I was hacked

My apologies to anyone who received unusual emails from me today with the subject lines of 'hi' or anything to do with vacations or electronics. My hotmail email address was hacked. It's frozen for the next 24 hours. I am receiving emails into the inbox that I can read - but can't respond since the bl**ping spammers used it instantly to send out mass mailings and exceeded my send limit. Thanks everyone for the heads up, I've gotten a lot of emails from you all realizing that the spam wasn't from me but that my email was compromised. Don't people have anything better to do then hack emails?! Frustrating.

I'm hoping by the weekend to have a bit of time to blog again and catch everyone up on the adventures here. Some good, some bad, some grand!

Sorry again for the spam. Situation has been rectified -- if not quickly.
Renee

Still kicking around here

It's been too long since I had time to blog. I'm still kicking around here, albeit always in a rush. We're still a one vehicle owning family and the past month has been hectic.

Kids are busy and so are we. Haven't lost my knitting mojo, just haven't had time to sit down and knit. The gardens will awaken soon and need cleaning out so that will be up next.

I've been busy with the dogs too. Chase earned 2 new performance titles and is in a tracking test on May 8th, so the blog will be quiet for sure until after that weekend.

Ryan won first place in the Regionals for Technical CAD in Skills Canada and will be progressing to the Provincials for the beginning of May. We're very proud of him!


Hoping everyone is having a lovely spring and all are well.

Make sure to stop by Philigry as Katie is having a wonderful giveaway you won't want to miss!!!
Hugs to you all, Renee

FO Crest of the Wave Scarf

This was a fun scarf to knit with a 12 row repeat. The lace pattern is in the first 8 rows and rows 9 - 12 are garter stitch.

My friend loved it. I'm so pleased she did!

DETAILS:
Pattern: Crest of the Wave Scarf
Yarn: MCN Fingering from The Plucky Knitter/400 yards
Colourway: The Stables
Size: 8" x 60" after blocking/30 pattern repeats

This yarn bled heavily when I blocked it, but I like the variations in the hues more after it had a good bath. It has hints of olive, plum and golden tones dispersed throughout the browns. I bought beads for the fringe and played around with those for a good while but wasn't pleased with any of it ~ the yarn and pattern were nicer without them.

Blocking using dental floss wasn't much different then just using pins. I don't think it turned out any differently then had I blocked using pins alone.

It drapes beautifully and the yarn is soft and pleasing. I used all but a few yards of the 400 yard skein.

At 8" wide it could be worn as a wrap. I'll knit it again for myself making it wider to wear as a rectangular shawl to cover my shoulders when I wear my sun dress. The pattern is free and easy to follow. I highly recommend this knit!

I'm still here

Just been really busy. Driving. Everyone. Everywhere. It's amazing the difference in our schedules and how we've tried to adjust to being a one-vehicle family over the past 3 weeks. It's sort of insanity, actually. No sign of the stolen truck or contents. The insurance has said they'd wait 3 weeks to see if it turned up so next week we only just start the claim for loss.

On the knitting front the chocolate scarf was set aside as were all of my other crafting projects. I have enough yarn left to complete one more 12-row repeat before I cast off the Crest of the Wave scarf. I played around a lot with fringe, tassels, beads... and have decided I like it best without any adornments. I'm hoping to finally get it done this evening and blocking will happen in the next day or 2. I never did get to my LYS to pick up blocking wires so I'm going to try to block this scarf using dental floss instead of the wires, plus pins. Has anyone done this or have any suggestions for me? I won't post FO photos for bit though because I want to gift it first as a surprise and will only be seeing the recipient the weekend after this coming one.

The clocks change this weekend. I'm very pleased about that. Much earlier then in years past. Hopefully spring comes earlier too?? I can only hope. It will be wonderful to have an extra hour of daylight after work to be outside and get things done. This weekend I'm going to be gone at a rally obedience trial with my 2 black standard poodles. It's be nice to get back into the competitive groove again.

I had a wonderful time watching poodles in the show ring when I went to watch with a friend. We were hit by a nasty snow storm so I ended up stranded away from home and stayed at my friends place. She was a gracious hostess and we had a marvelous time. It was an entire unexpected weekend away from home. I should know better then to travel hours away from home in Ontario in February without an overnight bag just in case.... oh well. It made it more adventurous. Everyone was warm, safe and sound so it was fine.

Hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying the start of March!

1/2 full

Thank you everyone for the kind words and support. They are very appreciated and you are wonderful people. There's no sign of the truck or tools. I'm feeling like the glass is half full, so I'm mostly out of my funk ~ thanks goodness.

I've been knitting when I can and it's definitely been zen for me, helping me relax after the events of last week. This is the progress so far. I plan to knit all evening and hopefully finish it tonight, block it and have it ready to gift.

I'm headed out of town tomorrow to visit dear friends and enjoy a day at a big dog show as a spectator. In particular I'm going to see the Poodles! That will definitely put a smile on my face. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Some days

Some days are not as good as others. Today was such a day, one I could have done without. Valentine's here in our house was shocking and depressing. Anyone who has even had anything taken or stolen from them will understand.

It's been a difficult past few years and truly it takes an awful lot to fill my plate to the point where I become angry or upset. I'm a "the glass is half full" sort of person and an eternal optimist. Well, today I would like to take said glass and smack someone up side the head with it ~ except I don't know who.

Some time between midnight last night and this morning my husband's truck, tools and equipment were stolen from our driveway. First comes surprise, then shock and by tonight the enraged and angered feelings of invasion and lack of security and safety. Don's truck is a big diesel workhorse. Had it been started in our driveway we would have heard it as it wakes us all up when Don leaves early. We have 3 big dogs loose in the house that would have barked had the truck ignition been turned over. Police believe it was likely pushed out of the driveway and taken away on a trailer. That makes this a calculated theft and not a random act. More then the vehicle, Don's tools and possession that were locked in the truck are a major blow for us.

Some days I wish were different. Sorry for venting.

Calorie-free Chocolate gift for a friend

Yarn from a Ravelry destash.
Crest of the Wave Scarf.

The Plucky Knitter ~ The Stables colourway.

400 yards Merino Seacell fingering in delicious browns.

This is one of those knits that will bloom after blocking.

I'm off to my favourite quilt and yarn shops tomorrow with Dawn. We'll try to not do too much damage but lace blocking wires are at the top of my list. And perhaps a few fat quarters for Nicole's new quilt...

Wishing you all a sweet and wonderful Valentine's ~ although I don't believe you should tell those you love that you love them only on a dictated day ~ tell them every day!!

FO Not Noro Striped Scarf

Details:
Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood
Yarn: Rowan Tapestry, 2 balls each of colours SH 170 and SH 172
Size: 5" x 88"

I wasn't certain I'd like the stripes. Turns out I love the stripes! The colour is richer and prettier then I was able to photograph it in the bright sun today. I'm really pleased with the Tapestry.

The first stitch of each row is slipped purl wise with the yarn held in back. It made for a nice edge and incorporated the change of yarn every 2 rows beautifully.


The interest factor from each new colour combination makes this a fun and easy knit.

It's nice and long. I purchased 3 of each colourway so there will probably be a co-ordinating hat or wrist warmers since after 4 total the scarf measures 88". The extra balls would be perfect for Toast from Leslie ~ I'll make them with the dark browns and berry coloured ball to co-ordinate, not striped with both.

The yarn is soft, warm and has a beautiful halo, perfect for cold February outings. I wouldn't change anything if I knit this again. Actually, I definitely will knit this again using the Rowan Tapestry and try 2 new colourways. Love how this scarf turned out, it'll see a lot of wear.

Let it flow

Flow Yoga, also called vinyasa yoga. I'm one of those people that needs to stretch or else I seize up. It feels darned good to be loose and centred, energized and relaxed. My search for a yoga studio has not gone well. Instead the kids are enrolling in a new Martial arts club that just opened in our area. Both kids were on a hiatus and then their previous club folded after their Master passed away. Now with doctor's approval they're ready to return to kicking some butt while staying fit. They were up to their blue belts in Kung Fu and both intend to complete their training to Black Belt as well as progress into other martial art forms.

On the yoga front option #2 was DVDs. After asking a few friends, surfing online and high praise from the Namaste Knitters at Ravelry I went with Shiva Rea's DVDs. I would have preferred to get back into yoga with a trained coach to watch our form, but this is a great second option.

We started with Flow Yoga for Beginners. On the back jacket of the DVD it states: "She begins with seated meditations that teaches you how to link breath with movement. Three more segments introduce her flowing approach to classic poses. Transitions from pose to pose are graceful and easy. You may not have Shiva's flexibility (yet), but you can follow her lead in ways that work for you. Feel yourself becoming stronger and more supple. Sense your new energy and find the fluidity that has always been yours."

We liked Shiva so much that we have now added Creative Core Abs, Core + Lower Body and Core + Upper Body to my little yoga library. They're very good, reasonably priced and in this winter weather it's nice to stay home and benefit from Shiva's great teachings.

If you're at all interested in starting yoga, this is a great way to give it a try. Namaste.

On the weather front the groundhog saw his shadow so looks like another 6 weeks of winter. We expect 6 weeks or more of winter around here whether he sees his shadow or not anyway. lol Be well everyone!

Busy, busy

To say I've been busy as of late would be an understatement. The kids just finished writing exams, we spend too much of our spare time shovelling mountains of snow and I've started 4 new projects. And I'm loving it! All the action, commotion and getting things done makes January fly by. Unfortunately my camera is misbehaving so I can't show you the striped scarf I've finished. Soon. I also won't hand out any details of the new projects that will be Pay It Forward treats. Instead I give you the following treasures that I immensely enjoy:

1. Visit Lucy at her blog ZebraKnits. Her Adelaine coat is spectacular! I love everything about it. Lucy, you should publish and photograph your own knitting books. Your designs, knitting and photos are divine.

2. Visit Amanda and Lily at Joli House. Mother and daughter ~ oh-so-talented and wonderful.

3. Visit AmandaJean at Crazy Mom Quilts. AmandaJean you are a quilting inspiration! This is my favourite quilting blog. Stash ~ Oh yeah! Check. it. out.

4. Visit Katie at Philigry. Beautiful blog, talented & beautiful woman, beautiful family. Lots and lots of great projects and recipes. The best word to describe Katie and her blog is beautiful.

5. Be sure to stop in for a visit with Mr Puffy and Claudia. Lovely knits, super recipes, gorgeous photos and Claudia is the nicest person ever! I'm blessed to have met her via blogging, Claudia you are a wonderful friend. :)

6. Visit Dawn, Torin & Emma at Woolywumpus. Dawn is my dearest friend and blog enabler. We have many fun and wonderful adventures together. We need to plan many more...

Hopefully I'll have a charged up battery and operable digital camera in a few days. Until then Happy Knitting and Yarny Hugs! xoxo

I've been feeling a bit blue

Good thing I have ample blue stash. This is a sampling of blues, there's plenty more of each yarn.

Since I have 4 new projects in the planning and starting stages I can't blog about ~ or I'll ruin the surprise ~ I've decided to cast on something new for myself too. I'm leaning towards the Kidsilk Haze in shade 592 as Kim Hargreaves Trinket, minus the beads.

If you haven't seen Carolyne Roehm's books check them out. They're filled with incredibly photographed home, garden and recipe ideas. Her web site is inspiring. Be sure to read her bio, she's a multi talented woman who is also a dog and horse lover.

I have all but Carolyne's first book that is no longer in print. At Home With Carolyne Roehm is by far my favourite. It's set up by the seasons, page after page of gorgeous photos and recipes. Have a look at it next time you're in a book store ~ it's eye candy and a oft browsed coffee table book here at our house. Charlotte Moss's Winter House is one I pull out every winter too.

When The Blues strike me it's a good thing! :) Have a lovely day everyone!

To Do List with a Twist

Many thanks to Alison for this one!! The things already done are changed to ~ bold. Things I want to do ~ in italics. Things not done and don't want to ~ left in plain font. Here we go...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a Meteor Shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World/Land
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in Paris
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden a Gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David in person
41. Sung Karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold girl scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Received flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. Bounced a cheque
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a Quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved some one's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the great salt lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Pay It Forward

Wow!! You guys are Great!! I have 4 people interested in Paying It Forward! Participating are Woolywumpus, JourneyingFive, Ze and Celestial. You are the nicest people ~ I'm off to raid my stashes and start making stuff for you all!

Sheila is participating in a Paying It Forward exchange. I absolutely love the idea so I've joined her in spreading some joy and having some fun. If you haven't seen the movie 'Pay It Forward' the concept works like this: When someone has done a good deed for you rather than doing something nice in return to that person you Pay It Forward by doing something nice for someone else. I'll send handmade gifts to the first 3 people who commit to also Pay It Forward by posting in the comments you'd like to join.

The gifts will be from my heart with the intent to make the receivers feel warm and happy. They'll be sent out within the next 6 months. In return you post a Pay It Forward promise on your blog and then send out your handmade gifts within your 6 month time frame.

If you'd like to play be sure to mention what colours you like in your comment. Blogger doesn't ask for emails for me to reply to commenters so please send me an email if you know I don't have yours. Won't you come join me? I'd love to make you something special!

ETA: Leaving a comment won't commit you to Pay It Forward unless you specifically say you want to join, so no worries. Have a great day everyone!

Quilted knitting bag

Made from fabric scraps this little bag rocks for small knitting projects and socks. The squares are cut at 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches stacked in 3 rows of 4 on each side. There's a 3-1/2 inch wide strip for the bottom so this bag can sit up nicely. The quilted handles are comfortable and sturdy. I used fabric spray adhesive between the layers and quilted it in the ditch on my sewing machine while it was still flat before I lined it with the bull rush fabric. Next time I'll use a different fabric for each square for a scrappier look.


I'm stashing cut-to-size fabric squares to make more bags as gifts. Next time I'll add a magnetic closure and maybe a piece of plastic mesh in the bottom. I'll probably sew up some 5 x 5 inch square bags too. It's a fun project that can be finished in an afternoon to use up leftover bits from quilts.

11 Random Things about me

1. I hate to be late. I try to keep an organized schedule and always wear a watch. I'm also a list maker which helps prevent me from being late.

2. My family had German Shepherds while I was younger and Rottweilers when I was a teenager. I always wanted standard poodles but it wasn't until I was married that that finally happened. It's been 20 years with poodles now.

3. When I started knitting my dad offered to pay me to quit. He thought knitting was for old ladies with nothing better to do. I counter offered to use the money for wool to knit him a hat.

4. I'm influenced by colour. I'm especially fond of watery blues, grays, whites & creams, and shades of green. Colour affects my mood, my energy level and it inspires me to create, knit and sew. The older I get the clearer and lighter the colours I surround myself with are becoming. In the autumn I'm drawn to reds.

5. I have trouble maintaining my body temperature and dress in more layers than most people would ever consider putting on at the same time. Wool is a major part of my wardrobe along with jeans and boots. I rarely wear shorts, even when it's scorching hot outside. Mom says I've been chilled since I was a preemie.

6. I knit every day unless I'm sick and always have multiple projects on the needles.

7. I'm married to the love of my life and consider myself extremely fortune to be with such a wonderful man with 2 great kids.

8. I hate it if there's a mess or clutter on the kitchen counter or dirty dishes in the sink. I will stay up late to tidy that up or it bugs me so much I can't sleep thinking about it.

9. I used to be a runner. With a compromised right foot that's become long walks, hiking and yoga. I just ordered some Yoga DVDs for a new workout and am looking forward to them arriving in my mailbox. I'm working on being a runner again. I miss running on my treadmill ~ it's where I do my best problem solving and brain storming.

10. I suffer from SABLE. Stash Amassed Beyond Life Expectancy. I love fibre. There's a yarn stash as well as a fabric stash. I suspect my SABLE tendencies are a direct result of enjoying Ravelry and reading other people's blogs so much. I'm constantly tempted by people's amazing FO's and adding to my queue.

11. I love to see inside other people's homes. I'm intrigued by how they decorate, how they live and what things appeal to them. I especially enjoy seeing what they collect and getting copies of thier favourite recipes.

I'd love to learn something random about you!

Ryan's Favourite Oatmeal Cookies

I enjoy baking instead of buying cookies for my appreciative teenagers and husband. This recipe is from Dawn's mom's 5-Star Recipe file. If you like you can add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the mix before they go on the baking sheet. Ryan is thrilled she shared the recipe with us. Thanks Dawn!! I'll try to eat just one, honest... After a long, cold day outside in the snow tracking with my friends and Chase I'm sure I burned off enough calories to indulge in a cookie. Or two...

5 STAR OATMEAL COOKIES

½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all purpose flour
2-½ cups 3-to-5 minute rolled oats
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt

Cream together butter and shortening; add brown sugar and white sugar, egg and vanilla. Mix in blender until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture in 3 instalments, mixing well after each addition.

Drop by teaspoonfuls for small cookies or a filled and levelled ice cream scoop for large "Ryan sized cookies" onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 8 – 12 minutes for small cookies, 16 minutes for the large sized cookies. Let cool completely on a rack.

You light up my life

I collect a lot of different things including lamps, they vary from elegant to rustic in design.

I love the lines of this tall lamp with it's square shade lined in gold that casts a beautiful warm light down the hardwood base. If I only had one table lamp this would be it.

The shade on this western saddle base is parchment paper punched with leather lacing.

This elegant cut lead crystal & brass Pineapple lamp with a hand sewn linen shade lights our living room. It was purchased not long after Don & I were married for our first house.

This was the first lamp I collected when I was 10 yrs. old ~ my dad was concerned that I was already collecting light fixtures and dishes at that age!

Mom gave me this adorable standard poodle puppy. The hat band around the top of the shade is leather threaded with silver hearts from the Stetson I wore showing horses in conformation.

A Tiffany lamp ~ everyone probably has one of these.

A wooden dresser base with drawers sits beside one of my porcelain flowers with it's distressed milk based paint finish.

This lamp is for a night table but until I find the right replacement for it's spot it's on the antique chest of drawers in the front entrance.

I also have a lamp with a momma bear (my nick name is She Bear) and 2 clubs, as well as Ott Lites for knitting, sewing and reading. There are exquisite bronze castings of poodles made into lamps (I saw in Maryland while at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty) that are gorgeous. I haven't as yet gotten over the sticker shock ~ but one day I might not be able to resist and ship one of them home.

There's no knitting progress to post ~ I've had my butt kicked by the flu this past week. The true measure of how sick I am is not how high my fever but if I can't manage to pick up knitting or a book to read. I haven't knit more then a few rows on my scarf in the last 10 days or so. I've spent time visiting other blogs and emailing in bursts, then head back to the couch or bed to nap. Being sick is such a waste of time! Hope everyone is healthy and well.

Happy New Year!

2008 has been a long year. For us there have been great highs and deep lows. It has been a year of learning, triumphs and laughter and had more then it's share of hardship and sorrows.

In 2009 I don't intend to have as structured a goal list as past years. I'm a New Year's Resolution person. Applying self-inflicted accountability works for me. 2009 will have a shorter and less strict list then in years past. I may be one of the few people that still makes and stubbornly keeps resolutions. I have found myself scrambling in the last months of a year to complete them, but I do. I'm the sort of person who hates to disappoint others, even myself.

I have been learning to say no and not feel guilty about it (stop laughing those of you who know me well). I'm going to make a point of relaxing a little more, enjoying more of the little things, getting more exercise and being sleep deprived less often. Particular goals will be less numerated. I intend to knit more sweaters and cardigans including the Wrapigan by ChampagneMaker (Rav. link here) just because I love it so much. That warm hug of knit comfort is going to be mine . And lace ~ not just basic lace I've knit in the past ~ but a pretty shawl will be patiently tackled and my 'fear of knitting one of those' overcome.

2009 Chase will complete his UTDX tracking and Rally titles and begin trialing his Obedience titles. Eating healthier (which is not hard after an uber-indulged December), finishing the backyard garden projects (almost got there this year!) and finding a yoga class for Nicole and I. My past lists have all been much longer and more specific. This year I'm learning from my friends to be more lenient with myself. That's an improvement from me... baby steps to cutting back. Perhaps my biggest goal?

The Not Noro Striped scarf from my last post? Loving it. Thanks for the encouragement to keep knitting. I've not had a lot of time to sit and knit, but it's growing slowly but surely.

I wish you all a wonderful, happy, healthy and joyous New Year!

xoxox

Not certain about this one

I'm not certain about this new scarf. It was my car knitting on Christmas day, although it was dark on the way home so just entertained me on the way there. I have tried to pick out colour combinations from Noro to knit the Striped Scarf a la Jared Flood. Either I don't like what's in stock, they're short one ball of what I like or it's completely sold out. I'm usually partial to solid and semi solid yarns or very softly variegated colourways. Except for self striping socks I have never knit anything striped. I've had a yearning to knit this scarf for a long time and when The Harlot succumbed to and described the pleasures of knitting this project on her blog Nov. 18 of this year I knew I would too ~ except then skeins of Noro Silk Garden became a hot commodity in Ontario and were suddenly flying off store shelves. It was Rowan Tapestry that finally won my favour and the 70% wool/30% soybean protein fibre found it's way home with me.

It's a more subtle look and the yarn has a nice halo. Would I really wear something this striped? Have any of you knit this scarf in Noro? How do you like it? Do you wear it very often? Maybe I'm ambivalent because now I'm itching to knit up another Knotted Openwork scarf for myself?


Should I keep going or frog and make something individual out of the colourways instead of mixing them together? I'm usually a very decisive person, but I can't make a decision of whether or not to keep knitting this one. The colours remind me of saddle leather ~ which is a good thing ~ so maybe I'll keep plugging along... it really is tagging my interest as each row changes colour. The colours are gorgeous ~ ok, I've convinced myself ~ I'll finish knitting it and then see how willingly or not I'll wear stripes.

ETA: The further along this knit progresses the nicer it's looking. Thanks everyone for encouraging me to not frog ~ you were right ~ it's turning out lovely!

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! I hope today finds you and yours happy, healthy, warm and well.

Click here for the video clip for the Christmas Yarn Giveaway draw to see who won. Unfortunately the video clip I had embeded here isn't working now, I'll try to get it fixed if I can. The link works though.

We had a fabulous Christmas Eve at my parents century stone farmhouse and are heading out shortly to another farm to spend Christmas Day with Don's family. It's a long drive so car knitting is packed and ready to go.

You may notice the quilt hanging over the couch now behind Chase is different then the one that was hanging there just a few days ago for pictures. It was gifted last night to my brother, I think he liked it a lot. The quilt in the video clip is for a bed, but until I get the Latte quilt completed it'll hang over the couch. The draw winner is pictured below as well for those of you on dial up. Thank you everyone for posting such sweet comments, this Christmas Yarn Giveaway has been so much fun that it'll be an Annual event here at ReneeKnitsToo. I am thankful for all my blogging friends ~ you are all inspirational. T Does Wool is our winner! Theresa, if you email me your address the green Plucky will be in the mail to you as soon as the Post Office is open again. Have a wonderful Christmas Day!

FO for my mom

Details:
Pattern: Knotted Openwork Scarf
Yarn: Merino Superwash Fingering from The Plucky Knitter
Needles: 5.5 mm

We celebrate Christmas at my parents farm on Christmas Eve and I'm very happy to show you this scarf that was a last minute gift for my mom. It's blocked and ready to be wrapped and gifted this evening. Nicole likes it very much and would like one for herself.

When I make this again I'll add 2 stitches and slip the first stitch of each row purl wise, yarn held in behind.


I also intend to purchase blocking wires for my lace knitting. I blocked it on towels and hand pressed it out using my rotary cutting quilt ruler as a guide for pinning.

My mom's not a fussy person. I think the simple styling of this Knotted Openwork pattern will appeal to her. It's a versatile wear and lovely for the neckline of a dress coat.


I'm very much a scarf girl. We got dumped on by another 38cm (15") of very wet and heavy snow overnight and scarves are just a necessity for Canadian winters.

Wishing you all a very wonderful Christmas Eve! Tomorrow morning we'll do the Christmas Yarn giveaway draw so be sure to check back to see if you won.

Christmas No-Bake Recipe #4

You are the nicest people! Thank you so much for all of the very sweet and kind comments to the Christmas Yarn Giveaway!! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to read your comments and to send one of you out this scrumptious skein of fingering Plucky goodness. Hugs and good Christmas cheer to you ~ you are really the BEST! If you haven't left a comment yet and would enjoy giving this green yarn a new home then please leave a comment on the giveaway post by Christmas Day.

We had a 3rd major snow storm yesterday and there's another forecast for Christmas Eve. The pristine whiteness of the snow cover is so clean and bright it just puts me into a good mood. Too bad it takes us hours of shoveling, plowing and using the tractor and giant blower to dig out from under all this stuff. Nicole went tobogganing with friends and was chilled but had a great time. The city is glistening and the farm it looks like a post card Winter Wonderland. This morning has been chores, errands and grocery shopping. I just made up more cookies and plan to spend a much anticipated afternoon of knitting and watching tv and listening to Christmas CD's. This no-bake is a great bite-sized treat.


QUICK DROP COOKIES

Melt in a bowl over hot water:

1 cup chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter or margarine

Blend in 1/4 cup of sifted icing sugar.

Add 2 cups of desiccated coconut.

Drop from teaspoons onto wax paper. Chill for 30 minutes. Store at room temperature.

Makes approximately 2-1/2 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Christmas Yarn Giveaway

Post a comment and you could win this lovely yarn. I am delighted to be one of the lucky people receiving a ball of Leslie's tweed yarn from her Rose Hill post. She is generously sending out yarn for other people to enjoy. I want to keep the circle of giving revolving by sending out 400 yards of "Keep It Real" colourway from my all time favourite indy dyer Sarah aka The Plucky Knitter.

If you would like to give a new home to a festive green skein of 100% Merino Superwash Fingering yarn from The Plucky Knitter then leave a comment to be added into a random drawing on Christmas Day. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas Baking Recipe #3

Lemon Cake is great for any season and is my only not-made-from-scratch recipe. This cake has been a staple in my baking repertoire for over 25 years. Brand names are really important ~ I've substituted other cake mixes and pudding brands ~ it's the Duncan Hines and Jello together that result in the best taste and texture. These instructions are not the ones printed on the cake box ~ but they should be!

LEMON PUDDING CAKE:

1 Duncan Hines Super Moist (Extra Moist) Lemon Cake Mix (used to be called Supreme)
1 Jello Brand Instant Lemon Pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup Mazola Oil (you can substitute vegetable oil if you want)

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixer on low for 1 minute, then on high for an additional 2 minutes.
Bake in a lightly sprayed spring form Bundt pan (so the centre bakes done or it stays wet). It doesn't always bake through in the centre in a sheet pan but does make nice cup cakes.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 46 - 50 minutes or until the cake top cracks open and a cake tester comes out clean.

ICING options:
1. Leave it plain.
2. Sifting icing sugar over the top of the completely cooled cake.
3. Make icing by combining icing sugar and lemon juice. Make it thick so it will drizzle off a spoon over the top and sides of the completely cooled cake.


Mom's lace scarf is about 20" long now unblocked and there will be a knitting frenzy this weekend to complete it. I used fingering instead of lace weight so it's growing quickly. It's so nice that another skein or 2 of my sock yarn will be knit in this pattern again.


There's a fun Christmas Carol Quiz on Teresa's Knitting The Blues. Give it a try, I scored 90%. Do You Know Your Christmas Carols? Test

We're in the midst of our 2nd major snow storm today. It just keeps coming down and has started to drift with another blizzard expected on Sunday. I have some new books to keep me company during this storm: It Itches from Franklin Habit as recommended to read by Norma, Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders and I've pre-ordered Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush. I plan to curl up with them and my knitting this afternoon. It Itches is hysterically funny and the perfect stocking stuffer for a knitter, I have yet to have a chance to check out the One Skein Wonders. Be well and hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

ETA: Ryan wanted to me add that Lemon Pudding Cake is his all-time favourite cake EVER! I've also made this recipe by using Duncan Hines Chocolate Devil's Food Cake mix and Jello Brand Instant Chocolate pudding mix. It is the best chocolate cake ever too.

This and that

Suddenly deciding this morning to add a lace scarf project to my Christmas knitting queue for my mom is likely not my best plan, but I can't help myself. Nicole was my swift as I wound the skein into a ball. Chase decided to run a little interference and just wanted to get himself into a photo op.

It's going to be the Knotted Openwork Scarf.

The house feels and smells festive. There's been more baking going on and yesterday I had my dog show friends over for the lasagne dinner Christmas party. The last time we tried to get together we were hit by a blizzard and had to rescheule. Tonight I'm off to another Christmas party and am wondering just when I think I might have time to actually get this new lace scarf knit on top of all my other projects??

I can't believe how quickly all the baking disappears. Quick Drop cookies, gingerbread and a lemon pudding cake are on this weekend's To Do list.

Hope all your holiday projects and festivities are going along smoothly and everyone is enjoying themselves. Be well and happy knitting.

What I got for me for Christmas

Two of my favourite hobbies are knitting and poodles so it was pretty much inevitable that something like this would happen. This is my boy Chase as a sock blocker. I can't begin to describe how much these hunks of oak wood art delight me! Knitting socks is something I really enjoy but I've never had blockers. Seeing so many lovely socks on Ravelry on unique blockers sent me on a mission to find myself some with poodle cut outs. I couldn't find any. What I did find was Chappy of Chappy's Fiber Arts & Crafts and her wood working husband John. They make and sell gorgeous sock blockers in most any motif you could desire and now also with a poodle. After emailing Chappy about using one of my dogs as a model we were off and running.

They put a smile on my face every time I look at them. I'm on a sock knitting bender and have to begrudgingly admit that I am smitten with knitting on circs. I didn't think I could be lured away from my dpn's. I'll keep using them but I doubt very often because the knitting is so smooth and fun with the Magic Loop Method and there's virtually no laddering to worry about.

Is it possible to be infatuated with an inanimate piece or 2 of wood? Um, yeah it is. What would you have cut out as the decorative part on a sock blocker if you could choose anything your heart desired? I ordered 2 pairs because one is a Christmas gift for my dear poodle owning/sock knitting friend Dawn. I'm not letting the cat [poodle] out of the bag here since I couldn't keep the surprise and already told her about them. I think I might need a horse pair in the future. Thanks Chappy, they're wonderful!

I just love what I got for me for Christmas. Did you buy yourself anything just for you this year?

Christmas Baking Recipe #2

Christmas cake ~ do you love it or do you hate it? This recipe is not the typical Christmas cake served as it's a light coloured cake. I've made this recipe every year that we're married except last Christmas. I thought people had had enough of it and last year we only baked cookies. I was wrong. My mom, brother and husband each asked me to make Christmas cake again and not miss any more years.

LIGHT CHRISTMAS CAKE

Preheat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 6 small 3 x 6 inch or 2 regular sized loaf pans with waxed paper.

In a large bowl combine:
2 cups slivered citron
2-1/2 cups Sultana raisins
1 cup candied red cherries, halved (for more colour you can use 1/2 cup each red & green cherries)
1 cup blanched, slivered almonds

Sift over the above mixture and toss until well covered with flour:
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

In a mixer cream together:
1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup sugar
5 eggs (add one at a time until well combined)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup undrained crushed pineapple

Add the wet ingredients by hand into the dry mixture. Combine well, spoon into loaf pans and press down to level. Bake at 275F for about 2 hours or until the cakes are lightly golden on top and a cake tester comes out clean. Wrap cooled cakes in foil and keep refrigerated until serving. They will be ready in 7 days.

Notes: We brush some of the loaves in rum every few days or wrap them in cheese cloth soaked in rum before wrapping in the foil.
This recipe doubles extremely well and can be kept in the freezer after baking for a few months.

I've also being doing some knitting and sewing. My sock got frogged back to the heel turn and I'm working on that again, love this yarn! It was too big for my tiny feet so I've got a much better fit going on now. My Urban Sweater sleeve is slow going, I seem to just get started into it and something else keeps coming up. I intend to wear this sweater soon so it's going to get more attention in the next few days. Like Kelly at Celtic Cast On I would really like to finish up my started projects before the end of 2008.

Sewing has produced 19 blocks and there's 11 more to sew. I've been calling this my Latte quilt because there's a coffee bean motif in some of the fabrics. The black/brown colour combo is a pleasure to work with. The black fabrics are kept diagonally on the left side and brown fabrics are on the right. This block has a traditional log cabin centre with star points and then 2 more rows of log cabin on the outside. I plan to assemble the blocks with a 3-column sashing and 9-patch corners. The finished top will nicely cover a queen sized bed.

Only 2 more weeks until the kids are on Christmas vacation! Yeah!! The Christmas cake will be aged and ready to eat by then.

Christmas Baking Recipe #1

Sweet Marie Bars are the ultimate Rice Crispy treat without the usual sticky marshmallow mess to clean up after.

SWEET MARIE BARS:

Melt together and stir until smooth in a double boiler:
(I use a ceramic bowl over a little sauce pan with about an inch or 2-1/2cm of water in it on medium-low heat.)

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 brown sugar
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

Remove from heat and mix in:

3 cups Rice Crispies and 1 cup of salted peanuts

Press firmly into a 9 x 13 inch or 8 x 8 inch buttered or non-stick sprayed pan. Compress them really well so they hold together nicely after they've been cut.

Topping:
Also melt and stir until smooth in the double boiler.

3/4 cup chocolate chips and 3/4 cup butterscotch chips if you use a 9 x 13 inch sized pan.
1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup butterscotch chips if you use an 8 x 8 inch sized pan.

Let them set in the refrigerator to make them easy to cut. Store at room temperature. These are easy to put together and oh so delicious.

Christmas Meme

I saw this at Andrea's blog "At Home Mommy Knits" and it's lots of fun. Join in if you want as well!

1. Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags? Both, wrapped gifts with ribbons for home and family and bags with tissue as hostess gifts when we go to dinners and parties.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. Last the whole season without being a fire hazzard and I no longer feel guilty about killing a tree from my parents evergreen bush every year. We cut a few branches to bring in that smell lovely.

3. When do you put up the tree? On the 1st Advent ~ 4 Sundays before Christmas.

4. When do you take down the tree? January 2nd.

5. Do you like Egg Nog? I don't like it at all, my husband wants a carton as soon as it show up on grocery shelves and then he's satisfied and doesn't need any more.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Books and clothes. No one gift in particular.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, it's ceramic figurines that go on the dining room china cabinet.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids and knitting friends.

10. Mail or email Christmas Cards? A phone call or visit.

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Newer Christmas movie is The Holiday. Every Christmas Eve I watch the original White Christmas.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies!!

13. Clear lights or coloured? Clear mini lights. The old ones, not the blue hued led.

14. Favorite Christmas Song? Tie between White Christmas and It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. I've never been able to decide.

15. Travel or stay home at Christmas? Stay home. But we have to travel too. We try to hold a balance and get to relax some too.

16.Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph with his shiny nose and "Olive" ~ the other reindeer. No idea why everyone always forgets her??

17. Angel or Star on the top of the tree? Angel on one, stars on the rest.

18. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning? We're German, definitely Christmas Eve!

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People who are Grinch's.

20. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees? I love them all! I really enjoy seeing people express their personalities decorating their trees.

21. Gingerbread or Sugar Cookies? Martha Stewart's Gingerbread cookies. Exactly as written in her recipe except we eliminate the black pepper.

That was fun! I'd love to read everyone else's Christmas Meme. Consider yourself tagged!

It's started

I collect Christmas CD's. Martina McBride's "White Christmas" is the best. Give her a listen ~ she's wonderful. I'll wait here while she puts you in the Christmas mood. This year she's released a video duet of "Blue Christmas" with Elvis Presley. Get a load of her hair! It really looks like they're singing live together even though Martina was only 2 years old when this footage was actually recorded by Elvis.

It's started. Decorating for the holidays in earnest. I switched out the swag my grandmother bought us as a house warming gift 14 years ago for a big wreath that I'll add live evergreen sprigs to. The garland lights give the room a lovely glow. I've collected ornaments for about 35 years and buy them for the kids to start their own unique collection.

In the evening when the stove is on with the garland and Christmas tree lit and candles are flickering it's the coziest place in the house. There's a glass sliding door on the wall opposite the quilt. We turn on the outdoor deck lights while it's snowing and the room turns into a winter hideway.

We're hosting our first Christmas party here on Sunday so this week we'll be decorating more inside and out. It's stayed cold so it's still white outside with more snow in the forecast. Looks like it will be a wonderful White Christmas this year.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We've had a few dustings of snow around here already and it's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas ~ my favourite time of the year! This photos is taken part way down the lane of my parents century stone farm house just after the sun rose. We have Christmas parties marked on our calendar, days set aside for baking, decorating and some serious knitting and sewing. My friends come for a lasagna dinner and visit. This year it's going to be after the last day of the Caledon Dog Show and Obedience Trials the end of this month, all of their poodles are invited too. It's so much fun to fill the house with so many great friends and a herd of poodles. It's delightful to see the dogs all getting along so well, enjoying the event as much as we do. These are the same women and dogs I spent a weekend with last July at a cottage in the Muskokas. That was blissful, I can hardly wait for next year's trip there!


The kids, dogs and horses love the new snow, but Bonnie especially. She snuffles and plays with it with her muzzle.

I feel the Christmas spirit earlier each year. It's hard to resist bringing out all the decorations too early. We wait until after my dad's birthday on November 13th and then it's daily bits of preparation so we're in full swing by the first Advent. Christmas planning, shopping, list making, organizing and purging the house and getting ready to decorate. Some people have a big spring cleaning, I dig in more just before December. All this snow has me ready to go. I've cut evergreen branches from the farm to add to our front porch urns with funky outdoor LED lit branches.

This year I bought The Holiday DVD to add to our holiday collection. Between the fun storyline and great locations ~ not to mention Cameron Diaz's character wears some amazing knits ~ it'll be a great movie to knit to while the Christmas spirit nestles in to our home. And Jude Law - yum!! Yeah, after this weekend I'm going to start Christmas decorating a little at a time and the trees goes up just before our first party in 2 weeks. I usually like things more minimalist, neat and tidy, but at Christmas it's decorations in overdrive. Trees, the mantle and window are all adorned.

This is the before shot of our family room mantle, next week I'll post the 'after' when it's all decked out. Tradition dictates the mantle is the first thing decorated in the house. favourite recipes only made at this holiday, places we shop only before Christmas, movies and music, decorations that hold wonderful memories, the candle light service on Christmas Eve and cookie baking on a huge scale... I love the familiarity of it all. We spend Christmas Eve with my family and after everyone has gone to bed I stay up late to watch White Christmas on the VCR.

I'll post a Cookie of the Week in December to share our most favourite Christmas baking recipes. I love to collect new tried-and-true cookie recipes and would love to get some new ones from other blogs. I scored a fantastic one last year from Norma! Love these Dutch Letter Cookies!!! Not really a true cookie, I guess. Don't believe the title or first line in her post ~ these are so good they're angelic. They're the first people reach for on the assorted cookie plates I bring everywhere we visit and serve to guests in our home. I can resist most temptations during the holidays, except the cookies...

Dawn is coming over for a day of baking and sock knitting and I'll get to add new recipes to my repertoire from her. We're also planning to make Claudia and Mr. Puffy's Almond Crescents, my husband Don's favourite holiday cookie.

Seeing the evergreen pine bush at the farm tipped in snow brings on my festive mood! Christmas day we drive to Don's family a few hours away. Boxing Day is crashed at home ~ just the 4 of us and the dogs ~ I knit and watching way too much TV. New Year's Eve is a fondue supper followed by a big pancake/bacon/eggs and goodies brunch at our house to bring in the New Year on Jan.1. It's a lot about the food and completely about guests and going visiting with family and friends.

I edited and still used the word Christmas 11 times not including the title in this post! Oops, that's 12. It really is my favourite time of the year. I love our traditions during the whole of December. What are your favourite traditions and cookies?

My Favourite Quilt Shop & a LYS

Everyone has a favourite place to shop when they have something specific in mind. When I need more quilting fabric I head 20 minutes up the road to the small town of New Hamburg. It has a delightful little historical strip of shops and restaurants. I've been a patron of Heart'n Home Creations since it opened and Esther's store has become the only fabric shop I frequent.

She has an incredible inventory of quality quilting fabrics, patterns and notions as well as gifts and scented candles. I can't leave without at least a few fat quarters, even when I'm just passing through town and really don't need anything. There's always something new and wonderful to find and a welcome stool to pull up to the counter and visit. Esther is friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful, she makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through her door.

There are all sorts of interesting nooks and crannies of merchandise and fabric bolts in this store. It's a sensory delight. If you're in the region this is a destination shop worth stopping at.

On the quilting front here at Chez Koch there has been sewing. Some of my friends were interested in the quilts I make and I've taught them to piece tops. I've also gotten a few of them reaquainted with their forgotten passion for knitting. We try to get together once a month from fall to spring for a day of sewing, lunch and scoot to Esther's shop if time permits. It's great to get together with so many talented and enthusiastic friends for a day of fibry indulgence. What a great way to spend a day! We're talking about turning these sewing days into a weekend retreat.

There's a new LYS opened just a short walk from Esther's called Shall We Knit. Karen's store is full of lots of yarny goodness. We're planning a weekend of a pajamas sleep over, great meals, sewing, knitting and carrying on. We have so much fun when we get together ~ there's as much laughing as there is stitching. I have fabulous friends ~ I am truly blessed.

My Magic Loop sock made some progress today during my car knitting time. I'm almost the the heel portion. Will see - the true test if I like the Magic Loop vs. my dpn's will happen between the start of the heel and finishing the gusset... I'll let you know how it goes.

New socks and day trip knitting

This was in my mail box yesterday! The 1st instalment of my 1st sock club: Riverview Drive colourway in MCN fingering that arrived packaged with a magnet and 2 delicious Dove chocolates from The Plucky Knitter Classics. Thanks Sarah!


I wound the yarn before rushing in to work this morning and cast on at break time. I've got startitis and I've got it bad! These are the first socks I'll knit on circs in Magic Loop which I learned about in the sock knitting workshop last Saturday. Dawn and I had a fabulous day out having lunch and sitting in the rocking chairs by the wood stove at Camilla Valley Farms in Orangeville while it rained, hailed and then snowed outside. I love my DPN's so I'll see how I feel about knitting with this technique? I'm a hard sell, I really am fond of my DPN's. I'm an extremely tight knitter, so these are 4.5mm addi turbos to get a reasonable gauge.

After checking out all sorts of sock patterns to compliment this yarn I opted for my favourite comfort sock: a simple K3P1 rib on the leg and stocking stitch foot. These were almost Charades but when the hand dying is this gorgeous the yarn can speak for itself without pattern work. I adore the look of fancy patterned socks and enjoy knitting them, but I don't find them comfortable tightly laced into my boots. I've got a weak right ankle and have had 3 reconstructive surgeries on the ball of that same foot so my pretty open toed sandals and dressy high heels are getting dusty in my closet. It's hiking boots for serious support lacing up my leg now or high quality running shoes. Function has become a priority, so pretty ~ but plain ~ socks it is! I pampered my feet with regular pedicures, painted toe nails and luscious hand knit socks sticking out the top of my footwear. This yarn?? Divine!

Friends and I are heading out on Sunday to Fort Erie which is about 2 hours south of us close to the Canada/USA border for a day of Tracking Dog tests. I'm not entered but will be cheering from the gallery and taking pictures. I'm also not driving which means 2 hours knitting time in the car with great conversation. Hopefully I can knit on the way home too, but it's doubtful there will be any daylight left. I'm casting on Cascade 200 in dark gray for Toast. Check out the beautiful photographs with this free pattern from Leslie of A Friend to Knit With. This will be the perfect project for this trip, I can chat away and just knit round and round and round. No counting after I've cast on, just keep knitting.

Excuse me, I need to go knit now...

My first Quilt

I've always had an affection for quilts. When my husband and I were first married we went to an Apple Butter and Cheese Festival that also held a Mennonite Relief Quilt Auction. While I'd always liked quilts ~ that was the day I realized I loved them. I had to have one - or lots - eventually. Annual trips to the International Plowing Match (IPM) found me in the Hand Crafted tents drooling over the quilts on display. Winners and entrants in the various categories all hung up for me to enjoy and women wearing white cotton gloves turning them over for anyone who wanted to see the stitching from the back too. The quilts were the reason I went along each year although I did enjoy the other displays, especially the horses in the plowing competitions.

Six years ago I was standing in the aisle looking at a quilt at the IPM . It was done in the colours I'd chose if I knew how to make a quilt. My husband was standing back further on the opposite side of the aisle waiting for me and I though he and I were alone. I told him I wished I could make a quilt like that one. An old woman with a scratchy and annoyed voice over my left shoulder said, "Well learn, dearie!" She startled me speechless. As she walked off Don grinned at me with a 'she sure told you' look on his face. I couldn't stop thinking about what she said. Learn? Me? To make a quilt? Why not?? Why couldn't I realize that myself, I needed a stranger to tell me to do what I really wanted to do? I was in a class within a month.

I love fabric: the colours and endless combinations and the idea of creating something that will wrap someone else in warmth made by me with love. I enjoy every part of the process of making them. Some projects weren't my thing, like stained glass. I was happy with my finished objects, but really wasn't keen on the making them part.

This is the first quilt I ever made. It's a scrappy Twisted Log Cabin in browns and earthy tones made for my son Ryan when he was 11. He helped pick out some of the fabrics and chose the backing. We drove to my favourite quilt shop 'Heart'n Home Creations' owned by Esther. I can get lost in her little shop for hours. I sit and visit with Esther when I go to New Hamburg and feel the inspiration seeping into me from the bolts of fabric and finished quilts on display.

Ryan asked me to hang his quilt it in the front entrance so it doesn't get wrecked or worn. It was machine pieced on my old Singer sewing machine. If projects are a reasonable size I machine quilt them on my Brother now, I've done some hand quilting and more often then not quilt tops are sent out to be long arm quilted. I've made lot of quilts since this one, learned a lot and improved my skills, but this one is my favourite. It makes me smile when I look at it and remember that woman's voice and what she said. She was the kick in the butt I needed to stop mooning over other people's work. This quilt wasn't even done yet when Nicole and I were out picking fabric for me to make her a quilt too.

My goal is to own my own long arm quilting machine with a stitch regulator. I need to convince Don that our living and dining room would be great if we added French Doors, removed the furniture and made it into my sewing & knitting studio with my own Gammel...

I can't sit still

I found this in my mail box. 100% Cashmere 2ply lace from Plucky. 800 yards of hand painted goodness. There's 4 skeins of fingering headed my way soon too for some serious sock knitting. I really need to sit down and knit. Take a holiday. Maybe go away somewhere for a weekend to knit? And take Piper and Chase. They don't mind my knitting a lot.

I started a blog. Then 2 blogs. Now 3. In one month. #3 is a passionate project I'm working on. It's been rattling around in my head for a long time and has me very excited. Yesterday I secured a domain name for a web site I plan to build over the next year that will be linked to that blog. I haven't a clue about building a web site. It's going to cut into knitting time, like my first month on Ravelry. I need to look into the regulations regarding copyrighting the name. Not sure if I need to or not? It won't be an operational business for a year or 2 while I make prototypes and wash and test them and build a business plan. It's a sewing endeavour. I love fabric as much or more (did I say that aloud??) then yarn. Shh, don't tell my yarn stash. I have a pretty impressive fabric stash too. I hope to develop a Cottage Industry type business. No idea about anything like that so I'm at the beginning of a huge learning curve. The suffering manufacturing industry vs. a stay at home cottage one is making it looking more appealing now. Made in Canada with Canadian and American materials. Made in my home. In my kitchen. By me. No made in China merchandise that litters the shelves of the local pet stores with no concern for the North American floundering economy or safely regulations concerning lead and other dangerous content. I am a huge supporter of things like Moms Unite.

It's too bad I need an income. I'd happily stay home and be a mom and taking care of my family and craft to make gifts for family and friends. But that wouldn't last long. I need to be challenged. To work and create and do something! I need to learn from the Diane Keaton character in Baby Boom and make something from all the excess apples in my life.

Me being me, I can't leave things alone. Get a new recipe ~ tweak it after the first try. New knitting pattern ~ a little more shaping here, maybe some extra length? It didn't take long until I noticed Blogger blogs that were tweaked. I can change things?? This blog started out with a blue background. Then I decided white would compliment the various colours of my knitting and photos better. Then the header looked too plain... I can be a tad obsessive (stop laughing Dawn) with things that interest me. Things shouldn't change too much more here at Renee Knits Too, after I figure out how to change the font on my header to one that isn't available from Blogger. But that's not a promise, I like to make things nicer when I can so colours or layout just may change here still... I'm still trying to figure that HTML edit out. And I'd like to add 2 bands of colour down the outside margins of the body and sidebar. I tried a few tutorials. Change the background colour of the blog, then edit the html codes to make it white again behind the body and sidebar. I'm sure it's a simple enough edit, I just haven't made it work yet. Soon, I'll figure it out soon. Like a dog with a bone I shall persist.

Notice the frame around my little garden angel? I discovered the toys on Big Huge Labs. That's where the frame and mosaic tools I used on an earlier post came from. I'm determined to find a way to change the font in my header (see I'm like a terrier... can't let that change go until I kill it or fix it). Tried 4 different free fix ideas. None worked. I'll keep trying. Anyone been successful at doing that on Blogger?? If you know how, could you put me out of my misery? Helpful advice from friends ~ priceless. I'm enjoying the challenge of figuring it out and I won't give up. I'm German. If nothing else I am stubborn and determined. It's in my DNA, it's not my fault...


Little angle dude? He's not doing so well. He's made of cement. He's been in my garden for 20 years. I took the picture with the lush ferns just before I started this blog -- before killing frosts and snow came. Actually, it was the very first picture I took on my new digital camera. Last winter I forgot Angel Dude outside.


He was buried under snow early in the winter and didn't resurface until spring. Water got down into his neck shearing his torso in two when it froze. He's been decapitated too. He's perched precariously there in amongst the ferns and propped up from behind by driftwood. I don't want him losing anything else so he's coming in for the winter. I don't dare forget again, he's already lost his head and the tips of his wings are crumbling away. He's still smiling though. Gotta love that about an empty headed cement cherub.

Knitting is progressing slowly. I'm outside most of the time I'm not at work. Soon though, I'll keep telling myself that. Soon I'll have more time to knit. Until then it's a sock that is travelling around with me for a few minutes here and there. The urban sweater finally has a sleeve, one more to go. I've made more Luxe neck warmers for gifting and started a scarf. Dawn and I will be going to a sock workshop on Saturday in Orangeville, ON. That's should spark a frenzy of sock knitting around here to coincide with all the Plucky sock yarn on the way.

No day for me is complete without a little knitting, even if I can't sit still for long.

Happy Halloween

When the kids were younger Halloween was a major event. We carved pumpkins, played spooky music and decorated the front porch. A lot of thought went into deciding what customs to create. Halloween shows played on TV the week building up to the big day. We loved to watch "Home Improvement" with Tim the Toolman Taylor and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". Don and I took turns touring the neighbourhood Trick or Treating and staying home to hand out candy.

Now that the kids are teens it's scaled down. This year Nicole is babysitting and taking those kids out Trick or Treating. Ryan hands out the candy. I decorate with sugar pumpkins so we can use them for baking instead of carving. Halloween shows have been playing on our tv all week - that hasn't changed.


How precious were they?! That was one of the years we made costumes from boxes. Ryan was a robot and Nicole wanted to be a present. A bigger present then a robot. She couldn't get herself up stairs with the box down past her knees so we'd scooped her up and deposit her on everyone's porches.

This year I'll be knitting, surfing Ravelry and visiting my favourite blogs. I've had a busy few weeks around here and I'm looking forward to spending more time at home and knitting. I might even get caught up some on the laundry and chores. Happy Halloween from our house to yours.

Life is about learning

Seeing my family happy is my richest reward. 10 years ago my brother married the wrong person. He did very little smiling after that day. That's Nicole he's holding up, she was the cutest flower girl ever and Ryan was a very dapper ring bearer. I'm the blonde bridesmaid(matron?).

His divorce was official this past Friday. He smiles again. Life is about living, learning and having the strength to make changes when things aren't right. It's about maturity and aquiring wisdom. I am proud of my brother.

To give you an idea example of the type of humour he's exhibiting... he's been singing the song, "Ding Dong! The Witch is Gone." Maybe sometimes you don't just have to grow up, but regain some of the immaturity of being a kid to lighten the load and celebrate being happy again. Welcome back, Rick!

Knitting Books

I love books, knitting books especially. I'd like to have a library full of them. There's a list of my growing collection on Ravelry. While reading my emails this morning one popped up from Kim Hargreaves site. A new book release. Oh, be still my heart! Yeah, I ordered it. How could I not? It looks fabulous! I have Kim's book Heartfelt: The Dark House Collection and it's beautiful.


There are several projects that appeal to me. I like the fit of Ginny as well as this colour. I rarely make a project in the colour it's styled for a book in. This would get a lot of wear at work and going out.


Nell would be wonderful for the in between seasons and in the house when we're in the depths of the coldest and blustery winter days here in Canada. I can picture myself wearing it hunkered down for the evening by the wood stove reading or knitting. It looks like a warm hug.


Allure in a soft powder blue Kidsilk Haze (from my stash) over a white layer for New Year's Eve would be lovely. Great with my favourite pair of denim jeans for a little dressed up yet casual look. This one is the pattern that made me decide to order the book.


And finally Trinket is fabulous. I wear a lot of scarves because of an old back/neck injury and this one is classically elegant, yet fun and trendy. I'd like to make this in white or off white. Nicole would borrow this one when she's feeling tres chic.


I love books, but a new one is even better! I'm looking for a great pattern book for lace. Any recommendations? I just can't decide and I'm finally feeling brave enough to attempt lace knitting with my new addi-turbo lace circs. Have a great day and happy knitting!

Tracking

Definitely my favourite non-fibre related hobby is a dog related one. I compete in a lot of different venues with my dogs. Conformation (beauty pageant that is merited on structure and quality), obedience and rally obedience (brains, biddable nature and attention), agility (speed, obstacles and athletic dexterity), and tracking (nose or scent work). The passion for me is definitely tracking. It's amazing and humbling at the same time. The learning curve is steep and very long. It's great to spend a lot of time outside and enjoy the seasons, we track year round from scorching summer heat to deep snow and ice... and every weather in between. This autumn weather is my favourite. The colours, the cool temperatures, wearing my hand knits and no bugs!!
I often knit just for tracking. Just yesterday in his test I was cheerfully warmed by a Plucky hand dyed 100% merino Luxe Neck Warmer. The "Urban Sweater"??... still on the needles. I chose to spend a bit more time training my dog instead of knitting the sweater for me to wear in the test.


That was hard for me, I really wanted to knit! Now I can finish knitting it stress free and enjoy the rest of the process. Hand warmers are a favourite project to wear for my tracking too. Chase could care less I track in hand knits, he loves to track and it doesn't matter the weather. Gorgeous or storms and high winds, dog doesn't care. Poodles are no sissies... some days I am.
He's successfully passed his TD (Tracking Dog), TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) and UTD (Urban Tracking Dog) tests. While the initials that will forever be around his registered name don't mean much to laymen, believe me -- they're a big deal!! This dog gets steak and his own deboned roast chicken for doing this for me. lol

The rule books states the purpose of tracking tests is to demonstrate the dog's willingness to work with its handler under a variety of conditions and to follow a defined track, to discriminate scent, to locate and indicate articles (small items that were left intentionally for the dog to find).
There are 4 tests that vary in difficulty in Canada. Dogs start by tracking where a person walked for 400 - 500 metres (1312 - 1476 feet), 30 minutes to 2 hours ahead of time making left and right corners and has specific dropped stuff that the dog has to find. That's the basics. I won't bore you all with the advanced test details except to say the distance doubles, the person walks 3 - 5 hours before we get to go search out their path, they drop a variety of things made of leather, plastic, wood, fabric or metal and drop them in areas can be on hard surfaces like pavement that holds very little scent from the foot steps of ONE SPECIFIC PERSON they need to follow. So all the enticing smells of other people, kids, food, other dogs, cats, squirrels and stuff like cars and whatever else was anywhere on the path the person took before or after their track layer put down the track has to be ignored after it's been analysed by the dogs nose. It's amazing to see a dog do that... just because I asked him to for me, because he's learned to follow just that one person that I told him who by starting at a marked spot the person stood still for 60 seconds and then go tracking them hours later.
This is probably incredibly boring to read about when you've not done the work and don't know the dog... but trust me, this is beautiful and awe inspiring stuff when you're at the end of the lead 10 metres (30 feet) behind your own dog and haven't a clue (well, I know in training -- not in tests) where the person went, what they dropped or where the dog is leading us. We have to learn to read the dogs body language to know when to follow and how to handle the dog by the signals they're telling us. It's a team sport, but the dog is the leader in this working team. If you miss any of the multiple turns, you're done -- you failed. If you go too far off the track, you've flunked. If you miss the dog indicating the specific items that were dropped and smell like the track layer, your toast. If you try to guide the dog in a test, you're not passing that day. If you're dog stops working or is distracted by another scent, a critter, people or anything else and doesn't get right back to work, yeah... failed. The tests are few and far between. Just getting a spot to run in the test to attempt to pass is difficult.
Chase has completed 3 of the 4 tests in tracking and has done so with great accuracy. I'm incredibly proud of his work ethic and wish I could do everything with that much dedication. We'll continue to train to test the last level next spring and upon passing that (which he's done repeatedly in training already) in a test situation under a certified judge he'll be able to have the initials TCh. forever before his name. Tracking Champion. That will look great on his resume, it'll be another a feather in cap. It will also make him a dual Champion.
At this time Chase's officially known as Champion Pannovia's Chasing Hearts CGN HIC(s) TDX RN UTD. All the initials refer to the conformation and performance titles he's already earned. We're just getting started, there'll be many more!
That's me on the right in the picture with Chase for his TDX just before Labour Day weekend this year, the judge is wearing red. That day was HOT. Sweat pouring down us in rivers. I mean... I was "glowing". His track was a km long, lots of obstacles and things to work out and things to find.
Is tracking a practical skill outside of the test situation? Oh yeah. Chase's found my brother's missing keys, dropped items, lost things for us. And hey... even when they don't smell like the track layer out in training he's keen to the hot scent of human hands. He's found numerous cell phones (most on the university campus and we just hand them all in to the lost and found... regularly!), jewelry and cash. That boy has a nose for coins and bills. Oh yeah, baby!!! Money is always interesting to him. I wonder (especially the bracelets and watch he found) what the person who lost the item would think when/if they retrieve it from the lost and found if they find out the item was found by a poodle???


He's very good at finding what he's supposed too, but I think he likes to hear my reaction to the extras he shows me. His indication is different for what's work and what's just interesting stuff to him so he knows the difference when he shows me the "extras". Some things he's found I just won't mention on the blog... but he cracks me up!

Pumpkin latte 'n muffins

With October in full swing, Thanksgiving last weekend and Halloween just around the corner at Chez Koch there's been eating, knitting and enjoying of many things pumpkin. It's cozy to be surrounded by the colour orange during this season, it's supposed to evoke energy and calmness at the same time.


The yarn is 140 yards of 100% Merino Superwash bulky from The Plucky Knitter Sarah. It's called Pumpkin Latte and looks good enough to eat. It's destined to become another Luxe Neck Warmer, the Tudora from Knitty.com (I've been itching to try that pattern) or Cap'n Crunch by Jennifer Adams. I'm leaning towards the Cap'n Crunch, especially if I find the right buttons.

Pumpkin Chip Muffins are pure pumpkin bliss. Ryan likes them with cream cheese icing. This is the Grand Prize winner from the May/June 1995 Country Woman Magazine pumpkin recipe contest. I usually mess with ingredient amounts after I try a new recipe -- replacing oil with applesauce, lowering the amount of sugar -- but I haven't changed this one except for using fewer chocolate chips. The original amount calls for 2 whole cups. If you're a fan of pumpkin these are a winner.

PUMPKIN CHIP MUFFINS
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 can pure pumpkin (16 ounces)
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill sprayed or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400F for 16 - 20 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: about 24 standard sized muffins.
***For an interesting change in flavour switch out the chocolate chips for pecans, yum!

Some of my favourite tools

For every hobby I have favourite tools. Many tools for many hobbies, some delight me more than others. Using the right tool for a specific job can have a huge affect on the result of a finished product or just be easier to do. For knitting my favourite gadget is my ball winder. Skein to yarn cake, what could be more fun? Even before swatching there's winding. I don't own a swift, but my kids make great swifts when I need extra hands, makes them grumble sometimes about this being the year 2008 not a Little House on the Prairie episode. You'd think they'd prefer to do the winding?? I do.

The choice quilting toy definitely has to be my Brother sewing machine. I love to listen to the quiet hum of the motor, especially after so many frustrating years with my first machine. It was a basic Singer that made erratic clattering and revving sounds. It never held the thread tension for long and I ended up spending more money on repairs for it then I paid to buy it in the first place.

A special birthday gift from my husband is my KitchenAid mixer. Heavy duty and dependable, it stands up to almost daily use no problem. I've had it for about 14 years.

If I have to pick just one favourite dog grooming tool I don't think I can. I really enjoy grooming my dogs, it's relaxing and the dogs and I enjoy the bonding time. My Edemco dryer is invaluable, but there's nothing more wonderful than a smooth, quality grooming shear. Scissors are a must with standard poodles, nice ones make the work of grooming 3 big dogs myself a lot more enjoyable. I have a thing for cutting tools. I have multiple ones for the dogs, clipper blades, ones to cut paper, rotary cutters, garden secateurs and tiny sharp needle nose ones for stitch ripping and fiddly projects.
For as much as I love yarn and fabrics, I sure like my toys to work with them too. What's your favourite tool?

Anticipation

I always have multiple projects on the go. I admire the dedication of other people who start one project and see it to fruition without even a thought of what they'll do next. I don't understand it -- I'm not capable of applying myself like that -- but I can see the value of getting one project done. I usually plan a 1/2 dozen to a dozen projects ahead. Well, honestly more. I've stashed up mounds of project's worth of yarn. I love the anticipation of starting something new.
My queue list on Ravelry is growing faster then I can knit. When my favourite bloggers post new FO's I have serious cases of, "Oh, that's so beautiful - I gotta make that!!" I've re purposed yarn that was planned for different project at the drop of a hat because I saw something that speaks to me. I've also shoved a project that's been lingering in queue to the top of the list because someone else has done a stunning project. For me that's part of the fun and I enjoy the anticipation of new projects.
I love Jessica's Old Penny Cardigan. Dawn gave me a copy of Vogue Fall 2008 so I have the pattern to make this cardigan. When I saw Jessica's version right after I bought my new green bag that cinched it -- Must Make! And must make in the same perfect green yarn. I love everything about it. And as I justified to Dawn: I already have the bag and own that stick broach from Perl Grey. Was meant to be. The green colour of the bag and yarn aren't near as dark as they look in these pictures. Jessica inspires me all the time and thanks to her beautiful new home and colour sense my daughter is going to get a beautiful blue bedroom.


My other Must Make is the Drop Collar Cabled Jacket from the new Debbie Bliss magazine. I bought gray wool at the Knitters Fair at a thieves price of $3 a skein. I knew it'd make a great cardigan or swing coat. I just couldn't walk away from $3 wool.


I'd been going over a lot of patterns to use with that $3 wool but the ones I liked I was short on yardage. Then on a visit to Philigry I saw it. The perfect pattern. Exactly what I had pictured. It looks smashing on Katie.


The blue and taupe wool in my bag? Canadian Collection from Camilla Valley Farms. Right now it's looking like it'll be Cassidy for the blue and Basic Chic Hoodie for the taupe, both patterns are from Chic Knits. I'm always cold and like to dress in layers so cardis are what I need in my closet the most.
My dilemma?? Which to make first? Knowing me they're will be more then one on the go at the same time. How do people stay loyal to only one project at a time? I'll never be a monogamous knitter. Right now I'm going to enjoy the anticipation of these new projects while I try to get my Urban Sweater done before Chase's test. Oh yeah -- and work on the sock I have in progress, more neck warmers and I've had Rowan Cocoon to make Kim Hargreaves Haven since her book Heartfelt came out.
I'm hesitant to actually account for all my stash because I know it'll mean a serious yarn diet until I get to stash busting. Right now I'm just thankful I have stash. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone!

Plucky Christmas

I'm trying to get my Christmas knitting done early. I've been making Luxe Neck Warmers from the book Knit 2 Together in bulky merino from the extremely talented dyer Sarah aka The Plucky Knitter. It's a super quick project and I love her wool. Sarah's yarns are scrumptious. She has an amazing eye for colour. The skeins are so soft I just want to pet and squeeze them.

I've recently subscribed to The Plucky Classics yarn club so more Plucky goodness is headed my way. There's going to be some darned happy feet in this house when I get to knitting Plucky socks. If you haven't seen or tried Sarah's yarns yet they are worth the effort to keep them in your cart through her etsy shop. It's fierce and fun trying to score on an update. Her hand dyed yarns have taken my stash to a whole new level. Treat yourself to some Plucky, you'll be glad you did.

Vibrant Reds for Autumn

My favourite colour is green. Most of my projects are green, blue, brown or neutrals but when autumn arrives I feel the need to use vibrant reds. Knitting with dark red Tahki Donegal Tweed this time of year just feels right. This sweater and the throw-sized quilt are satisfying works in progress.


My Scottish Isles pullover has a front, back and a started first sleeve. I still need to blind stitch the binding on the back of the Bear Paws quilt. I'm going to use it as a dog crate cover. When I have a crate set up in the house or at a show I like to drape something nice to look at over it while it offers my dog privacy.
Most of my sewing is intended for gifts, but this autumn red quilt is a keeper.
I'd like to say a sincere Thank You to the people who have left such wonderful comments on this new blog. It's a thrill for me to realize that maybe I won't be the only person who ever reads it!
I can't wait to finish my sweater and quilt binding so I can post Finished Object pictures...

In the Heart of Waterloo County

We live in beautiful Kitchener, Ontario which is in the heart of Waterloo County. Our city is best known for the Waterloo Farmers Market, Oktoberfest, The Knitters Fair and maple syrup. We enjoy the Farmers Market year round, but it's best now during the harvest.


I bake a lot and plan to post some of my family's favourite recipes on this blog. Easy Apple Cake is a simple, 6 ingredient recipe. Try substituting the apples with other fruits. It's great with blueberries or plums.


EASY APPLE CAKE
2 cups flour
1-1/4 cups white sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 or 3 apples, thickly sliced or chopped
In a large bowl with a wooden spoon mix together all ingredients (except apples) until it crumbles. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture. Place crumbs in an 8" sprayed baking pan or pie plate, don't press the crumbs down. Cover with apples. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the fruit. Dust the top of cake with cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes.

Knitting Too!

I love to stash yarn, knit, wear hand knits and read blogs about other people doing it too. The whole process! Finding a yarn or pattern, then searching for that just right pattern or yarn to compliment it... perusing pattern books and magazines or gaining inspiration on Ravelry. I get thrills from the anticipation of a new project to swatching, knitting, blocking and wearing it. My blogging enabler Dawn says I suffer from SABLE: Stash Amassed Beyond Life Expectancy.
Currently on the needles is the Scottish Isles Pullover from Tweed. I've dubbed it my "Urban Sweater" since I'm unrealistically planning to have it completed to wear during an Urban Tracking Test with Chase. If I'd spend less time blogging I might have a chance of getting it done!


The back panel is completed, the front panel was. I decided to change the neckline and frogged back. Simultaneously I'm knitting many Luxe Neck Warmers for Christmas giving.
My stash grew considerably after a fabulous day at the Knitters' Fair here in Kitchener. Dawn and I had the most wonderful time shopping our way through 2 ballrooms of vendors. My favourite purchase is a green Namaste bag. I'm told that means I'm now considered a "serious" knitter because I've got the right bag. We picked up my daughter Nicole for a lovely lunch, then headed off to my parents farm (in the rain!) to play with our 5 dogs. It was the perfect knitters day, thanx Dawn! We're off to Camilla Valley Farms in November for a Sock Class using the Magic Loop method. I adore my DPN's, but I did buy some spiffy Addi-Turbos at the Knitter's Fair....

The Men in My Life

My husband is wonderful. He's supportive, loving, talented and a hard worker. He's been in my life longer than not. Many years of dating and 20 years of marriage he is my heart and soul. Handsome too! I'll post a picture of Don in future posts.

My son Ryan is 17. He's finishing his last year of high school and is an athletic guy with a brilliant mind. His hobbies are running cross country and triathlons, power fit, martial arts, gaming and he is a history buff and avid reader. He's a huge help around the house and farm, be it mowing acres of grass, helping with the horses, haying, roofing, you name it -- he willingly pitches in. He makes us proud and has a super sense of humour.


The four legged boys are both standard poodles. Chase is a 3 year old show Champion with several performance titles and is training for many more. He's my constant companion, coming to the office with me and is one of those very precious once-in-a-lifetime dogs. He even has his own blog. You can find his Chasing Hearts link on the side bar.


Lastly there's Hunter. Apricot standard poodle, house mascot and general entertainment committee. This dog has more personality than any one creature needs!


So that's the whole family. You'll have an idea whom I'm rambling on about now that you've met them. Be well!

Meet the Girls

I'm a complicated, diverse, creative sort of person. My day job is in the family Tool & Die/Metal Stamping business where I deal with numbers. One very defining thing about me is that I love my family and critters! Today I'd like to introduce all the girls. My favourite girl is my 14 year old daughter. Nicole is beautiful inside and out. She's the youngest, talented, energetic and dared I say -- sometimes moody? She's an avid dancer, martial artist, music fanatic and loyal friend. Clothes hound... did I mention that?? Very particular about her hair, clothes and her daily presentation. She's a great kid and loves dogs, cats and horses. I love my daughter, although some days she'd probably like to trade me in for a different model.


The other girls in residence all have 4 legs. Piper is a beautiful standard poodle who is also a performance dog. She excels in obedience, rally and does some agility with me and now Nicole. She's started to track, which is a passion of mine. I participate in CKC Tracking which is a for sport event where the dogs learn to follow the foot steps of a stranger over a plotted path unknown to the dog and handler to find lost articles. It's the zen of dog sports. Very fascinating and humbling to train and test in. It makes one realize that in some aspects of life, people are definitely not the superior species. I have to add at this point that I am staunchly against crossing poodles with other breeds. It's a thorn in my side and all that talk about hybrid vigor is a crock. Just stepping on my opinionated little pedestal there for a moment, I'll do that from time to time but will try to rein myself in. If you desire a mixed breed there are many dogs in need of homes at local shelters, please save one of them.


Bonnie and Shelby are registered Appaloosa mares. Not heavily marked with typical Appy colour they look and act like American Quarter Horses. I have a long history as a Quarter Horse girl and this Appy thing is not typical for me. I prefer QH geldings for show but these mares are a couple of really sweeties and strictly for pleasure riding. My days of competitive horse showing are over unless we win the lottery... then Nicole and I would be back with a vengeance! "The Girls" as we refer to our horses are kept just 2 km away at my parents farm. Location was the biggest buying feature in our house. 14 years ago this was the closest house we could purchase to the farm and my parents, horses and laying hens. By the way mentioning the farm -- another thing about me -- I'm an egg snob. I despise store bought eggs and get all Martha Stewart-y about having my own hens and fresh eggs. There really is a big difference in farm fresh same day eggs! Below is another picture of Nicole a few years ago with one of our laying hens. Yup, they're girls too! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

I'm a Blogger?!

Me?! A blogger?! Nah, I'm an avid blog reader, but it appears I'm finally a blogger now too. It's a concept that I've tossed around for over a year. I consider this my online scrap book.
This past July I had the most wonderful, relaxing and inspiring Women's Weekend in Northern Ontario at a cottage with dear friends and some of our dogs. It was with 3 amazing and talented women friends, 6 poodles and a sweet mini schnauzer. My heart friend Dawn and I were chatting about web sites and blogs and how it'd be fun to start one for ourselves. Dawn had the gumption to get a lovely and fun blog started for her Wooly Wumpus and has been super about encouraging me to do the same. So?! I've gotten off the pot, so to speak. And in fact, with 2 blogs at once. One I've started to promote my standard poodle stud dog Chase. He's a handsome and talented guy. Show Champion, training, testing and trialing in multi venues -- he's got a busy social calendar. His blog will have our dog related adventures, health clearances, pedigree, new titles and such. But that's just a part of my busy life. A big part of my life, but my life is coloured with more crayons than just dogs.
I'm blessed with a darling husband, 2 incredible teenagers, have the best friends, 3 standard poodles, 2 horses, and a whack of fibre related hobbies. A day rarely goes by where I don't knit, sew or craft something. I love to bake, train dogs, garden and work on home renos and decorate. This blog will be a whole lot of the 'everything' that goes on in my life.
Welcome, I'm so glad you stopped in to visit!