Road trip and knitting

We had a whirlwind weekend with Ben.  The men and women won their swim meet against Hope College.  As always, it's fun to watch the competition.  We had time to go to the outlet mall and I got a new rain jacket for camping, and we stocked up on some Ghiradelli chocolate squares and bars.  Early Sunday morning, we picked up Ben and went into town to have breakfast at Frank's Diner.  What a fun place, and the food was great.  The staff was dressed for Halloween, which added to the atmosphere.  I got quite a bit of knitting done during the six-hour drive and the waiting between events.  The little slippers were quick to knit and not nearly as fiddly as I imagined.  After I finished the sampler scarf and then the slippers, I started a pair of the mittens.  I'll use gray for the hand to play against the bright colors.  The projects have proved to be excellent examples of stash-busting projects.  I can't believe how little yarn they take!  November is going to be a busy month for me.  My classes shift into gear and I'm excited to be teaching more classes.  Finishing the samples from Kristin Nicholas' new book will help promote classes for after the first of the year.  (Oh my, Christmas is just around the corner!)

Sunrise--Lake Michigan

Staff at Frank's--Dolly Parton, Ninja, and Prisoner

Breakfast--note the sundae (lower right) one of the staff was having for breakfast!

Frank's Diner

Eevee was very happy to be home again.  She looks so pretty (she had a bath) and I'd trimmed her legs and feet before I dropped her off.  She's glued to her bed right now.  She also enjoyed seeing the Trick-or-Treaters last night.  We had mostly really little ones.  So cute!  Lots of Buzz Lightyear made an appearance, Snow Whites, princesses, animals, and Ninjas.  It's always fun.  We have some candy left--I always make sure to get candy I like.

Yowza! Brain freeze!

03.12.08 Eevee and I went on our morning walkies. I knew it was chilly so I wore my long coat, felted mittens, knit collar, and handspun hat. I felt pretty good until we turned the corner near the neighborhood park. The wind seems to be so strong there. Anyway, it was really cold! I checked the temp on my computer and it's 17! Whaaa? It was 40 yesterday! Frankly, I don't mind the cold, but that sunshine and clear sky can be deceiving. We don't have any snow--it's all south of here as usual.

I have one pair of Cottage Socks finished and am on pair #2. I found a kid's slipper pattern and will use the leftover chunky yarn for those. I'm going to rewrite my own version of the cottage socks because I don't like the heel or toe.
07.12.08 Wow, I've been busy! Jim and I had a fun weekend. On Saturday, we did the Reindeer Run/Walk around Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. It was bitter cold, and sunny. The snow and the festive costumes of some of the participants added to the atmosphere of fun. The long-sleeved tee was a welcomed added layer of warmth!
In the evening, we went to the Madrigal dinner at a local high school. The daughter of our friends helped write and had a starring role. Her father directed the production. What a talented group of singers, actors, and musicians!
Yesterday we drove up to the tree farm in the morning to get our tree. Eevee went along for the ride and thoroughly enjoyed romping in the snow helping us look for the Christmas tree. Maybe she was flushing out the critters! The tree is up, but not decorated--yet. I had to finish the little Scrunchy Slippers for Jim's great-nephews. I had plenty of chunky yarn left from the Cottage Socks, and I timed myself knitting the last one this morning--40 minutes! Glad they're done! Now I can move on to other stuff, like the cards! Brother! Christmas is sneaking up quickly this year. Ben won't be home until Christmas Eve, so I have time to get something done for him.
We have snow in the forecast again today and I have class later this morning and help night tonight. Time to get going!