Christmas Deux and Trois

Yes, the second part of my three part Christmas holiday was when we left the ship. We were suppose to have gone to the Disney parks for two days and go home but my son-in-law wanted to stay for the week. That was not a problem for me and my daughter, however our friends had to go straight home.

We checked into the Wilderness Lodge for two nights which was our original plans. Unfortunately, we could not get any more nights so we had to switch to our home resort Saratoga Springs for the rest of the week. I thought I loved staying at Saratoga Springs but I like the layout of the two bedroom of the Wilderness Lodge better. We will have to check out the two bedroom of Old Key West next time.

Anyway, we checked in went to Downtown Disney for lunch and just to look around After a delicious dinner at Artist Point located in the Wilderness Lodge (expensive but fantastic)we got a good night sleep so that we could get to Epcot, my favorite park. The goal for me was to listen to the Christmas stories from each country.

In Italy, they have a witch called Le Befana that delivers the toys In the United Kingdomthey have Father Christmas. I also listen to the Japan storyteller They do not celebrate Christmas but instead they celebrate the New Year. They have the daruma doll which is a talisman of good luck for the new year.

In Norway there is no Santa Claus but there is a mischievous elf-like gnome names Julenissen. The children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft for him. This was the funniest reenactment of all.

From Mexico, there was the Three Wise Men Although many Mexican familes have Christmas trees, the Nativity scene is the most common decoration.

The American pavilion had two Christmas traditions. One was Kwanzaa which was founded in 1960 to reaffirm the African-American identify and a celebration of community. and the traditional Santa Claus

There were a few more countries that I did not get very good pictures partly because of rain or just got there two late to get all the story. However, they were wonderful to listen to and see.

We had a chance to check out some of the gingerbread houses around the kingdom. Like at the American pavilion at Epcot. The Contemporary resortand the Grand FloridianThis one is life size.

The next part of our adventure was the Disney Wild Afica Trek. We were put in harnesses and off we went to get a closeup few of the animals. This is one way to get up close and personal.We were fed

we even got breakfast safari style.

This is our safari group

Lots of fun but you are walking for about an hour and half on uneven ground, then on a truck with no suspension for about an hour. Was it worth it, YES, would I do it again, YES. Something to keep in mind if you decide to do this, if you can not bungee an item on you, it can not be taken.

Now on to the Christmas lights as only Disney can....the castle at Magic Kingdom

The Osborne lights at Disney Studios.

And then there was Christmas day at home with my family. PERFECT. My daughter made dinner for us complete with my favorite, home made pimento cheese and my sons favorite caramel pie. My son-in-law made me a peg loom that I have already starting playing with it

. I made a rug to go in front of the kitchen sink because my feet get cold and I mostly wear socks indoors.. My daughter made me a felted hat, I had to have her model it because I hate taking pictures. and then my daughter gave everyone a small flat something wrapped. Everyone got there wish....even if it was only paper. They all said "What I wish I could give you", mine was what I want most of all It has a murphy bed inside. I made my son and son-in-law felted clogs , fingerless mittens for my daughter-in-law and boots for my daughter that she has to felt to fit her. Pictures of these will come after she gets them felted to fit.

I just had a friend send me this video. It was so me last week...I was grandmabot.

It really hit home this year how lucky I was when I heard from my aunt that she had to spend Christmas alone. To have the people around you that you love on Christmas is the most wonderful gift of all. I guess I am extremely lucky because I hear from my children almost every day and see them often.

I can only hope that you are as blessed and had a fantastic Christmas. Have a wonderful New Year.

What a Christmas Month, let me tell you......

All I can say about the month of December is WOW!!!!!!

I had been working 12 hours days in Chicago for the months of October and November which did not make me have the Christmas spirit. I came home on December 1 and had time to throw things in the suitcase to leave that evening to meet my daughter and son-in-law to start our holiday vacation.

We got to Cape Canaveral, Florida, on the 3rd and watched the Disney Magic sail out. My daughter and I wanted my son-in-law, Bryan, to see the ship so he would have something to compare the Disney Dream with the next day. After a nice dinner at a place my friend, Sue, and I had found on our trip to the area in September, if was off to bed and dreams of our adventure to come. We had friends to meet up with, food to eat, Konk Koolers to drink and just a great time. I was sorry that my son could not make it but there is always next year.

This is my Bryan watching the carry-on bags in the cruise terminal while we ran around. What a good sport.

The atrium of the Disney Fantasy was all decked out for the holidays very tastefully. I was so happy that it was not over done.

Once we had lunch, we went down to decorate our door for the holidays, put up our FE holder in anticipation of some good gifts. We were not disappointed this time. Everyone but one person, went all out. My son-in-law made the fireplace, my daughter made the wreath, and I made the FE holder. Now we have to work on ideas to decorate the doors for my daughter, TeAntae's birthday cruise in April on the Disney Fantasy. What we want is to decorate all the doors in our group to look like they are a continuation of the same theme. I will have to let you know know later how that is coming along.

There was one other door that we fell in love with that was simple but very cute.

That evening, we were very pleased about our room stewards towel animal skills and knew that we had a winner.

One of our favorite stops on any Disney cruise is their private island, Castaway Key. It was nice to share this island with our friends that had come along on this trip. I think they enjoyed it as much as we do.Here is Jody and I waiting for our Konk Kooler order while everyone else went bike riding. We know where the fun is.

There was a gentleman in our Disboard group that makes these animals out of a nut and pipe cleaners. Dudley the DeerNut turned into our group mascot. Pictures were taken of him all over the ship and the island.

Disney's snowmen with a sunburn.

The cruise was fun but too short. Can't wait until the next one.

The first part of my Christmas holiday was over but there was more to come.

It is so Good to be Home

Some blogs are full of philosophical musing, beautiful photos, or tutorials on every aspect of life. Then there is mine....I love to ramble and talk about what is on my mind for that day. That is enough for me. The blog was started so that my daughter and friends would know what I was up to since I work out of town. That is still the purpose but find that now I am writing reminders to myself. I am getting older and more forgetful....I like looking back on what I did.

I am back on call so I can be sent out at any time. I have been lucky enough to spend two weekends with my daughter and my son even came along on one of our outings.

I think I will start with what I have been sewing and knitting. No spinning to report on but someday, I will surprise you.

My friend Sue, and I will be going on our cruise next month. I like to make different carry-ons for my trips. This time I decided to make the Weekender Bag that I told you about. Sewing through that Pellon was a bear. When I make my daughter's I will not do it the same way. I had a tiny bit of fabric left so I made a matching project bag. You can not fly with out your knitting..... I will make my daughter her set when she picks out the fabric from my stash. If I do not have it for this trip (she is joining me on the second half of the trip), it will be ready for our December trip.

I did quite a bit of knitting while I was in Knoxville, since I was off on Sunday's and did not have files to work in the evenings, I had more time on my hands than usual. I always take UFO's with me but find that I will work on other things as well.

Up first is my Lady of the Silvery Lake which is my version of Lady of the Blue Forest by Ashley Knowlton I found this to be a very fun knit. The instructions were super clear. Well written pattern in both chart and text. The yarn I used was Abstract Fiber Mighty Sock in Silver.

I also finished my West of Miami which was the my version of the KAL pattern Miami Vice by Threebagsfulled. I love all the patterns that I have knitted from her. And of course I used Wolle's Yarn Creations Color Changing Cotton in the colorway Gemstone.

I am so hooked on Elizabeth's yarn. The colors are just beautiful.

The last shawl that I finished while I was away was my Dark Snowflake. I had purchased lots of Ella Rae yarn from Tuesday Morning, part of these purchases was bulky which I hardly ever use until I found this pattern, Snowflake by Susanna IC . This is a free pattern which makes it even nicer.

The last shoulder shawl, you have seen before but I tried to block it better. I hope that you can see Theodora by ThreeBagFulled a little better here.

That is all the knitting that is finished at this point. I am working on Saroyan which is a cute scarf using on one ball of Wolles Color Changing Yarn in Desert Clay. I need to get back on

Liesl if I want to have it done by our cruise in December. All I have done so far is cast on and knit one row.

That is it for knitting for now. My daughter and I went to the Amish countryside to go antiquing for two weekends in the row. We did find a knitting store in Intercourse, PA, by the name of Lancaster Yarn Shop . It is a very cute shop but no place to sit n knit and not a lot of yarn. It is not a shop to make a special trip but the staff was nice.The shop has a back porch that is enclosed that would make a great sitting area but they just have stuff to decorate the porch.

They did knit covers for the front porch bannister and the lamp post that was in front.

Only about three weeks to my cruise.....I am doing the cruise dance if you can not see me...

I want to leave you with this article

Knitting the Unusual

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADJUSTER

We get so little time off . On that one day, I do the laundry, do a little grocery shopping., cook so I can have something to heat up after working 12 or more hours a day. Fit in a little knitting or sewing , if possible.This is my West of Miami shawl, the pattern is Miami Vice. I have 22 more rows and the border to go.

However, we always need something to calm our nerves and try to come down from the hectic week.

I think we found it, ZIPLINE baby. This was more fun than you can ever imagine. Go here is you want to see more pictures.

https://picasaweb.google.com/contraryrose/ZIPLINE2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLvcuq7bhcSL7QE

We went to Foxfire Mountain. I have to admit that I was enjoying the speed so much that I kept forgetting to slow down and took out the catcher twice. I went with two co-workers and had the time of my life. Would I do it again.....IN A HEART BEAT.

IT HAS BEEN AWHILE

It is funny how time just gets away from you. I sit down on my day off to post and then everything seems to get in the way.

I am working in Knoxville, TN, as I post this. I have been here for 2 months. I am hoping that this is the last month but who knows.

This weekend was the AQS Quilt Show & Contest at the Knoxville Convention Center. The show ran from July 13-16. I went on Saturday, the 16th. Every time I go to one of those shows I come away wanting to quilt. The talent is just amazing.

I did buy some fabric and a CD that I can use in my digital scrapbooking. The CD is entitled Fabric Studio Deluxe. You can create and print fabric at home using your computer. I liked the idea not only for making my own fabric but it will be great for my digital scrapbooking. I thought I had lost it but when I was cleaning out the rental car to take it back....I found the CD between the seat. Am I happy....You Bet!!!

My friend Sue came to visit me here in Knoxville, last month. We went to fabric and yarn stores of course but we also went on a River Cruise. That was fun and I am glad that she found out about it. We took a picture while on the boat, I do not have a scanner so I tried to take a picture of the picture, this is what I got but you get the idea that we had a great time.

I have been knitting and sewing. I made some project bags and two shawls so far. I am working on a KAL of the Miami Vice Shawl , this is a free pattern. I am calling mine South of Miami since the colors are southwest. I am using Wolle's Color Changing Yarn in the colorway Gemstones. No picture yet because I still have the last 11 row repeat to do. This is a very enjoyable knit, especially if you use the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular needles. They are very pointy which I found that I never split the fibers of Wolle's yarn. I am enjoying knitting it but mine will not be half the size of some of the ones I have seen. They must have blocked that shawl within an inch of its life to get that size. The shawl takes one mega skein of Wolle's Yarn or 560 yds of worsted weight.

I really love my finished Weekend Shawl, I am calling mine "Bejeweled Weekend Shawl" since I decide to bead the spine parts. I WILL be making another. I used two skeins of Dream in Color Smooshy that I purchased while I was in Chicago at their warehouse sale. There was no color on the skein so I can't tell you the colorway.

The other shawl that I have finished is the Astilbe Shawl. I love this one as well and will be making another one. I used my favorite yarn, Wolle's Coloring Changing Yarn. The colorway is Lake Night. I am calling my shawl "Evening Shade,". I used one 100g ball. I have purchased another ball to make another one, I really love this and plan on taking it on my cruise in September.

Both shawls will need a good blocking when I get home, I did the best I could in a hotel room.

Besides the shawl I am working on a weekend bag to carry in September. I like making a new carryon for my trips. The pattern is by Amy Butler. One picture is a picture of the pattern and the other is the bag completed by the owner of the blog 'Big Bad Wool'. I only hope mine comes out half as nice. If it does, I am making one for my daughter.

That is it for tonight, I will try not taking so long next time.

I AM A SLINGBOX CONVERT

I have always hated that I paid for cable but because of my job I was never home enough to get my monies worth and also hated missing all my favorite shows. I am not a great TV watcher, in fact I do not have any of the movie channels because I found that I never watch movies. I have been toying with the idea of getting a Slingbox for awhile and recently overheard a conversation that the independent adjuster were having about how they loved having Slingbox to watch their home sports, I decided to give it a try.

Slingbox is a way that you can watch your home TV anywhere as long as you have access to the internet. I am now starting my morning listening to my favorite news station while I am getting ready for work. In the evening, I watch my favorite TV shows on my favorite stations like ILife, PBS, History Channel, WETA, etc, while making dinner or knitting. The only problem is that in the evening the wi-fi is not consistent because so many people are on but it still works.

I have realized that I will need to bite the bullet and buy the IPad Slingbox app. My son purchased (don't seem to surprised, I gave him the money :) and set up the system for me. I am happy that he got the Pro HD which was the most expensive but it works with the IPad app. I can see using it when I am home in my sewing room or in bed (I do not have a TV in the bedroom) or when I go to my daughter's and want to see a show. I am coming up with dozens of reasons that I would use the app and pay the $30 for the app. The more I think about it, I will have my son help me set it up this weekend. Yes, I talked myself into it.

Now on to knitting....I did not bring my spinning wheel or loom with me again. I have been knitting the Turkish Bed Socks. I need socks to wear in my work shoes or my walking sandals that do not go up my ankle. In the heat, regular socks get uncomfortable. I saw a sample of the socks in one of my knitting shop stops, purchased the pattern and I am now happy I did so. I used the Patons Kroy Socks yarn in the Clover Colors colorway. I had two balls that I had purchased for something else. I only used one ball, 166 yds, for one pair. Each sock is a different color because of the way the colors were so I am making another pair with the other ball and will see what happens. I do not care that the socks do not match exactly but right now it will look like I would be wearing one green sock and one orange sock. The socks are easy and a really neat construction. I plan on wearing the socks in my work shoes today to see how my plan works out.

Gadget Crawl on the way to The Maryland Sheep and Wool

Yes, I have left New Orleans, was home a week and now I am heading for Knoxville, TN.

Before I tell you what is up with me...enjoy this video if you have not already seen it.

I take vacation every year to go to the Maryland Sheep and Wool. I do not always buy anything but I love going to fondle the fiber and talk to vendors.

On the way home from New Orleans, I decided to stop at a few yarn stores that I have not been to in search of the perfect an unique knitting gadget.

In Alabama, I stopped at In The Making. The shop is in a strip mall but there is not a lot of parking. The shop itself has fabric as well as yarn and patterns. The shop samples had me buying two patterns and a pattern booklet. This is a shop worth stopping at if you are in the Birmingham area. Just look at the shop window.

Another Alabama shop I visited was Serendipity Needleworks in Tuscaloosa. It is also in a strip mall but there is plenty of parking. I did not buy anything since I was only looking for knitting gadgets. The shop is well laid out and the staff friendly. I would stop again if in the area.

Don't you think that this is such an inviting entrance.The shop is brighter than my picture and as you can see, it has lots of yarn but does not feel cluttered.

In Tennessee, I went to The Yarn Haven in Knoxville, TN. This shop is in a strip mall with plenty of parking. I did not find any unique gadget but they did have a nice selection of yarn. They carry handmade project bags that was very cute. However, the pattern that I wanted, had been made for a retreat and they did not have any for sell. I did not need to buy anything anyway.

I also went to Loopville in Knoxville. I stop there everytime I go through the area. I only purchased a magazine this time but now that I will be working there, no telling what I will be coming home with.

There is one shop in Bristol, TN, that you should avoid unless you like JoAnne and Michael's yarn. That is all that they carry. It is called Skeins & Things.

My very favorite shop in my travels this time is in Abingdon, VA, called A Likely Yarn. As soon as I drove up, I knew I would love it. The shop is in a house, the landscaping and front porch or so inviting. The staff, was friendly and very helpful. In fact, there was one that is a true enabler. I left not only with the cutest stitch markers but enough yarn for a project. I will show pictures in my next post when I get further along.

I did make it to the Maryland Sheep and Wool on the Saturday. Had a wonderful time as always. I only spent the money I took with me. Sorry,I did not take pictures of my purchases. I got some bluish silver mohair roving that is going to be so pretty when it is spun up. I never buy kits but this time I did buy a shrug kit that takes a trillion beads, and some yarn for either a shawl or socks. The shrug is suppose to be for our cruise in December, it will look so nice with a slinky black dress. Okay, maybe not slinky but a nice black dress.

My daughter and son-in-law went with me to check on our place in KY. My son-in-law, will take us anywhere we want to go and never complains when we have him turn around because we passed a shop we just had to see.

He loves Makers Mark bourbon so we decided to go to the distillery since it is only about an hour and half from the our place. This is really pretty property and the restaurant on sight has some excellent bourbon pulled pork. After the tour, my son-in-law brought us bottles of Makers Mark that we got to dip to make the distinctive trade mark red cap cover. Mine was not that good. I would never make a bottle dipper.

And I end with this unbelievable knitting feat