tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15104017237410837212024-03-14T14:49:13.201-04:00The Adventures of Traveling Ann<a name="top"></a>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.comBlogger638125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-60477639074813814452017-04-17T22:48:00.001-04:002017-04-17T22:48:11.345-04:00Why I GardenHere in the spring time, when it is time to fire up my garden again, and there is a lot of planning to do, I find myself falling into the habit of thinking about my garden as I fall asleep and again first thing when I wake up.<br />
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This led to a recent early morning thought of "Why do I have a garden?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0IuC6kvjABVQuV4Ua8Tzf5ZneZ9R49caoWxviiSH7vsVCJl62zeEsfyYwkqjkxmf9S3qSTNdN1hSfaVOyvQMA9f3Uavv_mXdMKXHuDtPjSR1dDgyb3_ouXXIuv3oNuXUBCCxHgkOtEY/s1600/IMG_4634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0IuC6kvjABVQuV4Ua8Tzf5ZneZ9R49caoWxviiSH7vsVCJl62zeEsfyYwkqjkxmf9S3qSTNdN1hSfaVOyvQMA9f3Uavv_mXdMKXHuDtPjSR1dDgyb3_ouXXIuv3oNuXUBCCxHgkOtEY/s320/IMG_4634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus this year.</td></tr>
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There are many documented health benefits to gardening. It gets you out in the fresh air and sunshine and gets you moving around. I believe I saw an article that said people who garden tend to be more physically fit than people who don't.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ePZzT6vgA13TPKTRNbzy_NqoPEY8_3gQ9s6DO69uzc70sJxcAEKfhKgNujYMpb7-hryEkpWpWsgYhNEHbRniKXZzXil4cK6DwxaP5SJ7Y6Wdr6D6mmGra2eFPAsh2mi1S5F-Okd_t0/s1600/IMG_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ePZzT6vgA13TPKTRNbzy_NqoPEY8_3gQ9s6DO69uzc70sJxcAEKfhKgNujYMpb7-hryEkpWpWsgYhNEHbRniKXZzXil4cK6DwxaP5SJ7Y6Wdr6D6mmGra2eFPAsh2mi1S5F-Okd_t0/s320/IMG_4630.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh air and exercise!</td></tr>
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Of course, going for a walk would also get you out in the fresh air and sunshine and won't chip your nail polish, but you don't usually get tomatoes at the end of a walk.<br />
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There is probably evidence out there that shows gardening gives you an opportunity to be "mindful" and "in the moment", which is good for our mental health.<br />
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I am fortunate to live in a time and place where fresh fruit and produce is available all year. I can also afford to buy it at the store. So I don't <i>need</i> to garden to put food on my table.<br />
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That all leaves me with the idea that I garden for the fun of it. I have a hobby garden! If the goal was to save money on my grocery bill I would need a much bigger garden plot than what I currently have. Don't get me wrong, the fresh vegetables are definitely also a reason I garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYlPNgpscpGWNoXp3EspaxtHLBZiPcXzuJOQ-ZFnUB4YvuT0DmsZ0NBm58OzGFSE7NZl2aIbssvd3E-JwNs-_Q_LdHJsQ2cKQcdnG8zcqxhG6gSPDd2KV8xNS-zio8EPHtIB2UueSl74/s1600/IMG_3330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYlPNgpscpGWNoXp3EspaxtHLBZiPcXzuJOQ-ZFnUB4YvuT0DmsZ0NBm58OzGFSE7NZl2aIbssvd3E-JwNs-_Q_LdHJsQ2cKQcdnG8zcqxhG6gSPDd2KV8xNS-zio8EPHtIB2UueSl74/s320/IMG_3330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of last year's harvest.</td></tr>
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Nothing beats a fresh tomato, straight from the vine, that you grew yourself. It tastes so much better!<br />
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I like the satisfaction of seeing the results of my hard work. I can till the soil, or plant some seeds, then stand back and admire what I accomplished. It seems that there are many activities we engage in these days that don't show results for our efforts.<br />
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Watching TV for example. Or cleaning the kitchen. What is the point of cleaning the kitchen? It is just going to get messed up again the next time someone eats something!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNODZuH3xaujIRPdnu6kW9uQXtgn89pce9RcvGU00siuFuegSPmNS6p3w57SbNViOYBllCcotmEYNu_Ski9O5o977MmJunCZsXXW_Qsa_ZTK3KG3FwflckyCi04MlfXZBh5RcQrkoo-E/s1600/IMG_2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNODZuH3xaujIRPdnu6kW9uQXtgn89pce9RcvGU00siuFuegSPmNS6p3w57SbNViOYBllCcotmEYNu_Ski9O5o977MmJunCZsXXW_Qsa_ZTK3KG3FwflckyCi04MlfXZBh5RcQrkoo-E/s320/IMG_2967.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful strawberry I grew last year.</td></tr>
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Seeing the result of my time spent is also a reason I like to knit and crochet. There is tangible evidence of the time I spent on the task.<br />
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There is also, probably, a hint of nostalgia for me. My mom always had a small garden when I was growing up. Nothing as elaborate as I'm doing now. We'd just grow some tomatoes and cucumbers. I remember one year I tried to grow cantaloup, but it was too close to the driveway and one of the melons got run over!<br />
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Maybe it is more habit than nostalgia.<br />
<br />
I can tell you it is something important enough to me that I miss it when I don't have a garden. We had a six year stretch when we were in rental properties so I couldn't have a garden. I tried container gardening, which got me tomatoes at least, but also made me want <i>more room</i>.<br />
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I was excited about having a garden when we bought our new house and put one in right away.<br />
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Of course then there were my failed gardens in Connecticut. One year Samson ate all my tomatoes (Baru probably helped). The next year I kept chasing him away from the plants so he retaliated by peeing on them. After that I stopped trying. (With the new garden I put up a fence as much to protect it from Samson as from the rabbits.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Piv0Nk72VROFaDjpYoJtWm25bYrp3y_7_FclqAZPxz9sfwbeKnhRutDmrYCZbzMe5JXYStl2UTqxU6oUvJ9Yhx9aFbfEes1oios4aC4zL6k0uSqGLQkrP1OHsjpRu5dwlfUTbEjLvI/s1600/IMG_3063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Piv0Nk72VROFaDjpYoJtWm25bYrp3y_7_FclqAZPxz9sfwbeKnhRutDmrYCZbzMe5JXYStl2UTqxU6oUvJ9Yhx9aFbfEes1oios4aC4zL6k0uSqGLQkrP1OHsjpRu5dwlfUTbEjLvI/s320/IMG_3063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden gnomes last year.</td></tr>
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I'm looking forward to enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and fruits & veggies of my labor again this year.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-26919880070455710142017-04-15T21:52:00.001-04:002017-04-15T23:00:43.826-04:00In Memoriam: Samson and BaruThis is going to be a sad post to write. It will probably be a sad post to read. I'm heartbroken to report that Samson and Baru have both passed away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOexIgURL2eQl-ztrGuwve9k_xTITWrgAPZGslSYNlFAMbY4SLt41hsqYkjH5IglMnDKwmrnzEdbgC1hW6wZrfd2VNKp1GmJKHh9AQndJdZ9wkHKg3T2YhpRbxMBOKOSaAT2lu1b5iQ5c/s1600/May+20+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOexIgURL2eQl-ztrGuwve9k_xTITWrgAPZGslSYNlFAMbY4SLt41hsqYkjH5IglMnDKwmrnzEdbgC1hW6wZrfd2VNKp1GmJKHh9AQndJdZ9wkHKg3T2YhpRbxMBOKOSaAT2lu1b5iQ5c/s320/May+20+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samson (back) and Baru (front), May 2013</td></tr>
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Baru died on February 25, 2016 after a prolonged illness. Samson died unexpectedly on January 21, 2017. It was devastating to lose them within a year of each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hjoJCggSwr3UPLFk9M4nSEoPorSJhcmAUdE0pwUZ0E9nld2-jiqNyE2_H3Dt3-DZlgQv0Ns5zQscyRNiXcE9V-3P5z7k3i1AS_Laribue9PZ3BPpmzW1aByfonFeJwuL0afkiuWjgrk/s1600/Dec+23+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hjoJCggSwr3UPLFk9M4nSEoPorSJhcmAUdE0pwUZ0E9nld2-jiqNyE2_H3Dt3-DZlgQv0Ns5zQscyRNiXcE9V-3P5z7k3i1AS_Laribue9PZ3BPpmzW1aByfonFeJwuL0afkiuWjgrk/s320/Dec+23+2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baru (left) and Samson (right), December 2014</td></tr>
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I thought about writing a memorial post for Baru after he died, but I couldn't face it. The idea also seemed weird since I hadn't been keeping up the blog regularly.<br />
<br />
Now that they are both gone, and I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging on a regular basis, it seemed best to talk about them dying sooner rather than later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eaO7wPLsT8RyoyJFZcUkKfry_K0jE4QZIayMtWhUXNt17BCpwpC-yW2kT243xG01jSJ4qXmNN6XKF5Sq0dYjtEoAlczKOMHzaSDlLlh7kh4onjp91LrWCRqBGRIvMC0sN3G-j7uYFYk/s1600/April+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eaO7wPLsT8RyoyJFZcUkKfry_K0jE4QZIayMtWhUXNt17BCpwpC-yW2kT243xG01jSJ4qXmNN6XKF5Sq0dYjtEoAlczKOMHzaSDlLlh7kh4onjp91LrWCRqBGRIvMC0sN3G-j7uYFYk/s320/April+2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samson (front) and Baru (back), April 2015</td></tr>
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After all, one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place was to talk about their antics!<br />
<br />
Baru had developed edema in his front, left leg several years ago. We didn't know what caused it and it never seemed to bother him. Then in September 2015 he got an infection in that leg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-2drPI8PK5B5qgqdlx0Dzg7wbvuFsmDx39ges97a9sZcSPD59M1Rnf3tqRDBeoUJMXFkTa4zj2QzsHk2N7-B6MWfCfkvV_tqu7i9AC9IuAObmsf3-ICk1y_pIB8Y10vMBPGIr_jrLn4/s1600/Aug+30+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-2drPI8PK5B5qgqdlx0Dzg7wbvuFsmDx39ges97a9sZcSPD59M1Rnf3tqRDBeoUJMXFkTa4zj2QzsHk2N7-B6MWfCfkvV_tqu7i9AC9IuAObmsf3-ICk1y_pIB8Y10vMBPGIr_jrLn4/s320/Aug+30+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baru, August 2012</td></tr>
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Despite taking him to two specialists for diagnostic exams and a boat load of medicine, the vets were never able to figure out what was causing it or to cure it. They were, however, able to tell us what strains of bacteria were causing the infection. Not that it did us any good.<br />
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My sweet Baru fought valiantly, but in the end we realized we had to let him go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFCjkGG54z2lGANzq7271pdQM2FCbr0mmS8j2HRz9pzS-eqhNlzQiqtD-M8-MfhtUUmxdnXCy0Ckw22dl3gydLxaqTVBKq6UA9DJtF-VNthx4hmVtD39aotCMce-DTIe9cfXpeWwt_ps/s1600/Baru+Jan+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFCjkGG54z2lGANzq7271pdQM2FCbr0mmS8j2HRz9pzS-eqhNlzQiqtD-M8-MfhtUUmxdnXCy0Ckw22dl3gydLxaqTVBKq6UA9DJtF-VNthx4hmVtD39aotCMce-DTIe9cfXpeWwt_ps/s320/Baru+Jan+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baru, January 2016</td></tr>
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He was 10 1/2 years old. It was heartbreaking, but I think on some level we must have been expecting it. He'd been sick for months and I think we were in denial to a degree about his decline.<br />
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Still, at least we still had Samson, which helped with the grieving process. All those things we did as dog owners—taking him out morning, noon, and night, having stuffed toys and tennis balls all over the house—they all still made sense because even though Baru was gone we still had Samson.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvs_ozMrrSMSOb8fLKrydA-UyD9vdGbgToFO4Ea-PtRM4dTOHPc7CuJvXIvHxATpogh2VTGsWgXhR6cp41uWHyF_w3CmgWqU3ljIqFeQKbiO1r1ecYSPFKlZww65Ka3GvsUlw01VbQ8k/s1600/Samson+Aug+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvs_ozMrrSMSOb8fLKrydA-UyD9vdGbgToFO4Ea-PtRM4dTOHPc7CuJvXIvHxATpogh2VTGsWgXhR6cp41uWHyF_w3CmgWqU3ljIqFeQKbiO1r1ecYSPFKlZww65Ka3GvsUlw01VbQ8k/s320/Samson+Aug+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samson and his teddy, August 2016</td></tr>
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We developed new routines. Baru had always been the mama's boy right next to me, but now Samson stayed close. Samson got all the treats and attention.<br />
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Then one day we woke up and there was obviously something wrong with Samson. I rushed him to the vet. They kept him overnight for observation. The next day they told me to take him to the specialist one hour and 45 minutes away. There they did an ultrasound. The diagnosis was infarctions on his spleen and it would have to be removed.<br />
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I left with hope that we'd do an expensive operation and then return to normal. Instead they called at 4 am and said to come say good-bye as soon as I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xTyDeMPd1cVz5Lvxyp7vBxvXqkbPMH39nF28VEBXGwDu8b3r-BJaevNC4yRxRKyRtzk5IsXMvYoe4HEwBleqVZkuAbwINjZxbBKIwEi8RyMIq4_G6at4_capl8BG1M2dQBc-vN-5NtI/s1600/Samson+Sept+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xTyDeMPd1cVz5Lvxyp7vBxvXqkbPMH39nF28VEBXGwDu8b3r-BJaevNC4yRxRKyRtzk5IsXMvYoe4HEwBleqVZkuAbwINjZxbBKIwEi8RyMIq4_G6at4_capl8BG1M2dQBc-vN-5NtI/s320/Samson+Sept+2016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samson, September 2016</td></tr>
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Samson was 12 1/2 years old. He was so full of life and spunk a few days before, and there I was saying good-bye.<br />
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It was even worse than loosing Baru. With Baru at least it wasn't unexpected because he'd been sick. Samson was snatched away in his prime. And now the house is empty and quiet.<br />
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It's been almost three months now since Samson died. What had been waves of grief and constant sadness has changed to spikes of grief when something reminds me of them. Coming home to an empty house, without them here to greet us, is especially hard.<br />
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Once again new routines have to be developed. That hasn't been as easy this time. It is hard to do alone.<br />
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And all the firsts suck, too. The weather is getting nice and Samson loved being outside. All these sunny days I've been eating lunch outside thinking how Samson would have enjoyed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8NwXluSzVQ6AbSAy4KPBkx84tegd9HUx4iTn1AoenYZkJ6UhxSx1joxd-37mIqYsBkLSVRbZT7DeHsY7UCVAnSIAFbPBb_gS2xN9Jna0Ur-7CttoRIVay324oAlYEaBzGxnrQ7rLOvs/s1600/IMG_1806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8NwXluSzVQ6AbSAy4KPBkx84tegd9HUx4iTn1AoenYZkJ6UhxSx1joxd-37mIqYsBkLSVRbZT7DeHsY7UCVAnSIAFbPBb_gS2xN9Jna0Ur-7CttoRIVay324oAlYEaBzGxnrQ7rLOvs/s320/IMG_1806.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samson in my garden plot, April 2016</td></tr>
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<br />
Even working in my garden has been a little difficult because I remember Samson being with me when I established it last year.<br />
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All we can do is carry on and remember the good times. It is almost three months of life-after-puppies. We're starting to be able to tell stories about them again without bursting into tears every time, but it hasn't been easy.<br />
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If you have a dog or cat, go hug it. Stop what you are doing and pay attention when they ask for affection. As the old saying goes, "You only regret what you didn't do." Our time with them is short. Treasure it.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-75764546410632455842017-04-14T22:48:00.001-04:002017-04-14T22:48:47.235-04:00Garden SeedlingsI do not have an elaborate set up for starting my seedlings. But, as it turns out, my definition of "elaborate" might be nothing more impressive than a grow-light.<br />
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I do not have a grow-light for starting my seedlings. Sometimes I think it might be nice to have a grow-light, but I'm not even sure where I would set it up.<br />
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Instead I make do with a sunny window.<br />
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Although I did get one of those Jiffy brand seed starting trays with the little pellets. Watching the pellets expand when you add water is fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQyOB1_IaTUF6lyveJd9t4oSSzeIOl7ZXIpBFRGFZR-CWhF2FqhpFdxOzDrwud42-nBdZ-yGoSJe6DFS8OFkMfoTKx9VCj1CV4kEsUUQQSu-tjofkcd45zgWcdaxfFJEtA1CVLJ4FWdE/s1600/IMG_4621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQyOB1_IaTUF6lyveJd9t4oSSzeIOl7ZXIpBFRGFZR-CWhF2FqhpFdxOzDrwud42-nBdZ-yGoSJe6DFS8OFkMfoTKx9VCj1CV4kEsUUQQSu-tjofkcd45zgWcdaxfFJEtA1CVLJ4FWdE/s320/IMG_4621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My seedlings are doing well this year. I've only killed one so far! My gardening notes from last year include the observation that I "killed more seedlings than I care to admit." Still, my garden last year survived and thrived, despite me.<br />
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This year I bought some of those Burpee brand bio-degradable, cardboard pots for transplanting my seedlings as they grow. I'm trying to be diligent about stepping up their pot size so they can grow strong and steady.<br />
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I told myself I wasn't going to plant too many tomato plants this year. Last year I ended up with five or six tomato plants and it resulted in a glut of tomatoes at harvest time. I gave away at least two batches of tomatoes because I couldn't keep up.<br />
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Last year's tomatoes included ones I had started myself that I didn't think would survive and three strong seedlings my hairdresser gave me. Boy howdy, she has a green thumb. Her seedlings were at least as lovely as ones you would buy at the store. She said she sets them up on her dining room table and is transplants them on a regular basis.<br />
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I'm not planning to take any of her leftover seedlings this year as I want to keep things reasonable. However, despite this goal, if I'm interpreting the leaves correctly I seem to have four or five tomatoes going.<br />
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Oops.<br />
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There is one plant I'm dithering about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUdKY8s5IUreBJdz7FX7hyLzYj7QeDRJdIgJYagppxNWLcVC62cclfD1C-EeV2l3hWHaHB9TkJxJivHey-Y8aCiwzQ_81JRT_MrN1gq-_B_GVXX8PGku2u2OT8msVDoyoLUq0CCNLZW8/s1600/IMG_4622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUdKY8s5IUreBJdz7FX7hyLzYj7QeDRJdIgJYagppxNWLcVC62cclfD1C-EeV2l3hWHaHB9TkJxJivHey-Y8aCiwzQ_81JRT_MrN1gq-_B_GVXX8PGku2u2OT8msVDoyoLUq0CCNLZW8/s320/IMG_4622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started this big tomato seedling a few months ago. The original idea was to have a potted tomato to extend my fresh tomato growing time. However, I didn't start it early enough in the winter and we've bumped into normal growing time.</div>
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At this point I'm thinking maybe I'll go ahead and plant it in the garden in the yard and use one of the other seedlings for a potted plant. Or maybe I should start one in the summer so it is fruiting in the fall when my yard garden has died off.</div>
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One of these years I'll figure out this staggered growing times business!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-lwhUnPXQLES3k0Nis5O4_LAhWmvRRvGJ0soWP7lHlezm0VqXxvRi2l198fNUKB1NCYwhVPv22jSdid8hv9WTrwdhlm1q2c1IkzHy3MfIViTa7hj9bgO75Bv_3zsqKYxn3hTE529ZrY/s1600/IMG_4623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-lwhUnPXQLES3k0Nis5O4_LAhWmvRRvGJ0soWP7lHlezm0VqXxvRi2l198fNUKB1NCYwhVPv22jSdid8hv9WTrwdhlm1q2c1IkzHy3MfIViTa7hj9bgO75Bv_3zsqKYxn3hTE529ZrY/s320/IMG_4623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This plastic, wheeled draw unit completes my seed-starting set up. My mom bought this for some reason when we first moved into the house. I had shoved it into the closet in the spare room since I didn't have a use for it.<br />
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Now I'm using it to support the tray my seedlings are on. As you can see, the windows come down rather low so the drawer until lifts the tray up into the sunlight. The seedlings on the top seem quite happy.<br />
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Starting seeds in the drawers doesn't seem to be working out very well. Perhaps they aren't getting enough sun. I thought being in the drawer would keep them warm. Many didn't seem to germinate and the ones that did are scrawny. I'm trying to get them out of the drawer, but there isn't any more room up top!<br />
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Without more room for my seed-starting efforts, I should probably direct sow my flower seeds.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-72098369548632145142017-04-13T10:22:00.000-04:002017-04-13T10:22:14.411-04:00Garden GridIt is time to fire up my vegetable garden again!<br />
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Since I am in zone 6 my frost-free date isn't until early May, but the weather has been so mild I decided to risk starting early.<br />
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The first step, which wouldn't care if there was another frost was to till and prep the soil.<br />
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One concern I had was how to create a grid to lay over my garden in order to keep track of what was planted where. I wanted something durable that would be able to survive the weather and being watered. But I also wanted it to light-weight and semi-permanent so I could easily move it if I needed to.<br />
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I was considering a number of elaborate ideas, but knew I should frame it out first to make it easier to take measurements.<br />
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To that end, I untangled the acrylic yarn and wood skewers I used last year and put them to work again.<br />
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This set up came to a bad end last year. While attempting to weed-wack around my garden I hit one of the skewers, which broke the skewer and resulted in yarn getting tangled up IN and around the weed-wacker head.<br />
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Oops.<br />
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Luckily I was able to work the yarn out of the head and the machine is running normally again.<br />
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After getting my temporary guide grid in place I dragged hubby out to my garden to bounce ideas off of him.<br />
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His reactions included, "What is wrong with what you have already?" and "What are other people using?" Both were good points.<br />
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Now there shouldn't be another weed-wacker incident because I have the stone border in place now. An issue I had with the yarn last years was the first time it rained the yarn sagged and was no longer accurate. I suppose I could always tighten it up if it sags.<br />
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I did an internet search for "square foot garden grids" and in many of the forum posts I read people were saying they were using yarn or twine! I'm already using the method a lot of other people find effective.<br />
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That was a relief! I saved a lot of time and money. My current grid is essentially free because I used items I already have around the house. Time was saved because I don't have to worry about building anything.<br />
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With the grid situation resolved I was free to plant my cold weather veggies —spinach, radishes, beets, onion, and carrots.<br />
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I was also happy to see the strawberries and asparagus I planted last year seem to be coming back strong.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-16067662939048494492016-02-01T09:22:00.001-05:002016-02-01T09:22:44.458-05:00Indulgence Fingerless Mitts<div>I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">looked at the large amount of yarn leftover after finishing my Thumb Joint Socks and thought it would be a shame to toss it back into the stash. </span></div><div><div><br></div><div>I've been wanting a new pair of fingerless mitts recently, so I immediately cast on. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjJSYy60P8f1uVZi011JP2Tna-aDaYtV86t3DiFuaSgNeo5oXyb45G3lNOfDD2ssovZ2zXLHNuayUYIQWLZEfgMw5D5SxvOy9IlOKu1pPji_0InhM_zuivanlO1ePc-q1gUoabFhDnfA/s640/blogger-image--254275293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjJSYy60P8f1uVZi011JP2Tna-aDaYtV86t3DiFuaSgNeo5oXyb45G3lNOfDD2ssovZ2zXLHNuayUYIQWLZEfgMw5D5SxvOy9IlOKu1pPji_0InhM_zuivanlO1ePc-q1gUoabFhDnfA/s640/blogger-image--254275293.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>To keep things simple, I followed the numbers from my socks. That plan worked out fine. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N8EwjHleyTIBVFUxmhhGYTAX__HnFalIC3WizyZ71AAyVSqNy6d8apOAlNjr3ZZoy177yRuZTMnczEJtZP__0VhcsMihe_OAXNVAeNh5Pkfqg_XGnAppLFvrjILCRgjR3YJNnpQehcc/s640/blogger-image--1062391825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N8EwjHleyTIBVFUxmhhGYTAX__HnFalIC3WizyZ71AAyVSqNy6d8apOAlNjr3ZZoy177yRuZTMnczEJtZP__0VhcsMihe_OAXNVAeNh5Pkfqg_XGnAppLFvrjILCRgjR3YJNnpQehcc/s640/blogger-image--1062391825.jpg"></a></div>The only "issue" as I was knitting was with the thumb gusset. </div><div><br></div><div>I guess I've been following knitting patterns more than I've been designing them lately. </div><div><br></div><div>The first gusset attempt came out shorter than I wanted. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ol4BOj-89spFADTH1ycv7iLad1XiZXPgsWQnweLMVQECpLvaiEUCu6cuON0f12Y6UTPUGxf5XneEgUyd9PGJ3dtKy8pMgE1VdEwGYiGLRzWMH6CcY59ZDWOrDw1LmwSjhSzz9AczA8M/s640/blogger-image--734841952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ol4BOj-89spFADTH1ycv7iLad1XiZXPgsWQnweLMVQECpLvaiEUCu6cuON0f12Y6UTPUGxf5XneEgUyd9PGJ3dtKy8pMgE1VdEwGYiGLRzWMH6CcY59ZDWOrDw1LmwSjhSzz9AczA8M/s640/blogger-image--734841952.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even the second one, technically, wasn't what I had in mind. But these mitts were for myself and my patience only extends so far, so the second attempt was used. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Despite the gusset struggles, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the fit the fit is quite good. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq-D7nnQHm0xw6S1NrbyD2Td4POC0cSHfdMPlTL_7RVqknRrZ72HPub7elJM0H30xYBANC1AWG8_-l79tlWAwvtIRn82VIzzyPL5Ojclx3hJAimsfRW3BH8fiM6__nwtGjcy7_wuK57Q/s640/blogger-image--1467223021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq-D7nnQHm0xw6S1NrbyD2Td4POC0cSHfdMPlTL_7RVqknRrZ72HPub7elJM0H30xYBANC1AWG8_-l79tlWAwvtIRn82VIzzyPL5Ojclx3hJAimsfRW3BH8fiM6__nwtGjcy7_wuK57Q/s640/blogger-image--1467223021.jpg"></a></div>Everyone at knitting group appreciated them. One woman liked them so much I emailed her the pattern. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The marvels of modern technology. I was able to open my Note over the pattern and send it away!</span></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-51503912688529100242016-01-27T13:52:00.001-05:002016-02-01T09:22:29.324-05:00Garden AnticipationWhen I was at the store yesterday I decided to take a turn through the garden department to see if anything was out yet <div><br></div><div>Boy, howdy, was it well stocked! So many exciting options. It was a good thing I didn't have a shopping cart or I would have bought all kinds of goodies. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_wQ-jcix58Qr9fQ-xy-E7MZRJ1SkaNYKvPxXd58SjDp3TG8vuGiE5NfTMtL0eN5CCWMPOQ9btW0baExEOr3UZe4yyF83ZGxHIeuPa3gJc2SZjFZ_XFkxCrJbD4gwAKWkPZlkmhTcUWU/s640/blogger-image-829480280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_wQ-jcix58Qr9fQ-xy-E7MZRJ1SkaNYKvPxXd58SjDp3TG8vuGiE5NfTMtL0eN5CCWMPOQ9btW0baExEOr3UZe4yyF83ZGxHIeuPa3gJc2SZjFZ_XFkxCrJbD4gwAKWkPZlkmhTcUWU/s640/blogger-image-829480280.jpg"></a></div>I saw this cedar raised bed kit that made me rethink the cinder block idea. However, when I got home and showed the picture to hubby he pointed out it was less than 4" long. That is shorter than I want, so that's out. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQZKOS4WQVS6lHosp_p8yMm9B0kQS9kVIU0D6ErP6lSMX6-04osnBdWyw_bXeBpgHvFW4hhI5fB-O520iLkncKfOLYDwJaPqmI1_URAfHVSIGFrkYQ_JfxKQSbdkftbvi9Q_HNHwar_Q/s640/blogger-image-1141207159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQZKOS4WQVS6lHosp_p8yMm9B0kQS9kVIU0D6ErP6lSMX6-04osnBdWyw_bXeBpgHvFW4hhI5fB-O520iLkncKfOLYDwJaPqmI1_URAfHVSIGFrkYQ_JfxKQSbdkftbvi9Q_HNHwar_Q/s640/blogger-image-1141207159.jpg"></a></div>There was a wealth of seed starting options. It was good to see what my choices would be. </div><div>I think I like the self-watering ones best. The 75 cell units are very appealing. It is unclear whether any of them are reusable. </div><div><br></div><div>I exercised self-control and didn't buy any. It was easier to resist knowing I won't be starting seeds until next month. Good thing I found that spiffy calendar from the local extension service!</div><div><br></div><div>When I got home I checked my notes, and the special calendar, and realized I would be starting only 14 plants inside. The others will be sowed outside. That means I can get a smaller, but fancier seed starting set. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ytswVo4IxAYQN2evuKLPaYxW2eh58JFbRuqIHYh9NMe9-mAyjFE3camJx2jEjDrA4wtlKMqUZKZZFGWFg2Bt9Rp1Eo4UiPytjrgcS0hV18Yk2Mdm97qJ38E-RxO4Y50CDQSsIWt9KU/s640/blogger-image-873942318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ytswVo4IxAYQN2evuKLPaYxW2eh58JFbRuqIHYh9NMe9-mAyjFE3camJx2jEjDrA4wtlKMqUZKZZFGWFg2Bt9Rp1Eo4UiPytjrgcS0hV18Yk2Mdm97qJ38E-RxO4Y50CDQSsIWt9KU/s640/blogger-image-873942318.jpg"></a></div>And, of course, there were seed packets galore! Enough to make your head spin. </div><div><br></div><div>Again, I didn't buy any because I didn't have my notes with me. I still have some seeds from last year that are still viable I'll have to check them before I stick up. </div><div><br></div><div>I will probably start stocking up next week. </div><div><br></div><div>Another thing I did was check the Burpee website for prices and options. I'll probably end up ordering my asparagus and strawberries from there. They are having a sale, and free shipping if you sign up for their newsletter. They are also included packets of flowers that appeal to bees in orders placed by sometime in May. </div><div><br></div><div>Since they don't mail the live plants until the proper time for your zone, I can place my order now, take advantage of the special offers, and get a "surprise" in March!</div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-44168730493679101002016-01-03T11:32:00.001-05:002016-02-01T09:22:13.263-05:00Back to garden talkI have a sprout!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMvsTQTZ_lLSRjv2y5R8TeGTACKsQ_FyyAwWOV0u3WfNHEks3mHrn-38yJ_O9b6lXjHyheeC8i_1eje4_VkM7tbKjxMM2paBcYBqwapDkeIuLkjhZqyp8A7gCxdIQACSgFKnIhSFItWA/s640/blogger-image-1750166274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMvsTQTZ_lLSRjv2y5R8TeGTACKsQ_FyyAwWOV0u3WfNHEks3mHrn-38yJ_O9b6lXjHyheeC8i_1eje4_VkM7tbKjxMM2paBcYBqwapDkeIuLkjhZqyp8A7gCxdIQACSgFKnIhSFItWA/s640/blogger-image-1750166274.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This time I am saying it with excitement, unlike when I found that onion the other day. </div><div><br></div><div>Nothing yet from the other little pot. </div><div><br></div><div>Now the trick will be keeping it alive.</div><div><br></div><div>I read in those library books that window sills don't provide enough light for a sprout, which needs plenty of overhead light. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">That might explain why my plants last year were so pathetic. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If it doesn't seem happy in the window, I'll have to move it somewhere it can have a lamp. </span></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-62876461283964330822016-01-02T23:14:00.001-05:002016-01-02T23:14:27.553-05:00Thumb Joint SocksI finished a pair of socks! I can't really claim they are my first finished object for 2016 since the knitting was actually completed in December. It just took me forever to weave in the ends.<br />
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Since buying the book "Sock Architecture" by Lara Neel at Rhinebeck in (gasp) 2014, I've been experimenting with alternative constructions. Not that I've knit many pairs of socks in the last year.<br />
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Usually I knit top down socks with a traditional heel flap, round heel turn, gusset, and wedge toe.<br />
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After reading Sock Architecture, I first experimented with the Round Toe shaping in the book. It does provide a nice fit. I think I'll stick with it. She also includes a Swirl Toe, which seem shallower than the Round Toe, and I might try that next before I commit.<br />
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For heel constructions, I tried the, uh, Square Heel. But so much time passed between the first and second sock that I couldn't quite remember what I had done and the two heel turns don't really match. So that might have to be revisited because I can't really judge the heel turn fairly in those circumstances.<br />
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I went really wild on the socks I just finished. Totally out of my sock knitting comfort zone.<br />
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For these socks, I worked an afterthought heel. Specifically her Thumb Joint, Hat Top construction.<br />
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The idea is you make the heel as deep as the wearer's thumb, which might make measuring easier because you always have your thumb with you.<br />
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The verdict is still out on this whole afterthought business. Socks are my easy, mindless project. That is why I always knit the same socks, the same way. I don't have to think about it much. I knit the leg until it is as long as my hand, knit the heel flap and turn, then try on the sock to get the foot length. Simple.<br />
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With the afterthought heel construction, the knitting process was very disjointed. I wasn't sure how long to knit the foot because I couldn't try the sock on. I ended up knitting a few rounds of the foot, putting the stitches on waste yarn, then knitting the heel.<br />
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Not very much of an afterthought!<br />
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Then I went back and finished the toe. Of course, I carefully wrote down how many stitches and rounds were involved at each step.<br />
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The notes made the second sock go a little smoother. I was able to put the waste yarn in for the heel and continue straight to the toe. That was kind of nice, and probably how the experience was supposed to go.<br />
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However, I was working on them for so long, with such long breaks in the process, that I sort of forgot about the heel situation on the second sock. For a moment, as I was finishing the toe shaping on the second sock, I got that little thrill of excitement when you finish a project.<br />
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Then I remembered I had to go back and knit the heel. ugh.<br />
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At least the heel wasn't all that big, which meant it didn't take long to knit.<br />
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Weaving in ends was avoided for far too long and didn't take much time when I finally did it. There were, however, extra ends to weave in because of the afterthought heel.<br />
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As you can see, I'm a bit whiny about the whole thing. On the bright side, they are pretty socks. I imagine this construction would allow you to have a lot of fun with colors, or using up scraps, if you plan ahead.<br />
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I'm just not positive it has won me over. But, I suppose, that is why we try new things. Don't know whether or not you'll like it until you try it!<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-25721269163139185052016-01-01T18:44:00.002-05:002016-01-01T18:44:50.987-05:00More Garden StuffIt has been brought to my attention that my main topic of conversation lately has been about my future garden.<br />
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This wasn't said in so many words, but events revealed it to be true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_5sGHSCYhGTDiDQ50ho_lXw_tjGCvt9c7CdIm5750AouZk8lyltkJbaiFVf7G5lBJ40wc4BkmmBH_1i8F71pK8EPzsit4DYtc2LpVl791bE7PSQbKg8Nxvc0Iz8i-ojwQYbDbTuQsM8/s1600/IMG_0966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_5sGHSCYhGTDiDQ50ho_lXw_tjGCvt9c7CdIm5750AouZk8lyltkJbaiFVf7G5lBJ40wc4BkmmBH_1i8F71pK8EPzsit4DYtc2LpVl791bE7PSQbKg8Nxvc0Iz8i-ojwQYbDbTuQsM8/s320/IMG_0966.jpg" width="320" /></a>Recently, I went to the pantry cupboard and found this onion.<br />
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I said, in what I thought was a proper tone of disgust, "One of my onions sprouted!"<br />
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Hubby, however, thought I was reporting an exciting event and asked why I'm growing onions inside the house.<br />
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In his defense, I was working on smuggling my Earth Box into the house last week to try to grow tomatoes. My plan stalled in the garage because it was too heavy for me to lift up the steps. It has since been wheeled back out to the shed.<br />
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After all, the seeds I planted in wee pots in my office haven't even sprouted yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZXAESlNeP3a2JnaERN5wcr6juHCdYGzh7Zp1cvl1YlXR55YFVrjYEZVBXnhoSTQShaheAjL35HGP9YvJJnHXMZ9NxGeREQUyRSQGUWlUx0qnbc6sehWGSbnidrlQ8op0bBRalFFque4/s1600/IMG_0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZXAESlNeP3a2JnaERN5wcr6juHCdYGzh7Zp1cvl1YlXR55YFVrjYEZVBXnhoSTQShaheAjL35HGP9YvJJnHXMZ9NxGeREQUyRSQGUWlUx0qnbc6sehWGSbnidrlQ8op0bBRalFFque4/s320/IMG_0968.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the mean time, planning continues.<br />
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While we were unpacking I found this old, unused notebook. The markings indicate it was made in France.<br />
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Why we have a French notebook is beyond me, but I'm not going to complain. It seems to be custom printed for Square Foot Garden planning!<br />
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It is printed with graph paper instead of just ruled lines. Much easier to draw garden plans.<br />
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I have transferred my notes over from the first notebook I was using, but have also realized it's time to reel myself in.<br />
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It is way to early to be thinking about my garden this much. In my growing zone, I won't even be starting seeds until March! All this planning and daydreaming is beginning to make me annoyed I can't start my garden right now.<br />
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This all means it's time to return the library books and revisit them in February.<br />
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I've also realized I'm going to have to scale back the planting plans for this year. There won't be much spring planting happening this first season. We didn't prep the garden plot when we first moved in, which means now we have to wait until the ground has thawed in the spring.<br />
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Oh well, at least I'm formulating these thoughts now. It will save me flailing around too much in the spring, when time will be of the essence.<br />
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Until then I'll knit, and plot where in the house I can start my seeds when the time comes!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-24520417980947093992015-12-27T18:29:00.000-05:002015-12-27T18:29:25.304-05:00Garden Planning DecisionsThis morning I started telling hubby my thoughts and concerns about the garden.<br />
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After listening to me rattle on for a while he said, "I thought we were going to do a raised bed garden."<br />
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Um, what?<br />
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He want on to agree that we have poor soil and will have to add top soil to make the garden viable.<br />
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This all sounded very familiar. In fact, it was what I had decided to do after we nixed the greenhouse idea.<br />
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The books had led me astray! All my angst, research, and comparison shopping last night were unnecessary because we'd already decided on raised beds weeks ago.<br />
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::sigh::<br />
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We then went on to discuss what we would use for the frame (sides) of the raised bed. I had read online that wood will rot, although that seemed to be mainly in Florida, and the pre-fab frames I saw online were a little pricey. (In fact, the cost of the pre-fab frames was a factor in leading me to the idea of buying a bunch of Earth Boxes.)<br />
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After tossing around a few ideas, we settled on....cinder blocks. That came as quite a surprise to me. I figured hubby wouldn't want them because he would think it was ugly. He did say I should paint them to dress them up.<br />
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Hubby is very concerned that the garden doesn't turn into an eyesore. That is one of the reasons the promise of easy maintenance with Square Foot Gardening idea caught my eye.<br />
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But cinder blocks seem the easiest since we shouldn't have to dig trenches to sink them or put in supports. We're thinking we can just plunk them on the ground where we want them and move on. (We could be wrong.)<br />
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With all that settled, I can now move onto the fun of deciding just what I'm going to plant and when!<br />
I think I will still use the principles of SFG to organize my garden.<br />
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Despite the fact that I'm supposed to start small, I think I will still want to start with two 4' x 4' beds. I really want to try growing asparagus, since it is our go-to green veggie, and it takes several years for it to get established. Therefore, I want to plant it right away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wEnkhruTGcQ65iLVFu8Ivfnx75bQjpyzKWpSE87UkkrmsUG_q6X27TH85-Fa-THhZygKKuhZEwEei6EuIlOJkWCJGjYc21kqLvA3hB59MkR7Yzy55DQunZKaSB-p15OKJ3HZOVi1Nzw/s1600/IMG_0952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wEnkhruTGcQ65iLVFu8Ivfnx75bQjpyzKWpSE87UkkrmsUG_q6X27TH85-Fa-THhZygKKuhZEwEei6EuIlOJkWCJGjYc21kqLvA3hB59MkR7Yzy55DQunZKaSB-p15OKJ3HZOVi1Nzw/s320/IMG_0952.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the mean time, I might use my current Earth Box for the herb garden. That might allow me to extend the life of the plants by bringing it into either the shed or the garage next winter.<br />
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Mint is the other random plant I know for sure I want to grow. I'm concerned about it being invasive. I think I will plant that in the big red pot I bought last year.<br />
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There are high expectations for the red pot. It has to be attractive, keep the mint contained, and also have enough room for a big, bushy mint plant.<br />
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I have to get mint for my cocktails from somewhere!<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-33114155969819438942015-12-26T23:01:00.001-05:002015-12-26T23:01:18.294-05:00Garden Planning AngstFor the first time in five years we have a private yarn, with which we can do whatever we want.<br />
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As far as I'm concerned, one activity will be a garden.<br />
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It has been longer than five years since I had an in-ground garden, as a result of Samson's antics when he was a puppy. (One year he ate all my tomatoes. The following year he peed on my plants.)<br />
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I'm hoping that now that he is older he won't get up to any mischief. Besides, any animal deterrent measures we put in place should keep out a puppy, too!<br />
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The problem is deciding which gardening method I want to employ.<br />
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Originally, we had discussed getting me a greenhouse. While it might have extended my growing season, and been an easy way to protect my plants from critters, it would have also kept me confined to containers. I wanted to get away from containers and allow my roots to run free!<br />
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The greenhouse idea was eliminated when we realized the area we were planning to place it at the end of the driveway is essential to maneuvering the car in and out of the garage.<br />
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With the prospect of an in-ground garden before me, I started excitedly making a list of "all the vegetables we eat on a regular enough basis to be worthwhile growing."<br />
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That list quickly expanded to 16 items.<br />
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I then added herbs, which were another 9 types.<br />
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Hubby, knowing what I'm like, suggested maybe I should start small with a few key plants and expand in subsequent years. He made an excellent point, although I haven't actually scaled down my list yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhie0Hudeu1y3zJY6lva4bJCReGfmtjKf7xF0REp3WABT183SY6KRCvKiINCDOKIsf34MUr1k6eKa2zgONAx7SHF8-ewF2NA-ierBs3aQj17m3WJn5RgzDlBfzC9cQ4RoKwcC8aqCGJg8/s1600/IMG_4499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhie0Hudeu1y3zJY6lva4bJCReGfmtjKf7xF0REp3WABT183SY6KRCvKiINCDOKIsf34MUr1k6eKa2zgONAx7SHF8-ewF2NA-ierBs3aQj17m3WJn5RgzDlBfzC9cQ4RoKwcC8aqCGJg8/s320/IMG_4499.jpg" width="240" /></a>Regardless of the number of varieties I was going to plant, I had to plan my garden before we broke ground. To that end, I went to the library (so old-fashioned) and borrowed three books that seemed like they would be good for garden planning.<br />
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One of the books was "<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Square-Foot-Gardening-Garden-Space/dp/1579548563/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451186705&sr=1-2&keywords=square+foot+gardening" target="_blank">Square Foot Gardening</a>" by Mel Bartholomew. Within 10 pages I was totally drinking the Kool-Aid on this system. The combination of built in size restrictions and purported ease of maintenance sounded right up my alley.<br />
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But then I read about the construction in the book, read a few blogs, and now I'm not so sure. You are supposed to put down a barrier—either fabric or cardboard, from what I can tell—which helps block weeds. However, that will also prevent the roots from running free.<br />
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Suddenly it sounds like glorified container gardening, which wasn't what I wanted.<br />
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If I was going to stick with containers, I might as well get additional <a href="http://earthbox.com/" target="_blank">Earth Boxes</a>. My dad sent me one for my birthday two years ago.<br />
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That first year I used established seedlings I bought at Lowe's and they grew very well.<br />
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The second year (summer 2015), things didn't go as well.<br />
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I decided to be clever and start my own plants from seeds. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZstROE02aUY36TggwMWvRjW7WsZj0m6ChMLagL1e6d0GsTG7AcEcYuKSTqxKFYVvyk66mnRZtT6JliwFT_cW9SYRYX0NoDkRAfqFJi-QcAz1v9INFrejAF373nKkYPguxtzkpg0wL3R0/s1600/IMG_8416.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZstROE02aUY36TggwMWvRjW7WsZj0m6ChMLagL1e6d0GsTG7AcEcYuKSTqxKFYVvyk66mnRZtT6JliwFT_cW9SYRYX0NoDkRAfqFJi-QcAz1v9INFrejAF373nKkYPguxtzkpg0wL3R0/s320/IMG_8416.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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But I did not thin them, which resulted in puny plants that never really recovered. The cold, wet weather at the start of the growing season didn't help either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghg2zCvBTnOz5Rp8gTdPTnCHA_fp2UOg_RG6h0zosezn2F15J4hnSFzla2v7pYJSiHj6hFYLVnmGRVqeqPDLBGWjOJBDptlibyUnHeSNGmGMehEf_KGEpwrhpGtZlzXg7HLQjtxKBAFq8/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghg2zCvBTnOz5Rp8gTdPTnCHA_fp2UOg_RG6h0zosezn2F15J4hnSFzla2v7pYJSiHj6hFYLVnmGRVqeqPDLBGWjOJBDptlibyUnHeSNGmGMehEf_KGEpwrhpGtZlzXg7HLQjtxKBAFq8/s320/IMG_9917.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
The combination led to a very pathetic harvest.<br />
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If I stick with the Earth Boxes I'll have to be much more careful. Especially if I start from seeds again, which I prefer.<br />
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The poor performance of this year's plants is what made me want to get out of containers in the first place, although I think the mistakes are easy to avoid.<br />
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But, as I said earlier, I've circled around to the idea of getting more Earth Boxes because they might be a good compromise between a traditional garden and the Square Foot Garden.<br />
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I'm not sure what the soil is like in our new yard. The first place we lived down here had predominantly clay soil. It's possible the soil here at the new how will have a lot of clay as well.<br />
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I know it will probably be very rocky. We have several large outcroppings around the yard. I'm not looking forward to trying to prep an area for a garden if I'm going to be digging up rocks in the process. For all I know, the top soil isn't very deep.<br />
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I'm hesitating over the Earth Boxes because of the cost. On the other hand, it is far less than the green house would have been. Especially when you consider the green house would have required the purchase of containers.<br />
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In theory, we could create a Square Foot Garden for less, unless we bought a kit, which is getting into the range of the three Earth Boxes I'm considering.<br />
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Another issue is that, really, I can already sense that if I don't go full in-ground, I'm going to end up with a combination. There are crops I want to plant (asparagus) that have to be in the ground. I could buy my three Earth Boxes (for a total of four) and still end up digging up rocky, clay soil to plant asparagus and strawberry.<br />
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I suppose I should go run these ideas by hubby to see what he thinks. This blog post didn't clarify my mind as much as I was hoping.<br />
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<span id="goog_1626452674"></span><span id="goog_1626452675"></span><br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-14678781351663509862015-12-25T19:03:00.001-05:002015-12-25T19:03:48.538-05:00Hanging Row Counter<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Not the most exciting post title, but it is terribly accurate. </span></div><div>I guess I would have to say hanging row counters are my favorite. However, I must be in a minority because they aren't easy to find anymore. </div><div>I have some barrel counters I converted with a piece of yarn and a bead. </div><div>Like so</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9hyLVBCq1Jttyq21X_5u0VsiI8AKqQl6cUffYnIFE5aE4RaaHOD3hYhqrdGiMBshftapxYqgMiJlFKXaCzAq8otbSMpvjAm-kUTTCMfquyovj1SHnOW9SpkecIBUtOaqRO5nF5JMDAM/s640/blogger-image--2119372174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9hyLVBCq1Jttyq21X_5u0VsiI8AKqQl6cUffYnIFE5aE4RaaHOD3hYhqrdGiMBshftapxYqgMiJlFKXaCzAq8otbSMpvjAm-kUTTCMfquyovj1SHnOW9SpkecIBUtOaqRO5nF5JMDAM/s640/blogger-image--2119372174.jpg"></a></div>The problem is the yarn wears out. It can also get caught in the knitting. </div><div>It occurred to me I could use wire instead!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKLPeFiexqchKMxhM42tgDQTQ4hfhVpUwNUGPwZfSy_ShoUJWRsGXFBirtnXpVhoYCITQ9OzyauhZ7Iv6TeOM-g05V4B7RGFqFExrUfYIw_Kx7UjY8odhUS31V1_K2knc6ViNzCxX5FA/s640/blogger-image-371447078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKLPeFiexqchKMxhM42tgDQTQ4hfhVpUwNUGPwZfSy_ShoUJWRsGXFBirtnXpVhoYCITQ9OzyauhZ7Iv6TeOM-g05V4B7RGFqFExrUfYIw_Kx7UjY8odhUS31V1_K2knc6ViNzCxX5FA/s640/blogger-image-371447078.jpg"></a></div>So I fished out the wire I bought during my brief fascination with making stitch markers a few years ago. </div><div>A little fumbling around and Voilà!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHOQvPfWcxGlHIzGBLHbFjJ4bi1P_LEdHfZzSKyQL_lZlS5Z9Lj6Wx8eBDt8-iBlPUiPd-cqNOZ9LDRjDoqxduIxFjshQCkoaTrVAixPE_w0_dV68mODNK1nqrIY3pqBgMtOsQLYO48o/s640/blogger-image--1996606005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHOQvPfWcxGlHIzGBLHbFjJ4bi1P_LEdHfZzSKyQL_lZlS5Z9Lj6Wx8eBDt8-iBlPUiPd-cqNOZ9LDRjDoqxduIxFjshQCkoaTrVAixPE_w0_dV68mODNK1nqrIY3pqBgMtOsQLYO48o/s640/blogger-image--1996606005.jpg"></a></div>A more secure hanging row counter is mine!</div><div>I didn't even have to wrap the lower part of the wire. After feeding it through the bead I just jammed the wire up inside the row counter. </div><div>For the next one I convert I'll have to consider putting a bead at the top, too. As it is, the wire ring slips out. However, that could be good if I want to put the row counter on the needle, which I rarely do. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw9jVxcpsGZQgUgrzuZRuorZqrmInx7FXBqo_OUZpEEAEO5xI6vADUlsT1k8W5TS_6TvJ_pwyuh7vwhKgeEy0pHjGUHgeZWtlw9_opSvbEejjedwiouGsrd0WHwAgNfw5Vvs3RqRvucs/s640/blogger-image--1376267538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw9jVxcpsGZQgUgrzuZRuorZqrmInx7FXBqo_OUZpEEAEO5xI6vADUlsT1k8W5TS_6TvJ_pwyuh7vwhKgeEy0pHjGUHgeZWtlw9_opSvbEejjedwiouGsrd0WHwAgNfw5Vvs3RqRvucs/s640/blogger-image--1376267538.jpg"></a></div>And here it is in action. </div><div>Yep, feeling mighty pleased with myself. </div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-37389527891405400902015-09-22T16:00:00.001-04:002015-09-22T17:29:26.199-04:00Finished Baby Socks and Hat<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I finished the baby socks over the weekend. They are very cute. The stripes on the second sock came out very regular. </span></div>
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I'm sure it would be close to impossible to have knit the stripes like that on purpose. </div>
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I also knit a little matching hat. </div>
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The hat was knit all in one day yesterday. </div>
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Not all in one sitting. I did take breaks. </div>
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Still, I think my gauge got a little loose at the top. It probably isn't noticeable to a lay person, but another knitter might pick up on it. </div>
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Despite that, I'm glad I powered through and finished it. Now I can get back to my other projects. </div>
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Happily, I don't seem to have injured myself with all that knitting yesterday, although my right thumb is a little sore. </div>
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No knitting until tonight so my thumb can rest!<br />
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Yarn: Indulgence 6-Ply with Silk in color 12<br />
Patterns: Socks from Sock Wizard software. Hat <a href="http://knittingfever.com/ella-rae/pattern/free-ella-rae-pattern-beanie/" target="_blank">Ella Rae Amity Beanie</a>, worked in the round. </div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-33488070139059246582015-09-20T10:02:00.001-04:002015-09-21T12:04:54.235-04:00Wee SocksBeing in my early 40s, I thought I was past the phase of my friends having babies. <div><br></div><div>Turns out, that is not the case. Back in February (or was it May?) I had three friends who had either just delivered or were due any day. </div><div><br></div><div>I felt myself suddenly overcome with the urge to knit them all something. Totally out of character for me! I was a selfish knitter before it was a Ravelry group. </div><div><br></div><div>In the end, I dug out my SockWizard software and had it spit out a baby sock pattern. </div><div>I knit one pair for each person. However, they all looked a little different because I used self-striping yarn. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNi3gMpKGks8RH8lF44ZiXEd9NWbBeW1Xb8Y9TAzu7V-WvhdqBSkCJqL3mOl_TbWdYmK8e7rzyfoDDZovZrnEilngXOnd-lcC-qt97rU1S3J_2e_EgsCKusOKFT0qTRncgpRIDipP1M8/s640/blogger-image--1349209360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNi3gMpKGks8RH8lF44ZiXEd9NWbBeW1Xb8Y9TAzu7V-WvhdqBSkCJqL3mOl_TbWdYmK8e7rzyfoDDZovZrnEilngXOnd-lcC-qt97rU1S3J_2e_EgsCKusOKFT0qTRncgpRIDipP1M8/s640/blogger-image--1349209360.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then I went to get cards. Standing in the store I thought, "They don't know each other and won't meet." And I bought them all the <i>same card</i>. </div><div><br></div><div>I did not account for them all posting pictures on FB thanking me. </div><div><br></div><div><i>Oh well</i>. It was a really cute card. </div><div><br></div><div>That brings us to a week or two ago, when I heard about another baby due in October. Out came the yarn and pattern, which had disappeared from my iBooks after the iOS update, thank you very much. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqpY6WO2ue5Jv68MZQ-6FHPRefACOkWtvwxhq-gjXt4qP6qltNMkVqQsJ5pd37oZZIorhb2zDyNcMovDIZ6aFgNCQys1DpV82m8quVt4TbiECdZeBnnQ1c4Ghp5hj6ecFJ9twcyPxvbQ/s640/blogger-image--103091437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqpY6WO2ue5Jv68MZQ-6FHPRefACOkWtvwxhq-gjXt4qP6qltNMkVqQsJ5pd37oZZIorhb2zDyNcMovDIZ6aFgNCQys1DpV82m8quVt4TbiECdZeBnnQ1c4Ghp5hj6ecFJ9twcyPxvbQ/s640/blogger-image--103091437.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The first sock knit up as quickly as I remembered and is just as cute. </div><div><br></div><div>The second sock is having a rougher time. </div><div>There was a party at my local yarn shop yesterday to celebrate one year in her new location. </div><div><br></div><div>I was chatting away, and eating goodies, and didn't realize I hadn't reset my row counter after the cuff. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_iAYi2-bddN3KzbzfOMV-QR3YS2LyPOfnZeV-8XlyiPZsAcIcof4koPoWeGpsDw-LyAInNkAelsSfU95y_PBVyyfIAXgyRCi08LlxRVE9G5IF5sZyuE_HvdftTiIWF7KsOMk0jPp9Vc/s640/blogger-image-877200538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_iAYi2-bddN3KzbzfOMV-QR3YS2LyPOfnZeV-8XlyiPZsAcIcof4koPoWeGpsDw-LyAInNkAelsSfU95y_PBVyyfIAXgyRCi08LlxRVE9G5IF5sZyuE_HvdftTiIWF7KsOMk0jPp9Vc/s640/blogger-image-877200538.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>At least they are so small it didn't take long to fix. </div><div><br></div><div>I was back to knitting the foot last night when I started yawning my head off. Hubby turned off the TV and ordered us up to bed. </div><div><br></div><div>This sock will be finished today and then it's onto a matching hat. </div><div><br></div><div>In other news, the socks are so cute, the shop owner somehow conned me into teaching a sock class next week. </div><div>On the bright side, I think we're starting with a private lesson for her to see how I do!</div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-36442677992827974132015-05-24T21:36:00.001-04:002015-05-24T21:36:06.648-04:00Faux Foot!Inspired by the wooden foot form I saw at Abeja in Washington state and the idea of a custom dress form made with an old t-shirt and duct tape, I decided to try to use the idea to make a foot. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaK8M-Fy7iSjYauLXEiFrycVJsyfFInI_z56BKhvTmYkk-u4_lBjXe2M4-J3YKFrdWlA1aQMh8K4WKMyDbrt6NgLPsxDs1DfHAv6OsHK5qpNjG244l8T45pcd6JDq2_gUwDJ9v9lj4U8/s640/blogger-image-30110157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaK8M-Fy7iSjYauLXEiFrycVJsyfFInI_z56BKhvTmYkk-u4_lBjXe2M4-J3YKFrdWlA1aQMh8K4WKMyDbrt6NgLPsxDs1DfHAv6OsHK5qpNjG244l8T45pcd6JDq2_gUwDJ9v9lj4U8/s640/blogger-image-30110157.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mom bought me a few designs from which to select. Originally I wanted houndstooth, but when she saw all the choices I couldn't make up my mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the end, we decided the argyle was the most appropriate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBZxJHoKzkAKgrsu1YzttEmpO_xrQaq4pL3k3vGTLEIi1gmfNsW5mEgZh-yWbJK6rGqbiihdd7W3u5ZCiYOy6p_W-CYg3A7KMY0BYcGUVsgi5aPIqeQrEsrqa3tuYFnk8_EkwdCS5DkE/s640/blogger-image--2071298297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBZxJHoKzkAKgrsu1YzttEmpO_xrQaq4pL3k3vGTLEIi1gmfNsW5mEgZh-yWbJK6rGqbiihdd7W3u5ZCiYOy6p_W-CYg3A7KMY0BYcGUVsgi5aPIqeQrEsrqa3tuYFnk8_EkwdCS5DkE/s640/blogger-image--2071298297.jpg"></a></div></div>As I started the process I wasn't sure how to proceed. Basically, I got as far as putting on my old sock. </div><div>Happily, my niece sprang into action and took over. She started wrapping it in the way her feet get wrapped for soccer. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB2gxJrycJUmoo6Z0UbJgehxcwyq2Eq0ut-yv1eMwk1fHOZPH_8vDMvVCije8ZJBU4Jtc1Dbra3ViZB99RlEqoRcDG_DTUgOrGmCxmV_FYNjAO7A3gwF-7u5jfUZ9lvigFOKk8d5_WCw/s640/blogger-image-155137493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB2gxJrycJUmoo6Z0UbJgehxcwyq2Eq0ut-yv1eMwk1fHOZPH_8vDMvVCije8ZJBU4Jtc1Dbra3ViZB99RlEqoRcDG_DTUgOrGmCxmV_FYNjAO7A3gwF-7u5jfUZ9lvigFOKk8d5_WCw/s640/blogger-image-155137493.jpg"></a></div>Layers were carefully added in small sections to conform to the shape of my foot. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j-2mBoBP2XpS5uHw6r7WdiXh59YgaVKg4U4Z1IQn6F64GQW0lImSnWTDWdKQ3CSfqjc0-AtitJHhR4U816J71u2IwyZ7ANoiZEYn7h3hItbp1OyBqmYcNQLsBvqGG__TJv-nN0_yfpU/s640/blogger-image--1880507361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j-2mBoBP2XpS5uHw6r7WdiXh59YgaVKg4U4Z1IQn6F64GQW0lImSnWTDWdKQ3CSfqjc0-AtitJHhR4U816J71u2IwyZ7ANoiZEYn7h3hItbp1OyBqmYcNQLsBvqGG__TJv-nN0_yfpU/s640/blogger-image--1880507361.jpg"></a></div>She went down to my toes and the up my calf. She said we couldn't go to the very top, but it was close enough. </div><div>Once the entire foot was covered, she carefully cut down the back of my leg. She had to cut down into the heel a little in order to open it enough to take it off my foot. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV4O2WUz4CgrNYoWvslTBMKEqUOMz1pGSflo2glMe1z2h8LB7xei4twmyuNuLvzp8C8iZOjPMypBD0l4DHqYI8qrbvLeUcM85ZZFB0JYDdhO6en1LHaLuBE6-JbttUbWI5WJRg5OyeWE/s640/blogger-image-1758072481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV4O2WUz4CgrNYoWvslTBMKEqUOMz1pGSflo2glMe1z2h8LB7xei4twmyuNuLvzp8C8iZOjPMypBD0l4DHqYI8qrbvLeUcM85ZZFB0JYDdhO6en1LHaLuBE6-JbttUbWI5WJRg5OyeWE/s640/blogger-image-1758072481.jpg"></a></div>How awesome is the finished foot?! It actually looks like a foot. </div><div>I think it's hysterical. </div><div>She put a few handfuls of rice in the bottom for weight, then carefully stuffed it with fiberfill. </div><div>She had to be careful not to overfill it and distort the shape. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy-22-lIWYrnKa1hNNh_fXNd0pxVnkKcv7W_b5ZxXnvoNGtPBlDnBKhxeoLYRHeK2rQ1BLXiR6poh-srBi2uRxlS-dMKplGBVfJ5-_G7ZxDDY0o_bFZcVT6xCP_cBEFAFfIdkByNDCG0/s640/blogger-image--348928530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy-22-lIWYrnKa1hNNh_fXNd0pxVnkKcv7W_b5ZxXnvoNGtPBlDnBKhxeoLYRHeK2rQ1BLXiR6poh-srBi2uRxlS-dMKplGBVfJ5-_G7ZxDDY0o_bFZcVT6xCP_cBEFAFfIdkByNDCG0/s640/blogger-image--348928530.jpg"></a></div>We popped a finished sock on the form and it fits very well. But then it should, since it's my foot!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzmAi5bqcgxTQStxxHzKkKPDuncUSSEKg27QwcnWsejYUE-oZ1i-QWC4NHnozzC7QSj80onebSICc4YiCwAvRYXYWqmG9wt1l1j5GBwuKeAMHmVEIR4bN5aAO5SDxvxhWrRykPbJoZvI/s640/blogger-image-1483219712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzmAi5bqcgxTQStxxHzKkKPDuncUSSEKg27QwcnWsejYUE-oZ1i-QWC4NHnozzC7QSj80onebSICc4YiCwAvRYXYWqmG9wt1l1j5GBwuKeAMHmVEIR4bN5aAO5SDxvxhWrRykPbJoZvI/s640/blogger-image-1483219712.jpg"></a></div>It was actually a little tricky to get the sock onto the foot, but it probably just takes practice. </div><div>I'll probably have to figure out a way to close the top up. </div><div>Now I have a way to display finished socks. Or even test them as I'm knitting them instead of trying it on my actual foot. </div><div>I'm also wondering whether this will help me embrace toe-up sock knitting as I'll be able to try the sock on the form to determine gusset shaping. </div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-89003082019196886572015-04-15T22:21:00.001-04:002015-04-15T22:21:20.631-04:00Fake footWe are on vacation in Washington state. Drinking ALL the wine! <div><br></div><div>These first few nights we're staying at The Inn at Abeja, which is beautiful. </div><div><br></div><div>When we checked in last night I saw this foot form. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Jq23Twy20CNTzlRLs9QWdZmNLDsRrCKTxg5jN3q-qjblvYgDCoUeh1cgBNV1XH_RX9dFZE7osA_ARC0ib3q1-seYYWnoYxDox8WuPUskgQaVlZUSGpW1ov0nTsfMAQedtwTD5DrqAs/s640/blogger-image--459135897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Jq23Twy20CNTzlRLs9QWdZmNLDsRrCKTxg5jN3q-qjblvYgDCoUeh1cgBNV1XH_RX9dFZE7osA_ARC0ib3q1-seYYWnoYxDox8WuPUskgQaVlZUSGpW1ov0nTsfMAQedtwTD5DrqAs/s640/blogger-image--459135897.jpg"></a></div>Maybe it's a shoe form?</div><div><br></div><div>I couldn't resist trying a sock on it. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKccrl-ruN5QFGf4Bh9uVq45dH7YN67MXvBkT27BSxPDvveTTnkt26cbsGoWEs88d3oswNiur7t4UHa-jl2Wf2Umf-P5zc_-r-bO986u7nYltWth9B8yl5r9n8xBc3_C05gAZR9Ggdws/s640/blogger-image--1985013833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKccrl-ruN5QFGf4Bh9uVq45dH7YN67MXvBkT27BSxPDvveTTnkt26cbsGoWEs88d3oswNiur7t4UHa-jl2Wf2Umf-P5zc_-r-bO986u7nYltWth9B8yl5r9n8xBc3_C05gAZR9Ggdws/s640/blogger-image--1985013833.jpg"></a></div>I was a bit surprised by how well it fit!</div><div><br></div><div>Then I wondered how the form compared to my foot. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFb-bS7TirXp9ggGmQ7BOZQZmlIigMUBmJWhJQsYdM3-koin3o4tFvafdGid_TasAkQ7A6W1tc0dpFFNsiYuJ0TmJE0CawamrTydoYHmuIquekWi0wSTv7dGxvP9r1RdQVDnbji_kw0g/s640/blogger-image--1671384583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFb-bS7TirXp9ggGmQ7BOZQZmlIigMUBmJWhJQsYdM3-koin3o4tFvafdGid_TasAkQ7A6W1tc0dpFFNsiYuJ0TmJE0CawamrTydoYHmuIquekWi0wSTv7dGxvP9r1RdQVDnbji_kw0g/s640/blogger-image--1671384583.jpg"></a></div>The width is probably the same, but the toes are longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I guess it wouldn't be a good sock blocker. </div><br></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-15409066909424684292015-01-24T17:32:00.001-05:002015-01-24T17:32:42.084-05:00Sweater SurgeryI woke up this morning with a potentially brilliant idea. <div><br><div>My iPhone suggested "dangerous " after I typed "potentially", Siri knows me so well. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnL_dM6PGUQyDEJ5KY2aQ84NEP2fuV605b2k6qr-xGSo7cJVBajjUx1CobAgAB0ZO1pzWte2sPfLZXL8b-WTzCKpd0NrK5gwuhYr4yYWpUAqgDAa1CISsi8Lu2ms-XAhhMZbUzFwLpT8/s640/blogger-image--1347728754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnL_dM6PGUQyDEJ5KY2aQ84NEP2fuV605b2k6qr-xGSo7cJVBajjUx1CobAgAB0ZO1pzWte2sPfLZXL8b-WTzCKpd0NrK5gwuhYr4yYWpUAqgDAa1CISsi8Lu2ms-XAhhMZbUzFwLpT8/s640/blogger-image--1347728754.jpg"></a></div>Anyway, I knit this Buttercup top last Summer. Halfway through I read that the pattern runs large. </div><div><br></div><div>Turns out that is accurate. </div><div><br></div><div>The body fit well, but the bodice was a bit plunging for my taste. </div><div><br></div><div>After all that time knitting, I wore it anyway. </div><div><br></div><div>The problem is the neckline has only grown more open with each wash and wear. Really, it's starting to be unwearable. </div><div><br></div><div>On Wednesday, I was discussing the issue with a lady at knitting group who also knit one and is having the same issue. (Although she used a different yarn.)</div><div><br></div><div>She said she might just frog it, and I agreed that might be the way to go. Since the sweater is knit top-down you have to go through the entire garment to reach the neckline. </div><div><br></div><div>Then this morning I woke up and thought, "Why not just frog the problem area?"</div><div><br></div><div>I <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">shouldn't have to cut anything since I want to save the "skirt."</span></div><div><br></div><div>Instead, I can find where I joined a new ball after the bodice, pick out the end, and unravel up. </div><div><br></div><div>The skirt stitches will be placed on a lifeline until I'm ready to join the pieces together. I'm thinking Kitchener stitch. </div><div><br></div><div>One potential problem is getting the stitch count of the new, smaller top to match the skirt so I can graft them. </div><div><br></div><div>But, really, if I'm not going to wear it as-is I've got nothing to lose. </div><div><br></div><div>At most, it might end up longer because I have to keep knitting to get the stitch counts to match. </div><div><br></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-3560587929006345532015-01-23T23:36:00.001-05:002015-01-23T23:36:01.824-05:00Ticking AwayFinally have my warp threaded again. Now to sley the reed, again. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQmLBla1z67QZVIzW_OMQlrLmafb8ycQyBBACqbmhmhGgIkHVMtUvCfRfQfp1fi-dpzjYmqeSOIqqIABzSFW9QNFJQzGnylCFgtaoxIo9Rokv_0EHp4pqua-0Hr1rI4m4XoTO7-iemOY/s640/blogger-image-1259632657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQmLBla1z67QZVIzW_OMQlrLmafb8ycQyBBACqbmhmhGgIkHVMtUvCfRfQfp1fi-dpzjYmqeSOIqqIABzSFW9QNFJQzGnylCFgtaoxIo9Rokv_0EHp4pqua-0Hr1rI4m4XoTO7-iemOY/s640/blogger-image-1259632657.jpg"></a></div>It's a good reminder not to act in haste. </div><div><br></div><div>After my previous attempt with this yarn didn't work out, I cut it loose and pulled it all the way out. </div><div><br></div><div>The next time I saw my weaving instructor she said, "Why don't you try a plain weave instead of a twill?"</div><div><br></div><div>And here I am, ticking away at returning to square one. </div><div><br></div><div>Trying a 15 dent reed this time. I hope it doesn't turn to mush like my previous attempts. </div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-1804122675320253472014-08-11T23:17:00.001-04:002014-08-11T23:17:03.700-04:00Outlander ExcitementDid you watch the Outlander premier on Saturday?<br />
I did! It was actually my second time watching the episode as I'd cracked and watched it on-demand earlier in the week.<br />
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My mother-in-law introduced the books to be back in 2002 or so. She told me it was about time travel, but that first one is a bodice ripper in my opinion. The "romance novel" aspects do get toned down in the later books.<br />
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My mother-in-law is amazed at how excited people are about the TV series. She says she's been telling people about the books for years. That fits in with what I've been reading about them. They built a following through word of mouth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1zfYyUUfXlZhZappsol8aOJ_ZjGvpdnZiKziYgmt9FWTUlu1qkYIBD1imMzqgilvGXDwdrepvFUethJ5FOVCPEsJlsf1FGNRTcDo8G3PHg2Btz7krPAb6qeL7sgHp2NOf_iUNrVwMDE/s1600/IMG_4851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1zfYyUUfXlZhZappsol8aOJ_ZjGvpdnZiKziYgmt9FWTUlu1qkYIBD1imMzqgilvGXDwdrepvFUethJ5FOVCPEsJlsf1FGNRTcDo8G3PHg2Btz7krPAb6qeL7sgHp2NOf_iUNrVwMDE/s1600/IMG_4851.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Having allowed myself to get sucked into the hype on social media and the <a href="http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander/" target="_blank">Starz</a> website, I decide it would be a good idea to try a couple recipes from the Outlander Kitchen blog to get into the spirit of things.<br />
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I tried the <a href="http://outlanderkitchen.com/2012/02/20/claires-spoon-bread-from-drums-of-autumn/" target="_blank">Claire's Spoon Bread</a> recipe (above) and the <a href="http://outlanderkitchen.com/2012/09/24/scotch-eggs-from-an-echo-in-the-bone/" target="_blank">Scotch Eggs</a> recipe (below)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTR7k3PaGwLUif3xKnlYkQBPqBVnuB0RNAu-dRRhlvxruCyH9bpQBqjUuvt19xD_NjAEDWBGSjRjfwEsaa_fKOvZF2iMxihUXJkLSSZeBEfOx1YyjhP-CorGQxLHxP_NT4h6BjF-73Io/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTR7k3PaGwLUif3xKnlYkQBPqBVnuB0RNAu-dRRhlvxruCyH9bpQBqjUuvt19xD_NjAEDWBGSjRjfwEsaa_fKOvZF2iMxihUXJkLSSZeBEfOx1YyjhP-CorGQxLHxP_NT4h6BjF-73Io/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Neither recipe was very difficult, but I don't know that I'd bother making either again.<br />
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Now, in the case of the Spoon Bread, I might have messed it up. The recipe calls for putting the batter in a 9" pie plate or ramekins. As you see, I used my 8" square stoneware pan that I bought at the King Arthur Flour store.<br />
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Maybe the size and shape of my pan messed it up, but it came out awfully thin.<br />
Another issue is the taste. Mine tastes a little fizzy and metallic. I think it has to to with the leavening agent is baking soda and lemon juice. Maybe I measured incorrectly or my baking soda is old, but it's just weird.<br />
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As for the Scotch Eggs, which I've always viewed suspiciously (if I'm being honest). The first one I ate on Sunday was very tasty, although I thought it could use some gravy. Actually, I only ate half of one, which might have been a good idea.<br />
I tried another one today and it was just too strong a flavor. I don't know if it's cured in the fridge, or because I tried to reheat it in a frying pan, but I'm eying the remaining two with a little bit of reluctance.<br />
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Oh well, my recipe experiments weren't as transcendent as I'd hoped. But the night wasn't a total loss!<br />
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Show producer Ronald D Moore was live tweeting during the first showing of the premier episode!<br />
Since I'd already watched, I was able to follow the conversation on Twitter.<br />
I noticed he was also responding to questions....so I sent him one. And he responded!<br />
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I feel so special!<br />
Looking back, my question might have been a little dumb, but then I guess maybe not since he answered. A lot of people favorited and retweeted his answer to me, so maybe I'm not the only one who wondered about it.<br />
Someone else responded to me that it had to have been choreographed because it looked so effortless. That, of course, makes total sense.<br />
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Between <a href="http://wendyknits.net/" target="_blank">Wendy Knits</a> following my work Instagram account and Ronald D Moore responding to me on Twitter, I had a pretty rocking social media weekend!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-21292143954742860152014-08-08T22:47:00.001-04:002014-08-08T22:50:59.980-04:00Shawl Struggles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Back in January I bought the pattern for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carradal" target="_blank">Carradal Shawl</a> on Ravelry.<br />
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It is designed by Lucy Hauge and is part of her Celtic Cable Shawls eBook.<br />
Carradal is the first one that really caught my eye. All the ones after seem more beautiful than the next. This probably means I should buy the eBook, but I figured I should knit this shawl first!<br />
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I like the combination of the stripes at the top and the beautiful cable at the bottom. The size is appealing as well. It looks like a shawl you can wrap up in.<br />
I'm kinda of tired of all these shawlets that are really glorified scarves! If I'm going to knit a shawl I want it to be usable. <br />
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I was sure that I was going to use this soft yellow Ella Rae Lace Merino yarn with the lavender as the contrasting color. Some days the dark purple seemed better, but usually it was the lavender.<br />
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All these months I keep saying Carradal would be my next project. Finally, I decided it would be my now project!<br />
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Swatching commenced, and that's when the trouble began.<br />
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Neither the lavender or the dark purple was making my heart leap. I proceeded to wind and add in several other colors of Lace Merino in an attempt to find a good contrast.<br />
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I settled on the fuchsia, which was the last color I tried.<br />
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Then things went from bad to worse. I couldn't get a combination of the proper gauge and a pleasing fabric.<br />
To get even close to the gauge in the pattern I had to go up to a US10 needle! That made a very floppy and open fabric. I can't believe it is what the designer had in mind.<br />
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Using a needle that would give me a nice fabric, even if it wasn't the proper gauge, is in theory, an option. However, I'm not sure about the math that would be involved in keeping the shawl the proper size. I don't want to spend all that time knitting only to end up with a shawl that is too small to use.<br />
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Sadly, I realized I wouldn't be able to use the Lace Merino for this pattern. My mind was a little boggled that I didn't have the proper weight yarn in enough quantity to make the larger size.<br />
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Finally, I hit on some alpaca that I bought at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year. The gauge is much closer than I got with the Lace Merino, and the fabric is pleasing.<br />
It is a single, massive, hank of silver yarn, so my shawl will be one color, but that should work out fine.<br />
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My only concern now is that the alpaca will fuzz up and obscure the cable. I guess only time will tell.<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-33652867800788735982014-08-07T18:00:00.000-04:002014-08-07T18:00:35.587-04:00Wish Me LuckThe State Fair starts tomorrow.<br />
In a moment of insanity, I submitted two items for the needlework competition.<br />
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For the knitting category I submitted my Miss Kitty Top from the Louisa Harding Jesse book.<br />
It's a real show-stopper and I'll be surprised if I don't get at least an honorable mention.<br />
I finished knitting it in the spring and have enjoyed wearing it this summer.<br />
When I first finished it the fit was a little snug, but the yarn has really softened up with washing and the fit is great now.<br />
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For the weaving category I submitted the scarf I wove during my first class using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn.<br />
It looks pretty good for a second weaving project, which the judges won't know. Really, the yarn is the selling point for this scarf.<br />
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I'm not sure why I decided to be brave and submit items to the fair. I've never done it, or thought about doing it, in the past.<br />
Maybe it's because the fairgrounds are right here in town. I don't think I've ever lived so close to one before.<br />
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Another factor was the fiber people I know down here talking about it and encouraging everyone to submit stuff. They want to show off the "vibrant fiber arts community" in the area.<br />
What the heck! Right?<br />
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Monday was the day to drop off items for the Needlework category. It was a foggy morning. The rides looked strange in the fog, but it was exciting to see the fair taking shape.<br />
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I received one free admission ticket because I'm an "exhibitor." I've told hubby we'll have to go on one if his days off.<br />
When I was driving by the fairgrounds earlier this week (it is located near the grocery store) I saw a trailer that implied there would be pig races.<br />
I want to see the "Fastest Swine Off the Line"!<br />
We'll also need to eat fried food and vote for my items for the Fan Favorite.<br />
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The Fair ends Aug 16. I suppose that's when winners will be announced. <br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-86269665330197263872013-05-30T22:30:00.001-04:002013-05-30T22:30:59.644-04:00Bubbles!If I'm going to start blogging again, it might as well be with a bang.<br />
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Or at least the pop of a sparkling wine bottle blowing its cork.<br />
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Maybe I should back up.<br />
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Wine!</h2>
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It's been so long since I posted that you might not remember hubby made a career change last year. He left teaching to purse his love of wine by becoming a sommelier.<br />
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As part of this career change he has been taking classes through WSET to increase his knowledge and gain certifications that will help in his career.<br />
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The current section he's working on, for which he will test next week, is sparkling wine.<br />
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How it's made. Where it's made. The differences in taste. Etc etc.<br />
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Part of the test includes a blind tasting of at least two, if not three, wines. So he has to be familiar with them in order to identify them later.<br />
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Dangerous Bubbles</h2>
The thing about sparkling wine? It's got bubbles. Natural carbonation.<br />
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Back in the day (i.e., when it was first discovered) those bubbles used to make the bottles explode. Modern glass and wine making methods have reduced that risk.<br />
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But if you've ever enjoyed a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve (and, by the way, it can only be called champagne if it's from the Champagne region of France), you know it's hard to maintain those bubbles long term.<br />
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He's trying to taste through them quickly, but in the mean time we're using corks from standard bottles to plug them back up.<br />
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Well, it hasn't been working so well today!<br />
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This morning I got out his first round of blind tastings. Those fat-ass bottles got stuck in the wee wine fridge and got jostled around a bit as I was trying to get them out.<br />
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When I put the bottles on the counter the cork blew right out of that Aria cava on the left! It gave me a start and the cork ended up on the other side of the kitchen.<br />
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"You'll shoot and eye out, kid!"<br />
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No harm done. He tasted his wines and I got out three more, including opening a new bottle of a Pinot Noir Cava.<br />
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This evening I'm sitting in the living room and Baru and I hear a tap in the kitchen. <br />
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Of course, he starts barking his little head off (Samson wasn't interested), but we didn't see anything when we went to check.<br />
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A little while later I go back out to the kitchen to feed them and as I'm picking up their bowls I notice a puddle behind the wine fridge.<br />
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That pink tinge is a puddle of Pinot Noir Cava. There is some Dry Sec mixed in for good measure.<br />
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Two wines(!) blew their corks and spewed all over the fridge.<br />
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Even if I'd realized what it was, I don't think it would have helped. I imagine the wine shot out with some force and I couldn't have stopped it.<br />
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Much sponging and mopping later and it's all cleaned up. I put those bottles (along with the Cava from this morning) into the regular fridge hoping they'll be more stable.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Reasons to Mop</h2>
It's the second time this week I've had a horrific reason to mop.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the week I pulled the garbage bag out and it started to leak.<br />
<br />
This was a particularly rank bag, full of raw chicken bones and water from rinsing the coffee grounds out of the French Press every morning.<br />
<br />
It was so foul I actually threw up into the bag a little.<br />
<br />
I managed to get it outside by putting it on an empty kibble bag, but there was a nasty puddle on the floor.<br />
<br />
Yeah, that was fun to clean up. Much mopping ensued.<br />
<br />
Hmm, smell-wise I think I'd rather mop up spilled wine!<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-29517911310185994562012-11-01T23:01:00.000-04:002012-11-01T23:01:32.107-04:00Patterns of Behavior SweaterAt the beginning of the year I was on a kick to <a href="http://travelingann.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-you-love-it-so-much-why-dont-you.html" target="_blank">knit with the various beautiful yarns</a> I've been acquiring over the years.<br />
<br />
What was the point in having them tucked away in the dining room credenza if I wasn't going to actively enjoy them?<br />
<br />
This plan was working well until two things happened.<br />
<br />
First, I find it hard to juggle my personal knitting with my work knitting. There are only so many hours in the day, after all.<br />
<br />
Second, in April I started the Patterns of Behavior Sweater.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/17912182@N06/7049066235/" title="Patterns of behavior sweater by TravelingAnn, on Flickr"><img alt="Patterns of behavior sweater" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/7049066235_ce7e77ecf7_n.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
The name will become obvious in a moment.<br />
<br />
The original use-the-nice-yarn plan was to just knit the stuff. Keep it simple so projects would be completed and I could get on to wearing them.<br />
<br />
That, obviously, didn't last long.<br />
<br />
As I contemplated the Spring Pansies yarn I bought from Ellen's Half-Pint Farm during the 2011 New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival the idea of knitting another <a href="http://travelingann.blogspot.com/search/label/Schleppy%20sweater" target="_blank">Schleppy Sweater</a> of ribbing and stockinette didn't appeal.<br />
<br />
No, instead it should have a big cowl neck.<br />
<br />
And if I was going to work a cowl neck it should have an interesting stitch pattern.<br />
<br />
And if I was going to do the neck in an interesting stitch pattern I should do the hem and cuffs in the same pattern to tie it all together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/17912182@N06/8146571393/" title="Patterns of behavior sleeve by TravelingAnn, on Flickr"><img alt="Patterns of behavior sleeve" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8146571393_29b4dabb73_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Suddenly, instead of just knitting the yarn already I had fallen back into the old habits, ahem--Patterns of Behavior, of making complicated projects.<br />
<br />
In this case, a sweater with Feather & Fan hem, cuffs, and cowl collar.<br />
<br />
Despite all that I'd been zipping along, until it was time to start the sleeves.<br />
<br />
Figuring out the stitch count for the cuff tripped me up. And then we moved. And then I had work knitting. And, well, you know how it goes.<br />
<br />
I picked the sweater back up a week or two ago. Rhinebeck pressure, you know.<br />
<br />
The sleeves flew along once I started knitting them. I decided to work them one at a time, in the round, on double points.<br />
<br />
The yoke, which always seems to take forever when I'm working a sweater in the round, has moved along briskly as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/17912182@N06/8146567781/" title="Patterns of behavior sweater by TravelingAnn, on Flickr"><img alt="Patterns of behavior sweater" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8146567781_70917ce46c_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I was working on the sweater last week during <a href="http://www.adirondackyarns.com/" target="_blank">Adirondack Yarns'</a> open knitting session and had a really constructive conversation about the collar with one of the other knitters.<br />
<br />
We decided I should work the first part of the collar in stockinette stitch so I can easily work the increases to get to cowl size, then switch to the Feather & Fan pattern.<br />
<br />
I'll have to remember to reverse it when the time comes since it's going to fold over and I don't want the wrong/back side of the knitting showing.<br />
<br />
I'm getting really close to having the yoke done. Unfortunately, my left wrist is cranky so I think it's best to take a knitting break for a day or two.<br />
<br />
At little rest now prevents a long rest later! <br />
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-29525921267453685542012-10-31T13:12:00.002-04:002012-11-01T23:01:55.803-04:00Boo!I may have mentioned that the house we're renting was built in the mid-1800s.<br />
<br />
Although I try not to think about it, I'm sure many people were born and died here since that is what you did back then.<br />
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Hubby and I were standing in the upstairs hallway as he got ready for work.<br />
<br />
The door to the spare room was mostly closed. This is usual since I'm trying to keep the unused areas shut off to save on our heating bills.<br />
<br />
But then the door rattled and closed the rest of the way.<br />
<br />
We both stopped and looked at it.<br />
<br />
In my head I told myself it was the wind, even though there aren't any open windows and the door at the other end of the room leading to the back steps is closed as well.<br />
<br />
Hubby said, a little too causally, "Weell, I'm going to go ahead to work now. Try not to think about today being Halloween."<br />
<br />
Rising to the challenge, I decided to open the door so we could battle whatever monster was lurking within together.<br />
<br />
I almost pissed myself when I saw <i>movement</i> in the room as the door swung open.<br />
<br />
Why the heck was something moving<i> in an empty room</i>?!<br />
<br />
As the door swung fully open Samson came bursting out.<br />
<br />
Much to our relief and laughter.<br />
<br />
I had actually been wondering where he was for at least an hour, but had assumed he was napping under our bed.<br />
<br />
He likes to lay on the floor in the spare room as it gives him a good view of the hallway and down the staircase.<br />
<br />
Our theory is the door was only half open when he went in and he knocked it shut the rest of the way.<br />
<br />
What we don't understand is why he didn't bark when he wanted to come out. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1510401723741083721.post-62035286063661651652012-10-13T12:24:00.001-04:002012-11-01T23:02:14.856-04:00A Bad SignI've been working from home for over two years now.<br />
<br />
During that time I've occasionally thought about that cartoon on The Oatmeal blog about <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/working_home" target="_blank">the pros and cons of working from home</a>.<br />
<br />
When we were in New Hampshire I think my social skills weren't able to slide much because I saw Hubby regularly during the day and I'd have to get dressed to meet him for lunch in the cafeteria.<br />
<br />
Basically, I was interacting with people on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Not so here in New York.<br />
<br />
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<br />
No, here I've been able to rapidly become feral and jump straight to the one year mark on the degradation of social skills panel.<br />
<br />
To make myself feel better I like to blame hubby's weird schedule. I wake up before him but don't want to make noise showering. Then when he leaves I have to get to work, with the end result being I either shower at 4 o'clock in the afternoon or I don't shower at all.<br />
<br />
This is wrong and I know it.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking for a while now that I have to be more diligent about showering and dressing as soon as I wake up.<br />
<br />
The urgent need to enact this new routine was driven home this morning.<br />
<br />
The house is a pig stye and needs to be cleaned. When I announced that this morning Hubby responded, "We've been saying that for months." And I had to point out that it's really true now (as opposed to before when it was just slightly messy).<br />
<br />
I decided that since I had a lot of housework ahead of me it would be easier to tackle if I was ready for action, which means wearing shoes. <br />
<br />
So I got dressed.<br />
<br />
Then I went downstairs and put on my sneakers.<br />
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<br />
And Samson lost his mind.<br />
<br />
He started dancing around me.<br />
<br />
He ran to the front door and rang his bell.<br />
<br />
He ran back to me, danced some more, and woofed.<br />
<br />
It was very obvious that he thought something exciting was going to happen--most likely a walk--because mommy <i>was putting clothes on</i>.<br />
<br />
Wow. I've got to make an effort to get dressed every day. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704190859216762493noreply@blogger.com0