Elf House for Santa Photos

 

If you read 1 post down - you will see that I went to The Cotuit Center for Arts on Sunday for a fund raiser.  We made holiday arrangements out of freshly cut greens.

On the property is this cute "elf" house.  I am not sure what they really call it, but it looks just like and elf house to me, so elf house it is!  I had to go peek inside and look what I found.

The perfect backdrop (clutter free) backdrop for family photos.  And a chair for Santa - he is coming - see the sign on his chair!  What a very nice idea of the Cotuit Center for Arts to have this display open on the day that we were there.

Greens Fest - Create Your Own Holiday Floral Arrangement

 

Look closely - these are 2 different arrangements. Aren't they adorable?  On Sunday I went to a fund raiser at Cotuit Center for Arts.  The absolutely beautiful building has cathedral ceilings, natural lighting, and lovely art on the walls. How could you not be excited to create something here!  Sorry - I don't have photos without other people in them, so won't post them here.  But, click on the link above and it will bring you to their website.

Either side of the room had long, empty tables for you to create your masterpiece(s).  Most people made very large arrangements - I go for the cutesy.  2 long tables had all sorts of containers that the organizer collected through-out the year.  Each container was filled with florist foam - already wet.  Some containers she ever spray painted, or otherwise jazzed up.  So, first stop was container.  The middle of the room had long tables with all sorts of freshly cut greens.  Lots of variety!  Then, the organizer had spray painted various pinecones or dipped them into glitter, glued Christmas balls onto straws, little ornaments onto shish-ka-bob sticks (spray painted dark green), fake flowers, glittery bits and pieces, bows, more ornaments, bare branches spray painted white, etc. Clippers were provided so you could cut your greenery to size.

Go to the middle tables - pick your stuff.  Go to your container and arrange.  Scrutinize.  Go back to middle tables and get more stuff.  Add some more.  Walk around and talk with everyone else and admire their arrangement.  Back to yours for any finishing touches.  Then - you could have your arrangement misted with floral spray to help it "keep" longer.  Keep in mind - mostly fresh greens, so they do need to be watered daily.

That was my fund raiser day on Sunday.  Very fun.  It is a clever idea for someone who is organized as a fund raiser.  I know she spent alot of time collecting everything - throughout the year.  You would be amazed at prices of baskets and containers at yard sales, thrift stores, etc.  Put out a message that you are collecting them and they appear on your doorstop.  Dollar Store decorations glued to sticks and straws.  Clippers.  LOTS of fresh greens.  Well - you get the idea.  I know it was very time consuming on the organizers part, but at the end - everyone was very happy with their arrangement and it was a good fund raiser for the Center. 

I went with my sister and she brought her own container - our 3 arrangements are pictured below.

Do you make your own arrangements?  My Mom always loved her beanpot - more so than the Christmas tree, I think.  In December she would fill it with freshly cut greens and put a little string of white lights on it.  And that was that - done!  Things don't have to be stressful!

Some Fall Knitting

I do not count rows when knitting socks. I knit the length of the needle and then divide in 1/2 to start the heel flap.

I like purple in the Fall. Tootsie wanted to be in the photo too!

I noticed that even the washcloth I just finished has purple in it too!

Tootsie and Lola prefer that I do not knit all so they can sit on my lap.

My little basket for car knitting while I am waiting. 1 pair of socks and a washcloth. All those little bits of time add up!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. 

Car Knitting

Yes, my son is a teen now...taller than me!  BUT...he is not quite old enough for a driver's license.  So, I try to keep my car knitting handy. I do not always knit while waiting. Sometimes I just rest, and that is ok! Maybe I will watch a You Tube video or color in one of my fancy coloring books, or journal. It depends on my mood and how long he will be.

Right now I am working on this beautiful cowl of deep cranberries mixed with teals and greens. It is so soft and squishy! There are only 12 more rows to go. The weather forecast is gray and drizzle, so maybe I will get to finish it this week if I bring it inside. Then I will have to put a different knitting project in the car. 

This cowl matches the fuzzy maroon jacket that I am wearing. I am also wearing a beautiful scarf from my sister-in-law, who is a very skilled knitter. When the natural lighting is better, this precious knitted gift deserves a few photos! I wore it often through chemo and it is still a firm favorite. It is May, but feels more like March here. I have not moved my cozy items from the front of the line yet!

Recovering from Stage 4 cancer

I am still here. Here is a photo of me last week. Took me forever to figure out my password when Blogger changed to Google sign ins and at the time I did not have a Google email. Cancelled phone numbers, forgotten passwords, a new device. I mean, we are talking almost 2 years here. It was just impossible to get back into the system. But I was finally successful tonight. Yay! Because I have missed you all. Big hugs.

It is ok. I had other things on my mind. Stage 3 cancer that went to Stage 4. I was not supposed to loose my hair on that 2nd round of chemo, but I did.

I got the "chemo cut" when my long hair started coming out in gobs.

Which went to this. 2nd round of chemo, which was Folfox in a lovely little port that never let me down from September 2017 to April 2018. Not so great in the winter because it makes you extremely sensitive to the cold. I mean, so bad you can not even bare eating ice cream. So it has been 1 year since chemo.

All selfies.

The radiation, chemo operation thing. Another emergency surgery. Infection. Liver failure due to strong antibiotics. 53 days in the hospital for round 1, no kidding.  Pretty much off internet/tv because the screens hurt my eyes. Besides, I do not want to read sympathy, or "how are you?" because I was sick. And I certainly did not to hear for me to go to India, stand on my head and drink yaks' milk for a sure cure.  Definitely off social media, which is how I forgot to get into everything at this time. Rectal cancer which is getting more and more common in younger ages. I have no more rectum, I am missing parts of my colon and a slice out of my lungs, but serious digestive issues, which makes me weak. I tire easily and it is hard to gain weight.

Less than a year later I have a Met to my lung. VAT surgery at Mass General, which was HARD to recover from. Fortunately, my son and I are now living with my sister and she has a stair master because she is an amputee. My niece flew in that summer to help with the taking care of, taxi driving and feeding of my son, so I can rest. I have lots of family support.

Seriously, I wish I would have known I would be so sick. I went to University full time for that semester and worked part time. And continued to loose weight at an alarming rate so by Thankgiving I was under 100 pounds and could not hold my head up at night. Who knew we had such heavy heads? But, I am finally coming back. Figuring out how to log into this account only proves it. I am so excited.

But, I am really here. I am coming back with the ups, the downs, precious moments in life. I have recorded so much and need to figure out YouTube. I have fun places I have gone, fun things I have made. Plans. I have so much to share!

But for now, I just wanted to say hi. I am leaving you with a fun picture of Irene and me walking the dogs,  Tootsie and Lola in October on an unusually nice day! Irene and her husband have been instrumental in my care while also helping me with my teenaged son. Send them some love! Xo  I am holding Toots and Irene has Lola.

Hand knit socks!

Hand knit boot socks (far left). Hand knit hiking socks (middle pair). Kroy yarn socks (4th pair in...purple stripes).

I am pretty sure all these socks were knit from sock yarn I buy at the grocery store in Austria. It is a bit thinner than Kroy and Regis.

Hand knit socks using 2 yarns to create stripes (far right pair). Left pair is Regis,  matching stripping yarn. I think the gray/red pair was Kroy yarn.

Can you believe I still do not have a computer? Blogging on my phone, typing with 1 finger just does not interest me. Sorry! But I am still here!

 A few weeks ago I was sorting through my hand knit socks and took the above photos. And now my phone is too fill of photos to let me edit, to rotate the photos. Oh well, turn your head sideways!  There are a few pairs not in the photos.  The pair with cream colored cuffs, my friend Ava knit for me. Yarns range from 4, 6 and 8 ply...mostly regular sock yarn. That 6 ply is great for hiking socks.

So, just a quick post to say hi to everyone! Stick with me...I hope to have a computer within a few months!

I hope you are all well and happy!

Secret Sock Knitting

On Monday I was at the hospital for blood work, etc. and the receptionist was apologetic that the wait would be long. First, you must stick around in the waiting room until your name is called for bloodwork. After your blood is drawn you can leave for an hour while the lab does their work. And then you need to come back and wait to see the DR.  I just plan for 3 hours and if I get out earlier it is a bonus.

The receptionist smiled when I smiled, said I did not mind...I had some new sock yarn with me and would knit! A little smile can go a long way. Certainly not her fault the wait was longer than usual. Who knows...maybe someone was sick who works in the lab. So...I cast on and knit away. After the blood draw, I moved out to the lobby, which is quite pleasant and got a cappuccino from the coffee machine. I also wandered around the little garden a bit and took in the fall landscape.

Lots of knitting this week because DR orders for lots of rest. My blood is still not all that great. I am good, energy wise for about 4 hours and then I need a big rest before my 2nd wind comes around. I really can NOT get sick and admitted to the hospital these next 2 weeks because my husband had his knee replaced on Thursday and will be in the hospital for about 10 days total.  Only 1 adult at a time can be down for the count around here! I have to go back on Monday and hopefully things will be a bit improved.

Anyway, I almost always cast on 60 because I have a narrow leg. Size 2.75mm needles...I can not find my favorite 2.25mm needles. Will have to order a pair, or 2 or 3! The mm sizes are a bit more finely tuned than US sizes because a US 2 seems to span 2.25mm-2.75mm. This is Regia Pair perfect yarn and as you can see...you get plenty of yarn! I knit an 8" cuff and knit 7.5" before starting a rounded toe. The "starter" yarn is yellow...you pull that until the color starts. Knit until the 2 narrow stripes and divide for heel.  Normally I knit a 6" cuff, but waiting for the color stripe it worked up to 8". When your sock is finished - keep pulling the yarn until you get to the next yellow starter. Then you get 2 socks that match perfectly.

Why do I say secret sock knitting? Because my son was appalled when I was sitting on the couch knitting away on a new sock, when I have my Drachenfels scarf coming along so nicely! So, I was "secretly " working on this sock when he was at school this week! 

Looking like this last time I took a photo. I did need both balls of all colors, but just a small bit of gray and not all that much of black. I know I will have blue left over too. All probably destined to become baby booties.

Podcast news! My son and I have been very silly playing around with the new tripod and video camera on my phone. We make ourselves laugh! I love taking photos, but I have never really been a video person. I always think videos take up too much space, I guess.  Last Sunday I did manage to get the ball rolling, out on my lovely, albeit  small balcony.

Except there is a bit of traffic noise that drowns me out. I thought maybe I did not need a little microphone, but maybe I do. There are good parts though, so either today or tomorrow or maybe even Tuesday since I need to be at the hospital on Monday and then I will be too tired to do anything else - I will re-record some of it, delete the poor sound quality bits and join it all together.  I may well be the only Podcaster who takes over 2 weeks to put together a simple video, but as my Mom used to say, " slow and steady wins the race".

On a final note...my Dad turned 89 this week. Here is a photo of us together when I was 16. I am a bit homesick because I never made it home this summer so it has been over a year. Although my sister Irene was here in February, which was nice.  My sister Sarah was planning on coming over these weeks, but she is sick and had to cancel her flights. Then there was talk if I should try making the trip these September days before my school starts, but I am still not well enough for international travel and it was a small window of time because of my husband's surgery. Maybe after Christmas day when my son and I both have vacation and he can come with me to help. So, we will see.

OK!  So, that all was a bit more than just my "secret" socks, but now that if is all typed...with 1 finger on my phone, I am NOT deleting it!

To see what everyone else has been knitting this week, click on THIS LINK    to go to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

Casting on for Drachenfels Shawl

Drachenfels Shawl Pattern

I wasn't sure what size needles to use because the pattern calls for sport weight yarn and I bought Superfein  (about sock weight, I would say). The yarn is Lana Grossa Cool Wool Baby Merino Superfein.  I bought it last week on Wednesday at Pingouin Wollboutique  in Vienna. What a charming little shop, just chock a block full! We even got a parking spot right out front. I am going back on Monday and am making a little wish list.

So, thinner yarn - bigger needles. The pattern calls for USA 6 (4mm) so I decided to swatch on USA (5 mm). That guage looked correct...I just did not care for the looseness. It is me. I think a tighter gauge looks more elegant.

4 mm (USA6). Just about 1 row too short...but it is a scarf, not a fitted sweater! Really, for a scarf,  I think that gauge is perfect! Mainly because I already have these needles. I like Susan Bates because the points are sharp. This is a funny pair in that 1 needle is pointier than the other. So, I made sure to set it up that the pointy needle would get the knitting the requires making extra stitches, etc. 

So, there you have it. I am using the recommended needles even though I am pretty sure my yarn is thinner. It is so light weight and drapey and SOFT!

After only about 6 inches, I really thought the edge would have a tight curl. I don't mind 6" on each side curling, but this scarf is going to be about 83" (210cm). So, I started added a yarn over after the first stitch and dropping it on the way back. Also, give that 1st stitch a little slack.

I added stitch markers at the end to remind me - hey! You need to do something here! It is such an easy knit, knit, knit pattern that my brain forgets to remind me there is a change. Hence the stitch marker.

Swatch on Saturday. Cast on Sunday. Today is Wednesday and this is how far I am now. So, it is a pretty quick knit so far.

I have a little balcony...just love it!  It has been unusually hot in Graz, so it is nice to be able to come outside and catch a breeze.

I set up an Instagram page today to show photos. I am not really into technology, but want to try doing some Podcasts, so thought an Instagram accounxt would be needed. I am Scrappyhappystarfishy. My 13 year old son spent a few happy hours on Amazon this week and ordered me a simple tripod and a few other gadgets to get me going. So, it is something we are currently working on together. Hopefully everything will arrive in a few days and we can give it a go!

Note: Not sure, but maybe my Instagram name is Starfishyknits? I tried to change it and it looks like it changed in one field, but not the other. Not really sure how it all works. Maybe I have to delete and start over?!

And...a photo of an old car we saw downtown today.

To see what everyone else is knitting this week, head on over to Judy's Blog!

Knitting Socks

Slightly thicker sock yarn. Cast on 60 with USA size 3 needles and then switched to USA size 2 needles at the first row. I like using the bigger needle to start...easier to pick up that 1st row and keeps it from drawing up. Anyway, perfect socks for hiking shoes, rain or snow boots. I prefer thinner socks for my everyday walking shoes. Always good to have options and a variety!

The stripes match! Just the last wee bit of 1 toe has 1 row of blue at the end.

Lots of yarn left over! I like to make baby booties with left over sock yarn, but lately I have been thinking about starting one of those scrappy sock yarn blankets.

And a sneak peak at my next project...not socks! Drachenfels shawl! The blue is variagated. I bought 2 balls of each color.  I am so looking forward to casting on tomorrow... but first I really felt like I had to motivate myself to finish the socks since they were so close to being done.  Drachenfels pattern link here!  A Raveley group JUST had a Knit Along on this all month. It ends in a few days. I think it is a fun pattern for a KAL.

I took this knitting selfie this morning... I just knew if I cast on Drachenfels this poor, almost finished sock would languish. So, I knit off and on, here and there today and finished it up. I mean really,  I was almost to the toe decreases and you know how fast the rows go clicking by once you start decreasing. And I still kept putting it down for 1 reason or another!

Like to see what everyone else is knitting? Go visit JUDY'S BLOG!

It was hot tonight. This is what I made for dinner. A mixture of arugula, macaroni, stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, sautéed garlic, fresh basil, mozerella cheese balls, parmesian cheese... yummy. My grandpa grew lots of tomatoes and this time of year my Nana often made something simular. She skipped the salad, added more cheese, topped with bread crumbs and baked.  So, different, but still reminds me of my dear, sweet Nana cooking away in her old fashioned farm kitchen...complete with a 12 burner cast iron cook stove.

Bees on my balcony

I live on the 6th floor. The bees like my flower boxes. Mostly I have herbs and let some flower so the bees have food too. I have enough to share! They are so busy - way up here above the street.

My son likes cacti and several have had flowers throughout the summer.

But I know the season of summer flowers is drawing to a close. Mother Nature's calendar told me so the other day. The hibiscus are in bloom and they are some of the last flowers to make an appearance every summer. Worth the wait...but when you see them - you know fall is right around the corner.

Cast on new socks

I cast on new socks. You knew I would, right? It is 6 ply so slightly thicker than the sock yarn I usually use. But the yarn is soft and lovely and I am really enjoying it. Steinbach Wolle Aktiv Proto 6-Fach. I think they probably will be perfect for wearing around the house in the winter or with rain or winter boots. Maybe a bit too thick with my normal shoes...which in the interest of comfort are usually good quality running sneakers.

Usually I cast on and do the rib. Next time I knit - down to the heel if I have time or the attention span. The heel AND heel turn always together...otherwise I forget about the turn and try to pick up the gusset stitches.  Goof ball!  How many pairs of socks have I knit? Gusset in 1 sitting. Then it is just simple knitting to the toe. So...now I am at the simple foot knitting...maybe tomorrow.

I had a little bird get into the house yesterday. I opened more windows and happily he found his way out after a few attempts. He is small so you have to look closely.

Mostly I have been watching the Olympics. The coverage in Austria has been really good with lots of events. Entertaining and I can knit at the same time. Or I have been napping. One nice thing about being home from the hospital is uninterrupted sleep. My husband has been doing a good job cooking...I only have to get myself to the table. Not that I have a huge appetite, but he is trying to come up with a variety of tempting entrees. Slowly starting to feel better, so thank you for all the well wishes.