tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71412857768825262112024-03-05T17:08:41.356-06:00The Droll EclecticTheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-61230511433881195372010-12-29T21:24:00.004-06:002010-12-29T21:40:31.392-06:00Year-end WIP 'n WOW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OTuUxtkiQj_P5Q7M0IMXMDheGKH7JLHe46oo5ZAHrNFeDduirgqIyTqyAfLDK-HML46RE80_kkH7fxvmcX2Uc0h7mMCEEZoHq8qF6g6eQeUte3iPL5Evw-mNfOFgmC4eEroQUqsLayk/s1600/DSC05753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OTuUxtkiQj_P5Q7M0IMXMDheGKH7JLHe46oo5ZAHrNFeDduirgqIyTqyAfLDK-HML46RE80_kkH7fxvmcX2Uc0h7mMCEEZoHq8qF6g6eQeUte3iPL5Evw-mNfOFgmC4eEroQUqsLayk/s400/DSC05753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556314255703756946" /></a><br />Trying to wrap some things up here before the new year. There are just three WIPs. Yes, just three. One on the loom (leno scarves), one on the needles (Christmas stocking - hey! It's early for NEXT year!), and one on the hook (Moorish Mosaic Afghan, yes, still, started it in October of 2009).<br /><br /><br />I suppose to be truly forthcoming I need to mention that there is one small project in hibernation, and this count does not include any of the mending, sewing, or stitching projects that are in various stages, or the house and yard projects that are somewhere between start and checking it off the list. I do not have a final tally for 2010, but I do know that there was a net decrease in stash. I did add a little fiber so I have something to spin on my new wheel! I guess I need to start tracking that by weight so I can monitor myself and attempt to keep it under control.<br /><br />Temperatures in North Texas have been all over this place this month. It was nice to have the windows open, and you can see the cats fully enjoyed it as well. Unfortunately the screen really messes up the picture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAmwhwj8E1UP9XZPOeR6W7CP-ziXvRAVEEVjAcyAVqj1KankwnI_p1UUKgAdZWTkD1h73WXABy-Vp72hsQEopWFRqwnCNWG59rutFaunA_7sv5BN2nUipqR8ylnEoNvp-lVKIUV3WJss/s1600/DSC05734.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAmwhwj8E1UP9XZPOeR6W7CP-ziXvRAVEEVjAcyAVqj1KankwnI_p1UUKgAdZWTkD1h73WXABy-Vp72hsQEopWFRqwnCNWG59rutFaunA_7sv5BN2nUipqR8ylnEoNvp-lVKIUV3WJss/s400/DSC05734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556313945926701378" /></a><br />Norton decided he was going to help with some of the fiber projects. I'm still looking for my mini snowman he knocked off the shelf.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ02IDf_iq8ztTSPJno5l4flZKiAHtGjIlh_eU8dXY3PMiIzxiBtjw5C2mPSDPUEhvmbodVnLhwtNPPJiu7aTolS55ZdstpPiXvnfsQ6_7UTChu8h7CxFOQSeghVc4M4kA0_XSGOrTGv4/s1600/DSC05749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ02IDf_iq8ztTSPJno5l4flZKiAHtGjIlh_eU8dXY3PMiIzxiBtjw5C2mPSDPUEhvmbodVnLhwtNPPJiu7aTolS55ZdstpPiXvnfsQ6_7UTChu8h7CxFOQSeghVc4M4kA0_XSGOrTGv4/s400/DSC05749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556314890288189234" /></a>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-85299159525750690382010-07-28T15:07:00.002-05:002010-07-28T15:32:23.340-05:00Independence Days July 13-27I worked for three days, then we were gone for four-and-a-half days for the family reunion, so this is a two-week update.<br /><br />1. Plant something: Planted asparagus beans for tunnel and bird house gourds for teepee. Transplanted tomatoes, peppers, basil, sage, rosemary, Mexican heather, rudibeckia, coneflowers.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: Peach and cantaloupe. Rainwater.<br /><br />3. Preserve something: Nothing.<br /><br />4. Waste not: Eating leftovers. Weekly recycling & composting. Reusable cups/mugs and bags. Cloth napkins. Recycled bags for trash. Scrap paper. Using bricks from an old walkway on our property to border the three sisters garden. Used branches for stakes.<br /><br />5. Want not. Secondhand shop finds: 1960s folding chairs in excellent condition; three Crazy Daisy plates & four mixing bowls; jelly jar glass to match the others I have.<br /><br />6. Build community: Reconnected with family at the reunion. Long-distance community, but vital nonetheless.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Ate the peach and cantaloupe. Ate some homegrown items brought to the reunion potluck. Also enjoying some homegrown sweet corn given to us by one of Jeff's cousins.<br /><br />8. Life-long learner: Reading The Rodale Book of Composting.<br /><br />Here is the original information about the <a href="http://sharonastyk.com/2010/03/01/independence-days-year-iii/">Independence Days Challenge</a>.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-19862911841949333372010-07-28T14:55:00.002-05:002010-07-28T15:06:11.913-05:00Blurry WOW & WIPs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF1D5xIoKJDH9nap9T5U5Bm_K0dCRRS74UhJwnMEkZT16TzRy9PYpoDXCEy3vjreW9m61HXQVAss7j6gCi1X4sJ9NXiCYlQtlKpNLy-G-_3r3KLvRwBLOvV39R-WS7zwukL7_8WuDWAs/s1600/DSC04723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF1D5xIoKJDH9nap9T5U5Bm_K0dCRRS74UhJwnMEkZT16TzRy9PYpoDXCEy3vjreW9m61HXQVAss7j6gCi1X4sJ9NXiCYlQtlKpNLy-G-_3r3KLvRwBLOvV39R-WS7zwukL7_8WuDWAs/s400/DSC04723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499048593079704786" /></a>Had to include this picture of Frank even though I took it with the camera on who-knows-what setting. A good pictorial representation of how I feel today...<br /><br />From the WIP post on the 14th, there have been no changes to #s 1,3,4,6,7, and 8. #s 5, 9, and 10 were frogged. The ends are woven in on the dishcloths, #11, and I finished knitting the Danica Scarf #2 -- it needs to be blocked and I need to sew the backing on it. I started the Swallowtail shawl on Saturday. Just did the third Lily of the Valley row, and need to tink 1/2 the row because I forgot a stitch. Using beads instead of nupps because I want to use beads and make sure I have enough yarn, not because I have anything against nupps.<br /><br />Well, whaddayaknow. It just started raining here.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-70641210959625771572010-07-14T15:52:00.005-05:002010-07-14T16:21:19.580-05:00WIP 'n WOWI know there is at least one hibernating project missing from this photo (Deciduous). And I see two things that didn't make it to Ravelry yet. Glad I'm starting to take a little bit of an inventory. Eventually I'll have to add in the non-knitting/crocheting projects, too.<br /><br />1. Heroine Jacket -- 2/3rds of back done. May frog. Probably will not be able to match gauge, and not 100% sure the yarn & project go together.<br />2. The Scarf That Shall Not Be Named, aka The Scarf That Never Ends, aka if I'd just make it the pick up project I'd be done with the dern thing. (Danica is the pattern.)<br />3. Mallow Moorish Mosaic Afghan -- 6/30 hexagons, 20/20 squares, 0/18 triangles. Plus ends and assembly. I'm enjoying it, but I do have to pay attention to it.<br />4. something that was supposed to grow into a Kokeshi Doll. Someday.<br />5. Cool Beans that I now should just frog & restart because I will never get the same gauge. I love them and they were fun knit -- looking forward to doing them again<br />6. Headless Giraffe. Yes, this IS just sad.<br />7. USA hat was finished before the end of the Olympics, but the pattern is not yet written so I've included it in the pile.<br />8. Looks like I tried to knit some Patriotic Baby Socks. Maybe Monkey pattern.<br />9. Coquille. Yes, the pattern came out in Knitty a week ago. No denying this is a new cast-on. Not quite half-way through -- LOVE it.<br />10. Sock to be frogged. I want my yarn back.<br />11. Two Nine-Patch Dishcloths. Amazing how the ends are not magically weaving themselves in. Simply amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU9H8P3Rqt_8OZlinxx0M6akBZkfg-6RXly4h6DgNAGSECenPc0e6qUaZfwugAnJL2mC6w-oHCLeAuUP6i3CRTu0eGw6x2ZvmZkNlF1KrZHYalGzik6EqaM7HUylXeE1e44dGYS7_1_k/s1600/DSC04726.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU9H8P3Rqt_8OZlinxx0M6akBZkfg-6RXly4h6DgNAGSECenPc0e6qUaZfwugAnJL2mC6w-oHCLeAuUP6i3CRTu0eGw6x2ZvmZkNlF1KrZHYalGzik6EqaM7HUylXeE1e44dGYS7_1_k/s400/DSC04726.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493872287446806338" /></a><br /><br /><br />Three of the five little kittens in our backyard. We haven't seen them since June 20th. We were hoping to keep them close to hand tame them, spay/neuter, and find homes. We still see momma every day, so she still has them close to our house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqKTxtgLOcwCD0qWbdAD7fxj4F3SX3atZE6-AK6hfJddsmM8-R4uS5tA60LjZL9-5knPqtqi8JODhS5kFEsLJ1BBRN2BfMJYZzd4psDWVf_tIrP6n0fhMRS9hPqBeqGQ6_lKA4AcIU7Y/s1600/DSC04677.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqKTxtgLOcwCD0qWbdAD7fxj4F3SX3atZE6-AK6hfJddsmM8-R4uS5tA60LjZL9-5knPqtqi8JODhS5kFEsLJ1BBRN2BfMJYZzd4psDWVf_tIrP6n0fhMRS9hPqBeqGQ6_lKA4AcIU7Y/s400/DSC04677.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493874032122380626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBjx3vC1N4mrHt97lcDDY2wRpUlcnBdvXV0fBP1Wf9O92OuuUvifLNtP8ocvls9NZkx3BzfP4XEv93paq49fRmffUDx4YcaW9KSeXQPM-T29IF3-QP9wdAFkvfzo4x3AZ5ft54yHf7-4/s1600/DSC04682.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBjx3vC1N4mrHt97lcDDY2wRpUlcnBdvXV0fBP1Wf9O92OuuUvifLNtP8ocvls9NZkx3BzfP4XEv93paq49fRmffUDx4YcaW9KSeXQPM-T29IF3-QP9wdAFkvfzo4x3AZ5ft54yHf7-4/s400/DSC04682.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493874441992960402" /></a>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-47199668080139461232010-07-13T12:44:00.002-05:002010-07-13T13:14:48.719-05:00Independence Days July 6-12A bit of a drive-by blog today. I won't take the time today to describe the Independence Days concept/challenge and my personal version of it, but will jump in with the first weekly report.<br /><br />1. Plant something: Planted corn, sunflowers, summer squash. Transplanted tomatoes, marigolds, and lisianthus.<br /><br />2. Harvest something: Swiss chard. Sunflower seeds. Rainwater.<br /><br />3. Preserve something: Set aside a few sunflower seeds for next year.<br /><br />4. Waste not: Eating leftovers. Weekly recycling & composting. Reusable bags for shopping. Recycled bags for trash. Scrap paper. Cleaned out pantry & took inventory.<br /><br />5. Want not. Purchased more pots for buried clay pot irrigation (three sisters garden). Purchased perennials to attract hummingbirds & beneficial insects. Jeff changed the oil in the Element and performed maintenance on the motorcycle.<br /><br />6. Build community: Nothing this week.<br /><br />7. Eat the food: Sauteed the chard in a little olive oil. Remaining sunflower seeds went to the birds.<br /><br />8. Life-long learner: Reading The Rodale Book of Composting. Small amount of online research about permaculture.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-11728536618940606342010-07-07T21:52:00.005-05:002010-07-07T22:10:02.125-05:00First BlushIt is so much fun to see things growing and ripening! I took these pictures this evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLkGYrTXl0TOnhLobEO3SwOBupcPpXMq9fISYXYoc0k7hLKdY6SHL9oTOIK88sV23ER_tObbpMtbqDF8sazzX8xkbluWrDGasAvu3SddfCLZ9yGvvBNE5C4BIL2fgGPJONWqhQgNErzY/s1600/DSC04708.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLkGYrTXl0TOnhLobEO3SwOBupcPpXMq9fISYXYoc0k7hLKdY6SHL9oTOIK88sV23ER_tObbpMtbqDF8sazzX8xkbluWrDGasAvu3SddfCLZ9yGvvBNE5C4BIL2fgGPJONWqhQgNErzY/s400/DSC04708.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491366491216660722" /></a><br />Is it a little bashful?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VeF5DlqZZaMOz6Of47HlOzOnsjTFHdHIlRueDqfTNVLGTJW2WLhDUlwd-FCD_4kzMz0dH_eEAhO-Sp3lK-FqGPQSOvobTXPMNN576lrl8AIt8hdG9QsZjIXcPYWN0wxaNK4jqSEiUMU/s1600/DSC04709.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VeF5DlqZZaMOz6Of47HlOzOnsjTFHdHIlRueDqfTNVLGTJW2WLhDUlwd-FCD_4kzMz0dH_eEAhO-Sp3lK-FqGPQSOvobTXPMNN576lrl8AIt8hdG9QsZjIXcPYWN0wxaNK4jqSEiUMU/s400/DSC04709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491366695282331026" /></a><br />Perhaps I should have made a taller trellis. The chard seems to be at a standstill. The lima beans seem to be doing well for the most part. I'm not sure there is any pollination going on -- the cumbers are dropping flowers but no fruit is forming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gDrVDr9YotcdR3o5LS1BhhIMuZxqRDMybmfxIat2nMKKXwCaKvHahbUMZtGOerfoljXvnYVYc532BxFm0nc4o_MFA82rP8pPrbbU-0N-SfZjX0bTPXQuy7Cue_RZS5mkCai-KTd8RuA/s1600/DSC04710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gDrVDr9YotcdR3o5LS1BhhIMuZxqRDMybmfxIat2nMKKXwCaKvHahbUMZtGOerfoljXvnYVYc532BxFm0nc4o_MFA82rP8pPrbbU-0N-SfZjX0bTPXQuy7Cue_RZS5mkCai-KTd8RuA/s400/DSC04710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491366888206875170" /></a><br />Getting closer to melon time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWonX6snyjGwaLNZQZDf4ZMGByiUEbtfYzYb9o5MeapE0YFXNeKVsV79Pk6pzjWYsERhQxQqMEsSuMI9_a2LbnfE4O3J4X3E_pbklmCNILEdsj-SlX8s7gQJS6pL2CjCY518HBzttZ2yo/s1600/DSC04711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWonX6snyjGwaLNZQZDf4ZMGByiUEbtfYzYb9o5MeapE0YFXNeKVsV79Pk6pzjWYsERhQxQqMEsSuMI9_a2LbnfE4O3J4X3E_pbklmCNILEdsj-SlX8s7gQJS6pL2CjCY518HBzttZ2yo/s400/DSC04711.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491367115504775442" /></a><br />Two eight-inch clay pots for irrigation. From front to back down the center, two each yellow pear, Amish paste, brandywine and beefsteak tomatoes. Along the edge I put in a few petite marigolds. In the next couple of weeks I will put in a trellis down the center of bed.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-68819932866202463362010-07-02T14:09:00.009-05:002010-07-02T14:35:27.574-05:00RainFor most of the past week when I look out the window, this is what I see:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8CTaW4wLa9mEVjHnmvWbeRQbppEd3atyBJ9Rm5VIFKYa-FqQ2WkIxxujgzjxOZWQF-Ms6wfHr4_wLNqFcYELBZBLR0qhJ5ml1F5i_m-H_JPuY25DNKyN_2Hi4vMtKz8KL84bx3PAus/s1600/DSC04705.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8CTaW4wLa9mEVjHnmvWbeRQbppEd3atyBJ9Rm5VIFKYa-FqQ2WkIxxujgzjxOZWQF-Ms6wfHr4_wLNqFcYELBZBLR0qhJ5ml1F5i_m-H_JPuY25DNKyN_2Hi4vMtKz8KL84bx3PAus/s400/DSC04705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489390928784733138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVv6PjIQDIDECk-nmiYVYlxaw33aoXe9inB-49cOoe6_9ySkOnjon9_jVOkWUbSYy240aR8ForRN220ahLhRZMQ49mlovzZqa1x9VxWIOv8D5VpkXTrKn4MhAmZpFdTynCvS7U4W_hA0/s1600/DSC04704.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVv6PjIQDIDECk-nmiYVYlxaw33aoXe9inB-49cOoe6_9ySkOnjon9_jVOkWUbSYy240aR8ForRN220ahLhRZMQ49mlovzZqa1x9VxWIOv8D5VpkXTrKn4MhAmZpFdTynCvS7U4W_hA0/s400/DSC04704.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489391180003148898" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had a short break and it was finally dry enough to mow and do a little digging, but as you can see it is pouring once again. I am certainly not complaining, although it REALLY makes me wish our rainwater catchment system was in place. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3FhOEZ1Qqm0kRm5qVxe3iDAPno8dAmpF-TgDmjRxDVwomm4fJKWAmEoNGLPP-uN9g17QvR4eT0BHbAYubPn7htX7OrDKtnUxvHICOnpaSD_Y-f4MyJOv051GYr37GOa1F3lxerPu4CA/s1600/DSC04698.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3FhOEZ1Qqm0kRm5qVxe3iDAPno8dAmpF-TgDmjRxDVwomm4fJKWAmEoNGLPP-uN9g17QvR4eT0BHbAYubPn7htX7OrDKtnUxvHICOnpaSD_Y-f4MyJOv051GYr37GOa1F3lxerPu4CA/s400/DSC04698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489391532834297266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMHBocM7fsh4wqWwLBvTZMssLq7usBxGwgf4owmF_yR0pRgGXxvSRxa553Iy0JwOO-wNFStJcsU5IDIFKRZx0yKQxZyIDjCEi2dYD_Ih0aFEEjns1jhsho63G2So3AF8VCAg_VmApBrw/s1600/DSC04699.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMHBocM7fsh4wqWwLBvTZMssLq7usBxGwgf4owmF_yR0pRgGXxvSRxa553Iy0JwOO-wNFStJcsU5IDIFKRZx0yKQxZyIDjCEi2dYD_Ih0aFEEjns1jhsho63G2So3AF8VCAg_VmApBrw/s400/DSC04699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489391788885018274" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pictures of the play garden from the 28th. Need to fill in a couple of sunflowers and morning glories that didn't germinate. The seedlings are really taking a beating in these downpours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM52uA3Ynv53azHRx4POLyFDXD2jNkqardYjcK8PpX-ONQh62wxoFcSikSGUhN4qZHELpyVTy_n98D16JjGXelnC1VKmucZrqxwuSEXPWxai86vwaKsTe-xHwdHrygAeYp9p_DjsqkTz4/s1600/DSC04694.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM52uA3Ynv53azHRx4POLyFDXD2jNkqardYjcK8PpX-ONQh62wxoFcSikSGUhN4qZHELpyVTy_n98D16JjGXelnC1VKmucZrqxwuSEXPWxai86vwaKsTe-xHwdHrygAeYp9p_DjsqkTz4/s400/DSC04694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489392485909473922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt950XbnnJwt_ZrcCUtRjeU4aYc4hq6VlN6MB6V4FQQjPzpOagpEAdkxsX4KKosmTVNqVjtEBhGMmP_v9GC2moSGb86vptMqU2ud6DsNQWCEPhKWFFyhfJTKhR-6V5RPu8y2LEisZXEg/s1600/DSC04695.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt950XbnnJwt_ZrcCUtRjeU4aYc4hq6VlN6MB6V4FQQjPzpOagpEAdkxsX4KKosmTVNqVjtEBhGMmP_v9GC2moSGb86vptMqU2ud6DsNQWCEPhKWFFyhfJTKhR-6V5RPu8y2LEisZXEg/s400/DSC04695.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489392770288855314" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Even though these pictures are just from Monday, they seem old! The cucumber now reach the next tier on the trellis, and the melon is bigger!<br /><br />We have a break in the rain, so I need to go put the pool pump back together.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-41512971998158361672010-06-15T21:37:00.014-05:002010-06-15T22:16:51.033-05:00Vine Is a Four-Letter Word<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehh-DF5I4m-tY3y13_HyPEh28SFWZVwGkZOd5NlDob0Hp-xvez83A7qnQgZYikO9cc-PADmW0xe4jmByizBhOFqoTEkPJBOFRA6m7oDmzNMC19OnYgoi8jIQ-jWSdiuEU6Oi4GFH41X0/s1600/DSC04614.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehh-DF5I4m-tY3y13_HyPEh28SFWZVwGkZOd5NlDob0Hp-xvez83A7qnQgZYikO9cc-PADmW0xe4jmByizBhOFqoTEkPJBOFRA6m7oDmzNMC19OnYgoi8jIQ-jWSdiuEU6Oi4GFH41X0/s400/DSC04614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483199526124555426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaNAuZul6Wq0TV1zHykMU5ziTOshPin29DKm-SYoIrQjZ6pEPDEI5XhGDzLkdopOQD-kB0CdYcDmCfB2ufNTXvrd1NoNjp2vR1ByD4wKpH2enVN4PCbCEZVGI2_hpAHnc3y0vtO7vZdA/s1600/DSC04613.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaNAuZul6Wq0TV1zHykMU5ziTOshPin29DKm-SYoIrQjZ6pEPDEI5XhGDzLkdopOQD-kB0CdYcDmCfB2ufNTXvrd1NoNjp2vR1ByD4wKpH2enVN4PCbCEZVGI2_hpAHnc3y0vtO7vZdA/s400/DSC04613.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483199768193247026" /></a><br /><br />The pile of what I pulled out over the weekend. More to remove at this location, and at least two other spots in the yard.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sometime a couple of weeks ago I commented on FaceBook that gardening was great except for the bugs that bite you and eat your plants. I believe I need to add "weeds that bite back when you remove them" to the list of gardening unpleasantries. In creating the play garden (it needs a better name, but for now, that's it), I needed to remove some vines, including poison ivy from the west end of the area. I was wearing gloves, but only a short-sleeved shirt. I thought I was doing okay except for the one branch that smacked me in the face. I came inside frequently and soaped up past my elbows to try to remove any oil that may have made contact. Apparently, I didn't get it all. I watched one disturbing looking spot all day yesterday trying to determine if it was a spider bite or a poison ivy rash. Today, as the spots have emerged on both arms below the elbow, one arm past the armpit, and the place on my stomach my arm touches while I sleep -- there's no question. I applied a topical gel to the one spot yesterday and Ivarest to everything today, but more spots are appearing. So far no itch. So far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGGFgpvbs_Qj8HrRToDrhXZYJPcI32Ufrd9quijXXorg5gMgeKvmIQf2sUm4Lkp2MGekhOwdQuk_gouGyhNPfBBqvdAnZi-L4PXyawJbIVV9EDbTp6SwHdWf8rUlER-F87KTKLxZs4kE/s1600/DSC04616.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGGFgpvbs_Qj8HrRToDrhXZYJPcI32Ufrd9quijXXorg5gMgeKvmIQf2sUm4Lkp2MGekhOwdQuk_gouGyhNPfBBqvdAnZi-L4PXyawJbIVV9EDbTp6SwHdWf8rUlER-F87KTKLxZs4kE/s400/DSC04616.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483200123881363810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykZcY9Nu4kaHiLS8g6s453gfvMh4KS-RMzxPAQsO6gyuBB76RyG81YQ5usL36SU3Nrl9xtIdFpPPLnasgPXVYo1lKWVHhPhFfYR5qhhLeL-aFhGGFRP04B9cLE5Mzb47ZK_Yq9VFrUc4/s1600/DSC04619.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykZcY9Nu4kaHiLS8g6s453gfvMh4KS-RMzxPAQsO6gyuBB76RyG81YQ5usL36SU3Nrl9xtIdFpPPLnasgPXVYo1lKWVHhPhFfYR5qhhLeL-aFhGGFRP04B9cLE5Mzb47ZK_Yq9VFrUc4/s400/DSC04619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483200440791291490" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two kinds of ivy, both need to go. The picture on the right shows the largest tree in our yard. You can just barely see the root flare on the right side. This is not good. We need to remove the ivy, which has caused damage to the tree during the periods the property was abandoned, and dig away some of the soil to expose more of the root flare. Hopefully by doing that, removing a few of the large branches, and adding some soil amendments, we can avoid losing the tree.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8eeveY715onddR2rn1iZugny3WnRJHjqTXASioYaDYVC6p3r-7i539Qv43RiwNlsGBblTHHl7VMYYfsFQPA4rEnOSYQ_K9zIpPH1AE0qRMzRcVQa_zLEcXpE8Su5KjtaSuJ7iuGARmg/s1600/DSC04620.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8eeveY715onddR2rn1iZugny3WnRJHjqTXASioYaDYVC6p3r-7i539Qv43RiwNlsGBblTHHl7VMYYfsFQPA4rEnOSYQ_K9zIpPH1AE0qRMzRcVQa_zLEcXpE8Su5KjtaSuJ7iuGARmg/s400/DSC04620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483201518021139090" /></a><br /><br />The side of the tree (same one as above) facing the pool showing the ivy damage. I don't know for certain if the ivy caused the first split, removing about one third of the tree, but it certainly looks like it is trying to split what is left.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVmjiWEdeK6XoCCImwWdr2_ULCLEzRgLFVKYVr4V5Phq6zA4Q99KrDmSV85wp7D803zJ9snuluhp5hEpnmmz1GQz4Zg-BDEo_lfgUgmSFknWT8wDqokGFtIuRAvrAamXyL7eLud8ozg0/s1600/DSC04617.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVmjiWEdeK6XoCCImwWdr2_ULCLEzRgLFVKYVr4V5Phq6zA4Q99KrDmSV85wp7D803zJ9snuluhp5hEpnmmz1GQz4Zg-BDEo_lfgUgmSFknWT8wDqokGFtIuRAvrAamXyL7eLud8ozg0/s400/DSC04617.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483202207597007378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkU09OxYPQrsqxU82mSpIA_F0lygkDngDrLRkplndHlQLk1kNlEEP9UHwL1TG2yTtQN5YHvBuoygAHlrQOfrtWshWe_5ydMI2VfX8R2E4ZqiMjnD5Br9P87A9XnHMCpxb_cQZC7M6HE/s1600/DSC04618.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkU09OxYPQrsqxU82mSpIA_F0lygkDngDrLRkplndHlQLk1kNlEEP9UHwL1TG2yTtQN5YHvBuoygAHlrQOfrtWshWe_5ydMI2VfX8R2E4ZqiMjnD5Br9P87A9XnHMCpxb_cQZC7M6HE/s400/DSC04618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483202431069329874" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The unknown vine on the left is a weed and STINKS! Eeeewwwwww! On the right is Virginia Creeper. Not too bad, but it is in many places we don't want it and from what I understand is very difficult to kill.<br /><br />But there are many more wonderful things happening here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oHSDGG5AQhPmevH5pQfWr7by8RTm5HUZRCTNux7vfU0Pj46QttAgXwlJh_6iGdjnXGm2AH9Z_SdUUaKgfYWN7-o1EwW0q_yh97gS6G0TTqr_YhyZOiYD-XflsBtzDgy4hVadEQPD4Ls/s1600/DSC04605.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oHSDGG5AQhPmevH5pQfWr7by8RTm5HUZRCTNux7vfU0Pj46QttAgXwlJh_6iGdjnXGm2AH9Z_SdUUaKgfYWN7-o1EwW0q_yh97gS6G0TTqr_YhyZOiYD-XflsBtzDgy4hVadEQPD4Ls/s400/DSC04605.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483198418444277010" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjxgNZxY16fVHsdHC1vjC5ZY2cxXzZZ3Rpc8BvtxJxQyW8_NKELGoFM5OgaBIeNvVMnpxTi01eSYN-_eBX-oUWLnHgW4FD7vDnImrdKm-wi82PVC23mLNhT6AvWXOkZlKAxiomhOEgJ0/s1600/DSC04603.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjxgNZxY16fVHsdHC1vjC5ZY2cxXzZZ3Rpc8BvtxJxQyW8_NKELGoFM5OgaBIeNvVMnpxTi01eSYN-_eBX-oUWLnHgW4FD7vDnImrdKm-wi82PVC23mLNhT6AvWXOkZlKAxiomhOEgJ0/s400/DSC04603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483198773865279074" /></a><br /><br />My gorgeous Apricot Brandy Hibiscus and a little cicada with a bent wing.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-46651452160768267082010-06-09T12:17:00.001-05:002010-06-09T12:19:49.232-05:00WoW #5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHUHjbg_nd3UdhO7vL1wv1w2wP_R6lHXhO_v3Srcr2e3oEUGlPfUcc6TBUfRyqbIKahQJblokrlS1SDMg3ChvFkdc9zO1mm8ivDstG3q16RAx0KMRFAI7RAaMfX1yAzL072gjh9tc378/s1600/DSC04582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHUHjbg_nd3UdhO7vL1wv1w2wP_R6lHXhO_v3Srcr2e3oEUGlPfUcc6TBUfRyqbIKahQJblokrlS1SDMg3ChvFkdc9zO1mm8ivDstG3q16RAx0KMRFAI7RAaMfX1yAzL072gjh9tc378/s400/DSC04582.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480824800656148994" /></a>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-35340147890713011182010-06-03T17:16:00.017-05:002010-06-03T18:21:35.092-05:00It's ThursdayNo better excuse for blogging. We've harvested over 2.75 pounds of food since May 7th. That includes 13 ounces of blackberries, with many more to come! Our first watermelon radish weighed in at 2.2 ounces! I have not been good about taking pictures, so I went out this afternoon to catch things as they stand now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiyaZPnxVUJlqhT9IwHApolBZsDMUNIKaL1BR01kRDa6NobGNOxHAd46tt9aG-uCtx8r9hLmpaWoCNNIfsiCjWmQd-MNKbJrm9R7lzOoGGlzlCuubmr68slGvbxYGXhQNeddCs-6z2Vk/s1600/DSC04532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiyaZPnxVUJlqhT9IwHApolBZsDMUNIKaL1BR01kRDa6NobGNOxHAd46tt9aG-uCtx8r9hLmpaWoCNNIfsiCjWmQd-MNKbJrm9R7lzOoGGlzlCuubmr68slGvbxYGXhQNeddCs-6z2Vk/s400/DSC04532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478676547562931170" /></a>The amazing 2.2 ounce Watermelon Radish! I have a couple more in the garden now -- I'll try to remember to take pictures of the inside (which explains the name) before devouring them. I sauteed this and some other radishes with homegrown spinach and a little chard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0W9dNoJBouboK27xPn2cu6LKZRUQbHYLgGyssTmSniO0ZBvuWGKx90otrZhNZ5W3VrtMSzv1v4k_Nvyv6Eyp2CV1FkzcLCRNd5rXjo1-drPfrPM5YhAs2MOyIGw8NppxnE9I3gpfkR0/s1600/DSC04540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0W9dNoJBouboK27xPn2cu6LKZRUQbHYLgGyssTmSniO0ZBvuWGKx90otrZhNZ5W3VrtMSzv1v4k_Nvyv6Eyp2CV1FkzcLCRNd5rXjo1-drPfrPM5YhAs2MOyIGw8NppxnE9I3gpfkR0/s400/DSC04540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478677476422759970" /></a>I found my thrill... we will only have a handful this year (provided the birds don't find them!). We planted four additional bushes for a total of six.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4I51qXgU26b7wIU12oIkvh1b27oqSvBA6qxjzjpXJ4oYoWPJTPB4ZDwhs4VPEHOUh9zbgyHPMX441FBNUHrj4VRGjKSbGNIg3iD7LxwxVPacikGGkhqmZvlRwX_PQVNnRJRqpC5cqFQ/s1600/DSC04546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4I51qXgU26b7wIU12oIkvh1b27oqSvBA6qxjzjpXJ4oYoWPJTPB4ZDwhs4VPEHOUh9zbgyHPMX441FBNUHrj4VRGjKSbGNIg3iD7LxwxVPacikGGkhqmZvlRwX_PQVNnRJRqpC5cqFQ/s400/DSC04546.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478678357891992786" /></a><br />The citrus trees and stacking pots full of marigolds with the vegetable garden beds in the background. Looking forward to relocating the blackberries (where? don't know yet) and putting the citrus in bigger pots on the south side of the house. This is a location where we can erect a temporary greenhouse over them each winter, and not have to move the pots! Two Mexican limes (no fruit right now), two Satsumo Mandarin oranges, and one each Meyer Lemon, Lemon Drop, and The Valley Lemon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithRxWpONBTIM-IAj-DN3X6wbxFTXe5LcSTvNzrwq6Jc33cbmogCQkV62VVjqF6TDaPjdHPCS_bQ1FB1OjkimmkSZpbT98o7FGCK5tkudkAJt5zZvhEbGmtWRzKQ80TkTT9opm_OPhtUs/s1600/DSC04548.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithRxWpONBTIM-IAj-DN3X6wbxFTXe5LcSTvNzrwq6Jc33cbmogCQkV62VVjqF6TDaPjdHPCS_bQ1FB1OjkimmkSZpbT98o7FGCK5tkudkAJt5zZvhEbGmtWRzKQ80TkTT9opm_OPhtUs/s400/DSC04548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478680814664731346" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNyBepo0n_lZgNgqM5giPF9EuNn8-LhBx70OGmqhs8fWW5gF-yII8TJRRfAnNrLjSj3V3pozGwFCwoRt2RjOZJpCF3lDNxE7JXfJre4Z9gsYD44XY9bTEolf04Sbf8kXT3iDQfoNY60I/s1600/DSC04549.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNyBepo0n_lZgNgqM5giPF9EuNn8-LhBx70OGmqhs8fWW5gF-yII8TJRRfAnNrLjSj3V3pozGwFCwoRt2RjOZJpCF3lDNxE7JXfJre4Z9gsYD44XY9bTEolf04Sbf8kXT3iDQfoNY60I/s400/DSC04549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478681092753252386" /></a>This box has served as an orphanage of sorts. The fig was rescued from a backyard where the resident dog thought it was a tug-of-war toy. The wandering Jew came from the blackberry bed. It was in the yard before our in-laws rented the house six years ago. The beans in the pots are from the thinning of the bean/pea bed. The side of the box you can't see is also full of beans from that thinning. And the chard is in the box next to it. I'll take out the remaining chard soon to make room for the next planting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX2fUPmq79wEvGyzFZY7DojM-oDQ5AUlnoEqwV-NPs_44hM0zPItK9Beo9r2PNNa4Ddyqcvc8APfLRqxMHXTCYVoJuCyo9GRsmYra-WkuCgoW_dLqm6fcbYu7r2kqDZJu5sBi-qTS1Y0/s1600/DSC04550.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX2fUPmq79wEvGyzFZY7DojM-oDQ5AUlnoEqwV-NPs_44hM0zPItK9Beo9r2PNNa4Ddyqcvc8APfLRqxMHXTCYVoJuCyo9GRsmYra-WkuCgoW_dLqm6fcbYu7r2kqDZJu5sBi-qTS1Y0/s400/DSC04550.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478682781859794258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWwV7fsfu4UkJ2OVUIzhPHooKBVl54tBgXk1ECm2fG8cOTjAMrt9hr30XPIMPzHCKizTbx-lQaLl5kXiS3cUf93P5XBpJ447Hg_GmJfUNjcugdUlYE0ki9C-jo-7iZOk1Ei9Y3C1OE54/s1600/DSC04551.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWwV7fsfu4UkJ2OVUIzhPHooKBVl54tBgXk1ECm2fG8cOTjAMrt9hr30XPIMPzHCKizTbx-lQaLl5kXiS3cUf93P5XBpJ447Hg_GmJfUNjcugdUlYE0ki9C-jo-7iZOk1Ei9Y3C1OE54/s400/DSC04551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478683038229183474" /></a><br /><br /><br />TOM-TOM! And some (blurry) beanie-babies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmqcxsFbizk57WFFT9I6zyP66ZzTmIzmLZOhbN1rQX4rzeD34P2hmHWQkb7F8zNDmAAxMGSF-PPFCYULxsV6kkhLZJ0lKzCNyspjuIQkkIUQYJA8pn_BCi08jhptEjNbzxyCENnHQhhs/s1600/DSC04563.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmqcxsFbizk57WFFT9I6zyP66ZzTmIzmLZOhbN1rQX4rzeD34P2hmHWQkb7F8zNDmAAxMGSF-PPFCYULxsV6kkhLZJ0lKzCNyspjuIQkkIUQYJA8pn_BCi08jhptEjNbzxyCENnHQhhs/s400/DSC04563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478683725685150162" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynN6EmX5TlHQImAWPLdPds47XgVqujc6gVXHs2I7kQ4pnA-cdUSqXaA0qKVsJ3N7F_8hp36tvyMHKqdpd-jK_AV65hg4XsCzXYlVlgXFIesMOT9My4nnzI2mPq4JtO_oFazm4uRgqeFg/s1600/DSC04564.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynN6EmX5TlHQImAWPLdPds47XgVqujc6gVXHs2I7kQ4pnA-cdUSqXaA0qKVsJ3N7F_8hp36tvyMHKqdpd-jK_AV65hg4XsCzXYlVlgXFIesMOT9My4nnzI2mPq4JtO_oFazm4uRgqeFg/s400/DSC04564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478683944163179778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Baby zucchini (finally!) and a wee-baby watermelon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This month we are "supposed to" plant melons, pumpkins, gourds, okra, and southern peas. I have a couple of special projects planned for the pumpkins and gourds, as well as some sunflowers, morning glories, and yard-long beans. Of course it requires more work of the digging and raking variety. I've spent the last two days clearing the weeds from the patio around the pool. I was too embarrassed to take before pictures, but really wish I had! Now my shoulders have had it, and my blisters got blisters, so I'm not sure how I can keep using a shovel unless I learn how to walk on my hands and hold the tools with my feet!<br /><br />I'm also starting to do some long-term planning with the yard and finding a place for everything. We cleaned out the tool shed and the garage last week during Jeff's staycation, and he got the pool in swimming condition. We are hoping to have a good grasp on our vegetable gardens as we go through our fall planting so we can get our ducks next spring. I did well as far as not planting more than I could handle, but need to plant a little more for the bugs. Our organic methods are serving us well, but we could use at least a little buffer. For the fall garden we need a better watering system in place. I have made some clay pots for irrigation, and we may try to set up a drip or soaker system. We've been shopping for rain barrels...and the list goes on!<br /><br />On the energy conservation front, Jeff has been installing soffit vents and a radiant barrier in the attic. The whole house fan will be next. With these changes we should be able to shorten our use of air conditioning by two weeks on each end of the season. I'm going to try to position the grapevines so that they shade our AC unit and the south side of the house. I still have to make the insulating shades. I keep thinking a rain day will come so I can do some housework and sewing projects, but the rain keeps missing us! Please come this way!TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-45500560835916351582010-05-07T21:59:00.007-05:002010-05-07T22:14:05.148-05:00Hunting and GatheringFirst hunting...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZkg6ZqhF_50XEcAmiIGk-sXHkIo8KrCmv1YS4JFkKJzolblGLA5VesOYrj5znO9KCK1gjLceXBmPWKl5LpBjHJvdCgNMcy64D-KcqAlmmZr8sPEFhIlcMb5s__UeD63cPnrWZLr7hAs/s1600/DSC04481.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZkg6ZqhF_50XEcAmiIGk-sXHkIo8KrCmv1YS4JFkKJzolblGLA5VesOYrj5znO9KCK1gjLceXBmPWKl5LpBjHJvdCgNMcy64D-KcqAlmmZr8sPEFhIlcMb5s__UeD63cPnrWZLr7hAs/s400/DSC04481.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468729003834502866" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhWJjHgeqGSVZDnrSzwQ-qc5jgDQUlRvccCFyfO4iR_n5DOAnBm1mXm_dQ2SC0eCrzt27AdMA9QAREwdKd6zUO-eDbnKGuYRqT1TXuXHnmrXsrL64VgbuSOeYfsOeXHnRNlP2VTmhCzc/s1600/DSC04482.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhWJjHgeqGSVZDnrSzwQ-qc5jgDQUlRvccCFyfO4iR_n5DOAnBm1mXm_dQ2SC0eCrzt27AdMA9QAREwdKd6zUO-eDbnKGuYRqT1TXuXHnmrXsrL64VgbuSOeYfsOeXHnRNlP2VTmhCzc/s400/DSC04482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468729331501245090" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...then gathering.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ey7taNvMnqb7sY186XozJ62D_w7lPCM9QXOZo2_2DVHK8KsmM4A3Q51BM4Ac7Yn2EXBI4feSNXSQ8y7nY9yw-xyDPxiw6_gGJIQdvwQGP0C5CQLk9AjX8z3fI48kTkPAhrrPO4SMlkA/s1600/DSC04505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ey7taNvMnqb7sY186XozJ62D_w7lPCM9QXOZo2_2DVHK8KsmM4A3Q51BM4Ac7Yn2EXBI4feSNXSQ8y7nY9yw-xyDPxiw6_gGJIQdvwQGP0C5CQLk9AjX8z3fI48kTkPAhrrPO4SMlkA/s400/DSC04505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468729919826587218" /></a>The red-shouldered hawk was in our backyard for a while before flying up to the neighbor's telephone pole for a look around the field. The radishes are our first harvest for 2010! Two White Icicle, two Early Scarlet Globe, and the fifth is either a Cherry Belle or a French Breakfast. The White Icicle on the right isn't icicle shaped because it was right up against another, which I have left to flower so I could see what it looked like. More pix soon!TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-91587873136020884532010-04-21T16:36:00.001-05:002010-04-21T16:39:44.633-05:00WoW #4Try not to drop your laptops. Yup, an actual Whiskers on Wednesday... on Wednesday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZFr9IRAeTmJ-7e8hFlnP7kGFmGo51t-d7e70F6QUPpUPc-2ZKGWjJCJOqS7Oeugy-LM7OP0JaOEGvJZrMKrl2Q-IwxAycyN7X46SHHEGB-jESHMW1Z56NLQMBIeMwZL7P5HXJgjlvfc/s1600/DSC04468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZFr9IRAeTmJ-7e8hFlnP7kGFmGo51t-d7e70F6QUPpUPc-2ZKGWjJCJOqS7Oeugy-LM7OP0JaOEGvJZrMKrl2Q-IwxAycyN7X46SHHEGB-jESHMW1Z56NLQMBIeMwZL7P5HXJgjlvfc/s400/DSC04468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462708563626109778" /></a>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-82502327390555120272010-04-20T06:31:00.004-05:002010-04-20T07:02:49.753-05:00Too Old for ThisMost of the seeds went in three weeks ago tomorrow. I <span style="font-style:italic;">thought</span> all of my seeds were from 2007 and took a calculated risk that many would not germinate. At this point if it was going to come up, it would have, so I'm clearing the weeds to put in new seeds today. In the meantime, I found several sources with estimations on how long properly stored seeds should last. These seeds were anything but properly stored, and seeing as they didn't germinate I began to go through the stack to throw them away. Upon further examination, I saw half the seed packs were from 2004 with a few from 2001. I must have looked at the handful from 2007 and thought they were all together.<br /><br />The fact that I missed these dates does not bother me. I checked a couple of dates and went ahead with the project rather than just sitting and waiting for it to be perfect or happen on its own. That is a good thing. What concerns me is that some of those seeds were transported from the house we sold to the rent house, half-way across the country to Virginia, back across to El Paso, back to the rent house here, then into the house we are in now. Packrat? Hoarder? Unrealistic dreamer? Completely unorganized? Those things frighten me. To be burdened with things that are useless. Pointless. There's a declutterin' a comin'. A big one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfrnrzZrMb-gRmpmMlCGe6RkVIoO8deZTSWLmiH4QulNZJPkBE2YK5KzLXhqzX7k2BmOKPkrptGxUq7WeKxHdGJqjYzOCM2iFZeS_e5z2uIbQ7Lsr1_Y-KDJCORb-C28qypa9x4zSLtY/s1600/DSC04328.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfrnrzZrMb-gRmpmMlCGe6RkVIoO8deZTSWLmiH4QulNZJPkBE2YK5KzLXhqzX7k2BmOKPkrptGxUq7WeKxHdGJqjYzOCM2iFZeS_e5z2uIbQ7Lsr1_Y-KDJCORb-C28qypa9x4zSLtY/s400/DSC04328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462187378277132978" /></a>Four planted beds and a potato box on March 24. All reclaimed lumber and no, none of it is treated. If you ignore the ugly chain link fence you can see two pear and two plum trees in the background. The fifth bed was planted later, and three more are waiting to be filled with soil. I need to relocate a couple of the beds for better light.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-86893709931788284342010-04-17T10:38:00.006-05:002010-04-17T10:50:29.142-05:00YellowFirst, a double date. It is definitely spring around here, and "love" is in the air.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGRaSucd1psQ7vkiuhftmVOn_uuZX2-iXo4ihQiepd6f6wh7a1vAFsRWKbohLOFkGKEg_g4_eyAda-cxYUNCmE09utnGpZICCZdFmO0L_JNTeBI8eaJQabqMJWC2VqYi2z8fYVpgVAFE/s1600/DSC04452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGRaSucd1psQ7vkiuhftmVOn_uuZX2-iXo4ihQiepd6f6wh7a1vAFsRWKbohLOFkGKEg_g4_eyAda-cxYUNCmE09utnGpZICCZdFmO0L_JNTeBI8eaJQabqMJWC2VqYi2z8fYVpgVAFE/s400/DSC04452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461131747986427186" /></a><br /><br />Next, at the risk of inciting an earworm... well, you know where I am and what these are.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaW0rD2Vj3cyc8gcDaDdeWO3lT77Evgn2UStqILXCOL4Aq5cmMuJsrlMo8SD-kdH6zSaKhsyE0Fu2dJrqcaskS8su0tEJpw-llkZVjIEnCf4_saQyu1XIJkiqNZR9pihhjD9rokG85k4/s1600/DSC04463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaW0rD2Vj3cyc8gcDaDdeWO3lT77Evgn2UStqILXCOL4Aq5cmMuJsrlMo8SD-kdH6zSaKhsyE0Fu2dJrqcaskS8su0tEJpw-llkZVjIEnCf4_saQyu1XIJkiqNZR9pihhjD9rokG85k4/s400/DSC04463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461131984224876850" /></a>The roses are reaching about five inches in diameter. We only have one red rose for now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrNWD7s1x8F-VoqrQjtlRQxgSkGlHdZY-tpmKgRJS8VNUl9jpWFV0puwc-FxEVDyI4HIat0QA3GLa9lnUYufFff9oK0Dq43kwgSN7SSPedPe5ocjI0khXuprD35vnRXBFEPuGpNW5GjI/s1600/DSC04465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrNWD7s1x8F-VoqrQjtlRQxgSkGlHdZY-tpmKgRJS8VNUl9jpWFV0puwc-FxEVDyI4HIat0QA3GLa9lnUYufFff9oK0Dq43kwgSN7SSPedPe5ocjI0khXuprD35vnRXBFEPuGpNW5GjI/s400/DSC04465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461132985760281122" /></a>Our blackberries are doing well. I'm already dreaming of cobbler.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Y-5I2V-rIZrc2UWH_Jpo1TzgtOXXG77ujsKUnB6VNSdCHYPWVbjxsOrYTMNUjCOr82C72bvWxAHBKzdoxiC7bbedDQ1f-yAdO-FGQfFmxAOn3eWrtTog1R4NeB117etTeZSVcnAXpk/s1600/DSC04476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Y-5I2V-rIZrc2UWH_Jpo1TzgtOXXG77ujsKUnB6VNSdCHYPWVbjxsOrYTMNUjCOr82C72bvWxAHBKzdoxiC7bbedDQ1f-yAdO-FGQfFmxAOn3eWrtTog1R4NeB117etTeZSVcnAXpk/s400/DSC04476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461133711592539474" /></a>The rain has driven me inside today to tend to some long-neglected projects. If I get down to the yarn cave today I should have some fiber photos to share.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-8328219617003173562010-04-14T14:10:00.005-05:002010-04-14T14:26:46.015-05:00Tax Man<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddW3TiKmm4bWeAuovRikz-cskqk0hslKNSASqsmCAl8_uy0o-M47FcCH3fL0f_iWAV09qSAWwknPuD1jjkPrxi1hT4di9SeiZb3ZqBUK2sBO2Pu_3mSuCsM3YF27LMhx19c-lhjDT7hI/s1600/DSC04153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddW3TiKmm4bWeAuovRikz-cskqk0hslKNSASqsmCAl8_uy0o-M47FcCH3fL0f_iWAV09qSAWwknPuD1jjkPrxi1hT4di9SeiZb3ZqBUK2sBO2Pu_3mSuCsM3YF27LMhx19c-lhjDT7hI/s400/DSC04153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460073335750174834" /></a>I thought a somewhat patriotic picture would be appropriate for paying taxes. The "I'd rather be knitting" quip has crossed my mind more than once today, but not as much as "I'd rather be weeding." It may sound strange, but it is an absolutely beautiful day and there is just something wonderfully satisfying in digging out those nasties by the roots. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vgX2wzxcMnxThMybW-8NhxI3I3Hf6sNiC8eOpnw5ObqjzI9f5ycToUZL8FLMYr54S_-SFUN8UoL4chRSd4KoJaIJWoLtemt5G-8bLidxANsvegCENC_c81m1BhyphenhyphenlWFcKhLsefLWy7k/s1600/4353988267_2b412f4662_o.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vgX2wzxcMnxThMybW-8NhxI3I3Hf6sNiC8eOpnw5ObqjzI9f5ycToUZL8FLMYr54S_-SFUN8UoL4chRSd4KoJaIJWoLtemt5G-8bLidxANsvegCENC_c81m1BhyphenhyphenlWFcKhLsefLWy7k/s200/4353988267_2b412f4662_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460075867906540082" /></a>The bags are reversible project bags I made for the Sisters of the Wool Ravelympics team. Yes, we had a knitting competition right along with the athletic competition. Four of us finished what we set out to do. I need to wash & block my hat before I show it off properly. I have "medals" that say "Captain," "Hat Half-Pipe," and "Designer Original Dance." Those are just clip art, but I did buy the pin with the same artwork and 2010 written on it.<br /><br />Brief note on the homestead front: the vegetable garden is struggling a bit because there is too high of a clay content in our soil. As soon as the taxes are done I'll be working on a better mixture for the three boxes that were not planted, then fixing what we can on the first five. The potatoes that were planted on a lark from some store-bought fingerling potatoes (in red, white, and blue, of course!) are doing really well. I'll post a link to the design instructions for the potato box in a later post.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-24226383583658479982010-04-13T08:02:00.006-05:002010-04-13T08:22:06.072-05:00Two and a Half Months in a Nutshell....hmmm... don't think I can do it. Not when it includes the biggest snowstorm in North Texas in decades AND the beginning of spring, along with knitting and the work we are doing around the homestead. But I need to start someplace!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbLqupne3dLHdtwmI1yLe4AiXhn6Hu6PBvqe_7eGZaMwR7DrRTGrgFg9WKkR7lUePV5Q1xpw8k_f7S8A1CT7xG1-RiTUdsL8mSCZHGjnNBmReW8G3zuGXt8Ik0-dNCqpeXmJ9oKsFEw8/s1600/DSC04152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbLqupne3dLHdtwmI1yLe4AiXhn6Hu6PBvqe_7eGZaMwR7DrRTGrgFg9WKkR7lUePV5Q1xpw8k_f7S8A1CT7xG1-RiTUdsL8mSCZHGjnNBmReW8G3zuGXt8Ik0-dNCqpeXmJ9oKsFEw8/s400/DSC04152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459608876347262658" /></a>Two months ago, this little female goldfinch was dodging snowflakes for a meal. (May be a warbler instead, this is quite the angle for identification!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3n5vISLcSwwigaLMRF_Nvr78vcI01SPKbAZxcYzac1oshDuoWtTLgMQcE05CkxJbVUzPDSMtorY0O41DiiQVNCgZJ4o7jDdT2BPYAMilDkafDdT-fSfkBzTwiyUpl6a6lUzPz04KmUA/s1600/DSC04444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3n5vISLcSwwigaLMRF_Nvr78vcI01SPKbAZxcYzac1oshDuoWtTLgMQcE05CkxJbVUzPDSMtorY0O41DiiQVNCgZJ4o7jDdT2BPYAMilDkafDdT-fSfkBzTwiyUpl6a6lUzPz04KmUA/s400/DSC04444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459609340999324850" /></a>Last week, this little male goldfinch was showing off before heading north.<br />Yes, both were a bit uncooperative in posing. The sassy Carolina wren was a bit more cooperative.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8S7GJhqnuhSv1ZmZNAC_igMY85eFNnGkn_mukFdPvVbhwVCikWDd8JbQWpEiP8w9F2GrjRqfXwToVBQMKNGmEdSepP6o7k_5fG5Ngg2Lm-pmXEZDol-FEzGj2qHkrIkwcP6BxirmRX8/s1600/DSC04149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8S7GJhqnuhSv1ZmZNAC_igMY85eFNnGkn_mukFdPvVbhwVCikWDd8JbQWpEiP8w9F2GrjRqfXwToVBQMKNGmEdSepP6o7k_5fG5Ngg2Lm-pmXEZDol-FEzGj2qHkrIkwcP6BxirmRX8/s400/DSC04149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459610563091679218" /></a>I need to make sure I catch the garbage truck this morning, so I will have to continue this later. Wherever you find yourself, enjoy the spring!TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-21837512070671047222010-01-28T06:36:00.004-06:002010-01-28T08:22:38.871-06:00Better Late Than Never<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxGDVTwySJxkLieaxocIq3SSDKqInpYMBtJRMtjFMIjggI6qm1ChV3uoFsPSuPbRjxSq9hShsLiNRKFhBgc9xjK2rVRIiJABcSgmmGA7Bc1rDvGEYNmfukY7ORM5LSlcC1nb12p7QDLw/s1600-h/DSC03973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxGDVTwySJxkLieaxocIq3SSDKqInpYMBtJRMtjFMIjggI6qm1ChV3uoFsPSuPbRjxSq9hShsLiNRKFhBgc9xjK2rVRIiJABcSgmmGA7Bc1rDvGEYNmfukY7ORM5LSlcC1nb12p7QDLw/s400/DSC03973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431769288652518642" /></a>My sweet Norton. (Whiskers on Wednesday post a bit late...) Didn't want to skip another week, as there are too many good shots of these guys to share. Can you believe he's fifteen years old? He hasn't been acting like it lately. Norton is very much in touch with his inner kitten.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-O2g969889D_i-mge4mfMckzB5yyXtwZGlWs2edxWD4ffJFonsDquttb3uNxswMOw4DooGt2MRYLZ-hlrfx2i4fqd5Ve-9O6yFzbFeASd123-dd7goJZCCeZWWiJjn-Z3jpTQ5cqFwU/s1600-h/DSC04063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-O2g969889D_i-mge4mfMckzB5yyXtwZGlWs2edxWD4ffJFonsDquttb3uNxswMOw4DooGt2MRYLZ-hlrfx2i4fqd5Ve-9O6yFzbFeASd123-dd7goJZCCeZWWiJjn-Z3jpTQ5cqFwU/s400/DSC04063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431795397074824146" /></a>WIP Wednesday? I still need to hem, color set, and wash the guest washcloths I wove. It is an interesting adventure switching from knitting to weaving. In knitting, usually we end up with an odd, crumpled mess until it is dressed (blocked) and the stitch pattern opens up magically. In weaving, the dressing process draws in the fabric and tightens up the weave. My first project, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/TheDrollEclectic/made-in-texas-scarf">Made in Texas scarf</a>, has now shrunk to a mere 4 1/2 inches wide from what I thought was a five inch finished width. So much to learn!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKqzPpOOZ6ulHIUcH44GjJnTk098HE9KaFpBaU1CXxysEfsAUbrhy7HDoO7HsmpaV1rAQ6qm20-6wRcv58z6TmzyB9d8gmaxa5z9buM241qczaVDZ7XZBTVwWVAvCvEfp9BUUGfJjSM/s1600-h/DSC04073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKqzPpOOZ6ulHIUcH44GjJnTk098HE9KaFpBaU1CXxysEfsAUbrhy7HDoO7HsmpaV1rAQ6qm20-6wRcv58z6TmzyB9d8gmaxa5z9buM241qczaVDZ7XZBTVwWVAvCvEfp9BUUGfJjSM/s400/DSC04073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431794451787266322" /></a>The Hey Jude socks are moving along at a snail's pace -- plan to finish the first today and cast on the second. Since today will be a mellow craft & watch movies day (I was up sick most of the night), I will finish the lobsters and the Tea Ball Slippers. I think with the third attempt at the Tea Balls I'll have what I'm looking for. So far, niece #5 (8 yo) and niece #4 (12 yo) have slippers -- I've been trying for SIL #3 (US Women's size 7 1/2). I'll get the adult size yet! Also want to work on the Cloud Bolero today. The Danica Scarf and Waterfall socks are being set aside until the Ravelympics. That just leaves Heroine, Celadon Jacket, and the Mallow Moorish Mosaic Afghan. Not in too big of a rush on those. Need to get working on more Kokeshi dolls, a small RAK project, and an item for my St. Patrick's Day swap partner, not to mention some patterns that are rattling around in my head.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-33729498375270241052010-01-26T14:00:00.005-06:002010-01-26T14:43:28.736-06:00Lots of FOs and Ribbed Yoga SocksSo far I've been tearing through the stash at a pretty good clip. I have finished a project every other day this month! They are mostly smaller items, but it still kind of blows my mind. Most of the projects are knit, a few are crocheted, and I should be able to finish up the first weaving project of the month today. I'll easily go though a mile of yarn this month!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl3yx8CHbQnbHkcA5i5VBKC0A2_m0UiN0egtIoIlr_CKKIYC0PtjWqh0AZ8nz0nl4hqXWijbnG7OY5DsNic-x2wtcGbYghG_OvZ84TqM0xbFHi12oo9Jhf3IvBMV2K0bov2Rw98ElJqA/s1600-h/DSC04006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl3yx8CHbQnbHkcA5i5VBKC0A2_m0UiN0egtIoIlr_CKKIYC0PtjWqh0AZ8nz0nl4hqXWijbnG7OY5DsNic-x2wtcGbYghG_OvZ84TqM0xbFHi12oo9Jhf3IvBMV2K0bov2Rw98ElJqA/s400/DSC04006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431151181653753634" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ribbed Yoga Socks</span><br /><br />There isn't a whole lot to this pattern, but if someone out there is wondering what I did, here it is! They were made for a US women's size 8 1/2 - 9, but are pictured on my size 7 1/2 feet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn:</span> Less than 200 yards of sock yarn. (I used 170 yards.) If working two-at-a-time from the inside and outside of the ball, be sure to first cut off two lengths of yarn long enough to cast on 30 stitches after the heel opening is made.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles: </span> 2.50 mm (US 1 1/2). I used two-on-two circs, but you could easily use DPNs if you prefer.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gauge:</span> Not too critical, as the 2x2 ribbing makes a stretchy fabric. Ensure that your fabric is not too loose (will fall off or slouch) or too tight (will not go over heel or will cut off circulation!).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span> Cast on 60 stitches. I like using the Estonian cast on shown in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frc5_9AIVy0">this video</a> with Nancy Bush. I use just the basic part, not where she doubles the yarn. To make the "pairs" start from the beginning, start with your slip knot, then "part B" as she refers to it. Then just repeat part A and part B until you have the number of stitches you need. When you start your ribbing, you will see the cast on edge "pairs" line up with your ribbing.<br /><br />Work in K2, P2 (2x2) ribbing for approximately 4 1/2 inches. Bind off 30 stitches. On the remaining 30 stitches, work a RS row, a WS row, then a RS row again. Using a separate strand of yarn as your long tail, cast on 30 stitches in the same manner as you did for the initial cast on. Rejoin in the round and continue with 2x2 ribbing for another 4 1/2 inches, or length needed to leave the ball of the foot exposed. Bind off.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please do not sell this pattern or make items using this pattern for sale. Thanks!</span>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-2133327384653895692010-01-14T13:31:00.003-06:002010-01-14T13:45:26.372-06:00Progress in the New YearLately I've been too busy studying and knitting/crocheting to post. Time to get a few random thoughts out here before any more time goes by. Absolutely cannot believe we've already been through the first two weeks of 2010!<br /><br />Here's a glimpse of the WIPs as of January 1st. I am very happy to say that as of today they only cover about one fourth of the table. There have even been two projects cast on and bound off that aren't in the picture! Only one frogging -- I feared I wouldn't get the same gauge on the hat I started for my brother ages ago, so it's better to just start over on such a small project.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m4PuS7pcacgpWbHDlZbGJp785WYCTWply_rhu_TFVa5bcyRjWBeUtTIL7qb8ED3j9gwVDPNYK8HE42IxNPP3N7b4zjYSzHCUKpkqqFBMXS4N8g-roMQVJUf1523mUZ-niBiTgxRhQpw/s1600-h/DSC03991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m4PuS7pcacgpWbHDlZbGJp785WYCTWply_rhu_TFVa5bcyRjWBeUtTIL7qb8ED3j9gwVDPNYK8HE42IxNPP3N7b4zjYSzHCUKpkqqFBMXS4N8g-roMQVJUf1523mUZ-niBiTgxRhQpw/s400/DSC03991.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426682781777862450" /></a><br /><br />It was wonderful to have a little taste of winter here this year. A white Christmas! By the end of this weekend we'll be back up to 67 degrees or so, which works out well for the winter pruning. I took this picture Christmas Eve Day:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFjA-qSTPIADKCmChZBEx3lIHV_axLp2iGnaPVEcOsFFHqTpv4RRHUo_PhLKNrORLuUbcIbG7FiuO6RmMPbCXE5MyBtTDza7WF4CDqD8zKzfJvUc5PlLtb0C8CiyYoZa6yDYSJXW5IpI/s1600-h/DSC03960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFjA-qSTPIADKCmChZBEx3lIHV_axLp2iGnaPVEcOsFFHqTpv4RRHUo_PhLKNrORLuUbcIbG7FiuO6RmMPbCXE5MyBtTDza7WF4CDqD8zKzfJvUc5PlLtb0C8CiyYoZa6yDYSJXW5IpI/s400/DSC03960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426683446619278626" /></a>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-76145130739409085412009-12-09T16:36:00.007-06:002009-12-09T16:52:06.828-06:00WoW #3 (Whiskers on Wednesday)Haven't WoWed for a while, so here are a few to enjoy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGouBPLRdUijfAfgU0VwZq7vmgqXse7mq34golx527JB9e77ZyOb37VWIjqfQeCAhcG804Vqc0qSu7Sy2IRhE-ClYn6CL5LJ6zYC4V4OAGVcQemzscXNXMbC_UmCvHVutYgz1mtDvXNGg/s1600-h/DSC03886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGouBPLRdUijfAfgU0VwZq7vmgqXse7mq34golx527JB9e77ZyOb37VWIjqfQeCAhcG804Vqc0qSu7Sy2IRhE-ClYn6CL5LJ6zYC4V4OAGVcQemzscXNXMbC_UmCvHVutYgz1mtDvXNGg/s400/DSC03886.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413369433696613666" /></a>Receiving supervision while I trim the hedge along the driveway.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvrR134y6Gyj_ftfSx0YUWFocsi-UnS1EQ0xCPV8xhOyVjqLR6QOm34Lc44EbD-arzPmpiO4pAlqx2kjKzasQhvNIMJPFSYi3NV0TGLgt8LHgyP5IuJuRqNlKpYws4VUrFXvjnoutQbA/s1600-h/DSC03882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvrR134y6Gyj_ftfSx0YUWFocsi-UnS1EQ0xCPV8xhOyVjqLR6QOm34Lc44EbD-arzPmpiO4pAlqx2kjKzasQhvNIMJPFSYi3NV0TGLgt8LHgyP5IuJuRqNlKpYws4VUrFXvjnoutQbA/s400/DSC03882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413369945329288066" /></a>Cold weather makes for cuddly cats.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOlvImUNeyo1-gc17nHqGxbO6XJmP6sWAobNsKYABpalPVmuBWIlvt0cG3DhlacKYjXoc_LiflHyMPfpXkGo-viqDRi9nTJwEG3Dlx5jptmiMc8sVJ7gc27Avpqg2T6iSs3EDb5_BBAo/s1600-h/DSC03728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOlvImUNeyo1-gc17nHqGxbO6XJmP6sWAobNsKYABpalPVmuBWIlvt0cG3DhlacKYjXoc_LiflHyMPfpXkGo-viqDRi9nTJwEG3Dlx5jptmiMc8sVJ7gc27Avpqg2T6iSs3EDb5_BBAo/s400/DSC03728.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413370275426758466" /></a>Norton inspects the Christmas cactus. The cactus is eleven years old. It used to be three times its current size, but was neglected for about six months when my house sitter stopped showing up. It is recovering beautifully!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTzEtpzr2sQO1pe5SqUds5R6AwIKauIn4StyuCP-3hMKoXVhmtg8f-nvKDiBRn87eWpZopTUlNas3j-dR4DnCTiByAS5Op-iWwWz0VjGbWCp8QIC-kww7ZcKwH5Pn9x6vCQTSwrJW6N8/s1600-h/DSC03722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTzEtpzr2sQO1pe5SqUds5R6AwIKauIn4StyuCP-3hMKoXVhmtg8f-nvKDiBRn87eWpZopTUlNas3j-dR4DnCTiByAS5Op-iWwWz0VjGbWCp8QIC-kww7ZcKwH5Pn9x6vCQTSwrJW6N8/s400/DSC03722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413371267596260882" /></a>Frank was on hand to help me warp my new Kromski Harp, 32" rigid heddle loom. I managed to keep my discipline at the Kid 'n Ewe Festival this year and only bought one skein of yarn (Plain and Fancy) for <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTchina.html">An American in China</a>, but the Harp kept calling my name! Speaking of Kid 'n Ewe, not all whiskers are on kittens!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGj_lDNjDftxh1LRunJUgYwXoOLsoC_807JAbs3Nf2xyTC-6TwXw-ovx0ptXUoFRA142YPOba7oavMqnsn4EhpEB8cGNeU012XAP6U7Ox_uje6mWpeA66AuxShUe0Rc2kIQFEFGqh9-4/s1600-h/DSC03717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGj_lDNjDftxh1LRunJUgYwXoOLsoC_807JAbs3Nf2xyTC-6TwXw-ovx0ptXUoFRA142YPOba7oavMqnsn4EhpEB8cGNeU012XAP6U7Ox_uje6mWpeA66AuxShUe0Rc2kIQFEFGqh9-4/s400/DSC03717.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413372268166031298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9DZ28BRQfosSTKayoSeT-jZW6oSwlB6yZU0Qs90-hanYx8l1G5VIPDy_js6SHbiz4vQjcmqwGZdT0AE8AO9xYXazBAfxNKBUYGZQkIerShRpb__oxP5wju_vDX1Y022LXmLGbaw0QfU/s1600-h/DSC03718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9DZ28BRQfosSTKayoSeT-jZW6oSwlB6yZU0Qs90-hanYx8l1G5VIPDy_js6SHbiz4vQjcmqwGZdT0AE8AO9xYXazBAfxNKBUYGZQkIerShRpb__oxP5wju_vDX1Y022LXmLGbaw0QfU/s400/DSC03718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413372497048485122" /></a>Still trying to get the Christmas knitting done and enjoying the cold weather.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-17356209665119917062009-12-07T08:50:00.003-06:002009-12-07T09:08:14.672-06:00If you wait long enough to change your header......it will come right back in season. Back with the chilly weather here, putting the "North" into "North Texas." We were fortunate Friday to have our heat pump fixed -- the fear was that we would need to replace our old unit. Should be able to get at least one more year out of it. If anyone in the DFW area needs a recommendation for an HVAC repair person, message me and I'll give you Hector's number.<br /><br />College ball was the big news this weekend. I know, I know. I didn't think I'd ever write about sports on my blog, either. Cousins Dave and Jon came down from Nebraska for the Nebraska-UT game on Saturday. Nebraska lost 13-12 in the last second of the game. We had precious little time with them because it was a drill weekend, but were thrilled to have them come down. Managed to eat lunch with them Saturday at The Railhead in Fort Worth, and Jeff was able to give them a tour of one of our planes. (That was at the same time I was dying a slow death by power point/video presentation. Knitting kept me awake and sane.) We learned that a whipped cream bribe will get Frank to make an appearance in front of company and were reminded that Norton knows no strangers.<br /><br />Jeff still has the crud, and I'm teetering just over on the healthy side of things, so I'm trying to take it easy. I would love to start posting pictures of what I'm knitting, but it will have to wait another two-and-a-half weeks until everyone has received their Christmas presents! My Ravelry page is short quite a few pictures.<br /><br />Time to make breakfast/brunch. I'll upload some pictures later today.TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-56926193501374083772009-11-08T11:34:00.002-06:002009-11-08T12:00:31.171-06:00Sum It Up SundayEarlier this week I had a successful culinary creation. I've actually been having quite a few lately, but there is photographic evidence for this one:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGR-XMOirkKcht7TZaJ_xgMc88tC1MlI4pKyDNde0EP9cmZloS7rEOVgRZRy8OoMhAIqQqYDVh1MA7C15Q20QQTulhZEwROoEpXYUBQscqpiJtacFVuRX1rqCsiMD04k3vB6odSlpN6A/s1600-h/DSC03535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGR-XMOirkKcht7TZaJ_xgMc88tC1MlI4pKyDNde0EP9cmZloS7rEOVgRZRy8OoMhAIqQqYDVh1MA7C15Q20QQTulhZEwROoEpXYUBQscqpiJtacFVuRX1rqCsiMD04k3vB6odSlpN6A/s400/DSC03535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401792086662093698" /></a>Lemon Garlic Shrimp on a bed of spaghetti squash in a nest of green beans. Yum in any language. Almost forgot to mention that I had the pleasure of using our homegrown Meyer lemons for this one!<br /><br />Tuesday involved a little field trip to the Dallas Arboretum. Gorgeous day and gorgeous landscaping! Need to download the pix and show a few in a post of its own.<br /><br />Myron & Jeff removed our back fence yesterday. By Wednesday we should have a new fence put up in anticipation of dog sitting Tank regularly and Massey's occasional visits. Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate. I need to build a square foot garden bed and pull the dirt from the fence line. It is obvious it was a dumping ground for leaves and some other organic debris and there is some good soil there waiting to be used. That will get us started with a few things (broccoli, radishes, lettuce). Still clearing out and covering the beds against the house. All I can say to that end is what a mess. Making progress also on picking up all the broken glass around the property.<br /><br />Although the knitmeter has not been updated, there has been knitting. More starting than finishing, but progress nonetheless. Of course this time of year much of what is OTN falls into the gift category, so that severely restricts what can be posted. I'll see what I can pull together this week to get some knitting/yarn p0rn up on the site. If all goes well I'll be headed to Boerne this weekend! I'm the only one in our group going without a spinning wheel, so I've been trying to at least pull together the parts for a kick spindle. I think I can get the rest today and try construction tomorrow. The idea is to bring with me the roving I bought *ahem* last year and work on spinning it this year. I took a picture of my haul from last year to bring with me to remind myself that I don't need any more! Three finished objects resulted from that trip, and there is one WIP, but there is still more yarn...TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-8336552484063504792009-10-30T15:55:00.002-05:002009-10-30T16:08:51.695-05:00Back from Blogging Oblivion with a Bang! (and a free pattern!)It's the age-old dilemma: when you actually have something in life worth blogging about, you don't have the time to blog! No good way to restart other than to jump back in with both feet. So here is the pattern I finished months ago, and a link to it on Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carrington">here</a>. <br /><br />Since March, I moved from Biloxi to Wichita Falls, then back to Mansfield. We recently took a very wet vacation to Maine, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. We've been fixing "those little gray pieces of... aircraft" and I've been studying, knitting, cooking, and trying to actually get moved in enough that we can start some remodeling. Yes, I know we've been in the house for a year, but I was gone for half of that, so cut me some slack! Throughout November I hope to "catch up" with the blog. Mainly knitting, gardening, and cooking content, with some travel and (hopefully) remodeling thrown in the mix. And of course, I will get back on track with WOW so Norton and Frank can get their face time!TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-69012109999082887392009-10-30T14:14:00.008-05:002009-10-30T15:19:55.417-05:00Carrington ScarfHere's a pattern that is reversible and works well with hand-dyed yarns.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_dixNS3aDxvZsMfEfiRFeD7O5YVPkunrGn1L_sRGolth_SmLgkAKNqJ0nStiP9JMgAlTL2HLWme0O0wdP5yLpf_3Mdbmx6pJ6_JmUv6cgwdQ3raZm2s6NqGUeiBtbafFtb3V95MvfOI/s1600-h/DSC02551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_dixNS3aDxvZsMfEfiRFeD7O5YVPkunrGn1L_sRGolth_SmLgkAKNqJ0nStiP9JMgAlTL2HLWme0O0wdP5yLpf_3Mdbmx6pJ6_JmUv6cgwdQ3raZm2s6NqGUeiBtbafFtb3V95MvfOI/s400/DSC02551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398485876724227682" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Carrington Scarf</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Finished size</span>: 5" wide by 67" long<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Materials</span>: 1 skein Plain & Fancy Sport, 400 yards per 100 grams (used the WHOLE skein)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: US size 9<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gauge</span>: not critical, just make sure you are getting the drape you want<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Notions</span>: two stitch markers if you choose to separate border stitches from main pattern<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Abbreviations:</span><br />K: Knit<br />P: Purl<br />[B]: Border<br />Sl1wyif: slip one stitch with yarn held in front of work<br />MK: Make Knot: p3tog & leave on left needle, yo, p3tog again & slip off needle<br />Rep: repeat<br />Sts: stitches<br />BO: bind off<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Border:</span> Repeat these two rows for first four and last four stitches each row:<br />Row 1: K1, sl1wyif, k1, p1 [Carrington stitch pattern] p1, k1, sl1wyif, k1<br />Row 2: [Sl1wyif, k1] twice [Carrington stitch pattern] [k1, sl1wyif] twice.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-Xu_oBWBWOfObooVEIuE-_Lmz4hWcFA0meB4w-ngdIocf7tz5RFEn75_mjd_duzG71xz5FgLqlkZ4Q1E8Oc1uDQM0LgSjmaWxR898uKB5o_-yOaOVv8D6B2GdYoDYnRFIN3HziPIrUw/s1600-h/DSC02549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-Xu_oBWBWOfObooVEIuE-_Lmz4hWcFA0meB4w-ngdIocf7tz5RFEn75_mjd_duzG71xz5FgLqlkZ4Q1E8Oc1uDQM0LgSjmaWxR898uKB5o_-yOaOVv8D6B2GdYoDYnRFIN3HziPIrUw/s400/DSC02549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398486393589136642" /></a>Directions:</span> CO 33 stitches using the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPbJGGz8k8Q">Channel Island Cast On</a>. If you choose to make a wider scarf, increase in increments of four stitches.<br /><br />Row 1: [B] K4, p1, *k3, p1, rep from * to last 8 sts, k4 [B].<br />Row 2: [B] P4, k1, *p3, k1, rep from * to last 8 sts, p4 [B].<br />Row 3: [B] K1, *mk, p1, rep from * to last 8 sts, mk, k1 [B].<br />Row 4: Rep Row 2.<br />Row 5: [B] K2, p1, *k3, p1, rep from * to last 6 sts, k2 [B].<br />Row 6: [B] P2, k1, *p3, k1, rep from * to last 6 sts, p2 [B].<br />Row 7: [B] K2, p1, *mk, p1, rep from * to last 6 sts, k2 [B].<br />Row 8: Rep Row 6.<br /><br />Repeat these 8 rows until scarf reaches desired length or you are nearly out of yarn. Bind off using a picot variation bind off as follows: *backward loop cast on 1 stitch, bind off 3 stitches, slip last BO stitch back to left needle and repeat from * to the end. (Bind off using k2, pass 1st over 2nd, *k1, pass 1st on right needle over new stitch, rep from *).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chart</span>: Read odd numbered rows right to left and even numbered rows left to right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R2CkIIr1cO80980NSZ588N-Ypye-HNTNUI_I-diP3Z4BmX5bRAes8GpMhpJrfJ86BP275mgzr18c5ldCyM_excg6iZG82PzU5cdmf7d9jCq0V7qR-6ZGov10ZbkreBmn4EnJON6RRXk/s1600-h/Carrington+Chart.GIF"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R2CkIIr1cO80980NSZ588N-Ypye-HNTNUI_I-diP3Z4BmX5bRAes8GpMhpJrfJ86BP275mgzr18c5ldCyM_excg6iZG82PzU5cdmf7d9jCq0V7qR-6ZGov10ZbkreBmn4EnJON6RRXk/s400/Carrington+Chart.GIF" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398486666116092338" /></a><br />This pattern will eventually be available in a pdf with a more legible chart.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please do not sell this pattern or make items using this pattern for sale. Thanks!</span>TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141285776882526211.post-86229448322263885882009-03-22T22:35:00.004-05:002009-03-22T22:48:55.270-05:00Sock Madness Tree House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OSceg8-RMfU3r99DbhmqYyRml7eWqhlDBOsh6nWwNM6CbSCQapD4_qXNrMbcXPh8tsw7v1FTMdN9XnTdKpCP_6Hw9TKY9cpFPfQGl_NZw4RCEDpkyM1Z-3_ZkmqGGfPlfAYJUdUtWnY/s1600-h/DSC02931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OSceg8-RMfU3r99DbhmqYyRml7eWqhlDBOsh6nWwNM6CbSCQapD4_qXNrMbcXPh8tsw7v1FTMdN9XnTdKpCP_6Hw9TKY9cpFPfQGl_NZw4RCEDpkyM1Z-3_ZkmqGGfPlfAYJUdUtWnY/s400/DSC02931.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316224748766841266" /></a><br />This post is dedicated to all those knitting away on their Tropical Mer-tinis. The Bailey's is cold, the cookies are hot out of the oven, and as you can see, we just need to run across the street if we find ourselves short on supplies.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZyDqBtfx-x6QIv6S81ILnVo1V_3PPa_xxU2sYuXa4bo8maxywnUHSm00rM1ZYTKpl-vQzbN6iSxAsczWwz5-EhSrs_02EhvXwEr-9TvJ0FuG3roG2xh6SzlfPGkk5tHxqbu6ardBvbI/s1600-h/DSC02932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZyDqBtfx-x6QIv6S81ILnVo1V_3PPa_xxU2sYuXa4bo8maxywnUHSm00rM1ZYTKpl-vQzbN6iSxAsczWwz5-EhSrs_02EhvXwEr-9TvJ0FuG3roG2xh6SzlfPGkk5tHxqbu6ardBvbI/s400/DSC02932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316223380882249154" /></a><br /><br />Darn, I have more pictures to load, but everyone must be playing video games right now. Sah-low! Time for bed. Will attempt to at least get more pictures posted, if not stories of diodes and diving pelicans!TheDrollEclectichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018210941019796924noreply@blogger.com1