A weekend away.
10 Aug 2009 1 Comment
in Family, Knitting Content Ahead, Weekend Update
A while ago Wes and I decided that we were going to take a little mini-trip for our first anniversary. So on Saturday we packed up and headed to the Little Niangua Campground at Lake of the Ozarks. I hadn’t been to the Ozarks before but as soon as I looked at a map I realized how big the place actually was. The Lake actually snakes out in a million different directions so there’s lots of waterfront. We stayed in the south on this trip!
Originally we had decided to go to the Ozarks for some kayaking. We had chosen this particular campground because it sported cabins boasting air conditioning. The pluses were that we were right on the river, we got to stay indoors in a cute cedar cabin and we were fairly far away from the tourist bustle of the marinas. The downsides were that we had campsite facilities (community toilets and showers) and that we were way off in the middle of no where. Unfortunately it was really hot this weekend (think 90′s with heat indexes of over 100′s) but we managed to keep busy.
We arrived Saturday afternoon and dropped our stuff and headed out to explore. After lots of driving around we ended up at The Horny Toad for dinner. The food was fabulous and there was live music that was great as well. We even got to sit on the marina for a bit and enjoy the evening as it cooled off. We arrived home late that night and crashed.
On Sunday morning we got up early to beat the heat and got in the water. The water was really clear and slow moving. It gave the whole body a glassy look and the reflections from the trees and cliffs and sky were beautiful. I managed to get a number of great shots, but this is my particular favorite. We stayed in the water a little over 2 hours and then it started warming up so we headed in (well ok I also got tired… I’m a wuss.) It was in getting out at the shore that I managed to dump myself out of my kayak for the first time. Wes is still chuckling at that!
After a shower and some breakfast we decided to relax outside on our front porch for a bit. Between the shade and a bit of a breeze it wasn’t unbearably hot yet. I, of course, knit for a while and Wes read for a while. I couldn’t resist photographing him.
When it got too hot to sit outside, we got in the car and set off in search of entertainment and food. I knew that there were some caverns and caves around the Lake and had figured it would be a good cool excursion on a hot day. We spent a little time trying to find the place, but we ended up at Bridal Cave for a tour. It was nice and cool, and a pleasant hour underground viewing some of the recordbreaking onyx formations in the world. The cave apparently got it’s name back in the 1800′s when some Native Americans were married inside the cave in front of one of the formations. Today you can still book the cave for a wedding ceremony! The picture is where people get married – they call the structure The Pipes because it looks very much like an organ (and since most of it is hollow, sounds like an organ in varying tones as well!) For dinner last night we relaxed at a more “beachy” resort, Captain Ron’s. Finally we headed back to the cabin for another nights rest.
We had planned to get up this morning and kayak but about 6:30 a huge clap of thunder broke and the great storm started. It was still pouring by the time we packed up and left around 9am. Now we’re home, basking in the post-vacation glow, trying to get laundry done before we have to face another week.
If you’re interested in more photos, I posted the full Flickr set here.
More on my knitting projects to come soon!
Honey, I’m home!
26 May 2009 Leave a Comment
in Adventures in Travel, Family, Farm Fresh Foods, Weekend Update
Wes and I just returned about an hour ago from a great weekend in Chicago. The l’il sis had the starring role in Measure for Measure, so the fam all met up in Chicago for a weekend of theatre, good eats and fun.
Wes and I drove up on Friday/Saturday and checked into our hotel about 4pm. Then we met up with my parents and some cousins for a fabulous dinner at Francesca’s in Edgewater. The food was really delicious, the company was good and the best part is that the restaurant was across the street from the theatre.
We then went across the street and were entertained for two plus hours. The play was really excellent, and we all had a great time. If you’re going to be in Chicago any time in the next few weeks you should catch this one!
Sunday we all met up for brunch, and then the l’il sis went off to her matinee and the my parents, Wes and I went shopping and touring. I caught a few fun photos around the city, and my dad took this one. All we need is a pitchfork!
Now we’re home, attempting to catch up with Mt. Laundry and get ready for work tomorrow. The garden didn’t seem to fare too badly for a few days without water. We’ve moved it outdoors now and we’re seeing some produce! We’re most impressed with our cucumbers:
Some carrots:
And of course, the tomatoes:
Pictoral Update
12 Apr 2009 Leave a Comment
in Family, Weekend Update
I’ve been out of the blog loop for a bit, but I’ve been busy and happy!
Last weekend Wes and I started experimenting with mead. We’re trying new flavors this month: Apple Cider, Ginger/Vanilla/Peach and Blueberry Pomegranate. We’ll let you know in a month or so which one turns out best!
This weekend we headed down to my in-laws’. Little did I know that the Easter Bunny (and my mother-in-law) love showing a 30 year old Jewish girl what she has missed all her life. There’s dying eggs:
And of course… there was an Easter basket with chocolate:
Second Verse, Same as the First
30 Mar 2009 2 Comments
Sometimes when I knit a really enjoyable project, I start thinking about who else might enjoy one. The recipient of my double-dosed madness this time was the l’il sis who’s celebrating her birthday today (Happy birthday B!).
The Pattern: Celtic Tote from Interweave Knits
The Yarn: Lamb’s Pride Worsted in Heathery-Brown and Charcoal
The Needles: US 9′s
The Verdict: I like the teal one for me, but I was sure that l’il sis would like the more muted colors. I also had a little overfelting accident with this one so it’s a bit smaller than I had intended, but I like that it’s sturdier than mine. She seems to like it so I think all’s right with the world.
Two in a Row (aka Happy Birthday Mom!)
04 Mar 2009 Leave a Comment
Although she’d probably rather not acknowledge it, my mother is about to celebrate what we in my family refer to as a “Birthday of Significance.” Based on this I decided to step up my knitting a bit and give her a super-special present. I’ve been waiting to post this until she received the package (don’t want to spoil the surprise!) but she has now so I’m free to post. Her birthday is on Thursday, but she’s already enjoying this:
The Pattern: Ene’s Scarf from Scarf Style
The Yarn: Filatura di Crossa Golden Line Supreme, Cashmere and Silk
The Needles: US 6′s
The Verdict: I love it, she loves it and all is right with the world. As I told her today…. enjoy it for many, many more to come!
Letters to the Editor
30 Nov 2008 Leave a Comment
in Fabulous Friends, Family, Funny, Ranting, Weekend Update
Dear California:
Thank you for the lovely weather during the Thanksgiving holiday. Although some folks like their Thanksgivings to be nippy, I loved our long walk through 70 degree sunshine on Thursday afternoon.
I also have to thank you for your lack of traffic during the holiday weekend. Other than getting in and out of the airport you were an absolute delight. Let’s see more of that m’kay?
Love,
The Little Devil
*****
Dear Kansas -
You were lovely when we left – 50s and 60s and sunny. WHAT happened? Now you’re spitting snow upon us. I hope you know that I’m not planning to leave my house until you get a better attitude. No matter how long it takes.
Icily yours,
The Little Devil
*****
Dear Smoking Man -
When I arrived home from Thanksgiving week last night, fresh from beautiful sunny California to snowy, icy Kansas, I was already a little disappointed in my homecoming. Add to that the fact that it was midnight, I had no heavy coat with me (please see letter to Kansas above for reasons) and that the Blue Bus took over a half an hour to arrive. So please understand me when I say I really didn’t need you to chain smoke through the waiting period and hack that terrible cough in my ear forcing me to HAVE to take an extra shower at 2am just so I could go to sleep without smelling like your ash tray. You could learn a bit of common courtesy about standing away from crowds of people when you feel the need to indulge in your disgusting habit. Because really, if I ever see you again, I’m going to have to resist the impulse not to ash directly on you.
-The LD
*****
Dear Family and Friends:
Thanks for the fabulous time. I miss you all and enjoyed seeing you and sharing wonderful meals. Photographic evidence is below.
Got Mead?
06 Oct 2008 2 Comments
in Family, Weekend Update
One of Wes’ hobbies is brewing mead. For those not in the know, mead is honey wine. It starts as warm water and honey and with the addition of yeast, and sometimes flavorings, as well as 3-6 months fermentation or more, it turns into a wonderful wine.
Today was a work day around the house, and Wes mentioned that he had some mead which was ready for bottling. I’d never participated in this event, but I was eager to taste the blueberry mead that has been fermenting in our apartment since we moved in.
We began by setting up the siphon and filtering system and sterilizing the bottles.
After about 20 minutes we had bottles ready for corking.
And at the end, of course we had the most important part: a taste testing.
Sweet. Mellow. Perfect.
Bigass Update
21 Apr 2008 2 Comments
in Fabulous Friends, Family, Here Comes the Bride, Los Angeles, Off the Needles
I arrived home last night after a great week at home and have lots and lots to tell!
I flew home Tuesday evening and arrived just around the same time as my sister. Dad picked us up at the airport and took us home where we slept in the same bedroom and talked all night (kind of like an extended sleepover!)
Of note, I finished my first summer tank top on the plane ride to LA.
The Pattern: Ribby Tank from ChicKnits
The Yarn: Incense from Elann.com
The Needles: US 6
The Verdict: I really like the way this tank is structured and it fits very well. It’s a simple pattern, and a little boring to knit, but produces a really simple, elegant tank. I love the color, but the yarn itself is a wool/bamboo/silk blend that I think will be a little heavy for summer. Regardless, it was a pretty quick knit and I know I will wear it!
Wednesday was my play day. I got up early and visited a yarn shop close to my parents house where I found some great Noro Matsuri – 87% cotton. I think I’m going to use it for a bias tank top. The best part was that I had a gift card!
Then I headed up to West LA where I got a pedicure and then met my friends for sushi lunch at our favorite place. The waitress gave me a huge hug and knew my order right off the bat. It was a little like coming home to Cheers again. Catching up with everyone was great, and it didn’t even feel like I had left! After lunch I went by the old job and visited with people. It was nice to see everyone, but I’m pretty happy with my choice to have left there.
After that, I headed over to A Mano for an afternoon of fun with yarn. They had some beautiful new yarns in the shop which I got to touch and buy. I also picked up a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s The Opinionated Knitter, which I can’t wait to read! I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening knitting, catching up, and picking out a few samples to bring back to the midwest and knit up. By the time I left I had to add a third bag to my luggage to get all the yarn home. Ooops! I capped off the night by having dinner with my Knitmeister S at our usual Brazilian place. The waitstaff remembered me there too!
I have to say that Wednesday was a great day catching up with friends, but it was also a little depressing. I think it’s finally hitting me that I’m not the LA girl anymore, and that I really don’t live there any more. It’s so hard with such special friends there and places that know me. I really like Kansas so far, and I’ve met some wonderful people here, but it’s weird because now I feel like I have two homes, and I don’t really belong in the one in LA.
Thursday dawned bright and early as Mom, the Li’l Sis and I headed out to spend a day doing assorted wedding stuff. We started inauspiciously by getting stuck in a lot of traffic and a freeway closure and being 30 minutes late to our first appointment. The day got better though – we visited 2 invitation designers and 2 florists and should be able to get everything we need from these visits. We even managed to get in a good deli lunch, some midafternoon iced coffee treats and make it home by 5:30. I spent the evening in with my parents, discussing wedding details and catching up.
Friday morning was gown day! We headed over to the bridal store around 11am to pick up my gown. The gown fits almost perfectly and it looks like it will only need some alterations around the bust line. I’m still in love with the dress and can’t wait to get it altered to fit (that’s up for June). Now all I need to do is put together a veil and shoes and I’m dressed for the big day!
Friday afternoon we managed to go to lunch, all 4 of us, at a great local Mexican place. I can’t remember the last time I was able to eat lunch with my parents and my sister on a weekday.
After lunch, I headed out for a doctor’s appointment, and a bit more wedding shopping, and then back up to West LA to see friends and attend Bel’s birthday party! Other than managing to scrape my dad’s car (ick, definite worst part of the weekend), I had a good time seeing old friends and catching up, not to mention snacking on great nibbles (Knitmeister S’s brownies are to DIE FOR!).
Saturday was the first day of Passover and we celebrated it family style, with my aunt and uncle and young cousin coming to visit. It was a nice last evening in town, with good eats and good company.
Sunday morning was an early one as we dropped my sister at the airport and I had breakfast with my parents before heading out myself. The day was mostly spent flying and I arrived home late last night to lots of laundry, and some growing plants. Today is a catchup and errand day and tomorrow I start another job. More details on that as I learn them!
And there goes another weekend.
10 Mar 2008 2 Comments
We didn’t really have anything planned for this weekend save a Saturday night BBQ date and exploring KC. Late Friday, my in-laws to say that they were delivering a load near here (they’re truckers) and that they could lock up the truck and head home (about 2 hours the other direction from here) if we would come and get them and take them home. Since we didn’t have tons planned, we figured we’d take them home and get started on part II of the entertainment center. As it turned out we pretty much got nothing done, but we had an ok time, save the HUGE amount of time in the car. However, since I don’t have to work tomorrow (that’s a topic for another post) I guess I don’t get to complain too much – poor Wes has to go back to work. And I did get lots of knitting done!
Wes also got to bring his kayak back to KC with us. Here’s a sight I bet you never thought you’d see – my kayak-laden little car!
Which brings me to my most recent accomplishment: Lianne. I have to say this is one of my favorite knits so far and I wish I could keep the final product, only she’s not mine to keep! I found this pattern in Handknit Skirts that A Mano just started carrying. At first I wondered if the skirt would be ill-fitting or heavy, but it turned out great. The design is a simple A-line. You start with large needles, and rather than decreasing stitches you just keep moving to smaller and smaller needle sizes. A little elastic in the waistband and you’re done! It’s easy and a quick knit – I can’t wait to knit this again for me.
The Specs:
The Pattern: Lianne from Handknit Skirts from Tricoter
The Yarn: Mango Moon Bali Sky (recycled sarong yarn, 4.5 skeins), Mango Moon Capelli (2 skeins)
The Needles: 15, 10, 9, 8, and 7
Now I’m getting to work on a cardigan for me, and finishing up a special birthday surprise for the l’il sis. More pics to follow.
