Emptyknitster

I had a sock almost done when the NorDak family arrived at Easter. Before putting in the toe I wanted to make sure of the fit for the big boy. He was so tickled and now I understand why, he's never had a pair of socks that fit! Alas, when the first sock was finished, I wanted a break from the “could be a Christmas Stocking if it were the right color” sock! I knit a couple of items and then got back to work…except I ran out of yarn! Off to the yarn shop. I've finished the tip of the toe and now I have enough for another “regular” pair of socks! Pattern: My own - just knit! Yarn: Cascade Heritage Sock Colorway: Brown Amount: Just a tish more than a skein Needles: US Size 1

Hubby got out of the car thinking a group of people with cameras were looking at wolves in the distance. The bystanders quickly picked up their tripods and were beating a path to their cars just as I saw a bear on the horizon 50 ft away! I was about to yell at hubby BUT a kind soul informed my hubby there was a griz behind him! Look at the claws on this big boy! We were told the wolves were making whoopi before we arrived. All we saw was the male busily trying to keep the gray wolf from the carcass he was eating... It was a great day, one that will take many years of visiting the park to repeat!

When Hubby and I were in Yellowstone Park in February we decided to return this spring hoping to see some baby buffalo. Finally, this weekend was to provide us with some spring like weather and off we went on our adventure. Hubby and I left Saturday morning stopping at Chico Hot Springs for a swim. The weather was great and the water warm. Hubby and I enjoyed the afternoon leaving with a bit of a sunburn. Sunday we got a early start entering the park even before the ranger arrived at the entrance. We were not disappointed!  WOW! What a special day! Babies, eagles, wolves and a GRIZ!

I'll  admit it, I'm a podcast junkie! I enjoy listening to popular podcasts such as This American Life   or Things They Don't Tell You in History Class but I particularly enjoy listening to podcasts sharing my love of knitting. One such podcast is Stash and Burn .  Every week or two Jenny and Nicole, the hosts, share the secrets of their overflowing stashes. Recently the gals offered the opportunity to win a copy of Knit To Flatter. We were to: " post in this thread about your best sweater success or your worst sweater failure." My response was: "I would say that my worst sweater failure is not really the sweater but my change of taste in sweaters over time. I used to knit the bulky “ski” type sweaters but have now moved on to DK weight lighter sweaters (much more wearable). I think I should spend more time carefully planning each sweater rather than the, “Oh, this sweater looks fun, I think I’ll knit it!” way I’ve been choosing projects....

Sometimes the best laid plans just don’t turn out the way you’d like. The color and pointy angles of this shawl make me think of a clown’s collar! I seldom knit an item that doesn’t find a happy home but I think this shawl will be ripped out and knit into a pair of socks someday. Pattern: Wingspan Yarn: Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball Colorway: Red and Purple Amount: 1 skein Needles Size: US Size 5

A teacher in my hallway announced at our Friday evening “book study” that he and his wife were going to have a baby this Christmas. Being the knitter I am, my thoughts immediately went to knitting up a little something. This bootie pattern knit up quickly Saturday night Oh, Baby! I love this pattern! We haven't a clue what the little peanut is going to be but I had some leftover yarn in the Opposites Attract, Anthony and Cleopatra colorway and decided to use it. Given the current style with the middle schoolers this baby will look great! My note read: Whether boy or girl This baby will be stylin’ in these! They were very much appreciated, not only by the Daddy but Mom as well.

During our Easter vacation we all enjoyed playing games. Grandpa had a great time playing chess with The Pirate, and Ticket to Ride with The Tiger. The California Family brought a new game to share, The Settlers of Catan that soon became a favorite with The Tiger. I was excited Chloe a Little-bit fell in love with Shanghai Rummy! This is a card game my Mom and Dad loved to play. When we pulled out the cards there was a hand written list of the books and runs needed each round Mom had written down years ago.  I'm looking forward to spending many summer afternoons playing with Chloe while she's visiting!