that block should not be there, it should go... umm... to the third row over there. <i> NO! Don't do this.</i><br />
<br />
Antique quilts had screaming colours, not just brown.<br />
<br />
She uses a ruler if she wants a straight line, it isn't all cutting out with scissors. The shapes on her appliqued quilts were cut out with scissors and you can see where some repeated shapes, like a strip of triangles, were all cut out by folding and clipping the sides off the folded material. This is how they used to cut the fabric!<br />
<br />
She sees too much emphasis on precision. The quilting police have many people convinced that it must be perfect. (Have you ever heard me apologising because my points aren't perfect on my quilts? Cos I do! Now I realise my quilts are liberated ;-) If quilts are too rigid they may as well be paint by number jobs.<br />
<br />
Her publisher had a suitcase full of her appliqued quilts, which were of lesser interest to me, but there were still things to be learned from them, like how things were cut out, how borders were made (scissors and folding).<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">After the talk, I went for a little wander around Port Gamble, popped into the <a href="http://theartfulewe.com/" target="_blank">Artful Ewe</a> and bought a braid of lovely top, then headed back home.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21GaZCkYzLpzlWrZDYYWnSAJgKx5YM00XKU4WxtJ4wlkCD5k8DuRvCCcdZ6POj6frfElYuzRT5CPbJHCKoo_-jRjF4j26pbnr5QEOe6tB-MaT-RTksSs9ahVXbfvcHpVbG1o0lQ/s1600/20160228_155434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21GaZCkYzLpzlWrZDYYWnSAJgKx5YM00XKU4WxtJ4wlkCD5k8DuRvCCcdZ6POj6frfElYuzRT5CPbJHCKoo_-jRjF4j26pbnr5QEOe6tB-MaT-RTksSs9ahVXbfvcHpVbG1o0lQ/s320/20160228_155434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
How has the talk changed my quilting?<br />
<br />
Not much so far, but I've been working on pre-existing projects. I'm less likely to be worried about making things perfect - as long as they go together and play together more or less likely, that's good. I might play with some scraps more instead of chucking out anything under a certain size. It's given me more confidence to go and play with things, but currently I don't have time to play - I've got a bunch of projects on the go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu9_c_2WqkYggItz7SCjEHfQljjIxvxLUGZV1cTpgPDeVJVqNihx_7HFAIpJX1dKoQG6ClRwyRxGbKR3vPP5tiNWp4bRsQ6s5Pq6MQwP9xYySuUOeYjWCbzDmNivt-0TlHZrDwg/s1600/20160309_174941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu9_c_2WqkYggItz7SCjEHfQljjIxvxLUGZV1cTpgPDeVJVqNihx_7HFAIpJX1dKoQG6ClRwyRxGbKR3vPP5tiNWp4bRsQ6s5Pq6MQwP9xYySuUOeYjWCbzDmNivt-0TlHZrDwg/s320/20160309_174941.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not scraps! Piles of inspiration!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Speaking of which,<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-88565270445961840042016-03-01T18:48:00.002-08:002016-03-01T18:48:58.914-08:00That was the winter that wasG'day all!<br />
<br />
This was a winter for hibernating.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxuP6w80HWgDSzSZ2sq_Zs_oKZBqOTMX0CEka6YBjuVQiXeIPcIHrJ9XJhO4HUB0Yq1KLCd02gwji42pUzxsjkIEuIQRCLchKWxm92lMhrBa84mgwIgbaoIEV-72iWJy8p0kmeg/s1600/20160128_165054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxuP6w80HWgDSzSZ2sq_Zs_oKZBqOTMX0CEka6YBjuVQiXeIPcIHrJ9XJhO4HUB0Yq1KLCd02gwji42pUzxsjkIEuIQRCLchKWxm92lMhrBa84mgwIgbaoIEV-72iWJy8p0kmeg/s320/20160128_165054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lake sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What? Winter has ended?, I hear Americans cry. Meteorological winter has ended - it runs from December 1 to Feb 28/29 in the northern hemisphere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEshZtVtxb4QAI8u_S-R_XoqiFXocl_FesD8vY5LnxWifuEW7h-IH5q7kRo8cLik9RTNV2vzFTP1adke25SDphp8PSq9Lqtw37Xy7JMX4gmY-oO7JTTc-Oxr3EUsur4AMEbdsPBQ/s1600/20160207_072306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEshZtVtxb4QAI8u_S-R_XoqiFXocl_FesD8vY5LnxWifuEW7h-IH5q7kRo8cLik9RTNV2vzFTP1adke25SDphp8PSq9Lqtw37Xy7JMX4gmY-oO7JTTc-Oxr3EUsur4AMEbdsPBQ/s320/20160207_072306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MTumRU59EKj_ldxmukhXkArWRq0nAJhE6EvSzlOYcECDTS5IhM0jcIzp9vtvP0jbViQuDY5pHMLAUkozyHh-s6dnUGRjpdLaad-1qRLZDevjxczho3WzLtdJUggCQkC-6vr7bQ/s1600/20160207_172217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MTumRU59EKj_ldxmukhXkArWRq0nAJhE6EvSzlOYcECDTS5IhM0jcIzp9vtvP0jbViQuDY5pHMLAUkozyHh-s6dnUGRjpdLaad-1qRLZDevjxczho3WzLtdJUggCQkC-6vr7bQ/s320/20160207_172217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And sunset from the same day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Anyway, I live in Seattle, and Spring arrived about two or three weeks ago here. It pays no mind to dates. The crocuses started blooming at the start of Feb, the odd daffodil showed up (though they are really getting underway now except in my yard where they are still making promises) and then the cherry plums started blooming.<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind6QcaTAdOcpX4bXYGd9XGDN-qF0Gdvsdi0928nBQRL5v75oIEeDw067X_mRveTWgj5kvNoDlnFG4xyWblV8OlBksgGnH_8eHaULjuFG0r4WRQi31kebr7Yvuvi7joT_KfbdMeQ/s1600/20160212_123836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind6QcaTAdOcpX4bXYGd9XGDN-qF0Gdvsdi0928nBQRL5v75oIEeDw067X_mRveTWgj5kvNoDlnFG4xyWblV8OlBksgGnH_8eHaULjuFG0r4WRQi31kebr7Yvuvi7joT_KfbdMeQ/s320/20160212_123836.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocuses. Croci?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGOwbEWH74SC0K6XNcPYzJM8KSYSwTYEUPRWhjkp4x7ef_YR2Fo7S5rIFVZdxtsc_k2c5UlB_8Hc3dUwPUlh3WtFdkavMRTbK7JOjLbfaW4Y-9T4k2gqTqclu3K5iRpIgXi5PVQ/s1600/20160212_171449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGOwbEWH74SC0K6XNcPYzJM8KSYSwTYEUPRWhjkp4x7ef_YR2Fo7S5rIFVZdxtsc_k2c5UlB_8Hc3dUwPUlh3WtFdkavMRTbK7JOjLbfaW4Y-9T4k2gqTqclu3K5iRpIgXi5PVQ/s320/20160212_171449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artful arrangement by nature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxTGHAtfd2Yaj_90lFqgGWgz9ro-RveykMWCAxpYDIsY6aq3pqsHb0bvrWsNcrKry4gEnUJV0AQeXGiIfsKv0SFS-L5o_QTWfCYzbqWSrCiLsC6NpvLiuZi94FodORhH-zuiVCw/s1600/20160216_125402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxTGHAtfd2Yaj_90lFqgGWgz9ro-RveykMWCAxpYDIsY6aq3pqsHb0bvrWsNcrKry4gEnUJV0AQeXGiIfsKv0SFS-L5o_QTWfCYzbqWSrCiLsC6NpvLiuZi94FodORhH-zuiVCw/s320/20160216_125402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More crocuses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now the magnolias are starting, if they haven't been blown away by today's atrociously windy weather.<br />
<br />
It feels like I hardly did a thing in January. I may as well have hibernated because it was not a good month. It started well with lots of sun and then went to seed. I would say pot but various of you would get the wrong idea.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dYR6yRXIe21e-T9nuhe-dbPZAggRTT8t7qFh2Pj6Z6Wq_cj0Ss4xdHGTNjKA0Tc095FKu9je-W-3fYnLc0CyCUiMQ58Uv0S42SBq-iOwg_ceuc6uEuY6oPOqkgPZKMKRfRdp4w/s1600/20160116_130957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dYR6yRXIe21e-T9nuhe-dbPZAggRTT8t7qFh2Pj6Z6Wq_cj0Ss4xdHGTNjKA0Tc095FKu9je-W-3fYnLc0CyCUiMQ58Uv0S42SBq-iOwg_ceuc6uEuY6oPOqkgPZKMKRfRdp4w/s320/20160116_130957.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hey, I did do something in January! I finished quilting this!<br />I also knitted a lot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Normal winters in Seattle involve a lot of drizzle. Lots and lots of drizzle. Drizzle doesn't get you wet very easily, especially if you wear fuzzy clothes like wool or fleecy tops or (!!) a rain coat. I expected not so much drizzle or rain because this is an El Nino year. El Nino years are usually warmer and 20% drier than normal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88hZQ_D3VueClbpVvFpQyIIaJnJtWGfZlUx6oBv6YR34LWKgaQ93WSjqGkcvcyjROjNO9zxiOKtNDEOiTczzF0mfL5rwo3JI6Bqjxuot9sIHjG1O6MfCSHoYtYSWKqUvLz96D-Q/s1600/20160208_115034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88hZQ_D3VueClbpVvFpQyIIaJnJtWGfZlUx6oBv6YR34LWKgaQ93WSjqGkcvcyjROjNO9zxiOKtNDEOiTczzF0mfL5rwo3JI6Bqjxuot9sIHjG1O6MfCSHoYtYSWKqUvLz96D-Q/s320/20160208_115034.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Green Lake contrail<br />We had only a handful of clear days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A big fat HA to that!<br />
<br />
This year we had rain. We had so much rain that we broke the record for rain from October 1 (the start of the water year and rain festival in Seattle) to March 1. When it rained, it didn't bother with this drizzle rubbish, it persisted down. Going outside was miserable - even with a raincoat you got soaked. Staying inside was miserable. It generally was just miserable all round.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa513UI6xfYB8shbOOgrEMW9ZdkI_qKq7wJrxQ4R-c4cgNc9r7Cn-nhEskw_2-lXHGBOBdJwHEes0j2UHjACQTVV8HH3ZCieTpaApWJCj9yhl4VhI1hvvfZR4KpqRpx8T0QU0Fw/s1600/20160210_170753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa513UI6xfYB8shbOOgrEMW9ZdkI_qKq7wJrxQ4R-c4cgNc9r7Cn-nhEskw_2-lXHGBOBdJwHEes0j2UHjACQTVV8HH3ZCieTpaApWJCj9yhl4VhI1hvvfZR4KpqRpx8T0QU0Fw/s320/20160210_170753.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Nifty mackerel skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, it was a little warmer than average. So there is that.<br />
<br />
February sees the start of Spring here. I am starting to think that Spring is my favourite season here, though I'm not too impressed with how this one has started. Hopefully in like a lion, out like a lamb.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Bw1JrCGjff9M1vjJAnxt1rEfqUTBqUolIJrLiWicwc0x88pdA2Sk06ssvkHHLoLisXbJqb7V8z0dgVMnYd94Dyykz16xN0UXmPDmyn8YzWt4hhdU54RhI8Uq67Qyv9EQsRUvA/s1600/20160122_140208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Bw1JrCGjff9M1vjJAnxt1rEfqUTBqUolIJrLiWicwc0x88pdA2Sk06ssvkHHLoLisXbJqb7V8z0dgVMnYd94Dyykz16xN0UXmPDmyn8YzWt4hhdU54RhI8Uq67Qyv9EQsRUvA/s320/20160122_140208.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Oh please won't you let me in?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have much to talk about. Lots and lots, if I can drag myself away from the weather. I have been knitting. I have been quilting. I think I have to do a number of blog posts. In the mean time, feast your eyes upon the pics I did manage to get in one month of a miserable winter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPMM0vTrDnyUlBGOUgjF6VJy2NlrMhaTTlc0GKhMjA0FiFwghx2uN0Rx8MsW4R50iJDhgiAejqaWlUZKYNXPRYhpnyzq3WMtpFYH0LPaI5hy0Kg4SmOlUxY7eeym4sDrK628BvA/s1600/20160213_144109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPMM0vTrDnyUlBGOUgjF6VJy2NlrMhaTTlc0GKhMjA0FiFwghx2uN0Rx8MsW4R50iJDhgiAejqaWlUZKYNXPRYhpnyzq3WMtpFYH0LPaI5hy0Kg4SmOlUxY7eeym4sDrK628BvA/s320/20160213_144109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">New socks for DH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKAR-jof27CJLcLSpHEVCImnJSCt1ZzsIfK7WCQWRMy48fqkG3vI6RUKG3ondqEjSKS9DDINzu551bFUZ0ia94iAuF-HlJrWqLH9iFCRwpDjegwABKpgLY0PnbzzdloS1v_JB-g/s1600/20160213_143954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKAR-jof27CJLcLSpHEVCImnJSCt1ZzsIfK7WCQWRMy48fqkG3vI6RUKG3ondqEjSKS9DDINzu551bFUZ0ia94iAuF-HlJrWqLH9iFCRwpDjegwABKpgLY0PnbzzdloS1v_JB-g/s320/20160213_143954.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A new jumper for me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxI1HGB1GhHmM2tvKXIbG4qufoc2Ta4RAL2v4bVvo5rdIlfvMHcA-DACd_IxZnug5oHSbQgrKvpCrtMeRFI3m6JqpoXrBwGMIszOrj2MHo6txLo5ymnh7ld3lwsI5WmljyrhYdA/s1600/20160210_221926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxI1HGB1GhHmM2tvKXIbG4qufoc2Ta4RAL2v4bVvo5rdIlfvMHcA-DACd_IxZnug5oHSbQgrKvpCrtMeRFI3m6JqpoXrBwGMIszOrj2MHo6txLo5ymnh7ld3lwsI5WmljyrhYdA/s320/20160210_221926.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The start of a new quilt<br />I should've cropped this shot :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
anon!</div>
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-89793505939654921402016-01-03T00:17:00.000-08:002016-01-03T00:17:04.954-08:00New Year, new dreamsG'day all!<br />
<br />
Who can believe that it is 2016 already?<br />
<br />
Anyone? Bueller?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrKbofPRmTTdpbfJOqZchvx4upRg9_X1qVcX0g7rohxqvr8mQNUVdOpR_l7li0LFFtnvr1I0KTh6phrM27znvY2n69UvHO9q3WZhTw6Af8w_EMjx4gCd3TJpmbJQCjJ_nxus4xQ/s1600/20151231_235819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrKbofPRmTTdpbfJOqZchvx4upRg9_X1qVcX0g7rohxqvr8mQNUVdOpR_l7li0LFFtnvr1I0KTh6phrM27znvY2n69UvHO9q3WZhTw6Af8w_EMjx4gCd3TJpmbJQCjJ_nxus4xQ/s320/20151231_235819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray, cast off the last FO for 2015 with 2 minutes to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How did it get to be 2016? What happened to all the years previous? How did they flit away so quickly?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CuzHXrE16Uf7FKSlMMJoXe6adGGF7zoB_TAznX5uzbneBLLeMuGQBrgxLJEuj2DYY3sHEsHk7ZFcrBJ4VDTqTWOfV5ulrK6nRqBqpwRszH7H_JYxiuc1U_RLQczQKOP3xLUauw/s1600/20151231_161917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CuzHXrE16Uf7FKSlMMJoXe6adGGF7zoB_TAznX5uzbneBLLeMuGQBrgxLJEuj2DYY3sHEsHk7ZFcrBJ4VDTqTWOfV5ulrK6nRqBqpwRszH7H_JYxiuc1U_RLQczQKOP3xLUauw/s320/20151231_161917.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last sunset of 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Welcome, 2016. I expect you'll be a pretty interesting year - if nothing else, I expect to reach a fairly momentous birthday. I also wonder how on earth that happened and how things can be 20 and 30 years ago and I was an adult (of sorts) then....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVuUvbVrq4h23oqGvEJAdfm-1bSXEwNy4tS2Zb5R5KlWvg1aR0qtuUOAz19R2xDLTGAR_UL9BD4-_7qOUSDN6i_7Y1bSlyUA2pqn79EaJ3CDfAsoLYwp3mhMnoq1Gohr6PUmHxA/s1600/20160101_122251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVuUvbVrq4h23oqGvEJAdfm-1bSXEwNy4tS2Zb5R5KlWvg1aR0qtuUOAz19R2xDLTGAR_UL9BD4-_7qOUSDN6i_7Y1bSlyUA2pqn79EaJ3CDfAsoLYwp3mhMnoq1Gohr6PUmHxA/s320/20160101_122251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous yarn. So pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have to say that 2015 ended beautifully - after a month where we had the second-highest rainfall ever and one of the most rainy months (aka days with measurable rain) ever, the last few days were superb. Frosts overnight and then gloriously sunny days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWlNQ66oQ8MurX3UDLLimbFrRFqgBc17BFE04tFdQ3_XPvILgFMuaZKeClUfpyotxFelxroRC1By6EgU6fm6l1U3lIZdSwcicHt_4xUecUcPz2zaxpfEaoL2RxhNJ1F0bGP2C0g/s1600/20151231_080609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWlNQ66oQ8MurX3UDLLimbFrRFqgBc17BFE04tFdQ3_XPvILgFMuaZKeClUfpyotxFelxroRC1By6EgU6fm6l1U3lIZdSwcicHt_4xUecUcPz2zaxpfEaoL2RxhNJ1F0bGP2C0g/s320/20151231_080609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last sunrise of 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I even crawled out of bed early enough to catch sunrise at one of my favourite beauty spots. Okay, so local sunrise is after 8am, but I'm a bit of a night owl and getting up at 7:45 was an effort!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm-On6SQ8cDnj2r10cPj-3OLTI_hyphenhyphenQ-wwOHKHLXiTtInzxerz0RibNxYTqo6T3MxcIBxrki457qyBfVCWTq5_twGyPZH4uL0v3ndGKPxTq0VgpLBvz5m0xKZGB6NV3cPOn0G5Hw/s1600/20151231_125138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm-On6SQ8cDnj2r10cPj-3OLTI_hyphenhyphenQ-wwOHKHLXiTtInzxerz0RibNxYTqo6T3MxcIBxrki457qyBfVCWTq5_twGyPZH4uL0v3ndGKPxTq0VgpLBvz5m0xKZGB6NV3cPOn0G5Hw/s320/20151231_125138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regrowth wilds at Fort Lawton/Discovery Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Many people start the New Year with resolutions, but I've found resolutions are made to be broken. Instead, I think a wish/want list is much more my style. <br />
<br />
This year, I want to:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>figure out what the hell I'm good at and what I should be doing with my life</li>
<li>go for a very long drive, probably to Yellowstone (please no forest fires this year, m'kay?)</li>
<li>go home for my birthday - we've been away nearly four years exactly now and I miss my home and want to take many many pictures of it</li>
<li>contribute something to society, something to volunteer at I guess, find some way to make a difference</li>
<li>go for more walks and see more sights, like we only just discovered Fort Lawton. It is only a couple of miles away as the crow flies, but is a good 15 minutes by car and a solid 40 minute walk</li>
<li>blog a bit more</li>
<li>cut down the plum tree and replace it with either a shed or more fruit trees</li>
<li>get rid of the hedges. I care not for them and they take up a huge amount of space, though the little whitter birds love them. Little whitter birds would love fruit trees too</li>
<li>develop my photography further and get some pics onto places where they can be sold.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnvqTbffj3Qe3qF6H5TVXwZRMYBErhGYNKXqBaZRzVi8qP0osmiqIn_w0PiWo0MZ-IFIJvbEtIPICBJka7lcmTrDv-JNSIX-ieoMdZcor8fX5t1Tf97JT6Q9-AzYrArOpsxkQgg/s1600/20151231_130206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnvqTbffj3Qe3qF6H5TVXwZRMYBErhGYNKXqBaZRzVi8qP0osmiqIn_w0PiWo0MZ-IFIJvbEtIPICBJka7lcmTrDv-JNSIX-ieoMdZcor8fX5t1Tf97JT6Q9-AzYrArOpsxkQgg/s320/20151231_130206.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonky view over Fort Lawton to the Olympics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I need to organise myself a new passport and then do the visa stuff that will need to be done. I need to make a quilt each for two friends. There'll be a hundred, a thousand little things that need to be done but they can only be dealt with as they arise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UE6AhiZ6BjDMqSi35bRJf9QuupZl48hJXhIWnCHd12w3bwriAIgVokVqDRg88ES2-oVLEXoBln_9bYo-AOZVsilDqWsUoJW1LTsBIwTL2o_5m2cv5DN9Z4IzJW3vRNw7YLdo0w/s1600/20151229_161115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UE6AhiZ6BjDMqSi35bRJf9QuupZl48hJXhIWnCHd12w3bwriAIgVokVqDRg88ES2-oVLEXoBln_9bYo-AOZVsilDqWsUoJW1LTsBIwTL2o_5m2cv5DN9Z4IzJW3vRNw7YLdo0w/s320/20151229_161115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few decent sunsets in December</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course amongst this will be knitting and quilting and gardening and various other things.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZZqYtP9X9uMfX929FC7syclcCdGdtzERxflUajkexbMdA5P-m-ey-vDuPH51LsfSixDALIRJeuvS7hhWkjIJ8eUvPiJz91w-OeiAs0fFvYuVP03OZMv7D6qolXF3JtD82KxxZw/s1600/20151225_152647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZZqYtP9X9uMfX929FC7syclcCdGdtzERxflUajkexbMdA5P-m-ey-vDuPH51LsfSixDALIRJeuvS7hhWkjIJ8eUvPiJz91w-OeiAs0fFvYuVP03OZMv7D6qolXF3JtD82KxxZw/s320/20151225_152647.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really really like this star</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What are you planning to do this year? What do you need to do?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgXzho2W8lGEb8vioOwI4lD9HGO_xAx56NRk6wulZYmxxb7ZwSDgbw7D2cB6KjTo4WLY5bKZ_VtZvr4OFqHMKeZFLPB9oigWya6tPX_ZT_-Y9h3nCAKFYiNs1OcN66LdopTaRKA/s1600/20151225_083936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgXzho2W8lGEb8vioOwI4lD9HGO_xAx56NRk6wulZYmxxb7ZwSDgbw7D2cB6KjTo4WLY5bKZ_VtZvr4OFqHMKeZFLPB9oigWya6tPX_ZT_-Y9h3nCAKFYiNs1OcN66LdopTaRKA/s320/20151225_083936.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An FO - Christmas socks for DH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-53462048652902726472015-12-22T19:37:00.001-08:002015-12-22T19:37:34.706-08:00Discharged!G'day all!<br />
<br />
I've been holding off blogging because I wanted to show you our newly repainted and with various leaking bits fixed bathroom but umm well it was meant to be done over a month ago and yeah.... It is getting there though, so that is good.<br />
<br />
So what else do I have to say?<br />
<br />
It is now six years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Six years. I didn't expect to survive one, to be honest, after some family experiences with it. I had my five year check up a few weeks ago - why five year? Because they base survivorship off of when you have the operation, and I chose to have chemotherapy first so that I could tell if it was having an effect on the tumour. Plus I got to be part of a study and got extra tests run because of it. And because I moved to the States after a couple of years and the timing of various tests got mucked up, the check up that should've been in August got bumped to October and then November and once I believe December.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-Jt3BhrXmPZMgYJjO5lkir54SgyLG5ble5_lRtu50mD_y3UcO4uUYMXupPVowodz5IxfBwIq49ozjN6l2him0IsiHm3iEJTAbY8juWidzWyCDz0AYugNFZwQqYmp3DA5D-dB9A/s1600/20151214_160712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-Jt3BhrXmPZMgYJjO5lkir54SgyLG5ble5_lRtu50mD_y3UcO4uUYMXupPVowodz5IxfBwIq49ozjN6l2him0IsiHm3iEJTAbY8juWidzWyCDz0AYugNFZwQqYmp3DA5D-dB9A/s320/20151214_160712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the day. It was only about 4pm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Anyway I had my five year check up - manual exam and bloods and everything looks good! I am discharged to the Well Woman clinic.<br />
<br />
Isn't that nice? Well Woman clinic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbHH26M8dABKHA1EDB0IFn5rljMM9rNsaPVnOaFGV6FsQC09J1PzQtjz0I0wc9lpclIrPJ9BtkbQUGIAn4l9-4AJbygL80eAiPOeyCxkQ4MQxwRcSE04fS5xxIaV239DRCyMcJw/s1600/20151214_155420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbHH26M8dABKHA1EDB0IFn5rljMM9rNsaPVnOaFGV6FsQC09J1PzQtjz0I0wc9lpclIrPJ9BtkbQUGIAn4l9-4AJbygL80eAiPOeyCxkQ4MQxwRcSE04fS5xxIaV239DRCyMcJw/s320/20151214_155420.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a bit of water running.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Speaking of well, I am much healthier feeling than last I posted. That wouldn't be hard. That virus knocked me for six (American translation - knocked me out of the ball park. Or maybe I was a quarterback that got sacked). My voice is still pretty crufty, though recovering to some extent. Can't sing anything other than tenor or low alto parts which is terrible given it is Christmas and I can't sing carols cos I don't know the tenor part (but I can sing the sop part an octave or so down). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQpzaLNuDHx9ARefQe3mbQArypyoQM7rFbadY1o1NiY5vvgYlQYFD89ndM8TPgyAs_v42k7swKfbj1wR50wJ5KQ-v2J3glyK8lmk_wnWRm6BGiJi82JD6SCIIRK5GnDjNO8aGew/s1600/20151213_westernscrubjay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQpzaLNuDHx9ARefQe3mbQArypyoQM7rFbadY1o1NiY5vvgYlQYFD89ndM8TPgyAs_v42k7swKfbj1wR50wJ5KQ-v2J3glyK8lmk_wnWRm6BGiJi82JD6SCIIRK5GnDjNO8aGew/s320/20151213_westernscrubjay2.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scrub jay eyeballing the suet feeder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I set up some bird feeding stuff and it has been entertaining me for a good couple of weeks now. A lot of juncos visit, two scrub jays, the local pair of crows (including Whitewing, so called for her white flight feather), a couple of Bewick's wrens, at least one goldfinch (which still excites me, I don't care if they are common as muck, they aren't common here!), a spotted towhee, various native sparrows... I am enjoying watching them and getting pics on a big camera.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've started going to the gym three times a week - DH is going five times a week and getting butchered by a personal trainer. Admittedly I'm not doing much more than 2-3 miles on a bike and various of my rehab exercises but they are enough to knacker me some days, especially when I've been doing a lot of work in the bathroom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewpIwNLQ2qpL5lNMlnVXyjxx0hk4Sf6_tg8pxpJps56Dwv7q7TJDwq4iRcvdDUBc_BmTRBicfudMZWVkVuOmfnsWwcrTDK5LyjEarsXXku3Dgcr7lm8xTnpafJEEnpU6RzabcxA/s1600/20151210_153738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewpIwNLQ2qpL5lNMlnVXyjxx0hk4Sf6_tg8pxpJps56Dwv7q7TJDwq4iRcvdDUBc_BmTRBicfudMZWVkVuOmfnsWwcrTDK5LyjEarsXXku3Dgcr7lm8xTnpafJEEnpU6RzabcxA/s320/20151210_153738.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light! If only!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I finished not just one but two lovely knits. I really need to get shots of one of them - it is hard to get pics of yourself in a cardigan. However, DH has some time off coming up so I'll get him to get some shots then.<br />
<br />
<br />
I finished my Doodler. It is such an amazing concept and pattern and so much knitting! Soooo much knitting and more ends than I prefer but just look at the end result! <a href="http://westknits.com/index.php/pattern/" target="_blank">Stephen West</a> is a genius. And I suspect a bit insane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZzjS2w7pAZSjMI8VE2n2n4qWa8s5irC8bM1VlilhdnG3ZYwU5sPC3LVtY5a50DiNQQ9n2ufodLM98E4rHrWBAHYUXcsN9c4eE5j8v9svpdA7VrTkb_JNBpJTmrl50heXXLI7iA/s1600/20151201_142221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZzjS2w7pAZSjMI8VE2n2n4qWa8s5irC8bM1VlilhdnG3ZYwU5sPC3LVtY5a50DiNQQ9n2ufodLM98E4rHrWBAHYUXcsN9c4eE5j8v9svpdA7VrTkb_JNBpJTmrl50heXXLI7iA/s320/20151201_142221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPJf00pM3TtaFN3QRjFtU9rz8WmMf1N9BLL4Qyz13qf12zI1d_x3VkAX6zF_zn3ivYOrC2ooGxITulmxVZwm-slBsPsZKTHe45KikIeD0SJH5ICI7jjxNnraVCIx16uHD6nfyIA/s1600/20151201_142007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPJf00pM3TtaFN3QRjFtU9rz8WmMf1N9BLL4Qyz13qf12zI1d_x3VkAX6zF_zn3ivYOrC2ooGxITulmxVZwm-slBsPsZKTHe45KikIeD0SJH5ICI7jjxNnraVCIx16uHD6nfyIA/s320/20151201_142007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back side (it's hard to tell!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWQlYjpw2BP1P8DXlJgYkSXATfppKiMahNcKOjTC_FQoYGemADgcD4RdxRI0T9XlG1BgpcCFB3073iPmQCMlF44NhI4u_AM8jlsyh2yjc3KY9SVcVX3cx3I-AkOZ4dgmgaTZ4xg/s1600/20151201_141817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWQlYjpw2BP1P8DXlJgYkSXATfppKiMahNcKOjTC_FQoYGemADgcD4RdxRI0T9XlG1BgpcCFB3073iPmQCMlF44NhI4u_AM8jlsyh2yjc3KY9SVcVX3cx3I-AkOZ4dgmgaTZ4xg/s320/20151201_141817.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the "suckers" or toes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MA7fQ1GgQ0OW78LiC7FvBFWw5_0aN-T9mfXgXv3IhqkMlLBPdjdr18YZhNag-GjSRjEl9mBkAoa5L7mKrZBGTf85huqx1U3oARZbi55cfKAnkqFkgfW1cWn2VXQRrUVoF-e9-w/s1600/20151201_140139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MA7fQ1GgQ0OW78LiC7FvBFWw5_0aN-T9mfXgXv3IhqkMlLBPdjdr18YZhNag-GjSRjEl9mBkAoa5L7mKrZBGTf85huqx1U3oARZbi55cfKAnkqFkgfW1cWn2VXQRrUVoF-e9-w/s320/20151201_140139.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh I do love to be beside the (sound) side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoBUMB9Svf4fkIzVSC59lByhzP03BSzJqUPu1cyO7q8nLtz01datiwEAVV2jX7fv3CGriBM42lMfll8EtFTNw3jF22CW1IXEpIpv14OA_AP_obiaFVfQmCFqwGni5L62O-fZeRg/s1600/20151201_135047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoBUMB9Svf4fkIzVSC59lByhzP03BSzJqUPu1cyO7q8nLtz01datiwEAVV2jX7fv3CGriBM42lMfll8EtFTNw3jF22CW1IXEpIpv14OA_AP_obiaFVfQmCFqwGni5L62O-fZeRg/s320/20151201_135047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really really love the picots, aka suckers/toes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went to a quilting class and made some really cool blocks. They will be cooler when there are more of them but I've had little time for sewing recently. Can you see the blocks outline circles? It will be super cool when I make more. I'll also reference the pattern when I've got a bit more of it done.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7fdwK85qS_57dmTIdwQS98WLGvbbNz-N8oCpn4R_fdFee18Q6OxmU-Os3EEKpPvWPFJUR2kUggIk7gBdCeu74qH1wRXK1NxX1rofKOn2gjawwOnqGdalcKR9jMsjLcFGm5WvLA/s1600/20151128_165819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7fdwK85qS_57dmTIdwQS98WLGvbbNz-N8oCpn4R_fdFee18Q6OxmU-Os3EEKpPvWPFJUR2kUggIk7gBdCeu74qH1wRXK1NxX1rofKOn2gjawwOnqGdalcKR9jMsjLcFGm5WvLA/s320/20151128_165819.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I chose neutrals! Me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the day I shot my Doodler at the beach I also got shots of a couple of quilts that haven't had beauty shots taken of them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EgvmGFlchnAobjAIlX9hcvg_YAyf81D5tCOzh2Jin8GwBoddOXQ7uQfIuOU2b-sy0j2rDo3q74SSie9Mab9J5KVahCs_QXMvNYEq188jHdEzS2sWqdc8WUPH9cb84yoXyQwFIA/s1600/20151201_135306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EgvmGFlchnAobjAIlX9hcvg_YAyf81D5tCOzh2Jin8GwBoddOXQ7uQfIuOU2b-sy0j2rDo3q74SSie9Mab9J5KVahCs_QXMvNYEq188jHdEzS2sWqdc8WUPH9cb84yoXyQwFIA/s320/20151201_135306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chemo quilt - you can hardly see the wonk from here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd-7mHs78P3EHmZab4tLp3pXIbLteBZ91CjoiocWoGWVtLhzJ7-ICxentBvMHWX2Y4gyemgS80yeuK8N_RxPo25Bz4eZ4WLLBoTNqCIBNHni5kUKgcgn2aZgjUhDioSAmlIKQuQ/s1600/20151201_135634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd-7mHs78P3EHmZab4tLp3pXIbLteBZ91CjoiocWoGWVtLhzJ7-ICxentBvMHWX2Y4gyemgS80yeuK8N_RxPo25Bz4eZ4WLLBoTNqCIBNHni5kUKgcgn2aZgjUhDioSAmlIKQuQ/s320/20151201_135634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quilt I started in Sydney FOUR years ago, finally finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You might get the idea from the pictures scattered through here that the weather has been pretty dreary.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BiEe-1_HRXLIuBbYzwXy7xFJIoCk71I_PWcU5e1RA9WrZV9v8SIvFZhcg6Bnmzd5fqj_aYZevED9S4eTA484anLEU2EmhqQT318y9pfbtQHS-ygWgcPREmB_6hhf8L9VN7XUGg/s1600/20151213_160425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BiEe-1_HRXLIuBbYzwXy7xFJIoCk71I_PWcU5e1RA9WrZV9v8SIvFZhcg6Bnmzd5fqj_aYZevED9S4eTA484anLEU2EmhqQT318y9pfbtQHS-ygWgcPREmB_6hhf8L9VN7XUGg/s320/20151213_160425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the very few interesting sunsets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Well you would be right! We had a lovely week at the end of November (great timing for Thanksgiving) and since then? Over 250 mm of rain! One day when I went to the Locks, all of the weir gates were fully open! You could see daylight between the gates and the water rushing through underneath. Plus the tide was super high. I've never seen all the gates fully open before. An older gent said he hadn't either, and I'm guessing he's lived here a lot longer than me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sptRCzd-z_tOcUgjsl41SYDpjjmtqZ2rpI2VWHfBiniPc78BtdnT6g4QnGRK5az8J0dDTFoxosro0YV-U6LkCL_2l7RT9FlkDOqLxVtXlURzmI67H0DpHeizyEhKYCnPSbjP-w/s1600/20151210_153204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sptRCzd-z_tOcUgjsl41SYDpjjmtqZ2rpI2VWHfBiniPc78BtdnT6g4QnGRK5az8J0dDTFoxosro0YV-U6LkCL_2l7RT9FlkDOqLxVtXlURzmI67H0DpHeizyEhKYCnPSbjP-w/s320/20151210_153204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open weir gates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And on days where it hasn't been dumping an inch or two of rain, it's just been pretty dully cloudy. We haven't even had any of the brilliantly sunny days that we usually get once a week - it's just been rain rain rain, clouds break up a bit for a few hours, then more rain! It's not been as nice a winter so far as last year, but last year didn't dump enough snow. This year is making up for it up in the Cascades!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhbehL2BLOW5r2HHxVUqa8oJ2mtLgLS-WefBTjdzWxuobRBJqVI2S8shC0g8i3qV2Wwanv4S1r2mmdsiAGrTkgm2StcZQGMRY2Qc_TwwizxCcGcNUS1cBLMzbSvEQIyPIp1UeaA/s1600/20151201_135811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhbehL2BLOW5r2HHxVUqa8oJ2mtLgLS-WefBTjdzWxuobRBJqVI2S8shC0g8i3qV2Wwanv4S1r2mmdsiAGrTkgm2StcZQGMRY2Qc_TwwizxCcGcNUS1cBLMzbSvEQIyPIp1UeaA/s320/20151201_135811.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So apart from that, I've not much to report. We had a visitor, which was lovely, always nice to catch up with old friends. Christmas is almost here and I'm not ready, as always. Haven't even got a tree yet, but that is mostly because the lounge room is still full of stuff for the bathroom, though I guess a lot of stuff can go out now that I'm in final prep before painting. Hmm, yes, I think clearing stuff out of the lounge room is next on the list, after a bit more painting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfSWQvlQeks-BH_Ecsuh5y3jE3AW4x40BO2ruyaS8x2gM4XdHbEAE2S5rr6ER9IL95nvc_E1WBVh4YxQ5p-1oDDvvHvAhKXH1mLxIhwRRl4m59vEmafUpI350UE-EquccYlDoVg/s1600/20151121_142131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfSWQvlQeks-BH_Ecsuh5y3jE3AW4x40BO2ruyaS8x2gM4XdHbEAE2S5rr6ER9IL95nvc_E1WBVh4YxQ5p-1oDDvvHvAhKXH1mLxIhwRRl4m59vEmafUpI350UE-EquccYlDoVg/s320/20151121_142131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer! Or caribou. Take your pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I probably won't blog before it, have a Merry Christmas if you do Christmas and if you don't, Happy Holidays! Wishing you a fab New Year too.<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-4158334219916684822015-11-15T18:47:00.000-08:002015-11-15T18:47:36.902-08:00Your monthly blog postLOL<br />
<br />
G'day all!<br />
<br />
Apparently I can no longer blog more than once a month.<br />
<br />
Mea slacka, I admit.<br />
<br />
So what's been happening here?<br />
<br />
I've done a lot of knitting recently. Ahem I may have bought a fair whack of yarn too. So much for not spending money.<br />
<br />
I've been sick as a dog this week. Gah. I haven't been really ill with a virus for years - last time I was this sick was six years ago. Man that was a fun month, DH having lost his job whilst we were getting new visas in Oz for said job, having to pack up and move everything we wanted to keep from the States, sell off the car, get rid of stuff.... all with me coughing my lungs up. And the lymph node that came up that I thought was from a chest infection actually being breast cancer... oh joy oh bliss.<br />
<br />
I even went to urgent care (the walk in, no appointment needed doc in a box that you see when your GP is booked out) cos I felt so crappy. He confirmed it was probably viral and threw a heap of meds (not ABs) at it. I had to sleep on the couch for three nights cos I couldn't lie down flat on the bed (my back and neck thank me...). Anyway, I seem to be getting better now. Still sick but I managed to walk 10,000 steps today and only coughed my lungs up from the tickle four or five times instead of half the day... but still I'm at the point where everything in my chest and guts and back hurts from the coughing.<br />
<br />
If only I had a voice! It went again and it's getting worse after the tickle coughing fits. I can whisper more loudly and reliably than I can talk but they tell me to try to talk normally cos whispering is bad for my voice. LOL The tickle and the laryngitis are most likely linked.<br />
<br />
I've not done much quilting recently - I've got a quilt on the machine at the moment but it seems that I'm more interested in knitting quick warm woollies for myself. Me me and me only. DH hasn't asked for anything.<br />
<br />
I'm doing the current WestKnits knitalong. Spoilers follow, though my pics are not up to date with my progress. I'll be interested to see where the next two clues go from here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-v_mHbkd3hrhAjIAJQVzP8iRzG9EaZ8Z9phLgzrLWOBLzjfsz1l9d2qR_WKO4hCD_LAwJOfrJvkBett4UTTNloIdvkJdq4oEoZ79tiKMS_67dinAcx6bQq6g_nIYGL_twXNvUQ/s1600/20151107_115202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-v_mHbkd3hrhAjIAJQVzP8iRzG9EaZ8Z9phLgzrLWOBLzjfsz1l9d2qR_WKO4hCD_LAwJOfrJvkBett4UTTNloIdvkJdq4oEoZ79tiKMS_67dinAcx6bQq6g_nIYGL_twXNvUQ/s320/20151107_115202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start was intriguing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8axbQeNU-AbxOUULvWh6JpnjSZjqRjHxa4UablNLrKTWo84JU7ER82VVXuV6y4OE-2lzlh92wHoEg2na6Iu6FBSm8yPHXwJYpUlzRzdxfQUr2Qcc_X1tXlaQt7KUYp8CCvSxhA/s1600/20151111_021013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8axbQeNU-AbxOUULvWh6JpnjSZjqRjHxa4UablNLrKTWo84JU7ER82VVXuV6y4OE-2lzlh92wHoEg2na6Iu6FBSm8yPHXwJYpUlzRzdxfQUr2Qcc_X1tXlaQt7KUYp8CCvSxhA/s320/20151111_021013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle enticing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw5Pzzx_dAcXsohdF4tm6IlTxOLZzAdoT9t-LdUOHCRbsNUMx0G_eljkErUnKXkbMy2IRUuPX5p42jjvsCHi398QaTAczb2_16rz5JP1v1t1QY0wa3VUP2jln51D8P3q-dHif8Q/s1600/20151113_205217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw5Pzzx_dAcXsohdF4tm6IlTxOLZzAdoT9t-LdUOHCRbsNUMx0G_eljkErUnKXkbMy2IRUuPX5p42jjvsCHi398QaTAczb2_16rz5JP1v1t1QY0wa3VUP2jln51D8P3q-dHif8Q/s320/20151113_205217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But by the end of clue one, I was ready for a rest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My yarn choices so far are Madtosh Cosmic Wonder Dust and Coquette. I have to add a third yarn to the mix, and am tossing up between an intense purple or a bright leafy green.<br />
<br />
I'm also knitting Tin Can Knits' <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harvest-10" target="_blank">Harvest</a>. I've had some yarn sitting around for umm well I bought it in 2009 (<a href="http://www.stonehedgefibermill.com/?q=Shepherdswoolyarn" target="_blank">Stonehedge Mill Shepherd's Wool</a> in light turquoise) and it is lovely and I've been thinking to do a cabled jumper in it but that is too much effort. Instead, I'm making a simple, classic cardie in it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuVju2sjAVex1xpjA6SMBIJDTCsaaVwIhD6Irrf8p6mvFpoGTPlDWUJNYIUbF1pY7D4Eru5RKRinqdd9Odkc78alu-KgUDbqAouakUJyz5MJwA-bonu6fLykPXAI2SahDh0KU2A/s1600/20151115_144714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuVju2sjAVex1xpjA6SMBIJDTCsaaVwIhD6Irrf8p6mvFpoGTPlDWUJNYIUbF1pY7D4Eru5RKRinqdd9Odkc78alu-KgUDbqAouakUJyz5MJwA-bonu6fLykPXAI2SahDh0KU2A/s320/20151115_144714.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatches of stocking stitch. Pity I can't aim the<br />phone straight. LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtigIQPBUTtVBpzIlC3InehcLhmCks-5anqZXa_WpHsDKfDHOfaPZgfJexDV8V9H3P5dHBICA_eoCkce3hCV48QmJWfK080bobSdofcvFg7yZnClyt-ELG3lwJUILM63Zis2lbOQ/s1600/20151115_144600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtigIQPBUTtVBpzIlC3InehcLhmCks-5anqZXa_WpHsDKfDHOfaPZgfJexDV8V9H3P5dHBICA_eoCkce3hCV48QmJWfK080bobSdofcvFg7yZnClyt-ELG3lwJUILM63Zis2lbOQ/s320/20151115_144600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shoulder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TYuU413aN53LAGU8_w-ji_d-6LfbBhv9s2jMvorGxv7d89x0QxChAXo5-qQXZlN4uD19_dbBC90HODATKmlMqcFzy0KOBS3nmo2Ajo9eMlHsiHAWDQccuk-6WTYQ_cWixEi9Pg/s1600/20151115_144657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TYuU413aN53LAGU8_w-ji_d-6LfbBhv9s2jMvorGxv7d89x0QxChAXo5-qQXZlN4uD19_dbBC90HODATKmlMqcFzy0KOBS3nmo2Ajo9eMlHsiHAWDQccuk-6WTYQ_cWixEi9Pg/s320/20151115_144657.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front band</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've also been busy knitting other stuff, like these fingerless mitts and cowl in Knitted Wit's DK weight yarn in 12th Man. Why yes, they are the local American football team's colours. No I have not been converted to actually <i>following</i> NFL but a) I like the colours and b) if I barrack for any teams around here, it has to be the local ones. I take an interest to see how their season is tracking cos it is important around here, very important. BTW this yarn did not marinate in stash for years - I bought it and started winding it the same night and the things were done in less than a week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf58V58p73ns9WNdkva_xPtKkA0fII7t5XwNsAP0L-EmmkHZZRBGo9FY75Ky9-BqHutFOuH_sCtXS6k1NTmcheorAAN01zkIU-qhNbxGV57tqer2BX5zUEoZsN8WK_SW-0DJDCJQ/s1600/20151029_230412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf58V58p73ns9WNdkva_xPtKkA0fII7t5XwNsAP0L-EmmkHZZRBGo9FY75Ky9-BqHutFOuH_sCtXS6k1NTmcheorAAN01zkIU-qhNbxGV57tqer2BX5zUEoZsN8WK_SW-0DJDCJQ/s320/20151029_230412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dhpKZGT6FRcVRPs7vHQPImG7dK4o8UDnpKNwsnZRH3CNRLpCGTRLUHKLlVjfPJ8lIQEu1abbZXZvA6W5UVUGVwNr4JgxfzcxQBh1hPAlG5ybLXwrQAb6Jw1xkC-gAQBJNrjm5w/s1600/20151029_230304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dhpKZGT6FRcVRPs7vHQPImG7dK4o8UDnpKNwsnZRH3CNRLpCGTRLUHKLlVjfPJ8lIQEu1abbZXZvA6W5UVUGVwNr4JgxfzcxQBh1hPAlG5ybLXwrQAb6Jw1xkC-gAQBJNrjm5w/s320/20151029_230304.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really need a modelled shot of the cowl but<br />I've been crook and look manky.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I also knitted myself a nice cowl in a week. I need to weave the ends in and block it and get shots of it. For the nonce, here's detail of it. (Sweet Georgia DK in umm erp...I'll find the label at some point and Madtosh silk wool in Cosmic Wonder Dust)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyichK5yA-2uBoMo6VOVch5088DTPgy4jgpwQvxS8hCC9Vx6PQm_XLMtGaCkCULsbV4zXec-H-y9bGywjMjCaHsEpIjaEwdrtuZcCl-jfP-_kc_jL2DT5ywRnC8Bpo0fyybBPMvQ/s1600/20151102_224042.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyichK5yA-2uBoMo6VOVch5088DTPgy4jgpwQvxS8hCC9Vx6PQm_XLMtGaCkCULsbV4zXec-H-y9bGywjMjCaHsEpIjaEwdrtuZcCl-jfP-_kc_jL2DT5ywRnC8Bpo0fyybBPMvQ/s320/20151102_224042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty. I guess I should make some mitts to go with it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You might be noticing that there's not a lot of pics of the landscape. I have a gazillion pics of autumn leaves that I've been sharing on google photos/G+ - anyone remember that? I am sure to haul some out for you. But I've been nowhere very interesting over the last month - we've either been busy or the weather has been lousy or more recently I've been crook.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCEcS-HD8qcaStNCZen3VWpRVX4eL6BKbsRoRSXcqHjTodjApKQc7FvDfR8qO6BPlqZp0vCG-5PThKRLDu-RVpzSnVWiPjUuycmj9MMJ8YyIRPIqRpadmHOEhimMGIb38HIHJFg/s1600/20151115_163533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCEcS-HD8qcaStNCZen3VWpRVX4eL6BKbsRoRSXcqHjTodjApKQc7FvDfR8qO6BPlqZp0vCG-5PThKRLDu-RVpzSnVWiPjUuycmj9MMJ8YyIRPIqRpadmHOEhimMGIb38HIHJFg/s320/20151115_163533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted these on today's stagger, ahem, walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
To be honest, the weather has done the usual November thing and gone pretty manky. Today is the first nice day we've had in a while - it wasn't that bad early in the week but today we saw sun after three days of rain that dumped about 100mm on us. November is a hard hit - not only does the weather go totally feral but we lose daylight saving on the first Sunday in November. Sunset suddenly is before 5pm and oh does that cut down on the apparent length of time you have to do stuff during your day. At least it didn't rain all day long on my birthday...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_lm8HDAdSpbloyuhjQKFqVpuzVQc5Xj8A6mtxks90iCt1SwdJ7LyXn7jTFH6Qy2megD7vYDHDuN1vTIuC3FxjMd81NK2plP2mxAzearsqudPrQzOuZpxOaxWStnOCm1FLMqdxA/s1600/20151109_153715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_lm8HDAdSpbloyuhjQKFqVpuzVQc5Xj8A6mtxks90iCt1SwdJ7LyXn7jTFH6Qy2megD7vYDHDuN1vTIuC3FxjMd81NK2plP2mxAzearsqudPrQzOuZpxOaxWStnOCm1FLMqdxA/s320/20151109_153715.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're finishing up on these</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGG5NqlNkti3UOcZYfNWNhbHsruhEImzJ0x9SKH1XxfrEVG55vKFHzn_lViWiOyC7nUrpz_MJ_w-RDSAoiZYgZtQZskoXwssH-IkPFosG2AuB2wJBo8RFSYksANfJ26jlVt-1KQ/s1600/20151109_155733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGG5NqlNkti3UOcZYfNWNhbHsruhEImzJ0x9SKH1XxfrEVG55vKFHzn_lViWiOyC7nUrpz_MJ_w-RDSAoiZYgZtQZskoXwssH-IkPFosG2AuB2wJBo8RFSYksANfJ26jlVt-1KQ/s320/20151109_155733.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the leaves are nearly gone from most trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It makes this the worst month of the year for me, following other months of frantic Oh No November is Coming as I realise the weather is slowly degrading into greyness and rain. The days are under 9 hours long, if you get to see the sun which isn't guaranteed by any means at this point, and depressing. Hence the frantic knitting of colourful and bright stuff and liberal application of vitamin D3 capsules.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8rSSIGvEx1JtLdw2WSZbvytb5WB79cy_cBhXJEbNiSc0wUuEJ6Smvo4AWsN4iBb0g3FmGuNeDtf36QlUcMIXbjPFsRY4vwDOqxSo3IWSW4saW63n3V3jKlpaOBEihwmLQrcoGA/s1600/20151104_124905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8rSSIGvEx1JtLdw2WSZbvytb5WB79cy_cBhXJEbNiSc0wUuEJ6Smvo4AWsN4iBb0g3FmGuNeDtf36QlUcMIXbjPFsRY4vwDOqxSo3IWSW4saW63n3V3jKlpaOBEihwmLQrcoGA/s320/20151104_124905.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most gorgeous little Japanese maple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGuKL3T2ugHAfmt_AgUM3ndyDTk45eTCDi85EVNvFTv42XmL7UrIHhI-fmLG69Ok_HwRpioY4KT5LWjPqSdKXTE842tqCiOLbM3Z8G_7O6dygFty6pJ4ohCiW3DeeYwcQF_SSpw/s1600/20151104_124940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGuKL3T2ugHAfmt_AgUM3ndyDTk45eTCDi85EVNvFTv42XmL7UrIHhI-fmLG69Ok_HwRpioY4KT5LWjPqSdKXTE842tqCiOLbM3Z8G_7O6dygFty6pJ4ohCiW3DeeYwcQF_SSpw/s320/20151104_124940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs to go to Portland with this beauty here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
BTW, do yourself a favour if you are a geek and get along to see <i>The Martian</i>. I have to say if my botany tutors had been like him I probably would've done botany as a major rather than doing it as a hobby. (Yes, I see some guys as being attractive.) After seeing the movie, I devoured the book.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0TbAJUEJeiNc31M4CQeHd8BxxHqV6xGZQ9qt8LSCFS6O0VC8_72j2n_hRBht5zxcZ9b772DSoCgsEZvZoUy4I1ua1aAsa7j0n1a-4G48HnxUpW0TyUWkZoe9hbkYxw1zpl2A7w/s1600/20151104_123521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0TbAJUEJeiNc31M4CQeHd8BxxHqV6xGZQ9qt8LSCFS6O0VC8_72j2n_hRBht5zxcZ9b772DSoCgsEZvZoUy4I1ua1aAsa7j0n1a-4G48HnxUpW0TyUWkZoe9hbkYxw1zpl2A7w/s320/20151104_123521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local bike path was lined beautifully</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6OwNvsKcGX4KAf1hdUhHxavBY4Fiq8lRJtdiCOkxVLyg92GsZY__0zMC_aXWoLrEKs5ac6FLXvu6eY8OuiykrFge-NrwA63BPljwpZWUrrvHiFUKAOh4FiEKPDCSWKUGt3Xqpg/s1600/20151103_152108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6OwNvsKcGX4KAf1hdUhHxavBY4Fiq8lRJtdiCOkxVLyg92GsZY__0zMC_aXWoLrEKs5ac6FLXvu6eY8OuiykrFge-NrwA63BPljwpZWUrrvHiFUKAOh4FiEKPDCSWKUGt3Xqpg/s320/20151103_152108.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely path at the zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF3txot41A50aIj6D4iCNr8I5_s1JSGNEMAC5E0GTouO7j5lwD297IMmJc63wk1OanfpIXtjLx75xPkL-tEh5IXi7-60rNO9ErNt6U1eP-k3h0QsYh5L_Dub2OrbwVBO1ZW1X8A/s1600/20151030_121019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF3txot41A50aIj6D4iCNr8I5_s1JSGNEMAC5E0GTouO7j5lwD297IMmJc63wk1OanfpIXtjLx75xPkL-tEh5IXi7-60rNO9ErNt6U1eP-k3h0QsYh5L_Dub2OrbwVBO1ZW1X8A/s320/20151030_121019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn leaves breaking hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The last month or so has involved a lot of dithering. Dithering is boring, and gives no good stories to tell. It's also annoying because I was not getting the information I needed to make a decision until DH stepped in and told the information owners to pull their fingers out. Now I'm two months behind on something that is pretty important simply because noone bothered to give us a timeline (and still haven't, they've just given us dribs and drabs).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikty5G7-s38nM2Myqi1jtVBSg8o7UCdsiN4T0W9KWFR1NRI7-aH4v3NzFQaeOscPTiTo3rdoSo72HoolYJLtKt92916JbsqP0anYl3Awtp3r6fQQTNvSCW7NZHzC2tSpFueCxUZg/s1600/20151115_162205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikty5G7-s38nM2Myqi1jtVBSg8o7UCdsiN4T0W9KWFR1NRI7-aH4v3NzFQaeOscPTiTo3rdoSo72HoolYJLtKt92916JbsqP0anYl3Awtp3r6fQQTNvSCW7NZHzC2tSpFueCxUZg/s400/20151115_162205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset tonight. First one in ages!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Note that I have not mentioned recent world events. I don't tend to talk politics on my blog and this is politics at play. I'll just say I would've thought previous guerilla wars would've taught vital lessons but maybe not.<br />
<br />
Anyway, have a good week (or rest of your week since it's already Monday in most of the world), and<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-2900275015765126002015-10-15T23:30:00.000-07:002015-10-15T23:30:57.532-07:00By popular demand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">G'day all!</span><br />
<br />
This post is brought to you courtesy of my friend A. She told me I'm not posting enough. She is correct!<br />
<br />
So since my last endeavours at posting... Umm... Yes I've been making lots of stuff! Lots and lots of making! Alas not so much photographing of things I've been making because the weather went a bit manky and getting shots in good light was not easy, then I forgot all about getting pics when the weather was better.<br />
<br />
Let's see what we've got in the vault.<br />
<br />
I bought a crap tonne of acid dyes. These will dye protein fibres such as wool and silk (and nylon). I foresee many happy hours playing with the dye pot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJfh8cj7CXl74FWlN77-MbJnsay0ZmmXq5hblZPWaplisiRwL6LrkV_WlMFNU3_zENXBhS0OG3xe_z8UPOd6mntLUoK1_8QmR-3gYmWc4wEQJF7LCLzT8bEAq-zeJeszIcmowHw/s1600/20150926_145908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJfh8cj7CXl74FWlN77-MbJnsay0ZmmXq5hblZPWaplisiRwL6LrkV_WlMFNU3_zENXBhS0OG3xe_z8UPOd6mntLUoK1_8QmR-3gYmWc4wEQJF7LCLzT8bEAq-zeJeszIcmowHw/s320/20150926_145908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am sure you cannot tell which company<br />supplied these dyes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My big sewing machine is eating up quilts. It is so much easier to free motion quilt things on it, and when I fix up the table so it doesn't rock around, it will be even better. I won't be able to blame the wonky bits on the table moving with the quilt then, it will be all my fault instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeEAyndJ53MnXVr-coY6XhKbdZmJcQjxlUafY2f2Rk1UUtBlSJVzgKZJ8tbjTJnIICyS5aczisUSHyKYY7GmTzP1J5pz-2bK4pryT1D2bUmXNVWGqf6nufMSE-kyIbPWbJeWOZQ/s1600/20150925_191630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeEAyndJ53MnXVr-coY6XhKbdZmJcQjxlUafY2f2Rk1UUtBlSJVzgKZJ8tbjTJnIICyS5aczisUSHyKYY7GmTzP1J5pz-2bK4pryT1D2bUmXNVWGqf6nufMSE-kyIbPWbJeWOZQ/s320/20150925_191630.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icky quilt. Will be given away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've managed to catch up on a number of quilts that needed quilting, which is excellent.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYc0LfFdBjzUU2HmEXgni5sXJZBKH4tEUDVn6dgnhEM_lAkEBDusLA9gKFcYyHLNMyhbOJr85WVV0HwSGZphmObgHyfS6TWidWBotn0vL0PgI730FPtSLLDCL66auKEnKoSk-_Q/s1600/20150922_195152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYc0LfFdBjzUU2HmEXgni5sXJZBKH4tEUDVn6dgnhEM_lAkEBDusLA9gKFcYyHLNMyhbOJr85WVV0HwSGZphmObgHyfS6TWidWBotn0vL0PgI730FPtSLLDCL66auKEnKoSk-_Q/s320/20150922_195152.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask me what I was thinking,<br />I was practising loops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The quilt below is one that I started a couple of months ago, probably three months ago, some time ago - I guess I should document these things, shouldn't I? Anyway it is super lurid and is awaiting its turn in the washing machine and then under the camera lens proper.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdkXK_qLk_NupwysI8VLURye29Unz-OrMsJK3PadVkaXqGUM6zc22xw-xjozUYINfcErMCkfKgeKUQ0znmMBFg_RFa1rh8s9GBTXrNc3eizsZp2j1kNDCdKEaJtqEgVeWWOl9ag/s1600/20150922_195127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdkXK_qLk_NupwysI8VLURye29Unz-OrMsJK3PadVkaXqGUM6zc22xw-xjozUYINfcErMCkfKgeKUQ0znmMBFg_RFa1rh8s9GBTXrNc3eizsZp2j1kNDCdKEaJtqEgVeWWOl9ag/s320/20150922_195127.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is eye searing and I love it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've started not just one but two new shawls, from the one pattern (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/picea-sitchensis" target="_blank">Picea sitchensis</a>) using my handspun. Of course now I am having the devil's own job spinning yarn to match the same weight...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGJQSIOdX6NP7okT2yibQ59TenmPdifLVayJ_bSMmTxvMWDld28Q3hgImoh_gp2e9__Om1YWjQI1P_TEGiI0Rc6Pi480RD5F_u583NHXGgCtNDHeThpTy4iNjldI84J6RmvzY-g/s1600/20150921_154115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGJQSIOdX6NP7okT2yibQ59TenmPdifLVayJ_bSMmTxvMWDld28Q3hgImoh_gp2e9__Om1YWjQI1P_TEGiI0Rc6Pi480RD5F_u583NHXGgCtNDHeThpTy4iNjldI84J6RmvzY-g/s320/20150921_154115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plain part of Picea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The lovely white is about double the size of the variegated yarn, but the white is so squooshy! But too heavy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzYEQ23gRITVSv-HtLhXoyNn5U2pesWu-Vo2IAHItkMzsLv-jVUmAidw6-nBIIcFxdAptaU2yP9RhwpWv7FBc2svOsaG3_B3tUm7l-Ib95VGlXzc00H59Q-Uql5RQO0SSBXVLCQ/s1600/20150921_154221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzYEQ23gRITVSv-HtLhXoyNn5U2pesWu-Vo2IAHItkMzsLv-jVUmAidw6-nBIIcFxdAptaU2yP9RhwpWv7FBc2svOsaG3_B3tUm7l-Ib95VGlXzc00H59Q-Uql5RQO0SSBXVLCQ/s320/20150921_154221.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handspun yarns. And knitting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think the saga with my handspinning needs its own blog post...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDSD3VQhlGUA7U_2eokoFf2AZzgz9Zc9FLSGQYIZJtJHxBCIrjGenHJQeF8lHeqVeq17vcf9jE7QSyuGGx9vYzjAwE_XbLixm8m8pCOErEmdMOeTDEc5YkTTAWotE8mwiN_bM8A/s1600/20150919_192119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDSD3VQhlGUA7U_2eokoFf2AZzgz9Zc9FLSGQYIZJtJHxBCIrjGenHJQeF8lHeqVeq17vcf9jE7QSyuGGx9vYzjAwE_XbLixm8m8pCOErEmdMOeTDEc5YkTTAWotE8mwiN_bM8A/s320/20150919_192119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at my fave place. With boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
September finished in a blaze of colour and glory.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AEe_vTLhx_aAYAB4dGPKv29b3eklXa3hf6TMKZ1wptQ9CUrA2MWnKyuPhGkLkiYtcoTgVfzvYi-10eht4fy9jD_1KASEB8Jq_49hYFj9TpwjydeXxz65RBvF0ACg6MybP0E6Qg/s1600/20150927_143307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AEe_vTLhx_aAYAB4dGPKv29b3eklXa3hf6TMKZ1wptQ9CUrA2MWnKyuPhGkLkiYtcoTgVfzvYi-10eht4fy9jD_1KASEB8Jq_49hYFj9TpwjydeXxz65RBvF0ACg6MybP0E6Qg/s320/20150927_143307.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaves were really ramping up the red.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYi_6bfZTrxvt_OlRkEqYrOU2LTV7T_YsZsdogg-nJYwsmXLwXOR2j_iMnxshmgELk4w39257N2qpIMsMdCRNk_S5dwQwOx2pa7KJ8HTmS_lFpLwJoHBrO9Va7D3KDvIg4GdwFg/s1600/20150927_161423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYi_6bfZTrxvt_OlRkEqYrOU2LTV7T_YsZsdogg-nJYwsmXLwXOR2j_iMnxshmgELk4w39257N2qpIMsMdCRNk_S5dwQwOx2pa7KJ8HTmS_lFpLwJoHBrO9Va7D3KDvIg4GdwFg/s320/20150927_161423.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf cutter bee on a sunflower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And we even got to see a full moon and eclipse! I admit that this shot was taken on the big camera and I was super pleased that I've worked out how to make the colour come up instead of it being washed out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUgPHEB3Q3gcM2u29aMgeOMOOQjXnMX1tIX7yvYdlWv2vSO2Xb4zeluHnMqbgLFINQQQhLXNtQJW0OGW1cgpQ2yTGfit0XXltExv8153eUAXQFbYd8QRNpLuf61zZNDs0FbZH6Q/s1600/20150927_eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUgPHEB3Q3gcM2u29aMgeOMOOQjXnMX1tIX7yvYdlWv2vSO2Xb4zeluHnMqbgLFINQQQhLXNtQJW0OGW1cgpQ2yTGfit0XXltExv8153eUAXQFbYd8QRNpLuf61zZNDs0FbZH6Q/s320/20150927_eclipse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Total eclipse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />DH took off to NYC for work at the start of October, so I took off to the coast. (Pics below are in reverse order, which will explain why the green top is getting shorter as we go down the page!).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MAHZlFZ1g4VXGzePqrXciarMmb7gd3-JO-pZcZUF4_uCVou4iBr2-cPFXFRc6xjTPBRBpIw2LczgdjQqTfUMQ1UahE5xF6AJym6R-UTwh16yy0qcVgdzliWvdFSU1UkKP_tuRg/s1600/20151001_114834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MAHZlFZ1g4VXGzePqrXciarMmb7gd3-JO-pZcZUF4_uCVou4iBr2-cPFXFRc6xjTPBRBpIw2LczgdjQqTfUMQ1UahE5xF6AJym6R-UTwh16yy0qcVgdzliWvdFSU1UkKP_tuRg/s320/20151001_114834.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby top and the Strait of San Juan de Fuca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Stopping at this view for a couple of beauty shots (actually I was stuffing my face with two hard boiled eggs that would not come out of their shells and decided I should enliven the picture with my knitting projects rather than an annoying egg or two) made me feel a bit homesick. The strait reminded me of a calm day on Port Phillip, the bay that my home city surrounds. The strait often is much more excited that this day but it was lovely. And I had stopped to visit Dungeness Spit, which turns out to be a spit of sand that sticks out about 5 miles. Uh, no, I didn't want to walk out to the lighthouse five miles away....<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdesitJEUO3yhKosAMFis5Hu3UnT29pMtQnrqnpurNmRjlFxTdqnMpM25WlHV2aqocaJ2LL8mO17DDrXuoxKF6B9oW7UkSKU_w5Lffr3seKl0saaddnPlwNfgWKivI_m4BFhe4pg/s1600/20151001_114934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdesitJEUO3yhKosAMFis5Hu3UnT29pMtQnrqnpurNmRjlFxTdqnMpM25WlHV2aqocaJ2LL8mO17DDrXuoxKF6B9oW7UkSKU_w5Lffr3seKl0saaddnPlwNfgWKivI_m4BFhe4pg/s320/20151001_114934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock and the strait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My knitting and I visited the most northwesterly point of the lower 48 US states. We saw a whale! (pics will follow in the travel report, when I do that...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG2jCnGXOowWE_kVogp_VM_FVMcZBURV-7F0hyU5gQvz8uJ2rRd4y378dojhmLbq2CNaQ-In43NEXjyy3tLCkixa4-0E0MiyrT6K_NTu-3Vrhoh41NzyVYF2kmgBmEZFra0bcoQ/s1600/20150930_142304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG2jCnGXOowWE_kVogp_VM_FVMcZBURV-7F0hyU5gQvz8uJ2rRd4y378dojhmLbq2CNaQ-In43NEXjyy3tLCkixa4-0E0MiyrT6K_NTu-3Vrhoh41NzyVYF2kmgBmEZFra0bcoQ/s320/20150930_142304.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada is in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I walked on wonderful beaches and saw lovely sights, and sat and knitted for a while whilst soaking up the sunshine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dkxk4YljW6OVhiYrPSATIy_3G58_KenEmEE2gQLlQBJn5NpXtKdYKLP_IXjJWA_k-nklgUksLLRlYMf9edPNE-sE7fpGR_X3IPEgAz96l_066AlnrCC6S4W6vigrmmPjKYYeCw/s1600/20150929_152112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dkxk4YljW6OVhiYrPSATIy_3G58_KenEmEE2gQLlQBJn5NpXtKdYKLP_IXjJWA_k-nklgUksLLRlYMf9edPNE-sE7fpGR_X3IPEgAz96l_066AlnrCC6S4W6vigrmmPjKYYeCw/s320/20150929_152112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting and Second Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKrYtGBNHrEQShS0h-ecOxBefxBvIWsSUQdYFS9HlS3-rLFko_Dmw9IL6s7DaZAML2lsOpcA1z2tBlf4WFAI_4yQ-5nvfVtHWzl_kBx8BbROwW1WpJR654e3XKxCk66HRPhHadg/s1600/20150929_145443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKrYtGBNHrEQShS0h-ecOxBefxBvIWsSUQdYFS9HlS3-rLFko_Dmw9IL6s7DaZAML2lsOpcA1z2tBlf4WFAI_4yQ-5nvfVtHWzl_kBx8BbROwW1WpJR654e3XKxCk66HRPhHadg/s320/20150929_145443.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock and Second Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F-aM_ue0zDJlOVgM0gtOoxg1SAlw9piFTs6nAGqJCzmSmi2BQ_f3BwEp9AUqLpDlOzPORiB72EbZ-SJhJRzFrEaBPvmWlwiRhNjN8KsfoeetMrLXkA8hKTV1copF4OmhrbkjQg/s1600/20150929_152748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F-aM_ue0zDJlOVgM0gtOoxg1SAlw9piFTs6nAGqJCzmSmi2BQ_f3BwEp9AUqLpDlOzPORiB72EbZ-SJhJRzFrEaBPvmWlwiRhNjN8KsfoeetMrLXkA8hKTV1copF4OmhrbkjQg/s320/20150929_152748.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops, I left the ball of yarn behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a few days of pretty average weather - got an inch of rain on Saturday I think it was. We were both glad that we were wearing rain coats because some of that inch fell on us - we had gone out for breakfast and a bit of a walk and the heavens opened!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEVio2_RJoKj_XU0ZumbzRDeSb37BYHy9x96H_LLtcwkSJUCy-v1c0a0IUAfbzq0qhpVqXpx3i3y30LhDYN9cU7TWQKNjtePOLKfERBNIS1DEALFISWJxasAna3bP7KDsDQl_Qg/s1600/20151014_155203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEVio2_RJoKj_XU0ZumbzRDeSb37BYHy9x96H_LLtcwkSJUCy-v1c0a0IUAfbzq0qhpVqXpx3i3y30LhDYN9cU7TWQKNjtePOLKfERBNIS1DEALFISWJxasAna3bP7KDsDQl_Qg/s320/20151014_155203.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very determined cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But the weather cleared up again and I sat outside a couple of days this week and did a bit of spinning. Not Our Cat was completely set on sitting on my lap even as I spun yarn. When she was determinedly napping it was fine but every now and then she decided she had to bite at the yarn and claw it. Not so good, puss!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIKc4sxKdqcxHm-CbZHegm02idn6dqpZQ8R6Y4I7GBCOs69fcf6At2CqepyaTsgAnByJSLzATpbItpn0j3sMDR5z_FTgLgTMzmeZSXA-NIpV9OyVJQ4H4DfZKwbF2DtygLLN-cw/s1600/20151013_203126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIKc4sxKdqcxHm-CbZHegm02idn6dqpZQ8R6Y4I7GBCOs69fcf6At2CqepyaTsgAnByJSLzATpbItpn0j3sMDR5z_FTgLgTMzmeZSXA-NIpV9OyVJQ4H4DfZKwbF2DtygLLN-cw/s320/20151013_203126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand carding top to blend it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'm a bit peeved that all my effort in carding up a gradient yarn is useless because I didn't spin the right weight.<br />
<br />
(Don't tell DH that I'm planning to buy a drum carder at the fibre festival on the weekend if I find any good deals... using hand cards for the amount of yarn I want to spin up is a PITA! Plus I have a bunch of fleece and more time than money to deal with it.)<br />
<br />
I picked up a bit of fabric (a mini charm pack) of squares on my travels and decided to make something up immediately. I spent some happy hours with my Me and My Sister fabrics from various collections and have built another quilt top and back. Then I got the new batting out and discovered it is hand wash only.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTML6lz4D3xbZImIZfvBxm2i48F_2Qau9upxzyPZl3SNiFMnNxHYcn94k36EWDKa0QBoIlYZ1HaRhmZknly94DNz0UUabokKEoO3w-untWT3Uu1K5l4XinBru1puTXBXiJvnKTYQ/s320/20151009_171525.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New quilt featuring Hi-De-Ho fabrics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTML6lz4D3xbZImIZfvBxm2i48F_2Qau9upxzyPZl3SNiFMnNxHYcn94k36EWDKa0QBoIlYZ1HaRhmZknly94DNz0UUabokKEoO3w-untWT3Uu1K5l4XinBru1puTXBXiJvnKTYQ/s1600/20151009_171525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTML6lz4D3xbZImIZfvBxm2i48F_2Qau9upxzyPZl3SNiFMnNxHYcn94k36EWDKa0QBoIlYZ1HaRhmZknly94DNz0UUabokKEoO3w-untWT3Uu1K5l4XinBru1puTXBXiJvnKTYQ/s1600/20151009_171525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Really? Like really? For batting? For a quilt? It never even occurred to me that it would be hand wash only. Okay, it is wool but... nope, hand wash only. No wonder it was such a good deal - nobody wants it! So now I have to watch out for good specials on batting cos I am pretty much right out. I bought some at a local place but one lot of queen size batting in scrimless 100% cotton cost $40. Ouch.<br />
<br />
Anyway, my Modern Quilt Guild (Seattle) now has 8 yards of hand wash only batting to make some quilts that will probably never be washed. They needed batting, I supplied it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_miCEMLrw9kXayanVBGWxCHZDIVRk8N2shyphenhyphenIycaTmzo6yYijObEs7VvanvRmnXWj0NQY-XZqPswypAmNlhxmt4fXNZngbYdRCzNF82vmRxImhrQPjEO3Zy3nlNIAXdBSot-WAhA/s1600/20151013_144257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_miCEMLrw9kXayanVBGWxCHZDIVRk8N2shyphenhyphenIycaTmzo6yYijObEs7VvanvRmnXWj0NQY-XZqPswypAmNlhxmt4fXNZngbYdRCzNF82vmRxImhrQPjEO3Zy3nlNIAXdBSot-WAhA/s320/20151013_144257.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some improv blocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My guild put out a call for "improv" blocks in certain colours so I looked up the required colours, found I had matching stuff in my stash and built some blocks. Hope they are useful....<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNCbxrsKH7mTmJO1WgvN4jaABzR6SXO2tIu1CYJl7I8v1aYU1vfy7Lg9Aky5eH6mo5AWXZAWqmDMMZREPNuBEgPgZlCYaHM6VfQMkrH4qC4FvmrUxLtY4g6l0lgKvF2S7YmAIpg/s1600/portentous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNCbxrsKH7mTmJO1WgvN4jaABzR6SXO2tIu1CYJl7I8v1aYU1vfy7Lg9Aky5eH6mo5AWXZAWqmDMMZREPNuBEgPgZlCYaHM6VfQMkrH4qC4FvmrUxLtY4g6l0lgKvF2S7YmAIpg/s400/portentous.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday's amazing clouds. Stripes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Have I ever mentioned that Seattle has amazing clouds? There's so many levels and so much depth to them (when they are not sitting about 500m up and drizzling. ugh).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGpRbQaHSNQ56QOHHVKsRsbU_MWrfjkBoA7lEgjIwWq9_2TbXe-N0Q2H-Cr7JU6pW1sCxCvJDS0DDok-HmjYcH3ks528cDAEV6gIj8_Rk4vhz-eqGAL0HfMBoKr67n9bCcpOjbQ/s1600/20151011_171256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGpRbQaHSNQ56QOHHVKsRsbU_MWrfjkBoA7lEgjIwWq9_2TbXe-N0Q2H-Cr7JU6pW1sCxCvJDS0DDok-HmjYcH3ks528cDAEV6gIj8_Rk4vhz-eqGAL0HfMBoKr67n9bCcpOjbQ/s640/20151011_171256.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And mammatus clouds in stripes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHZ7Jc1Q786Af4hTjhqhswVCqeJQOvyM74_0oyMyz2uzra3Ijb76zBrKCAkeNFLtIIrkUH3JMpgwV4CK_e8knY0PLwjWnPAvvA5fIdBrs9iGhH8RGke0CFKuASMi7xRNay4Lcag/s1600/20151008_173054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHZ7Jc1Q786Af4hTjhqhswVCqeJQOvyM74_0oyMyz2uzra3Ijb76zBrKCAkeNFLtIIrkUH3JMpgwV4CK_e8knY0PLwjWnPAvvA5fIdBrs9iGhH8RGke0CFKuASMi7xRNay4Lcag/s320/20151008_173054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Jacob's ladders over the Sound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I leave you with one last taste of summer. Two weeks ago one of the stalls at the farmers' market had the last locally grown strawberries of the year. I don't normally like strawberries but these were delicious! I made jam with a bunch of them and made a crumble, the best crumble I've ever made with the rest. Oh they tasted like summer.... yum!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbyPcgoFdpKqnPY76iRszk-2Ui1mZW3AIsvRwXibfKU9S2TQ09S5alnSbbOQRubiEI30lyrocw8FeMpmYF_aSI4QVDTwwkTc3-e9p_6s35pRJbcIvFFUjgI_qWZYH4XELXLRdMA/s1600/20151004_163808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbyPcgoFdpKqnPY76iRszk-2Ui1mZW3AIsvRwXibfKU9S2TQ09S5alnSbbOQRubiEI30lyrocw8FeMpmYF_aSI4QVDTwwkTc3-e9p_6s35pRJbcIvFFUjgI_qWZYH4XELXLRdMA/s320/20151004_163808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally delicious! Divine strawberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-8397812015527731452015-09-16T15:24:00.000-07:002015-09-16T15:24:13.215-07:00A finished object - Chemo quiltG'day all!<br />
<br />
It is now six years since I started quilting.<br />
<br />
Six years!<br />
<br />
I blame Dana from <a href="http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">OldRedBarnCo</a>. She started a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/oldredbarncoquiltalong2009/" target="_blank">quiltalong</a> that was going to be easy for beginners to do. I already had a stash of fabric even though I didn't make anything bar the odd project bag for knitting. Okay, so I was already itching to learn how to quilt but I needed an excuse. She led me to the Dark Side and I've never looked back.<br />
<br />
So I've got a few quilts under my belt now and a machine that is pretty good for machine quilting on now that I've worked out the kinks (aka buy good quality high speed sewing machine needles, tweak the bobbin tension and get smooth multiple ply thread).<br />
<br />
It was time to finish off an old quilt. One that had given me problems through no fault of the lead of that round of the quiltalong (<a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/" target="_blank">JayBirdQuilts</a> - yep part of the way she got her start was through Dana's quiltalong). Nope, it was me who cut half the blocks out one way and half of them another way, and ne'er the twain shall meet. The blocks were so simple too - just sew two 2.5" strips together and then cut them into 60 degree triangles, then arrange as you fancy.<br />
<br />
I was on chemo at the time and that is my excuse and I'm sticking to it.<br />
<br />
Therefore I call this my Chemo quilt. It looks quite good from afar<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG3QTgGrOE8xAku20T7prs91ckFQHSYh6xsmaX0CuR_jWko0eHlAxHPldg3yNVLgjHa0SY9N0pxhJNATmYJCzROr6HydMIGkC9NRaeFZo2mHXjqiUVZThyGRUUrnP1Hr1N2Hu9w/s1600/20150916_135422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG3QTgGrOE8xAku20T7prs91ckFQHSYh6xsmaX0CuR_jWko0eHlAxHPldg3yNVLgjHa0SY9N0pxhJNATmYJCzROr6HydMIGkC9NRaeFZo2mHXjqiUVZThyGRUUrnP1Hr1N2Hu9w/s320/20150916_135422.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about cutting the last row off,<br />I'm not quite tall enough...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And some of the blocks look quite fine<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2c1UzcP_Izlr_52nsNtfPlHztdK96ULZFSnf3sboapfpa2RCwq48a6Pved2BlbqCX-iw1z9K8PjxGPC3A26qrGTniShyphenhyphenot9cMVuhWeLT9PnbNLYtFeKYq0EHVryf7xIFf1N66A/s1600/20150916_135402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2c1UzcP_Izlr_52nsNtfPlHztdK96ULZFSnf3sboapfpa2RCwq48a6Pved2BlbqCX-iw1z9K8PjxGPC3A26qrGTniShyphenhyphenot9cMVuhWeLT9PnbNLYtFeKYq0EHVryf7xIFf1N66A/s320/20150916_135402.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, that's not too shabby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And others, umm, well... oops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTg8c18sVVJCSeIAq6PaX00tqOm4YkKBxW3CTOoDZNRErMn4iYFO40i1PHpWmQfBn3wuTnzYks9rPRTKT640aRwaTyxXm_93gx8Wt_fuEyIFE7ORNdBkRDs8udk6GL6HNdWAmDQ/s1600/20150916_135337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTg8c18sVVJCSeIAq6PaX00tqOm4YkKBxW3CTOoDZNRErMn4iYFO40i1PHpWmQfBn3wuTnzYks9rPRTKT640aRwaTyxXm_93gx8Wt_fuEyIFE7ORNdBkRDs8udk6GL6HNdWAmDQ/s320/20150916_135337.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh dear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But on the whole, there are lots of nice blocks in this quilt, and I had a super fun time quilting it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-nRhgCgWMfy2SVsAopXadkvyA5-h_xCpr5Nio_aj74uy33W_k5fSsowXEXajVCafDuh2Rc2F63MUL2-2uv8b5SM9IE5Ay9ZEmBS-HF7uK30vDQ6p-PY0J2VBuNzwhqnOgGN46A/s1600/20150916_135332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-nRhgCgWMfy2SVsAopXadkvyA5-h_xCpr5Nio_aj74uy33W_k5fSsowXEXajVCafDuh2Rc2F63MUL2-2uv8b5SM9IE5Ay9ZEmBS-HF7uK30vDQ6p-PY0J2VBuNzwhqnOgGN46A/s320/20150916_135332.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice flowers and feathers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Some of the quilting looks quite regular and nice - flowers and feathers and stuff<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRKBDfwdCDTwBnlbBGtnTrrvR-AGluDBtQZ_rEi4pVgmuU6dw_0WDrqw7plmnPTE-zpEDF20Gb5CccHXz9Nw8hKUfkZFMy9LKrp-F_3KgY5Tc-RfiHLwL3REvnH21Mc3FM8IFVg/s1600/20150916_135318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRKBDfwdCDTwBnlbBGtnTrrvR-AGluDBtQZ_rEi4pVgmuU6dw_0WDrqw7plmnPTE-zpEDF20Gb5CccHXz9Nw8hKUfkZFMy9LKrp-F_3KgY5Tc-RfiHLwL3REvnH21Mc3FM8IFVg/s320/20150916_135318.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Nice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then I deliberately wonked some of it up - just like on chemo when you think you have everything worked out and your act in gear, you realise that in fact you aren't holding everything together and you are at the brink of collapse. The feathers look beautiful for a while then they become less regular and start doing their own thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC2hclsRnEct8C1x1Z3_8aW24vfQHe2GH8uSrQAvHc88aMHzDF8GC8Atg39jd25Aq-65FSHDkuGff00BPxsBd_jj-78CtRYTVUAgtyTwxn6DSu2BzO0xnR2q3CzfHhFqNe4FnKg/s1600/20150916_135307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC2hclsRnEct8C1x1Z3_8aW24vfQHe2GH8uSrQAvHc88aMHzDF8GC8Atg39jd25Aq-65FSHDkuGff00BPxsBd_jj-78CtRYTVUAgtyTwxn6DSu2BzO0xnR2q3CzfHhFqNe4FnKg/s320/20150916_135307.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonked up and jaggy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just like on chemo some days you feel okay and other days everything is jaggy and wrong.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJcynEFAYFbcrbfF4_6Kk5XbJub1pdNTlAgIBEEv8zw3sVW2oJVZuI5T0ULR-utmIylz60p5jfA2FZYQU3DSHLuPp8dxOMRfk5dKalmxjrNqewZIBgDEHG0kYFCU6gyAKvzurhw/s1600/20150916_135500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJcynEFAYFbcrbfF4_6Kk5XbJub1pdNTlAgIBEEv8zw3sVW2oJVZuI5T0ULR-utmIylz60p5jfA2FZYQU3DSHLuPp8dxOMRfk5dKalmxjrNqewZIBgDEHG0kYFCU6gyAKvzurhw/s320/20150916_135500.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Label. Yep, I put a label on this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But even then, you still try to make life beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZNM6nFrjniasvO7yPDauQIRbyfGA_uazaiG-0ZHkjRyafgOB4B5O7dU5W_ryBJkrJDsGk1l1_okRqBqljVov74bAsTP0vjfIQ35CqVzhwPhho4CMrZ5jbfP3Qfj1FMZTRgN35Q/s1600/20150916_135757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZNM6nFrjniasvO7yPDauQIRbyfGA_uazaiG-0ZHkjRyafgOB4B5O7dU5W_ryBJkrJDsGk1l1_okRqBqljVov74bAsTP0vjfIQ35CqVzhwPhho4CMrZ5jbfP3Qfj1FMZTRgN35Q/s320/20150916_135757.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random stippling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I must thank someone (whom I can't remember now, dang chemo) who gave me all of her scraps when I ran out. I must've thrown out the good bits (danged chemo) and kept the scrappy bits because I only had rubbishy little bits and I needed more blocks. She had already sewn hers into a rail fence and strips. I pulled some apart to make the blocks I needed and the rest feature on the back of the quilt. Thank you whomever you are, I really appreciate your generosity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFN-aOOLQvBf7hB7sDaGDO98ybQaOjviq152u8wUa7taDunyZhu2zdwlZsgQXYMEwt8OIRXWBspxid6G0U6Vm7b-IX_QdKk5_kJUa2i9tAEIa6ZsMpUNRX0uFIdgzgqbe1TVivg/s1600/20150916_135452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFN-aOOLQvBf7hB7sDaGDO98ybQaOjviq152u8wUa7taDunyZhu2zdwlZsgQXYMEwt8OIRXWBspxid6G0U6Vm7b-IX_QdKk5_kJUa2i9tAEIa6ZsMpUNRX0uFIdgzgqbe1TVivg/s320/20150916_135452.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut the end off the back too in the photo. Oops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thank heavens I'm five years out and counting from finishing chemo. It certainly gave me a new appreciation for life and for those who have to go through chemo and the crap that cancer brings. Chronic illness too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK0uEm2DYo_TRTMVNUmJ8ZBOQEFHH4QGR2m9BY6LmvmewhXrmaN7UBTSgqu1k7gGJzbI8WKWTQTv2hjSDuGw8eM_8BeID75B6KPQbgym-TxbZnnsnJ_V-1bTS_PNYhZ9v64v7XA/s1600/20150916_135847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK0uEm2DYo_TRTMVNUmJ8ZBOQEFHH4QGR2m9BY6LmvmewhXrmaN7UBTSgqu1k7gGJzbI8WKWTQTv2hjSDuGw8eM_8BeID75B6KPQbgym-TxbZnnsnJ_V-1bTS_PNYhZ9v64v7XA/s320/20150916_135847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red end of the quilt does exist, see?<br />Also the stitching seems to stick out.<br />Don't you love optical illusions?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've been giving away a lot of my quilts but this one I am keeping. It is a record of where I was then and it also is a bright and cheery quilt.<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
PS<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcxHd7Py1QyCJwsY3bxpj7AtqEhH1I_V2DQv-I4cB2s7OzHO1LpofLuznhK7ibBddGTYeamlfaDLiE2HBKSJIMa5wFwTdRC4ZKaIJIw8bVsQnFJRvO19y1p7NCR0Wm-zWUClcCg/s1600/20150909_105925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcxHd7Py1QyCJwsY3bxpj7AtqEhH1I_V2DQv-I4cB2s7OzHO1LpofLuznhK7ibBddGTYeamlfaDLiE2HBKSJIMa5wFwTdRC4ZKaIJIw8bVsQnFJRvO19y1p7NCR0Wm-zWUClcCg/s320/20150909_105925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't try this at home. I missed my finger 8-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-1213035322906909652015-09-11T10:38:00.003-07:002015-09-11T10:38:35.598-07:0011 yearsG'day all!<br />
<br />
In wandering around looking for pics from our wedding (I have a dearth of them digitised it turns out...), I found this.<br />
<br />
11 years today! Crikey! I would say how the time has flown but sometimes it has crawled... 8-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<title>Brave Sir Nathan</title>
<br />
<h1>
Brave Sir Nathan</h1>
<div class="plain">
Conrad Leviston, to the tune of "Brave Sir Robin"</div>
<br />
Bravely bold Sir Nathan went<br />
To University<br />
He was not afraid to go,<br />
No Brave Sir Nathan<br />
He was not at all afraid<br />
To learn of things arcane<br />
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Nathan!<br />
<br />
He was not in the least bit scared<br />
To join a club like FOME*<br />
Or to sit and socialise,<br />
No Brave Sir Nathan<br />
To lounge inside the caf<br />
Rather than study for his course,<br />
And to speak on many matters Brave Sir Nathan<br />
<br />
Like Solar cells and water tanks<br />
And Buckey Balls and gardening<br />
And if lifting cargo into space<br />
Upon an elevator works<br />
He really was a Brave Sir Nathan.<br />
<br />
Bravely Brave Sir Nathan,<br />
A FOME camp did attend,<br />
He was not afraid to go,<br />
No Brave Sir Nathan,<br />
So he quested for a wumpus<br />
In the woods about the camp<br />
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Nathan!<br />
<br />
While questing there Sir Nathan met<br />
The beauteous maid named Lynne<br />
And said to her the noble words<br />
"Hello my name is Nathan."<br />
Staring deep into his eyes<br />
Lynne told him "I've been cut<br />
By a twig that's most ferocious Brave Sir Nathan."<br />
<br />
And then his heart beat fast at her fluttering eyes<br />
And as Lynne's cheeks blushed Nathan tried to disguise<br />
That blood was rushing to some parts<br />
It never had before inside<br />
The body of the Brave Sir Nathan.<br />
<br />
Bravely then Sir Nathan<br />
Did meet with Lynne again.<br />
He was not afraid to go<br />
No Brave Sir Nathan<br />
They roamed throughout the countryside<br />
And purchased native plants<br />
The coy lass and the Brave Sir Nathan<br />
<br />
He was not in the least bit scared<br />
To get inside her car<br />
Her take take off speed caused no alarm<br />
To Brave Sir Nathan<br />
His knuckles turned not white<br />
As she drove around the hills<br />
And he learned the subtle art of navigation<br />
<br />
"Take a sharp turn left and a shallow right<br />
"Then a shallow left and a hairpin right<br />
"A shallow left then dodge the sheep<br />
"Please keep your wheels upon the road<br />
"I think we're going to die!" said Nathan.<br />
<br />
Bravely Brave Sir Nathan<br />
Approached the wedding aisle<br />
He was not afraid to go<br />
No Brave Sir Nathan<br />
He was not at all afraid<br />
That he'd made a big mistake<br />
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Nathan!<br />
<br />
He was not in the least bit scared<br />
That she'd turn into a shrew<br />
Or decide to nag at him<br />
All his waking hours<br />
That his days would seem like years<br />
And each year eternity<br />
<br />
<br />
(* FOME - Fellowship of Middle Earth at Monash University, originally a Tolkein apprecation society, now more a rabble of geeks and nerds geeking and nerding about SF and fantasy and finding fellowship (and other things!) in each other.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoXIhWzCkatDB3slecpFM4d7lOk7eTIwStUwurNs-wAU94s89nQ91d3qhXZiqGgrPSyFuWRkyzf7rpwQIcvpsw6XJG-oF_XHrg6ksRs4cm0csbkNRPQR1F5fLXPc4xHuPdV1iSw/s1600/p1010163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoXIhWzCkatDB3slecpFM4d7lOk7eTIwStUwurNs-wAU94s89nQ91d3qhXZiqGgrPSyFuWRkyzf7rpwQIcvpsw6XJG-oF_XHrg6ksRs4cm0csbkNRPQR1F5fLXPc4xHuPdV1iSw/s400/p1010163.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brave Sir Nathan indeed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_963412469"></span><span id="goog_963412470"></span>...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu_teFbImOPhF8EcwN7_ZwtL08UDgox4mfCFc3jOr-HV9dRS1KS7lVR8lR-aIvAfJyuiGTQsxW9kdxp4R-ajlvsn4Xs44obKpk6If0w_RBte8ECAcATjJH8SXeoevr2tF918ZOw/s1600/2015_whistler_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu_teFbImOPhF8EcwN7_ZwtL08UDgox4mfCFc3jOr-HV9dRS1KS7lVR8lR-aIvAfJyuiGTQsxW9kdxp4R-ajlvsn4Xs44obKpk6If0w_RBte8ECAcATjJH8SXeoevr2tF918ZOw/s320/2015_whistler_us.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Whistler, BC, Canada, August 2015.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This also means that I have been blogging for over eleven years now. 11 years!<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-87705228318184239672015-09-04T23:55:00.003-07:002015-09-04T23:55:29.732-07:00Autumn already?G'day all!<br />
<br />
I am such a naughty blogger - I've got buckets to talk about and then I just don't.<br />
<br />
And then of course I forget it all when I sit down at the computer to talk about it!<br />
<br />
Summer has been busy. And it was hot all through June and July, and then calmed down a bit during August mostly because it started getting smoky and smoke stops a fair whack of solar radiation getting through.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwy6Zc3aLETZ4ZJ2Y2DAKkDkyMUPa7LgYaK4mScTQCXlUxdUQ5h_oR0iWj6ldDpTWGbV0lL1qxlcGIj0fhNSJt9Gi721R1xuzGrUQuB-wtB6gNCxkRRAcA7UjcBdThR2T4_Crw/s1600/20150824_200639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwy6Zc3aLETZ4ZJ2Y2DAKkDkyMUPa7LgYaK4mScTQCXlUxdUQ5h_oR0iWj6ldDpTWGbV0lL1qxlcGIj0fhNSJt9Gi721R1xuzGrUQuB-wtB6gNCxkRRAcA7UjcBdThR2T4_Crw/s400/20150824_200639.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to the long days of summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And now it is flipping cold. A week ago it was 27 C, today it was 15 C with a biting northerly wind! I had to put a fleece jacket on and even wore one of my handknitted hats out this evening. Oh the indignity of being plunged into Fall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF6cAFMzgJJnPcNRM9aGyY8GWzklk_doDXoPg9qmXDRda92WR9BoMqx8A_uKBeX-GZz0DurIW5iVJMAhlbB48b5Kwif3R-_u5yPkXSmBrOUQJN834YrrYghZM0vaBDrOahjPWKQ/s1600/20150903_194223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF6cAFMzgJJnPcNRM9aGyY8GWzklk_doDXoPg9qmXDRda92WR9BoMqx8A_uKBeX-GZz0DurIW5iVJMAhlbB48b5Kwif3R-_u5yPkXSmBrOUQJN834YrrYghZM0vaBDrOahjPWKQ/s320/20150903_194223.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stormy weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And we didn't get any of the rain that other places did this week - we did get rain last weekend but missed out on all the rain this week. However, missing out did mean that we got some sunny breaks.<br />
<br />
So I've been madly quilting. I got me a new machine, a straight stitch clone of the Janome 1600P. It goes like the clappers - can do 1500 stitches per minute. I've not been game to push that fast because I have enough difficulty keep up flat chat at about 1,000 stitches a minute (it has a speed regulator on it). Anyway it has a large harp, which makes wrangling quilts through it so much easier!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPODYq4sxy54oQEH8k1CfJ3qwinyHm_M2VyaH2dQ47asUmEKg7s9O7hjAkar8SCOINdy-RNmqLV3WDnQo9g9Evlmzc6epzVVb0zd9CJrDcjDU_i4V7upZ4bkEjn_J5TxxCGViZnQ/s1600/20150717_134526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPODYq4sxy54oQEH8k1CfJ3qwinyHm_M2VyaH2dQ47asUmEKg7s9O7hjAkar8SCOINdy-RNmqLV3WDnQo9g9Evlmzc6epzVVb0zd9CJrDcjDU_i4V7upZ4bkEjn_J5TxxCGViZnQ/s320/20150717_134526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It says it is a Singer but it's a Janome really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It means that I've been doing a bunch of quilting, like the actual quilting of the quilts not just making tops and backings and then thinking I'll quilt them one day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EMDO1WzI6M7YJx23scbDF27lFpVG3Cq648Xa3zZ8MIF7fP72XkA_I6L1NgJaSfUuW3VGSmzEdtjbCtetTD1T76IzEWysIAkWq9WfeVBJxntBguK0OJSu-Hsh_5xJNhZV7xxCyw/s1600/20150820_154654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EMDO1WzI6M7YJx23scbDF27lFpVG3Cq648Xa3zZ8MIF7fP72XkA_I6L1NgJaSfUuW3VGSmzEdtjbCtetTD1T76IzEWysIAkWq9WfeVBJxntBguK0OJSu-Hsh_5xJNhZV7xxCyw/s320/20150820_154654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the quilt below. This quilt has<br />found a new home :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHP8U-7Cxgz376E2-SOhh7gtHpEfC0jUKkSi2DYUpF9M65md2MWCJiHYFOCjqoZDpIi7i-yGZd_CI36JwuapLT_Qxwqe6kb0BN615C5x4N_IG2OoXlcraWlb4T03M8OOR-FAdgA/s1600/20150820_154557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHP8U-7Cxgz376E2-SOhh7gtHpEfC0jUKkSi2DYUpF9M65md2MWCJiHYFOCjqoZDpIi7i-yGZd_CI36JwuapLT_Qxwqe6kb0BN615C5x4N_IG2OoXlcraWlb4T03M8OOR-FAdgA/s320/20150820_154557.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started making this in Sydney four<br />years ago!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwo6FjTOgW9LPpnFdl5DHuhLrTdxQVLQ8NEzwUs0aOLMem6obfeTBWwW-SnuhanxGSn19Sui5moDU36rGC-hUtjVs7sRbuAIMeLB4r-lbUCiQhlHrsNFSzlHMqO8URre3vbBKYg/s1600/20150812_204343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwo6FjTOgW9LPpnFdl5DHuhLrTdxQVLQ8NEzwUs0aOLMem6obfeTBWwW-SnuhanxGSn19Sui5moDU36rGC-hUtjVs7sRbuAIMeLB4r-lbUCiQhlHrsNFSzlHMqO8URre3vbBKYg/s320/20150812_204343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't a quilt, it is just a block for a swap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along the way I finished my Riley Blake Modern Quilt Guild challenge quilt. It is only small and not quite square but I had fun quilting it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzYVPrSwjTOZ-smkjE4UQakPdyHbh4eA6nq883g4X6YVBQOo4CCZkOvsDN7HyHdvsuUXhEQ17zRbcSnlzwQHXk2J8vv9LTSDbb8M8FkGLZ7fNEw8GTYRZXGRe2Ss1I21GlqSELw/s1600/20150731_110715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzYVPrSwjTOZ-smkjE4UQakPdyHbh4eA6nq883g4X6YVBQOo4CCZkOvsDN7HyHdvsuUXhEQ17zRbcSnlzwQHXk2J8vv9LTSDbb8M8FkGLZ7fNEw8GTYRZXGRe2Ss1I21GlqSELw/s320/20150731_110715.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the challenge quilt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh_AqlidrVLJxlKgKqOFmXQoyUEi-RkoKP4HEBTQe5ERkRC_D3EzGRtYfmcgRPmHjjUsXI6LlPBM4JiKvNGW8L4OXHHOfPMBlviyOX9abmOTbGwg7hy7yHwSjtzkjx6-9rgM5Kw/s1600/20150731_110355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh_AqlidrVLJxlKgKqOFmXQoyUEi-RkoKP4HEBTQe5ERkRC_D3EzGRtYfmcgRPmHjjUsXI6LlPBM4JiKvNGW8L4OXHHOfPMBlviyOX9abmOTbGwg7hy7yHwSjtzkjx6-9rgM5Kw/s320/20150731_110355.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting detail - easy<br />on my new machine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPxV-l3V4hv-ecD8IULEnGMgKbyxg5Kvq0gP-RQ_vl1xaKCw3xtERe_IIlemXEKXE60WVAkIpE05nDTy1pgBIxxfJDRz0GspghiptzDi2SoxBtsBBtC3sNQad8WNfSm-9UodnEg/s1600/20150731_110242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPxV-l3V4hv-ecD8IULEnGMgKbyxg5Kvq0gP-RQ_vl1xaKCw3xtERe_IIlemXEKXE60WVAkIpE05nDTy1pgBIxxfJDRz0GspghiptzDi2SoxBtsBBtC3sNQad8WNfSm-9UodnEg/s320/20150731_110242.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the challenge quilt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along the way I had so many changes of design. I was going to go improv and then decided to incorporate some of the <a href="http://seattlemodernquiltguild.com/2015-bom/" target="_blank">borders</a> from my <a href="http://seattlemodernquiltguild.com/" target="_blank">Modern Quilt Guild</a>'s 2015 block of the month. I managed to get a quilt out of it so that was good!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ofXtW5M0IG7UyQd-S1GX5UbUmxZn3BsPPRkpr6e5BBYKK0Avfc5TEbHVKNq3aEal1gj3_Vj1Bh5m6Y5ofpMHyNgrXszuKbzL7n5Ao6TFcp1lEvqBc2uCr3UXn29GXyv7r0Ugpg/s1600/20150730_190928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ofXtW5M0IG7UyQd-S1GX5UbUmxZn3BsPPRkpr6e5BBYKK0Avfc5TEbHVKNq3aEal1gj3_Vj1Bh5m6Y5ofpMHyNgrXszuKbzL7n5Ao6TFcp1lEvqBc2uCr3UXn29GXyv7r0Ugpg/s320/20150730_190928.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As an aside,<br />that's over a kilo of eggplant there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQx5gnEekmB03XtRGRu5Xk1seRPVqZj3EM051q88WyJtE3HQ3KRmbffbH_Z8CTabG-RxTEJtuPXWtLYBBjaM7-DL9lTUTtCKcGa35LFuciNSE2d_G81u7Wn9hI_ZPlGPmH2YXmg/s1600/20150722_224520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQx5gnEekmB03XtRGRu5Xk1seRPVqZj3EM051q88WyJtE3HQ3KRmbffbH_Z8CTabG-RxTEJtuPXWtLYBBjaM7-DL9lTUTtCKcGa35LFuciNSE2d_G81u7Wn9hI_ZPlGPmH2YXmg/s320/20150722_224520.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mucking around, learning how to use<br />the Big Machine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I'm still working out what threads are good to use with the machine. I had a lot of problems with it shredding thread at first - it just tore it apart. When I swapped to Schmetz needles (it needs high speed needles), a lot of the issues stopped. When I swapped to a tougher, three (or more) ply cotton thread, the shredding pretty much stopped. Tension woes also got better. Now I've used Gutermann, Coats Cotton, Superior Thread's Masterpiece and now even Aurifil in it without any problems. At first I was having lots of problems with the green Aurifil thread but after playing around a bit I've worked out the tension settings I think and things are pretty consistent between threads now - I just have to tweak the bobbin tension a bit.<br />
<br />
I've quilted umm four or five quilts now on the Big Machine. I realise I don't have pics of the two or three other quilts that I've finished. The weather has been pretty horrible all week and not good for photography - so dull and when it's been sunny, it's been very windy, which is terrible for photographing quilts. But it is great to get some stuff finished!<br />
<br />
Now I have to work out what to do with them. A friend took a bunch and was very welcome to take them. She will love them and use them, and that is why I made the quilts.<br />
<br />
I only have four (that I can remember) more to quilt. The current quilt I'm working on has told me its name is Chemo. As in chemotherapy. Why? Because I was working on the top when I was on chemo and when I tried to put it together, it became quite obvious that I wasn't firing on all cylinders. I'm doing the quilting just a bit wrong on it too.<br />
<br />
Knitting has been happening too. I made myself a summer top and finished it just in time to wear it on our second last warm day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmplJvF_SUgLGWBcnfdG_nj2SxXp27L8JZun7W30Mljqs8ip9AmxlENRGqMkLLMMwlabwmtp4mRpFpNwC_dpeSvWo0whxfJ9t3D85IzppuPyzlipu4EkU2bd3Frnuc8mJ2iQXzA/s1600/20150826_170752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmplJvF_SUgLGWBcnfdG_nj2SxXp27L8JZun7W30Mljqs8ip9AmxlENRGqMkLLMMwlabwmtp4mRpFpNwC_dpeSvWo0whxfJ9t3D85IzppuPyzlipu4EkU2bd3Frnuc8mJ2iQXzA/s320/20150826_170752.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has a lace band at the base.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />sigh. Typical me... I procrastinated a lot on it because I had to work out how to incorporate the decreases in the yoke into the lace pattern.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7COgx7Kx9ELTqCu292R_ICVfUlo1WBDTY0kdBWPuFNkmxFBBB8TR-EVMZlUKbJo4Td77MPI91XRXMUspUQHKjUEzoYDNbvkygdfd8MwqxWulokYuXqna13YdyDHP2lbDOYkh5A/s1600/20150826_170802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7COgx7Kx9ELTqCu292R_ICVfUlo1WBDTY0kdBWPuFNkmxFBBB8TR-EVMZlUKbJo4Td77MPI91XRXMUspUQHKjUEzoYDNbvkygdfd8MwqxWulokYuXqna13YdyDHP2lbDOYkh5A/s320/20150826_170802.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And lace at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
Yep, I designed it all myself. I used a mishmash of patterns to get the idea of how many stitches I needed for the yoke and at what rate to decrease them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjJMHMr5Qr9EygfgeQAcnCPB_9rfyissS91SGJhBV_I90jnYV1LWMfUHU9319FiQbmPNXkhLoBhOhFrddAat7neMlGarm7_aDc00QxP7iBX1rJuRa1savMcDoaPFWbg7D_cmEYQ/s1600/20150826_170933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjJMHMr5Qr9EygfgeQAcnCPB_9rfyissS91SGJhBV_I90jnYV1LWMfUHU9319FiQbmPNXkhLoBhOhFrddAat7neMlGarm7_aDc00QxP7iBX1rJuRa1savMcDoaPFWbg7D_cmEYQ/s320/20150826_170933.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace detail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I think it turned out pretty well. Certainly is figure enhancing :-) Yarn is Berocco Ultra Pima and it needed four skeins of the teal but I only had three, whilst I had five of the silver and only needed three!<br />
<br />
I've also knitted some baby stuff for my niecelet but I won't show it off until it gets to Oz. Hopefully it is at the sorting facility now.<br />
<br />
Oh and there's the birthday socks for DH. He gets three pairs a year, one at Christmas, one at Valentine's (if I hurry!) and one pair for his birthday. I thought this yarn would be perfect for him, combining his three favourite colours with black. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtxG54_9BxDGSGTg_dWbqpA5E6SRpTnDUzt6PMEZqChVlqPasdlAf4SO98RcWfdzqph21QgD4ICpWYS96iDWpKCQt7JjhJnniWUfIQ-DA4vYA8bg7nWlU7_r02fGjloMXAt_pPw/s1600/20150827_102904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtxG54_9BxDGSGTg_dWbqpA5E6SRpTnDUzt6PMEZqChVlqPasdlAf4SO98RcWfdzqph21QgD4ICpWYS96iDWpKCQt7JjhJnniWUfIQ-DA4vYA8bg7nWlU7_r02fGjloMXAt_pPw/s320/20150827_102904.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the runners out-bright the socks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AH2KV9vkkUd_DxPs0EyI_UkM4G_wEthvlesxcW2IPS4ftKLsQ99tljbHIV9H3FgKbRVd5nJboB1TjQBsfz3HBMkqIx76glEnwbpiXvz6RfjiU0fCMmjTrgbkhCjij28p26XoSw/s1600/20150826_202728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AH2KV9vkkUd_DxPs0EyI_UkM4G_wEthvlesxcW2IPS4ftKLsQ99tljbHIV9H3FgKbRVd5nJboB1TjQBsfz3HBMkqIx76glEnwbpiXvz6RfjiU0fCMmjTrgbkhCjij28p26XoSw/s320/20150826_202728.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socks under flash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Didn't think how Halloweeny it would look. Yarn is String Theory Colorworks Continuum (cashmere blend!) in umm Monoceros. Pattern is the toe up socks I can do pretty much whilst asleep now. I do one by three ribbing for four rounds then shift the purl stitch one stitch forward or back and make the rib travel left or right. Then I start making it go back right or left. Keeps me entertained because it is easy to see how many rounds I've done without counting. I love being able to see progress being made!<br />
<br />
Whilst I love the process of knitting and I love having something to do with my hands, I love having a finished object even more. I get about 80% of the way through and get bored with it but (usually) push on. Same with quilting. I like building the quilt top and the quilt backing, then get pretty meh about basting (I don't like basting....), get impatient with the quilting bit and the binding and then voila! I made this!<br />
<br />
How about you?<br />
<br />
Maybe it won't be such a long time between drinks and I might blog more regularly - it isn't like I don't have things to say. Clearly ;-)<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-84735200105004484242015-07-11T22:15:00.000-07:002015-07-11T22:15:50.804-07:00SummertimeG'day all!<br />
<br />
Long time no post. I have the nasty feeling I didn't post because I'm a bit stupid and got too hot.<br />
<br />
Yes, it got hot in Seattle. I seem to remember saying last time that there are two things I never thought I'd say in Seattle:<br />
1) It's too hot, and<br />
2) We need rain.<br />
<br />
Well I have a third thing to say:<br />
<br />
3) Too much sun.<br />
<br />
The tomato and the eggplant at the ends of two raised beds are going great guns, as is the tomato by the house. They are setting fruit like crazy. I've got hopes of even getting one ripe eggplant, which will equal the record of anything I've grown in Melbourne.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesBk5I8K8kLrCjjmC1WwPELzsUfXgpM-ak45lHhez009LvHzVmexa59Ofpk2cgmVV_wMcYydJ2gkFEWZHzG4gBZFybHaRh6Y3xCDy2i08oSOqoSmOLEbe2l9XM6aoy_3wEwLXCQ/s1600/20150709_195844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesBk5I8K8kLrCjjmC1WwPELzsUfXgpM-ak45lHhez009LvHzVmexa59Ofpk2cgmVV_wMcYydJ2gkFEWZHzG4gBZFybHaRh6Y3xCDy2i08oSOqoSmOLEbe2l9XM6aoy_3wEwLXCQ/s320/20150709_195844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't meant to be a shot of my bust but<br />it does show how tall my huge tomato is.<br />BTW, that is not a euphemism.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But the rest? I had to go and get shade cloth for the vegie patch to get things growing. I know that sounds absurd but they were in full sun from about 8am to 7pm and apparently between that, the northerly wind and the complete lack of rain (artificial rain is supplied to them, from the tap), none of the seedlings were growing. None of them. Three weeks of sun. 15 days in a row over 80F (26.666' C), the first five days of July were 90F (32C) or more and everything got too hot. A bit of shade and suddenly they got their grow on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYGN6G8lHh1xqdLYn5sk-JqncEBnzbH6tUwY6LO5I9ZVd0NEb4hrxvZ1yJ3-asbIifwHT2dXkABU7nzV2QKFDV_QyLEQx4pXsHL1dJJKNo3RTQGSko2QO6hiEgxon4bZsBU5WqQ/s1600/20150705_194032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYGN6G8lHh1xqdLYn5sk-JqncEBnzbH6tUwY6LO5I9ZVd0NEb4hrxvZ1yJ3-asbIifwHT2dXkABU7nzV2QKFDV_QyLEQx4pXsHL1dJJKNo3RTQGSko2QO6hiEgxon4bZsBU5WqQ/s320/20150705_194032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming, eh? We have bamboo thinnings<br />and umm, yeah, very Robinson Crusoe...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I couldn't blame the plants because I could not credit how hot I got. I guess it isn't properly dry heat here - it's a maritime climate and tends to have a bit of humidity to it generally. Am I not from a warmer climate than this one? How will I cope when we go back home?<br />
<br />
I suspect air conditioning will be my friend. My bestest buddy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFebGXd_kxJFZKXjZP4pwn1aqC52QvwX3lKLVOaWHEq92K0m4_fZaOVoM9FBtNI3GNL8z7W5zn-f117CjTnd1NLUATnHC-HivvZ9-RcrJ_WcPbzmdgR4ZDpRzlUYAxco0PyPTirw/s1600/20150707_191251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFebGXd_kxJFZKXjZP4pwn1aqC52QvwX3lKLVOaWHEq92K0m4_fZaOVoM9FBtNI3GNL8z7W5zn-f117CjTnd1NLUATnHC-HivvZ9-RcrJ_WcPbzmdgR4ZDpRzlUYAxco0PyPTirw/s320/20150707_191251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky skies freak me out because they mean<br />big bad bushfires.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There's not been too much sun though for most of this week - big bushfires up in British Columbia smoked us out between Saturday and Thursday, when a cool change blew through and blew the smoke back to BC. It's been cloudy and cooler for two days and it will be cloudy and cooler for another couple of days at least.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK86YKfoHeQnIGCziAcnfgBZZ_TJl612YzPslgUtJfZOnNJfyt44opROfhHtG7YEH0jpD7iqvDRzm6H1s3tvdu39PxqGQw7PHrl83tHpfXZZNCdGXaOWcSD_V0rZm4Ev9XjZK-lQ/s1600/20150709_051231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK86YKfoHeQnIGCziAcnfgBZZ_TJl612YzPslgUtJfZOnNJfyt44opROfhHtG7YEH0jpD7iqvDRzm6H1s3tvdu39PxqGQw7PHrl83tHpfXZZNCdGXaOWcSD_V0rZm4Ev9XjZK-lQ/s320/20150709_051231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky sunrise - they do look pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Never thought I'd say it being cloudy is nice. The only problem is that it is wrecking our long days - sunset is back to just after 9pm again now. I want to be able to appreciate the light that lasts in the sky until nearly 10:30pm.<br />
<br />
The other good thing about it being cooler and now not smoky is that I can get things done. I was getting very sluggish on the warm days and not doing much more than pottering in the yard. Then when the smoke kicked in, I could barely manage that - smoke and me don't get along.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz4jHHlN4xubwWkz3xDeZC1H0vJV8j1WGj6jFGB7jRiReO4BiUauBIm1pywYbCIexj9haLkHEVdI3gSzuoiyQ_AZGhaOlVBn6ByVBNfmRPgVTpz_Q2VL7QsoOUq9vtD1UoDwVlw/s1600/20150705_194152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz4jHHlN4xubwWkz3xDeZC1H0vJV8j1WGj6jFGB7jRiReO4BiUauBIm1pywYbCIexj9haLkHEVdI3gSzuoiyQ_AZGhaOlVBn6ByVBNfmRPgVTpz_Q2VL7QsoOUq9vtD1UoDwVlw/s320/20150705_194152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes! Yay! Lots more than these too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But in the last couple of days I've pretty much fixed up the wardrobe/closet - we decided to fix up the plastering cos it was a bit of a rush job and of course it ended up being me doing the finishing cos DH works and is busy on an important project. I only need to wipe the dust off it and prime it and then the insides can be populated with the closet system. I have to paint the outside, which means trying to replicate my fancy paint job but I have the paint and the technology (brushes and rollers) so I reckon it will happen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmRsXxAKnAn6h4KRHi0wjdgwY_eiigJm-4vLA0NT8KpUE5DFJeCuO1U0udnVowtjL3J3OiQepNPqnWWIQOeI9PUkSN3iqYfjS9shv3Hg0iy-sJdH7jeWQMfAlI-8aHF14z_hvCg/s1600/20150705_194354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmRsXxAKnAn6h4KRHi0wjdgwY_eiigJm-4vLA0NT8KpUE5DFJeCuO1U0udnVowtjL3J3OiQepNPqnWWIQOeI9PUkSN3iqYfjS9shv3Hg0iy-sJdH7jeWQMfAlI-8aHF14z_hvCg/s320/20150705_194354.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the shorter sunflowers. <br />Didn't expect the many flowers on one stem!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The garden is puttering along. I've had to put in drip (well leaky hose) irrigation. I fear the water bill when it comes along... but dripping water into it is a lot more efficient than me standing and watering it. Less spray, less loss, and I can do other things apart from holding the hose. I'm having a lovely time collecting Flanders poppy seeds from various of the plants that I've marked as being non-standard, along with seed from the normal plants. Now that I've grown some poppies, I have the feeling I will be growing them for years to come - they do naturalise rather well. I would show off some current pictures but it turns out I don't have any current pics - they are all more than a week old or are of single flowers. Better remedy that tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I've also been quilting, knitting and spinning! Suddenly I'm going through my spinning stash and turning it into yarn. Dunno what is up with that, possibly something to do with having about 8 fleeces to process and avoiding them by spinning up my pretty pretty already dyed stash.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsVrZiaUpb-dZEyUpO9mjKW-gclo8HbHBQQ1GcA7DazOHwDEqtIWST1yw3a1_ypNoATj2x7kNZK-YGlyBmhqa_3l9dOUlURGpUkPThlvF2GWQc7NTMVs1CFKUk9JDZPUB8FoYHg/s1600/20150709_195445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsVrZiaUpb-dZEyUpO9mjKW-gclo8HbHBQQ1GcA7DazOHwDEqtIWST1yw3a1_ypNoATj2x7kNZK-YGlyBmhqa_3l9dOUlURGpUkPThlvF2GWQc7NTMVs1CFKUk9JDZPUB8FoYHg/s320/20150709_195445.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current project all ready for quilting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also discovered a number of quilts in a box, all basted and ready for quilting. Sigh. I get bogged down on the quilting because my sewing machine is difficult to quilt with as it is a standard size machine and doesn't have a big harp/wide throat. Doing sorta straight lines is okay (they are never perfectly straight cos I always screw something up) and doing fancy patterns is okay if the quilt is a lap quilt or throw but anything bigger is a challenge and a half. This will change though soon :-)<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-84032552603839943032015-06-09T23:08:00.001-07:002015-06-09T23:08:44.138-07:00TravellingsG'day all!<br />
<br />
It is a year since we flew off to London to get our new visas. A whole year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yoGXFhwB3JZ5p0VEhkmjRZkvOcMpmnnfELdoNmPyhYS8TRtk7kXKa-OdN-Q-sMvEYU4fBZrBNN-97XvnH4kK-OqE-VAaM3YZKwCFMRI_W1umP9qyR3AoiZ955J6r8Kuo7ZdBMQ/s1600/20150608_205749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yoGXFhwB3JZ5p0VEhkmjRZkvOcMpmnnfELdoNmPyhYS8TRtk7kXKa-OdN-Q-sMvEYU4fBZrBNN-97XvnH4kK-OqE-VAaM3YZKwCFMRI_W1umP9qyR3AoiZ955J6r8Kuo7ZdBMQ/s320/20150608_205749.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset is now almost as northerly as it goes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's been a good year, a year with a fair bit of travel - London, New York (twice), DC and most recently Boston. Family visited. Family grew in size with a baby born, and more distant family has also grown.<br />
<br />
But it's been a year! How did that happen!<br />
<br />
Since my last blogging, the days have stretched out further - the sun is setting after 9pm now and rises not long after five. Twilight lasts a good hour. I always wanted to go roaming in the gloaming and it seems I don't have to go to Scotland to do so. The light outside tonight at 9:30 was an amazing pearly mauve. It won't last, it doesn't last long, not all night, but it is lovely whilst it lasts. (We are still southerly compared to London, but London is surprisingly far north.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSsJmIzmU4bMkgb9GdDwIEHiihiN-ROxyT58r7qD9b1ciSzS340DlNyFhcWHMSMKNe6LLjoM_dCs9XI6SFfzOPmcm0f7nCv1rqYBGC4TkMTYMT7RDBybL3GaJKN1F_lMke-CVYQ/s1600/20150605_181435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSsJmIzmU4bMkgb9GdDwIEHiihiN-ROxyT58r7qD9b1ciSzS340DlNyFhcWHMSMKNe6LLjoM_dCs9XI6SFfzOPmcm0f7nCv1rqYBGC4TkMTYMT7RDBybL3GaJKN1F_lMke-CVYQ/s320/20150605_181435.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prettiest house in the area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm trying to make the most of the long days but it has been a bit difficult recently because we've had a mini heat wave.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WwjFyDST7p7ida293MXNK3yAnL-DgmIINgyWqgNFcanEwvzCDXcuXUjtuaT_0yhHEs7GE0sE30RP0c0wcQ2Evb68ufbiOra1hyphenhyphenZUAOmq9pbpQwRxfz9seyihbZXyApJ_3jZ9Ug/s1600/IMG_20150606_224503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WwjFyDST7p7ida293MXNK3yAnL-DgmIINgyWqgNFcanEwvzCDXcuXUjtuaT_0yhHEs7GE0sE30RP0c0wcQ2Evb68ufbiOra1hyphenhyphenZUAOmq9pbpQwRxfz9seyihbZXyApJ_3jZ9Ug/s320/IMG_20150606_224503.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a big ship it had to be guided by two tugs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yep, temps in Seattle got to about 30C and we all died, or felt like dying. Pathetic, eh? The sun is high in the sky and when you are out in it, it is really hot! We are contemplating getting a shade sail or similar for the deck because it is uncomfortably hot. LOL<br />
<br />
Things I never thought I'd say in Seattle no. 1: I'm hot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsP_0IpMu4SX2siIh-Bb9llrE80hYDE0mQM-A5IgUoADTbgu0FIODhYIEpbwcbO5E2wZEEGS456ZpDa8FkIbhyphenhyphenEIp6_JdVQBOZgJfOglW61NVw_Y9m0thpp7NGPlF35SEqo9fXQ/s1600/20150531_141723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsP_0IpMu4SX2siIh-Bb9llrE80hYDE0mQM-A5IgUoADTbgu0FIODhYIEpbwcbO5E2wZEEGS456ZpDa8FkIbhyphenhyphenEIp6_JdVQBOZgJfOglW61NVw_Y9m0thpp7NGPlF35SEqo9fXQ/s320/20150531_141723.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frogged. Looks like a sack on me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And of course we haven't had any rain for some time and no meaningful rain for over a month. I'm having to water the garden with good potable water because we build some rain water tanks just when the rains dried up. In April. Normally it doesn't stop raining until sometime in June. We installed raised beds and all so that we could grow lots of vegies and they are drying out! The coriander I planted went to seed before it had grown three leaves!<br />
<br />
Things I never thought I'd say in Seattle no. 2: We need rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSh2r1n9KlloNECHCRhtI7IB-OvRBOwvZi4E_NkyinBLhhgkSs0FNTWbVKbRIf3izyodYN29CKCIX7DvsyV60XlDqXj06fEbiTVFwu6jEB4BDgxo41OVV_1SzT9nPyx6B8vFvGA/s1600/20150528_205133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSh2r1n9KlloNECHCRhtI7IB-OvRBOwvZi4E_NkyinBLhhgkSs0FNTWbVKbRIf3izyodYN29CKCIX7DvsyV60XlDqXj06fEbiTVFwu6jEB4BDgxo41OVV_1SzT9nPyx6B8vFvGA/s320/20150528_205133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house is in that shot. Good luck finding it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One good thing about the lack of rain and the temps heating up is that now I don't have to cut the grass as often. Once a week isn't that often I guess but it is annoying!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kDMIDPwUbwqQk1Vj2w6H95Iousv53I4_BhAAHDYdyXklGBYIaIEGmsba0KuFrjigW5CkCbx0kOSVpyUMrA3vnFJ9qpWuhyphenhyphenJRQeXwUbL16JR-lihbwwl8GrEkU7j3Lm9KRHPjyw/s1600/20150531_141812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kDMIDPwUbwqQk1Vj2w6H95Iousv53I4_BhAAHDYdyXklGBYIaIEGmsba0KuFrjigW5CkCbx0kOSVpyUMrA3vnFJ9qpWuhyphenhyphenJRQeXwUbL16JR-lihbwwl8GrEkU7j3Lm9KRHPjyw/s320/20150531_141812.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romeldale/CVM fleece drying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've been busy knitting, spinning and washing fleece recently. I've even done a bit of quilt top making. The weather recently has been great for washing fleece - I got a good 2-3kg of fleece washed in the last week. This leaves me with just one dirty fleece to go, though it will be a doozy as it is a quite greasy Corriedale so it will take a bit of washing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9C-IvG6hYTnNyV7qDj805lqg75IHtei993odQB_wsDKZx-VviUn1SBaZ3Cbu7NUj1HCRQM6gsc3KxgltMNem7BNsOnOvoc-u3iM6IXnqlnMsI5UuNFlShnvh_yFB6HNpsK59cw/s1600/20150528_165849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9C-IvG6hYTnNyV7qDj805lqg75IHtei993odQB_wsDKZx-VviUn1SBaZ3Cbu7NUj1HCRQM6gsc3KxgltMNem7BNsOnOvoc-u3iM6IXnqlnMsI5UuNFlShnvh_yFB6HNpsK59cw/s320/20150528_165849.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sock heel. Now part of a full sock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hmm, wonder if I've got any pics of the current stuff in progress...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCVKA8JQkrQ5NTQviuPgMLaKJWS9h0XRezRRoRSNvU1rWezsKB7Q4gQnYosviD3BAgA-krJPcSkyfk6lTLRt9GlAti9UolskhUa8Jd5lz8TapTHEbcgEvXtIqbyhpAF6asyK-nQ/s1600/20150605_174614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCVKA8JQkrQ5NTQviuPgMLaKJWS9h0XRezRRoRSNvU1rWezsKB7Q4gQnYosviD3BAgA-krJPcSkyfk6lTLRt9GlAti9UolskhUa8Jd5lz8TapTHEbcgEvXtIqbyhpAF6asyK-nQ/s320/20150605_174614.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lurid quilt top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had visitors on Sunday and will have different visitors tomorrow (oh crap, I'd better clean! I can tidy by tossing stuff in the study I guess...). We show them the same stuff - they want to see stuff around here so we go to the Locks and then we go either to the beach or to Sunset Hill.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMS80GBnyRdASuj0z34InQLhMv227zz-omttXDeXntj0Ktpz-t8GE0axqBGAtQ988V9xxWCJDu9kj4PITYoAy7-ps3o3ZjMrH3E7crJlhsvQE6V__W9R4dzPmQh3CImbrkowlvA/s1600/20150607_151006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMS80GBnyRdASuj0z34InQLhMv227zz-omttXDeXntj0Ktpz-t8GE0axqBGAtQ988V9xxWCJDu9kj4PITYoAy7-ps3o3ZjMrH3E7crJlhsvQE6V__W9R4dzPmQh3CImbrkowlvA/s320/20150607_151006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smolt flumes. Lots of little fish (smolts) in the water!<br />Plus we saw two harbour seals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At least it is meant to be a little cooler tomorrow but it will still be sunny so this time DH had better remember to wear sunscreen. I did but he got a fearsome burn on his neck...<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-36147020010814095152015-05-16T23:18:00.001-07:002015-05-16T23:18:54.139-07:00Whatever happened to the Big Apple?G'day all!<br />
<br />
We recently spent a week in New York City. It's mighty convenient that DH's work is based there and they like him to visit because $400 a night for a hotel room is more than I want to pay! Anyway, something I noticed is all the tourist tat no longer mentions the Big Apple. It's all I heart NY.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FR7aFUv1TKRQzEpJ4I17lQLVhlZ90vPlx5uObdoBxHJoPQOkG7HrRxzK9y3pSBpdnxt9PpsNCCkJYiCuVSy-2HTXg1lkRqsZvKv2epc7nZ_sBXiT-56yVrDBcbNAx1LAWv8zUg/s1600/20150504_131835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FR7aFUv1TKRQzEpJ4I17lQLVhlZ90vPlx5uObdoBxHJoPQOkG7HrRxzK9y3pSBpdnxt9PpsNCCkJYiCuVSy-2HTXg1lkRqsZvKv2epc7nZ_sBXiT-56yVrDBcbNAx1LAWv8zUg/s320/20150504_131835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys made me yummy Pad Thai.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So whatever happened to the Big Apple? Did that advertising campaign got boring?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxy8Wy4qxgUBORmYFfFPO-Fi6GY8XhsTFaoIeHsShOe9Kz0Z7X5CRENS3inAHJ9VcYKD878is6s8PJdw1YstC5hVVi9ewqiUWf0gGB4J8p_WC1cvvGPYnI425deYKrWYdpgfe5g/s1600/IMG_20150505_143906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxy8Wy4qxgUBORmYFfFPO-Fi6GY8XhsTFaoIeHsShOe9Kz0Z7X5CRENS3inAHJ9VcYKD878is6s8PJdw1YstC5hVVi9ewqiUWf0gGB4J8p_WC1cvvGPYnI425deYKrWYdpgfe5g/s320/IMG_20150505_143906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of redwood water tanks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVWMqLybzjozUL_9IGEUjdC6Qf2_yvxv3MTCN57d8u_KE9hOrqFl54Jc72H1Fu8XT-NU-Myi_bQmrKKNubHI2RrBvAMA5WzRRL9HjX8n9vf3m_BCQ0vPuYAlhUhwxJRvP5GT4PQ/s1600/20150504_164732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVWMqLybzjozUL_9IGEUjdC6Qf2_yvxv3MTCN57d8u_KE9hOrqFl54Jc72H1Fu8XT-NU-Myi_bQmrKKNubHI2RrBvAMA5WzRRL9HjX8n9vf3m_BCQ0vPuYAlhUhwxJRvP5GT4PQ/s320/20150504_164732.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornate buildings near the Flatiron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDvd-CxU7JjVRpTpzAlV8sW9CaYS-d4wjHtqXQU2NTzSlBT8L-50F5KzdA1fWVWRCXxEjb273KlZn1lCZ4hZilp8O1-ehxFOQ5HNaUU6yfVkbOIowDqBhzCmJfnhY3eZjSIvygQ/s1600/IMG_20150504_155313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDvd-CxU7JjVRpTpzAlV8sW9CaYS-d4wjHtqXQU2NTzSlBT8L-50F5KzdA1fWVWRCXxEjb273KlZn1lCZ4hZilp8O1-ehxFOQ5HNaUU6yfVkbOIowDqBhzCmJfnhY3eZjSIvygQ/s320/IMG_20150504_155313.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May the Fourth be with You!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I don't buy tourist tat because I don't <i>like</i> buying tourist tat these days. Fridge magnets and occasionally a t-shirt that is irresistible are about as far as I go.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I spent a lovely few days walking the streets of Manhattan between about 25th up to halfway through Central Park. Over seven days (including a day where we spent six hours on a plane), I walked almost ten kilometres a day. On a couple of days, I walked more then 20,000 steps.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoILHJ2w2A1K3CqZFeciPmpWENCOhNUCIh_McZKzQoUKZhoDyaX6oqO4QKyhVCkK56qvn7tmjzS1d-wG8UHQPEcazp3RASFMR68WZGzvSf521e0U4ZoN7KoDmAoez6tNSz_eVsQ/s1600/20150501_121153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoILHJ2w2A1K3CqZFeciPmpWENCOhNUCIh_McZKzQoUKZhoDyaX6oqO4QKyhVCkK56qvn7tmjzS1d-wG8UHQPEcazp3RASFMR68WZGzvSf521e0U4ZoN7KoDmAoez6tNSz_eVsQ/s320/20150501_121153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south on the Hudson River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB3wczS7q53FTGgKSymq78aXjkLhxyK0ske_ksNu_1Bh6pkPqSzZpXJk_vrUgLCNIWvtV1QXucODj9YuzHO8f_zH51_eEELBgjpyieLuOfR9WQKHkCj8kmEhf2LxnjngKAjk-Uw/s1600/20150501_104533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB3wczS7q53FTGgKSymq78aXjkLhxyK0ske_ksNu_1Bh6pkPqSzZpXJk_vrUgLCNIWvtV1QXucODj9YuzHO8f_zH51_eEELBgjpyieLuOfR9WQKHkCj8kmEhf2LxnjngKAjk-Uw/s320/20150501_104533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nifty murals seen from the High Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmVLlMjc8aHLuUsGB2waEkEDExFxvPdsLZcQQ6hOeOFmc-BnVFIObx9oqRuEbQFQuuawH9cNaOZJWf5gp85W-80SAqWHedJVBiHp3mPQH_VVlp8kOzdPWKtX1mPGdv_IAJ3yWw/s1600/20150430_180436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmVLlMjc8aHLuUsGB2waEkEDExFxvPdsLZcQQ6hOeOFmc-BnVFIObx9oqRuEbQFQuuawH9cNaOZJWf5gp85W-80SAqWHedJVBiHp3mPQH_VVlp8kOzdPWKtX1mPGdv_IAJ3yWw/s320/20150430_180436.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south from Sheep Meadow in Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROD9KyyqUBIb-u6tlqNRTh0bpK3L2peOJh8CSimESsxHr38AxM8tLgSTJSj4gK9SGV1MRq2Zli2hdJJ9q4SpoRZAgqNx_HfUSLcajqrYhXScsxvHVf9QVV4-_eIh-R8yI2Q-4TQ/s1600/20150430_172714-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROD9KyyqUBIb-u6tlqNRTh0bpK3L2peOJh8CSimESsxHr38AxM8tLgSTJSj4gK9SGV1MRq2Zli2hdJJ9q4SpoRZAgqNx_HfUSLcajqrYhXScsxvHVf9QVV4-_eIh-R8yI2Q-4TQ/s320/20150430_172714-ANIMATION.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red eared sliders begging for food, Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPROKwbBigxqh7rdI0Rmg8s3rm-Nj43YuppCLuAPhmkAaE8xaiYgze-nGn6CkNJuZZ9hGMylpm1oYPaSlhSjIKiizAAViFJYIsnJxiDEHZkbgshACTDE8RbgrlPCQovGhbfM2xg/s1600/20150430_153050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPROKwbBigxqh7rdI0Rmg8s3rm-Nj43YuppCLuAPhmkAaE8xaiYgze-nGn6CkNJuZZ9hGMylpm1oYPaSlhSjIKiizAAViFJYIsnJxiDEHZkbgshACTDE8RbgrlPCQovGhbfM2xg/s320/20150430_153050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring blooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-dqgvch61idBE-JeGRv_3WpfaCKl66HldicGISid9QXOBgS4xttoDjrEO5Kdkry9Ya77MM0l-oEaKDHEz8FUelv_PAGyXeeuKDp6jxfZhc3HjCLRE0VqXS4ikX1KvHj-UWvCpw/s1600/20150430_152643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-dqgvch61idBE-JeGRv_3WpfaCKl66HldicGISid9QXOBgS4xttoDjrEO5Kdkry9Ya77MM0l-oEaKDHEz8FUelv_PAGyXeeuKDp6jxfZhc3HjCLRE0VqXS4ikX1KvHj-UWvCpw/s320/20150430_152643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mall in early Spring livery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ4mCCUKspNpGKhWG_bTkle8dS-_I8RmcjguS0dWp5s6OWnW1yivE9VOPTaD2vMU1xsWVOWy9xtldHZ1mmOJn37EsGMR7enBTldPrfOgHpsm4ZZZpGFMmQFP_XnDT6E-7CrgrkA/s1600/20150429_194353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ4mCCUKspNpGKhWG_bTkle8dS-_I8RmcjguS0dWp5s6OWnW1yivE9VOPTaD2vMU1xsWVOWy9xtldHZ1mmOJn37EsGMR7enBTldPrfOgHpsm4ZZZpGFMmQFP_XnDT6E-7CrgrkA/s320/20150429_194353.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the Air Train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I admit that my feet were a bit tired after that but walking did feel very normal. One of my hips started whinging too but with a careful gait change and some squats, I got on top of that!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpzMB_GwhG8vetvbELC2PHvh_duFQR5hb9RDfFFDvcIM2CoGcM0Z5zEy9SVu-AekxerzCI_MMiF4jf4ON1BinP10xFjJpHfoN2bxlyWjuwkH7SAoRiAlxSSRY3pcLfSejoWQrIg/s1600/20150501_131609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpzMB_GwhG8vetvbELC2PHvh_duFQR5hb9RDfFFDvcIM2CoGcM0Z5zEy9SVu-AekxerzCI_MMiF4jf4ON1BinP10xFjJpHfoN2bxlyWjuwkH7SAoRiAlxSSRY3pcLfSejoWQrIg/s320/20150501_131609.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School buses, tulips and skyscrapers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaoqR7dU1-ITEELTiKTvoa-z989x9bfXHQaN5lpBl8o7ka-rja70RerWpjcp4NGOhRmXT7JTuqpcl1MZQlYY3Ccdv6wn2-64rQ5pYpPzUgciBDpwLU5dtgEOvgM8OHBoz2LX6xg/s1600/20150506_131723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaoqR7dU1-ITEELTiKTvoa-z989x9bfXHQaN5lpBl8o7ka-rja70RerWpjcp4NGOhRmXT7JTuqpcl1MZQlYY3Ccdv6wn2-64rQ5pYpPzUgciBDpwLU5dtgEOvgM8OHBoz2LX6xg/s320/20150506_131723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quieter part of town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
People always encourage me to go shopping in NYC and go to shows but you know what I like doing?<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I like going to Central Park. Now that I've discovered the Ramble, I go there and well ramble, and I've found the bird feeding area so I sit there and watch the birds and take pics of them. I could do that for hours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE7hiawBikylYpUG1rcn4hLg0SJTN1RtIpYGjgtW8wFQ4g92SiW777BlejISZwiETVOtr_Uk0oG7BjhOoy1pmx7EtrXzwNkcXIF6Wv7KNAiqpWFawKNtpwnbl0FSJPJqZhG8DSg/s1600/20150505_130703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE7hiawBikylYpUG1rcn4hLg0SJTN1RtIpYGjgtW8wFQ4g92SiW777BlejISZwiETVOtr_Uk0oG7BjhOoy1pmx7EtrXzwNkcXIF6Wv7KNAiqpWFawKNtpwnbl0FSJPJqZhG8DSg/s320/20150505_130703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Narnia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwW8kIcltAdpkIQLSv8op_HKpGjVYmHJsh_t-HyazR3v6og3bqSMpHYKnKOx546dFveVuSvFEf07zQJ-d_Mi49qKqL3nrUz8UB-wXodjV2xCwXsiSPWMKhr5crf8B3KBYeilElQ/s1600/20150505_124654.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwW8kIcltAdpkIQLSv8op_HKpGjVYmHJsh_t-HyazR3v6og3bqSMpHYKnKOx546dFveVuSvFEf07zQJ-d_Mi49qKqL3nrUz8UB-wXodjV2xCwXsiSPWMKhr5crf8B3KBYeilElQ/s320/20150505_124654.mp4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardinal bathing. Exciting to me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmVhwkhS0b2Y0gCQGBMyjYOnXOPxARtnCM9tzq-xQk96kJ4DbY2Vwfq0n4fQlNP3-dv8gjpZGrFvvzlOmflEe72EnjtaaJ8ZIiC-9cBj7DCBiIKgrrA8BgVparp879Ud1c6yddA/s1600/20150430_163825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmVhwkhS0b2Y0gCQGBMyjYOnXOPxARtnCM9tzq-xQk96kJ4DbY2Vwfq0n4fQlNP3-dv8gjpZGrFvvzlOmflEe72EnjtaaJ8ZIiC-9cBj7DCBiIKgrrA8BgVparp879Ud1c6yddA/s320/20150430_163825.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Goldfinch. Exciting to me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I <i>have</i> done that for hours. Ahem.<br />
<br />
Yep, I go to the densest city in the United States and go to the park to find the wildest bit of it to sit and watch birds.<br />
<br />
I did do a bit of shopping but nothing of any note. I also moaned about how hot it was. It was 28 C, people! We've hardly gotten above 20 C in Seattle so far this year, and 28 C and a bit of humidity was too much!<br />
<br />
Whilst we were on the east coast, we did a side trip down to DC to visit friends who live just outside DC. We caught the train down, and that is an interesting trip in itself. It was lovely to see them because it's been years, and lovely to see their girls (who are growing up, as kids are wont to do). We got to see a bit of the area in which they live and...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVu5rkatVlchguqz5Ff32yK2mecrh9C9r3MymeDqfF-VkeloBHT1hFRMxDw4pvyIeEmKRjpQ7X9wsrY03HRv9WQOj_JC7Hb3ViTefQmXNDYM_-wj02QDAPV-xXM1oshuY7tMLBQ/s1600/20150504_112147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVu5rkatVlchguqz5Ff32yK2mecrh9C9r3MymeDqfF-VkeloBHT1hFRMxDw4pvyIeEmKRjpQ7X9wsrY03HRv9WQOj_JC7Hb3ViTefQmXNDYM_-wj02QDAPV-xXM1oshuY7tMLBQ/s320/20150504_112147.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philadelphia from the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV20I9S99nvWuRVsvGmJvwovTZUzkWpO8n2zZcyBhnjzx6J1_f3-oYhCGHxpdGIWo3BfO7CPAptTtQYJKxsVMrl513EH7jh9U211IH4MuMZbgge45N8EUT3vQHRInELkuSCRVrA/s1600/20150503_113058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV20I9S99nvWuRVsvGmJvwovTZUzkWpO8n2zZcyBhnjzx6J1_f3-oYhCGHxpdGIWo3BfO7CPAptTtQYJKxsVMrl513EH7jh9U211IH4MuMZbgge45N8EUT3vQHRInELkuSCRVrA/s320/20150503_113058.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is bright green. Except the lamp.<br />Makes me think of Narnia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxW9D5EDIcPj4esFHF8p0qo_ZLdN5jtcxAxZWDv3enGkFyQSx8KljyH2wFtI94bXKg9JRrI3PKsxnTBeD4MNbs3Nd0GNATBWAL9ESQ3Dxp0trO5osWRoVRqNxxz9y25mgyKF91A/s1600/20150502_203355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxW9D5EDIcPj4esFHF8p0qo_ZLdN5jtcxAxZWDv3enGkFyQSx8KljyH2wFtI94bXKg9JRrI3PKsxnTBeD4MNbs3Nd0GNATBWAL9ESQ3Dxp0trO5osWRoVRqNxxz9y25mgyKF91A/s320/20150502_203355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake, fountain and moon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I got to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool! Yay! (Thanks to a very kind Ravelry contact and her husband.)<br />
<br />
I've wanted to get to MDSW for years and years and years. Ever since I heard about it online through blogs. I have to say it was worth the wait. It's a smorgasbord of wonderful fibery stuff.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
(And for those who are not in the know, it is not Mary land, it is merrillend all blurred together.)<br />
<br />
I bought yarn at MDSW. Duh! And some lovely tops, one of which I've already spun up, the other is on the wheel at the moment.<br />
<br />
I saw some interesting sheep. I saw some interesting stuff and bought from new and well-established dyers.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNuAj2cJ_EQmOaO7U6ZpcUFSATJdjIEiZ5I1ZDNtZsUrqZ2-edDqsQOYUY4UW0NnJhAqik4tMuUmp6AFU1yk6rO2nrTwHBTICt2AIJMN0J8juO_hDqvxUopIEuBHpaJUs-xHD6A/s1600/20150503_090725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNuAj2cJ_EQmOaO7U6ZpcUFSATJdjIEiZ5I1ZDNtZsUrqZ2-edDqsQOYUY4UW0NnJhAqik4tMuUmp6AFU1yk6rO2nrTwHBTICt2AIJMN0J8juO_hDqvxUopIEuBHpaJUs-xHD6A/s320/20150503_090725.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My haul. The front and centre yarn is already a sock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMk3MIDh90rcOsHTcNP0V3_wGRz7hr9A48tbesMV4iOp8g5ASCNoYuiU6VZyhxziX9iClL1NTgf1drMcCDAAuyRXyA0hg2-Au1ex9Cj3T-7aFzwbdKInqQz4Sj6s27yLHBZaHXA/s1600/20150502_144547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMk3MIDh90rcOsHTcNP0V3_wGRz7hr9A48tbesMV4iOp8g5ASCNoYuiU6VZyhxziX9iClL1NTgf1drMcCDAAuyRXyA0hg2-Au1ex9Cj3T-7aFzwbdKInqQz4Sj6s27yLHBZaHXA/s320/20150502_144547.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you take your sheep for walks?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlVNjqtykNzy7X3UGninOKGIo8I2wdCmcRH4-kqa-kGumhRzf9CQyOjbRWUZBU3-LU2LCcYRy6L1EzNuFHwLnGgZSQZWBW_tCZiHzB8q0EyfZCwrtVkNwIsRgveBoinVXqkcC7A/s1600/20150502_154943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlVNjqtykNzy7X3UGninOKGIo8I2wdCmcRH4-kqa-kGumhRzf9CQyOjbRWUZBU3-LU2LCcYRy6L1EzNuFHwLnGgZSQZWBW_tCZiHzB8q0EyfZCwrtVkNwIsRgveBoinVXqkcC7A/s320/20150502_154943.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the food stands are pretty fancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9rrAQGxSLXzjck8FK2qXVgnymal2vvyvowSgOFF9DQHOHut8EZdhF7kAILZfhOWdaisp60T8HWHUmRHdgIad3og_6YCN8-xEKDNsuI0p2Msrxo9jxyhAAQcT3YEUZpiMudjDIw/s1600/20150502_125446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9rrAQGxSLXzjck8FK2qXVgnymal2vvyvowSgOFF9DQHOHut8EZdhF7kAILZfhOWdaisp60T8HWHUmRHdgIad3og_6YCN8-xEKDNsuI0p2Msrxo9jxyhAAQcT3YEUZpiMudjDIw/s320/20150502_125446.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool markings, bro!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I bought fleece. This was an indulgence and naughty, given I've hardly touched the fleece I got nearly three years ago at OFFF in Oregon. I got that fleece commercially washed and some of it came back greasy and a mess, and the rest is disarrayed and needs to be picked and carded, and I have neither picker nor a drum carder. Actually, I don't think I've got hand cards here either.<br />
<br />
I bought lovely fleece. I spent part of yesterday washing some of the fleece so I can play with it. It is lovely lovely stuff - CVM/Romeldale (a favourite since my time in Colorado when I first came across it), all bouncy and yummy. I'll have to deal with the Corriedale fleece some other time. Actually I have to deal with the rest of the CVM fleece too.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7huDj_b80toGVavpI-KEoWekRFcqkTwp6CIwmnQkzJvjs56P9H-xQXB18Fm_o6Qx5K_w4Ki0OWqHZR5WBc1urbXMecaMkOCKwTqGn78onAj-ReCtZhK0dohyphenhyphenq4xmi3v-5m7nqA/s1600/20150515_152626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7huDj_b80toGVavpI-KEoWekRFcqkTwp6CIwmnQkzJvjs56P9H-xQXB18Fm_o6Qx5K_w4Ki0OWqHZR5WBc1urbXMecaMkOCKwTqGn78onAj-ReCtZhK0dohyphenhyphenq4xmi3v-5m7nqA/s320/20150515_152626.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CVM/Romeldale fleece pre and post washing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2Zl6cJjWa2N9vFFzlLR5sojCxaF3NqTePO4AP5LD8x2KBAloBoui0ApkY6NCwBikhNHSmUIp7V9gmB_zTGGMtNpYbRDQUfo7dyZxEqmAPCWzIcGp6o1aTD4AoiWyBlvwrrOmMQ/s1600/20150503_142826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg155uneJg_iB5Y-eT-mq6sMa3l3AWyLzySQ36Xvw3fmcNYfIrlF3PlwKAwt6uAhabxoseWZexsk9zS6N2-fuqnQKu9QAMrYZr8PFi78A0s6uZKIbaInJjRVfUdpY6EuIC8zVj_gg/s1600/20150515_142552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg155uneJg_iB5Y-eT-mq6sMa3l3AWyLzySQ36Xvw3fmcNYfIrlF3PlwKAwt6uAhabxoseWZexsk9zS6N2-fuqnQKu9QAMrYZr8PFi78A0s6uZKIbaInJjRVfUdpY6EuIC8zVj_gg/s320/20150515_142552.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly's fleece. She's a CVM sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRMkYV5pdvZU-VuBw2orGiWXtG2gxoVT11us9-SERKyPKdo0BaiHtFeZWh6oow6sT5upLaHwwWVkXm1CgZsHtV6aVT4WHlK170WFqmWhoV6Uvf1sHFoyVTBlF1WgDZHliH9N0VA/s1600/20150515_151227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRMkYV5pdvZU-VuBw2orGiWXtG2gxoVT11us9-SERKyPKdo0BaiHtFeZWh6oow6sT5upLaHwwWVkXm1CgZsHtV6aVT4WHlK170WFqmWhoV6Uvf1sHFoyVTBlF1WgDZHliH9N0VA/s320/20150515_151227.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luscious black Corriedale fleece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The day after I went to MDSW, we went to visit <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls_(Potomac_River)" target="_blank">Great Falls</a> on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm" target="_blank">Potomac River</a> (latter is National parks link). That was an interesting trip because of it<br />
a) having cascades, white water and some actual waterfalls<br />
b) being a place with a bit of history about it.<br />
<br />
The falls on the Potomac got in the way of boat traffic, so the obvious thing to do in the late 1700s was build a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patowmack_Canal" target="_blank">canal</a> around it! George Washington was a major supporter of the canal. It was on the Virginia side (the other side of the river is Maryland!). It was doomed to fail as the Potomac is very seasonal and suffers highs that stopped boat traffic going upstream and lows that stopped all boat traffic, literally.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1f8h76CL5CYIavmsZ5Gnx0I0q9Tekf8tT5manmu9i6eFCDgeSCgZpnj3Jixb-2kkWZ9qQ491OXz8TkkW2gRLx79JAOf-FCGRgjl2Y1nobpkFOiW_NT368tTit1uQlPUifwFwUg/s1600/20150503_135733-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1f8h76CL5CYIavmsZ5Gnx0I0q9Tekf8tT5manmu9i6eFCDgeSCgZpnj3Jixb-2kkWZ9qQ491OXz8TkkW2gRLx79JAOf-FCGRgjl2Y1nobpkFOiW_NT368tTit1uQlPUifwFwUg/s320/20150503_135733-ANIMATION.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks smaller than it is. Wibbly waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2Zl6cJjWa2N9vFFzlLR5sojCxaF3NqTePO4AP5LD8x2KBAloBoui0ApkY6NCwBikhNHSmUIp7V9gmB_zTGGMtNpYbRDQUfo7dyZxEqmAPCWzIcGp6o1aTD4AoiWyBlvwrrOmMQ/s1600/20150503_142826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2Zl6cJjWa2N9vFFzlLR5sojCxaF3NqTePO4AP5LD8x2KBAloBoui0ApkY6NCwBikhNHSmUIp7V9gmB_zTGGMtNpYbRDQUfo7dyZxEqmAPCWzIcGp6o1aTD4AoiWyBlvwrrOmMQ/s320/20150503_142826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tie dye at Great Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU_NZBKkTFbM3Pgxe2njt1hUH9b5qNpRDj-CpI1snlwZEoif1WknI6lZq1HQii9NhqCL7s9U37G0I3SGtBXiL9THaWbf3SyB1xEF7rR_cNsSpwIwcIbkik5cKbiE8d3yIiv7dRg/s1600/20150503_140119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU_NZBKkTFbM3Pgxe2njt1hUH9b5qNpRDj-CpI1snlwZEoif1WknI6lZq1HQii9NhqCL7s9U37G0I3SGtBXiL9THaWbf3SyB1xEF7rR_cNsSpwIwcIbkik5cKbiE8d3yIiv7dRg/s400/20150503_140119.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the excitement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5ftCH9G72N4CNbLFVlbIu5oNABDRneKAlmWJ0dYaek-guBC2CY9jEJnTfLTeEnI2l-itfe6uMk5dVDr50PM6o2XCnAb5UBnrmdWcuyBlSuTYKfanNQ4M6dZPPr-Akix_UEnIuA/s1600/20150503_134243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5ftCH9G72N4CNbLFVlbIu5oNABDRneKAlmWJ0dYaek-guBC2CY9jEJnTfLTeEnI2l-itfe6uMk5dVDr50PM6o2XCnAb5UBnrmdWcuyBlSuTYKfanNQ4M6dZPPr-Akix_UEnIuA/s320/20150503_134243.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This canal once led to locks that went around<br />the waterfalls and rapids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GPyfWv3ICs3BQ402oHsJGdHuqExWRyJFOEfIdaGeFw6bD0oaE7FDuhaMfm68zI-g9XchSsFSGvcKfr6pxcyK5MqLpd6lJaNxxp0RKOObD7hqR7gsaYuCfsbSsagud4cqT4f64w/s1600/20150503_144233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GPyfWv3ICs3BQ402oHsJGdHuqExWRyJFOEfIdaGeFw6bD0oaE7FDuhaMfm68zI-g9XchSsFSGvcKfr6pxcyK5MqLpd6lJaNxxp0RKOObD7hqR7gsaYuCfsbSsagud4cqT4f64w/s320/20150503_144233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this looks like a lock, there's a reason for that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can see why a lot of people go there - water and history - but alas swimming is strictly verboten above the falls. It gets warm and a dip in the water would be grand but there's a little issue - people regularly get washed into the main part of the river or fall off the rocks in the gorge and get dashed to death in the cascades.<br />
<br />
We also discovered that after a cold winter and manky April, we were lucky enough to see the start of summer in the DC area. Yep, the weather was glorious on Saturday with enough breeze to temper the sun, on Sunday it started getting humid and when we hurried through the National Mall on Monday morning on our way to get our Amtrak train back to NYC, it was starting to get horrid! DH was dripping sweat and even I was feeling sweaty. Sorry, I was <i>glowing</i>. A lot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OZ-oDywBxt_UufIfOQ0XnPdeo-v7mLbqGaDF1FVwwUzRRyiZ0gNJT6W9Jmd_YPC_WbgNSShK9ztfNgPmA7zHVlmVz4UCD74O0SmNys3QSafp-yW0ZRUBdtwu-kv89d6lkPMHew/s1600/20150504_081743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OZ-oDywBxt_UufIfOQ0XnPdeo-v7mLbqGaDF1FVwwUzRRyiZ0gNJT6W9Jmd_YPC_WbgNSShK9ztfNgPmA7zHVlmVz4UCD74O0SmNys3QSafp-yW0ZRUBdtwu-kv89d6lkPMHew/s320/20150504_081743.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As close to the White House as I've ever been</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSGbtKFMQVhgb5PgXB24_h9QFmSk2mhB2jH4uBve4iEfhTExRjv_YkwVn-183NN78P5qkUYus8Zmi2rUPvg97v_BVoAtXnJWuuJnonN_Bun5s0tEl4iJUkPKfOjxgqRL_tqHMPg/s1600/20150504_082511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSGbtKFMQVhgb5PgXB24_h9QFmSk2mhB2jH4uBve4iEfhTExRjv_YkwVn-183NN78P5qkUYus8Zmi2rUPvg97v_BVoAtXnJWuuJnonN_Bun5s0tEl4iJUkPKfOjxgqRL_tqHMPg/s320/20150504_082511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishface! Washington Monument in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIw6yXTvu844c4SDyYZMOLlSoG6XmtW0u0W8hFpLeqgLfunw1Gx_GHUS9VBTV717zRIp5uRrRBaeWYqXGgkj8yXX6P_-meIqdWUypMcgMa2Os7MdEAxIIvpCZfebe1Hg1aktGQ/s1600/20150504_083814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIw6yXTvu844c4SDyYZMOLlSoG6XmtW0u0W8hFpLeqgLfunw1Gx_GHUS9VBTV717zRIp5uRrRBaeWYqXGgkj8yXX6P_-meIqdWUypMcgMa2Os7MdEAxIIvpCZfebe1Hg1aktGQ/s320/20150504_083814.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truth in advertising. The National Mall is not always pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Spring on the east coast of the US is apparently about two weeks long and involves the earliest Spring flowers and the start of the trees leafing out. Then when enough trees have greened up, they pump so much moisture into the air that it goes humid. <br />
<br />
We got to experience a brief moment of Spring and then the start of summer. Ugh. We were so glad to get back to Seattle, even if it means getting into the low 20s at best and a slow ramp up to summer. I think I prefer five months of Spring than two weeks of it and five months of summer followed by three weeks of autumn, five months of winter, two weeks of mud season and two weeks of Spring...<br />
<br />
I've got plenty more I want to say about the train trip but this is getting long with a gazillion photos... Oh and I have to show off two shawls I've made recently, though I haven't blocked one yet.<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-53018936630242594632015-04-26T21:59:00.000-07:002015-04-26T21:59:22.211-07:00Dawn serviceG'day all!<br />
<br />
For many years now, I've been saying I will get up early and go to a dawn service on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day" target="_blank">Anzac Day</a>.<br />
<br />
Well I finally did.<br />
<br />
I'm only over 13,000 km from home (and that distance makes me feel a bit heartsick to be honest) and there was no eternal flame, no lighthorsemen or soldiers standing guard, but there was a bunch of Aussies and Kiwis (and their American families) and I think maybe a few Turks as well, and we stood in the pre-dawn light, listened to the Last Post, laid wreaths and flowers, listened to a short speech or two, a song sung on such occasions by Maoris (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81ori_people" target="_blank">Maori</a> men fought alongside their European brothers), and promised to remember the fallen and the returned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpibc9UWbgVxjKNPnDUizZpI1IW3bGr_ZuG-BPkaWxUGPK_2v1m0D0iuJmaNM0KaGYdOqRaSI51N5_RHr3wVYlbdhUQTnBtGB_HgrlMt1V0CGKNSqxkbzRn3aoBfh_5jA8jSI0g/s1600/20150425_062525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpibc9UWbgVxjKNPnDUizZpI1IW3bGr_ZuG-BPkaWxUGPK_2v1m0D0iuJmaNM0KaGYdOqRaSI51N5_RHr3wVYlbdhUQTnBtGB_HgrlMt1V0CGKNSqxkbzRn3aoBfh_5jA8jSI0g/s1600/20150425_062525.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is one hundred years on 25th April this year since the storming of what came to be known as Anzac Cove along with other beach fronts on the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) Peninsula in what is now called Turkey. Australian, New Zealand, English, French, Indians and even some Newfoundland troops attacked the Ottoman Empire with the idea of pushing through to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and controlling the passage of ships through to the Black Sea, allowing Russia sea access. It was early in WWI and men from the colonies flocked to defend their motherland and her allies.<br />
<br />
Like many Australians (and Kiwis), I had a relative at Gallipoli. My Pop didn't storm the beaches and cliffs that day. He enlisted later, on 22nd of June 1915 and sailed from Melbourne on the HMAT Makarini. <a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com/2014/08/allan-wesley-walkeden-1897-1916.html" target="_blank">This man</a>, who is not my Pop, enlisted on the same day - even the writing on the enlistment is the same - and sailed on the same transport ship, and I'm pretty sure Pop would've known him and probably did pretty much the same things as him. I know Pop was at Mudros and something I've read or heard said his Gallipoli campaign was not long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE0DRlzL_cQXTEaq770cQSdDWLCR8v_D_ISL4JFFX3oxLpUBQemWTUExs4OYZcjuClGxRKTNEBhNnucTFMXDtd4f9vioY458CJ7o9lNgmkU2iCQqrBoJgz_Zip0eM7C87LvKpSQ/s1600/20150425_200127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE0DRlzL_cQXTEaq770cQSdDWLCR8v_D_ISL4JFFX3oxLpUBQemWTUExs4OYZcjuClGxRKTNEBhNnucTFMXDtd4f9vioY458CJ7o9lNgmkU2iCQqrBoJgz_Zip0eM7C87LvKpSQ/s1600/20150425_200127.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the going down of the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But he was an ANZAC.<br />
<br />
And he fought at the Somme and nearly died there.<br />
<br />
And he came home, like so many others, a man broken certainly in body. His lungs were scarred from being gassed, his face was broken from the almost lethal wound he took. He was missing a kidney I think too. He didn't talk about the war but often disappeared into his shed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cyvwYqQJKxL8ukk65_aZiaLOyQKRbXRYuGzEQTSoA6iawV8IlvQrJegkEs_OAkxgeGjOKZPuef7ZLeDiKzhe0MGupl7x1jqx5aExAjOH0zWjMbpgN0mmkOi0hqMtL207OQwD6g/s1600/20150425_064419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cyvwYqQJKxL8ukk65_aZiaLOyQKRbXRYuGzEQTSoA6iawV8IlvQrJegkEs_OAkxgeGjOKZPuef7ZLeDiKzhe0MGupl7x1jqx5aExAjOH0zWjMbpgN0mmkOi0hqMtL207OQwD6g/s1600/20150425_064419.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Pop died when I was nine. I have few memories of him apart from him being tall and scary, with a shock of white curls on his head, a husky voice (either from being gassed or the wound that nearly killed him) and a face that didn't work properly. I remember him bestowing sloppy, bristly kisses. I remember his bright blue eyes pleading with me when he was in hospital, trapped in a body that had had a severe stroke, a stroke that robbed him of his voice and movement on one side and not long afterwards, his life.<br />
<br />
It's not much to remember your grandfather by, but it is what I've got. It might also explain my interest in working out where he went during the war and when he was there.<br />
<br />
40% of the fit and able male Australian population aged 18 to 44 enlisted for duty in WWI. 40%. 60% of them became casualties - either dead or wounded. Our Kiwi brothers suffered hardly any better - they had a 59% casualty rating. If Australia made that same commitment to a war now as we did a hundred years ago, <i>three hundred thousand</i> men and women would die on the battlefield, and some <i>three quarters of a million</i> men and women would return wounded. 300,000 would die within several years of the war. It is shocking to think about the impact this must have had on the population left behind, the fathers and brothers and sons lost to the nation. (Link <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/why-anzacs-heroics-and-horrors-have-a-hold-on-history-20150423-1mqg73.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
It's not appropriate to say "Happy Anzac Day." There is nothing happy about Anzac Day, not the reason for the fighting, not the huge loss of life - not just Australians and New Zealanders and English and French and Indians and a handful of what now would be Canadians. 87,000 Turks lost their lives defending their shores. Not the fact that we still send men and women into danger and bring them back so often broken in spirit and body. Anzac Day is a commemoration not a celebration of war, of the horrors, of the damage. But it is a day of pride too, pride in the accomplishments of our then two newly birthed nations, of the sacrifices made by so many in so often overwhelming odds. It is a day that makes me sad to the point of tears, and I feel compelled to read as many stories about it as I can.<br />
<br />
It is appropriate to say, "Lest we forget."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBjWO437kOGsHRZpoN_lqoCwD9THOU89wPngdfT_VdUHVs17C-OM9B_Y5a7MdIDKNaJfzE76jAeJa23Pf9rYN0gqDoVNT4YDm80rTECVFVACGe7O_0piQ6Ac-GIVuYWZIR7hyphenhyphenYw/s1600/20150425_181338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBjWO437kOGsHRZpoN_lqoCwD9THOU89wPngdfT_VdUHVs17C-OM9B_Y5a7MdIDKNaJfzE76jAeJa23Pf9rYN0gqDoVNT4YDm80rTECVFVACGe7O_0piQ6Ac-GIVuYWZIR7hyphenhyphenYw/s1600/20150425_181338.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will remember them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-67291242478468794392015-04-04T23:41:00.000-07:002015-04-04T23:41:05.472-07:00Spring has sprungG'day all!<br />
<br />
I am a very bad blogger, but you know that already...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF23Zoz3RIjYgtEo-10fgRbyfGnOs_HvBRhlqNrfGBKS-Se7MB1vyfcyaZDNHVIN6uWrPLbB42nu4YRmMQ-yT8GEHOq063INkfW4cQi-TB9qs8IK3AM3bPbUWGYEfTQX-k4LnXwA/s1600/20150404_092000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF23Zoz3RIjYgtEo-10fgRbyfGnOs_HvBRhlqNrfGBKS-Se7MB1vyfcyaZDNHVIN6uWrPLbB42nu4YRmMQ-yT8GEHOq063INkfW4cQi-TB9qs8IK3AM3bPbUWGYEfTQX-k4LnXwA/s1600/20150404_092000.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This early Spring has been wonderful. Some things that have happened have been less wonderful - losing Leonard Nimoy and then Sir Terry and then Malcolm Fraser (ex-Prime Minister of Oz and someone who had stood up for his humanitarian principles for the last 40-odd years) and the Germanwings disaster...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSnOWSpjJyuu_faxt_xTBnq6bNKFMKrxcvuT_Y9CyWpDrLT_iHOUe39TLBmR91YT52ngotiOKsBSnrSPNEEk5BG9STrNAMojLXxciNQENKxUFqR2WFdsgpcjKrvaYLoeb_euKFA/s1600/20150403_213023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSnOWSpjJyuu_faxt_xTBnq6bNKFMKrxcvuT_Y9CyWpDrLT_iHOUe39TLBmR91YT52ngotiOKsBSnrSPNEEk5BG9STrNAMojLXxciNQENKxUFqR2WFdsgpcjKrvaYLoeb_euKFA/s1600/20150403_213023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mm, gluten and dairy-free "pizza". Why yes, there is<br />only half of it left. The rest was in my belly, and<br />that second half soon joined the first...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMxmY_KCbp5i4E37d2M8tli5tk7v_QoDkfXkNCSsyRyZMmGxxU708jMUer7Maf5RUTyqdMk0FLTvTBIhFVjMkXYx5gJKnANGtSzBJVGcL0cuo5_z8b6cA6NIUeTonnq_i0IZhog/s1600/20150402_185334-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMxmY_KCbp5i4E37d2M8tli5tk7v_QoDkfXkNCSsyRyZMmGxxU708jMUer7Maf5RUTyqdMk0FLTvTBIhFVjMkXYx5gJKnANGtSzBJVGcL0cuo5_z8b6cA6NIUeTonnq_i0IZhog/s1600/20150402_185334-ANIMATION.gif" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green trees! A miracle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But the flowers and the weather have provided nice little pep-me-ups along the way, even if we got to equinox and the weather got worse not better! Still we need a bit of rain and a bit of gloom to remind us how glorious it is here.<br />
<br />
I've been making a bit. I've been working. I've been slacking in the garden, then slaving in the garden. It is starting to come together.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCTf8Pazy_Ip0c3YMewN8P45JKXrHfOFj47bN5qlcKk2unMHHkoF-uArCIxzhjk-BXpe8MTFEZVGyhwkaQ4oGwTFWJy7HVtxHRSdRrFOmLHDjT8hs6hkyptuXdTdBIig8SBJCOQ/s1600/20150331_124747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCTf8Pazy_Ip0c3YMewN8P45JKXrHfOFj47bN5qlcKk2unMHHkoF-uArCIxzhjk-BXpe8MTFEZVGyhwkaQ4oGwTFWJy7HVtxHRSdRrFOmLHDjT8hs6hkyptuXdTdBIig8SBJCOQ/s1600/20150331_124747.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These showed up a day after I said that I still<br />had the dogwoods to look forward to...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Two weekends ago we went to the local <a href="http://www.avsa.org/Aphotos" target="_blank">African Violet</a> society show and sale. The sale was better than the show but never mind! I'm just used to the insanity of the "Early Morn" African Violet group in my home city. Their plants are just amazing - people who grow for show are a dedicated breed! But we came home with some lovely little plants and lots of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptocarpus" target="_blank">Streptocarpus</a> varieties. We now have even more plants in the house - the only room without a plant at the moment is the bathroom - I might move a couple of orchids back in there... Even the laundry has plants in it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNk5ltQoBKGwgETizijaS68eWK9hoiJg-lopzHgYlVdTiNFcd2KfX-70hGO7s4a_0nTXeYUrlQZGSwYXoBte364ahqkxka5zGGlhRBNyO8GIc76khuDxAvlIayK9Ye7PA8o3Sew/s1600/20150330_165718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNk5ltQoBKGwgETizijaS68eWK9hoiJg-lopzHgYlVdTiNFcd2KfX-70hGO7s4a_0nTXeYUrlQZGSwYXoBte364ahqkxka5zGGlhRBNyO8GIc76khuDxAvlIayK9Ye7PA8o3Sew/s1600/20150330_165718.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are in my yard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last weekend we went to the Spring grafting festival organised by the local tree fruit society. We learned how to do a simple splice graft, where you cut the rootstock and the scion on an angle and mate them up, trying to keep as much cambium (the juicy vascular part under the bark) in contact as possible. Then you wrap the graft up with tape, tightly, and wait to see if the graft takes. We did a bunch of semi-dwarf apple trees with some interesting varieties of apple (okay, ones that I like cos DH was not expressing an opinion plus some I thought sounded good like an unnamed variety from a tree on Vashon Island). We came home with six little apple trees and two quinces, total cost something like $16. I have no idea how long it will take for us to see if the plants have taken or if they will even take but I keep dancing out to the front yard to check them. (I have plans for them to become something like a <a href="http://www.deluxe-furnishings.com/blog/2013/3/6/belgian-fence-espalier" target="_blank">Belgian Fence</a>.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfIhlA5oA4ZlMPKzkSC8nRYd7ea9vMYjdAaUfE0_zHg37514Fq_om3krc_szMCm9ir7qHckj2oGZxz0VzEpEs2xQH7FN6Zg_CfAr6IB0lWfsXXCwAGIjAbwlIM5PMuu43voLJxw/s1600/20150330_130417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfIhlA5oA4ZlMPKzkSC8nRYd7ea9vMYjdAaUfE0_zHg37514Fq_om3krc_szMCm9ir7qHckj2oGZxz0VzEpEs2xQH7FN6Zg_CfAr6IB0lWfsXXCwAGIjAbwlIM5PMuu43voLJxw/s1600/20150330_130417.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not in our yard but still pretty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have to admit I've been busy avoiding things too. I'm not going to go into them on the blog, but I have to say it was more of an unpleasant surprise than I would like and now I have another set of regular tests that I have to undertake. Yay me, I have to have breast cancer screening (that's happening at the end of the week), bowel cancer screening (every five years), melanoma screening (every year) and pancreatic cancer screening (every year, some time in earlyish May). Plus I have to watch for "bowel habit changes" and stomach pains, and with me that happens every time the wind changes. Oh joy oh bliss.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo7mdjVqx7ghMuoUc-Jkix_gIA49Yr85H09pv5smmN_ikb3gistJj0Im3DJYTMQEAp2FR4nTH0UwfESN6gNvhvDndpJYvvdyvmd1rH_sYUAOP-VbQxI1tyJoQxWABBZhlDhxzig/s1600/20150326_131708-ANIMATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo7mdjVqx7ghMuoUc-Jkix_gIA49Yr85H09pv5smmN_ikb3gistJj0Im3DJYTMQEAp2FR4nTH0UwfESN6gNvhvDndpJYvvdyvmd1rH_sYUAOP-VbQxI1tyJoQxWABBZhlDhxzig/s1600/20150326_131708-ANIMATION.gif" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoshino cherry trees in bloom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdXaLiDicCTd7PFY-mnkdetb0hHptFiVry1Hao3uxiz137bg0TXG477ed1YMcJfTMID5wvzA5MISP_E3APvT5hZDH7vVtfGl9B1jNT8X2B8toHBgAJqgfpx6xp0daz8R3GfWAsw/s1600/20150321_164901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdXaLiDicCTd7PFY-mnkdetb0hHptFiVry1Hao3uxiz137bg0TXG477ed1YMcJfTMID5wvzA5MISP_E3APvT5hZDH7vVtfGl9B1jNT8X2B8toHBgAJqgfpx6xp0daz8R3GfWAsw/s1600/20150321_164901.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this street when the cherries are in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is a pity that my body looks reasonably good but is actually pretty screwed up genetically. I keep thanking pitchforks and pointy ears that I never had kids because passing all this crud onto them would be horrible. But for the nonce I am reasonably healthy and long may I stay that way (or better!).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI_GLhXsRzSFApDceJhPEJon00Sw9vcG_nIN9XIhYX4a-hnM3aH00zQAdFa1OAhog2V2gmbswHoj10QMNgjtv0TUHuQ8RKnskBYC2xa0UQnb4VskxQZZ12mcnbeMFe8L_i3L-qw/s1600/20150320_120417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI_GLhXsRzSFApDceJhPEJon00Sw9vcG_nIN9XIhYX4a-hnM3aH00zQAdFa1OAhog2V2gmbswHoj10QMNgjtv0TUHuQ8RKnskBYC2xa0UQnb4VskxQZZ12mcnbeMFe8L_i3L-qw/s1600/20150320_120417.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different Japanese ornamental cherries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS_kyBCNWBtrMXAnQSCCtHVHjWXI6xc3JY98-E9ki1FLtWEXjrhxWrRWZSjQis8Ju7jaGQIiqYjpdF8-VdGMPAjzpJ4nuHZvYTYdBS-ywFqxN_Edj4Bh-Ddb6ADHmHCQG5m54jQ/s1600/20150318_134113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS_kyBCNWBtrMXAnQSCCtHVHjWXI6xc3JY98-E9ki1FLtWEXjrhxWrRWZSjQis8Ju7jaGQIiqYjpdF8-VdGMPAjzpJ4nuHZvYTYdBS-ywFqxN_Edj4Bh-Ddb6ADHmHCQG5m54jQ/s1600/20150318_134113.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And back to the Yoshino cherries. Ahh....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is interesting to see the things that trip me up. Health issues are an obvious one. People often say that I seem to have a very good attitude regarding cancer.<br />
<br />
If a good attitude means ignoring it as much as possible, well yes, yes I do. Not much I can do apart from try to look after myself and get regular screening. It is the only way I can function. If I start looking at Dr Google then I melt down into a quivering mess. So I blithely ignore the internet on such subjects and keep on cruising on my own special plane.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oxybMkubAi_Zpn1xb5S6glXskmTNDxmlfdkeefNS9cViXGo0TB2DxqhA97-NrekQwwpx7NtWkxQXqMbW01k8w_RGbFkOWfGevCXAVpWpeWC6hIQmE4ZlAYQK4LdGCtDhwE_Q3g/s1600/20150404_123607.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piper's Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oxybMkubAi_Zpn1xb5S6glXskmTNDxmlfdkeefNS9cViXGo0TB2DxqhA97-NrekQwwpx7NtWkxQXqMbW01k8w_RGbFkOWfGevCXAVpWpeWC6hIQmE4ZlAYQK4LdGCtDhwE_Q3g/s1600/20150404_123607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oxybMkubAi_Zpn1xb5S6glXskmTNDxmlfdkeefNS9cViXGo0TB2DxqhA97-NrekQwwpx7NtWkxQXqMbW01k8w_RGbFkOWfGevCXAVpWpeWC6hIQmE4ZlAYQK4LdGCtDhwE_Q3g/s1600/20150404_123607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today DH got cranky with me because I "was not walking fast enough." We were strolling through a fairly wild park and I keep stopping to take photos because the leaves are bursting out and it is becoming even greener (moss keeps things green here in winter even when the deciduous trees have lost their leaves), plus I cannot walk fast even now due to this weird voice/throat thing. Turns out that "not fast enough" is one of my buttons and DH mashed it good and proper. I offered him the car keys so that he could hurry back whilst I moseyed, but he refused them at first. then finally took them and ran off.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo1Ucc7P-DNknNCTdrapbrb6AgmOfvVAibI019zcwWmSCG_85yhDzK2eI4l0oAWzCw1qc3YSLRh06h6SgvjEqFFwcQgpk7VHJadqzyMmAnstY4mas_DSa13eZrZ0dCg4rLcSV4A/s1600/20150404_121602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo1Ucc7P-DNknNCTdrapbrb6AgmOfvVAibI019zcwWmSCG_85yhDzK2eI4l0oAWzCw1qc3YSLRh06h6SgvjEqFFwcQgpk7VHJadqzyMmAnstY4mas_DSa13eZrZ0dCg4rLcSV4A/s1600/20150404_121602.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy mosses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Not fast enough", "not quick enough", "not big enough" tie into my role as baby sister. I was never enough, always holding my family back because there's no way someone with a five year gap to the next sibling and a much bigger gap to their eldest siblings is ever going to keep up unless they are carried or otherwise transported. Of course DH was the eldest and never had to deal with this version of "enough" (though he has his own bogles about "enough"). Anyway, it seems that not enough is still triggery for me. Weird, huh, how early habits can carry through your life?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBcU9JPddWagNUWV0-10Z0awyswIeQ7f6btkkpfFgkikrb6HB4vhNQw76ese-QTSi3caP4W_JN08-N03nQhGUAs8207Pxv6_IcluQOuPTh3-kp8hZVEOmRcAuc1L73F03qLUfiA/s1600/20150404_130208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBcU9JPddWagNUWV0-10Z0awyswIeQ7f6btkkpfFgkikrb6HB4vhNQw76ese-QTSi3caP4W_JN08-N03nQhGUAs8207Pxv6_IcluQOuPTh3-kp8hZVEOmRcAuc1L73F03qLUfiA/s1600/20150404_130208.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green greenness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It took me a while to get my composure back, though if you plonk me in the middle of nature, even a suburban park, I will regain it, possibly more quickly than in any other situation, I kept plodding along, admiring the greenness and the little creek that I was following.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzO9pwESGEAO1pI_r9WZjWJAMk48FH5I5PuEiA66sDW6MvF_lkcJdII53pHvy5Rvwq15oiB9wMOuuA8oR_Ixf74ZbGF6UhluMuPRFSuyzRONg2EohXjYIkGa-AI0o3ykKYA1hiw/s1600/20150404_132037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzO9pwESGEAO1pI_r9WZjWJAMk48FH5I5PuEiA66sDW6MvF_lkcJdII53pHvy5Rvwq15oiB9wMOuuA8oR_Ixf74ZbGF6UhluMuPRFSuyzRONg2EohXjYIkGa-AI0o3ykKYA1hiw/s1600/20150404_132037.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.6000003814697px;">Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
By the time I reached the end of the trail and had the car in my sights, DH appeared from the other direction, bearing apple juice. He apologised for being cranky with me and things were okay again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJK6SCbjPuMnsBun_bRgxVwGPLH-vXGYxVxeVIBRUCP9j1PbnBzhi3gk4Lho8NL90PDtHOBT3bs0bWCzVFEYJZ1-dchIMppK_nkvXsleNLlOiCOZxRjoSMI8_Fadpi3WEFVK2dg/s1600/20150404_193424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJK6SCbjPuMnsBun_bRgxVwGPLH-vXGYxVxeVIBRUCP9j1PbnBzhi3gk4Lho8NL90PDtHOBT3bs0bWCzVFEYJZ1-dchIMppK_nkvXsleNLlOiCOZxRjoSMI8_Fadpi3WEFVK2dg/s1600/20150404_193424.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Tonight we went to a friend's "hooray I quit my job and I'm going back to uni" party, and I went for another stroll, mostly because I needed to walk off two meat patties and a fair amount of pulled chicken. They live near Green Lake and I've often wanted to walk around there in the late afternoon/early evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrpVlquPAGjZFVnaizynBqiKh2hKjqtWclzA9y_YmkuZIU7pvbI2lYB9dssAQwJM5CwfV4wwaa1ee6OBZcjW2Sm4l2h0VSRPQXNafsezqWtikBiw22JYzkhJzP0C0D8_oe1luxA/s1600/20150404_193239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrpVlquPAGjZFVnaizynBqiKh2hKjqtWclzA9y_YmkuZIU7pvbI2lYB9dssAQwJM5CwfV4wwaa1ee6OBZcjW2Sm4l2h0VSRPQXNafsezqWtikBiw22JYzkhJzP0C0D8_oe1luxA/s1600/20150404_193239.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lake at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So that is a quick round up of the last few weeks. I will soon have another quilt done and TWO knitting projects (both shawls, both need blocking). But first I have to help DH move an absolute mountain of vegie patch mix/mulch we got for the back yard. It turns out that 8 yards of the stuff is a LOT! I had to go buy a wheelbarrow (which I'd been thinking of doing for ages anyway but this pressed the point!).<br />
<br />
anon!<br />
<br />
yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8004263.post-52311924789015881122015-03-12T22:26:00.000-07:002015-03-12T22:26:33.268-07:00Stop dying, people!Another icon of the SF and fantasy world has fallen. Death came to Sir Terry Pratchett, one of my favourite authors, and released him from this mortal coil. Vale, Sir Terry! You gave so many of us much to think about, and much to laugh at and with. Thank you.<br />
<br />
I admit that I am not anywhere near as sad about this as I was Leonard Nimoy. pTerry was not such a part of my life I guess - I enjoyed many of his books (some I could barely get through - <i>The Colour of Magic</i> and <i>The Light Fantastic</i> were both so thick with puns and laughs that I could not read them, certainly not in public on the train) and his world view is one I share but I guess it comes down to me discovering his work when I was already grown up, and never having a crush on him. Also Alzheimer's is a mongrel thing, and I share one other aspect of Sir Terry's beliefs.<br />
<br />
In other news, umm... well what has been happening? Not that much really - I've been getting outside to enjoy the glorious early Spring we are having. Today I went up to the University of Washington campus to see the cherries, which I had read were in full bloom. They aren't quite in full bloom, as you can see, but they are getting there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImn2c0_JVv5i4dLim1ilUPuveOJSOpBPlK7AO5tK7tpkr4DEApAj79lwatiAFdDJ5QMZRwwp1wMrtXVJWpz1pNE6YqcnGH_aNqQiagbYLoMpETG91PMsOmqh_Yvyx6e2Jjh2QsA/s1600/20150312_111902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImn2c0_JVv5i4dLim1ilUPuveOJSOpBPlK7AO5tK7tpkr4DEApAj79lwatiAFdDJ5QMZRwwp1wMrtXVJWpz1pNE6YqcnGH_aNqQiagbYLoMpETG91PMsOmqh_Yvyx6e2Jjh2QsA/s1600/20150312_111902.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNISYYOpL7UXC_2INuWbhWcgMtELxn1MixG0f6ZB8pPQxBuMdE6ElyksBu_yo__NLpit39UEmSkz1vDaxYTV5yHfTmuEgWXz0_b_SasILZSb8qiXRKzR8cO_k5iJB6tocmG4twQ/s1600/20150312_111622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNISYYOpL7UXC_2INuWbhWcgMtELxn1MixG0f6ZB8pPQxBuMdE6ElyksBu_yo__NLpit39UEmSkz1vDaxYTV5yHfTmuEgWXz0_b_SasILZSb8qiXRKzR8cO_k5iJB6tocmG4twQ/s1600/20150312_111622.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL8s0YfTHp0WSHDba4hLLECzhZRtHl8D2kaBbNqRNus_GCFNggTuaiMKOCbgu8cxcJ-lICVQsGMgpxyH8gMpE5Y8RGz0qCS-xw_tDAI6hF-ysnx9KwGmhe_JRJ-kLQ48KAe5Vsg/s1600/20150312_111412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL8s0YfTHp0WSHDba4hLLECzhZRtHl8D2kaBbNqRNus_GCFNggTuaiMKOCbgu8cxcJ-lICVQsGMgpxyH8gMpE5Y8RGz0qCS-xw_tDAI6hF-ysnx9KwGmhe_JRJ-kLQ48KAe5Vsg/s1600/20150312_111412.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSjkyggImbfqwPKO5jQuzukuD2Z2OvpGKxD91rUTbYcdyoWVyXdfOHDicrdUEj613GLEr2YsP5ch5PtkOiWzmRL8Ch_JIr6myEfgFDt5x5S0IihffjH69YgADB-3WXEPEXdr3ww/s1600/20150312_104739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSjkyggImbfqwPKO5jQuzukuD2Z2OvpGKxD91rUTbYcdyoWVyXdfOHDicrdUEj613GLEr2YsP5ch5PtkOiWzmRL8Ch_JIr6myEfgFDt5x5S0IihffjH69YgADB-3WXEPEXdr3ww/s1600/20150312_104739.jpg" height="140" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhp6M4KgFKEuBfD6cOR9C21NGE_pLosuR4WNBcYOI6kKCuYdkOtU94j5bb85ZZr9QXY1yYBB_BF1rEbTac0OUqWuF3ddnld3nnHx5G9AeLUbmlilHe3GU2BEaxxnt5Xgb6mww3g/s1600/20150312_104606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhp6M4KgFKEuBfD6cOR9C21NGE_pLosuR4WNBcYOI6kKCuYdkOtU94j5bb85ZZr9QXY1yYBB_BF1rEbTac0OUqWuF3ddnld3nnHx5G9AeLUbmlilHe3GU2BEaxxnt5Xgb6mww3g/s1600/20150312_104606.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihifx45jD4Tr4giCGd2EPVY8gl1RR6mB7kMLZffTS5W5InOWv2wpb4jz5O4XhJBi2hLtM0mSA2BSPT2ma8Dv58WZO9cL3NX9UdSheH6U192qn27dc_0tVYjUk10D6erSTnWEMp1A/s1600/20150312_103916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihifx45jD4Tr4giCGd2EPVY8gl1RR6mB7kMLZffTS5W5InOWv2wpb4jz5O4XhJBi2hLtM0mSA2BSPT2ma8Dv58WZO9cL3NX9UdSheH6U192qn27dc_0tVYjUk10D6erSTnWEMp1A/s1600/20150312_103916.jpg" height="65" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSyGMVnvfwFTr3400_W5-gSBsVMHeTaJ5oQ451bnzpTUQ3ypjX2Gou7DYkvTpqmM8EpZs0-K7wH1GPvT-iegDRT3VsaCylBffIstU_4xZ_m7f4ET3Wbwc10XWFEMpy8vfzORixQ/s1600/20150312_103707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSyGMVnvfwFTr3400_W5-gSBsVMHeTaJ5oQ451bnzpTUQ3ypjX2Gou7DYkvTpqmM8EpZs0-K7wH1GPvT-iegDRT3VsaCylBffIstU_4xZ_m7f4ET3Wbwc10XWFEMpy8vfzORixQ/s1600/20150312_103707.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I keep hoping that the ethereal beauty of the blossoms will translate to pixels but it doesn't really. They are still lovely lovely trees, and this year there are a lot more signs asking people not to climb the trees (yes, people climb the trees or get their girlfriends to climb them or put their kids up them to take photos!).<br />
<br />
Alas, it is supposed to rain on the weekend, so it will probably ruin the blossoms, but we might be lucky! I might be able to get back up there mid next week.<br />
<br />
We've had an amazing start to March - only a couple of manky days so far, but it looks like we are going back into normal weather over the next couple of weeks. Normal weather means nice during the week and raining on the weekends, because that is of course when we want the weather to be nice!<br />
<br />
I have done a few things - I went to IKEA and bought some things for the house and built them. I love building IKEA stuff. I love opening the boxes and seeing how carefully everything is packed<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hKBMfT36nxOmVFCMNf4XXyvn29sR6HKip7n4M8QOhqPzQHgaMaUOdUYrnf43C9OV4LosF-3ZMFQlJ9ocww_fcHUdcxVQ5_d7Ods_gzx76RhgMDi5TGt4f220DdToDkVTZPcHJw/s1600/20150311_094700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hKBMfT36nxOmVFCMNf4XXyvn29sR6HKip7n4M8QOhqPzQHgaMaUOdUYrnf43C9OV4LosF-3ZMFQlJ9ocww_fcHUdcxVQ5_d7Ods_gzx76RhgMDi5TGt4f220DdToDkVTZPcHJw/s1600/20150311_094700.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how neat that packaging is?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also love putting all the stuff together. Admittedly I sometimes get things backwards but as long as I don't use glue I can usually turn it the right way around and make it good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiKmZ85XBVDcbPebcbAygf8gsTg3_-pntEGIA3bwb0wgmvdGV9VRhDsd7W1YeP0j2Jny71w-fG1EPleEWkLFalzCxV18c3LSLUTcDVuMO1H7Ik48U4hnkqW1-bIzq_r5Vegenpg/s1600/20150310_155118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiKmZ85XBVDcbPebcbAygf8gsTg3_-pntEGIA3bwb0wgmvdGV9VRhDsd7W1YeP0j2Jny71w-fG1EPleEWkLFalzCxV18c3LSLUTcDVuMO1H7Ik48U4hnkqW1-bIzq_r5Vegenpg/s1600/20150310_155118.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my new little metal IKEA trolley just <br />fits my sewing machine and overlocker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've been knitting a shawl and I finished a cardigan but haven't got modelled shots of it because I'm not dead sure I actually like it - it is a bit roomier than I thought it would be. I really should remember not to knit stuff that hangs like a sack on me. I haven't lost my figure (yet, though currently I'm eating like a horse so that may be on its way!) and things that bag on me just make me look bigger than I am. But it is nice and warm and cosy... but I could make it slimmer fitting and then it would be better. But can I be bothered? (The yarn is worth it - was not cheap yarn!)<br />
<br />
Here's a couple of little quilts that I finished six weeks ago:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmxBDsiJeZ9e5Q-flSEYIhMioJfb2wmnBb9sTn_ZtC16A5ZEIb6rdTCjt-BmVbI3OD-lekRHVFja1brjRx21knFo_320utBdBDeZn9cxTrv7cMt_kz45IWxYAqTlfo2-9m8WSkQ/s1600/20150306_140643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmxBDsiJeZ9e5Q-flSEYIhMioJfb2wmnBb9sTn_ZtC16A5ZEIb6rdTCjt-BmVbI3OD-lekRHVFja1brjRx21knFo_320utBdBDeZn9cxTrv7cMt_kz45IWxYAqTlfo2-9m8WSkQ/s1600/20150306_140643.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_qhwYbY-snrKDfb3IMvsisXCJfm7qnHAZYeYno9JVdh_bUpnsdcc7Itp0M3ZhFdpG3WY17wJtIWp9xDKiIe2qDoUVueJb-MZ_MlO5l1Vl9W-2e6VHMym1g8-vJrUym1HJ8dLw/s1600/20150306_140555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_qhwYbY-snrKDfb3IMvsisXCJfm7qnHAZYeYno9JVdh_bUpnsdcc7Itp0M3ZhFdpG3WY17wJtIWp9xDKiIe2qDoUVueJb-MZ_MlO5l1Vl9W-2e6VHMym1g8-vJrUym1HJ8dLw/s1600/20150306_140555.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvZRQ7RS2uQwcvIl3XC571WEYexrtbPOyYjwZwclZoFwbMetd9CaKl7Y2XnToDgkInWaD2i1m-F0D22d2ZUPkxXafWTfIkzHrioERlG8KqpYMze5pNjgxM4jAWmbZqCScxPAAbw/s1600/20150306_140418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvZRQ7RS2uQwcvIl3XC571WEYexrtbPOyYjwZwclZoFwbMetd9CaKl7Y2XnToDgkInWaD2i1m-F0D22d2ZUPkxXafWTfIkzHrioERlG8KqpYMze5pNjgxM4jAWmbZqCScxPAAbw/s1600/20150306_140418.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Three other quilts are waiting for me to get off my butt and get them basted, quilted and bound. Oh and another three quilts are in the same boat when I think about it. I really have to pull my finger out and get onto them. It's hard, though, when the weather is delightfully sunny (if not always delightfully warm) and outside beckons.<br />
<br />
I've been working in the garden too. I got sick of the two mounds in the front yard - one of sod that had been removed by the bobcat but was too heavy for me to drag around the back and the other of vegie/garden bed mix. I decided to combine the two - I covered over sod mountain with newspaper and moved the mound onto it. Now I have a raised garden bed that is nearly two feet high! I think I'll sprinkle wildflower seed onto it and maybe plant a couple of perennials in it. I've also planted four roses and a small apple tree (Ashmead's Kernel, my very favourite!). The property manager for next door cut several limbs off our Douglas fir (with our permission and indeed encouragement because the quotes we had were $1,000 to do that work!) but now I have weeks worth of Douglas fir bits to dispose of through the greenwaste bin. I can put a big brown paper bag of trimmings next to the bin and they should take it. I just need to get the big bags.<br />
<br />
Anything else? Sunsets? Lots of sunsets. Lots of flowers. I love this time of year, even if it means allergies and scratchy eyes. That is what anti-histamines are for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKMydLHYfhjtDOuJawSoXOLW2tlDSQJrKiCgph91UimA2U2tQxUe-7NImKZuFwlVR6gnvy-0cq1wXAQ2JOtmrAFHy22ujI0rW0xdkFh03AGeicrv607fPccaNGvm_xEtuFmje2w/s1600/IMG_20150305_180207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKMydLHYfhjtDOuJawSoXOLW2tlDSQJrKiCgph91UimA2U2tQxUe-7NImKZuFwlVR6gnvy-0cq1wXAQ2JOtmrAFHy22ujI0rW0xdkFh03AGeicrv607fPccaNGvm_xEtuFmje2w/s1600/IMG_20150305_180207.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
anon!yarnivoroushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04253817840476574619noreply@blogger.com2