Purling Oaks

Lists, Tuesday, and Books

This morning I'm drinking coffee and making my lists for the weekend.  Let's see...groceries:  black beans for some black bean soup, mixed bean soup for some, well, mixed bean soup.   Looks like a theme of fall is here, to me!  The plumber is here to fix the toilet that has been slow for longer than I want to say..check!  Bedding in the laundry...check!  I need to expand my work wardrobe with more business attire so I've got go clothes shopping on the errands list, too.  

Tuesday was a good day.   I met up with Vicki in Appleton for dinner and coffee with knitting!  I really enjoyed seeing some of Vicki's recent projects and to see the results of her dye pots in finished form.  She really has a great eye for color.  

We rarely remember to document our meet-ups with photos but Tuesday we both pulled out our phones for the barista.

There!  Documented meet-up with friendly blogger...check!  :D

Next on the list is waiting to have our annual boiler inspection this morning and to finish up the laundry.  I'll probably have to slip some work-work into the morning, as well, since life will be smoother for the next week or so if I get this project finished.

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 I've been reading a lot lately.  Admittedly, it is one of the ways I use to escape stress.  No matter what, reading is always a pleasure.  I've been reading quite a bit with my iPad Kindle app but also a few "real" paperbacks.  The titles have been heavily weighted lately in the urban fantasy/werewolves & vampires genres:  I've read through ALL of Ilona Andrews' books and a good portion of Jeaniene Frost's.  I like both Andrews and Frost.  Andrews builds strong worlds and has a pleasant writing style.  Frost builds good stories but is not as strong a writer--although still very readable.  For Frost's writing, I mean that sometimes I'm "bumped" out of my reading trance by illogical sentence structure or some odd construction from a technical sense.  That happened less frequently as I read the series so perhaps her editor is paying closer attention.  I'm currently on the fourth (hmm, maybe make that the sixth) (Amazon link) book in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn.  I read Kitty Goes to Washington a while ago (yes, while I was working in DC) and recently decided to read the whole series.  I was surprised by the turn of events in the third book; Ms. Vaughn is not formulaic in her writing and, obviously, I'm pleasantly entertained since I'm so far into the series.  

 I've also been reading Vicki Pettersson's Zodiac series.  When we were in Columbus, Georgia, we stopped* at The Book House and I purchased the first two books in this series.  Ms. Pettersson's story line is original - to me at least - and I'm enjoying the stories.  I don't always like the heroine as she is so self-centered and, at times, immature, but I think that is also an essential component and keeps me reading to see if this girl will break-out.  Perhaps this heroine is just a bit more "real" compared to my typical expectations of a fictional character. I definitely recommend reading this series....at least through book three which is where I've put myself on hold to give my Amazon account a breather.  

On the more serious side, I've been reading this version of Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I finished it last night and I'm thinking of reading it again, soon.  I recommend it.

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Mid-way through typing this post I noticed the sun was high enough to turn the frost on the outbuildings into vapor.  Beautiful.  (That is vapor, isn't it?)  :D

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Have a lovely weekend everyone!

 

*As a traveler, I have the opportunity to sample a lot of things and one of them is used book stores.  This Georgia book store offered a very nice, yet new to me, selection of used books.  I wonder if I happen to visit there again, would have the same experience?  There were a LOT of new to me fantasy/sci-fi books on the shelves of this store.  Do readers in Columbus read and trade different books than those in Madison, Wisconsin?  Hmmm, probably just a happy circumstance....

Some more Rhinebeck!

It has been a busy week but here's my attempt at posting about my Rhinebeck weekend.  The shopping opportunities were abundant and both Charlynn and I took advantage of them.    We ultimately were very creative packers but our hotel room looked like we would have to buy a few more suitcases.  My big purchase was a travel wheel.  Carrie had a good guess that it was a Bee but I decided on a Road Bug, based on cost and availability.  Besides, I liked it.  :D  It is like a Hitchhiker wheel but no handle and I got the double treadle option.

H

 I inventoried some of the fiber I purchased and I realized I was busy collecting a lot of BFL.  

There were also two lovely batts from Grafton Fibers.  Yummy.  

But best of all.....the people.  Charlynn and I had quality time during our travels between DC and Rhinebeck.  That is one long drive.  :D  Yeah, we do look a bit goofy in our matching hoodies but we're kids at heart.  Meeting "virtual" friends in real life like Kim, Deb (and her sis, Mary Beth), Annie, Jessica, and Manise was wonderful.  Next time, I hope we will be able to spend much more time together!  I'm sure I'm forgetting someone or something.  

I don't know if I'll make it there next year but I would certainly like to try!  I highly recommend this festival and if you have a chance to meet your virtual friends in real life, take it.!
 

Mother's Day, Monday recap

DH and I took my mom fishing for Mother's Day.  I know, many of you may be thinking.....fishing?!?  However, Mom likes to fish!  We went to Weyauwega, a short drive from her home.     The day started out chilly, gray and overcast but improved to be chilly and sunny.  (We'll take what we can get here in Wisconsin.)   Mom caught the first and the most fish.  I made the picnic lunch, including homemade brownies.  I also caught the biggest fish but had to throw the undersized large-mouth bass back.  DH says, "and I did the driving."  He also did the pole set-up and other necessary things including baiting my hook the first time.  We only took home four bluegills but it was a very nice outing.  Most importantly, Mom enjoyed it and so did we.

A geek craving creativity.....

My Google Reader shows 390 blog posts to read.  Just think of all the energy that went into writing those posts this week.  Amazing.  I may not read every one but they are amazing just the same. 

I had a wonderful time with Charlynn at the Quilt Festival.   I did my part to support our economy.  The results of this support may or may not be disclosed in a future post.   In addition to having time to be with Charlynn and enjoy our friendship in person, the exposure to all the creativity at the Festival made an impact on me.  I may not be an especially innovative or creative individual, in (small) part, due to the time I devote to my current employment.  However, I do enjoy the process of making something and the satisfaction of knowing how to "do" something. 

I'm planning on cutting back on my rather random internet surfing and increasing the time spent with my "crafty" stuff.  I doubt if any changes will be noticed here at the blog.  I will be cutting back on time spent in front of the laptop, though I am not sure what the actual result will be and if anyone will notice, even me.  Hopefully, there will be more handmade stuff on the walls of my home and adorning my body.

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I'm almost all packed with the exception of backup knitting projects and reading materials.  I'm looking forward to seeing Carrie K. and being able to explore a small part of San Francisco with her.  I'm also excited about the opportunity to attend the RSA Conference.  Can you say 'geek?'

Thursday's plans

Whew!  Those three days of work this week seemed long when I was looking forward to today and the next couple of days.  First I'm going to run around the house picking up the stuff I didn't pick up last night, pack clothes and crafts, and dose the cats with hairball medicine.  Yes, here at Chez Purling Oaks, what is usually called Spring by most folks is called hairball season.   One of these years, I'm going to save the combings and spin myself enough yarn for a blanket.  Each time I comb Blue there's enough fur for new kitten.  Really.  Well, not that we need another cat around here.

Then, I'm off to get a massage and see if Gabrielle can convince my back muscles to relax.  I feel as if my left shoulder is up to my ear.  After whatever miracles that can happen on the massage table happen, I'm off to Chicago to meet my blogless friend, Charlynn, for the Quilt Festival.  Whoop!   The weather should be very nice for driving and we're planning on finding a deep dish pizza one night, for sure.   There will be plenty of shopping opportunities and it is always inspiring to view the quilts and other creations presented at the Festival.

I just saw a bluebird sitting on top of the bird feeder in the back yard.  That's an unusual sight since they are bug eaters.  Usually I see them flitting around in the front field, but at afar, so this closer view was nice.  ETA:  What is even more interesting is that the bluebird keeps landing on the top of the shepherd's crook that holds feeders right next to the house and he's looking at me!  O.o

Random photo from my walk in the woods last week. 

I better go start my to-do list!  Happy Thursday!

Special day and I just couldn't help it......

Scroll down to the bottom if you can't read all the way there......

Angie:  Knock, knock!

Stacey:  Who's there?

A:  Ether!

S:  Ether who?

A:  Ether bunny!

A:  Knock, knock!

S:  Who's there?

A:  Nother!

S:  Nother who?

A:  'Nother ether bunny!

A:  Knock, knock!

S:  /sigh.  Who's there?

A:  Stella!

S:  /showing more interest....   Stella who?

A:  Stella 'Nother ether bunny!  (rolling with laughter)

A:  Knock, knock!

S:  /deep sigh.  Who's there?

A:  Cargo!

S:  Cargo who?

A:  Cargo beep beep, run over ether bunny!

A:  Knock, knock!

S:  Who's there?

A:  Boo!

S:  Boo who?

A:  Don't cry, there'll be another ether bunny next year!  (giggling out of control!!)

Today is Stacey's birthday, so go wish her a good one!  One year and six days ago, Stacey and I were crawling around on rocks, sitting in a special cave, shooting targets, and walking in the desert.  Fun, wasn't it, Stacey, and neither one of us turned out to be an axe-murderer, either.  Well, um, after the knock, knock jokes that may change.......  I love you, Stacey, I'm so glad you're my friend. 

Happy Birthday!

Good stuff to cushion re-entry

"Re-entry" wasn't too painful today but having the alarm clock sound an hour and a half before my natural time to rise made me sigh deeply a few times on my way to the shower.  I do think the long two-weeks of time from work did a lot of good.  I actually didn't mind going back to work.....too much.  To balance re-entry discomfort, here are a few happy, fun things from this weekend.

DH has a Finished Object! DH finished a jewelry box (for me!) he has been working on for a while. The completion had been delayed by moving to a new house, setting up the workshop, finding the correct knobs and hinges, and a flooded basement.  The workshop was reassembled during our current vacation and he made time to finish this project.  Solid oak, three drawers and a storage area under a hinged lid.  I think it is gorgeous!  I love how the wood grain flows on the front of the chest.  I have some hand-dyed felt that will be perfect to cushion the inside of the drawers -- you can see the felt to the right of the box.  Thank you, dearest husband!  See what happens when you keep giving me jewelry? (Please, don't stop, okay?)    

I also got some free yarn in the mail.  (Yes, today it is all about me.)  Isn't it pretty?  One of my favorite colors, too! I joined the 2008 Holiday Yarns Sock Club this past year.  While I haven't participated actively in the fun goings-on in the Ravelry group, I did happen to correctly answer an email question about tequila.  Something about a worm and, no, we won't go there.  Thank you, Yarn Fairy!  One of these days (sigh), I'm going to knit up one (or more) of my gorgeous kits from Jennifer and the Tsarina of Tsocks.

No photos for this next one, but I restarted Icarus on Saturday and I'm on a roll, for me.  I think I've finally clicked with the pattern.  Finally.  Talk about being the rear guard for a KAL (Knitting with Nora)!  Somebody has to do it.  Stacey is inspiring me with her progress.  Now, if we can just agree on what "one fewer" repeats mean..........

Pumpkins and alcohol......

Received from my blogless friend Charlynn.  It was too funny not to share. 

Yes, I do think it is funny.  :D

I met "The Girls!!!"

It's been a busy weekend, friends.  Nora, who claims to have little knitting or fiber background until recently, has become a fleece broker.  She made it known that friends of hers had Icelandic fleeces available for sale.  Hmmmm, Icelandic fleeces?  Sounds interesting.  I guess I could use an expansion of my fiber knowledge. 

So Saturday, I ventured west to visit Terry and Kate Moen near Richland Center.  I went to pick-up two Icelandic sheep fleeces.  I followed Terry's directions most of the way but when I was almost there I decided to take the advice of the woman with the English accent in the box on my dashboard (Garmin Nuvi GPS).  Probably not the best Idea I've had lately.  Oh, I got to Terry and Kate's all right.  It is a DARN good thing I was driving a four-wheel drive vehicle since I took the shortcut they call the "goat path."  *sigh*  It is a single-lane, gravel and mud track.  (At first I was thinking that they *really* live out in the country!  Then I was just hoping I would not get stuck.)  Turns out the lady in the box told me the worst way and there is a perfectly fine road that I could have taken if I had followed ALL of Terry's directions.)  Well, at least I know I can drive in 4WD when it means something.  *g*  I was going to wash the Jeep anyway.........

Here's what I came to see:

They are a little shy........

But if Terry adds some grain to the feeder and you give them a little room, they will come closer even with a stranger in the barn.  Aren't they sweet?

Reflecting perhaps, the new owners in that they are very different but also very similar, are the two fleeces.  I like the lighter fleece and Stacey chose a chocolate fleece.  What you cannot see, is the deep dark chocolate on the reverse side of her fleece.  I think she'll see a nice variation of yarn shades in the finished yarn.

This will be my very first adventure in producing yarn from the source, a fleece.  I will certainly document my future efforts in producing yarn.  I'm not sure yet if I'll separate the short and long (and I mean LONG) parts of the fleece or spin them together.  My first impression is that the fleece is, um, sheepy.  *g*  It is a natural smell, not quite like wet socks, not offensive, but not quite what my husband considers sexy.  A spinner or knitter may have a differing opinion......

The shearer is coming to shear "the girls" at the end of this week.  So, there will be five more fleeces available according to Terry and Kate.  Let me or Nora know if you are interested and we can put you in touch with the folks with the good stuff.

Happy Birthday, Brother!

Today is my DB's birthday.  I have only one brother and I'm very fortunate that I got this one.  You all have seen him pictured here lately.  He was celebrating his birthday today with both of his sons and he sounded very happy and relaxed when I spoke with him.  Happy Birthday, Eric.  May you have many pleasant adventures in the coming year.  I love you!

Daffodil Sunday

Today was the day the daffodils decided to bloom.  I'm glad I was home.

Squirrelly memories

Whew.  Gosh.  Oh Boy!  I'm home for a few breaths after a marvelous vacation.  Look at the very cool stitch markers that Stacey made and gave me.  Isn't the squirrel great?!  He looks so dashing.  He'll definitely add style to anything I'm knitting.  Stacey gave me only mildly naughty word markers, which I appreciate.  *g*  I'm trying not to expand my naughty-word vocabulary any wider than it is all ready.

I love the colors in these silk hankies from Stacey.  Of course, Her Wickedness expects me to spin these up soon.

But look, what's this lovely item rolling in my silk hankies?   

Why, it is the Merlin Tree spindle from Norma!  It arrived safe and sound from out East.  It immediately jumped into the luscious silk.

Norma also included tea and Vermont maple syrup with my spindle winnings.  Thank you, Norma.  It is a really beautiful spindle.  I'm so glad my name was the lucky one.

I will have a nice recap of my fun with Stacey as soon as I make sure I have our negotiated terms correct.  I may even throw in a few other photos in that post.  I'm heading back to Brew City tomorrow so I better go pack my suitcase!

ETA:  Well, the suitcase is packed.  But then it was pointed out to me *ahem* that I forgot something.  But not on purpose.  Stacey also shared her very local yarn with me.  She has something that I don't have....a hardware store that sells yarn.  Pink furry yarn at that.  Which is probably why we went fiber crawling on Thursday.  :D