Monday, August 31, 2009

Julie and Julia

I just got back from the movies. Funny, I can't remember the last time I went and saw a movie that wasn't a child's movie. I thought and thought and frankly couldn't remember. I think DH and I went one on a day we had off from work, but it must not have been a memorable movie. Today I went with the girls - Patty and Laura and we saw Julie and Julia. I liked the movie.

Even before seeing the movie, knowing the premise of the movie, it had gotten me thinking. And after seeing the movie, I know how Julie felt, the feeling that you haven't really accomplished anything, and you have started many things, but not completed them. The need to set a deadline. And go for it. And it struck a chord.

Because I have seen some things that others have accomplished, and I have thought to myself I can do that. And I have felt some jealousy, and then I have told myself, they have gone after what they have wanted to do, and are now succeeding. And I also have told myself "You have Not!"

So I think it is time to stop talking and start doing. Because I can't really think of anything I have tried hard for in a very long time, except passing the Colorado Bar exam. And I have some things up my sleeves that I want to try, so I need to try and if I fail, try again. Some I will blog about, and some I'm just going to keep to myself. For now :)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday...

I joined a new knitting group. The sweater club. We meet on Wednesdays at 10AM at String in Highlands Ranch. And, we knit sweaters. And we talk, and eat lunch, and knit and talk. This as my second time knitting with them. I found this group last week when I walked into the store, looking at the yarns for potential projects for classes to teach. Yes, that's right. After about 10 months or so, I'm thinking about teaching knitting again. So while I was in the store, I sat down and knit with the group. On a skirt. Oh well, I didn't have a sweater with me in the knitting bag. They are a nice groups of gals.

I went to Stitch and Pitch with the girls Friday night - Sharon, Sheri, Kris, Robin and Denise. And I saw Judy there, and Cathy (thanks for the book by the way!). I also saw people from the Denver Knitting Guild. We had a great time, although the Rockies didn't win.

I've been reading a lot, since I now have time. I have recently finished First Family by David Baldacci, Dyed in the Wool by Mary Kruger, and Back to Blosson Street by Debbie McComber. I have been going to the library at least once a week. I got in the habit when I was taking the boys to meet with tutors over the summer. And yes, I read while I knit. I use a book weight to hold the pages open.

As usual, I have many sweaters on the needles. I am hoping fall will bring many finished objects. Can you believe it's only 4 months until Christmas?

Monday, August 17, 2009

Where in Colorado is Mountain Purl knitting?




Where did you knit in public this past weekend? This is where I was knitting yesterday. Devil's Head fire lookout is in the Pike National Forest at an elevation of 9,748 feet. We hiked up to Devil's Head yesterday afternoon. It was a beautiful day here in God's Country, perfect temperature for hiking. We had a little bit of rain, but mostly sprinkles. Gotta love Colorado!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

A Mile a Month

I've been thinking lately about how much I knit. Now, I know that there haven't been finished objects lately, but, I knit every day. Most of the knitting is doing a repeat on one project, then doing a repeat on another, and so on. So, there is progress, but not completion.

And, since I knit so much, I was wondering just how much I knit. And whether it would amount to a mile a month, twelve miles a year, or would it be more? When you look at it, a mile a month would be 5,280 feet of yarn a month, or 1,760 yards. Surely I knit that much. And if you wanted to knit at least twelve miles of yarn a year, it would be 63,360 feet or 21,180 yards. I think I knit a lot more than that!

So, I am going to keep track for 2009. But, I am only entering the yardage from COMPLETED projects. I counted it up. Right now I have only .49 mile of completed projects for 2009. That is pitiful!

I guess I had better get knitting!

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Sunday Musings....

It's August 2nd and I find that a little hard to believe. Because it's been three months since I retired but it doesn't feel like a quarter of the year has passed.

I have been busy. The boys and I have been together pretty much 24/7 since the last day of school on June 5th. And now, we meet with their new teachers on Wednesday and they go back to school on Friday. We have gone to the pool, and on many walks with the dog. We have been to Rockies games and have eaten out way to often. There were many baseball practices and baseball games, which all ended yesterday with the last games of the season. The oldest's team beat the only remaining undefeated team in the bottom of the last inning 10-9, and I'm proud to say he had 2 RBIs as part of that score. The youngest had his last hit sail into the outfield, and I was so happy for him. They ended up tying, but to 7 year olds, that's the same as a win!

We have been to some beautiful state parks this summer - Cherry Creek, Castlewood Canyon, Chatfield, Eldorado Canyon, Eleven Mile, Golden Gate Canyon, Mueller, Roxborough, and Spinney Mountain. Whether we will go to any more before Friday, I am not sure, but I had fun hiking with the boys and playing in streams and lakes.

Knitting. Well, I have knit, but I don't know if I have one FO to show for it. But that is okay. I bought myself some new tools, wonderful needles and books. I will have time to work on the projects that interest me the most. That is, if I get away from the time suck that is Ravelry. It's so easy to spend hours on the computer, and not knitting!

I also have started to spin. It's not perfect by any means, it's lumpy and bumpy, but it's getting better with each time I sit down at Bella. Bella, my wheel.

I also have a sock knitting machine that needs attention. And my new sewing machine that is still in it's box, yet to be unpacked.

But it's all okay, because I soon will have time. For me. Time to work out, time to read, knit or do whatever I want, even lay by the pool. Drive my new car. Because school starts Friday. I love my boys, but, oh boy August 7th! Who's counting the days?