A Full 24 Hours Ahead of Schedule

The Stora Dimum Shawl

Completed Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10:00 PM. More pictures after blocking.

Four Days To Go

I think I'm on the home stretch -- and just maybe -- I'll actually finsh by the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver on Sunday March 21st.

At this point I have decreased to 161 stitches. Ironically, 161 rows completed. There must be something magical about that number but I can't quite see it. Every other row I will be decreasing 4 stitches and every 20th row an additional 20 stitches are decreased.

The yarn has been nice to work with. A good feel and it looks like the shawl will have a nice drape. Am getting anxious to see this blocked. I think it will end up being a very nice project and one I can be "gold medal" proud of even if it wasn't completed in the original timeframe.

Onward!!

Major Wipeout

Yesterday was not a good day. The price one pays for getting cocky about their knitting progress. All of a sudden knitting the lace pattern got all wonky. I'd be going along just fine then the yo's just would not line up right! Contined for a couple of rows with the misguided belief that everything would work out ok and this was just a figment of my imagination -- you know how that goes (maybe if I ignore something long enough it will go away).

Thank you Elizabeth Zimmerman for teaching me how to "read" my knitting. Because of this, I did not have to complete the entire chart before realizing that everything was OH SO WRONG. Here comes the scary part -- took all 400+ stitches off the needles and ripped back to beginning of chart. Put all the stitches back on the needles, arranged with markers to verify correct number, then knit first chart row to confirm. Everything worked out ok. Repeats are in multiples of 12 so think I might put markers at various places along the line as a good reference check. Seems prudent at this point if I am to have any chance at all of finishing this by the end of Closing Ceremonies on Sunday night.

Yesterday felt like a major snowboarding wipeout but I'm back on my feet this morning after a good night's sleep and ready to give it my all today. Onward!

Sorry, no pictures today -- the wipeout was just too ugly to display.

Day 10 and Counting

The knitting venue has moved to North Port, FL where the daytime temps are in the 70's. The knitting gods are putting lots of distractions in the way of achieving that Gold. Would you look at the legs on the one spectator! And a pool -- oh my.

Resisting temptations, I continue to make progress on the Stora Dimun shawl. Half way thru the games in Vancouver; half way thru the lace pattern border.

On a roll now. The remainder will be all garter stitch with shaping decreases on every other row and an eyelet pattern every 20th row. Seven days left. Will I make it? Not a chance unless I get off the computer and on with the knitting!!

How High Can You Count?

Here's my progress. Doesn't look like much I know but represents 3 days of Olympics Trials.

Began Friday night to cast on 449 sts. Questioning my ability to count that high I decided to place markers every 25 sts (using one color) then using another at the 50 stitch mark, removing the 25 marker to use at next spot. Got to 425 and cast on final 24 to equal 449. Counted markers 3 times to make sure I had correct number. On to first row where I reset markers to pattern inc/dec points. At end of that row I was short by 26 sts!!! Not an even 25 but 26. Huh?

My solution? Marked the 8 border sts on each side and required 25 sts for center then increased 13 evenly on each side.

Took 6 hrs for me to get this event set up and ready to go. Do I consider this my training period?

2010 KNITTING OLYMPICS

Jagger Spun Heather Sportweight

1490 yds

Color: Bayberry

Have resurfaced to share my entry into the 2010 Knitting Olympics per Yarn Harlot.

I will attempt to take this cone of yarn and turn it into a shawl within the 17 days of the Winter Olympics. Pattern: Stora Dimun Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle.

Tonight I will cast on the required 449 stitches and see how many rows I can complete before the end of the opening ceremonies.

Stay tuned for updates.

Happy Birthday America

I always like to read the Declaration of Independance on July 4th. Go here to read it. I especially like the following:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

I sometimes forget that it is my responsibility to pursue my own happiness.

10 Things I love about my country.

1. That we are like a big family -- we have our feuds and complain about each other over some pretty petty things (Mom, he looked at me!) but when we are attacked from outside we pull together and stand united.

2. We are free to roam around the country at will and can even leave the country without being challenged.

3. We are blessed with abundance and our citizens will generously share what they have with those in need.

4. The opportunity to pursue our dreams.

5. Free and open elections -- and being able to openly criticize elected officials without fear of imprisonment.

6. Our towns love to celebrate July 4th in a "big" way with marching bands, floats, picnics and fireworks. Don't forget the one person who is always willing to dress up as Uncle Sam.

7. The multitude of religious beliefs living side by side in tolerance.

8. The enormous expanse of our land and the natural beauty that it contains.

9. Our ability to look outside of ourselves -- to explore, to question, to invent, to thrive.

10. Finally, although there are, at times, significant problems within each of these things we the people continue to have the desire, and therefore find the ability, to become "united" and seek out solutions that address our common welfare.

May these qualities never be lost.

It's Official

We can now be considered residents of The Villages. Everyone here has a sign on the lampost with the house number and their names. Guess that is so you can find your own house in the maze.

Went to a great thrift shop today called Bargains and Treasures. Lots and lots of gently used furniture. I found a couple of vases that I liked. Looking for a couple of small tables but there was nothing today. Sales lady told me the stock is always changing. They pick up from about 18 homes daily -- things are constantly going in and out the front door. Makes me wonder if the first wave of residents bought things new and from then on it was recycled as the older folks died and younger folks moved in.

Jim played in his first Men's Day golf -- seemed to enjoy it. Good way to meet people. I will probably join a Women's group when we come back in the Fall. For now, I'm enjoying the fact that I have nowhere to be at any given time.

Father's Day

Another Hot day here at The Villages. We got out early for golf. Played 18 holes at La Hacienda Championship course. There are three 9-hole courses at this club. We started on Oakes and did back nine on the Palms course. I quite after 12 holes and moved on to taking pictures!! Once the temps get into the upper 90's I wilt pretty quickly.

Here's Jim teeing off on #4 of the Palms course.

Think he's having a pretty good Father's Day. Golf this morning; home to watch some of the U.S. Open tournament before taking a nap; then dinner later this evening with some of the neighbors.

I'm trying to decide between a nap or a swim. Think the nap is going to win out. I'm still pretty whooped from the heat.

Who Knew

That one Crepe Myrtle would have two different colors?

That oranges in their infancy looked like limes?

These were surprises that awaited us in the back yard. The answer to the crepe myrtle mystery is of course grafting. Expect when we return in October the "limes" will magically turn into oranges. Neighbors tell us this tree gave them an abundance of fruit last winter. Looking forward the 2009 harvest.

We are getting ready for the U.S. Open this weekend. Have purchased and unpacked TV's and the DISH Network guy is coming this afternoon to install the golf channel (and about 300 others). Oh, the anticipation!

My Summer Job

My friend Patti found a job like this at Glen Ella Springs Inn, Clarkesville, GA. Thought I'd look around here in FL for the same thing and voila!! found they had an opening at the Springdale pool, right here at The Villages. Lucky me!!

On the Road Again

Here we go again. Decided it was time to hit the road for the Florida house. Leaving Sunday morning (6/14). Got word from the neighbors that they were going to go en mass, via golf carts, to Panera's for dinner then move to the Spanish Springs square Sunday evening for music/dancing. Expect we will arrive in time to join them. Good way to start our our visit.

BTW you can now find my photo albums here.

Looking over my "stuff" trying to decide what to take and leave in Florida. I'm determined not to take anything that I don't want to have the rest of my life! Think I will start to transfer some of the older family items first. Of course this trip we will be taking the golf clubs so that severly limits the trunk space. But, I must have been paying attention when I was a child. My mother could always fit one more thing into the car. I seem to have inherited that gene!

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Sunday -- Left GA 9:00 AM. Arrived The Villages 6:30 PM. Made really good time considering we got caught in two slow-downs on I-75.

The yard looks good. Lawn guy has been doing a really nice job. Like what he did with plantings. I'm thinking of adding some lantana in a couple of spots for some color. It should actually be a perennial here! Pictures to follow.

Back To Georgia

Arrived home on Monday, May 18th. The Mountain Laurel is in full bloom and the Rhododendrons are not far behind.

Pollen season came and went while we were away. But, the porches were heavily coated in that wonderful yellow/green powder. Major cleaning to be done.

On Tuesday I did a quick load of laundry then checked in on my neighbor Debbie who had surgery while I was gone. Friends Randy and Patti brought lunch for Debbie so I got to have an unexpected visit and a yummy lunch. Later that afternoon I went to a CASA Board Meeting and left immediately from there to Callaway Gardens for a CASA Conference.

So much for sleeping in my own bed!

It Was All About The Schedule

Graduation for Keri Hanson Olson

May 16, 2009

University of Wisconsin

School of Nursing

Arrived in Milwaukee on Wednesday the 13th. John and Josie were at the station to meet us. We slept in on Thursday then went to John & Keri's for the afternoon. Keri had one more powerpoint presentation to make -- a review of her life leading up to graduation. We had lots of fun looking at pictures and being silly. That evening we packed up the kids (all 4) and headed to MacDonald's for the antique auto show and dinner. Jim found a red GTO convertible but not a 1964! On Friday Keri and I headed out to run errands. And, she introduced me to Jimmy John's Subs. I'm a fan of the Vito. Yum! Then the schedules became important.

5:30 PM -- Julia and LJ have Spirit Night at their school. Games, art displays, all for the famil

6:30 PM -- Spring Concert at Shelby's school.

7:30 PM -- Shelby headed off to a birthday party and the rest of us went for ice cream. Everyone agreed that was a good way to end the evening. Hot fudge heath bar sunday.

Saturday was graduation day.

8:40 AM -- Keri, John, Shelby and Joann head out to school. Priscilla and Jim stay behind with the 3 younger kids.

9:30 AM -- Priscilla, Jim & kids head out to school. We found our seats with the rest of the family just as the music started.

10:00 AM -- Graduation ceremony begins. UW-Parkside, Kenosha, WI

2:00 PM -- Nursing School ceremony, UW-Milwaukee

5:30 PM -- Family celebration, Oak Creek, WI

Busy, busy day but a good time had by all.

Congratulations to Keri!! With hard work and persistence she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Nursing. Congratulations to John, Shelby, Julia, LJ and Josie for their support and understanding over the past 4 years.

Remembering Rick

Ham Lake, MN with Dee and family
Saturday, May 9, 2009

It has been a year since Rick died. Dee was able to round up the whole family for a dinner and time of remembrance.

Sat down to diner with 11 people; Dee, Celeste & Cynthia, Cassandra, Dillon, Dorothea, Mike, their Pastor and his wife, Jim and me. The food was good – a group effort consisting of potato salad by Priscilla and Dee; fruit salad by Cassandra; burgers and bratwurst prepared by Celeste and grilled by Dillon. Then there was pie for dessert! Apple, Strawberry/Rhubarb, and Chocolate Silk. Yum, yum.

After dinner Pastor acknowledged that the family had now experienced many firsts – the first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first birthday, etc. without Rick/Dad. He asked that we share whatever was on our hearts but did not have to share at all if we didn’t want to. He asked us to think about what emotions we had felt. Where had we been sad, where had we been angry? Were there any surprises? Many in the family did share their thoughts. There were tears and laughter as we remembered times with and without Rick. I will not share the things said by others – they are best left at the table

I will share with you my remembrance. The Great Shower Curtain Caper. In August of 2004, Rick, Dee, Dorothea and Mike met Jim and I in Maine. We all stayed at Nance & Phil’s home in Brooklin. We had all converged to celebrate Nance & Phil’s 25th wedding anniversary. Jim and Rick decided they would construct a shower around the existing whirlpool tub in the bathroom. What a project. The brothers, one an engineer the other a builder, both perfectionists, came up with a plan that worked. After many, many trips to the local hardware store it was completed and is still in operation today. Every time I go to Maine and use that shower I think of that time together.

Another of my memories is how Rick and I, both early risers, would sit outside drinking coffee, talking about how good life was and how grateful we were to be participating in it. We solved many of the world’s problems on those mornings.

We lost Rick way too soon but I will forever be grateful for the role he played in my life and the time we did have together.

Thank you Dee for bringing us together for this meaningful evening.

America The Beautiful

We have met some interesting folks on this trip. A cross-section of American life. From Chicago to Denver we had dinner with a young man who had been in the service, done 10 years as a long distance truck driver and was now heading to California to begin working his way up the Pacific coast with hopes of spending the summer in Alaska. He was very nice but it was like having dinner with Forrest Gump. He'd been everywhere and done everything!

From Denver to Sacramento we had lunch and dinner with a mother and daughter who were starting a vacation to celebrate the daughter's 50th birthday. They were going to San Francisco then drive south along the California coast. They had rented a convertible so they could "do it up right". Fun to see them enjoying each other's company.

In the Sacramento train station we watched a woman who obviously had severe concern about "germs." This was right in the middle of all the swine flu hoopla so maybe it was that. Anyway, she wore latex gloves; had a plastic bag that she put over her hand whenever she handled anything (train ticket included); carried a large piece of cardboard that she would unfold and place on the bench whenever she wanted to sit down; and carried multiple plastic bags holding other items. All I could think of was how much energy it must take for her to go through daily life and how grateful I am for the blessings I have been given.

From Sacramento to Seattle we had breakfast with a man who had retired from the railroad after 40 years of running a dining car. He was a delight and very gracious to the current staff. Did not feel it necessary to tell them how he would have done things! But he did share stories with us of "how it used to be" before the day of frozen foods and microwaves. That being said, we found the food on the train to be very good. The menu was the same throughout the trip was large enough that we were able to have a variety of meals. My very favorite though was the Railroad French Toast at breakfast.

From Seattle to Minneapolis, we had breakfast with a couple in their 90's. They were travelling from Elk, WA to Havre, MT for their great-grandson's graduation from college. They were newlyweds of about 4 years; had known each other from church for many years and after their respective spouses had passed away decided to marry. Gave us hope that there are still many years of good times to be had.

All in all, this has been a trip of a lifetime. We have seen some incredible sights, met some wonderful people and spent time with loved ones. As we watched mile after mile of landscape it brought the song America the Beautiful to life.

America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates,Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

For all the lyrics go here: http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/americathebeautiful.html

Go read it -- I had not in a long time. Maybe it's because I'm in the middle of this journey but the words are as meaniful today as ever.

Good-by to Seattle

Thursday, May 7th

Boarded "The Empire Builder" at 4:30 pm. For this leg, we had a family bedroom. It was very nice to have the additional space. It was the whole width of the car so we could see in both directions. Also had a bench seat that was great for mid-afternoon napping!

As we left Seattle, we travelled north along Puget Sound through Edmonds and Everett then began the assent into the Cascades and back into the snow! Overnight we passed through Spokane and then Utah, waking up in Whitefish, Montana. This route took us along the northern portion of the US. At one point we were only about 30 miles from the Canadian border.

If you are following on a map, the stops across Montana were:

Glacier Park Station, built in 1913 is near 50 "living" glaciers and 9,000-10,000 foot mountains.

Browning headquarters of the Blackfeet Indian nation and language learning center; host of the largest native American pow-wow in North America each July.

Cut Bank often noted for the coldest mid-winter temperatures in the country. A monument to early explorer Meriwether Lewis memorializes his search for a pass through the Rockies.

Shelby named after Peter Shelby, General Manager of the Montana Central Railroad and site of the 1923 World Heavyweight Champioship fight between Jack Dempsey andTom Gibbons.

Havre, Malta, Glasgow and Wolf Point

Then we crossed into North Dakota and back into Central Time. Major stop here was Minot, still known as "Magic City" because it grew overnight -- like magic -- the moment th Great Northern announced its route.

Rugby, ND the geographical center of the North American continent.

Devils Lake the Indians call this remnant of a glacial sea the "Evil Spirit Lake" because they believed its shattered walls and loose rocks were the result of a mammoth struggle between thunderbirds and water monsters.

Overnight we passed through Fargo. Opted NOT to get up to have our pictures taken under the sign.

We were up early; 5:30 am in order to gather our belongings, have breakfast and arrive Minneapolis at 7:30. Will be here, staying with sister-in-law Dee until Wednesday when we climb back on the train for Milwaukee, reclaim our car, attend Keri's graduation from Nursing School on the 16th and then start back to Georgia.

Rainbows, Swimming and Christmas Cookies

Wednesday, May 6th

Final day with Cheryl and David. Decided that it was time to make Christmas Cookies!! I've really missed doing this with the boys. We had a great time and Ben is very adept at handling the decorating cones. Note the snake in the lower left-hand corner. He very studiously decorated that all by himself!

Later in the afternoon we took Ben to his swimming lesson at the local rec center. Very nice facility. In addition to the shallow area for kids lessons, they had some lap lanes, a high diving pool, a wading pool for babies, a river type area where folks should water walk against resistance and then a larger area for free swimming.

We finished off the day with dinner at a seafood place at the local marina in Winslow. Saw the most incredible rainbow. The picture does not do it justice. It was so vivid we could actually see the purple hue. Something I don't remember ever seeing before.

During this visit I learned how to play MarioKart on the Wii. Far from being a challenge to other players but with practice I might be able to compete. Right now, the 5-year old whoops me bad!!

Pike's Market, Seattle

Tuesday, May 5th

Anyone for Alaskan Salmon? Lots and lots of fish at Pike's Market in Seattle. Also vegetables, flowers and anything else you could imagine. Had a great day walking around the market, sight-seeing, and eating. I did not realize how much of a hill Seattle was built on. Very similar to San Francisco hills. Got lots of exercise that day!!

A Springtime Walk

Monday, May 4th

We have been enjoying our time here on Bainbridge Island, WA. So good to see Cheryl, David, Josh and Ben again. Arrived last Thursday evening.

On Friday, David went to work and Josh to school. Cheryl took us on a tour of the local area. They center around the town of Winslow. Jim and I were to stay with the boys on Saturday while Cheryl and David took a long run (17 mi.). Those plans turned upside down when Cheryl had a kidney stone attack during the night. After lots of pain, lots of time at the hospital, and lots of meds the stone passed on Sunday night.

On Sunday, David took us for some more touring. Went to the town of Poulsbo and Sluy's Bakery. Great place. Josh had something called a Viking Donut. Big, big chocolate covered raised donut. He has been known to eat two of them. After the boys ran off some of the sugar in the park we loaded up and moved on to Port Gamble, an old mill town. This is where I found a yarn shop. Owned by a woman who dyes and spins her own yarns. Wonderful place. Of course I purchased something!

It's Monday and things are getting back to normal. Cheryl feeling much better although still a bit wobbly from all the meds. The sun came out and we decided it was time to get outside. Took a walk to the local store -- Rolling Bay Hay & Feed -- one of those great places that have a bit of everything. Ben got a cookie from the coffee shop and we continued on. Spring is in full bloom around here. Got some wonderful pics of all the flowers. Go take a look over on FB.

Tomorrow we are off to Seattle, Pike's market and lunch.