Providence and knitting

Last week I started an Alpha course. It is a program sponsored by my church (which I admit to having not attended in quite a while!) to explore your Christian Faith. Exploring is good. I knew ahead of time that we would be watching a movie, then discussing. I went prepared. "Does anyone mind if I am knitting through the movie?" I asked. I like to ask out of politeness, especially for the leader of the group. I don't know what I would do if someone ever answered, "yes, I mind". I'd probably pack up and go home, haha! The Pastor says, "Oh, great! You can sit with Marcy (his wife) and knit together!" Did I just hear this right? I have stumbled across another knitter?? Talk about heaven! It was the greatest evening of companiable knitting. She was working blocks of squares to make blankets for all of her children. (5 of them, grown) She would incorporate the most wonderful pictures into the block, all meaningful to their lives. A beautiful angel, a dog to look like their long time pet, stars in the sky, a polar bear(?? I didn't ask....) It was beautiful and touching.

Don't you just love it when you meet a fellow knitter? A chance meeting? Serendipity? Perhaps....

Inishmaan sleeve update, I'll spare you the picture. It looks a lot like the first, thankfully! I am doing the increases and have done about 28 rows. And, by the way, Bron, I can hear some chanting, GO Inishmaan, Go Inishmaan. But, I thought it was just me! :)

Thursday already. To me Thursday = buffalo chicken salad lunch. Every week. Rain or shine. Spices up my life! Bring it on!

sweet little nothings.....

Does anyone have Maryann's email address from over the rainbow yarns? I will send a message to her. But I'm not giving up this yarn! Just to check it out....

It appears that the heating season is bearing down on us. Again. It is supposed to be quite chilly around here the rest of the week. You won't hear me complaining. Much. Well, now, I believe I probably will complain right before I decide to click the heat on. I'll be cold and can't warm up and miserable. Then I'll break down and put the heat on for "just one cycle". It's the same every year!

Inishmaan is in a funny place right now. I haven't worked on the poor chap all weekend. Why?? I don't know. I have needed mindless knitting, which is the pure and simple sweater.

Enjoy!

a yarn about yarn

HAPPY SUNDAY! Although there is no sun here, but it is a day. A day to enjoy. To heck with the cleaning and chores! Let's knit! Anyone?

I have a couple of questions to answer first. Mary asked me how many stitches the inch rosebud got. Well, Mary, I knitted the swatch on a size 4 needle with no thought as to why I was doing that. It was just the needle that I took out. I got about 6 stitches to the inch. Rosebud is a worsted yarn. I do love it.

And Kim, I have no immediate plans for Rosebud. As I said, I planned to make mittens, but they are not the right color, so it will sit and wait for inspiration. And it will come, inspiration. It always does!

Now, as I've said, I love the two yarns I bought from over the rainbow yarns. However, I think it is fair to say that the colors are somewhat a mystery. They are handdyed so I knew that the pictures could differ from the yarn, but I feel that they are not even related to the colors in the ebay photos. This is only a problem in the sense that I wanted to knit mittens for someone that wanted pink mittens. This is not the yarn. That's okay, but if I really had my heart set on this yarn as pink, I'd be disappointed. Well, look here at what I'm talking about!

Here is the ebay listing photo for Rosebud yarn on the left. the Rosebud in my possession on the right.

Quite the different animal, no?

Okay, here's the desertnite yarn, ebay listing on the left, my desertnite yarn on the right

The differences are big. However, I still love the yarn! In retrospect, I think I will next time ask her for a photo of the actual yarn I will receive. Then make my decision!

Time has a peculiar habit of flying especially fast this time of year and it seems I don't have enough of it to spend doing the things I like to do. So, that said, if I haven't visited your blog in a while or answered a comment you've left here, I apologize. I will work on putting more hours in a day.

And finally, I leave you today with this. Because it cracks me up! Enjoy sunday!

Rosebud is a fashion plate

I'd like to introduce you to Rosebud yarn from Over the Rainbow Yarn at ebay. Rosebud is wearing hand dyed shades of pink, blue, coral, lavendar, green, and yellow. She is made out of 100% wool and goes by the name of Cloud 9, which is a good name for her, as she is very soft. As she heads down the runway, let's look at her swatch, shall we?

Wow! She looks lovely! and what a surprise to see the pink making such a strong showing! I'm thinking Cotton Candy, here. She looks lovely in stockinette, doesn't she? Rosebud is very sophistocated. And, here she is rolled into a ball.

I think it's important to see them in their everyday clothes, don't you? Look how big and impressive the ball of Rosebud is! Excuse me for saying, but she has a big ball!

Thank you for coming to the first fashion show of Over the Rainbow yarn, here at Sandysknitting. Rosebud, by the way was going to be made into mittens, the first for this announcer. But, the recipient wanted pink mittens and the yarn ended up to be more blue than I anticipated. So.....Rosebud is up for ideas.

Tune in later to see rosebuds sister, Desertnite on the runway.

Happy Friday!!!!

Dam U

Well, I have finally found a college degree that I can earn at home with minimal preparation and studying. It's almost too good to be true.

http://www.damu.com/sods.htm

There, I can earn a degree in Dust Bunny Breeding. It not only offers a Bachelors degree, but also offers Graduate work. Pretty promising, no?

Go Dam U!

Oh, yes, I started the second sleeve last night, while taking a rest from the dust bunnies, and knit about 20 rows. The excitement builds!

Back in the saddle again

What I did this weekend, besides knitting. No, I did not play football. This picture is of particular interest to me because this is a football game between my old town high school and my new town high school. Gardner vs. Beverly. The classic matchup. Beverly won, by the way. Good karma there. Both of these high schools have orange and black as their school colors.

Here's the real reason I attended the football game.

both of my kids are in the Beverly High School Band. I have to admit to shedding some tears everytime I hear them play the marching music. Why? I don't know, really. They just make me so proud.

Knitting? Sure....I did lots. Too much maybe, because my hands ache today. But with all the knitting I've done, that poor sleeve is moving at a turtle's pace. Here it is, with it's newly knitted saddle.

One more inch to go on saddle knitting. Who knew you could knit a saddle?

And in the I must have my head examined category,

this is the saxon braid scarf from The Handbook of Aran Sweater Design. I will be wearing a knitted scarf this winter. I am using Alpaca yarn and it is the yummies, softest yarn that could be.

Have a good Monday.

revisitation of past fun

I finally finished Inishmaan sleeve number 1 and cast on for sleeve number 2. I was so tired by that time, though that casting on became an exercise in futility. So, I plan to re-cast on tonight. When I'm rested and ready. Casting on is not extremely challenging, but then again, when tiredness sinks in, just walking and breathing become a challenge.

I woke up feeling like I did not sleep yet, even though I did. so, the tiredness continues. Blahblah. So, in lieu of anything interesting to say, let's revisit a Sandysknitting favorite from the past, shall we? Remember? Have some fun. Again.

http://www.asksnoop.com/shizz_frame.php

Put the address to your blog in there and it will schizzolate your page. It's fun 'n shit.

Gotta run, dawg!

revisitation

I finally finished Inishmaan sleeve number 1 and cast on for sleeve number 2. I was so tired by that time, though that casting on became an exercise in futility. So, I plan to re-cast on tonight. When I'm rested and ready. Casting on is not extremely challenging, but then again, when tiredness sinks in, just walking and breathing become a challenge.

I woke up feeling like I did not sleep yet, even though I did. so, the tiredness continues. Blahblah. So, in lieu of anything interesting to say, let's revisit a Sandysknitting favorite from the past, shall we? Remember? Have some fun. Again.

http://www.asksnoop.com/shizz_frame.php

Put the address to your blog in there and it will schizzolate your page. It's fun 'n shit. It takes a couple of minutes to schizzle, so be patient.

Gotta run, dawg!

I swap around

Yarn swaps are good! Last sunday at knitsmiths, there was a yarn trade. Bring in your tired yarn and pick out something new and exciting to you. Shopping with no money exchange. Can life get any better than that? I submit that it can not! Regia sock yarn. Lamb's pride. and well, I would have sworn to you that I got 2 lambs pride. But, alas, it appears that one is brown sheep. The proof is in the pudding. Or picture, as the case may be.

I showed you an inox express needle that I was very unhappy about the other day. In all fairness, I think I should post Rob's comment to me here. Here's what he wrote, exactly...

"There were problems with the manufacture of some INOX about a year ago that has since been cleared up---some of the ones made in Mexico were splitty, as you reported. Supposedly the Germans came down HARD and the quality should be back to normal (excellent!). Take your splitty needle back to the LYS and get an exchange. Their supplier should replace it for them, in turn."

So, there you have it. They are half the price of addi turbo, the love of my life. Could inox take their place in my heart? Can Sandy trust Inox again? Will inox let her down? Will Addi come through in the end, the knight in shining armor? Stay tuned.......

And I'd like to send a shout out to Marie of Knitti-Me, http://knitti-me.blogspot.com/. Thank you, Marie for sending me info on the Over the Rainbow Yarns . She extoled their virtue and is witness to their beauty. So, guess what?? I'll be ordering some of that scrumptious yarn. Or maybe some of this yummy variety. Or this.... OY! It will be a tough decision. Maybe I'll win the lottery! I married for love you know, not money! Someone remind me of my budget, QUICK!

Happy weekend!

Groundhog day already??

It is true that when I wake up to certain songs playing on the radio that they get stuck in my head for the day. I'm screwed today as the song was I got you babe, Sonny and Cher. There is something about this song that sticks like glue. Whenever you think you have shaken it, the melody comes back to haunt you. Today will be my own personal Groundhog Day!

I was all set to extol the virtues of this knitting needle.

It is the Inox express nickel plated circular knitting needles. They are half the price of my revered addi turbo needles and I loved them just as much. BUT. (here it is. The "but") By the forth day of usage, the nickel plating cracked open and peeled off on one of the tips. How disappointing is that! I was ready to be converted! I can have my nickel coated needles at half the cost???? I've beaten the system! Zoink. Nope, never mind. I guess they were not all they were cracked up to be. You really DO get what you pay for. Drats, foiled again!

I"ve got you babe!

forgetful Sandy

Okay, this is the 3rd time since school started 11 days ago that I forgot to wake my daughter when she wants to get up. This is not good. For some reason, my mind has a block. She used to get up around 7:30, after my morning routine. Now she wants to get up at 7 (to take a morning shower). I guess this is how teens learn to be self sufficient, but I feel horrible! And it is none too pleasant around here, let me tell you. One ticked off teen can make a house vibrate with stress! I can't wait to go to work today! haha!

See how close I am to finishing sleeve number 1? It has to be 19 inches long. Tonight.....

hmmmm...I wonder..

Hmmmmmm....... I wonder if this yarn would be good for the Booga J bag? Any thoughts?

I am practically drooling over the yarns at this site. But then again, it doesn't take much, does it??

Frenzy Update! I was cruising along on Inishmaan sleeve number 1 and my eye spies a mistake. DANG! I dropped a stitch on one of the 8 stitch cables and did not even realize it for 3 rows! What's up with that?? Man! So, I lovingly put it down and went to bed. I will deal with it today, refreshed and ready to take it on!

musings of a Tuesday

It seems that a sleeve should not take much time. Wrong. It seems to take longer. Maybe it's the anticipation of it all. I am frenzying to complete it. Here's what it looks like this morning!

I am done the increases and have about 4 more inches to go. Maybe tonight I will be casting on for sleeve number 2! That would be good.

You've seen the new knitty? OH, so scrumptious! I drooled right on my keyboard! And who is that on the cover?? Why! That's Leigh! Hi Leigh! You are now a model/designer/knitter extraordinaire! Cool!

Is anyone else out there sick and tired of hearing about Bennifer???? Oh, how I hate it when the press uses that name. All I hear about is Ben and Jen, Ben and Jen. My goodness, is it that newworthy? I'm not listening anymore!!!

Knit on!

weekend ruminations

So far the fall frenzy has produced two hats for a friend. Here's the second one. Modeled by Monsieur Bear, again, who else, the needy thing.

this one is longer with more bulk to it. I'm happy with the results of this one. It is made from cascade 220. And the color sets off Mr. Bear's eyes, don't you think?

Yesterday we went to the local farm, Brooksby farm. Besides buying the most yummy apples, peaches and some particularly scrumptious and warm apple cider donuts, we saw this guy.

This is a particularly lovely shot of his profile. He's quite photogenic. Thank you, Mr. Llama. (or is he an alpaca??)

And around the corner, these guys

HEY, SHEEP! OVER HERE! Nah, they couldn't be bothered. If they only knew how much I worship their fleece, they might have glanced my way! I got snubbed by sheep. Hrmph!

Head on over to Bron's blog to wish her a Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday, girl! Enjoy!

A while ago, I came across this website and forgot about it. Recently it has popped up in the blogs. So, I probably got the idea on your blog. Alas, I have forgotten where I saw it, so I do not credit you. Sorry. http://www.bookcrossing.com/ This looks so fun. You register a book and leave it in a public place to be picked up and read by someone else. You can also check to see if books are loose in your town. Keep your eyes open for a lonely looking book. I think I will be releasing a book. Now....which one?? oh.....decisons, decisions...

diet coke

the bear necessities

The hat for a cold friend is done. BUT. There is always a but, isn't there? It's kind of small. It's really a skull cap. And not knowing the measurements of his noggin, I'm just not sure of it. So, I am now knitting "hat for a friend, part deux" and will send both to him. Let him choose. Maybe with the no hair thing, it will fit better than I thought. Mr. Bear modeled it for me in a full frontal.

Fits the bear perfect! And what is he holding?? That's the new Mountain colors called Wilderness. Go see Rob, he'll set you up!

Mr. Bear is such a demanding model, we had to ink in a closeup in the contract or he would have nothing to do with it. He threatened to wash his paws of the whole deal. So, to make the fuzzy highness happy, here you go...

shouldn't that be a crown on his head?

Happy Friday!

9/11

Are you frenzying? I hope so. I'm going to finish the hat tonight and then begin the frenzy on Inishmaan. These are my plans. I hope that I can keep them. You know what they say about the best made plans....

September 11th. I can't let this day go unmentioned. I knew no one that died that day, but they were all my brothers and sisters. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. How perfect the sky was that day. It was so blue. What a gorgeous day! Kind of obscene when you think about it now. After the attacks had begun, the thing that I remember the most was the quiet. People filed into the cafeteria at work to watch the television that was set up. Probably over a hundred of us and you couldn't hear a pin drop. Walking the halls that day, no one spoke much, only in hushed whispers of disbelief. Going home that day, I made a mistake in judgement. I debated whether to pick the kids up from school and I decided to let them walk home, like usual. I thought it would be best to let them keep their scheduled lives, so as not to scare them. That in retrospect was the wrong decision. I didn't know that Bethany would walk home with a girl who was close to hysterics and scaring Bethany. If I could go back in time, I would be waiting outside their schools to wrap them in my protective love. Love was all we had that day. The skies got quiet. Planes were grounded all over the US.So very quiet the air seemed with no passing planes. I never realized how much a part of the day the sounds of airplanes were. Every so often a military plane would pass over head, while patroling the coast line. Each and every time I heard the loud noise overhead it would scare me. I would stop what I was doing and look ahead, afraid what I might see. They would wake me from a sound sleep at night and I'd lay there, heart pounding, listening for any crashes or explosions.

Elizabeth Zimmerman said, "Knit on with confidence and hope through all crises." Knit on my brothers and sisters.

Join me in a Fall Frenzy!

I was ready to declare today the start of the Fall Frenzy! That would be when I would knit like a fiend to finish up the two sweaters so I could be wearing one or both by October! Inishmaan is so close! And the Knitting pure and simple sweater is so fun and potentially cozy. But life likes to throw the curve balls and change the plans, it was brought to my attention that I have a friend with a very cold head. In fact, he has stooped to wearing the "beatles hair", as he calls it, that I made him. So, how can a knitter ignore a plea for warmth? Me, with my needles and wool at the ready. So, as luck would have it, I delved into my "I've got balls" drawer of my tower 'o yarn.

Surely I can find something hat worthy in here!

Here's the beginnings..

Manly, yes, but I like it too! No, really, it's not too feminine is it? I was trying to go for funky, but this looks kinda traditional to me. Leave the funk out of it, I guess. For now. I wonder if I should make it a hat with a fold up brim or just a cap with no brim? Any thoughts?

So, Fall Frenzy. It still exists, just different. I will work feverishly on this hat to mail out in a day or two, then I will start frenzying on the sweaters. I WILL be wearing them this fall! If I have to have part of it on while I'm knitting the sleeve. Yes, while I'm wearing it if necessary!

Join me in a frenzy? Surely you have something to finish for fall??

fall reverie

Hey Knitters!

There is a wonderful nip in the air this morning with the temperature hovering at 50 degrees F. And you won't hear me complaining! Fall is my favorite time of year! I feel more alive in fall, than any other time of year. My energy is boosted, my outlook improves! I love the crisp air, the colors..oranges, browns, yellows, gold, reds. Ahhhhhh...just the thought of the leaves changing colors and showering down makes me happy. There is nothing like taking a walk in the fall and the leaves crunching under your feet. Not to mention what a great time for knitting! What could be better than wrapping your hands around wool? Unless of course you are allergic to it, in which case it's probably not fun. But, for me, it is!

I'm knitting happily on the Inishmaan sleeve and on the knitting pure and simple sweater. Okay, that one needs a name. I'll think on it. Any suggestions?

Be sure to check out what that Crazy Daisy is up to today! And go on over to Bron's Blog. She's a crazy lizard lover! :) She is one of the newer blogs that I have found. I think you'll like her!

Go knit. Not knit pick!

Spin and stuff

Gifts are good. Last night at knitsmiths I felt like it must have been my birthday or something. Claudia made my head spin! But more importantly, she guided my hands to spin! Amy and I had our own personal spinning trainer! Hi Amy!!

Repeat after me......"All yarn is good yarn!" My new mantra while spinning! So cool and fun!

And she gave me this. A disstaff! Right! I didn't even know what it was either! It's for keeping the fluffy roving away from the spinning! And tres chic, non? So, thank you Claudia! You have given me new knowledge and even a gift or two. I'm speechless. Well, not really......what fun would that be??

Then Alison gave me this...

Perfect timing, don't you think? Thank you Alison! You are so kind! Of course I stayed up late perusing through it! :)

I started a new project. Yes, Really. The knitting pure and simple pullover with the ranier heather cascade 220 that has been languishing in my stash for quite a while! IT is very happy to be out of the box!

Drats! gotta blast to work now. See ya later!

Fabian strikes Bermuda! Or, big Storm, small island

"Dizzy! I'm so dizzy! My head is spinning!" Tommy roe

Certainly not my hands spinning with my tulipwood spindle! I am all thumbs. Worse than all thumbs. I can't wait for my lesson from Spinner extraordinaire, Claudia on Sunday! Isn't this the most beautiful spindle you have ever seen though? It is from the folks over at Journey Wheel. Go see them! Thank you, Sheila and Jonathan! Their wonderful business is in Acton, Ma, which is about 40 minutes from my home. I had anticipated driving there to pick it up and squeeze in a little begging for a tutorial. It ended up that I didn't have the time to drive out there, so Sheila popped it in the mail along with the start of spinning! So, I was raring to go. Of course, I went no where, but what's a beginner to do??!!

Here's the close up photo of the Yentala made knitting needles.

Usually I find needles to go along with knitting, but this time, I will be looking for knitting to go along with the needles!

I thought I'd post some pictures from my trip to Bermuda last September, about this time, as a matter of fact. Since Bermuda is severely damaged, I thought we could revel in it's beauty together...

This is Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda. I'm sure that it looks a lot different today after Hurricane Fabian raged through.

The houses in Bermuda are so beautiful! This is St. George, Bermuda.

Another from St. George, Bermuda. This is one of my favorites of the cobblestone streets. My thoughts and prayers are with the kind people of Bermuda today. I hope the land can recover.

needle tawk!

I have to share this with you.

This is how I keep all my straight needles, but in particular, I want to call your attention to the lovely purple ones hand decorated by none other than the Yentala! Man! How did I get so lucky?? Thank you, Deb! I treasure things like this! It means a lot!

Yesterday was the first day of school for my kids! No more lazy Hurley children around here! This year is a poignant one for Mom. My son is a senior this year. With any luck, he'll be graduating high school in June. How on earth did this happen to me??!! ME???!! The mother of a 17 year old high school senior?? Where has time gone. Mamas, hug your children. They grow so darned fast! And if you have little ones, you are rolling your eyes now and thinking how this day will never end. Believe me, the years seem to go by faster than the individual days!

Now, go knit something. Just don't knit pick. Be kind!

sock talk

Okay, the truth be told about spinning is that I don't have the spindle, yet. Waiting on the postman to deliver. So, I knit! I have to say that without a sock to knit, I get fidgety! It makes me unhappy. so, last night, I remedied the situation. I started a sock with the mountain colors, red tailhawk yarn. This one is set to be a plain jane sock. the kind I really like! 2x2 rib with a fold down cuff. Gotta love it!

Here she is in all her newfound glory! These are my new favorite needles,too! They are crystal palace bamboo! WOW! I am in love! ~swoon~ These are the smoothest, most wonderful needles to knit with I have ever had. I guess my money will be going toward them now!

Oh, goody! It seems to be voter persuasion time again in Beverly! You know, when the candidates think that waving at me daily will sway my vote?! Why is it that they don't pick a straighaway to wave to me? They always stand on the busiest, nastiest corners in town. Not only do I have 5 way traffic hurling at me, but I've got the Mayor camps on each corner of the road enthusiaticly waving and drinking coffee. Oh! I think I'll vote for "so and so" now, since they are so nice, you know causing the accident and all! geez....

Weeding

I spent most of labor day weekend weeding. No, not in my garden. Although it needs it bad. In my daughter's room. We got rid of about 9 bags 'o crap. Clothes, toys, more stuffed animals than one person has the right to own, furniture, books, books and more books. It feels so good, but how is it that you can spend so much time getting so much stuff out of a room and it still is full? Shouldn't it look a tad empty??!! You'd think.

I did get in some knitting during some movies. Here's the sleeve for Inishmaan. I think I figured out the increases. I hope. Does it look right?

The movies? Final Destination 2, which was just an excuse to show some gore. Didn't care for it. Legally Blond which was funny and cute. Yes, predictable, but good entertainment. And the Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys which was different, odd and wonderful. A great coming of age movie of (what else?)altar boys at a Catholic school. Some of it is kinda weird, but I liked it. One of the Culkin boys is in it. If I weren't so lazy, I'd look it up, but, anyhoo, he is a great actor.

Remember the Friday River sock? May it rest in peace. I ripped it. It was a great looking sock, but one that I did not find comfortable. The top of the sock seemed baggy and I think it would only get more baggy when worn. The lace did not make it a comfortable sock. I decided that with the wonderful Mountain Colors yarn, I should make a sock that I love! So, I'll start over.

Darned Blog city. Or, should I say, Blog Sheety! :)

No wool was injured in the making of this blog entry!

I'm about ready to spin, and according to the book, Hands on Spinning, the first step is to tease the wool. Okay. I called the wool some names, stuck my tongue out at it and even threw in a "na-na-na-na -na" for good measure. Tomorrow, onto the second step. I'm not rushing into this thing called spinning. One baby step at at time.

Yesterday was a great mail day! I was the lucky recipient of a wonderful package that contained this

Two great knitting magazines, that I had not even bought yet! A snazzy measuring tape, of which I have none like it, Canadian playing card (and I AM canadian!), a great hook thingy, A wonderful book (that I have not read yet, but already started and love it already!) along with a handmade, beautiful note card! WOW! I feel special! Thank you, Tiffany! She really is a Princess! Have any of you read the book? It seems the book inspired the movie Simon Birch, which I loved! I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!!

I need to show these beautful stitch markers. They are handmade by Kim over at Gibson Girl Designs! I'm telling you, they are so beautiful and well made, you need to go over there and order yourself some! You too, will have the most stylish knitting around!

Links galore

First of all, Happy Birthday to the dear Yentala! As a lady, I will never divulge the dears age, but go ahead over to her blog and give her a shout!

I was the lucky one last night and got to meet the Yentala and Miltele in person, along with their beautiful college bound daughter, Allyson, who I hope becomes a fixture at Knitsmiths. If only to get a little absentee mothering once in a while. Here are the blogging knitsmiths that were in attendance last night, most of them anyway.

From left to right, Shannon, Moi, Amber, Kerstin, Deb, and Alison. We laughed, we cried, we knit, we ate. Could one have a better evening? I doubt it! Knitting, and also blogging has brought me to meet the most intersting, wonderful, caring people. I am blessed. Truly.

Now, a little word about my blog. Please be patient. Don't strike me from your daily reads, please. Blog city is having some growing pains, and I will be patient throughout. It's not that I'm being a wonderful person or anything. It's just that I'm way to lazy to start a new blog. It would take much too much energy and I have to conserve that for knitting and spinning! :)

And blog city has been doing some funky things lately. For instance, there are 2 of yesterday's entry. Just in case you missed it. I was going to delete one, but both of them have wonderful comments, so I'll just leave well enough alone! To answer some questions about that entry, yes, I did paint the mural on the wall. I'm available for hire, maybe to paint ROOSTERS, Chris! I'm kidding, I'm not available for hire. And Maggie said this would be a good series for HGTV. I agree. Especially if they will send someone in to do the cleaning. I have plenty of corners with piles in them that can be sacrificed! Bron and Leigh, Just give me time. There will be something either piled on top, or beside it in no time flat. I promise. I'll spare you the pictures, though. Once a clutter bug, always a clutter bug.

And finally, because I have linked to so many, Hi Gib!

Sandy's dining room makeover, or Lifes' messy, Clean it up!

Okay, there's something that you should know about me. Although I love my home to be pristine clean and organized, I don't often pull it off. I should really think about hiring a maid. If only. HA. So, yesterday was spent trying to plow my way through the dining room, where the yarn resides. In my home, when a pile begins, it mysteriously grows. If I lazily set something down, fully intending to put it away later, the other people in my family take that as an invitation, or maybe a challenge, to grow the pile. Then, I look at the growing pile, get frustrated and leave it. Add to it. Later, I think. Yes, well, yesterday, was "later". Here is the embarrassing picture of the yarn "storage", before......

You can see that the boxes of yarn just was not very efficient. And then, this spot started becoming the computer dump off area of the Hurley home. It's enough to drive anyone crazy! (that may explain it to some of you!!!)

After a trip to BJ's and some money leaving my hands, here's the after shot.

This is the masterpiece I call, The tower 'o yarn!! Much better, no? There you have it. Sandy's a clutter bug. Recovering. Hey, don't hate me because I'm organized! Don't worry, some other part of the house will start falling apart now. It seems my mind can't be happy unless it's ruining a corner somewhere!