Happy New Years Eve!

Well, happy New Year's Eve everyone!  Hope you all have some BIG plans for ringing in 2012 tonight!!  We will be doing the usual, staying home, watching the ball drop and just relaxing.  After a few hectic days at the rink we are ready for it.  Brayden played in the Salmon Arm tournament these past couple of days.  They did really well but just couldn't get by Revelstoke (again!!).  UGH!!! The Saints came in third overall so not too bad.  The little guys from Beaver Valley took the tournament and that was great to see as they are dead last in their league.  That being said, they shelacked all of the teams here, so I can just imagine what kind of league they must have in Trail/Nelson and area.  Those teams would be TOUGH!!!! Anyway, it was nice to see them take home the win as it did a lot of good for their confidence.  They only had one point this year and that's because they tied a game.....all others were a loss!  It was really nice to see the little guys soooo happy! :) 

Anyway - I won't get into the resolutions I have for the coming year....but suffice it to say that getting to a reasonable weight is on the list AGAIN!!! Will this be the year???  I do have a few knitting related goals I wish to accomplish too!  I have a wack of friends that have all requested knitted items and I have good intentions to get a few of those accomplished this year (yes Donna, your blue socks are on that list!!) Tee hee!! I have also resolved to knit 12 sweaters and 12 pairs of socks this year, so we'll see how THAT goes!!! :)  As well, I am moving forward with my yarn business and have just placed another wholesale order for that.  Hopefully that order will be here soon and I can fire up the dye pots again.  It's been WAY too long!!

Not sure what the rest of 2012 will have in store for the Costa's but I think it will be the year of change.  We have a lot of "what ifs?" on the agenda so hopefully we can make some decisions and find a little direction.  We do have some specific goals...just not sure which road to take to make them come to fruition.  It's times like these that I could really use a crystal ball!! 

Well, I hope that 2012 is good to you all, my faithful readers, and that you will find much happiness and health in the year to come.  Enjoy your celebrations tonight and stay safe!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas with the Costa's!!!

Here's Brayden opening his scooter (from Grandma & Grandpa) on Christmas morning....do you think he likes it??? Yes...yes....YES!!!!!

Here's our tree this year - it is a beautiful tree with minimal decorations this year and just twinkly lights.  I love it!! :) 

....and here is someone waiting patiently for Santa to arrive!!! 

Hope you all had a FABULOUS Christmas and that Santa was good to you!  All the best for 2012!!!

Christmas is for the dogs!!

Merry Ha Ha!!

A Knitter's Poem....

A Knitter's Night before Christmas


'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
and the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needlesto see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tripped over my yarn and fell with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick!
What I heard then left me somewhat perplexed-ed,
for not a name I heard was what I expected.

"Move Ashford; move Lopi; move Addie & Clover;
move Reynolds; move Starmore; and Noro - move over!"
"Paton, don't circle round, stay in the line.
Come now, you sheep, you'll work out just fine!

I know this is hard being just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer.
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a 'grazing.

And then, in a twinkle, I heard at my door
Santa's coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
and as I turned round, Saint Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toes
and his cloths were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in a aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
a beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have streached for a mile,
and the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The backs of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
and suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was the duplicate stitch on the cuff,
and I asked "Hay Nick, did you knit all this stuff?

He poudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when Iwas a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
and I laughed to myself for I'd thought of a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped in the air,
the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
for the first time Ithought I might really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes on some socks
while I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly, like magic his needles they flew,
that he was all finished byquarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
and over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting some time around June!"

TOOOOOOOOOT!!!!

CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!!  (For those of you that aren't crafty and could care less about the knitting world...fast forward to 11:55 of the videocast).

Apple Blossom and Ewe

I can't believe the review my yarn got!!!  I can't say enough GOOD things about Sarah even though I don't even know her.  What I DO know is that she has a fabulous videocast (watched by many) and is an amazing person.  I have done some test knitting for her before but never expected her to actually purchase some of my yarn!!! (Yes, she PAID for her skein...I did not give it to her...although after this review...she might just be gifted another skein!!).  You can't BUY good advertising like that!! Sadly, my store isn't stocked very well at the moment as I've been soooo busy with the craft fairs (tis the season)...but hopefully I'll get a few sales from this rave review!!  Regardless, it sure made my day!!! :)  TOOOOOOOT!!! :)

Happy Birthday to my little goober....!

Happy Birthday to my little man Brayden who turned nine years old on Saturday!!!  He and Wayne travelled to Revelstoke in the morning for hockey where the Saints took on the super tough Revelstoke team.  They ended up tieing the game at 4 goals apiece and Wayne said it was one of the best games he'd ever seen.  Very exciting!!   The boys came back and met me at Boston Pizza for dinner and then we took Brayden and his little friend, Dawson, to the Silverbacks game.  They had a GREAT time!!

While the boys were in Revelstoke, I took part in the annual Shuswap Spinners & Weavers Craft Show, which was amazing.   I was under the impression that it was just "finished objects" so I did not bring my yarn or fiber...and only brought the few hand knit items I had left....a few shawls, some scarves, hats ...just really basic stuff.  SOLD!!! I couldn't believe how fast the items went.  There were tons of amazing items there - really beautiful stuff.  Some of the girls brought fiber and yarn so next year I'll be a little more prepared in that department too! :)  Anyway - it was tons of fun and I'm super happy with the sales...so glad I went.  Alas, my poor little Etsy store really has nothing in it now.  I opened up a store for just my finished items called Handmade4Ewe.....so I guess I'll have to get busy and restock it.  That will have to wait though as I have been commissioned to knit some kid's socks from a lady I met at a craft fair that called me the other day and I have also been asked to knit some baby props for my GF who runs a photography business up north!  :)  My fingers are working as fast as they possibly can.  I'm loving it!! So fun to knit little kid stuff.  Such cute little items and they knit up pretty fast.  Well, okay - the hats do...the socks are proving to take a little longer...but I get paid more for those too! :)  Anyway - it's all good!! :)  Looking forward to getting a LOT done this week as Wayne has headed back to Invermere tonight and its just Brayden and I again!! Not much on the agenda this week, which means a LOT of knitting/spinning time!! Have a great week everyone and thanks for stopping by! :)

Update!!

Three out of the four - GONE!! The white scarf with the rabbit tails didn't go.  I had lots of people admiring it...but it is rather weird looking!!  The hat, scarf and fingerless mitts were snapped up right away.  It was a great night!  The gal that bought the funky scarf wants me to make her at least 3 or 4 more (we'll see if she calls!!).  LOL!!! I am really LOVING the craft fairs.  Next year I'll be more prepared!! :) It's a fun way to make a living!! :)

I've been bit....

Okay - I admit it...I've been bit by the novelty yarn bug!!! UGH!!!  I just thought I'd whip up these two little beauties cuz I've heard so much about this yarn and how FAST and easy these scarves are.  Okay - I'll admit - they knit up quick....I'm just not sure I like them!! We'll see how they do at the craft fair tonight!! Stay tuned! :)

Oh...and I whipped up a couple more things this week after selling out at the last craft fair I did last weekend.  Here's a hat and some fingerless mitts.  Fun, quick knits that will hopefully sell!! If not, they'll be going in my new Etsy store (finished objects), which I'll get to on Monday sometime!  :)

Well, tomorrow I'm off to my annual scrapbooking retreat out at Sunnybrae.  I cannot wait!!! It always goes by soooo fast - I really hope time slows down a little this weekend as I have lots to get done.  I had a woman look through my sold cards on Etsy and she has commissioned me to reproduce five of them for her (yikes!!).  She also wants just colored images from me...so I'll be busy!! :)  I've been contemplating taking my wheel along for the weekend to get a little spinning in...but I think I'll just take my copics.  Surely those will keep me busy enough!! Anyway - thanks for stopping by...have a great weekend! :)

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Happy Birthday Dad....see you soon!!

Remebrance Day....

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Bradyen took part in the Remembrance Day ceremony today in Salmon Arm.  He was in the parade with the Cub Scouts and marched from the Legion to the Cenotaph downtown.  Afterward, he joined all the army dudes/air cadets, etc. for some hotdogs, hot chocolate and fellowship at the First United Church.  It was cold and rainy and the wreath ceremony took FOREVER...but standing out there in the harsh blustering cold made me think of those soldiers stuck out in the middle of nowhere with cold feet and soaked clothing (probably freezing to death) fighting for and protecting my freedom.  I sucked it up and braved the elements and enjoyed the ceremony...especially the bag pipes.  I LOVE the bag pipes.  Anyway, after the ceremony it was home to relax and hang out for the afternoon as a family.  Good times! :)
 
 

 
Also, just wanted to mention that yesterday my Mom and Dad would have been married for 49 years!! Sadly, my Mom's been gone for 14 years now....and my Dad is happily remarried but I still like to remember the day!! Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!! :)  Have a great weekend everyone! :) Looking forward to a craft fair and hockey game tomorrow and then I'm not sure what the rest of the weekend will hold.  I'll keep you posted!  Thanks for stopping by!

Whoot!! A free night!!

Yes, no hockey, no cubs, no power skating.....NOTHING!! A night off!! Actually, the neighbors just picked up Brayden and he's headed to Awana....a youth group of some sort!  I'm happy to send him as he is driving me nuts!!  Man that child has a mouth on him!!! I KNOW he's not like this when he's away from home....and I'm told by the so called professionals to just let him "vent" when he gets home but when it comes to being disrespectful...I will NOT tolerate that!! GAH!!!!  Anyway, I'm off to a weekend scrapbooking retreat with the ladies...so I think that's just what the doctor ordered!  B will be staying with Grandpa who was nice enough to come HERE to look after him and the animals.  WOW...does that ever make things easier on me! (Thanks Dad!!)  I'm really looking forward to the weekend although much of it will be spent working on the new online store.  I am taking my knitting along  too and hope to steal a little time other than inputting pictures on the site (read b-o-r-i-n-g!!) 

On the knitting front...I test knit a pair of socks for a gal and they turned out fine.  I only have the first one done and hope to get the other one started this weekend.  It is "Socktober" right now so I have three more pairs on the needles.  Each has one sock completed but sadly I've been suffering from Second Sock Syndrome and have yet to cast on each mate.  I hope to rectify that this weekend and get them done by the end of the month!! I am also working on a Twistygoo hat and just finished this Rib-A-Roni for the little devil child! 

 I actually enjoy making hats - they knit up soooo quickly! This one was pretty simple but I think it will keep his ears warm.  We usually go through 3-4 hats a season so I'm sure this one will end up in a lost and found somewhere! :) 

I'll have to wait until after the weekend to show you my scrapbooking items - I have a new card class and some make & takes for this weekend planned.  I hope the ladies like them! :)  Anyway - have a GREAT weekend....and thanks for stopping by!

Brayden's jokes of the day.....

1.  Do you know the difference between pulled pork and pea soup??  Everyone can pull pork but not everyone can pea soup!! LOL! Get it??

2.  Why couldn't the soccer team light a fire?? Because they lost all their matches!! (*Snort). 

He's on FIRE today!!! LOL!!!

So we're just spending the day hanging out, watching football (NFL - bleck) and doing absolutely nothing.  I'm knitting and he is coloring on a great big NHL logo poster that someone gave him at school.  I'm totally impressed and I'll be sure to share it with you when it's completed.  I will be framing this one as I can't believe how patient he is and how much work he's put into it.....HOURS!!!  It looks really COOL!! We are enjoying the down time as we've had a pretty busy week leading up to the weekend.  We had hockey again yesterday and so far the teams have not been picked.  I did hear from one of the coach's wives that her hubby is trying to get Brayden on his team but who knows.  I'm not going to worry about it this year - let the chips fall where they may.  They always switch things around anyway and I end up getting all freaked out for nothing!! I'm sure wherever he lands, he'll have a great year!  :)

So ....I was involved in another test knit for a designer.  I am way ahead of the deadline on these so I was thrilled to be able to get them in early for her.  That's what having extended hockey practices will do to you - lots of ice time also equals lots of knitting time!! Whoot!! Anyway, here are my completed socks:

It's a little tough to see the beads in these but trust me, they're the perfect match to the color of the socks - which, by the way, is my own hand-dyed yarn.  It was fun to work with my own stuff - nice to see how it knits up.  I am getting low in my shop - all the fall colors are gone - so its time for me to get busy again!! I need to get more yarn! :) 

Anyway - hope you are enjoying your Sunday - enjoy the nice weather this afternoon as I think it's going to be rainy for the rest of the week!! I'm heading out to cut the grass!! Yippie!! :)

If you have a cat....then this makes sense to you!!

Happy Monday....

Good morning peeps!! Fresh start to another week!! Cold and dreary outside with some expected rain this week.  Is fall here already???  I spent the early part of the morning picking up yard carnage from last night's wind storm.  I loathe the wind.  I actually couldn't stand the howling through our house (freaks me right out) so I grabbed Brayden and we went for a drive.  I felt much better and he was happy to get an ice cream cone as he has a sore throat. :(  It was past his bed time...but seriously, who could sleep anyway with the stinkin' wind blowing the way it was!! We felt much better after an hour or so when it had died down.  Wind terrifies me - give me lightening or thunder any day of the week - you can keep the wind!!

So this week will be a busy one.  We're heading to Vernon tonight to end round 4 of my copic classes.  I was hoping that this would be IT...but it looks like I will have to go one more round.  I keep having people sign up!! Crazy!!  This will be round 5 - but THAT will be it until the spring at least.  Then I'll see whether I want to continue with them again or not.  That's a lifetime away for me...who knows WHAT I"ll be into by then.  I'm still helping Tara with the store set up - we should be online in a week or two.  We're getting close!  Anyway - Tuesday Brayden starts hockey so I'll be enjoying some knitting time at the arena again! :)  Looking forward to that!  Wednesday is Cub Scouts and Brayden will be attempting to earn his "Collection Badge" by presenting his hockey card collection!  He's pretty excited about that.  When I picked him up last week, I was a little surprised to see a taxidermied wolf head on a pole that they do a little chant to, but I guess that's all part of the routine!  (A tad creepy if you ask me!)  Anyway, there are some interesting little fellows in that group (not to mention a few of the leaders) but Brayden seems to really like it.  I think it helps that he goes to school with two of the little guys and I think he knows another little dude from soccer.  Should be a good year.  Not sure what the rest of the week will bring ....but I'm sure we'll be busy!!  Thanks for stopping by!

Buh Bye Summer

(some pics from our trip to the Salmon River a few weeks ago)



Happy Anniversary to me....

....and my honey!! 11 years and going strong!! Happy Anniversary to US!! Sadly, he's in Invermere today and I'm here - but he called first thing this morning and that just made my day!! :)  Looking forward to the next 11 ....and many more after that! :)

Hard to believe.....

...it's been 14 years!  I miss you Mom! :(

This pretty much.....

says it all....don't it?!!!

By the way....Dad...if you are reading this....you've missed a couple weekly check in phone calls!!  Whazzzz UP???

What's goin' on....

Bad blogger alert - yes, I know...high time for an update!!!

Brayden is loving his classes and his new teacher who is also new to the school.  He seems to be hanging with quite a few grade 5 girls this year - not sure how I feel about that!!!  There seems to be a different girl at the house everyday after school (just neighborhood kids) and a few more "play date" offers everyday!  He has a costume party tomorrow afternoon at the theater and truth be told, I neither have the costume nor the present yet!! UGH!!! :( 

Well, last Saturday morning was a gong show.  I had the alpaca show and as well, hockey try outs - the final day where Brayden had to meet with the coach and a parent.  Yes, I had booked myself in two places at once.  Actually I was supposed to teach a class that day too, but thankfully I was able to postpone it.  As expected, Brayden did not make the team but that's okay...I wasn't disappointed one bit.  I think we're more keen on the house league anyway.  A lot less travel and a lot less politicking in the stands (from what I hear anyway)!  Looking forward to the regular season getting started later this month.  Brayden is also in Cub Scouts this year - or supposed to be.  I'm a little miffed that they are late in contacting us as the year has already started, but I managed to garner a number from one of Brayden's little friends so I'll be calling first thing Monday morning to see what the heck is going on.  They cashed my cheque for $150 earlier this summer, so I know he's registered!!  Not impressed so far as he was supposed to be in the parade last weekend!!! :(  Anyway - on a positive note, my alpaca Popcorn did AMAZING in the show.  He came in second in his class, which was the biggest class in the show!! Whooooot!!! That is amazing - great potential for the coming years if I can keep him healthy!! :)  I kind of wish I would have entered Brutis now too, but I'm happy with Popcorn's results.  That put our farm, Gleneden Alpacas, on the map anyway!!! It's quite an honor to place - especially this being my FIRST show!!! Whooot!!!  Anyway - it was a stressful show for me, but by the end, I had calmed down and was really enjoying it.  :) 

I have been teaching a LOT in Vernon.  Along with my copic classes (which are on the fourth round now)...I have been doing card classes and layout classes. 

Having lots of fun with the ladies.  We're at the end stages of getting the store online and "live".  That's exciting stuff! :)  It's almost ready - hopefully by the 1st of October we'll be up and running.

As for my knitting, I have updates that need to be added to my store.  I did "okay" at the Salmon Arm fair but not as good as in Armstrong.  That's okay - the SA fair is a LOT smaller!! It was still a nice bit of cash for not having to do anything other than set up my stuff.  Next year I'm going to enter some items in the fair.  I say that every year but NEXT year for sure!! :) 

Anyway, not much else on the go (that's enough, isn't it??)  Thanks for stopping by!!  :)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Happy Anniversary to my Dad and Nancy who celebrate 9 years of togetherness today!! Also...missing Nanny (Wayne's Mom)....hard to believe its been a YEAR already!! :(  Time sure does fly!!

Back to School!!

It's the MOST wonderful time ....of the year!!! (Can you hear me singing???!)  Tee hee!! Well, we were up and 'attem this morning bright and early...yes, it was hard!! Here are a few of my annual "first day" pics!!

Brayden had the usual excitement and a few butterflies this morning! :)  Good thing its a short day!  Later this afternoon hockey season begins in the Costa household.  We have rep tryouts this afternoon at 4:30.  Hopefully his blister has healed and a callus has formed so his new skates are a little more comfortable.   This week should be a busy one with the Salmon Arm Fall Fair right around the corner!!  I did fairly well at the IPE this year...sold quite a few skeins of yarn and some fiber.  I will have to spend some time in the dye pots this week (perhaps today) to get a few more goodies ready for the local fair.  Nice to have a venue to sell my wares without having to pay for a booth or pay any commission!  Pays to join the local guild I guess! :)

Busy Day....

This is what a day in the dye pots looks like!! First you have to dye the fiber...then you have to wait for it to dry.  Now normally, this would all be drying outside...but alas, the wind picked up this afternoon and so I had to switch to Plan B!  Tomorrow night I will be at the I.P.E. in Armstrong from 3:30 until 10pm and will be bringing along some fibery goodness to hopefully sell throughout the weekend!! If you're at the fair come see the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers at in the Horticulture building.  I have a few other pieces ready to go and I just hope this batch dries in time! :)  I have all my ball bands printed and just need to spend a few hours tagging everything! :)  FUN TIMES!!! :) 

Camping FUN!!!

Do these kids look like they're having fun or WHAT???? Grandma and Grandpa were brave enough to take the grandkids camping for the weekend!! They had a riot!! They made t-shirts and smores and just had a great time playing games and acting out plays, etc. They want to go to drama camp next year apparently!! Fun times!!

 

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa...can't wait to do it again next year.  I hear the kids have already picked out spot #39!!! Whooot!!

Magnolia Watercolor Class.....

Here's the class I taught tonight........watercoloring using distress inks.  I had 7 ladies (2 had to cancel due to health issues and one lady forgot about the class) so it was a smaller class but we all had a great time.  They sure seemed to enjoy the technique anyway!! :)

Now I just have to work on a schedule for September!! Is it THAT time already??! Whew!

Happy Birthday Kevin!!!

Tried to call you twice Bro.....twasn't meant to be...hope you had a good day anyway!!!

LOVE YOU!
L :)

Stampscapes Class....

As I had no pics in my last couple of posts......I thought I would share the Stampscapes cards from a class I taught on the 20th.  I had a full house and Tara sold over $1000.00 in Stampscapes products as a result of the class.  I'd say the participants liked it!! LOL!! :)

Is it September yet???

Okay...almost!! Just wanted to get in a blog post before ALL of August was GONE!!! We have been hair straight back in the Costa household.  Tons of stuff going on.  Brayden has been enjoying Golf School in Kelowna with Grandpa and Grandma and then a week of Hockey School here in Salmon Arm where we parked the motorhome over at Herald Park and commuted to town every day.  This weekend he is off with Grandma, Grandpa and cousin Makena over to Scotch Creek where they are camping in our motorhome.  Wayne and I rode out on the Harley to see them on Friday afternoon and again today.  Looks like they're having a GREAT time!!!  Wayne headed back to work today so I have the night to myself.  I have been spinning all afternoon to the point where my hands have had enough!  I've been busy with my copic classes in Vernon and tomorrow I'll teach a watercolor painting class using distress inks....another FULL HOUSE!! That's pretty gratifying...my classes have been FULL!! :)  I'm on round three of the copic classes ...so that is huge for me as well.  I'll wind those down in September and perhaps pick them up again later in the fall or early winter.  We'll see how the weather behaves....it's still an hour to Vernon from here.

Anyway - lots going on.  Hopefully once things settle down and B is back to school I'll have more goodies to show you.  For now...we're just trying to get through the busy summer and get things organized for the new school year.   Thanks for stopping by!! :)

Ack!!

Ridiculous that I haven't had a post this month and the first week of August is over!!! :(  Well, Happy Birthday to Wayne and I (me on the 2nd ...him on the 4th).  Sadly, we weren't together for either this year but he did manage to sneak home for one night last night and so took me out for a nice dinner at the local Greek House ...Minos! YUM!!  I had to say goodbye to him again today as he headed back to Invermere.  He'll be home on Wednesday but I'll be leaving that morning for the Fibre Fusion in Grand Forks!! Looking forward to that.  I've been dyeing up some YUMMY yarns and fibre so hopefully, it will be busy and the weekend will be a success.  Its their first one and as well, it is MY first show as a vendor (I'm working with 3 other gals) so it should be interesting.  I am a little behind in the prep for it...so hope to get into the dye pots again tomorrow.  I had planned to dye today, but with Wayne being home...there just wasn't time.  That's okay- tomorrow will work - hopefully I'll get lots done.  Teaching in Vernon again tomorrow night - I'm really quite enjoying teaching - I didn't think I would.  The extra money is nice too and goodness knows I need it as I did a lot of damage at the Sock Summit and I haven't worked at all on transcription since I got back!!UGH!!  Thankfully my account has been slow, so at least that's one positive!  :)  Well, I hope to have pics of all my yarny goodness before I leave Wednesday.  Stay tuned for some cards as well!! :)  I've been working on my stampscapes class that will take place later this month! :)  That's all for now - thanks for stopping by!  

Exhausted......

from all the yarny goodness and the hangover of a FABULOUS summit!! Yes, sadly Sock Summit 2011 is over for me for this year but what an amazing time!! Seriously ...life changing!!! I had a great time in my one hour lectures on Saturday and yesterday's class with Mary Scott Huff was AMAZING!!!! I honestly wasn't even looking forward to the class as I thought I would HATE colorwork.  Still, it was something I had not tried before, so I wanted to take it and see if I could do it.  Not only can I do it...I LOVED it!!!!  I am working on a cute pair of socks right now and I'll be sure to post when I am done.  Yesterday before I had to be in class, the girls and I took the train to downtown Portland for the Saturday market.  All I can say is WOW!!!  There was so much eye candy there.  Hundreds of booths with such amazing artisans...truely good for the soul.  I was a little rushed so I couldn't see it all, but what I did see made me happy, happy, happy.  Lots of great work.  Today, we are heading to the beach (2.5 hours away) and then to some outlet stores to do a little more shopping.  :)  It has been an AWESOME time so far ....I can't believe its almost time to come home!!!

Sock summit 2011 flash mob

SOCK SUMMIT 2011 - WHOOOOT!!!!

Good morning from PORTLAND!!! The knitters have taken this city by storm!! :)  Safe trip down from Kelowna and other than one wrong turn in Seattle we did pretty well.  We did manage to hit rush hour but up until then it was smooth sailing.  Arrived around 7pm so not bad overall.   Yesterday, we drove to Lloyd Center (mall) and hopped on the train downtown.  I jumped off at the Convention Center and the girls carried on downtown for some shopping.   I schlepped through registration, which took about 3 minutes (amazing) and then headed off to the tables to knit with a few of the ladies as I had about 2 hours before my first class!!  That was fun. I met people from all over the country.....and they say "I" have an accent!!! Pffffttt!!! Apparently I say "about" funny!!! ...and I guess I do say "eh" alot...I never noticed!!!LOL!!! :) My class was awesome although it was a tad toooo beginnerish for me.  I did learn stuff though and did get a new spindle with a fun bunch of roving.  :)  Then the MARKET opened!! Wheeeeeeeee!!!!  I held back from the lineup as there was a freakin' STAMPEDE to get through those doors.  Once I was in though....it was amazing!!  All kinds of yarny goodness in there.  I didn't take any pics as I think they just might frown on that...but it was truly yarn paradise!!!  A few hundred vendors with tons of yarny goodness to share.  I can't say I came out unscathed as I did manage to pick up a wack of fibre...but it could have been MUCH worse.  Ah well, today is another day....I'm sure my CC will have some damage when I'm done.  I have my eye on a beautiful drum carder too....and with the Candian Dollar being what it is.....ACK!!!!  Anyway, after my classes and the market ...I headed over to the ballroom for the opening ceremonies.  What a riot.  I have not laughed that hard in a LONG time (I'm sure the beer helped a little....yes, we have beer at knitting conventions!!).  It was soooo fun.  Then the girls picked me up and we rode the train back to Lloyd Center and headed home where we all had a fashion show of our purchases.  I think mine were a little less interesting to them...but I loved showing it all off even though they looked at me like I had three heads!! LOL!!  Anyway - Day 1 = AWESOME!!! Day two - here we go!!! Today I have two lectures and should be done by 3 or so.  Then I think we'll do a little more shopping and see the sites.  Might take in a movie tonight!! :)  We'll see!!!  Hopefully I'll get a few more pics today! :)  Have a good one!!

This totally cracks me up....

You may or may not know...but I have a calendar on my fridge that I made a few years ago.  I don't usually even notice it and I seldom change the numbers from month to month.  That's something that Brayden does - he likes to do it.  Anyway - it looks like this:

Now goodness knows, I'm in the fridge a bizmillion times a day ...and I barely notice changes to the thing....but this morning, this little white arrow caught my eye!! What the....????  Upon closer inspection...I saw this:

Is my kid a CFL fan or what??? That boy takes after his mama!!! LOL!!!  This is just one of those everyday little occurrence that totally cracks me up, brings a smile to my face and makes me feel sooooo happy that I'm a Mom to a GREAT kid!!!