Scarves, scarves and MORE scarves!!

Scarves seem to be multiplying around this house. How does that happen? And believe it or not, I still don't have enough - neither does Cari she informed me. I guess that's a good thing huh? I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that now Heidi is addicted to knitting as well. She and her neighbor, Rachel, got their first sticker shot at one of our local yarn shops yesterday. When you're used to Walmart and lots of Michael's yarns, real yarn in a real yarn shop can knock you back a bit ... until you get used to it that is. I can remember freaking out discovering I would need two balls or hanks of a particular fiber priced at $15 a piece for a scarf. These days I don't even blink an eye at spending $30 for beautiful, soft, unique yarn for a scarf. The day ended well for them though. When I knew I was meeting them, I quickly did a de-stashing of lots of yarn I knew I'd probably never use. Some of it was given to me, some leftover from previous projects, some purchased on clearance that I've already used on a project and am unlikely to use again, etc. They were on the receiving end of two kitchen trash bags about 2/3 full. It will be exciting for me to see what they create with their new loot!

OK, on to the scarves I've done recently ... I've become addicted to the fun, stash busting, striped scarves:

Next came the awesome Twisted Drop Stitch scarves that work up incredible fast. Wonderful for those quick gifts!

There were at least two more I can think of that were already gone when I finally managed to take the time to photograph my projects. This next one is a "ruffle" scarf I designed for Cari. She saw one very similar to this in Target and fell in love. You know I wouldn't buy it. I just HAD to make it myself. After researching pattern after pattern after pattern and still coming up dry, I decided to take bits and pieces from several patterns and design my own. I'm pretty happy with the end result.

This next one, thankfully, turned out beautiful but it was a PITA to work with this yarn. Even though I hate chenille, when I saw these beautifully felted chenille scarves at KnitWits I fell in love. So much so that I walked away with not one, but TWO hanks of the stuff. Had to get the purple for Cari and I picked out some really wild, bold colors for myself. I have to say I really didn't enjoy working with the damn yarn - cussed the entire time I think. But the end result was worth it (I guess). Cari LOVED it! It's a shame when something is so soft it makes baby alpaca not feel soft. (Simple 2x2 rib pattern.)


I discovered this JMU purple Misti Alpaca Chunky at KnitWits while searching for yarn for Cari's roommate, Jocelyn. Needless to say, I simply had to get enough for two of them. I couldn't make Jocelyn one and not Cari! I used the Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf pattern.

Remember Eli the Elephant I made for Morgan? Well I had enough yarn left over for a scarf and since emerald green is one of Heidi's favorite colors, I thought that would be a good project for it. This scarf, too, is done using the One Row pattern from Yarn Harlot.


... and now for a couple of beanies. This cute little pink one is for Morgan and the camo one for her Dad.


I think that's all for now. There's still a few pics on my camera that I'll eventually get around to. First I have to concentrate all my efforts on finishing Dad's Flannelghan for his birthday next week. And I still have a couple of bookmarks and candle bracelets to do too. So, I'm off to create ...

QB

Merry Christmas!

Another year bites the dust. I know I say this every year, but I don't know where the days, weeks and months go so fast. And every year I swear I'm going to simplify so I can enjoy the season more. And every year it seems I do manage to eliminate something but either it isn't enough or I manage to fill that slot with something else, because it always comes way too fast.

This year I did quite a bit of knitting and beading for gifts - oh and a bit of sewing too! Now that I have a grand baby I seem to find even more projects to fill my time. Making quite a few of the fabric books was one of my projects. I think I made about seven of them this year. Once I got the hang of it, they went pretty quickly. The girls (Heidi and Cari) both got several scarves in addition to quite a few quick "Drop Stitch" scarves I managed to crank out for some other gifts. Ribbon bookmarks and candle bracelets were also big on my list this year. (Note to self: make a list of who you gave them to this year so you don't duplicate them next year!)

I didn't get much baking done this year (not that I need it anyway) and believe it or not, we really didn't have that many parties to attend either. Like I said, I just don't know where the days went! Our tree wasn't even "dressed" until December 15 this year. That is WAY late for me. Needless to say, it's still up and lit - I'm still enjoying it. As Cari and I were trimming it, we ended up leaving it very simple this year. It has lights, beads (need new ones next year - the blue just doesn't show up well), poinsettias and pine cones on it. When we stood back to survey it, we both looked at each other and said, "I think that's it. It looks good like it is." So, the only ornament on my tree this year is my "Grandmas First Christmas." I picked it up during our S&B Outerbanks trip in March of this year.

(Sigh ...) but the time is quickly approaching to take everything down and get back to "normal" whatever that is. I'm still enjoying my time with Cari so most of my "normal" stuff must wait until she goes back on the 10th. Then I'll get back to business. Hopefully I'll have some new Morgan photos to share next time I'm back. (We haven't seen her for Christmas yet - they've all been sick. :( Hopefully, Saturday we'll get to see her.)

until then,
QB signing off ...

Christmas Books

Getting those Christmas stories out in December ranks right up there with my Christmas music! I love listening to my favorite Christmas tunes while doing just about anything getting ready for the holidays. The only time I'm not listening to Christmas music or reading a Christmas story is when I'm watching Christmas movies! Love them too!! In fact, it's December 30 and I still have a few on my DVR I haven't watched yet. If they're new ones (to me) I'll make time to watch them. If not, I'll probably delete and move on. This year I loved "The Ultimate Gift" and "The Three Gifts" on the Hallmark Channel. And, oh my, what's not to love about Drew Fuller ("The Ultimate Gift")? wiping drool off my chin ... LOL

I try to pick up a couple of new Christmas novels along with one or two new Christmas albums each year too. This year I found:

"The Perfect Christmas" by Debbie Macomber
"Mrs. Miracle" by Debbie Macomber
"Angel Lane" by Sheila Roberts

I enjoyed all three book and will definitely keep them in my collection. I had finished "Mrs. Miracle" a couple of days before receiving the email from Debbie Macomber excited about the new movie on Hallmark! I immediately went to my TV to find and record it. Cari and I watched it Monday night and it was really cute. As always, I find myself a bit disappointed in movies made from books I've read (especially when it's still fresh in my mind), but I still enjoyed it. "Angel Lane" by Sheila Roberts was a delightful surprise. As I've bitched about in the past, I've gotten burned picking up authors I've never heard of, much less read. I took a chance on this one and was really glad I did. I was immediately drawn into the story and lives of such wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed their wit, compassion, laughter and fears. I will be picking up more of Sheila's works.

I haven't decided what's next. Will have to let you know ...

until then,
Love and Laughter,
QB

Parent's Weekend at JMU

Parent's Weekend at JMU is a weekend filled with activities - lots of fun stuff. After picking up Cari we headed to the Outpost Bookstore to see what kind of trouble we could get into. She found quite a few things she just had to have, of course. I picked up a couple of t-shirts and a travel mug and Bob found a "JMU Mom" coffee mug that's the perfect size for tea! :)

From there we headed to dinner at Outback where Cari's roommate, Jocelyn, works. Jocelyn told me I simply had to try their new Caramel Appletini. I did. It was wonderful! By the time we left we needed to head back for the Colin Mochrie, Brad Sherwood Show (from "Whose Line is it Anyway?"). OH MY GOD ... what an evening filled with laughter. To say they are amazing is putting it mildly. I can't even imagine being that talented and thinking that fast on my feet. They are two crazy guys let me tell you. To tour the country and have no plan is inconceivable. But that's exactly what they do. Oh they have basic games they plan to play, but all the integral parts of the games are provided by those in the audience. When you see people shout out things in the audience on the TV show, it's true. That's how they do their show. And their show is crazy funny. My face hurt from smiling and laughing the entire time. I would go see them again in a heart beat!

We stayed at the Residence Inn in Waynesboro. It's a fairly new place and we loved it! Everyone who works there goes out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The ladies at the front desk told us about the Fall Arts Festival in downtown Waynesboro that weekend. Since we weren't able to get tickets for the football game Saturday (sold out) we decided to check out the arts festival after the picnic.

It was actually larger than we thought it would be and covered parts of several streets.


Bob checked out glassware - we did end up buying a couple of pieces (bowl and vase) from one lady. Cari found a bead booth and went home with beads and silk cording for a bracelet.

and before leaving we had to buy some of these beautiful local apples and honey ...


Cari needed some groceries so we headed to the nearest Walmart to pick up her supplies. A full cart later (which included 2 cases of water) we took the cold stuff back to our room to put in the fridge while we went to get some grub at Applebees. We had tickets for the Pops concert that evening but ended up not going. The concert didn't start until 8:30 and we were all just too tired to mess with it. After going back to Cari's dorm and putting everything away we decided it to go see if we could get her a piece of carpet for her floor and a piece of foam for her bed. Bob stayed at the dorm and played on the computer while Cari and I left. It was another late night by the time Bob and I got back to our room thirty minutes away. We both slept late Sunday morning!

We met Cari for lunch around noon and headed over to Wilson Hall for the A cappella-thon. JMU has seven a cappella groups and each one perform three songs. It was fabulous! I can't wait to hear them again. All of them were amazing. Bob said on the way home that he was sitting there thinking how untalented he is. LOL Those kids just blow you away with their talent.

About 5:00pm we headed for home. Between picking up Peanut and my car, which we left at Herb and Jean's, it was around 10:0pm by the time we got home. A very long and fun weekend!

... until next time,
QB

Balloon Ride

Bob and I have been wanting to go on a hot air balloon ride for ages. Since we decided to take an extra day before going up to JMU for Parent's Weekend, it seemed to be a good time. After researching the different companies in the Charlottesville area, we chose Bonaire Charter. Several weeks in advance I called and talked to Scott, who we later found out would be our pilot. I held myself back from getting super excited because I was afraid the weather wouldn't cooperate and we'd end up not being able to go. Monday before our scheduled ride on Thursday I called to confirm and it looked like the weather was going to be really nice, but Scott told me to call back after 2pm Thursday after he received the current update. As we drove towards Charlottesville the temperature was perfect and the sky a beautiful blue, with only a few fluffy clouds. I started letting myself get excited! Scott told us to meet him in the parking lot next to the Boar's Head Inn and we would be able to spot him because the basket would be in the back of the truck. He wasn't kidding! This is what we found we we drove up:

Scott then told us we'd be going to another location to light off with three other balloons! How cool!! My mind was already racing ahead to the photos I'd be able to get. :) It was fascinating to see the process from the very beginning! Kyle (the chaser) took this photo of us inside the balloon while it was still be blown up with the fan:

Once the balloon almost full of air, Scott started adding heat to the air ... and balloon started rising. It was SO COOL!

Lift-off was so gradual we didn't hardly even realize we were off the ground! It was so peaceful and serene. The views were awesome, especially with the other three balloons! The views were amazing. Of course I was snapping photos like crazy.


And one thing that really surprised us was the even 1300'+ in the air we could hear dogs barking like they were just down the street. Scott told us that they could hear conversations from the ground - that sounds are muffled by trees and buildings and such on the ground, but they carry in the air. It was wild. There are beautiful lakes in Charlottesville and we were above the one the UVA rowing team uses - we actually saw them practicing. Here's one of my favorite shots over the water:


The next amazing thing that happened was the "Splash and Go" technique. As we watched from our balloon, one of the other ones was slowly "falling" towards the water. As they got closer and closer to the water, Scott explained the "Splash and Go" technique to us. The pilot actually sets the basket down on the water for a few seconds, then takes off again. Wow! How cool is that?

... and here is OUR basket hitting the water. See the ripples?


How cool is that? Pretty cool, I'm thinkin'. As we rose again one of the other pilots warned Scott there was a front (with rain) coming in. We could actually see it...

Sadly, we needed to set down a bit earlier than otherwise so Scott started looking for an appropriate place to land. We ended up in a field, on a hill. It was a good thing Scott has been flying for 20 years and had plenty of experience. He walked that balloon up a hill like a dog. Kyle soon came along with the truck and the process of packing the balloon up began. Imagine our delight when we were asked to help! LOL

After the balloon was all packed up in the truck again, we headed back to the Boar's Head Inn where we enjoyed the final phase of this wonderful experience. Scott popped a bottle of champagne for us!

When we asked Scott to recommend a place for dinner he suggested "Duner's" right down the road. So off we headed. It was a small place with a packed parking lot, but we were immediately seated. As we browsed the menu, we ordered wine and munched on the delicious bread provided. Dinner was absolutely wonderful!! It was some of the best we've ever had! My marinated pork tenderloin and mashed sweet potatoes were amazing! By the time we headed back to our hotel we were slugs. The only thing that could've made our day/evening better was if Cari had been able to join us. She had planned to but had too many issues with her computer programming assignment that was due that night and couldn't make it. Hopefully next time though.

The first day of our trip started off with a bang. We looked forward to seeing some of Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday and having dinner with Cari.

... tata for now

photos by Wanda Troupe and Kyle.

More baby love!!

Got to see my little love bug on Thursday!! She is so beautiful and so sweet. Apparently, stranger anxiety has kicked in a bit early too. It had been over two week since she had seen me and as soon as she did the bottom lip poked out and she tuned up and cried. It was pitiful and cute at the same time! LOL Heidi was getting ready to give her a bath so I got to get a couple of shot of her enjoying it.


After she was all squeaky clean and dressed, I got to rock and feed her. Then it was play time:

Recent knitting projects ...

I finished my 3-way wrap a week or so ago. It's blocked and ready for buttons. I'm having trouble finding what I want. I've been to both local fabric stores and yarn shops with no luck. My next stop will be the Fabric Hut on Little Creek Road - it's been recommended. Hopefully I'll get there one day this week and find some that will really pop. (Update - went there and they didn't have anything either. UGH!) I'm working on Cari's 3-way wrap and will be looking for the perfect buttons for that as well. Hopefully, it will be finished and ready to give her next week when we go up for Parent's Weekend.

Here's mine - without big honkin' funky buttons ... still looking. :(
Cari's wrap ... finished!! :)

I've recently finished a couple of multi directional scarves. Love how both of them turned out! (Only took a photo of one ...)


I still have an afghan in progress for a Christmas gift. Will get cracking on that as soon as this wrap is completed. I haven't decided what's next after that.

That's all for now!