Here's two pictures

Here's two pictures that made me smile today. One, a late fall blooming sedum in my yard. I love how deep the color is on this flower. and the second, is my female cat madaline, who has taken to sleeping in my sock yarn basket. Guess we all need a little warmth on these cold wintry days.

One more 2008 FO

Here is another FO for 2008. It is the Petra Lace Scarf. This was a wonderful knit. Easy pattern to follow, and the yarn? Yummy Yummy yummy. I used elann peruvian baby cashmere. I hope my SIL likes it as I made it for her for a christmas gift. I haven't done that very often--made gifts for others outside my immediate family--in awhile. Mostly because the ones I did weren't appreciated and they are so much work. easier to not do it than feel angst over the process.

2 months and counting

So much time....

and, what do I have to say for it?

Well, we have a new president elect. I'll let time speak for him. He was handed an awful economy. I hope he keeps his chin up. and in these days of record level job losses, that those mavericks on Wall Street, have the toughest time finding new ones.

I've been knitting, quilting and reading. doing my job during the day and letting the dogs in and out. making new friends on ravelry.

and, dealing with massive major migraines. yeah. but I've got pix. not of the migraines. I'll load them later.

oh give it up already

I think I've made it clear my democratic candidate of choice was Hillary Hillary Hillary. but we've got Hope instead.

well that is a lot better than this guy: Ole suspend my campaign so I can sit here mute in washington

experience my a**

and Palin. oh yeah, well she sure scored some pointed with us Americans on her interview with Couric didn't she? whew, that woman, was she even in the room with Katie or was she doing her own interview somewhere else?

and then we've got proposals for spending $700 billion of my tax money to save large financial institutions who should have known better--that was there job. who by the way, lost my money too--so, now we're throwing good money after bad?

how about spending that money on infrastructure on states, etc? food for the poor, homes for the homeless, etc.

Last Secret Pal Post

If you were told you could never again buy yarn, would would your last yarn purchase be?

hmmm..... Ok, I'd divvy up the money I have to spend and I'd spend it at my two lys's: Rose Tree Fiber Shop and Knitted Together and then spend the rest at http://www.theloopyewe.com/.

If you were told you could never knit again, what would be the last thing you’d knit?? I think this: http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html

In a given year, how many times do you buy yarn?
monthly

And what is your favorite place to buy yarn from? A festival? A shop? Online? Dish your favorite places!! see above, but also include Ravelry. I've found it to be a sweet place to find yarn

Lastly, with Fall in full swing in many areas, what is the one thing you look forward to most?

lovely surprising weather days, cool mornings, beautiful skys and foliage

Breaking up is hard to do

But we're parting our ways. I'm done with these guys. probably for simply one reason: to quote Veronica, boy socks take forever!

and while I had fun, the fun eventually had to end, as with all relationships.

I am a starter knitter, heck, I am a starter project person. I'm a process person. I'm all about ideas. and I'm a scanner. I used to worry about my often hysterical curiousity, but no more. I'm too old to worry about it. If I get bored with doing something, because the process no longer interests me, I just set it aside for another day. Learning as much as I can about different things, sure makes me a better environmental consultant.... but it can lead to comments from well meaning? folks regarding my projects like, uhm you still aren't done with that? or wow, how long have you been working on that? I just sigh inwardly and say to myself, I don't ask you to explain yourself on your choices, lets not start on mine. Outside, I just say yep. I used to say, I'm ADD on projects, but then I rethot that line because that is an actual disease and flailing at it is not fair to those folks that actually have it. perhaps I just need to ask them why it bothers them so much or why they feel the need to comment?

And Zhenya, we need to get me started on those toe-ups--next project, I promise. I ran out of yarn on the second sock... same yarn, same process, etc. so if you could see the second sock, you'd see about a 1/2 inch extra Lorna's Laces on the toe. I did find someone on Rav that had the Claudia's but I got impatient and just wanted to be done.

Now, to the pattern details: Garter Rib by Charlene Schurch in Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Claudia's Handpainted Yarns, Fingering weight, Color: Boot Camp
Yarn: Lorna's Laces, Fingering Weight, Color: Chocolate

SP Questions 11 and 12

#11
What is the best thing you’ve ever received in the mail/post?
clearly anything from Zappos.com or Theloopyewe.com


#12

I’m sure most of us have a proudest moment when it comes to knitting. A project or technique that you’ve tackled and completed beautifully. What is your proudest knitting moment??

I'm really proud of the wonderland shawl I just completed for the loopy swap. so proud I didn't take pictures, yep.


And on the flip side? What is the one thing that you can’t get right? What is that one project that you’ve never been able to complete? Or that you did complete but then hid away instantly because it was too embarrassing?

a sweater, very expensive, nicely done. and my very first lesson in gauge.

Life is hard... or, am I getting older?

This has been a hard summer for me. Is hard the right word? Stressful, yes. Feel like I'm getting older? DEFINITELY!!!



First my cat, then I get sick and take like what feels forever to get better. Then my dad gets sick again--but he's better now--WOOT. Then, my husband's father passes away suddenly 10 days ago... then we find a suspicious mass in my breast--not cancer--WOOT. then a friend goes in the hospital with chest pains--he's good now--whew. I'm definitely good and full with the ups and downs.



usually I love summer. usually my birthdays don't bother me. I'm not so sure about this one. I think I'm definitely feeling my age and those of the loved ones around me.

I love autumn more, hopefully it is easier on my heart.

SP Question of the Week #10

What Olympic event would best describe you knitting/knitting style?


hmmm... what event would they give out medals for beginning lots of new projects, seeing lots of finishes in your lifetime, having all the materials you could want and the endurance? but just not the time apparently...

opening ceremonies count? the pentathalong? steeplechase?

Rain Garden '08 update

check out these rain garden photos! and my buddy, isn't (s) he awesome? this is the second year of my rain garden... and all the rain this year, has made it extra special.

it is performing exceptionally well. it can take a 2" rain without overflowing. unfortunately, we've seen a lot of the 4" in variety this year.

the neighbor kids love all the butterflies and caterpillars. we do too! and I saw one of the cats batting at one the other day also.

its always active around here.

check out that red cardinal flower. wow!!

my favorites in the spring garden

In anticipation of some upcoming photos... let me show you some of my favorites in the spring garden. I love these little guys. they are called fritillarias. or checkered lilies. I would like them everywhere. and, I'm working on it.

and, once again, I score!

Look at this LOOT! My secret pal, only identified as from Massachusetts.... sent this huge box of awesome goodies to my door. 4 skeins of handdyed sock yarn, a needle holder, SOAK, OLIVE GREEN worsted weight yarn, a pattern in my que, with yarn to go with it, candles, a Vogue specifically on green, spa girly stuff, tea, burt's bees and cookies. Where do I start? Thanks Secret Pal. I hope you have a great weekend! I am, I am going to be going through my goodies!

My Madaline

Madaline, my cat, is a tortoise. She's over 12 years old, sometimes ornery, but she's all mine. She recently went through, and put us through, some significant trauma. While we were on vacation she suffered what the vets believe is a stroke to her spine. We came home and she was completely paralyzed on her right side. Poor thing. This cat is all about independence. So for about two weeks, we excercised her, took her to the litter box, etc. We also engaged a vet to give her accupuncture treatments. She was doing some movement on her own, perhaps by dragging. Then, one saturday afternoon, she just stood up and started walking. She looked like she was drunk, but she was doing it. And everyday since then, she has gotten a little bit better. She's not afraid to try anything, even if it doesn't fare well for her. She's learned that her front leg isn't going to respond every time like she wants it to, so she's compensating for that in how she moves off of furniture and down our stairs. I really admire her fortitude and compuncture. I saw this post this morning about the sacredness of animals and was inspired to write a little about my Madaline.

Through all of this, we learned about not only the steadfastness of our love for our animals but their trust and love for us. Madaline knew that not all was well for her, but she trusted me to keep taking care of her. In additiona, we engaged a vet that does accupunture and a friend that does chiropracty to help Madaline along. While Mad wasn't excited about the treatments, she looked to me in trust while they were occuring to keep her safe. And as an aside we know that these alternative treatments really made a difference in her recovery. Mad showed significant progress following both types of treatments, and both provided immediate pain relief for her of one type or another at one time or another. We're both excited to be back in the sunshine!

New Question

What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit?

anywhere in my house. I love upstairs in my living room, or downstairs in front of the TV. I also love outside in my garden, where I'm very inspired. the mosquitoes are a bit tedious this year though.

What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?

water to drink, sometimes an audio book, and my imagination.

One more Cookie A pattern

Look what I received today from my Secret Pal... Gothic Spire from Cookie A. WOOT. I can't wait to start knitting. Thanks Secret Pal. I'm off to be a hospitality volunteer for the Register's annual great bike ride across Iowa (better known as RAGBRAI. This year it is going through Ames. What is a hospitality volunteer? Well, I'm going to cheer all those 15000 bike riders as they come into Ames.

This game is making the rounds of various blogs. It also appears to be a good way to avoid your mundane tasks.......

Create your own by creating your answers and placing them into the Search feature on Flickr and then copying and pasting the URLs into Big Huge Lab's Mosaic Maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name? Anita

2. What is your favorite food? pesto

3. What high school did you go to? Yankton High School

4. What is your favorite color? olive green

5. Who is your celebrity crush? dwight yoakum

6. Favorite drink? water

7. Dream vacation? italy

8. Favorite dessert? banana split

9. What you want to be when you grow up? a gardener

10. What do you love most in life? flowers

11. One Word to describe you. virgo

12. Your flickr name: knittinggardener

Do you think bylooking at this that it actually gives you a pretty good picture of me?

Secret Pal #6

What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?

I take it all. I always over pack projects to take along. I never ever know what I might want to work on. something simple, something hard. I take too many books, cuz I want something to pick from. I take my embroidery hand projects too! And, they always take up space in the car--plan on it! LOL. and then sometimes all I do is lay in the sun. but I always work on something in the car. I'm glad of the variety though, keeps me stimulated.

Hey secret pal, wave to you! I recd your postcard. Mount Sugarloaf looks to be a very pretty area! Iowa is not all flat either, nor cornfields. LOL

Secret Pal Question #5

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?

I love water water water. combine that with bike riding and family and friends that would be awesome!

2) Where is one place you’d like to go?

Italy, that would be cool.


and considering I just got out of the hospital after a surviving a ruptured ovarian cyst... I'm up for anything right now!

Another SP Question

1) What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”?

Hmmmm....this one I have to think about. I am an impulse buyer when it comes to yarn, so, oh wait, I know.... I haven't fulfilled any of my desires on the STR line and I don't have any Cider Moon. plus I would just love someday to purchase the peacock yarn that the harlot used by perchance to knit.

2) What yarn do you never want to be without?

I just adore yarn by claudia's handknits. and I do like the bamboo yarns, they are so nice to use, and feel so good against your skin. oh, and shuibu.

another SP question

What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

hmmm.... so that when I saw yarn in the perfect color, I already had it.

I totally struck gold

Can you believe all this rockin' cool stuff my Loopy Pal from Rolla, MO sent me? Coffee, multiple treats, an awesome lacy scarf I can already picture 3 outfits to wear with it-summer and winter!










this totally cool bag that so says summer? does she think I'm going to use it just for knittin'? heck no. this is my July bag for sure! note pads, pattern tamers!!! a cute little sock she knitted in one of my fav colors--already went onto my key ring. and great ravelry buttons. and check out the amazing stitch markers she made--aren't they beautiful? and malabrigo lace yarn. My partner rocks!

and just in time. with all the crisis around my house this last two weeks, I definitely needed a pal who could read my mind. now I need to get my bum in gear and fulfill my promises and bargains. Thanks Loopy Pal!

Secret Pal 12 Question of the Week

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

Books Books Books and even more books. all I did during the summer as a kid was read. then as soon as I was given permission to ride my bike to the lake, I rode to the lake and read. then drove and read. I loved water and books--still do!

SP 12 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really like to make socks, so I love the indies. and in the summer I really really like to work with bamboo. it is sooo nice. I'm not a fan of some non animal fibers.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? a big horrible bag that needs to be organized. blech.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? since my Gma taught me as a child. it depends upon the project... intermediate probably.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? see the sidebar? I'm greedy!

5. What's your favorite scent? I love almost anything if it is a true natural scent. fragrance oils and perfumes give me headaches. so essential oils? Yummy! lavendar, rosemary, sandalwood....

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? brach's milk maid butter rums. no chocolate for me, migraine inducing. altho I have been known to steal a peanut m&m once in awhile....

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I'd love to learn to spin. I quilt, stamp, collage, sew, embroider. garden garden garden

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD). I just ordered a brand new sansdisk! I like country, a little of this and a little of that... chick music, bonnie raitt, dixie chicks.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? orange, green, blue; not a big fan of muddy brown.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm married with a 22 yr old daughter. I have two dogs and two cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves, hats and shawls.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks.

13. What are you knitting right now? socks and shawls.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? AWESOME!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?circular, bamboo, unless ADDIS

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? NO, rats.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?EEP, > 5, that is all I'm saying for now.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween.

19. Is there anything that you collect? besides Yarn? and garden plants? fat quarters?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? see wish list on the side.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? combo knitting

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, 8.6" long, 8 around.

23. When is your birthday? August 24

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? knittinggardener

Blooming in my yard? glad you asked

here's a little video...

a beautiful coloumbine, sweet williams, jacob's ladder, poppy and peony buds, alliums galore, irises, daisies, ganzanias, and a happy cat. did I miss something? got questions? let me know.

Dean has become an awesome photographer, I appreciate being able to take advantage of his work! Our garden looks even better when he takes the shots!

Raining, again..... nice that we don't have to water, but the ground sure is saturated and we have some plants not fairing so well with all this water... like the caladiums in the backyard... they are drowning. I think I might have to pull them out of the ground and temporarily into pots. We'll see how they look later this week, if I can wait that long.

look at this

isn't this a cool ATC card? I made it for the earth day swap. I also recd some cool ones. I'll upload those later. I'm so behind on my pictures. I think the lack of spring until "today' has made it hard for me to get motivated. at least this is my excuse and I'm sticking to it! I've got a long list of "to-do" but also a huge work list as usual this time of year. so it is all a balancing act--especially with the big gardening balancing act with the crazy weather. May is just darn weird this year! now, if the weather is going to be nice, you may just find me on the hammock outside. actually I hear it calling now!

WOOT! its really May

the temperatures are climbing and staying warm... although cool in the mornings, our garden is (almost) in, soil temps are climbing. Yep, I'm calling May here in central Iowa.

I died in Sock Wars on Saturday. The pattern was nice and didn't confound me as much as it seemed to others. I certainly didn't like the cast on number. a 72 stitch start for a sock that begins at bottom calf is way too loose.... oh well, maybe that works for some folks, but I'm guessing not for most. I've had more "unfun" with Sock wars than fun--at mostly with pattern issues, or lack of communication with the moderator; this was my last time.

I did meet a new friend through SWIII--wave to Della. She's way cool. Head on over and meet her too. She was my target, since my death, she's been granted a reprieve.

I've got tons blooming in my yard... you'll have to wait for pix as my dear husband hasn't put them in the shared pictures file yet. He's turned into our yard photographer. As he's doing an awesome job, I'm content to let that continue!

I've also got plants that have gone missing in my yard.... between 2007's late frost and this year's hard winter, they said, ciao! It has given us an opportunity to assess some structure in our yard. I'll never never stop being a plopper, but maybe with some forethought? maybe. I went crazy, again, at the native plant sale last weekend. and the last few mornings have been planting different species in different spots throughout the yard to determine where they will do their best. Only time will tell. I did try to get plants that will bloom throughout the summer--cannot wait for the show.

Loot!

My Caffeine Swap Partner, Susan, sent me ALL this! Look, Panda cotton, POSH yarn, Online, TWO mugs, and Trader Joe decaf. plus CANDY--WOOT! I love Swaps. Never know how much you are going to get spoiled. and it sure is a way to try new yarn you just might not have tried. Thanks girl!

Spring took a left turn and headed out of central IA. we're watching temps and looking out for frost advisories now. WTF? And my husband just doesn't want to watch his tulips take the beating they took last year, so he is cringing as they are all budding out. We're looking for a cloudy night tonight, and hoping this wind will stop bringing in more cold air. Good grief. Isn't there enough damage between last year's freeze, this year's cold winter --NO more I say, NO more!!!

Hard to believe in global warming this year......

Another finished pair off the needles

I finally finished my pair of SKP (sock knitter's pentathalon) socks for March/April. (SKP2008 is closed for this year, but stay tuned for next year!) It was a nice pattern to follow. I will probably do it again. Please do not enlarge pattern to view mistakes. I used Sandness Garn Lanett for the yarn which I bought at my friend Amber's shop MisKnits in Kansas City. I really really liked this yarn for socks! On the gardening front, it is SPRING. I'm calling it it my yard. I have tons of green pushing its way to the sun. and blooms galore and blooms teasing me. I do have some daffodils not blooming that should be that I'm wondering didn't take a harder hit in last years' freeze than I thought. Some need to be divided so I will be doing that also this year. Always a to do list, isn't there? The peas we planted about 10 days ago are poking their heads through, grateful to see the sun and feel the warmth. We do see some problem areas we need to address, last year's freeze thaw did hurt some grass areas that see heavy traffic from the dogs, as much as we are iffy on grass, we don't want "dirt" so we'll be fixing that, today, as a matter of fact. Also, we found garlic mustard last year, along the creek, and in one spot in the garden we have along the bike trail. It is back. So, I hit it hard with foam roundup, and we'll need to keep it on our weekly watch list. Garlic mustard is very invasive and can take over an area fast! I'll leave you today with some images of a new crocus in our garden. The crocus is crocusma "remembrance". I bought with some birthday money I received last year. O course, I bought it from one of my favorite place... White Flower Farms. pictures were taken by my husband, video made by me and picasa2. we're still learning but I think it turned out great!

look what the postman delivered today

 

another little package from the loopy ewe. I LOVE the LOOPY EWE. Sheri has the most amazing selection and she's always ready and willing to answer questions when I want to make pattern substitutions.

and this little treat I received today? just one more thoughtful package Sheri put together. Its called don't be blue. its for those of us that didn't make it into the 2008 sock club this year. I ordered on sat, recd today. ROCK on. smooshy yarn and a pattern called ankle biters. right into the queue it went.

last week I ordered my yarn for the loopy swap. I can't wait to spoil my partner. and with that order, I became a loopy groupie. we'll see what happens next.

ssshhhh. don't tell anyone, but spring may have arrived. temperature forecasts indicate no more freakin' snow. we'll see, last year we sure we're surprised! but my yard is yearning for the sun, ME too. I'm trying to stay positive and am just grateful for the sun today.

I'm also grateful that I'm 97% done with taxes, and that once again, I managed our money well enough to only owe the govt $200. This is my goal every year. I refuse to use the feds as a savings acct (uhhmm, interest free, duh!)so I strive for no refund, and yet, who wants a big tax bill? its been a little bit more interesting since I've become self employed but its worked out ok both years.

Dead, again

Look what arrived today!!!

 

Aren't these beautiful? new socks from a knitting partner in a game called sockquest. and little treats too, aren't I lucky?

 

and aren't they smashing on me?

and now, I send, my socks back to her... I learned a new technique working on these socks. Two socks at one time on magic loop. WOOT! It was a little fiddly at first, but then it flowed well.

 

hmm, I wonder what my next project is... oh, yeah, that's right, sock pentathalon socks.. dean's socks.. Jess's projects, a new quilt, my garden and that pesky thing called work!

catch up

Hey look!! I'm done with the scrap quilt I was making for my friend called "pie chart.". once I figured out that you really do need to follow the pattern directions, it moved right along. I've actually been done for awhile, just needed to post pix. This is what I was working on during my 10 minutes per day quilting time inspired by http://quilting-diva.blogspot.com/2008/02/quilt-every-day.html. I will use this pattern again, I did like how the pattern turned out--and it worked out great with scrap fabrics!

 

 

In other news, I didn't make it through round 2 of sock madness... bummer! the pattern for round 2 really slowed me down. I did however learn how to make a garter stitch short row heel! this was cool. I will definitely try again next year.

I'm in another sock game. just started last week and I've already been notified my socks are on their way. this is ok, I'll just keep knitting until they arrive, the pattern is fun.

I'm not sure spring is ever going to seriously arrive here in central IA. my crocuses are up, tulips are pushing their way, other plants are budding, yet snow/rain mix predicted for the rest of the week. blech. I need some seriously sunny days. We did get some good yard clean up done (without the sun) on sunday, and our peas are planted!

Made it through round 1 of sock madness

 


Woot Woot! I'm done. Round 1 and it looks like I made it.

The Zombies strike

 

I have finished sock one of SockMadness2 round 1. I am on the foot of sock 2. Yarn? lorna's laces cherry jubilee.

Spring is around the corner, its hard to stay inside and focused during the day! I'm waiting for my first flower now that the snow is FINALLY gone!

and, I'm alive....

 

aren't these cool? they turned out so nice. these are my artist trading cards I made for the ATC swap for Project Spectrum. And I made them in the midst of my death, seriously bowled over by the respiratory influenza a. I haven't been this sick in ages. today, sunday, is the first day in 13 days I've felt close to being alive. and, it is just barely. I couldn't read, touch email, etc. and all I've done is cough. but I managed to get these out in time. and I was very happy with them. Woot Woot!

love, laughter, smiles, grins, hugs, and a hat

This weekend was spent with family.. the best kind of family. Giggles, laughter--we had it all. spending time with our brothers, their wives and their children, it it simply doesn't get any better. we love and adore them, they love and adore us. and as adults we've forged bonds that cross the marriage spectrum also. dean and i are very blessed. and isn't it cool that they have children the same age? Our Jess got their total attention as a child growing up, now their children get ours.


I would say that there exist a thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else . . . The farthest star and the mud at our feet are a family; and there is no decency or sense in honoring one thing, or a few things, and then closing the list. The pine tree, the leopard, the Platte River, and ourselves--we are at risk together, or we are on our way to a sustainable world together. We are each other's destiny.--Mary Oliver


oh, and I finished a hat! the lollipop hat. little Eric, held by dean was the lucky recipient.

Global Warming--what do you believe?

So, after all the hysteria from Al Gore has settled down what do you believe about global warming?

I believe we're coming out of an ice age. I've read several papers and understand that some of the data we're basing initial CO2 levels on is probably flawed. I also know that some places where we're capturing "baseline" temperatures whereas at one point they were in the middle of nowhere they are now surrounded by asphalt and cities, which can significantly alter their readings. I also know that capturing 50 years of climatic data, isn't a model of world changes. Hell, lets face it, we can't accurately predict the weather on a day to day basis.

On the other hand.... I also believe that, as a rule, humans are pigs and we, especially the last two gimme generations --and the one we're raising now, wow, can I see it in kids, believe that anything they want they can have instantaneously--and even more so, that they should. this has several (un)intended consequences. I use paranthesis because when we refuse to think about the effects of our actions, they become intended consequences. the whole plastic water bottle phenomena--is it really that hard to bottle water from your tap? plastic materials period... we all know, we've been told a million times that plastics are one of the hardest materials on the environment in terms of energy to produce and that once produced, here forever.. yet I don't see a lot of thought in folks as they merrily walk down the aisles of anywhere picking up plastic. esp junk plastic--that irritates me the most. or being unwilling to pay a couple more dollars for ketchup in a glass container. does it take more effort to be an efficient consumer and say no to your kids? sure it does. will it pay off in the long run? I'll let you work that out in your own head. we do it, it takes conscious thought all the time, and sure its easy to be lazy. but I just keep coming back to the idea of: I worked hard for my money and I want to spend it responsibly.

another thing that bothers me is the assumption that if it is on the shelves it must be ok... hairspray or thalidomide anyone?

the FDA or pharmaceutical companies haven't shown me they have my best interests at stake yet.

think for yourselves. its only your lives, and the lives of your grandchildren at stake.

Wow! I am so spoiled again...

 

All this--on a cold cold day.

Thanks Daisy! What an awesome shawl! and it is made out of sea silk. yummy! and the yarn you sent me? ready for spring colors for sure!

Thanks!