Candi's Cap Complete
Well, I finished
the hat. I've been wearing it all morning. I LOVE it. I seriously want one now. It is a little large for my model - but I couldn't get a picture of myself to turn out.
Candi, this is going to look FANTASTIC on you. I can't wait to see it on you!
Off to start another
1SW for Heather.
Posted by Whit at 10:22
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Miss Julia
Well, I finished the first five Miss Julia books.
Which means, I FINALLY get to listen to book six on my Shuffle!
Hooray!!!! Now I can get back to that hat....
Of course, I babysit today and also I have a class today and
I need to do laundry and do some bulk cooking -
bread, pizza, muffins, burritos & french fries -- hopefully!!!!
Posted by Whit at 08:52
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Find the Man's Head
Supposedly, if you find the man's head within THREE SECONDS your right brain is more developed than normal people.If you can find the Man's Head within 1 minute, your right brain is developed normally.If you can find the Man's Head within 1-3 minutes, your right brain is slow in reacting, you should eat more meat protein. If you're slower than that, who knows? You are a left-brainer.
Read -
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICTURE!!!!
Posted by Whit at 19:46
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Clean Your House
I have this GREAT book called
Clean Your House and Everything In It. I make my own homemade cleaners and they work SO SO well (better than anything I can buy) and they are SO SO much cheaper.
Anyhow, since I have been feeling better I've been getting my house clean (boy, did it need it!) and having a blast! I love to clean. I especially love cleaning using my little cleaners. Here is the recipe for Appliance Cleaner (which works better than 409 and is much cheaper):
2 T nonsudsy ammonia
1 t liquid dish soap
1 pint rubbing alcohol
Enough water to combine with above ingredients and make 1 gallon of cleaner.
I make it in milk jugs and put it into spray bottles and we clean EVERYTHING with this stuff. John even uses it on his eyeglasses.
Posted by Whit at 08:20
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Inkblog
Just took an inkblot test.
If you want to try it - go ahead. Probably PG13, though so K - you probably shouldn't take it. :O)
My results -
Whit, your subconscious mind is driven most by Curiosity
This means you are full of questions about life, people, and the potential of your future. You spend more time than others envisioning the possibilities of your life — things that others are too afraid to consider.
Your curiosity burns with an almost physical need to know and do more. It's only through new experiences that you feel a greater understanding of yourself or the world — which ultimately is the greatest way for you to feel satisfied.
It is possible that the underlying reason for your drive towards curiosity is a deeply rooted fear of boredom. That means that you are probably more susceptible than others to feel like you're falling into a rut when life slows down into a comfortable routine.
You need to make sure you have stimulation in your life — that makes you feel like you're innovating or being exposed to the ideas and experiences that truly inspire you.
With such a strong orientation towards curiosity, you're also prone to a rebellious quality that shows up when you feel you are just going through the motions, and are unable to really influence the world around you. But interestingly enough, your drive towards novel experiences also indicates an openness others don't have, but wish they did.
Unconsciously, your curiosity presses you to learn more, experience more, and get the most out of life.
Posted by Whit at 11:08
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Retirement of the Future
This was done with five original pictures - the camper, the moon, the mcdonald's sign (which I altered, of course), the parking curb and the earth (rising in the background). Fun stuff!
It's Sunday, so I'm off to take a nap
or something constructive like that. :O)
Posted by Whit at 13:52
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1 in 3,000
Do you like those odds? Those are the odds that you will be struck by lightning at some point in your life. I HATE LIGHTNING. I'm not sure if it was growing up on the desert with its wild displays of lightning or what the deal is, but I am absolutely terrified of lightning. What brings this up? Well, I'm glad you asked. Last night we had quite the display here in Logan. What does my dh do? He mocks me and then goes for a walk WITH MY DAUGHTER in the middle of the lightning storm. Apparently he hasn't read the facts.
I sat in the middle of my living room knitting (with the new beautiful yarn I bought yesterday). Don't worry, I used bamboo needles!What are you afraid of?What do you do when you're afraid?PS - Thanks, Candi for playing Scrabble last night - let's play again tonight!!!!
Posted by Whit at 09:39
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Poncho Time
Poncho Complete!
I left off one row on the border because it's plenty long enough!
Plus, the yarn was a mess and I wouldn't have had enough.
Posted by Whit at 12:42
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Globe Theater Burns Down
No, not THE Globe Theater... But in my case, just as sad. I grew up in Globe, Arizona. Last weekend - coincidentally the weekend of my TWENTY year class reunion (or do I have an arsonist in my class?) - the theater of my childhood burned down.I have memories of seeing Bambi there as a small child - long before VCRs much less DVDs. I saw Star Wars and Poltergeist and Top Gun and on and on... Little kid memories and family memories and friendship memories and date memories...
Posted by Whit at 11:38
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It's Made of ???
Yesterday was the 36th anniversary of the men landing on the moon. Coincidentally, James "Scotty" Doohan passed away. Any Star Trek fans out there? Scotty's ashes will be sent into space.Yes, I AM one of those people old enough to remember the moon landing. True, I was only 2 1/2 - but my Dad was very excited about the whole thing - and I seem to recall that my Grandpa Griff was excited about it as well. I have vague memories of a little tiny b&w television and a lot of fuzz, but a lot of excitement. Mom, Dad, correct me if I'm having false memories.It is very sad to me that we have not spent more time on the moon. When I was a child I had hoped that someday I would get to visit. Some people believe that privatization is the way to go. Some people say we should stick to earth. How do you feel?One thing is for sure - we could have some surprises in store for us. Go to Google's moon site and zoom in as far as possible - maybe you'll see a close-up of what the moon is really made of.
Posted by Whit at 08:55
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Not a Genius
Well, I always knew I wasn't a genius - but here are the results to prove it. Go try it yourself and see how you do!! Any among you who are mensa/genius level? Do tell!!(see the spelling of Genius on the test - how accurate can this test possibly be???)
Posted by Whit at 11:51
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Some Yarn & a Good Book
This yarn is fabulous. It is Homespun by Lion brand (they have tons of free patterns) and, although I was warned by the girl at the checkout counter that it was "really hard to work with" - I haven't really had any trouble with it. Of course, I'm not trying to knit with it and I'm using an "N" hook.The pattern I'm using is HERE if you want to see what the end result is supposed to look like.The book is "Miss Julia Throws a Wedding" (did you know that most used books sell cheaper in hardcover than paperback?) the third in the Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross. It is pretty good so far. These are cozy mysteries with no murder so they're VERY light reading. Thanks, Candi, for the recommendation! I am always looking for new authors - so post some of your favorites. I love mysteries (I think it goes with being a yarn and cat lover, but correct me if I'm wrong about that), historical fiction, classic literature (I lean heavily towards Jane Austen), light sci-fi, fantasy and the back of cereal boxes.
Posted by Whit at 08:41
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Cap Complete
Look, I got all the stitches onto dpn's.
Then, I took all the stitches off the dpn's (sorry, no pic)
and transferred them to my nice safe circ.
8.5 inches later and I had to switch back
to the dpn's.
NO PROBLEM!!! They were simple!
I think I'm read for socks now - hooray!!
Couln't be happier with the finished product.
Now to wash & block & send.
And make another one!!
What a great pattern!!
Posted by Whit at 10:18
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An Excess of Phlegm
Well, I started Saturday with the sore throat and cough. Now I can't talk and my tummy is sick and my nose is sick and ... Well, you get the whiny idea.I will sleep and knit and obsess about HP - and tomorrow (hopefully) I will be better.It is Summer!! How can I have the flu??????
Posted by Whit at 14:07
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Chemo Cap - STARTED
And restarted.
YIKES!!! Well, I decided on a knitting project that will teach me a few new knitting skills -
Cable knitting without a cable needle (which I actually have done before - but a long time ago);
grafting using the Kitchener stitch and
double pointed needle knitting. The cable knitting has been fine, great, wonderful. The grafting is where I've had trouble. I haven't actually made it to the grafting yet. The cast-on was simple.
Or so I thought. What I didn't realize (because it was apparently IMPLIED in the pattern) is that when you do a
provisional cast, you need to make sure and do a row of knit and then a row of pearl
before starting the actual pattern, otherwise you could knit 16 cables only to find out that your provisional cast-on is
permanently cast on. ARGH!
For some reason I keep working on it, though. I don't know if it's the wonderful cotton yarn or the cable knit or what, but I am enjoying the process on this one - not the frogging.
If you want to
donate a chemo cap, this website has some good information. I am donating locally - that might be an option for you as well.
PS
Photographing Cable Knit is difficult.
PPS
Posted by Whit at 18:17
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HBP - Finished
I've finished and am ready to discuss
when you all are ready.
Don't click comments until you finish - SPOILERS!!
Posted by Whit at 18:42
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Rest In Peace
Max (the wonder fish) has "passed on." I can't help feeling that somehow this is my fault. After blogging about Max the other day I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a baby Max. He had good genes after all.
Anyhow, I went to Walmart and bought Max a wife ("Anonymous" - see Strangerhood for details on the name) and brought her home to him. I went online and read about the breeding of Bettas.
We put Anonymous in a little bowl next to the bowl Max lived in. He got very excited and started to build a nest of air for his babies to live in. He would come to the top of the water, lay on his side and breathe in air. Then, he would go underwater and start blowing bubbles. It was fascinating. But, he either breathed air a little too long or his poor little heart just couldn't take the excitement.
John and Katie are planning funeral services in the backyard (although the toilet seems more appropriate - burial at sea and all that) later today. We now have one ugly Betta (aka anon.) and no Max - and also no Max babies .
Posted by Whit at 09:27
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Childhood Stuff
Blogging about the Slinky made me think of:
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
How many of you remember this stuff? Man, the smell!!! I loved SEBB. I was seven and living in a mortuary in Superior, Arizona. I'm not sure this actually worked all that well, but the smell was amazing! What toys/products do you remember from childhood? Resealable balloons? What a concept!Probably my two favorites were:
My Baby Go Bye-Bye
And, not to be forgotten:
My INCHWORM!!!!
Post your favorites and
click here to see some other retro toys. Maybe you'll see something that you remember. I almost cried when I saw my inchworm!
Posted by Whit at 10:30
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Slinky
"Some people are like Slinkies…not really good for anything but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs!"
Cracks me up. What's your favorite funny?
Posted by Whit at 08:42
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DMV
DMV - Three letters I hate to see together. I waited patiently long (some might say too long) beyond the time I should have waited for my car registratio renewal to come in the mail. I LIKE renewing my registration online.It never came.Today, under threat of death (by my husband who wouldn't recognize the inside of the DMV...), I first had the car inspected (it passed) $15 and then made my way to the court house for what I thought would be an ordeal. It wasn't. Ten minutes and $105 later I was the proud owner of an 06 sticker for my license plate.They had my address wrong. Last year I got it in the mail. This year my address is wrong??I'm hot and tired. I live in a city that is too hot or too cold and very rarely is Goldilocks happy with the weather here.Do any of you have DMV stories? Other red-tape tales? I'll bet you an 05 sticker that yours is more entertaining than mine!
Posted by Whit at 13:54
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Blogging about Frogging
I simply love a good rhyme, don't you?
Well, my tie (not to be confused with mai tai) is not working. My gauge, as usual, is off. I really don't know what I'm supposed to knit with to get this gauge. Well, actually - I do. I'm supposed to knit with 2-ply silk. I'm just not sure where to find any in Logan. I will start my search for it eventually. For now, I'm swearing off tie making for awhile. And, I've frogged the tie.
I've been told my blogs do not elicit responses. I apologize. To remedy that I will create a poll.
Would you rather be found (and WHY?):
A) Blogging
B) Clogging
C) Frogging
D) Jogging
E) Drinking mai tai's (not to be confused...)
Posted by Whit at 23:46
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1SW - Complete!!
Well, I knew I'd quickly get sick of the fruit loop yarn. I will post a picture of that tomorrow. Anyhow, I finished the 1SW. You will notice (if you look close) that I had to redo the back. I misread the pattern and the whole border (except the sleeve border) is actually done in the round.
Meg loves it and now I have orders for MORE! Katie and Heather (friend of Meg) NEED at least one each.
This is her, "Thank you, Aunt Whitney" smile.
Posted by Whit at 21:07
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Tie one on...
Well, I'm knitting a necktie. Seriously. I decided I wanted a nice little project and it is tiny thread and tiny needles -- it is insane.I have an old book "Complete Guide to Modern Knitting and Crocheting" (pub. 1947) and it is a fabulous book. Som
etimes I think I was born in the wrong time and then I remember food processors, iPods, and my Chi -- and oh, yeah - THE INTERNET.Anyhow, back to the tie - I'm knitting happily along and I decide to read to the end - the part where I put it together and I see that I need something called a "tie board" which I'm now positive does not exist in the year 2005. No mention anywhere on Google. It is a sad day, because I will have to craft my own which can lead to nothing good. I will be making a tie shape out of cardboard? Or something like that... Can't wait.Haven't worked on 1SW since my last post about it. I got yarn-sick. The pink was starting to get to me. I think I'll try to finish it up in the next day or two. Meanwhile, I'm listening to HP4 and knitting with yarn that looks like a bowl of fruit loops that got sick. I decided that I chose this yarn so that if the tie looks ridiculous it will seem intentional. Plus, also, when I get sick of this yarnI will go back to the nice soothing pink yarn and finish the 1SW.
Posted by Whit at 22:17
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HP Revisited
Well, I finished listening to HP 5, so now I'm listening to HP 4. I love these books - and I'm getting a lot of housework done!!!
I had canceled my Amazon order because I didn't trust it to show up, but when I called my local Borders they gave me the run around and said they couldn't guarantee to have it in stock for me. SO, I re-placed my Amazon order and I'll be crossing my fingers.
If you order by the 11th they are (sort of) guaranteeing delivery for next Saturday. John says to just be patient and get it a day or two later. He just doesn't get it.
I'm off to clean/listen some more!!
Posted by Whit at 11:09
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Deep in the heart
of TEXAS. Well, I finally completed my scrapbook of the trip to Texas. Amy and I drove, yes DROVE more than 1800 miles from Utah to Texas (the southernmost part) and these are the photographs to prove it. Katie and I flew back after a week or so and Amy stayed with her five (Thomas, Renee, Ty, Connor & Joshua) - they're still there.
It was a long, fun trip down. Amy and I listened to Audio Books and the time flew past. We stopped in San Antonio the second night and Mom drove up to meet us. We went to the Riverwalk and to see the Alamo. We had fun shopping in Mexico, going on a dolphin cruise and just spending time with family! Don't take my word for it - see the pictures!!
Posted by Whit at 11:32
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Batman Begins (spoilers)
Batman Begins!! I have to say I am not typically very excited about Superhero movies. This one is FABULOUS, though. I really loved it!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"You're not the devil. You're just practice."
"You start pretending to have fun, you might even have a little by accident."
"And you can borrow the Rolls if you like. Just bring it back with a full tank."
"Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society's understanding."
"A grown man who runs around the city dressed as a bat clearly has issues."
And, of course --
"Well, you know how it is, Mr Fox. You're out at night, looking for kicks and someone's passing around the weaponised Hallucinogens."
Posted by Whit at 16:48
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Fireworks
Oooohhhh, Ahhhhh... the fireworks. This particular firework was at my house. We bought (entirely legal, of course) fireworks as we do each year and the kids went nuts in the front yard. Their favorite (I think) was putting "flowers" in the brook that runs in front of our house. These got the biggest ooohs and ahhhs of all. My favorite part, of course, was when it was all over. I HATE fireworks. We never go to a stadium to watch them. They are noisy and dangerous - two of my least favorite things. That is why there are no pictures of the flowers in the brook - I would have actually had to get fairly close for such a picture. Not gonna happen.
I think my hatred of fireworks stems from when I was a little girl and we did our own fireworks and they burned holes in my clothes. Actually, I was too young to remember who did it - maybe it was actually a city event? Who knows? Still, I had little holes burned into my clothes. They could have caught me on fire and I could have died!
I am the only one in the family who hates, them, though - and I try to put on a happy face for it. Here you see Shadow in anticipation of the show!
The medium-sized one on the left - much better than the huge on on the right... which just goes to show that you can't judge a firework by... well, you know.
Posted by Whit at 16:35
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Happy Independence Day
Happy Independence Day! I went to a scout breakfast this morning (after being up late last night) and am a little tired. The flag ceremony was at 7:00. Very fun, though and I got a little teared up watching the scouts and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
My replacement cook and assistant. Isn't that a festive canopy? Yes, I fried ham. Then I came home without eating breakfast and John made me pancakes - what a guy!
Here are the cute scouts getting ready for the flag ceremony. I love the 4th of July.
John and I became engaged on the 4th of July, 1988. It is nice of the whole country
celebrate every year.If I have some time later I will post some thoughts I have about freedom.
Posted by Whit at 11:48
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Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Mmmmm.... Dad is here visiting from Texas (job interview) and so I made homemade ice cream. I downloaded several recipes for the Fourth and this one was sure tasty!!Recipe:
OLD FASHIONED FRENCH VANILLA ICE CREAM
8 eggs
3 c. sugar
2 qt. half & half
2 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 to 4 tbsp. flour
Beat eggs and sugar, add remaining ingredients except 1 quart half & half. Heat to boiling, then add last quart of half & half. Makes 4 quarts. Use 4 or 6 quart ice cream churn.
My churn is only 2 quarts so I got to make it twice!! I made ice cream and this is what the rest of the gang did...
Gaggle of geeks.
Posted by Whit at 22:24
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The 1SW
Well, I'm moving right along on the 1SW. It really IS easy and fun. I may make ten more. My problem is the whole gauge thing.... I guess I'll have to actually figure it out next time. Seems to fit Meg fine, though. I should have time tonight or tomorrow morning to finish the front.
EXCEPT she doesn't have it pulled all the way on because she got sunburned yesterday. Well, the next picture will show it better - at least it doesn't look like a "bib" anymore (Sherri!).
Posted by Whit at 19:13
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Oldest Beta on Earth
Our Beta, Max (is anybody old enough to get it?)...
John loves this fish (as does Katie)... He's starting to look his age and everyone EVERYONE who comes to our house thinks he's dead. He tends to swim (float? sleep?) on his side. I'm pretty sure he's still alive though. Pretty sure.
Posted by Whit at 19:11
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One Skein Wonder
Hooray! I started a "One Skein Wonder" last night. I know that this is supposedly an easy pattern that everybody on the web is knitting, but I have been afraid of it because I have never even purchased circular needles until now.
So, the thing is - I'm never going back to regular needles. I LOVE the circular ones. I love the way they fit into my hands. I love the way they support the weight between them. Well, I am having a ball with this little project. Hope I have time today to finish!
Posted by Whit at 07:33
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A Hat for Samantha
Well, I am a huge fan of Audio Books. With Harry Potter 6 showing up in two weeks, I figured I'd listen to Book 5 again. Usually I listen to my books as I do housework, but I've been so into the story that I've listened at night as well.I have a difficult time listening to audio books without DOING something, so I figured I'd do a little knitting.I have to admit it's weird, though. Here I am knitting a little hat for Samantha* and I'm listening to the part of Harry 5 where it talks about Hermione knitting little hats for house elves. Spooky.I've now decided that knitting while I listen to books is a great way to do two things at once. Granted, listening to a book takes longer than reading it the "normal" way - but when you normally read a book it's really hard to knit.*Katie's American Girl doll
Posted by Whit at 08:15
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My Best Friend
This is my best friend on his third birthday. Messy, but cute don't you think? He's still like that (and the candles on his cake these days would set off the smoke detectors).I was thinking today that I am not a very lovable person. But, fortunately for me I have a very loving husband. Loving and nurturing - he has a beta (fish) that he's had for almost three years. Nobody has a beta that lives that long.He also has another cute "quirk" - he can't throw anything away. Seriously, when he gets to that little piece of soap he sticks it onto the next piece so he doesn't waste any. Extreme Makeover Home Edition* stresses him out because "they're tearing down perfectly good houses." And don't get me started on the boxes of electronic doo-dads (technical term) in the garage.
I would never get rid of him and, as I said, he never gets rid of anything so I'm safe.
*Katie (dd) and I watch every new episode
Posted by Whit at 18:58
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War of the Worlds
Well, well, well.... just got back from War of the Worlds. Can't say I loved it. Here's the problem as I see it... We've got all these great special effects now. Pretty much anything we can imagine we can put up on the screen - and so they do. They forget that some of us still like a really well told story with characters who deliver memorable lines* and an ENDING.The effects were amazing and I don't think there could have been a better cast. I got so into it I was on the edge of my seat (literally) and I haven't felt like that in a long time. Final word - if you just want a good popcorn movie and don't mind gushing red and orange stuff and love special effects - this one's for you!*I'm struggling for a single line that I recall and I only just left the theater - and YES I took my hormones today... I think...
Posted by Whit at 18:38
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I have this GREAT book called Clean Your House and Everything In It. I make my own homemade cleaners and they work SO SO well (better than anything I can buy) and they are SO SO much cheaper.
Just took an inkblot test. If you want to try it - go ahead. Probably PG13, though so K - you probably shouldn't take it. :O)
Do you like those odds? Those are the odds that you will be struck by lightning at some point in your life. I HATE LIGHTNING. I'm not sure if it was growing up on the desert with its wild displays of lightning or what the deal is, but I am absolutely terrified of lightning. What brings this up? Well, I'm glad you asked. Last night we had quite the display here in Logan. What does my dh do? He mocks me and then goes for a walk WITH MY DAUGHTER in the middle of the lightning storm. Apparently he hasn't read the facts.
I sat in the middle of my living room knitting (with the new beautiful yarn I bought yesterday). Don't worry, I used bamboo needles!
Poncho Complete!
Yesterday was the 36th anniversary of the men landing on the moon. Coincidentally, James "Scotty" Doohan passed away. Any Star Trek fans out there? Scotty's ashes will be sent into space.
Well, I always knew I wasn't a genius - but here are the results to prove it. Go try it yourself and see how you do!! Any among you who are mensa/genius level? Do tell!!
This yarn is fabulous. It is Homespun by Lion brand (they have tons of free patterns) and, although I was warned by the girl at the checkout counter that it was "really hard to work with" - I haven't really had any trouble with it. Of course, I'm not trying to knit with it and I'm using an "N" hook.
And restarted.
Max (the wonder fish) has "passed on." I can't help feeling that somehow this is my fault. After blogging about Max the other day I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a baby Max. He had good genes after all.
Well, I knew I'd quickly get sick of the fruit loop yarn. I will post a picture of that tomorrow. Anyhow, I finished the 1SW. You will notice (if you look close) that I had to redo the back. I misread the pattern and the whole border (except the sleeve border) is actually done in the round.
Meg loves it and now I have orders for MORE! Katie and Heather (friend of Meg) NEED at least one each.
This is her, "Thank you, Aunt Whitney" smile.
Well, I finished listening to HP 5, so now I'm listening to HP 4. I love these books - and I'm getting a lot of housework done!!!
My replacement cook and assistant. Isn't that a festive canopy? Yes, I fried ham. Then I came home without eating breakfast and John made me pancakes - what a guy! 
Here are the cute scouts getting ready for the flag ceremony. I love the 4th of July.
Our Beta, Max (is anybody old enough to get it?)...
Well, I am a huge fan of Audio Books. With Harry Potter 6 showing up in two weeks, I figured I'd listen to Book 5 again. Usually I listen to my books as I do housework, but I've been so into the story that I've listened at night as well.
Well, well, well.... just got back from War of the Worlds. Can't say I loved it. Here's the problem as I see it... We've got all these great special effects now. Pretty much anything we can imagine we can put up on the screen - and so they do. They forget that some of us still like a really well told story with characters who deliver memorable lines* and an ENDING.
