New Floor !

- AFTER



- BEFORE















Here are a few shots of the new floor in the family room. Rob did this all by himself. My bro-in-law did get him started. And I helped get the carpet out, but other than that Rob did it all. Looks good huh? Now we won't have to replace the carpet again, and again and again. I hear my dad's voice saying "Can't have nothing around here with you kids!" I believe that's every parents montra.

This little froggy

I would like to introduce the newest member of the Richards family. This is George and he's a native to Ohio. Actually he was created in Toledo without a pattern. A very dear friend and fellow Knitwit asked her sister to make one for me for my birthday. Isn't he the cutest thing!?
There is wire in his little tongue and little toesy. He's won my heart. Thanks Carol and sis.

Buckeye Blitz

I've been too busy to blog and I am sorry, please forgive me.
This is but a few of the things I have been knitting lately. A scarlet and gray booga bag complete with little clay buckeyes on the ends of the handles. And some scarlet and gray socks. Yes it is gray and not blue like the picture above. Fun, fun - GO BUCKS!

What little flower girl?

Saturday night we went to the wedding of the girl who was my flower girl. What a full circle moment. She is also the daughter of my best friend, Terry. I have known her since kindergarden. The bride is Jenny and she was beautiful. Looked like Cinderella. Oh, to be young and cute and have the world by the balls. The 3 of us, myself, Terry and Melody grew up together. It was so nice to get together again. Apparently the camera didn't have the "skinny" lense on so I look huge next to the bride. Remember the camera adds 10 pounds.

Turtle, Turtle

Here is Ryan with the turtle that Rob won at Cedar Point. It's big and bulky and I have no idea where it is going to end up. Ryan likes turtles but his room isn't that big that a huge turtle can fit in it. Rob only spent $5.00 winning this. And the comments from others at Cedar Point were offending and funny. One guy wanted to buy it, another asked how he did it and when we told him he said "Oh, he's just lucky." I wanted to say "HEY, that's not luck that's talent" and countless others asked where and what game and did Rob "put a spin" on the ball. Little kids would come up and want to touch it. It was like carrying around Micky Mouse.

Where were you?

As I hung out our special 9/11/01 flag I really stopped and tried to remember everything about that day. You know we all say "I will never forget...." but already some details are fuzzy. I was walking with a friend. She called me today and we vowed to call each other every 9/11 no matter where life takes us. We had walked our walk and was sitting and chatting on my porch while everything was happening. We had not a clue. Could say we were innocent. We said our goodbyes, I went in the house to check for messages before getting a shower and on with the things on my to do list. Rob had called and said something hit a building in NYC and to turn the TV on. My mind couldn't wrap itself around what I was seeing. I sat down...watched the news reports. They were coming fast and furious. Some reports were true and other not. Everything seemed to be coming apart. Planes crashing everywhere it seemed. I was home alone and started to really freak out. What was happening to our land? Is this "the end"? I reached for my bible, let it fall open to the Psalms. I had no verse in mind, just read what ever I saw. I needed supernatural comfort. My eyes fell to Psalm 37. Find a bible and read how appropriate it is for what was happening that day. I couldn't believe it. God is good and faithful to those who seek him. And I was definately seeking...an answer to this mess. I have that answer but I don't like it. They hate us. We don't care about anyone but ourselves and we spew firth from our TV shows, movies and internet. They think we are to be killed for that. I couldn't have cared less about any Taliban or Afganistan or anything that wasn't on these shores. I do care now. The world got smaller that day. I now watch a lot more TV news than I used to. My heart stops with they come on with a "Breaking News" story. What will it be the next time? Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. Hug and kiss and tell someone you love them today. I hope they aren't surprised. The US is forever changed by that day. Are we safer???? Do we care more about the world around us????

What I'm knitting

Here are 2 baby bibs and spit cloth from the Mason Dixon Knitting book. The intended is to be a baby boy hense the blue colors. Actually the baby is here and his name is Garrett Scott. Now I hope the mom uses these and doesn't "put it away" as some cute keepsake. Now I hope I can mail these off to be SPIT on!!!! But that's the way it is with knitting for someone else. You have to trust that they like it, that it fits and that they take care of it. Otherwise you will not knit them one more single thing......

Deodorant Scandle!

Here is exhibit one: This deordorant was in a hit and run accident on Friday night August 25 of 2006. From what I have learned this brand is highly addictive and will cause boys around about the age or 11 to act out violently. Especially if found in the hands of their brothers. Just the thought of it being put anywhere near their brother's highly offensive arm pits is enought to incite rage. And this time it did.....





































This is the owner of the above mentioned deodorant. As you can see he broke his hand trying to save his beloved deordorant from his brother arm pits. The brother blocked the owner's fist with his knee....


Here is the mug shot of the offender and his weapon, the knee cap.
Let this be an example to everyone. Please keep your deordorant away from this man.

In the good ole USA!

Here is just another cool thing/animal we was in the U.P. I spotted this beautiful eagle looking out onto Lake Superior. I got a few pictures then we watched him fly out, almost out of sight, onto Lake Superior. He came back shortly after with a fish in his claws. He flew so far out we couldn't see him. So how he could see a fish is beyond me. I guess that's why we say "Eagle eye" for someone who is very observant.
The first eagle I ever saw was here in Ohio at Charles Mills lake. Then this spring there was one in Sandusky looking out over Lake Erie. The one in Sandusky was very close to a bar. In typical Ohio fashion they had built a deck onto the bar for drinking and gauging at the eagle.
It's so amazing to see one in the wild like this. They were dangerously close to extinction and now we can see them in Ohio. It's a wonderful animal that represents the great USA.

He CAN walk on water!

For those of you with teenagers, you know what I mean when I say that sometimes they think they can walk on water. They get smarter and you get dumber...by the minute sometimes. Well my son now has proof that he can walk on water. Great, that's all I need. Speaking of him, he started his first day of high school this morning. He was so excited. I guess I was too since I was woke up at 5:30 and school was all I could think of. As he was walking out the door and across the court I couldn't help but remember when he did the same thing in kindergarden. Man has he grown since then. I can't believe I have tears in my eyes as I write this.....boohoo.
He was equally as excited then as he is now. I hope he doesn't get disappointed.

On Vacation in the U.P.

Here we are at Munising Falls in MI. We went to 5 different falls while we where up there. And by up there I really mean UP there, in the Upper peninsula. We were 22 miles from the nearest city. But that was OK, because it was/is beautiful in this part of the country. I believe this is the falls that we hiked 1.2 miles to see. Yes, I hiked! I have never hiked before, I usually drive. But my body could use more hiking.

She Likes It!

I am sooo happy, She likes it. If you have a cat you know how they can be. I knitted and felted this little bed for her. Here it does look a little small but it isn't. She likes to get in small spaces. This is actually the second bed I made for her. The first was very small and might fit a kitten. So yes, you have to knit to fit, even for a cat. That sucks. But since I had quite a bit of yarn left over I just went for, willy nilly and made up the pattern as I went along. That is very freeing.
Everyone should try that, free style knitting. That should be an Olympic sport, don't ya think.

Ice Keem !

Man, is there anything better than homemade ice cream on a nice July day? If there is this little cutie wouldn't want any. This is Katie, she is a member of Rob's side of the "fam". We were at a family get together called the "First Annual Invitation Pro-Am croquet tournament". And of course eating was involved. Katie eats like a pro. Loves her veggies but when mom said she was getting some ice cream, she was very excited. It's been a long time since I had to decipher baby talk but when I got it she was saying "Ice Keem" over and over. When her mom brought out the ice cream she explained that they were going to share the cup, Katie shook her head in agreement but when the time came for mom's spoon to enter the cup - Big Problem. That's when Katie started using bigger spoon fulls. Then when she was done, she did this:
All I could say was "Enjoy doing that when you are little girl, because it's not appropriate later on!" If only we could all go back to that kind of innocence, huh?

Wedded bliss and crawdad huntin'

Well this is what wedded bliss looks like?!? This is my aunt and uncle in WV. They just celebrated 50 years together. People in the hills don't like much fuss over themselves. They will fuss over you but not comfortable with you fussin' over them. Can you tell my aunt is one of those people. They have 3 kids and they put together one really nice party for them. Lots of fried chicken, cake and gifts. I enjoyed seeing cousins I haven't seen in 10-15 years. My mom is youngest of 7 kids so my cousins already have grandbabies and I have a 14 and 11 year old. Yes I looked better/younger than the rest too! HAHA! I also loved the country air. I mean we were in hollers of WV. Ryan asked if we were on a one way street because the street didn't have any lines in the middle! His first taste of a holler I guess. They also enjoyed playing in the creek. That was what my sister and I enjoyed doing when we went to mamaws house. See below:
Sorry I don't know how to rotate the picture.

Knitting Update

Ok, here ya go. Here is what I have been doing lately...knitting that is. I have been scrapbooking too. I really envy people who do one craft and do it well. I have several crafts and am only moderate at them. Here are the Dublin Bay socks with a little lace on the sides. They are really cute. And the green cable looking thing will be a small purse. I do mean small. It will hold a cell phone and credit card. What else does one really need anyway? I like to do cables, do you? I thought they were hard, but they aren't. Really! You should try it.

Yarn Harlot!

On Mrs. Harlot's blog for May 15, she finds out that a sweater she has knit does not fit. Now I totally understand her problem, see my big blue monster sweater, but I am really, really feeling good about my sweater now. I mean, really, if someone has advanced in knitting can also have a sweater error, why do I, a mere novice, feel bad. I feel great now! I know it's probably not right to feel good when she feels bad but TOO BAD! I am happy oh so happy! Yes, Virginia, you can knit something completely to gage and have it not fit.

Boys that knit?!

Scary boys that knit! This is Kyle's first hat, he knit it all by himself. He did need some help from mom on sewing it up. I was visiting the LYS one Sunday and he came in and wanted to see some yarn that he could make into a knit cap/hat for himself. I helped him and we went home to find a very simple pattern that didn't involve any circular or double point needles. He finished this in about a week and it very happy with it. Dad on the other hand is another story. He doesn't like boys knitting but he doesn't say anything to Kyle about it. Kyle is very craft like his mom. He also likes to keep his hands busy. It's either a Gameboy or knitting needles. I'm very proud of him.

Crazy ladies at Cedar Point!

Have you seen any crazier ladies?!? We resolved to have a great time at Cedar Point no matter what the weather was doing. It could have been a nicer day but we came to knit. Now don't you also think that we were the first ladies ever to come to CP and knit. We did get some interesting looks. I bet they thought we should have been in the Frontier area with the candle makers and the blacksmiths. Knitting is for old folks.....ha ha ha! We beg to differ with ya. Pass the margarita baby!

Good CHiPS!

This is my bro-in-law and his family with.....yes Eric Estrada! My bro-in-law won the Officer of the Year and Eric was at the cermony. How cool is that? Who thought that Eric was the coolest CHip that ever rode a motorcycle? I loved that show. Not so much for the story lines but for the scenery! We are so very proud of my bro-in-law! He works very hard for the people of CA. I hope they appreciate it. CONGRATS BRO!

Holly wants in the Picture

First Sweater

Ok, here it is! My first ever knit sweater. It will be now and (probably) forever be known as my First and Last Sweater. I fully understand how to make one now and it really is easier than making socks but sizing is so much more involved. If you think that it looks big, you would be right. In fact it is really, really big. So big that I might also call it my snuggle sweater. Because several of my loved ones could also fit in it with me and we could....snuggle! For all the knitters, yes I did a gage swatch, yes it was right on but the advise that I got was not right on. I am not upset and I will wear this on my "I am fatter than fat" days but don't ask me if I am going to do another one anytime soon. You see the problem is changing a pattern, yarn and needles to make something to fit. I guess all size people have this problem but I really can't feel too sorry for the skinny people. I mean really, boo hoo they don't make patterns for size 00, let me hand you a tissue!!!!

Meet First Lady Laura Bush

Can you believe this???? One of my knitting buddies works for the Republician committee here in Ohio and she was able to get me and my sister in to this fundraiser for Congresswoman Debra Pryce and quess who the speaker was.......Mrs. Laura Bush. She was sooo elegant and nice to meet. I was such a geek too. She took time to meet everyone who wanted to meet her and sign autographs and pose for pictures. That's my sis Patti and we had one cool time. We didn't even have to give to the fundraiser, just paid for the parking and that was it. You never, ever know where knitting will take you.

Welcome Spring!

It looks like spring has sprung in Central Ohio. We haven't had a nice spring for several years now. I love spring with everything waking up and blooming and the smell of freshly cut grass. And grass that I didn't have to mow smells even better.
Don't you feel sorry for people that do not really have a change in their seasons? My brother-in-law lives and CA but grew up in Northern OH and he said he really misses that change in seasons. Now even though he lives 5 minutes from the Pacific ocean, I do feel sorry for him...just a little.

Look what I made!

Sometimes you just gotta get your creative side moving. Now I didn't think of these crafts all by myself. I got some ideas from the Knitwits but I made these all by myself. For the non-knitters these beads are made into stitch markers and the plastic tub is for putting yarn into and pulling out through the hole in the top, that way your yarn doesn't run all over the house, get taggled in your legs, around the chair and around the dog. It's a safety device for keeping us out of the ER. Which also makes it a money saver. Have you been to the ER lately? I pray you do not. Anyway I used everything I already had and it cost me nothing. What do you think?

Another Handbag/Tote

Just look at what Mitten Maven gave me. She gave this to me at the Holler and I was tickled pink. I love bags and I love frogs. What a great combo don't ya think? Now does this become a regular handbag or a knitting tote? Also when was the last time someone gave you a gift for no reason? Huh? Yeah, never. Knitters are soooo generous with the time, talents and their gifts. I am very ver lucky to be a part of this great group of knitters.

Knitting in the Holler #4?

We were also getting a little beading done.


Some of us knitting in the hot tub!
Or were we knitting and felting at the same time?


We did a lot of eating!

Knitting in the holler #3

Here is our happy knitters enjoying the screened in porch/deck.

Knitting in the Holler #2

We had a great time in the Holler this weekend. You should have been there. We might have been in a holler but we were not roughing it. This cabin had a gas fireplace, screened in porch, digital Tv, dvd, vcr, full kitchen, and a hot tub. We were partying!! Not too mention the food we had. We had sloppy joes, seafood potatoes, lasagne, fondue, two wonderfully baked egg breakfasts, and more snacks and more snacks and wine. We could have survived a winter snow storm. We women will not be without a few snacks. This place is in the beautiful Hocking Hills area. We plan to visit the hollers again real soon.

Knitting in the Holler

In case you don't know what a holler is - this is it!

Test post

Testing 1 -2 -3, I have errors or I am an error!

Happy Easter

Do we clean up well or what? Yes that's the loving family of mine. Yes that's TWO boys and surprisingly enough the oldest likes to knit. I have to get some pics on here to prove it.
Had the inlaws here for Easter dinner. There was chicken, turkey and ham (are we canivores or what?) and veggies and desserts a plenty. I ate my weight in dirt pudding!! Yummy, yum, yum. But unfortunately there wasn't any little kids here to hide eggs. That's the first year we haven't hid eggs. So now I have plastic eggs with chocolate in them waiting to be hid and found. Maybe I can hide them from myself.

Why? Why? Why?

Why do I keep sharing my love of knitting with family members who don't care? I mean come on, it's yarn that I picked out, a pattern that I picked out and now it's a useful thing that I can use. What's not to love about that? Don't I get all geeked up when you show me something that you made? Or bought? Whichever the case may be. All I get is....and I quote..."Hum". Now not ALL my family members are like that. The ones that are crafty say things like "Did you make that?" Which at least sounds like they are interested. I wish I wasn't the only crafty one in the family. Now I have friends that are crafty but they are too hard to impress. Maybe that's it. My family isn't impressed anymore. They expect it and no longer care. I am taking a vow right now not to ever, ever show my family members what I make. I am also not showing anyone what I got at the Thrift store at a ridiculously good price. Could they be jealous??

PS - that's a premie cap on my head, not a winky cover!

Drink Up!

Would you look what happens when you let the knitters

out for the night!!!! They must be unwinding!