Tree 1 Shoulder 0

Five weeks ago I was lifting a tree into my cart at Costco, loaded it into my truck, and then unloaded it at home. Yesterday I threw in the towel and went to see the doc about my aching shoulder. Today was day 1 of physical therapy. I didn't understand half the names of the muscles that were identified, but I did understand that I did a fine job of messing my shoulder up and will need to go to physical therapy for 8 weeks.

Now I need to get back on my bike. I'm supposed to be doing the LiveStrong Ride in Austin, TX in October. Tomorrow I am allowed to ride for 20 minutes and am praying that it goes well. In the meantime, I need find some sort of exercise that will build my endurance and help me get in shape for the ride. Now if I can find an acceptable form of exercise that I can do while knitting....

Wish me well.

Marty's Mat

My director is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. This is a picture of a blanket that a group of my friends knit for him. Our hope and prayer is that Marty will be healed this side of heaven.

Knitters Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

Florida. Palm trees, warm breezes and I miss living there.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

Russia. I studied Soviet Political Systems and Russian history as an undergrad and am fascinated.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? Yes. Virginia to Missouri, Virginia to Maine and Virginia to Florida.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? Malta. It's a small island nation in the Mediterranean. One day I hope to return.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?

That one is hard to choose but last year my family went to Maine for a week to stay at our neighbors' summer home and loved it. Maine is captivating. One day we hope to return and really explore it.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.

Not for a long time. I've lived here 19 of the last 22 years and prefer to stay away from the tourists.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?

Definitely a beach comber.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

Something that is a natural fiber and a happy color.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

acrylic. yuck.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?

sweaters and socks

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?

When I go to the beach next week I'm taking sock stuff. Socks are my latest obsession.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?

I paint glass and sew. This summer I am making curtains for my house.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)

nope.

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?

Red. Red should be considered a neutral. I'm not too crazy about purple.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? both!

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?

I can't think of anything.

You can take the girl out of the country....

On Mother's Day, my mom turned 70. We were wandering around the old family farm and found ourselves at a locked gate. Not one to be deterred, she jumped right over the gate. I've now set a goal for when I turn 70. I'm going to scamper over a gate so I can take in the view.

Back on the Horse

I lost April. It's gone. Parts were perfect, others horrific. But life goes on and God is good.

Knitting update:

1. I still need to put a zipper in my weekend cardigan. That will be done before I head to the hills this weekend. Honest. I've gotta wear a maroon sweater while I'm in Blacksburg.

2. The tank I needed to finished is done. For now. Next step is frogging. I can't stand the way the top of the tank came out.

3. The funky sweater is still in parts. I don't love it any less but haven't visited it for awhile.

While on vacation (the perfect part of April), I started knitting Flair by Wendy Bernard. It's mighty purdy. The body is done. Sleeves, collar and buttons remain.

I've been sidetracked from the main knitting projects by Hokie Healing. I'll be hand-delivering my squares to Mosaic on Friday.

Today Thing 1 is home sick. Laundry needs to be put away and the vacuum needs to visit the upstairs of my house. Are we having fun yet?

It's time to finish some projects...

For some reason, I love love love casting on a new project, but, when it's 80% done, I run out of steam. In my head I move on to the next thing, but the UFO is staring me in the face. What's up with that?

This week I'm going to finish the following:

a. Weekend Neck Down Jacket from Knitting Pure and Simple. All that's left is one sleeve, the collar and putting in a zipper.
b. Oooh Baby! Tank from the Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits. I need to put on the collar. I've already done that twice and had to rip it out. Third time is the charm. Now that the sweater had been neglected for a year, it should be cooperative.
c. Fabulously Funky Sweater from Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics. All that's left is one sleeve, the front band and collar.

Next techno-challenge....figure out how in the world to post pictures. Oh dear.

Just Jump Right In...

I've been toying with the idea of starting a blog for months. That would be because when I go online, I can't have a complete online experience with out checking out my favorite knitting blogs. They inspire me, make me laugh, and help me to be a better knitter. So, here we go.

Two years ago I picked up a pair of sticks and a bit of wool. I haven't looked back. Yarn has taken over my world and it's not a bad thing. More of that to follow.

Thing 1 is home sick today and Thing 2 gets off the bus shortly so I must bring this short but sweet entry to a close.