Crazy Busy

So its been a couple months since I blogged about anything. Part of that is we moved into our new house, got a new puppy, I got the flu, my garden died while I had the flu, I started working, got my class schedule worked out and cooked and cleaned and general mayhem. I'm going to post up some new stuff on the house. I will be starting a page on my once a month (which turns into every two to three months, happy day for me) cooking projects. Stay tuned.

Irish Eyes

For a few months I have been working on a knitting project. In class, on the train and all around the Denver Metro area.  A white blanket/throw. A two panel blanket with three sets of cables and two sets of honey comb cable stitch.
Using a free pattern from Caron International for a baby blanket because I loved the pattern I am using for a throw in my library (green, white, orange and black color pallet).

This blanket uses these more complicated stitches in addition to knowing how to knit and purl.   

C2F = Knit 2nd stitch on needle, then knit first stitch, slide both stitches off needle at same time.

C4B = Slide 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle.

C4F = Slide 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle.

This pattern isn't too difficult and it took me only two months of on and off knitting to finish. It is good to note that I do not use the standard American style of knitting I use the European style known as continental style which is at least twice as fast, but can be difficult for beginners especially for purling (I learned to knit from an elder German woman).

BLANKET
Cast On 226 stitches.
Border
Row 1 (Right Side): K5, place marker (pm), *k1, p1; repeat from * to last 5 sts, pm , k5.
Row 2:  P1, [k1, p1] twice, slip marker (sm), *k1, p1; repeat from * to marker, sm, p1, [k1, p1] twice.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until border measures 1"/2.5cm, ending with a WrongSide row.



PATTERN STITCHES
Cable Panel A (over 40 sts)
Row 1 (RS): P3, *C4F, [k2, p3] twice; repeat from * once, C4F, k2, p3.
Row 2:(WS) K3, *(p6, k3, p2, k3) 2 times, p6, k3.
Row 3(RS): P3, *k2, C4B, p3, C2F, p3; repeat from * once, k2, C4B, p3.
Row 4(WS): Repeat Row 2.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for Cable Panel A.
Cable Panel B (over 48 sts)
Row 1 (RS): [C4F, C4B] 6 times.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: [C4B, C4F] 6 times.
Rows 6–8: Repeat Rows 2–4.
Repeat Rows 1–8 for Cable Panel B.

NOTES
1. Blanket contains five panels:  3 of Cable Panel A (40 sts) and 2 of Cable Panel B (48 sts), with 5 border sts at each edge, for a total of 226 sts in each row.  Panels alternate:  A, B, A, B, A.
2. Markers are used to separate the borders and cable patterns. Slip markers as you come to them


Body Pattern
Row 1 (Set Up): K5, sm, [work Row 1 of Cable Panel A, pm, work Row 1 of Cable Panel B, pm] twice, work Row 1 of Cable Panel A, sm, k5.
Row 2 and all WS rows: P1, [k1, p1] twice, sm, [work Row 2 of Cable Panel A, sm, work Row 2 of Cable Panel B, sm} twice, work Row 2 of Cable Panel A, sm, p1, [k1, p1] twice.
Row 3:  K5, sm, [work Row 3 of Cable Panel A, sm, work Row 3 of Cable Panel B, sm] twice, work Row 3 of Cable Panel A, sm, k5.
Row 5: K5, sm, [work Row 1 of Cable Panel A, pm, work Row 5 of Cable Panel B, pm] twice, work Row 1 of Cable Panel A, sm, k5.
Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
Row 8: Repeat Row 2.
Repeat Rows 1–8, slipping markers as you come to them, until blanket measures approximately 39"/99cm from beg, ending with Row 8. 
Border:
Work border same as beginning border. 
BO loosely. 

FINISHING
Using yarn needle, weave in yarn ends.  

To see a diagram visit Caron International 

Missing the Farm

Sr. Photo by Melissa Olson

Annabelle's first saddle (she still has her baby fuzz)

As of late I have found myself missing and longing for a horse companion. In addition to the fresh air and open skies of country living.

 In high school I was home schooled and had more free time on my hands then an average high school student. In Freshman year my parents bought me a yearling filly named Annabelle.

I worked with her in 4-h and really bonded with her. Shared with her the readings of Thoreau, Milton, Sinclair and Lewis. Lounged in the field head on her belly (dangerous I know but I am still alive). Goosed as I walk through the fields because I haven't given attention to her.

Annie's birthday was March 17th St. Patrick's Day (2 year picture)

  Our family ended up with five horses. We have a sign that really captures the essence of horse ownership, "Horses are like potato chips. You can't have just one." There is truth in this.

It has been 2 years now since I sold my 5year old and I miss her desperately. What I miss the most is the elated feeling of utter freedom atop a galloping horse. There is a special fulfillment to have a horse who is so connected to you that it can feel every pressure, every move, whether you have sat back or forward, can be calmed just by your calm and nuzzles you for attention just because it loves you.

Unfortunately being a premed student and moving across country doesn't allow much time for horse training. So I did the best thing for her sold her to a girl just coming on high school who would have time and the knack for finishing up.

Just a note to those of you who want a horse while it is fulfilling and fun. It is hard work and early mornings, time and energy, at time grueling and tedious. This is just my ode to my beloved Annabelle and my reminiscing on past times and first loves. But now I have a much closer companion who I love in a completely different way who I know share thoughts on great authors, far less dangerous to lay in a field with, still gooses me, plus my husband doesn't need training (well not a lot at least).

Here is a brief glance at my horses: 

Sugar shaking off after a roll

Lazy summer day even Annie looks sleepy

Every one wants an apple

Horsey love Amigo and Rosy

Sugar trying to get apples

Late summer Sugar and Annie

Good News/Bad News

Its the end of May and I don't know about many of you but for me this means graduations, birthdays, wedding, showers and BBQ invites coming in gobs to my mail box. For all of you Congratulations, good job, Praise the Lord, Happy Birthday, ect. But for me especially closing on our house this week it means stress and lots of it! At this point is more of the anticipation of stress than the happening itself. However it will turn out well I'm sure.

On top of this fluster of fun I had a framed painting fall on my head and give me a concussion which I just went to the hospital for. I am instructed to 'take it easy' bad news for moving. But that means more time to do my knitting. A few months ago I started an Irish Eyes Blanket  with a cross stitch and an eyelet stitch. I'm about 3/4 done and just need to sit down and do it. Which is good news.

Beach Party Birthday

I've been very busy with finals week coming up, birthday's galore. So fun my friend had a mad hatter tea birthday party (I'll have to get photos from her.) I am also helping a friend plan a party for her 10 year old daughter. The theme California Girls Beach Party (not the Katie Perry version.) I've been getting some inspiration not only from Pinterest but also from an awesome party theme on Paisley Petal Events and her Beach Barbie Party which is full of amazing ideas. However I have a lot stricter budget constraints and so I am doing many DIY decor, favors and food. Good to note these are not the actual party photos.

Something I really loved and wanted to incorporate was the surfboards but I don't have the tools to make wooden ones, at least accessible to me at the moment (if you recall all my stuff is in storage until May 21st). So I improvised. Using cardboard cut outs and paper mache and some paint I'm making full size surf boards. However in ever sunny Colorado I decided to rain this week and I have to get these done by Saturday (yes I have a week). In addition I'm going to use butcher paper and paint a board walk mural with iconic California surfer memorabilia like VW buses and surfboards on cars, should be fun.

Also to incorporate that boardwalk I bought bulk candy and put them in glass wear to give that old fashion feel. For each girl I got fun colored nail polish and the classic cola flavored lip balm. I used hand painted mini surfboards to label a personalized goodie bag for each girl. With all that we have plastic wine and martini glasses the girls can decorate and take home as well as flip flops. I'm also going to make a small bag of fudge for each girl. I know I must sound crazy but really its not so bad, there is no chance I'm standing over a hot stove to make candy (not until Christmas that is.)

I'm going to use a recipe my friend taught me last Christmas. We call it five minute fudge:

• One can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups of chocolate chips

1.  Line a 9"x13" baking dish with aluminum foil leave 3-4 inches on either side. This allows the fudge to come out of your pan so you can divide it and serve it.
2. Combine ingredients in a glass microwave safe bowl (please don't microwave plastic)
3. Microwave mixture on one minute intervals. Mix every minute until chocolate melts. Takes about 2-3 minutes
4. Pour mixture into pan 
5. Put in fridge or freezer until solid. Takes about 30min in the freezer. It can also be covered and left out over night the cold helps quicken the process. 
6. Pull out the aluminum foil the fudge will come with. Remove the foil and cut the fudge. You will look like an expert its really delicious and rich.

The thing about this fudge though is that you can change it. Use butterscotch, peanut butter, white chocolate, mint, anything that comes in a chip form and melt it down and combine. My favorite is butterscotch and chocolate (I use half and half). And add other things like marshmallows, nuts, whatever fits your fancy. The other day I made butterscotch chocolate fudge with slivered almonds it was fantastic and gone already otherwise.

 I used a Sizzex to create the birthday banner sign that will go above the gift/favor table I'm planning.

Cut out the surfboard and paint both sides 

Add designs wavy lines fun shapes ect.

Kitty "helping"

Using a letter print off on the computer I traced them with a pen leaving an imprint I then filled in with paint

Paper Lanterns

Using a hot glue gun and coffee filters

 

Learning to Garden

I know how to garden I grew up on five acres with a huge garden. My mom is a natural green thumb and has enlisted and taught us many of her gardening secrets and fun. But growing up in the wet temperate valleys of Southern Oregon is a whole lot different than the dry wild plains of eastern Colorado it should be a challenge in and of itself.

Oregon Garden

With our new house in closing and the budget I'm on I wan to not only save money on groceries but eat healthy and enjoy my food. Plus with my husbands gluten allergy (not to mention he eats his body weight in food daily) I will be  attempting to really utilities veggies and fruits.

So I'm spending my day not out frolicking in the sun with Archibald getting dirty and sweaty feeling accomplished and sexy. Oh no. I am online browsing what veggies I can grow in this dry harsh land. Okay so I'm not trying to grow watermelon in the Mohave but still gardening like cooking is a little intimidating for me but here it goes. Lucky me my mother-in-law is starting off the seedlings for many of my plants. Saving me time an money the only catch is I have to grow tomatoes and cucumbers for her.
     Another difference between planting in Oregon and planting here is I'm doing ingrown planting while with my mom we did raised bed planting. This helps with weeds, watering, soil placement and altogether planning.

Raised Bed

I wanted my husband to tell me what he wanted to grow/eat (let's be honest he'll only be benefiting from the fruits of the harvest). A really nice aspect to our new house is that we have mature trees which creates a nice shady spot for those plants and veggies that need shade. After using some websites (one I particularly liked was http://www.smartgardener.com/) and pinterest to research the zone and the seasons not to mention planning out the plant area have decided on some plants. 

Swiss Chard

Sun Veggies:

• Bell Peppers
• Hot peppers 
• Roma tomatoes
• Cherry and pear tomatoes
• Lemon Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Green Beans
• Strawberries 

Shade Veggies:

• Peas
• Broccoli 
• Cauliflower
• Lettuce
• Chard 

Also herbs that I'll put into pots and divide before the frost to put small portions inside my house in the winter so that I can have fresh herbs in the cold months too. 

Lettuce Mix

• Basil
• Cilantro
• French Thyme 
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Chives
• Rosemary 
• Sage 

Library Vision

Closing on my house has made me so excited. Its going to be so fun to decorate and be in my own house. Yesterday Kyle and I spent 2 hours just walking through Home Depot (next week will be Lowe's) it was relaxing and fun we got some new ideas and revamped others. Kyle is much more concerned with the porch and fire pit he wants outside. And I want to know the exact paint of all the rooms. The Library for we really do need one was food inspired. I had a basket of bright green granny Smith apples and Cuties (clementines). I will be painting the walls with a fresh coat of white (don't worry I'm not painting it orange I'm not that crazy) with black bookshelves that will line the walls. For my green and orange I have some awesome paintings that will go above the black shelves. At an estate sale I found the perfect green high wing-back chair for $20 its amazing I won't have to refurbish it or anything. I'd like to get three chairs for the room that are all older styled since the colors are so modern I want to tame it with antique furniture and odds and end. I have some green depression glass bowls and vases I bought on St. Patrick's Day I will incorporate into the decor. I meant to take a picture of the chair and forgot I really need to work on that.  

Archibald

Took Archibald on a walk today poor puppy was so tired all he could do was lay down. Found a chewed up power cord this morning. Puppy trouble of course.

Closing

A month ago Kyle and I put an offer on a house, well okay we but several offers on several house some that had no carpet, others that smelled of pet, and some that were a little quirky. The amount of houses we looked at was disheartening to say the least. But one day, when we were looking at puppies particularly the day we got Archibald, our agent called us and told us you have to look at this house well because we were looking at puppies and it was first come first serve basis we had a time limit. We shot over to the house and found it to be perfect without hesitation we said make our max offer and off we went. Well our offer got accepted out of the other 6 that were put on that same weekend. Then the waiting game began. We had accepted a short sale and we learned there is nothing short about a short sale. Everyone kept telling us that it would take 6 to 9 months and since out lease was up with our apartment we were staying with my parents and 6 to 9 months is a long time to be infringing on their hospitality. To increase the tension the house had been refinanced so we had to wait on two banks to give approval. The first bank gave approval within two weeks the second bank was being sold to another bank and that wouldn't go through until mid-April. All of this start to get our hopes of getting out of my parents anytime soon down but low and behold yesterday the banks called and gave us their approval. According to the contract May 21st is the latest we will take possession. Finely I can sleep in a queen bed again (Kyle and I have been sharing a twin for a month), cook in my own kitchen and decorate my first house. It should be fun!    

Is There a Support Group For This?

I love estate sales (not yard/garage sales they're usually junk) but old people getting rid of all their stuff usually ends up with really cool finds such as my awesome granny smith apple green high wing back chair for $20. Great right? Well you see Kyle and I have this problem, while most people collect stamps, coins or other little trinkets we collect books. Not just a few as of a week ago we had over 600 titles in our possession; all of which are cataloged categorized (fiction alphabetically by author and nonfiction in the Dewey decimal system) this collection does not include magazines, workbooks, or other such materials nor duplicate copies. When we first got married I knew I had this problem and after an estate sale learned my dearest husband did too, when he purchased a Freemason's life collection of books. To be honest that collection was a little odd but had some very interesting titles that made their way onto my bookshelves. 600 titles not so bad. I was home schooled I tons of people (with oodles of children) that have thousands of books. The problem is that they are not in their twenties and they have kids. If that was the end I would say not a problem. But when you see a bookstore and must go in and always come out with a stack of books you have a bit of a problem. Now for the real issue: this weekend there was an estate sale, tons of books. Kyle put a bid on all the books left over after the weekend that we would pick up Monday. Well since he has a job that requires him to work Monday the we he talked about ended up being a me (and my siblings that did such a great job). Before I detail I must say in Kyle's defense he thought it would be a car load (in my Subaru wagon) however when books are spread amongst three stories in every room of a minimum of 1800 square feet (the house was larger but I'm not sure how big) house and garage estimating can be difficult. It took three trips with my mom's minivan seats taken out stacked to the top to clear out those books. I started counting the books and gave up less than a third of the way through when I got to 2000. Granted with multiple titles and ones we don't need or want(not really into self help, needle point, or subpar science fiction) there are only about a thousand books. So in one day we have more than doubled our collection and now my husband is suggesting when we close on the house (oh yeah we're buying a house, perhaps another entry) that we do it to make some extra money on a regular basis, crazy man. Okay, just to clarify Kyle is not the only one after saying he was sorry I said its okay I needed these to fill the bookshelves I'm going to buy for the front room plus the sorting of keep sell was my job (plus my list of books we "need" because they're classics, out of print, ect.) My only question is where do the book buyers anonymous support group meeting?

Spring Semester

  The school semester is already almost over I just need to get through April and the first week of May. My little black lab/border collie puppy, Archibald, wishes school was out as well I might be home more often to play ball (I would say fetch but he has this habit of taking off and hiding the ball after I throw it). No mas Espanol, Art (worst class every I don't even go any more though attendance is not required and I have an A), or biological basis of behavior class (favorite class at this University thus far).

 Though as of half hour ago I am officially enrolled for the fall with 16 credit hrs, 9 of which are online so I have more time at home for the pup. This time I have decided to torture myself with US History to 1876, Language and Logic, The Fundamentals of Communication, Applied Statistics, and Microbiology (plus lab). It shouldn't be too bad I have been avoiding the, how do I put it, required yet (useless is too harsh, boring not always true, nonsense has proven false by Spanish) seemingly unimportant classes for my end goal should suffice. However to graduate humanities and social sciences are in order.

  My husband, Kyle, is also headed back to school. He works via correspondence school at Liberty University. He is working on his Masters after finishing up last Fall on his Bachelors in divinity (when he first met my parents he was so nervous he told them he was getting his degree in divination, just a bit different). At least he has the GI Bill for his school, one of the few benefits of the Marine Corps.