Me Made May 2018 Market Bag

All the others I knitted were white only. This stash busting exercise inspired a color edition. #memademay2018

Me Made May 2018 BraceletMania

All old bracelets that had broken or necklaces that were outdated were given a new life. It would seem I needed this challenge to move on stuff that had been sitting for YEARS. #memademay2018

Freshwater pearls and gold beads.

Jet and silver hearts

 Garnets and aurora borealis

And finally - Petoskey stones and leftover pearls. The giant heart broke off. Thank god. The rest of it looks much better live than in a photo. And hey. It's Petoskey stones.

Me Made May 2018 Facing the Morning

Final Me Made May 2018

The, clearly previously owner made, shelves kept falling out. When I removed them to repair I decided to paint. And add fabric. Why have a boring medicine chest when this can make you smile in the morning? #memademay2018

Me Made May 2018 Technicolor Cowl

Gatlinburg inspiration

While visiting Gatlinburg Val and I met with local knitters at the The Spinnery for their weekly Sit and Knit. Inspired by the Technicolor Cowl several of them had already created I drank the cool aid. It's actually a simple pattern of stockinette and reverse stockinette that creates the 'bumps' in the finished product. So two entirely different sides create one colorful cowl when wrapped twice. I'd make this again. Maybe even in the shorter non wrapping version. And thanks to Ravelry members for tips I took to heart before beginning.  #memademay2018

Me Made May 2018 Flamingo Dress

I can stall with the best of them. 

Having started on this simple dress last summer I never got to the hem. It was threatening me daily. Just in time for Me Made May our local library (Alachua Brach) held it's monthly open sewing clinic. The sewingist librarian ever, Jessica, measured my hem and watched closely while I trimmed, ironed, pinned, and finally sewed. Tada! 

I will advise all those who (like m) haven't sewn a dress in 25+ years that challis is NOT the best choice for getting back in the groove. But alas, those little gold flamingos were calling my name. So it is done. Now to post the cowl....#memademay2018

More yarn

OSCAR - mania

Thick, hot, black Altura coffee laced with warmed milk whipped to a froth served with Sour Cherry scones. So begins Sunday morning in the mountains. The sun is bright and clear and the temp is going to head into the mid 60s. Though a tad chilly for most of my friends it is the perfect day for me.

Donna joins Team Erwin and we head off to The Farmer's Daughter for a late Sunday afternoon dinner. Served family style we opt for the fried chicken (a perennial favorite) and the shrimp. Should have gone with the country ham but live and learn. Learn this - do not order the shrimp. Enough said. First they hit you with the cornbread and biscuits as they should but then they sneak in about a dozen sides. I can't remember all of them but the carrot souffle is of the gods. A hint of orange, brown sugar and maple syrup and that stuff melts on the tongue. Round it out with mac and cheese, also a southern favorite, cabbage, beans with ham, cornbread salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all the other dishes I cannot remember and you've got dinner. The final round? Dessert. They had three things left, chocolate cream pie, bread pudding with raisins, and berry cobbler, so we took one for each of us and shared the bounty with a cup of coffee. Not as good as the coffee at home but a finish to the meal nonetheless.

A side trip to Jonesborough, home to the International Storytelling Festival, for a little sightseeing and inspiration for Donna's new plans. Visiting JB is like stepping back in time. Stay here - at Toby's Place more properly known as the Historic Eureka Inn. Quaint shops and cafes line the streets beckoning a visit and a snack. But, alas, we are stuffed from lunch so opt instead for heading to home and a nap.

Oscar time sneaks up so it's over the river and through the woods to Ken Silvers house we go. Just kidding. He lives around the corner. Over the river and through the woods happens tomorrow when we have our first field trip. Meanwhile at Chez Silvers our ballots were cast and we all loved Doogie singing and dancing and Steve and Alec emceeing. We like everything except the Kanye West moment. What the? My door prize was The Good German and Michael's was Sunset Boulevard so we have movie nights for the week set up.

Big day tomorrow so nighty night.

The non-scenic route

After dinner discussion last night I settled on the shorter non-scenic route as opposed the meandering through back woods route. It still takes nine and a half hours. Slow, monotonous driving until I hit that big mountain. Then I remember why I drive it. Even if it does include that damnable 7% grade downhill scary stretch. Then the snow appears. And the frozen waterfalls. All in all still a pretty dramatic drive.

The drive was made easier by books on tape or whatever it is they are now called. I picked the longest one I could find and I'm not even close to half way through so the drive home will continue with the saga of all the other participants.



One of Micheal's favorite meals awaited arrival - soup beans and cornbread. He says it is now to labeled Fusion Soup Beans because of the latest addition of Thai Curry Paste. Whatever it is labeled it is delish after cooking all day in the crockpot. There was also local homemade chow chow that while spicy also added a sweet flavor to the dish. The cornbread didn't go into the oven until I walked in the door so it was hot and crispy and perfect; especially dipped in beans and chow chow.

There are cats everywhere. Pandora is on high alert.

Rescue Me

Michelle had posted to FB that if I needed a break while I was at the Memorial Service trip home I should call her, that she was really close and would come up. Ha. I laughed. She lives near Chicago. I'll be near Milwaukee. No need to disturb her routine. I was wrong.

Surrounded by grief drama, families can get crazy and mean. I don't think they mean too. I don't want to believe they want to. Then again...

The call was placed. Fast, short, needy. Like an angel she appeared within the hour. A little snack. A little drink. A little vent. A whole lot of love. No drama. no expectations. Just time and the proof, though not needed, of true friendship no matter the circumstances.

I will be forever grateful. Forever.

And then there were five.

My brother younger David died this morning at the age of 53. He was sick and had suffered long enough with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also know as Lou Gehrig's disease. That doesn't make it easier. It was diagnosed last November but began several years ago in slow subtle ways. Once it really takes hold it becomes a fast moving and wicked disease. He endured it with the loving care of his wife Tricia and their five children and families.

You don't expect to lose a younger sibling first; even one who is sick and suffering. It doesn't make any sense. But it is what it is. And that is final. And extremely saddening. My remaining siblings and our mother join them in their grief. Rest in peace dear brother.

Dave Walker/Peet Telma RIP

Today a little piece of my heart died oday along with my dear friend. I will miss his annual visits, his weekly emails, but most of all his joie de vivre and genuine laughter. A little piece of my heart died today.
Up North Live
Traverse City Record Eagle

Julia turns 12
It was High School Musical 3 and lots of cake.

Oyster roast at Sandy and Gerry's
Of all things, I did NOT get a picture of Lorry and Jimmy :(

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.