Emptyknitster

The last few weeks I've been working on this years sock stash. I've finished four pair of socks that will probably keep my handmade sock assortment intact for another year. In fact, I threw the last store bought socks (except athletic) away.  I bought the yarnand planned to take it all with me on vacation. There was enough yarn for three pair, sure that would certainly suffice, especially when I'm the one that has said loud and clear at the yarn shop, "You might as well knit a sweater for as much work as a pair of socks are." I used the “No Pattern Socks” from The Knit Girllls. But from the top down this time. I love this pattern because it is so easy and since I was traveling I didn’t want to have anything unnecessary - like a pattern- with me. As I finished the first pair I realized I'd bought themed yarn! I present to you my vacation in socks... HAWAII Sand Socks: Pattern: "No Pattern Socks" Yarn: Paton Stretch Sock Yarn, 41% cot...

"Did you have a favorite toy?' Before I started school my mother made my two brothers and I a stuffed animal. Mrs. Ivers, a lady that lived two houses down from us (when we lived on the beach) had a pattern for a Teddy Bear. Mrs. Ivers went to the Salvation Army and bought coats, then cut the bears out using the fur lining. Probably my bear was made with material from the same source. When the bear was completed Mom made sure that we understood that the bear was for ALL THREE of us. Teddy It soon became a problem for me - the little brothers just threw him in the toybox! I can remember crying at night until Mom or Dad found Teddy and placed him next to me in bed. HE WAS MINE THROUGH AND THROUGH! For a long time I thought that if anything bad was about to happen to me at night (a burglar or a fire in the house perhaps) Teddy would become REAL and save me! I slept with Teddy for years and years, long after I should have. In my teen years I could prop him right under my ...

While we were away, Chloe A-Little-Bit asked me about our family history. It was for a school project but it is the first interest any of the grandkiddos have shown in family history and so I aim to please! We had a great talk on the phone and I promised her some photos when I got home.  "Do you have a favorite item that has been passed down through the family?" YES!!! This cabinet has been called "The Antique" since it came into our house when Mom dissolved my Grandmother's house. The cabinet was originally a walnut bedstead but Chloe's great great great great grandfather rebuilt it. Murray Cheney was born in Addison, Vermont. He met his future wife, Caroline Pickett, while both families were living in Addison. When Caroline's father, Gilead Pickett, died her family moved to New York. Murray Cheney Caroline Pickett Cheney Murray went exploring "out west" and when he arrived in Illinois he knew he wanted to settle there. He retu...

We had a very nice vacation again this February. Mostly relaxing, knitting and soaking up the sun. Our first view of the island from the airplane Beautiful weather Some of the biggest waves we've seen at Hapuna Beach! Great boogie boarding Our Hapuna shelter from the brisk tradewinds "Winter Storm Watch" on the Big Island -snow on the volcano! We did some animal watching... When we arrived at Turtle Beach I spotted this bird in the water doing a little fishing. I just wish I'd gotten a photo, he was walking in the water with his head stretched out skimming the water. After I had settled in my beach chair, there he was... Fish in beak, Going down! Sliding down the hatch! Great meal!  We went to Spencer Beach and spotted several turtles At the Macadamia Nut Factory there were several dozen wild goats hanging around - guess they know a good meal when they taste one!  There were many beautiful sunsets durin...

Steve, Bobby Beal and Dad The stool in the bottom left hand corner of this photo has been around as long as I can remember. Dad made it in shop class when he was a kid. Perhaps he was 12 years old when he made it. This is a close replica of the conversation I had with Mom about its age: "Where did we get the stool?" "Your Dad made it." "When?" "In shop class." "Wow, how old was he?" "Oh, I don't know. About twelve I s'pose." So it's forever been stuck in my brain that Dad was twelve when he made it.  Whether he made when he was twelve or seventeen, it is one of the few things that I have from his youth. Jerry, (Dad) 15 years old Once while visiting Mom and Dad after I was married, I spotted the stool with a new look. Dad had put a flat top on it and Mom had stenciled the top and sides. I wasn't at all sure I liked it, but now, it's nice to have a little of Mom's craftiness. ...

Happy Birthday!

Years ago, when letters were sent containing declarations of love and adoration, the notes were read and reread many times. The recipient often read such declarations to their best friends and then carefully placed them inside a big empty Valentine's candy box, to be pulled out and savored for many years.  Dearest Darling, When you are away I feel as though I'm missing my very soul. Every time you walk into a room you brighten it with your beauty. Promise me you will never leave again for I would surely die without you..... Now, notes are texted.  Love is declared and immediately fades into cyberspace.                            Translation: luv u 4eva          Love you forever.  <3                     Heart BFN        ...