Finally -
I haven't updated in such a long time as I was informed my blog had a seriously SLOW loading problem. It has taken some time to discover the problem, but I believe I have it under control now and hope to move on.

Construction has been moving along VERY smmmooothly since my last post. All our water is where it should be and I have low floors and high ceilings. What more could I ask for in a new addition?

We have gone from this................................









to this..................
















and only 1 ((HOT)) month later.......................this as of today.

At The Fair I entered several items this year (which is a first for me) and even worked in the Handweavers and spinners booth as a "student weaver". What a blast I had learning.





Those who know are telling me I'm doing a great job for a newbie. All I know is I've found another fiber art that I am in love with.

I entered 6 fiber items - and 11 scrapbook items. For all I took home Seven 1st place ribbons, Four 2nd place ribbons and five Honorable Mentions and one item that didn't get recognized at all. So I was more than pleased with the returns. I entered items strictly as a learning experience, not expecting to win a thing. I think what really made it so fun was the complete unexpected surprise of the wins. Woo-hoo!!! :D Good times!



The eye brow dilemma continues. For anyone who knows me very well, knows, I have hated my eyebrows since I was about 12 years old. In the 7th grade I shaved them off. I just couldn't stand seeing them in the mirror - I thought they were so hideous. Well I didn't help matters at all by doing this, because I had a problem with sections growing back properly and then couldn't shape them properly because I had bald spots. What a mess!!! I have decided I am going to turn 50 without an eyebrow fetish. I am going to figure one way or another how to get them the shape (or at least a heck of a lot closer to) the shape and distance apart that they should be. I have experimented with eyebrow pencils to get the shaping going, but I am leaning toward eyebrow tattooing for a permanent solution. I have a whole lot of research to do before I agree to such a thing, but it looks promising. This is closer to what I'm shooting for.

ALL Feedback is MUCH appreciated.

We have water now -
however,
does it look like everything is going smoothly to you?



It's only week one.
((YIKES)) !!!



It will all be worth it. It will all be worth it. It will all be worth it. It will all...........

Constuction -
Yep its official, we're in constuction - the pictures speak for themselves.

We were without water for about 7 hours - the water pipe was broken at 7:45am. What a way to start your day, eh?

It will all be worth it in the end. I'm already looking forward to the end.

Felting Fun -

Saturday I took another class at my LYS, Anacapa Fine Yarns. The class was called, Introduction to Felting . The class combined with those who knit and those who crochet. We all brought in a 4"x4" swatch that we had prepared as homework before class. At the beginning of the class we all had a chance to felt our little swatches. It was amazing to watch the transformation of all the different fibers from their original sizes to its much smaller felted piece. The shrinkage in class was about 25% consistently. Which I thought would be a handy little tidbit of information; and would be very helpful when it came to designing my bag.

The class pattern was for a very small drawstring bag. I knew before taking the class I'd wanted to revise the pattern; since I wouldn't have any use for a bag that small. So I doubled the increasing rows and ended up with, what was appearing to be a nice large rounded bottom tote. With my calculated 25% shrinkage - it would be perfect. Well................ instead of felting it by hand or controlling the shrinkage by using the washing machine, I decided I'd rather be able to throw my bag in the washer whenever I wanted. I knew my shrinkage would be greater - but how much, I wasn't sure. The width ended up about 50% smaller and the height about 25% changing the shape of the bag quite a bit, but I'm very happy with the end result. The pinkish section on top was crocheted with a Q hook so there are large gaps allowing me to open the top nice and wide and see the bottom of my bag, as well as lace a felted drawstring cord through it for easy closure. I used a felted crochet rose instead of a button and the inside back of the drawstring hooks over the rose to "latch" the top closed.













I have been so hesitant to use my handspun yarn, but I decided this was the perfect opportunity to use a small amount. So the light gold is my handspun alpaca, that I just finished plying with a metallic binder. The pumpkin colored stripe is an alpaca single that I crochet together with some S. Charles Ritratto. The pattern actually calls for the S. Charles Ritratto to be combined with your yarn choice. Since that is one of the yarns I use as a binder when I ply thick alpaca singles - it was a perfect choice, and blended most excellently.

;D

I'm very pleased with my first felted project and can't wait to do more.

Let the Summer Games Begin -

Construction Zone
So begins the 830 Sq Ft addition to the house. Although we bought our house in 1994 we didn't seem to be crammed for space until about 2 years ago. I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden we don't have room to turn around. Adding on to our existing house makes much more sense then moving so............ here we go.

The new master bedroom will be part of the addition along with a new and larger master bath. We'll be turning one of my son's rooms into a theatre room and he'll move into the existing master bedroom. I'll have my kitchen extend into a new dinning area and small livingroom and we're adding a half bath across from the theater room. Still no studio for me, until one of the kids moves out. BUT, I do get some much needed closet space to store my supplies and stash - Thank goodness!!

Since the addition will be added to the front of the house, our first step was to remove all the landscaping.







*Front planter area was completely overgrown [thinking we'd already be in the middle of construction by now] we let the gardener go over 6 months ago.

**Note - click on photo's for larger images.

It was not without incident. All the plant material came out just fine. However, Eric the laborer, probably had nightmares of spiders crawling all over him for several nights afterward. Transplanting my beloved Crape Myrtle (a Mother's Day gift in 2000, from my kids -with a little help from their "Grandpa-Nuts") wasn't quite as smooth a process as one would have hoped.

The nursery was sold out of the correct size boxes,
so my landscape guy found an old (and very rotted) one in the back lot. Well as luck would have it - - half way across the yard the box bottom broke apart and it was down hill from then on. There was no other choice a new box was needed ASAP. The tree's roots were now exposed to air and the clock was ticking.





About a half hour later they returned with a new box and wouldn't you know it .......... the exact same thing happened. These boxes just aren't made to have the trees lifted without the use of a fork-lift or something supporting the bottom.

Mike, the landscape guy, nailed some 2x4's to the bottom and sides, then, with the help of my two youngest sons they were able to carry the tree to it's new "temporary" location while construction is underway.

Now it's a waiting game, to see if it lives or dies. I was only given a 50-50 chance for survival, but I had to try to save it. There is far too much sentimental value with that tree, and I just plain love it. It brings me so much joy throughout the year.

Even though So California doesn't experience too much change in the seasons, my tree does. It changes with all the seasons and is gorgeous in each one.

The crew was out today surveying the lot and the heavy construction will begin on Wednesday. Ahhhhh ~ finally.
:D

Nibble & Knit-
It always cracks my family up when I tell them I'm going to "Nibble & Knit". I don't know why, but they can never seem to get the name correct. It has been called; "Knit a Nibble", "Nibble-a-lot", "Snack n' Sew", "Nibble & Kibble", you name it.

Once a month I go to a quaint small town coffee house, called Stir Crazy, (I don't even want to know how many ways my family could slaughter the name of this place), where I meet up with anywhere between 6 and 14 other fiber fanatics. It is one of my simple pleasures to see and hear about the projects everyone is currently working on, or to get advice on how to resolve a problem with a project, or to share a pattern, or just mingle with people who understand and share a passion for fiber and the fiber arts.

We usually sit inside where the smell of fresh brewed coffee lingers in the air and the clinking of spoons can be heard stirring ones brew. However with the recent heat of summer, we have moved to the outdoor patio where we sit under a canopy of trees that shade us and we can even catch an occasional breeze. It is just lovely and so relaxing.

Cary, the organizer and founder of our group, passes out numbered tickets to all. One of which will be randomly drawn toward the end of the evening, enabling one lucky attendee to go home with a small gift. The gift is supposed to be provided by the previous month’s winner. It is just a lovely, lovely, relaxing, educational and fun evening.

It’s no wonder it has almost doubled in size, just in the short time since I started attending, in October, last year.

The group is diversified in their craft, some are knitters, some crochet, some are published designers and some have a small business - selling their goods to local boutiques, and several spin their own yarn.

Nibble and Knit is open to all who want to come. Beginners are not only welcomed but encouraged and nurtured. No wonder I love it so.

It is always a treat to go, and I look forward to my monthly meetings with my Nibble and Knit pals.

Summer Spinning Challenge-
I can't believe how much I've accomplished since I joined the Summer Spinning Challenge group. I wrote down my summer goals and posted them. It helps to put a time limit on the goals you want to accomplish (aka - dreams with a deadline).

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The gold yarn is alpaca. I spun the singles for this yarn in the first weeks of learning to spin. It has been sitting on the bobbins all this time, because I wasn’t sure what to do with it. After becoming better at spinning I realize the alpaca was too thick and not quite what I wanted. After taking a class with Stephenie Gaustad, I learned about binding for just these type singles. The search was on for a thread that I wanted to use as a binder. When I finally found this metallic with gold, purple and a variety of other complimentary colors I was sure it would be perfect. I'm very pleased with the results. I guess I won't have to throw out my thick alpaca singles after all. :D

I also bought a kid mohair fleece in March; a beautiful goat with the loveliest 3 inch ringlets. I processed that fiber from the washing of the fiber to the dying, picking, carding, blending with silk, spinning and plying. I'm very pleased with the final result. I plan to make Christmas stockings from the yarn- I'm hoping my first start to finish project will be an heirloom in my family for many generations to come.

My pegs are getting filled nicely.
I guess I'm going to have to actually use some of my handspun yarn for projects. I've been enjoying them just hanging there for me to admire. I just love how they look and feel.

Good Feet, Bad Feet, Good Feet-
In hopes that this might help someone else with a similar problem ~

I can't believe the problems I've been having with my feet lately. I started walking everyday, twice a day, for 20-30 minutes each walk. It wasn't long before my toes started to go numb. I assumed it had something to do with my back problems so I ignored it.

I needed to walk in an effort to increase my metabolism in order to lose 12 lbs for my gastric bypass surgery. I need to lose a lot of weight, as it is causing new health problems and aggravating old ones. Within 9 months of my back injury in August 1996, I gained 90lbs, and haven't been able to get it off. I have tried every exercise regime; aqua aerobics, weight lifting, elliptical machine, I hired a personal trainer, etc.... I changed how and what I ate; I did Weight Watches for a year and a half, I prayed Atkins would do the trick, then The Beet Diet, after that the South Beach Diet, you name it. The most I lost was 24 pounds and I always gained it beck plus a couple extra pounds.

For 2 years my doctor kept telling me to research the bypass surgery and consider it. My research was very positive and I made the decision to move forward and prepare for it. I was sent to UCLA Medical Center for classes to become educated on the surgery and to increase my understanding of what would take place after surgery and learn how to help myself succeed afterward. I was following the recommendations and jumping through all the hoops required by the insurance company. It was the walking that seemed to be doing the trick to get the 12 lbs of weight I needed to get off before surgery. I had one more pound to go to, then WHAM-O!! My feet couldn't take one more walk. Not only were my toes numb, but every step was excruciatingly painful. Even after being in bed all night I'd get up in the morning and as soon as my feet hit the floor.......PAIN, and a lot of it. It was difficult just to walk to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

This went on and on, long after I had stopped the walks. I have now gained the 11 pounds I lost back, plus about 6 extra.

I bought every kind of shoe I could think of to try to get relief. I tried..............Trendy shoes,

athletic shoes,

cushion insoles for my already comfy UGG slipper shoes,

spongy thong shoes,

microwavable bean bag bootie shoes (for around the house and in bed). I had tried everything – I thought.

Then my sister asked me if I had ever heard of Good Feet Store.
Two days later….. I have arch support inserts,which I can wear in my sandals, slippers, athletic, dress shoes, you name it. They are wafer-thin and AMAZING!!

When I was trying on the different varieties at the store they felt much like I was walking on a golf ball. It was annoying after a half hour or so. But I needed to break into them slowly (which is highly recommended).

My feet went from this;

Christmas 2005

To this; July 2, 2006.

They are finally back to normal as of yesterday, July 4th. Woo-hoo!!

It took some getting used to, but I really did have immediate relief. My feet are back to normal size and shape and I won’t go anywhere without my Good Feet insoles from now on.

Happy 4th of July~

Fireworks show

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."

The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

Dylan's Birthday & it was a Dog Day Afternoon-
It was a rather uneventful day as far as birthday celebrations go. Dylan opted to have his birthday dinner at the Crab House for their "all-you-can-eat" shrimp. Chuck took the boys last Thursday, while I was out spinning. Dylan opened his presents late, the night before his birthday (because Chuck and I are light-weights). All he could think to ask for, for his birthday this year was for me to forgive his loan on the Archos Gmini he bought about 3 months ago. He had already saved $75 toward paying it off (which is slightly more than half the cost on ebay).
I had already purchased the DVD's of the Simpson's seasons six and seven

for my avid little Simpson's fan, so I forgave half his loan, which means it is now paid off.

The biggest surprise this year was his #1 requested birthday present .........a book - yes, that's what I said, "book ". I'm not a bettin' woman, but I'd have bet, I'd NEVER see the day my son asked for a book as his main birthday gift (that's why I'm not a bettin' woman, I ALWAYS loose) anyway...... the book's name is, The Alphabet of Manliness, by Maddox.

I wasn't too sure it was a book I was thrilled about him having, but after reading a few small sections I determined it was harmless "humor" and I use the word humor cautiously. He was thrilled and it was the highlight of his evening. I really can't complain too much about a book that gets him to read during the summer. At the end of the day he told me it was a great birthday, so I guess we didn't do too badly.

Although I wonder if the little dogs we had over the house had something to do with him having as much fun as he had on this day.

My neighbor, Sheryl, had to leave town, so I am dog sitting for about 4 days. With my 3 dogs and her 2; I have had 5 - count them 5 - dogs in my house this weekend. What a blast!! Seriously, I love it! My husband - not so thrilled. Although a dog lover - not so much with the small dogs.

Sheryl has two of the most adorable Shih Tzu's, named, Bella and Rosie. Rosie's little face could just melt your heart.

Bella is like the Chuck Norris of dogs. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is going to get in that dog's way. They are hysterical.

My husband and I have completely different feelings for dogs smaller than a German Sheppard or Lab. I love lap dogs (not fond of their yippy-yip bark), but I'm flexable if they'll be sweet and cuddly. I could sit and crochet with the little darling sitting right there in my lap. Rosie likes to climb to the back of the chair I'm sitting in and lay just behind my head. She is so adorable. Bella cracks me up; I think her tongue is too long for her mouth. You never see her without her tongue sticking out.

Sheryl can travel anytime she wants – I’m happy to get my fill of these little darlings. :D

Way too much Fun-
I spent last night at a dinner / spinning party; it's the second one I’ve been to - and what a treat they are. Several of my spinning pals (my spinning mentors really) get together and have a delicious dinner & dessert, all prepared by our “hostess of the evening”. But the best part, besides the company, is after we’ve filled our bellies, with the yummiest of yum-yums, we retreat to a comfortable spot in the living room. There we spin, chit-chat, crochet, knit, talk fiber, or whatever - to our hearts content. I adore these evenings and look forward to my turn at being hostess ................... after our room addition, that is.

These evenings are filled with learning and spinning and fiber knowledge, which I treasure dearly. Since I'm one of the newbie’s in the group, I feel guilty I don’t have more to offer the others. I always seem to be at the receiving end of the lessons and information being discussed; all of which helps to better my skill as a spinner, so I'm grateful as can be. I hope, since I do continue to be invited back, that I am contributing something of value to someone, although I'm hard pressed to know what that might be. I love sharing with these women and adore their company. It is an absolute pleasure to spend an evening with them.

I absolutely love this circle of friends. Much like being a kid again, I look forward to our gatherings with anticipation similar to getting to see Santa coming down the chimney at Christmas. Lucky, lucky me!

Last night an analogy was made about how the “new generation” of spinners (newbie’s like me) are able to learn to spin on the Cadillac’s of wheels these days; much like learning to drive in an automatic luxury car before learning how to drive that ole stick shift of dad’s - that sat at the far end of the driveway for years, collecting dust and cob webs. With that analogy, I realize, I really missed out on an entirely different style of spinning altogether. It almost made me want to check out an old Saxony style single treadle wheel and tackle my way through to spin a hank of mohair………..I did say almost didn’t I? I love my traveling Lendrum and I don’t think I’ll be trading it in any time soon.

I had planned to spin the remainder of my, hand dyed, green silk, but accidentally left that bag at home. I'm anxious to get all the silk on a bobbin so I can ply my mohair-silk blend with the silk single – Mmm., mmm, mmm! I can’t wait.

We all had a little something different going on last night. Susie, a born teacher, was knitting a beautiful shawl out of the richest, softest looking, black cashmere, on those darn circular needles. I don’t think I’ll ever be skilled enough to do that.

Cary was spinning with her drop spindle, and working on the second sock; I don’t care who you are –those are adorable socks!

She also brought a sweater to show us that she wasn’t sure she was happy with. She made it from her very first spun yarn. How special is that? I think it looks fabulous!! Cary wouldn’t let me get a picture of her with it on – but trust me; it was to-die-for cute.

Laura, our hostess, was spinning up a storm on her Magicraft wheel – she really got a lot done. Spinning some of the most gorgeous fiber I’ve ever seen. It was a gift to her and apparently isn't available anymore. It's called Gaywool, (it's from Australia), and it’s a merino and kid mohair blend.
Isn't it stunning?

I ended up spinning some crosspatch; I saw for the first time, at the Olivas Adobe demo, a couple weeks back and instantly fell in love with it. It spins like a dream. I am loving this stuff.

Pretty soon I’m going to have to start plying I’m almost out of bobbins. YIKES!

What an absolutely wonderful evening we had -
Ahhhhh! Life is good; thank you ladies.
:D

Happy spinning all~

Have Faith -
Yep – “ have faith ” was definitely the catch phrase of the crochet class I took yesterday at Anacapa Fine Yarns a LYS (little yarn shop) I frequent these days. The teacher, Anastasia Poland , found the pattern in the Crochet Me an online magazine, Issue 4; February / March 2005. She requested permission from the pattern designer, Julie Holetz to teach the class using her pattern. In the name of education Julie granted Anastasia permission.

Thank you so much Julie!! This was a fabulous learning experience and I enjoyed this class far more than words can express on this blog.

The class was for an adorable crochet, kimono-style, baby sweater. This pattern is fabulous and it was easy-peasy, so long as you continued to “have faith” in it.

I’m here to tell you, I wouldn’t have ever completed this sweater if it hadn’t been for mdf, E (my dear friend, Elisa) (again) who is a “crochet goddess” in my eyes, [if you recall, she’s the one who taught me to crochet], as she was able to finish the sweater before she went home.

If I hadn’t seen the odd shapes this project took on during class, I’d have a whole lot of lovely yarn, and I'd wonder what could it have become - if I’d just “had faith”. Well.......I took my half finished sweater home and after dinner I started to work on it again. I was so hoping I wouldn’t forget what I had learned earlier in the day. I found myself repeating the words I heard over and over in class - “have faith". I had my doubts on more than one occasion, but I kept "the faith" and voila’ – my first “real” garment project (not an accessory, mind you) is complete. So I’m doin' what mdf, E calls the “happy dance”.

:D ......Yippee for me!!!

I can’t wait to make another one.

"Cowboys, Hero's and Outlaws"
In an effort to “get on with life" after AJ's passing and keep everything as normal as possible, I continue to volunteer.
On Saturday June 3rd, I volunteered at Olivas Adobe Historical Park helping out at the booth set up by my Handweavers and Spinners Guild.





It is an annual family festival called "Cowboys, Hero's and Outlaws". This festival is fun for the entire family. Many local groups, guilds, and volunteers come out to give demonstrations, and offer some hands on experiences for kids of all ages.

Some of the festivities included









authentic cultural dance demonstrations,








woodcarving demonstrations,
so many amazing woodcarvings....


















and wood toys....






and so much more.

Kids of all ages could participate and learn how to do many of the skills and crafts that were common in the early 1900’s -


Such as; rug beating,

















butter churning,














tortilla making,




and of course weaving,














and spinning yarn from hand carded fiber.











Fun was had by all. I can’t wait to volunteer again next year.

Coyote Ugly ? I don't think so....... I'm talkin' Rail-Roadrunner -
Last time I saw a coyote crossing the road - it looked something like this........
















But today on my way home from AJ's celebration of life - I saw this.................


Yep, that's a coyote folks - NOT a dog. Trecking down Lewis Road heading south along the railroad tracks.


Keep your cats and roadrunners in tonight. That coyote looks a tad lean, and I don't think it's due to his even'n jogs.

coyote
more coyote
very cool coyote images


Can you belive I just happend to have my camera sitting next to me?
Woo-hoo!

In loving memory -
AJ Carter 9/25/1984 - 5/28/2006

Good bye dear friend, we'll all miss you deeply.

XOXO

Andrew Jackson Carter

All in a day's play -
One of my absolute favorite things to do is spend the day with my spinning buds, Elisa and Susie. Susie is a kick to be around. She is one of the most giving people I know; sharing her wealth of information whenever we get together. She's one of those "natural teacher types". She's been active in fiber arts more than half her life; (quite a bit more), spinning, weaving, knitting, etc...
Anyway.....we Christened Elisa’s, (nearly completed) new and improved, craft room yesterday. Susie brought her darling little gem-of-a-wheel.

Isn't this cool?

How blessed am I to have so many of these women in my life?

We really had it all going on yesterday. E's room was big enough for her to pick her fiber.

I blended my (first home dyed) silk and mohair - into these lovely batts.

Elisa also spun a while, she went

from this,

to this..................Simply gorgeous Elisa!

It truly was a most wonderful day. I can't wait to go back.

Call me anytime E - my calandar looks pretty open.

What’s Mother’s Day like when your kids don’t play soccer?
I can’t remember. Every year on Mothers Day weekend our family is at a local soccer tournament. Chuck is coaching and ref-ing; I’m volunteering at a booth or popping in for a quick helping hand in the snack bar. The kids are playing soccer - a couple games each day. This year their team didn’t place, but they had a lot of fun just the same.Since Cory will be too old to play in the tournament next year and it will be Dylan’s last year, I may find out real soon what Mothers Day is like while not on the soccer field. Mother’s Day isn’t a total bust. My family lets me know they love me (that’s all I really care about). I’m not what you'd call showered with gifts but I have NO complaints. Chuck doesn’t disappoint - especially thse last couple years. Last year, I rec’d my dream camera, which allows me to take the pictures you see here. This year, I was completely surprised with a coo-coo clock. I JUST LOVE THAT THING. (Thank you, Elisa, for whispering in my husband’s ear). The two birds on the sides bob up and down as if to check the eggs in the nest between them. While the coo-coo bird comes out of his little door and coo-coo’s once for each hour displayed on the clock face and once every half hour. I absolutely LOVE it. Thank you honey, I love you.
What's not to love?

Picking Fiber is a dangerous hobby -
I'm lucky enough to have a couple friends that went in on a PG picker with me. I love that!! The picker is nice too. Well "nice" probably isn't the best discription for a picker. That thing bites - hard. It draws blood and everything -

Don't feel too sorry for me just yet cuz I'm not as stupid as I look. (Stop laughing Chuck). It bit me once, I thought "shame on you, you nasty picker". It bit me twice and I thought "ouch" then I thought "shame on me, for not having more respect for this nasty picker." But wait - look what I found...............


Such a "handy" invention. (Don't you hate bad puns?)

(It's OK mom, that's NOT blood coming through the leather).

Well, the gloves sure did save the day. I ended up with some beautiful wool and even more beautiful mohair- all ready to go to the carder. Gosh I love this hobby. :D

Ain't it pretty?

Don't you love the Barbie tool? I know what my friend Susie uses this for.
What do you suppose Barbie uses it for?

They live-
My littlest family of critters – they’re all awake and mingling on a daily basis now. Aren’t they cute? :D They all have their own adorable personalities. The smallest one is named, Fluffy, acting like the "puppy" of the group. He is playful and active, curious and fearless. Fiona, (the only female - she has the smooth shell) is very scheduled and has her definite routines each day. I always know where to find her, depending on the time of day and the whether. Ronnie (our newest addition) is the mysterious one. He is rarely doing the same thing, in the same place, at the same time. He’s a bit more aloof (acts like he’s still a little sleepy). I wonder if he thinks he’s still dreaming. After all, he was taken from his home, of 17 years, and this time when he woke up – everything is different. I’m sure it will take him a little time to adjust, but he does mingle now, so I’m not too worried – yet. I just adore watching them. I think they all feel secure. Well..... at least they all know where to go for their food now. Pretty cute eh?

This is the first time they have all seen each other. We’ve had all three for quite a while now, (got the third one in late Sept 05) but the other two were hibernating when Ronnie arrived. Soon afterward, Ronnie went into hybernation too. So they have all just recently met. Fluffy, the ornate box turtle,(you can barely see him - he's in the shadows near the fence) has been with us the longest. We purchased him from a reptile show in June 2004 for my youngest son’s birthday (a turtle was the only thing on his birthday wish list). We adopted, Tiffany, the female California desert tortoise, who we renamed, Fiona, (because she is such a princess) when Chuck’s (mlh- my loving husband) sister moved out of state in July 2005. They needed to find a good home for her and we were more than happy to accomodate. Apparently, word got out we were adopting - because shortly thereafter, we were asked if we’d be interested in adopting Ronnie, (my son, Cory, calls him Reagan and I call Spot – due to a drop of green paint on his shell) when some friends knew of a family looking for a home for their beloved tortoise of 17 years. Also due to a move out of state. So suddenly we had our family of ………. we’ll call them “turtles” for simplicity sake. Earlier this month Fiona and Fluffy emerged and Ronnie is just now starting to come out and play. He’s a little slow to wake up. Although, he was the last one to go down for his long winter nap (kinda’ like Chuck – always the last one to bed).

They all laughed –
I was introduced to the idea of spinning by mdfE, (my dear friend, Elisa) at a scrap booking crop in late October '05. I took one look at the fiber she had spun and my heart leapt, seriously leapt from my chest. I instantly knew this is something I had to do. I immediately put a Lendrum, traveling spinning wheel, on my Christmas wish list (mind you - I didn’t know how to spin). There was no doubt I was going to do this and I was going to love it. My actions over the next month and a half obviously convinced mlh (my loving husband) I was going to spin, because shore ‘nuf he bought me that sweet, sweet, spinning wheel (aka Sweetie) for Christmas.
My kids laughed as I opened her because I was crying the second I laid eyes on her. Actually, I think the tears started flying before I got the box completely open. Just knowing what was inside started the water works. She was beautiful, I didn’t know what to do with her, but I loved her already. I’d peak inside the box periodically, over the next few days, just to see her. Once the Christmas hustle and bustle was over - on New Years Eve - mdfE invited me over for a spinning lesson. It was my 17th wedding anniversary. How could I leave? How could I go learn to spin on my 17th wedding anniversary? Phhfffff! - It was easy. Wild horses couldn’t have kept me from going - and mlh knew it. He just laughed and said “go”. Without hesitation I was off. Sweetie tucked away, safe and sound, in her box and my heart a pitter-patter with excitment. Upon my arrival, I proceeded to open the box. Observantly, mdfE noticed Sweetie had never been completely removed from her box before (plastic wrap still intact). She laughed, as she said “I can’t believe you haven’t set your wheel up yet”. To which I replied, “I don’t know how, I was hoping you'd show me”. We both laughed, as she simply said , “amazing”! I realized it was pretty amazing. I had received a fairly expensive Christmas gift from mlh (who must have a lot of faith in me) and I had no earthly idea how to use this little honey, much less set her up. But he knew, he knew, I’d learn and I’d love. Once again mlh proved himself to be Mr. “right”.

I suprised myself -

What can you make when all you know is a chain stitch, single and double crochet?
I had NO idea. I just learned how to crochet those stiches days earlier.
After a few minutes of thinking "I might be able to create something"
~ shore 'nuf - I did! :D
I fiddled and fussed and ended up with this cute little hat.
Since I purchased this yarn with my sister, Diane, in mind (it just reminded me of her - I don't know why). I wondered if she’d like this little number. ?? Especially since I decided to make a matching scarf. I couldn't wait to find out, but it was one of her Christmas gifts so I waited. ....
I sure hope she likes having the very first ever "Sharon original."
Her smile says "yes".