Photo Thursday

Some completed knitting projects. A scarf done out of knitpick yarns, a trefoil dishcloth and aa bathsuit dishcloth.







A gift from Suzie from the KTS3. Thanks Suzie! Love the yarn.




These are the pickles that I have canned over the last few weeks. Dills, red beets and icicle pickles.

Mandy's Candy Bag

There is a contest running at NH Knitting Mama (http://nhknittingmama.blogspot.com/2007/07/mandys-candy-bag.html), and it goes like this:

1. Knit the candy bag
2. Post a pic of your candy bag on your blog and let Mandy know about it (with a link to the blog post!).
3. Your name will go into a drawing FIVE TIMES for some swag!

Don't want to knit Mandy's Candy Bag? That's okay! You can still participate
See how on Mandy's blog...

Deadline is Monday, September 3rd, 12:01am eastern standard time.


Here is my finished bag!

Photo one is of me at the point using dpn needles.



Second photo is off the bottom of the bag.


Finish bag with out the cord.


My use of a crohet hook. The camer is in my left hand.



The finish bag itself. I had put a dishcloth in the bottom to puff it up some.

Updates of what I have done

Okay I haven't posted in abit but I have been busy.

I have read 17 books in July

canned 17 jars of dill pickles
canned 36 jars of icicle pickles
canned 25 jars of red beets
froze 8 bags of green and yellow beans

knitted 6 scarves and 2 dishcloths

and have been working with my son on the scavenger hunt. We had 72 stamps as of yesterday and took it up to 98. We need 156 stamps in total to finish. 58 more to go! We are going out tomorrow to do some more.

Well off to get some house work and laundry done so I can go and play tomorrow.

Leigh Ann

Create Your Own Masterpiece!

Here is mine!

http://www.createpaintings.com/result.php?id=11862580665960



Click here to create your own painting.

Update on my kniting

Well I have been kniting up a storm and I have also been canning up a storm. I have knitted two scarves, a dishcloh and have another scarf and dishcloh on the needles.

I have canned 13 jars of dill pickles,
and I have froze 4 1 ltr bags of raspberries and 8 bags of green and yellow beans.


We have bought a new car! Yeah! Its another Honda Civic but this one is an Honda Civic EX. It has a moon roof, cd player and power windows. Gotta love the moon roof! Its white or taffata white and we get it tomorrow. Can't wait!

Well a big day tomorrow and alot to do.

Leigh

Pictures

I finally got the buttons sewn on to these! It only took over 5 years. Probablly longer.




Happy Canada Day! Almost a month late but its done!

I did it!

Except for the two purses and 3 sets of baby booties I have tucked in all the ends in on my projects in my basket! Yeah me!!!

I also had to rip back the red maple leaf dishcloth by 10 rows as I screwed up. Don't coo at a baby and talk to your sister when your knitting this!! hehehe

Well I finished the red maple dishcloth and also made 2 scarves using Bernat Envy. One in black with blue and yellow tones and a beige one with brown tones. I like them.

Also, did all the laundry, shopped and have half the stuff packed to go on our camping trip tomorrow.

Oh! And I finished a book by Jayne Ann Krentz called Flash! A busy girl I have been.

I still need to cook some chicken to go with us tomorrow and make some muffins but I can do that in the morning.

What is everybody up too?

We are alittle quite but I know there's holidays, lots of knitting and reading going on. If your I my house the computers are taken over by the kids.

So what is everybody working? Any vacations yet?

Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy Knitting!

Leigh Ann
who's fitting a loosing battle with a cold. Anyone want it?

Lean Mean 13

Well by midnight last night I finished Lean Mean 13 by Janet Evanovich. Now I liked it and it was fun but its the tug between Ranger and the Cop. So I think Stephanie Plum should decide. Not sure if JE is putting another book out but will check out her website to see.

We just got a sunburst of rain! It was great and we needed it. Its nice an sunny now and I will be taking Miki to soccer tonight. Hopefully she will get another goal.

Have a great night.

My reading for July so far

These are the books I have read so far this month and its only July 8th. Mostly one a day.

My long weekend trip

I'm abit late at posting this and I still haven't gotten alot done but now I have a big cold like hubby and the kids. Just want to stay in bed today. Been doing alittle knitting and reading but nothing else.

Here's what I posted last week on POTM (Project of the Month).

We got home yesterday(July2) by 12:30pm. I didn't want to wait till later
in the day because then we would be sitting on the bridge. Not a fun
thing to do! And plus we did that going over! lol It took us 1
hour to go 3 km and hit the toll both at the Blue Water Bridge (we
were in line at 11:30 am) and got across to Port Huron by 1pm. Once
we got past the tolls it was pretty much smooth sailing.

We took the tent trailer and camped at Washataki Golf Club and RV
camp ground. Our tent trailer at least didn't have a complex against
the motor homes or rv's at least. hehe Food was great, the company
was fun (my sister and her family came up to my parent's trailer).
Just alot of r & r and beer.

Question? Why is every cooler I drank made of malt? What's malt?
Where's the vodka? Where's the rum? Where's the real booze? The
kids fished and they rode grandma's bike - hubby didn't pack them
theirs like I told him too. I vegged yesterday and today I was
getting stuff unpacked and put away.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! And I hope you enjoy this weekend! Boy its hot out there! Yuck!!

Yes Virgina there was a funnel cloud!

I guess the rumors were alittle true. A funnel cloud was spotted near Canatara park in Sarnia. It was a nasty storm. I had left early from home to pick the kids up and ended up being there till 2:50pm. The principal announced over the pa that the walkers and bikers were to stay till further notice, then the power went out and we were all to line up in the hall with the walk way clear. Some of the younger kids were crying and if their parents weren't there some of other moms and dads were comforting them. I even saw some of the bigger girls crying. It was alittle scary but I think the principal and the staff of our school did a great job. They kept us inform and were all very calm. Now I know better what to do next time. I did take one of my daughter's friends (with the teacher's permission) to her big brother.

We did end up having our little end of school party -by 4:30pm we were in the pool (the kids any way) and having fun. The pool was 80f at that point. Today temps are 21C and it feels cold after having temps at 28C or 94F.

Here's the article that was in the Sarnia Observer today.
Tornado warning spurs panic

Jeffords, Shawn; Huebl, Stephen

Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 16:00

Local News - A violent storm that ripped through Sarnia-Lambton and spawned at least one funnel cloud near Canatara beach Wednesday also produced some confusion in the emergency response system.

Sarnia police interrupted local radio broadcasts to issue a tornado warning, even though one was never officially issued by Environment Canada.

The emergency broadcast sent school children, city hall workers and Sarnia courthouse staff scurrying for cover in basements and hallways.

The officer was acting on information gathered from emergency officials in Michigan, 9-1-1 calls, CB radio chatter from truckers and Environment Canada's own CanWarn weather watchers, said Cal Gardner, Sarnia's emergency management co-ordinator.

"It would have been worse if we did nothing and it had happened and someone had been hurt," said Gardner, who wondered why an official warning was never issued.

The skies darkened shortly after 2 p.m. and driving wind and rain blasted the city, downing power lines and tree branches. The power went out for about 6,000 city residents for up to two hours.

Wind gusts reached 67 km/h at Sarnia airport and the Blue Water Bridge Authority for a time considered closing the border crossing. "It was getting close," said operations manager Joe Lopetrone. "We kept a very close eye on it."

Residential streets overflowed and there was localized flooding in south Sarnia. The backed-up sewers discharged an enormous brown plume of storm water and raw sewage to the St. Clair River that lasted several hours.

All 25 of Bluewater Power's linemen were busy repairing damage from fallen tree limbs and lightening strikes, said president Janice McMichael-Dennis. Staff had monitored the storm and were prepared to deal with damage, she said.

"We're very concerned about restoring power quickly and safely to our customers, and we take that very seriously."

Jeff Coulson, of Environment Canada, said three storm fronts passed over Sarnia-Lambton yesterday. He confirmed a funnel cloud appeared over southern Lake Huron and briefly formed a water spout, an event captured on camera for The Observer by Sandy Lane resident Brian Sawkill.

The Sarnia fire department fielded dozens of calls from residents concerning about downed branches and arching power lines. Queen Street was closed after three utility poles were snapped.

And a resident of an apartment building near the Sarnia Arena was reportedly stuck in an elevator until a backup generator kicked in, the department said.
ID- 590770
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The garden at the farm

Here are some photos of the garden I have up at the farm. The beans, tomatoes, and my in-laws garden, the watermelon that's not doing so hot, the pumpkins, and a view of the rows of carrots, onions and beets. Not too bad so far.

My knitted tea swap 3 goodies

I have finally gotten all the photos off of my camera. Wow! I had over three hundred to down load. But they are worth it. This is what Lynda sent to me from WV.

Thanks again Lynda!

Update on accident at Hiawatha Horsepark

I was at Hiawatha that night with the Guide Leaders of our district. We had a race for our division (race 6 where we got our photo taken with the winning horse and jockey). The accident happened in the first race. Put abit of a damper on the night but we did enjoy ourselves.
Update On Accident At Hiawatha

June 22, 2007

Driver Gord McKnight is in good spirits today after suffering a cracked pelvis in an accident last night at Hiawatha Horse Park.

"He cracked his pelvis so I'm sure he'll be sore for a while," race secretary Dave Walls told Trot Insider this afternoon. Walls had seen McKnight earlier in the day when they arranged to have J N C Diamond transported to Guelph. The horse died tragically in the accident.

"Gord just basically said it happened so quickly he had nowhere to go," said Walls, who witnessed the accident from the announcer's booth. "He left with crutches (en route to the hospital last night). He seems to be fine; he was talking and joking around. Obviously he's going to be very sore in the next little bit."

McKnight's horse, Clever Coquette, fell approaching the half and J N C Diamond (Gord McDonnell) could not avoid them. McDonnell was unharmed but J N C Diamond was killed on impact.

"I'm surprised Gord got up because he got hit so hard," Walls said. "The ambulance got there quickly and our ambulance attendant is very good. They did all the precautions to protect his neck so it might have looked worse than it was, but he was conscious the whole time."

Walls confirmed that McKnight's horse, Clever Coquette, suffered only scratches and superficial wounds.

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Gord McKnight a speedy recovery, and in offering our condolences to the connections of J N C Diamond.

What a great day!

What a great day it was today! The weather was awesome. Today was
Bright's Grove's annual Canada Day parade and the kids and I
participated in it. They with their bikes and myself with the my
brownie unit (dd didn't want to walk she wanted to ride her bike). We
had a great time. Our local Optimist host it every year and all
participates get a free hot dog and pop. Not bad for a short walk.
The people and friends I got to see was fun.

Bright's Grove is a small town, population about 2500 (and we are
amalgamated with the city of Sarnia) and it had that real family
feeling today. The kids wandered where ever and I didn't have to keep
an eye on them like I would in the city. Dd even took second prize
for her bike!

Our parade is always a week earlier than the city, better selection of
stuff from the dollar store too! hehehe

Well off to start summer and get something done around this neglected
house. The kids are having a pool party on Wednesday and I want the
house to look half decent.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Leigh Ann

And the winner is....

The winner of my Contest is Regina/Garnet. She guessed 54 projects that needed ends tucked in.

The actuall number of projects were: 70!!!! I do have 35 done as they were for my brownies.

Here is how it is broken down:

dishcloths - 58
Tea Towels - 2
baby booties (sets) 3
baby hat - 1
scarves - 4
purses - 2


Regina email me at leigh33ca at yahoo dot com and give me your mailing address so I can pop something into the mail for you.

Thanks to everyone that made a guess!

Survived Brownie Camp

Well we had brownie camp last weekend and it was a hit! The girls had a blast! We thought we werer going to be rained out or be in a major thunderstorm but it pasted over us. Setting the tents up in the wind was challenging but it all worked out and we did a craft and had smores the first night.

The second day we went for two hikes and did some crafts. The second hike took us to Rock Glen where the girls got to see the waterfall and we went to the musuem there. Also we went down 150 stairs to where you could look for fossils and they all found one. Kind of neat. We should of done that first and then went to the museum so that they could match up what they found with what the museum has. We then had to climb UP a 100 stairs. Lets just say everyone was pooped after that hike. We invited the guides from Corunna to join us for a campfire and sing songs. Both groups behaved excellently and got along amazingly. We brought out the smores again and gave everyone juice box (good way to clean them up). Our girls were saying can we go to bed as we are tired. Makes for a great camp when they are tired! heehee

We had dd class first communion on the Sunday as well so it was a very busy weekend for us. It went great as well and it was nice to see all the kids in their outfits and gowns. I had a tear in my eye as well.

Will post pictures of camp later.

Leigh Ann

Contest Winner to be announced on Sunday

I got unexpected company yesterday. My sister and her girls came up to visit us and I didn't get a chance to count all of my projects that need ends tucked in. I was trying to pack for us to go away for the weekend and well.... that ran late too. But! I did have a good visit with my sister and my nieces.

I have brought some knitting with me, I guess I should of brought the basket with me and I could of worked on that this weekend. I know it won't take me long. Hopefully when I get home I cang et them done. It will be a priority.

Have a great weekend!

Leigh Ann

More photos

Quincy before a hair cut.




Quincy a few weeks after his hair cut.

Picture Tuesday

Our cake for our final night of Brownies.

June Contest - Guess how many projects need to be finished off

I am going to fun a contest on my blog from today, June 2 to June to June 16th.

Guess how many projects need to have their ends tucked in or sewed together. NO! There are no sweaters or ponchos in here. They are in a tote. The person closest will win. In the event of a tie (or more people get it right). I will put everyones name in a hat and draw a winner.

What is the prize? Something from my stash and I will make it worth while.

Happy Guessing!!!

Here are two photos of the basket that has the projects in them. Some you can see others you can't. Hint... after this picture some of the items are finished and gone.

Well a week into 2007 SSO

Well its been about a week or almost two since I started the 2007 SSO and so here is the May progress report:

3 balls used for 3 dish cloths knitted ( blue, pink and light green) trefoil pattern.
5 balls used for a Fiore scarf knitted (donated the scarf to a friends silent auction at her school).

Returned the following yarn. Yes! You read right

12 balls of Bernat Satin 100 grams each
2 ball of Bernat Cotton appr. 50 grams each
8 balls of Primavera Nova Yarn 5o grams each
1 ball of Bernat Denimum 100 grams

So grand total of 1450 grams of yarn returned. I still have alot of knitting. I did put an order in for yarn for sweaters for my nieces. My Just for Kids book came in and I have the yarn on hold till August (downpayment came from the Primavera yarns - so basically switching out).

On the needles to finish that I started this month is:

A+ apple dishcloth for teacher helper (need to do two of these maybe two for dd teach too)
scarf for a Christmas gift and I can do a matching hat and mitts if I have enough of the funky yarn.

So not a bad month and hopefully will get more done after next weekend. Brownie camp!

Knitting Meme

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do eventually, and normal for stuff you don’t intend to do.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with bananafiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffitti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knittingDesigning knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button Holes
Knitting with alpacaFair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone elses handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
BobblesKnitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/feltingKnitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
SwatchingLong Tail CO
Entrlac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with selfpatterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
DarningJewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

My 2007 goals for Summer of Stash Out and the Skeins Her Way contest

Any way..... my goals:

1. Not to buy any yarn until after the Labour Day weekend (depending on how much of the stash I have used). See April 2,2007 blog for pictures of the stash. My blog is: http://knittingngardeningjunkie.blogspot.com/

2. To complete some of my UFO's:
a. Matt's sweater just needs to be sewed
b. Miki's sweater
c. Poncho - not sure who its for yet - jsut needs to be sewed
d. The 6 cable sweater I started back in 1992 that no longer will fit but is almost done.
f. Sewing buttons on a few things that need them and tucking ends into others so that
they are 100% finished.
3. To work on depleting some of my new yarns into the projects that I bought them for:
1. Bernat Satin top for me
2. Hat for Matt - can't think of the name but its 100% virgin wool
3. Hat for Miki - same as above
4. Cotton top for me - Twilley's Freedom Cotton DK in navy
5. various scarves that I have done - just have to be sewed
6. to use up some of the dish cloth yarns that I have had for awhile.
4. I won't buy any more yarn on sale till after the SSO is done or till I use up alot of this yarn.
5. To work on the project of the month and finish them.
I think that's good for me for now. Could add more if I get through these lists.

Exceptions:

1. A knitting magazine that may come out during this time
2. A ball of yarn to finish a project. Shouldn't have too as I normally buy an extra ball.
3. If I go on a fab holiday and see an awesome yarn shop and the yarn calls to me. Fat chance this will happen but if it does I would be aloud.
4. Extra stitch counter if I have mutiple things on the go or I loose one. I really don't need any extra knitting stuff as I have alot as is.
5. Yarn for the project of the month. I probably will have the yarn in my stash but I may have to add to it depending on the project.
What's in it for me in the end.

Yarn used up and a feeling of accomplishment. Hopefully some Christmas presents will be finished and I won't be rushed then.

Skeins Her Way blog

I was directed to this blog by Rycrafty about a contest for a fitted tank top and 4 balls of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton. Who could resist that! lol Here is the blog link to go to the contest:

http://www.skeinsherway.com/2007/05/pre-summer-contest.html)

Here is how to enter the contest. You must do it on her blog not mine but mention that you saw it here.

"""""First place winner will receive 1 copy of the pattern along with 4 hanks of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton in their choice of colors! Second & third place winners will each receive a copy of the pattern and whatever other goodies happen to jump into the package just before sealing and sending...

The warmer weather has moved in, even here in Minnesota, and I will be casting on a tank of my own very soon- maybe 2 as I can't seem to decide which color to do!

Okay, so here are the contest rules- all you have to do is:

1.) Leave a comment on this post letting me know what color you want and mention who's blog you heard about the contest on (if you jumped from a blog and if you can remember...)

2.) Then head to your blog and post a list of your summer knitting goals (there may be an end-of-summer contest of some sort to celebrate summer knitting accomplishments...) and mention this contest (with a link to this post- http://www.skeinsherway.com/2007/05/pre-summer-contest.html)

3.) Lastly e-mail me with the link to your post! (ali AT skeins her way DOT com) Be sure to mention in your post for anyone who follows your link to let me know what blog they jumped from as every 'referral' will earn you another entry!

Contest will run through the end of the month (May) and my talented children will draw three winning names (or secret blogging identities) out of a container of some sort on June 1st.

Think about your summer knitting, make your lists, and get blogging!

Happy knitting,

ali""""""

Fiore Scarf Done

Well I started a scarf tonight and finished it. The first two balls went really quick. I used 5 balls of Fiore, earth tones, and 9mm needles. It hands almost to my feet! lol I can double it or wrap it a few times around me. Might be a christmas gift - not sure yet.

So 195 yards or 250 grams of yarn used along with the Bernat Cotton I used earlier today. Not bad!

I'll take a photo of it later as its time for bed.

Leigh Ann

What I did on the long weekend

Well I can't believe that the weather sucked! Okay! I should because it always sucks on our May 2-4. But I wasn't expecting the rain!

I read two books this weekend, knitted two dishcloths and went to my sisters today. I also, went to the cemetery and planted some flowers on my great grandparents grave. They are the only ones with out any so I decided its time to change that! I planted some hostas (I split one of mine at home), 2 plants from my sisters (I divided them too and not sure what they are. Daisies of some sort?) and 3 Ostrepermums (sp??). Two orange and one white. I added fresh dirt and my niece helped me. She was a good girl. We watered them and the flowers that my mom had on my grandparents grave.

My other niece is just giggling up a storm and VERY ticklelish. Loves her auntie Leigh.

Well of to take a hot shower as I am freezing! And pack to head to the farm tomorrow to plant my garden. I think Quincy will be going on a road trip with me. When I get back its my garden to be done.

Have a great night.

Yahoo! Its the longweekend!

Yep you read right! Its the May 2-4 weekend. Dd and hubby have gone to the farm for the weekend. Ds and I are staying home. Ds is going to a friends house for a birthday sleepover. Hopefully tonight then we can head up tomorrow and visit too. Hubby and in-laws are having a big yard sale too. I have put somethings on it and hopefully hubby will abide by my prices!

I went to mass this morning for the Mass of Mary. My daughters class and another were putting it on. They were all so cute! Hubby got the front lawn cut and I did the back while he tilled my garden. Add 4 bags of cow poop and he retilled and I am set to plant! Yes!! hehe Hopefully tonight if not tomorrow.

I've got alot plans but haven't started anything yet. Have to pick up ds at 2:30 and get some groceries. I purposely ran stuff low so it wouldn't be wasted.

Well off to watch As the World Turns.

Leigh Ann

Knits for Kids

I've just ordered Knits for Kids by Judy Lamb. Here's the scoop on it:

Knits for Kidsby Judy Lamb

Nothing is more satisfying than to knit a stylish sweater for that special young person in your life. From size 1 to 10, each of these delightful designs is perfect for a boy or a girl. Change yarn colors and buttons on any of the projects to recreate the outcome. Easy to read instructions and full color photographs.

5 projects—32 pages | Softcover

A Killer Stitch!

We went state side the other day and I picked up maggie Sefton's newest book, "A Killer Stitch" and its killing me! lol I have decided to read it on the long weekend and it starts tomorrow. If all goes well I will have it done by Saturday.


I have read her other three books and got into it from one of my dishcloths swaps. Thansk to Linda S who sent me A Deadly Yarn. I was hooked! I am going to pick up the other two next time I do a border run. Haven't found them here in Sarnia but I did see them at Barnes and Nobles. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Starting tomorrow or Monday I am participating in the 2007 Summer Stash Out (similar to the SOS of last year). Anyone who feels like participating feel free to join. Here's the link: http://2007summerstashout.blogspot.com/

Today I am fighting and loosing my battle with my headache. Not sure if its Sinus headache or a Migraine. Being vertical is helping but I just feel like going back to bed. Plus I have a shit load of stuff to do today, namely laundry, pricing stuff for the yard sale at the farm, packing, and dd soccer game to night. I think hubby can go to that.

Well better go and get dressed. Maybe that will help.

Happy Mother's Day!

The kids let me sleep in till 8:30am. And then I got to open my presents: the cd from Carrie Underwood "Some Hearts", tin of Turtles, a spider plant from Miki's class and a little thing Miki had gotten at school to hold cards.



We left at 10:30 to head up to my parents trailer at Washakie Golf Club, North Branch, MI. Its about 20 minutes east of Lapeer and once we cross the bridge its about an hour. We stopped in North Branch for lunch and when we got back on the road that T's up with Washakie(Burnside I think), my sister family was just going past us. So we followed them the rest of the way. They have an extra half hour drive than we do. The kids went fishing and my nephew caught a fish right away. Then it was who could catch the next one. I don't think anyone did.

Went into Lapeer and went to Kohl's and got a few tops for the kids and hubby. We got back home around 6:30pm (poor doggie was crossing his legs as we didn't bring him with us).

Next I am going to watch the 3 hour finally Survivor and then go to bed. It was a pretty good day.

My trails and tribulations with the IHS (Irish Hiking Scarf)!!

I really don't think I am suppose to knit this. Ugh!! I have ripped out it out a couple of times as I didn't like the yarn that I was using. I finally found a yarn that I like and its turning out great. I have 3 inches done.



BUT!!! I have now lost the pattern with the rows that I have completed and do not know which row I am on. I think I know but am not sure. Errrrr!!



I am using Charleston yarn by Stylecraft. It is 67% Acrylic Courtelle, 33% Nylon. The colour is white with flecks of yellow, blue, pink and it so softy and fuzzy. perfect for the scarf. I thought that I would work on it tonight but I guess I'm not.



Hopefully this sheet is around my messy desk somewhere. Maybe in the glove box of the car. Will have to check when hubby gets home.



Thanks for letting me vent!


Leigh Ann

Prayer Shawl is finished!

I did it! And I have a month and a half to spare. I finished it up this afternoon. I should of been doing housework but dd was at a friends, hubby and son at the farm and it was just the dog and I. Sooooooo I did want any mom would do. I sat down and finished off a project.

With it around my shoulders it hangs to my knees and its nice and warm. I haven't decided if I want to fringe it or not. To fringe or not to fringe? This is the question I ask myself. hehehe I won't loose any sleep over it if I don't fringe it and I do have alot of yarn left over. I just might use it and make a scarf for someone.

Well hubby and son are due in in about an hour. Depending on traffic and speeding.

New blog - 2007 Summer Stash Out

I've created a new blog for the summer called the 2007 Summer Stash Out. I've been waiting for another stash out to start but I believe the people are busy and haven't decided if they wish to run it. I know the feeling! I've been contemplating this for a month now and thought I run one myself. Never done that before!

I wanted to get it up and running as the holiday weekend (weekends depending on what country your in) is coming very soon.

For those who would like to participate it very simple. Between the May 2-4 weekend (or Memorial Day weekend) and Labour Day weekend we will vow to knit from our stash. Thus being said, you can vow to finish up those works in progress. Yes, we all have at least one haning around! Or you can vow to working on your knitted/crochet Christmas list and actually have them out and done on time this year.

Here is the blog link: http://2007summerstashout.blogspot.com/

So feel free to pop in and if you like to sign up we would love to have you!

Leigh Ann

Thursdays doodlings

Wow what a rain storm we had yesterday. Thunder and lighting in the morning and just rain, rain and more rain. The gardens and the lawn needed it desparately though. Will be weeding the flower beds I guess this weekend.

Been working on my shawl and I am still at ball 1 1/2. Ball three turned out to be more beige than green so I took it back to the good people at Sarnia Craft Supply and was able to switch it for one similar to my colours. The die lot, colour and brand were all identical. Not sure what the good people at Lion Brand were smoking but it must of been good. {{I'm in a silly - bashing mood}}

DD and I had a district advancement last night. Kim and Tammy did an amazing job of decorating the gym. Everyone had a great time and our rap song got applause. lol We (as in all the leader's of our district) gave our district leader a rose bud tree. She loved it! Ontario guiding is changing so this was the last of its kind last night. And all the girls behaved very well and the cake was good as well.

Had lunch with my good friend Karen and got to talk shop. Looked at the flowers at Zehrs and contiplating what I want to put in my gardens this year. Not sure of everything I want in the veggie patch as well.

Well I should go and get something done!

No insults

Just want to make it clear that the last three posts aren't ainty anything. I just find it funny and it has made the local papers and on yahoo news. Just thought I'd share them with everyone.

Another one. They got the wool pulled over their eyes

Thanks to http://knitthistoo.blogspot.com/ for todays funny.

Here is the link: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007190295,00.html

Another funny

Two in one day! Gotta love it. hehe

White House rolls out the red carpet for state visit by the Queen

WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington turned out with adoring schoolchildren and ladies in hats for the Queen's visit.


The White House, too, laid on special touches at President George W. Bush's first-ever white-tie state dinner to make the Queen feel welcome. The centuries-old vermeil flatware and candelabras came from a London silversmith. A sugar replica of the Queen's 1953 coronation rose graced the cake. English farmhouse cheeses accompanied the salad course.


And the traditional "special guest" invited only at the last minute was sure to be of interest to an avid horse enthusiast such as the Queen: Calvin Borel, the jockey who rode Street Sense to victory in the Kentucky Derby this weekend with the royals in attendance.


"It's just like winning the Kentucky Derby - it might even be better," Borel said as he arrived for the dinner.


On the other hand, there was the president suggesting the Queen Elizabeth is over 230 years old.


The president's slip of the tongue during morning welcoming speeches was quickly smoothed over with humour. But it wasn't exactly the flawless effort Bush had hoped would erase memories of the "talking hat" episode during the Queen's last U.S. visit.


In 1991, during Bush's father's administration, a too-tall lectern left the audience able to see only the Queen's hat behind microphones.


The Queen, a sprightly 81, gave an embarrassed Bush a gracious nod after he suggested she had celebrated the United States' founding in 1776. He meant to say she had attended 1976 bicentennial festivities.


"She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child," the president quipped, earning a reserved chuckle from his guest.


mentioned "freedom" and "liberty" seven times.


"Your majesty, I appreciate your leadership during these times of danger and decision," he said.


By contrast, the Queen said her fifth journey to the United States in 50 years was an occasion to "step back from our current preoccupations."


In the leaders' toasts at dinner, they took opposite tacks. Bush praised her for a reign that has "deepened our friendship and strengthened our alliance," while the British monarch talked of the threat of terror, problems like climate change and the likelihood of occasional disagreement between allies.


"Ours is a partnership always to be reckoned with in the defence of freedom and the spread of prosperity," she said.


Earlier gaffes aside, the day had the White House at its freshly painted best and inspired excitement inside and outside its gates.


Under lampposts adorned with the two countries' flags, throngs hoping for a rare glimpse of royalty lined Pennsylvania Avenue for much of the day. Hats of all shapes bobbed down downtown streets in unusually high numbers.


Laura Bush insisted at midday that the president was enthusiastic about wearing white tie and tails - though admittedly after being persuaded by his wife and secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, to elevate the dinner to that exalted level in the first place.

"We thought if we ever were going to have a white-tie dinner, this was going to be it," Laura Bush said.

Presidential spokesman Tony Snow disputed any notion the royal visit was a welcome break for a White House burdened by low approval ratings and acrimonious tussles with congressional Democrats over the Iraq war.

"There's a lot of other activity going on," he said tersely.

The Queen and Prince Philip were treated to a trumpet fanfare, a 21-gun salute and a parade by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at a morning arrival ceremony attended by thousands of guests. From there, the Bushes and the royals repaired to a very exclusive lunch, with only the two countries' ambassadors and a few family members.

The leaders and their spouses then mingled briefly on the street with dozens of British and U.S. schoolchildren. Bush, in the unusual position of playing second fiddle, followed while the Queen accepted bouquets of flowers and signed autographs.

Surrounded by a full honour cordon, the first couple greeted the royals on the North Portico for the fifth state dinner of the Bush presidency. Laura Bush helped the Queen from her car and advance co-ordination kept the ladies' attire from clashing.

Laura Bush wore an aqua creation by Oscar de la Renta with rhinestones, silver beading and a bolero jacket, while the Queen had a cream gown with a sparkling bodice, a blue sash, long white gloves and a diamond tiara.

Among the 134 guests in the State Dining Room decked out in white and gold were scores of diplomats, businessmen and members of Congress. Other than Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and golfer Arnold Palmer, the celebrity quotient was low.

A number of top Bush fundraisers made the cut. Some were so-called Rangers, who raised over US$200,000 for Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, including automotive executive James Click, investor Brad Freeman and former Enron president Richard Kinder. Former U.S. commerce secretary Donald Evans, who ran Bush's campaign fundraising in 2000, was also in attendance.

The menu and entertainment were designed as a showcase of U.S. best: spring pea soup with caviar, Dover sole almondine, spring lamb with chanterelle sauce and local vegetables and an arugula, mustard greens and romaine salad, said executive chef Cristeta Comerford.

Virtuoso Itzhak Perlman was playing violin after the meal.

But after all the excitement and hundreds of hours of preparation, Laura Bush suggested the white-tie affair could not only be their first - but last. She called the dinner, somewhat wistfully, "the most elegant and most formal that we'll host."

Can this really be called spy wear? Come on now!!

I just had to post this! Its hilarious!

Canada's poppy quarters caused sensational warnings of 'spy coins' in U.S.
Mon May 7, 4:49 PM



By Ted Bridis


WASHINGTON (AP) - An odd-looking Canadian quarter with a bright red flower was the culprit behind a false espionage warning from the U.S. Defense Department about mysterious coins with radio frequency transmitters, The Associated Press has learned.


The harmless "poppy quarter" was so unfamiliar to suspicious U.S. army contractors travelling in Canada that they filed confidential espionage accounts about them. The worried contractors described the coins as "filled with something man-made that looked like nano-technology," according to once-classified U.S. government reports and e-mails obtained by the AP.


The silver-coloured 25-cent piece features the red image of a poppy, Canada's flower of remembrance, inlaid over a maple leaf. The unorthodox quarter is identical to the coins pictured and described as suspicious in the contractors' accounts.


The supposed nano-technology on the coin actually was a protective coating the Royal Canadian Mint applied to prevent the poppy's red colour from rubbing off. The mint produced nearly 30 million such quarters in 2004 commemorating Canada's 117,000 war dead.


"It did not appear to be electronic (analog) in nature or have a power source," wrote one U.S. contractor, who discovered the coin in the cup holder of a rental car. "Under high power microscope, it appeared to be complex consisting of several layers of clear, but different material, with a wire-like mesh suspended on top."


The confidential accounts led to a sensational warning from the Defense Security Service, an agency of the Defense Department, that mysterious coins with radio frequency transmitters were found planted on U.S. contractors with classified security clearances on at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006 as the contractors travelled through Canada.


"We'll have a good laugh over it," said John Regitko, who writes a newsletter for a leading coin-collecting organization, the Canadian Numismatic Association. "We never suspected there was such a thing (as spy coins) anyway."


Regitko predicted the quarter will become especially popular among collectors because of its infamy as the culprit behind the spy warning, despite the quarter's wide availability. "Everybody has some in their drawer at home," he said.


One contractor believed someone had placed two of the quarters in an outer coat pocket after the contractor had emptied the pocket hours earlier. "Coat pockets were empty that morning and I was keeping all of my coins in a plastic bag in my inner coat pocket," the contractor wrote.


The Defense Department subsequently acknowledged it could never substantiate the espionage warning, but until now it has never disclosed the details behind the embarrassing episode.


In Canada, senior intelligence officials had expressed annoyance with the American spy-coin warnings as they tried to learn more about the oddball claims.


"That story about Canadians planting coins in the pockets of defence contractors will not go away," Luc Portelance, now deputy director for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, wrote in a January e-mail to a subordinate. "Could someone tell me more? Where do we stand and what's the story on this?"


Others in Canada's spy service also were searching for answers. "We would be very interested in any more detail you may have on the validity of the comment related to the use of Canadian coins in this manner," another intelligence official wrote in an e-mail. "If it is accurate, are they talking industrial or state espionage? If the latter, who?" The identity of the e-mail's recipient was censored.


Intelligence and technology experts were flabbergasted over the warning when it was first publicized earlier this year. The warning suggested that such transmitters could be used surreptitiously to track the movements of people carrying the coins.


"I thought the whole thing was preposterous, to think you could tag an individual with a coin and think they wouldn't give it away or spend it," said H. Keith Melton, a leading intelligence historian.


But Melton said the army contractors properly reported their suspicions. "You want contractors or any government personnel to report anything suspicious," he said. "You can't have the potential target evaluating whether this was an organized attack or a fluke."





The Defense Security Service disavowed its warning about spy coins after an international furor. The United States said it never substantiated the contractors' claims and performed an internal review to determine how the false information was included in a 29-page published report about espionage concerns.

The Defense Security Service never examined the suspicious coins, spokeswoman Cindy McGovern said. "We know where we made the mistake," she said. "The information wasn't properly vetted. While these coins aroused suspicion, there ultimately was nothing there."

A numismatist consulted by the AP, Dennis Pike of Canadian Coin & Currency near Toronto, quickly matched a grainy image and physical descriptions of the suspect coins in the contractors' confidential accounts to the 25-cent poppy piece.

"It's not uncommon at all," Pike said. He added that the coin's protective coating glows peculiarly under ultraviolet light. "That may have been a little bit suspicious," he said.

Some of the U.S. documents the AP obtained were classified "Secret/Noforn," meaning they were never supposed to be viewed by foreigners, even the United States' closest allies. The government censored parts of the files, citing national security reasons, before turning over copies under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

Nothing in the documents, except the reference to nanotechnology, explained how the contractors' accounts evolved into a full-blown warning about spy coins with radio frequency transmitters. Many passages were censored, including the names of contractors and details about where they worked and their projects.

But there were indications the accounts should have been taken lightly. Next to one blacked-out sentence was this warning: "This has not been confirmed as of yet."

The Canadian intelligence documents, which also were censored, were turned over to the AP for $5 under Canada's Access to Information Act. Canada cited rules for protecting against subversive or hostile activities to explain why it censored the papers.

-

Associated Press writer Beth Duff-Brown contributed to this story from Toronto.

A great weekend

Well I finished off "Back on Blossom Street (or back to blossom street) by Debbie Macomber and I loved it. I always love her books any ways. lol I also read a book by Mary Kruger called, Died in the Wool. I really liked it. Was a good pace and I enjoyed the characters. Now I am reading one of her books set in 1895, a mystery as well and the name escapes me at the moment. I am enjoying it as well.

Also, I casted on my prayer shawl last night. Got 30 rows done last night and I am almost done the first ball of yarn. I am doing it in the Mediterranean colour and love it! Greens and browns are my favourite!


Its a nice day out today and hubby has cut the grass, drained the pool (hopefully it can be opened soon), hehe, and some other stuff outside. Myself, I went shopping (nothing interesting) but groceries and stuff for the house and a new soccer ball for the kids.

Well off to start supper and do some more laundry.

Have a great night. It is suppose to be in the 20's this week so it will be a fabulous week!

Choi!

Wow its May!

I can't believe its May already! Wow! It is still kind of chilly but my tulips are doing wonderful. I can't believe that the squirrels never got them this year. Yeah!!

Had a busy day yesterday doing alot of Brownie stuff. I am very impress with myself. Today my best buddy Karen and I went for lunch and had a great chat. Lunch was great - we had the chicken wrap and it was good.Went shopping afterwards to and browsed at Degroots Nursery. I want all the plants! hehe

Got to catch up on some of the gossip at the old ball and chain. And just had some good ol' fashion girl talk. Hi K!!!!

Well off to tuck some ends in on my dishcloths as I need them for tomorrow night! Yikes!!! Its the last night of brownies. Ohhhh soooo sad! Yeah!!! lol Except for camping in June.

Saturday's doodles

Well I though I would of gotten more done this weekend. I've made one dishcloth on the way up. One pillow case is almost finished. I am cross stitching it and it has 10 snowflakes of different sizes. Taking longer than I thought it would but I like it.

Matt wants his quilt sewed by grandma and not tied quilt by me. So... his quilt is on the quilt frame so I couldn't do my horse shoe one. Its flannel with horse heads and horse shoes. Done in beige and burgundy. I think it will be nice when its done and it will be warm. I have extra material of both and since I bought it 3-5 years ago I can't remember what I was going to do with the extra. Duh!!!!

Oh!! I have started my Irish Hiking Scarf (IHS). Not that far along but its coming. I will work on it on the way home. I might be able to get the second pillow case started tonight as well. My french nots are coming along. Its been years since I have had to do them. They will get better with each pillow case I do.

And its been raining off and on all weekend. The poor dog has been caged for most of the trip but when we get his paws cleaned off and dry then he gets some freedom. But then its normally time to let him out again! lol

Well time to get ready to go for dinner. Its my mil's birthday and we are taking her out for supper. To Montana's ... so she just might get the ears! heehehe

Tuesday Musings

Well its nice and bright and sunny!! And it feels pretty warm too.
I did a border run today and got alot of great deals.

Also, drum roll please........ Debbie Macomber's new book Back On
Blossom Street came out today. I was at Waldenbooks and they had it
for 40% of this week so I had to get a copy! hehehe Looking forward
to reading it this weekend.

Also was at Mary Maximum's and after 3 months they finally have the
purse handles I was looking for! so I picked up both pairs and will
use them for my daughters purse and mine!! Oh! Got the new copy of
Simple Knit that's out (I think that's what its called).

Off to Hobby Lobby I went and they had their scrap booking stuff for
50% off. Okay I don't scrap book but I like the stuff so I bought
some. {shaking my head} I got two corner cutters, rub on stamps,
and paper.

Spent about $60 and hand no problem getting back across the border.
I wanted to get more stuff but I don't want to pay the duty! Will
make another run maybe later this week.

So what is everyone else up to?

Happy Knitting!

Leigh Ann

What I did on a nice and warm Sunday

The kids and I went and had bridge fries (fries under the Twin bridges in Point Edwards). Took awhile to get them but they were great. The fries - the kids were okay. lol We brought pop with us and set and watched boats, wave runners going down the St. Clair River at the base of Lake Huron. The current at the bridge is REALLY strong. The kids wanted to go to the park but I said I'd take them to the one by us.
>
> So we get home and I run some Brownie forms to a lady, hubby got our bikes down. We went for a bike ride to the Library and the Park (its ajacent to the public school), stopped and order books and the kids got some. They played in the park and we road towards home.
>
> I was smart and brought my camera with me!!! Got some great shots of the kids on the rocks and down by the water.
>
> Its 25C in Sarnia today and lots of people are out doing yard work, walking, riding their bikes, seadoing.
>
> I hope you are enjoying your day as well. I know! I know! The yard needs work and the laundry still needs to be done but its been a great day with the kids!
>
>
> Leigh Ann
> http://leighsknittinandgardeningescapades.blogspot.com/
> http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/GardeningInCanada/
> http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/leighscountrycottage/
> http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/projectofthemonth/

First Communion Pictures

Here are some photos of my daughter's first communion.

Miki's First Communion

The weather turned out to be great, alittle cool but no rain or snow. Miki looked beautiful! I was ready to cry. Her hair was done up in ringlettes and it she looked really pretty in her dress. Pictures to come. It took our hair dresser an hour to get all the curls done but it was worth it.

There were four kids from her class that took first communion this week. A few of the parents thought it would have been nice if the priest would of mentioned them BUT there is a solumn first communion June 10th with ALL the grade two's. So, she gets to wear her dress again.

Lots of food and drinks. She got some really nice gifts and the lots of gifts of cash. :) The DQ cake was good and we actually still had some left.

I did most of the clean up yesterday (Monday) as I was pooped. Lots of planning and cleaning. We had turkey, ham - yes I cooked both on Saturday nice and hubby sliced them, fresh fruits, shrimp, cheese and cracker platter, buns, cesaear salad and cake for dessert. We have enough leftovers to last us the week!

But it was nice to have my in-laws, my aunt, my parents and my sister and her family there. Hubbies sister is in UAE and his brother is a minister and weren't able to attend as well as my cousin who's wife works weekends in a Nursing Home. They were missed but we had a great time.

My newest niece was an angel and slept through the service and her sister was good as gold too.

I will post pictures once I am on my computer.

Good night!

I did it!

I am officially a SAHM again! For how long? I'm not sure. But the stress, the polictics and the bullshit I've been putting up with for 4 years is now behind me. I loved what I did but - when you get pulled in many directions and then not sure if your right or wrong anymore and if your listening to the BIG BOSS and then your manager says do it HER way and no other way. I say fuck that.

Maybe I am having my mid-life crisis' early. Hell I'll be 40 next year but I don't have to go to work feeling like I'm going to be sick, or have to walk on eggshells. My stomach and that has been feeling abit better lately.

Now I can start to look for a job I may enjoy. I still want to open a yarn shop but that will be after we sell the farm (when ever that maybe).

Another new group of mine

I've started another group and its called Project of the Month. Basically its like a KAL but it will have different patterns and themes each month. One month maybe a scarf, another might be a dishcloth or bookmark, or hat. You get the idea.

Feel free to join!



alt="Click here to join projectofthemonth">
Click to join projectofthemonth

Tie quilt and 2 pillow cases done

It was a really productive weekend! I also got done the Tie Quilt of Lighting McQueen and Mater from the Cars movie for Olivia and I got done the 2 pillow cases of snoopy sleeping. Originally they would be for Quincy but he's still not 100% trained so they will be for people and not the dog. I can do one for him down the road.

Leigh