Andrea

Just back from a week in St. Louis at my mother in laws house. She is the most amazing woman. A well known and respected artist and a woman before her time. When we visit now we experience the toll of Parkinsons, Dementia and Macular Degeneration, but when I look at her I still think of the vibrant and creative woman I knew from the past. I'm so happy I was able to know her as she was before this slide. Another lesson to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.

Is this our Bobcat

We have a couple Bobcat that cruise across our patio many mornings. When I saw these pictures in the morning paper I wondered if maybe it was one of ours. It's pretty amazing to look out the window and see one of these amazing creatures only about 10 feet away. They don't seem to be too concerned with humans and will gaze at you for a while before they wander off.

On another note....I've packed for St.Louis today as we fly out tomorrow morning. I realized that I don't really have a hat so immediately cast on for a simple slouch hat called "Cheeky". This will give me a little something to do while sitting in airports and flying tomorrow. It will take a little adjusting to the cold weather. Hope I finish my hat quickly!

Lace-O-Rama

This year I thought I'd miss the pre Christmas knitting frenzy, but somehow one item leads to another. I wanted to make something little for a couple of the gals at the club where we work out.....well, naturally it snowballed into something for about 8 of the gals at the club. What fun it is to give something that you've actually spent the time to make. Cowls and fingerless gloves were the items this year. Last year it was 5 pair of felted slippers and at below zero in Wisconsin it smelled like wet sheep for quite a few days.

I'm really getting into lace knitting lately. Pretty soon I'll have a closet full of shawls and shawletts. Took me a while to get to the point of actually using a chart, and I'm still doing pretty simple ones, but at least I'm not totally afraid of charts now.

Shrubbery

Today two large Mesquite trees and 15 new shrubs and a few cactus were planted around the house. We could easily have planted 4 times that amount, but this filled in a few areas. The guys planting (it's like digging into concrete) were amazed to see me running around with all the pots moving them here and there to find just the right position. Hey, I lift weights at the gym, I can move shrubs......plus that was my workout today.

I also finished a little shawlette for Jack's mom today. We'll be seeing her in St.Louis next week for an early Christmas. This shawl was super easy, super quick and is wonderfully light and airy in the new Cascade Eco Alpaca. I'll need to make one for myself...and maybe all my sisters.

My sister Nancy is doing really well. I talk to her pretty much every night and we laugh and chuckle a bunch. I'm so glad she can stay positive thru all this. She hopes now to be released from the rehab facility right before Christmas and will live with Kathy and Colin for a bit. The good news yesterday was that they took the red tag off her walker and put a green tag on. Green is good!

The Shocker

Nancy, my sister who lives in Australia and who I just saw last month had a stroke about 9 days ago. I've been learning a great deal about strokes as I've been fortunate enough to not really know anyone who has had one. Still trying to figure it out. She plays tennis, golf, walks a bunch, eats healthy, and was actually at her Dragon Boat racing practice when it happened. She should have a full recovery as she can move everything and is actually doing quite well other than the intense headaches which go along with strokes. I'm so glad my sister Kathy and her husband Colin live near and are there to do the massive support . Quite a shocker.....but she is positive and is ready to get into some intensive therapy.

On a lighter note, our Javelina fence guard was installed today. We didn't really want to put anything there, but it works pretty well. Also busy with knitting small items for little Christmas presents.

Remember to keep exercising, eat healthy, and keep a happy and positive attitude!

Mexican Heaven

We finally found a great Mexican restaurant tonight. We keep asking people since we're new to the area, and it has taken us 8 months to find a real keeper. I should have taken my camera to capture the moment.

Today was one of those days when I should not have done any lace knitting. Even though the patterns were easy, I spent as much time going backwards as forward. I'm also still busy trying to select my next project....I know I need to finish a few things, but I get so excited to start something new.

Going to finally start swimming again this week. I think my cold has finally almost left my head...maybe. I need to go buy a big terry robe to wear out to, and back in from the pool at the club. The water is warm , it's just the getting in and out part.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Cooler Days

You can tell it's cooling down in the desert as I've actually been baking things lately.

The cooler weather is also making me pull out some of my old knitting projects that I really need to finish. I feel like working on long sleeved items again. I was even in the closet trying on sweaters last night.....changes in season are a good thing.

I bought a couple of new pattern books yesterday. I have been inspired to try and make something that will call for some new skills. I feel like I've come a long way with my knitting, but I sure have a long way to go yet.

I'm having fun making tiny items for soon to arrive babies. I love how quickly they go....especially sleeves.

My Furry Friends.....again

Just had to add a picture of a Javelina. They are pretty cute. Yes, it's true, these critters run around our property.

My Furry Friends

We're having someone come out to give us a price on some kind of a gate to keep the Javelina out of our front courtyard. I love those furry little critters, but they're really munching away on our nice cactus. When we have anything delivered by UPS or the Post Office, they have to cross two hurdles to get to the front door. They're really good about it, but the two ladders are getting a bit old. The Javelina are so cute, I just can't get that upset about them...afterall, we did move into their territory.

Sunset in the desert

You just can't beat Arizona sunsets. These pictures aren't the best, but I have an opportunity every night.....so I'll keep trying. It's never as dramatic as just sitting outside and watching the sun quickly sink.

Morning Walk

Since the cold I have doesn't want to leave my body I've been going for walks in the morning instead of running, swimming or working out. I decided to take my camera along today for a few pics. Kind of nice to slow down and notice things that I usually breeze by. I'm missing the swimming, especially since the water is always a nice 84 degrees. Can't wait till this pesky cold goes away.

Wild Art

Had a wonderful opportunity to meet two wild and crazy artists from the Adelaide area while in Australia. Bob and Kaylena are very active in the area as well as other parts of Australia. When Susi and I were invited over to their home, Kathy said "be sure and take your camera".

We sipped champagne as they took us on the tour of the three levels. Basement work area, main floor kitchen and catchall, 2nd level living area, complete with swing. Bob even played the wildly painted Grand Piano for us. It was a memorable visit. Two gracious and wonderful new friends.

Home again...home again

I've actually been home for a few days, but this is my first somewhat spunky day. My flights back from Australia went smoothly, but I really didn't sleep much so I think I was awake about 30 some hours.

What fun we had. I finally got to meet baby James and I hadn't seen Carly in quite a while either. We had quite a few eating fests, everything from Mexican to Italian to Indian to Thai. Lots of good Australian wine and also lots of good Australian beer.

The trip to Perth was great. We explored the beautiful wine country to the south and did some walks along the shore of the Indian Ocean. Even saw some whales in their resting area out at sea.

Managed to find some nice yarns to bring home and left quite a few knitted gifts with folks over there. Slowly getting back into the swing of things at home in Tucson. Another great sister trip!

Off I go.......

After a busy four days, I'm packed and pretty much ready to go. Spring in Australia will be coolish and rainy according to the forecast. Very pleasant here in Tucson. I'll be missing some good fall weather, but the sister get togethers are outstanding! I'm excited to also finally see Perth.

Tomorrow is the tour of the west coast before I finally depart from San Francisco. A little wine and a sleeping pill and hopefully I'll wake up a couple hours before we land. Just hope I'm not too spaced out and forget to put my knitting in my checked bag at customs. No needles on Qantas.

Off I go for I'm sure will be a very busy few weeks. Nonstop fun is always good.

Fall in the Northwoods

Back in Tucson after 12 quick and chilly days in the northwoods. Lost Lake was beautiful as ever, just didn't have much in the way of sunshine for pics of the wonderful fall color. Had an unplanned stop in Minneapolis on the way there.....so guess that means a trip to the Mall of American....I was good and actually didn't buy much of anything. I did pick up some nice yarns in Wisconsin, naturally.

Now I have four crazy days till I leave for Australia. Off and running.....

Surprise...it's not jewelry

Finally finished my Clothilde shawl. Love the silky yarn.

Running out of steam

I'll probably make a few more pieces, but I think I've done a pretty good job in such a short time.Time to pick up the knitting needles again.