Bricktown Showdown - Pacific Coast League vs. International League

Oklahoma City. Bricktown. The Showdown - International League Champion meets Pacific Coast League Champion for a one game, winner takes all display of superiority. IL repesentative -Richmond Braves, successful recipient of the Governor's Cup after playing a split-doubleheader on Saturday, September 15, 2007, arrived in OKC via charter flight. PCL representative - Sacramento River Cats, winner of three out of five titles for bragging rights in the West, swept the New Orleans Zephyrs in three games with the final confrontation taking place at Raley Field in Sacramento before a sell out crowd. Their travel to OKC was slightly more difficult: the team came in groups on three separate commercial flights arriving between 3 and 11 pm on Sunday night, September 16. The stage was set, the participants were ready for this fight to receive the hefty trophy for the Triple-A Baseball championship.

Richmond was considered the home team due to the IL's dominance at the All-Star Game in Albuquerque, New Mexico this past July 11. And we're off and running. Maybe the wrong description but the outcome became clearer as the pitching and batting of the West slowly wore down the Braves who continued to fight to win nevertheless. The final score 7-1 in the favor of the ..... SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS! The PCL and the Sacramento River Cats in particular had once again claimed the title for the best in Triple-A.

What a wonderful exhibition of talent and the best Minor League Baseball has to offer. If you haven't been to see a game, you don't know what you are missing.

Glenn McCoy - Time Magazine

Just received my Creative Knitting magazine, November 2007 and on the reader page a copy of Glenn McCoy's political cartoon and his view of Time magazine. I rolled on the floor! How true -- Creative Knitting does influence my behavior much more than Time. By the way, isn't Time an anachronism in this day and age? Knitting is definitely much more hip!

Kudos to Glenn McCoy.

Griffith Baptism

Brenda and Steve and their three adult sons, Joel, Mark and Andy, were baptized on Saturday in a neighbor's pool. Took this pic just before Brenda was immersed by husband, Steve and friend, Jim.

Brenda made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a statement of why she was being baptized at this point in her life. Very important step for the whole family and I was privileged to be included as a witness to this momentous occasion.

Nicke Update

Here she is! What a sweetie. We've been going to obedience training. She tries hard but her owner isn't learning too quick. We may need to take this class again. Nicke's 5 month attention span is real-l-l-l-l short.

Vogue Stitchionary2 - Cables

Vogue’s Stitchionary2 - Volume Two Cables
Vogue has developed a series of knitting pattern encyclopedias which places six balls of yarn in various shades of one color on the front cover. Each volume uses a different color. This one the choice was brown and the topic was cables.

I have some partiality to cables, Arans and Celtic designs and so I was anticipating looking at the various patterns contained in this volume and I wasn’t disappointed. The first few pages give a short history of cables. It is believed that the cable originated with Celtic tradition via the Book of Kells in the 9th century. Further, there is some idea that the Book of Kells may have contained illustrations of cable-knit sweaters. The book relates that Aran patterns were used for fisherman sweaters and used for identification purposes which is somewhat suspect in current histories of Aran development.

The book is well organized and arranges the patterns from easy to most difficult. There are written instructions and a chart for each pattern. Some of the pattern names enable you to imagine the cable in your mind, such as:

Easy - mock, argyle, thistle, horseshoes and snow angels
Diamonds - embossed, tic-tac-toe
Pretzels - river run, Cleopatra, wheat
Braids - bean stalk, Pippi
Allover - honeycomb, waves, pie crust (lattice type), cable maze, ribbed cable
Combinations - Jacob’s ladder, rick rack and Art Deco

All in all there are 202 pattern designs from which to select to create your personally styled-cabled sweater. I’m hoping to use some of the above mentioned to develop a special design of my own. I would rate give this stitch directory 4 stars for variations in pattern and difficulty of knitting. The only disappointment is that the history section was a little short and some of it is discounted by several other historians.

Aerobics - YMCA Water Style

This last week I tried a new water aerobics class at the Downtown YMCA. Whoa! I thought I was in shape but it felt like I had never done aerobics before! Splashing around like an uncoordinated savage trying to keep up with the older regulars in the class. Not sure whether this is for me especially since I ached for more than half a week. Just recovering today. Maybe I should give it one more try on Monday after I've rested for the weekend.

Snickerdoodle

Yes, that is a Pennsylvania Dutch cookie but in this instance it's also a Labradoodle puppy we have adopted. She is black with brown eyes and curly hair and tail and ohhhhh soooooo cute! She has a great disposition and pleasant smile too. She is 15 1/2 weeks old and learning tricks quick. Frank and I are enjoying playing fetch with her and the many short walks Nicke escorts us on.

She's learned to climb the stairs, sit, and down. She retrieves a ball and brings it to you as well. We're wondering how much more we will be able to successfully teach her.

Rockies' Stitch 'N Pitch

Baseball and Yarn. Rockies' Dinger sporting a scarf and ready to knit another with large needles and a yarn skein in equal size, gift bags containing yarn, needles and a Interweave Magazine (current edition) and beautiful weather. All of which while being in the Mile High City with my wonderful husband. The game was exciting and included two HRs hit by the Rockies and ended with a win over the Dodgers with a final score of 6-2. What a fantastic event!

UnFinished Objects

UFOs - Hooray! No longer are they in that classification! Here is a Mystery Knit night belt / scarf completed last week. It's knit in two and threaded back and forth through between the completed sections to create the braided look.

Second - a pair of socks made from Jaeger sock yarn on size 1 needles. Yuck! The yarn split and gave me fits but they are finally done. Yessssss......

Doe and Fawn

Outside our home on the hillside, the does bring their fawns to eat and relax in the shade of the trees. Just love such idyllic sights! (Look closely in the grass for the fawn.)

Fiberlicious 2007

Fiberlicious is a local Pikes Peak Knitting Guild sponsored event in the back yard of our current President, Peggy. This was the 4th annual time for the group to gather. During the day we undertook splitting sheep and llama fleeces that were less than clean. The family pets loved the smell and enjoyed rolling in the fibers left behind from horders of all things related to yarn.

Patty, pictured above, demonstrates her wheel. I am extremely grateful to her for taking the time to instruct me on how to use a drop spindle. My drop spindle is a Schacht 3 oz. top or bottom whirl depending on which way you want to use it. There is significant gratification in seeing wool strands spun into a single ply and remembering women's endeavors from centuries past.

Craving a spinning wheel, but I'm not ready for the huge investment of $$. Pictured below is some of the llama fleece Joy brought to the festival day.

Afghan Block a Month Pictures

Oak leaf and acorns, applique trees, Swirl, reverse stockinette, star and entrelac cable - 12 inch squares for an afghan being constructed for my husband as a Christmas present. All the patterns for this are found in the Great American Afghan book published by Knitters.

Just finished another slip stitch pattern with hearts in maroon and ready to tackle the next one in line a 5 chart pattern with triangles and bobbles involving entrelac and some other new techniques. With each block I have expanded my repertoire of skills. It is amazing what can be done with just two stitches - knit and purl adding in increasing and decreasing. The patterns and designs seem to be limited only by my imagination... I seem to specialize in trite expressions. It's such fun!

Albuquerque Visit

Frank & I took a business / leisure trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Triple-A All-Star Fiesta and Game on July 11, 2007. Our visit included a balloon ride for Frank, a tour of Old Town for both of us and renewing a friendship with Steve, the Director of Public Relations for the Albuquerque Isotopes and a former co-employee at the Pacific Coast League Office.

Last year when we visited Albuquerque, I found a shop called Village Wools and with anticipation, visited their new location. Wandering around the store was a pleasant diversion but since my stash has grown substantially, the better part of valor ws to just pick up a couple of small items to work on a pair of socks. Next time though, watch out!

Blogs, Newsletters and Podcasts

A new blog host - Lion Brands -lists several connections to fiber blogs: http://cache.lionbrand.com/blogs.html. Not only does it encourage chatter, but a weekly newsletter can be received. The last few editions have contained a cable pattern of the week. One of my favorite techniques is cabling. I've done several scarves in containing different types of cables. The next afghan block is Aran with cabling and seed stitch. I'm anxious to finish what I've been working on (a shawl) to begin another project.

Interweave Knits recently began publishing a daily newsletter via e-mail, Knitting Daily where life meets knitting. The most recent edition featured a pattern for colorwork, a two-strand Fair Isle print for a shoulder bag. I thought this might be an interesting item to tackle at some point in the near future. If you wish to receive this newsletter, check out the following link:
http://www.knittingdaily.com/cgi-bin/udt/um.register.account?ET=knittingdaily_blog:e653:15871a:&st=email

Each week for the last 10, Kelley of KnitPicks has released a podcast. Episode 1 reviews several books which I now wish to add to my library with the plan that I will complete the workshop contained in the books. The first is The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee, who instructs through doing a sampler of the stitches to make a sweater you design with the yarn you choose. The second is The Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman, the patron saint of all things knitted. This volume is a compilation of knitting workshops she taught. Much to my chagrin, this book has been sitting on my shelf and not used. Now that I've been knitting a wee bit longer I might be better suited to work through the information provided inside!
For a download of this podcast:
http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/archive/episode-1/

Welcome Home!

Last night we had a Welcome Home party for Jonathan. After four years traveling to far flung places like Iraq and Kuwait, he is no longer in the U.S. Army! Several of our friends from Colorado joined us to wish him the best in his endeavors including a wedding next summer to Rachel, as well as school, work and the National Guard.

We're very proud of his service to our country. Thank you Jonathan.

Nagy Clan

Night on the Town at the Mason Jar, Colorado Springs - Reunion with "old" friends Al & Laura and their now grown daughters, Taylor and Paige. It's great being able to renew old friendships and catch up on all that has gone by in 17 years. How we miss having them here!

Lessons from a Sheepdog - Sheepdog Trials

Finished reading Lessons from a Sheepdog by Phillip Keller and visited Estes Park Wool Market where a version of sheepdog trials occurred. Phillip Keller discussed seven lessons to be learned from a sheepdog. First, the wrong master will enslave and cause a dog to fear and be unable to work; 2) after the dog is set free to follow the good master, he has to learn to respond properly; 3) the new master teaches the dog to trust him by his goodness and concern for the well being of the dog; 4) the dog delights to obey the new master and responds to the benevolence and kindness of the master; 5) there is a test of faithfulness for the dog to stay where he is needed, learning to obey based on signals; and not being distracted by other events, circumstances or location of the master; 6) disobedience and faithlessness sometimes result in the need for discipline to correct wrong behavior. The discipline is exercised in love by the master and his love never disappears; and 7) the sheepdog is available for any task and will perform any assignment for the master because the dog knows the master loves him.

In Estes Park, various breeds of sheepdog herded the sheep, short-legged corgis and long-maned border collies, Australian shepherds and numerous types of Heelers demonstrated the above principles and responded to cues from their master. They did not respond to the cues of others, nor did they do harm to the sheep. If left to their own, however, some would have worn the sheep out by continuing to round and drive them from one spot to another. Each breed of dog worked in a slightly different manner. Some were gatherers, some motivators, some drivers.

Seems as though God is trying to drive home a point to me. I finished the book just before leaving for the Wool Market and had no idea that the demonstration of the dogs would be part of the event. God takes me through various stages to reach the goal of His glory. Being set free from the Evil One, sin and fear; working out who is my Master, His trustworthiness, faithfulness and love for me; delighting in His sacrifice on the cross for me and desiring to obey all His commands; serving where placed and how the Master has asked me to work; the need for discipline when I am distracted from the task at hand and He has a particular job assignment for me; and being available for any assignment no matter where that might take me or how difficult the job.

Jesus, my Master, has corralled me by His love and faithfulness. How can I be so ungrateful to not respond with obedience. Sometimes I am that ungrateful and it is exhibited in my selfishness rather than selfless love and service to others. Lord Jesus forgive me! Thank You for the way You teach in objects that have meaning to me.

Estes Park Wool Market

Paca-vicuna - soft beautiful fiber, slightly smaller than a llama and larger than an alpaca.

What a great day! Very warm but lots of fun plus shopping.

Estes Park Wool Market

Tomorrow is another new day of adventure! Looking forward to seeing the llamas, alpacas, sheep and other animals at the Estes Park Wool Market. Of course, there is the obligatory shopping for fiber. Can't say I'm not looking forward to that as well.

Cast On Podcast 1.5

Just finished listening to the song "In the Bleak Winter" a Christmas Carol done by Allison Crowe. Wow! What an ethereal and haunting melody. The tune keeps playing through my mind and the words are simply beautiful. Christ did indeed leave a wonderful realm. He joined us here on this planet of shadows to reveal Himself and the eternity that awaits those who accept His sacrifice on their behalf.

Brown Sheep Mill Tour, Mitchell, Nebraska

Here are the wool sated adventurers from Knitters Kove ready for the return trip to Colorado Springs.

Brown Sheep Mill

On Monday, June 11, 2007, 31 women boarded a bus for Mitchell, Nebraska where the temperatures were in excess of 95 and the humidity numbers matched. What would cause this group to travel from compartively cool and dry Colorado Springs? Yarn, fleece and a tour of a well-known mill for fiber, Brown Sheep Company, Inc.

Upon arrival at the plant, a preliminary explanation of the process was provided outside under the trees. Afterwards the group was divided into three smaller ones to be guided through the facility and see the machinery in operation - carding, spinning, plying and dyeing equipment. No photographs were allowed inside due to possible espionage and theft of family production secrets. (But no photography didn't stop Samuel Slater from brining the initial plans to the US from England!)

Before boarding the bus, we were given the opportunity to SHOP! Skeins being discontinued, seconds, overstock, etc. were made available for us to pick through. The group complied and relieved the Mill of all of its "overstock" and then some. I purchased some off-white superwash wool to use for Aran sweaters for a couple of the younger nieces. Also found
several skeins of Serendipity Tweed in a blue that I might use for a cardigan for myself.

Cast On: a podcast for knitters

One of my favorite podcasts is Cast On. However, Knit Picks Magazine has recently started a podcast full of information about techniques.
Cast On: a podcast for knitters

Seasonal Photos Penrose House / El Pomar Foundation, Colorado Springs

Winter, Fall, Spring. For summer see the pictures of the bucks elsewhere in these posts.

Floral Shop in Tempe, Arizona

This picture is for my sister-in-law, Susan. Her new puppy's name is Zuzu's Petals.

Chihuly Glass

The following are pictures of some of the pieces of Dale Chihuly's art work I've been able to see in my travels. I love the bright colors and the interesting shapes, how the colors layer on top of each other. Each piece is a study of design and stimulates ideas.

Chihuly Ceiling, Oklahoma City, OK






















Chandelier - Victoria & Albert Museum London (Left)
Chihuly Birds - Oklahoma City, OK (Right)

Chihuly Chandelier - Colorado Springs (Below)

Chihuly Hart Window - Dallas, TX

Sheep Street

Burford - Needlecraft Store

Back on Blossom Street, Debbie Macomber

Just completed Black on Blossom Street with Lydia and the gang. Two new characters were introduced, Colette Blake (who is currently living above A Good Yarn) and Susannah Nelson (who is the protagonist of Susannah's Garden has opened the shop next door on Blossom Street called by the same name). Lydia has decided to hold a lace shawl class. Alix (a baker in the shop across the street and engaged to Jordan Turner) signs up for the class, along with Colette and Susannah. Colette is hiding a secret, Alix has wedding nerves and Susannah is learning the nuances of having her own business. Margaret(Lydia's sister and assistant at the store) endures an assault on her daughter and deals with her anger toward the perpetrator. The characters are well-developed and describe women you would like to invite to sit down and share a cup of tea with you.

One thing I can count on in Debbie's books is that by the time I reach the final chapter, the problems have been resolved, relationships have developed and deeper connections made through trust, communication and friendship. The author understands the yearnings of a woman's heart to make committed friendships, ones which will endure times of difficulty. Friends who exhort to do what's best in the situation and will spend time listening without passing judgment.

The forward mentions that Leisure Arts will be publishing another project book to coincide with this third installment in the Blossom Street series which will contain the shawl patterns found in the front pages, one of which is the Myrna Stahman pattern. Once I have a chance to glance at the patterns, I will review this item, too. Another announcement within the front piece is the launching of the web site, www.debbiemacomber.com which will make available a new free pattern once a month.

I guess I'm a sappy reader who likes tales with resolution. These books exhibit that plus allow me to explore my emotions, connect through the experiences and growth of others, and glean wisdom in how to deal with some of the harsh aspects of life.

In my "rating system" this merits 4 stars.

Knitting Art

Yahoo Groups

Several Yahoo Groups have piqued my interest. The first is a local one that is called Spinners with Altitude. Each Saturday they gather at a local coffee shop to knit or spin as the mood moves as well as travel together to other needle events in Colorado. I was introduced to this group by two members while working on a project at Knitters Kove in the Saturday afternoon knitalong. With visitors from out of town, my son's arrival home from the Army and life in general, I haven't been able to join them, but hopefully this Saturday will be the exception.

Second is the Pikes Peak Knitting Guild Group which is limited to members of the Guild. This site keeps me posted on the programs coming up for the following month and allows asking for help on any current project.

Third, and my educational favorite, is Traditional Knitting Group where I have learned about Gansey and lace knitting. The detailed information on each knitalong has been tremendously helpful and informative. Those who have actually completed their projects have posted pictures on the Group site to encourage those of us who seem to lag behind. I'm usually one of the last to finish anything because each time I see something new I pursue that rabbit trail. So much to try and not enough leisure... Oh well! I do thrive on whatever is currently on the needles.

Sins and Needles, Monica Ferris

This is a paperback, mystery novel, whose heroine, Betsy Devonshire, is the proprietress of Crewel World, a needlearts sanctuary for the locals in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The store stocks embroidery, needlepoint and yarns and conducts classes in many forms of handwork.

Betsy has been called upon in her spare time as an amateur sleuth due to her success in solving a half-dozen crimes of murder. In this installment the murder weapon is a 00 sock knitting needle, the victim a wealthy senior named Edyth Hanraty, who has made a will leaving her estate to the females in the direct family line. At this juncture, Lucille Jones from Texas who looks like a regular at the LYS, Jan Henderson, enters Minnesota looking for her birth parents.

On her way to church, Jan finds her Aund Edyth dead in bed. So the story begins to unwind leading the reader through the history of each family member and the incriminating motives of many. The tale narrows down to a handful of suspects but until the last pages you are not sure which one actually did the dastardly deed. I enjoy these lightweight novels for the entertainment value and recommend them for a quick read.

At the end of each volume is a pattern for one of the objects mentioned in the book. This one is a knitted flag pillow containing 49 stars for the United States after Alaska joined but before Hawaii was admitted.

2 stars.

Stitch N' Pitch

Just noticed that the Colorado Rockies will be holding a Stitch N'Pitch event at Coors Field on Saturday, July 28 at 6:05 pm. The visiting team is the Los Angeles Dodgers. I have put this date on my family calendar and am looking forward to being in attendance. The event is sponsored by The National Needle Arts Association. If you are interested in attending, tickets are $19 each for the Upper Level. Contact Evelyn Rockett with the Colorado Rockies at (303) 312-2224 or rockette@coloradorockies.com.

Podcasts

Podcasts! Just discovered this wonderful time filler for workouts, walking and other solitary times for mind engaging thoughts. I'm sure these have been around for a few years but I'm a little slow on the uptake. Last night I listened to Brenda Dayne's Cast-On about woolen mills in Wales. Now I need to download the first episodes and follow the growth of the programs through each new installment. I'm hooked!

If you wish to try listening or downloading go to: http://www.cast-on.com/feed/

Afghan Block a Month

On the third Tuesday of each month at Knitters Kove, Colorado Springs, a group gathers to learn the ins and outs of a new block for an afghan from The Great American Afghan, published by Knitter's Magazine. Last month's block consisted of oak leaves and acorns which I worked in a goldish brown. In April, we started an entrelac block in two colors, alternating cables with garter stitch. I chose a maroon and sage green for the pattern which is working out quite nicely (when I focus on it). Once I square it up along with the oak leaf one, I'll post pictures of both. Next month is a block with three trees.

Speed Knitting - Knitters Kove, Colorado Springs

And the Winner is .....



























Evelyn !!!!

Cheyenne Mountain April 2007

This year we had more snow than average but it was extremely beautiful! My husband describes it as "papier mache."

The Family