I spent Chritmas Day going to my brother's house and then my sister's house. I ended up staying at Lynn's for Christmas dinner. It was great to see them and visit. It's been awhile since I have seen everyone and i especially miss the kids...Here's a pic with my nephew, Kyle and I.

Today we had a delay because of more snow we received overnight. It wasn't oo much accumulation, but it was messy. Five of my students did not show up. We spent the day catching up on things. Tomorrow will be more of the same. It's a waste being in school these two days....

On the jewerly front, I've made some new pieces. Some were gifts for friends. Some I just made, maybe will sell at some point. Just kinda making them for now. I like being creative that way and it's a break from crochet.

On the crochet front, I am working on sweaters for Joan. They wil be baby yellow. It's a pattern I have not done before and the yarn is kind of a pain. It splits with the small hook.

I am also working on the SSP gift that I did not finish. My SSP will be getting another box from me....

Some more cleaning today and the apartment almost feels livable. I still have to tackle the kitchen, a real top to bottom clean and the bathroom. I'm gonna wait until vacation to do those. Maybe practice the Chinese tradition of having a clean house to welcome the new year!

I took a picture of all the squares I have received so far for my ville ghan. Some I received from the Sky ladies and a few were ROAK gifts.

I got ELF'd yesterday! Krazy Elf from England sent me a package with my first crocheted snowflakes, a square for my ghan and afun pen. Pretty cool! I was also elf'd from Australia, a cool teacher plaque that I'm taking to school. I recieved two other packages. ROAK's and ELF's are so fun! Especially this year, as we are not buying for each other. So these are pretty much my gifts this year. I'll get a few things from work. I got my SSP package yesterday, too. That was awesome. Can't post a pic of it yet, but really happy with it!

Decorating the Tree

The tree is a big issue every year. We usually have a big fight over it, not this year. Today I finally decorated it. I had to buy new lights, so I had bought 4 boxes, however when I got home I realized I only had 3 boxes of white and one of colored. We usually only do white. Larry liked the colored. Well with the snow storm yesterday I could not go and get more lights. Today when decorating, I ran out of them. So I trudged down the street to Walgreens and bought some more. It was quite a walk, as you can see by the pictures, the roads are pretty yucky. Larry has been sick all week, so he spent the day in bed. he just got up. I cleaned the living room and decorated the tree and put up my Santas. Whew! I have alot of Santas. I didn't even take out many of the the statue ones, just the standing ones and of course the ornament ones. Anyhow this is how it looks right now and I am beat. Ready to sit and veg for awhile...

Black Friday in NYC

Yesterday I went to NYC. Our district provides a free bus for employees. I went last year and it was alot of fun, it'e early, but alot of fun.

Really if things had turned out differently, I might be living in NY. I love the city. My dad was born and raised there and my aunt lived in Brooklyn until about 10 years ago. She and my uncle retired to Florida. Every Thanksgiving, until I was in high school, we spent it at my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bill's house in Brooklyn. We went to the Macy's Day Parade. They are actually some of my favorite childhood memories. It's sad now to go to the city and not see them. I haven't seen them since they moved.

I had a great time. Danae and Dave went and I hung out with them for a bit. We got into the city about 9:00 and were dropped off at Rockfeller Center. I forgot to take a pic of the tree. We had a quick bite at McDonald's. Then we walked around Bryant Park. Then they decided to go to Canal St and I was on a search for the Lion Brand Store. We took the same train to 14th Street where I got off. I found the store on 15th Street. It's a cute store, but have the same yarns I can get here and were a bit more pricier. They were very friendly there. I bought 2 chocolate hooks, though. One for me and one for my Snarky SP.

Then I realized I was close to Knit NY on East 14th Street, so headed that way. It was a very "boutique" yarn store and I did not find it very friendly. They had some nice yarn, but nothing I haven't seen before from some of the LYS's up here. They did have some Misti Alpaca which I LOVE! But did not buy...

Then I went down to Canal Street. I wanted to get a few things for some people on the 'Ville. I wandered around a bit and found myself, I believe in the garment district. Ran across a shop called PS Fabrics. It advertised yarn, so I went in. I bought 4 skeins of a chunky wool and 2 skeins of silk bamboo. Bamboo is one of my favorite fibers to work with.

I eventually ended up on Chambers Street. I spotted a cool place to eat and went into The Soda Shop http://www.sodashopnewyork.com/Home.html. It was a great little place. I did end up moving though, since a larger group came in right behind me, so I was asked if I could move to a smaller table. No problem. I had a chicken ceasar wrap and it was really good. I loved that place and will probably go back. I did take pics of my meal, like Joe Mallozzi. They didn't come out great though. I also had some pumpkin ice cream. It was yummy.

Then I made my way to Seaport Yarns. They had moved and were now on Broadway. They were still in a business building, which is kinda weird, on the fifth floor. But they were the friendliest yarn place I visited. Next year, I will definetely go back. Andrea the owner even offered me the bathroom before I left and gave me directions to get back to 8th Avenue.

I took a detour over to see Ground Zero, I had been there in 2003. Can't really see much of it, as there is a high fence up with tarps on it. Before I went to Seaport Yarns I did stop at St. Pauls' Chapel. http://www.saintpaulschapel.org/ They have a very moving exhibit up of September 11 and the aftermath. I lit a candle for Billy there.

Then I made my way up to 8th Avenue and hung around, shopped a bit. Found a Fossil store and bought a new watch. It's crocheted!!! Had to get it! Got a Peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks and people watched until the bus picked us up.

It was a very fun day!

Well while perusing Ashley's blog and reading about Jack, she happened to mention a quilt giveaway. Here at http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2008/11/feeling-lucky.html Camille is giving away a quilt, but it ends today...

So today I met Shelly aka Super Granny from Crochetville. She was visiting her daughter near NYC and we met halfway in Danbury. It was a really nice visit and I was so excited to finally meet one of my "Yarners" as DH calls them. We took a pic by the carousel before she left to drive back to NY. It was a good afternoon. After that I stopped by the LYS in Bethel. This was my first time I had been, as it is very far away. It was a nice store, smaller than the couple I go to up here. They were very pleasant and did not seem "crochet unfriendly" I have not picked up my hook all week as it has been conference time. i've been working on correcting papers and finishing report cards. I have 7 more to finish for my conferences on Tuesday. I will do some correcting tomorrow....

Last couple of things I have finished. First I made Lia a hat and scarf set. I felt bad that the ghost didn't fit her and she was so excited about it. Ryan said she LOVED it and fell asleep with the scarf wrapped around her head. I also finally finished the Coco Bay scarf. It is a Doris Chan design and I love it. It needs to be blocked. It's very springy...

Got a pic of Aiden in with his Glow in the Dark scarf and hat set. He's got a black eye that his puppy Phoenix gave him the other day. He seemed to like it....

Went to vote this morning, was pretty quick. Guess I hit it at a good time. Went to Supernatural for lunch.....

Was gonna go to school to work in my classroom, but woke up with a bad sinus headache. So just vegging at home. Will do some correcting and crocheting today...

So these are the latest projects I completed. One is a sweater for Jenn's chi, Tony. It is made with red Heart Mexicana. It is my own design. The scarf and hat set are for Aiden and are made with Bernat Glow in the Dark yarn and another Bernat yarn. Last is the ami bear that I made my swap partner Charity. I think it's darn cute! Off to bed..

Tonight I am working on Jenn's dog sweater for Tony. I am also working on Aiden's glow in the dark scarf. I have the hat finished...Let's see what has been worked on since the last time I posted...I am sewing together the panels of my games ghan, somehow the varigated aren't as long as the aran, so I have to add rows to them. That's gonna take awhile....

Hmm didn't work?

http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/BalooBeeper/NY%20Sheep%20Festival/?action=view¤t=79168121.pbw
Let's see if this works, this is a link to the slideshow..

Well, I know not too many people read this, but I am going to try to keep it up more...Today I worked on my games ghan from the Ville. They sponsored a Greek Games during the time of the Olympics. I knew that making a full sized ghan would be a challenge for me and I still have not finished it....I love the yarn I chose which is "I Love This Yarn" in cranberry ombre. I am almost done with the last panel and then have to sew together and border. I am also working on a Glow in the Dark hat and scarf for Aiden, cuz I still owe him that dino blanket....Also the ghosty costume did not fit Lia, so I'll have to maker her something, too. Thinking of a hat and scarf trimmed in purple boa yarn. Jenn commisioned me to make a sweater for Tony and I'll make a matching vest for Amaya....Lots on my plate. Last weekend I went to the NY Fiber Festival with some Knit Wits from the library...got some lovely yarn..had a wonderful time and made a video at photobucket, gonna see about uploading it here...

Wow, it's been awhile..think I'm just gonna add some pics of what I've worked on lately....

This is the latest objects I finished. The pattern is from Creepy Cute Crochet. I saw them and knew that Jennifer would love them. So I made them for her birthday and dropped them off Saturday before I went to Danae's pig roast. She did love them. These will not be the only patterns I make out of the book. They were quick and easy to make. I want to do the Day of the Dead couple also, one set for me and one set for another friend named Jennifer....

Off the crochet topic, my birthday was last Sunday - turned the big 40. Deidre, Keira, Peg and Jenn took me out to The Texas Roadhouse and of course I had to ride the saddle and shout "Yee-haw!"

Some recent projects I finished. Joan asked me to make her a blanket, like I had made for RJ, Ryan's son. It took me awhile to compelte it. I also tested some designs from Crochetville. The Magick Fairy came out very cute, although I am not happy with the mouth. I gave this to Makayla for her first birthday. I also quickly whipped up a halter top for her the day before. I'll post than pic, too. The Farmer Bear was another test pattern. He came out adorable! One of the easiest patterns I have ever followed. I gave the Farmer Bear to Jack for his first birthday. The seal and Koala, I made for Kristi's toy drive at the ville. I am also sending her the frogs that I tested for LeeAnn. She is now selling that pattern, but I don't have the link yet...

It's been awhile! Today I got Elf'd at the 'ville. I actually know the sender, but it was such a nice package.

Love the bowl, have to decide where to put it. DH liked his hot sauces, first time he has been gifted.

I am also in the Summer Secret Pals, but I figured out who my pal was - the Shrone....It's been alot of fun and I've gotten some cool things from her....

I also have been doing some testing. I testes The Magik Fairy. I think she came out beautifully.

This is her front and back. I'm still new to embroidery, so not really happy with the mouth. I am working on a bear right now...

Finished Keira's wrap today. It is a dark picture, as was not the best picture taking time. I really like how it turned out. I hope she will like it, too.

No pics today. Went shopping for some yarn for 3 projects. I had a couple coupons and a couple gift cards. Gonna test a Magik Fairy doll, and make two Caron wraps.

Gonna start some socks tonight and see how I do....

I have a ton of projects to work on....

Today I made some more motifs for the Sunrise, Sunset afghan. Larry suggested using different colors instead of the two green in the pattern. I really like how it looks. The pattern is really simple. I also packed away in 2 - 105 gallon totes most of the yarn I have acquired in the past couple of weeks. Need to stop myself, cuz it's alot!

I also received a second package from Wizzy my UKSP, who I guessed was Lori, the Shrone. Some fun stuff in there: 2 gorgeous doilies, whish I can't make, lots of fantastic postcards, a couple of journals (which are great, cuz I'm always buying them), a grow a monkey, a cute plush bear with 2 outfits and some wonderful smelling vanilla body wash.......

I love her doilies and I actually have another one of hers, that I won from the last Secret Pal swap. I'll have to take a pic of it, it's a lovely lavendar one.

It's been awhile. I was very busy with school the past couple of weeks. Finally out for summer vacation. Just updating some of the things I've been working on. One of the teachers at school found out he is having quads, so I've started making sweater sets and have 2 done. I did make the hats for the other two sweaters, too. I also made a Seraphina shawl for my mom for Mother's Day in Joanne's Rainbow Boucle Berries. I was a pattern tester for LeAnna in Germany for the two frogs. I love them! I call them my Christmas frogs cuz of the colors. I also made Ryan's son a baseball round ripple. The RR is not my pattern, but the idea of the baseballs was. Joan has asked me to make one for her son. Now I am cleaning out my yarn/computer/spare room. I have bought a ton of yarn in the past couple of weeks. Lots for amigurami (animals) cuz I'm liking making those.