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January 31, 2008

B is for Breakfast

One of my goals for this year is to eat better. I'd like to lose weight and I'd like to exercise more but the bottom line is I need to eat better. And the more I read about eating better the more I read that people who do eat better (how many times can I use that phrase in the first paragraph of this post?) eat breakfast. Every day.

Now, I love breakfast. I love it on Saturday and Sunday mornings and I love it to consist of eggs and pancakes and bacon and sausage and hash browns and toast and baked beans. Yes indeed all of that at once, please. Howsomever, I don't think that's what the people who advocate eating better and eating breakfast actually have in mind. Something tells me if I ate that every morning I probably wouldn't lose any weigh. Heh.

Nevertheless, I'm here to tell you that I have eaten breakfast every morning for the past 27 days. I haven't eaten breakfast that many days in a row since the 6th grade, I think. But I'm doing it. And I like it.

Some mornings I have cereal with banana along with wheat toast and peanut butter.

And some mornings I have a one egg omelet with a low cal English muffin.

And other mornings I have oatmeal with almonds and craisins and that piece of wheat toast with peanut butter again.

Variety is the spice of breakfast, apparently. So, there you have it. B is for Breakfast. Every morning. I think I'm eating better, kids.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (61)

January 30, 2008

Sock Madness Stealth

Thank you all so very much for your kind comments on my blogiversary yesterday. I loved reading them and I'm glad that you all like the new look for the blog, too. Or maybe you just all want chocolate. Either way, I'm a happy blogger.

I wish I could show you the knitting I've been doing but I can't. You see, I have to be all stealth about it because I'm test knitting some patterns for Sock Madness 2. You remember Sock Madness, right? Well this year I'm hosting with Hillary (sounds like a show on the Food Network, doesn't it?) instead of participating and right now we are deep in the throes of planning for this year's competition. We had a great phone conversation last night and talked about everything from work, family and blogging to knitting, spinning and how we're both not phone people. Believe it or not, we even managed to sort out some details about Sock Madness. Sign ups are right around the corner so keep your eye on the Sock Madness blog for details!

In the meantime I've been test knitting sock patterns. So far I've had one unsuccessful pattern but two successful ones. I just can't show them to you because Sock Madness patterns are a big secret. Well, maybe I can give you a teeny tiny peek.

How's that?

Posted by Carole at 7:05 AM | Comments (43)

January 29, 2008

Three Years

Three years ago today I started this blog and I'm so glad I did. I've met people and traveled places and learned things that I never would have otherwise. I've expanded my horizons, jumped on bandwagons and spent my disposable income on yarn, spinning wheels and photography equipment. I've happily responded to thousands of comments. I've gained readers and lost readers and gained them again. Writing and maintaining this blog has been a blessing and a joy and I'm thankful every day for this community. Yes, I mean YOU.

So, in the spirit of my blog-versary, it's time to give back. First, there's a new look to Carole Knits. I loved my old look and you can see that I haven't changed all that much but it was still time for a bit of a change. Do you like it?

Second, it wouldn't be a decent blog-versary without a contest. So, you know the drill. Leave me a comment on this post and I'll enter you into a drawing. Since you all have plenty of yarn, I thought it would be fun to mix things up a bit and offer a different sort of prize. Instead of yarn, I'm going to offer the next best thing: chocolate. In the form of brownies. From here. They're really good, just ask Margene.

To summarize for all you skimmers:

1. It's my blog-versary and the blog has a bit of a new look
2. Leave me a comment on this post by Friday at 8pm EST
3. I will send brownies to one random winner
4. That is all.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (187)

January 28, 2008

Preppy Socks

Remember the yarn I won in Scout's preppy contest? I turned it into some socks. They are very pretty and of course, very preppy, too.

I finished sock two on the plane last weekend. I though it would be fun to do a photo shoot in Florida but it was too damn hot to put them on. I did manage to photograph them last Sunday while we were there. They were languishing on a cactus in Brant and Heather's back yard.

Warm and scenic. Sigh.

Fast forward to this Sunday. I photographed them in my backyard.

Cold and snowy. Ugh.

Oh well. If I lived in the land of the cactus I'd have no need for beautiful socks like these. On a day like today, though, that's small consolation.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (40)

January 25, 2008

Eye Candy Friday

Sunset over Venice Beach, Florida. You saw this coming, right?

Enjoy your weekend.

Posted by Carole at 6:50 AM | Comments (21)

January 24, 2008

Travelogue

A 4 day trip is such a whirlwind that it seemed like we said goodbye almost immediately after we said hello. Nevertheless, we managed to cram in a lot of fun, a lot of visiting and even some sightseeing. I'll give you the highlights here and if you want to see all the pictures I took be sure to visit my flickr page.

On Sunday we went to a nature preserve near Brant and Heather's house. It was pretty chilly but I shot some great bird photos and also this picture of Ambrynn. It's my favorite of all the pictures I took.

Monday was warm and sunny and we headed to Venice Beach. We spent the afternoon playing on the beach.

Walking on the beach.

And watching the pelicans.

When we got hungry we headed to Sharky's for dinner. I tell you something I really like about this restaurant. When you can't decide which frozen concoction you want to try they bring you a sample of all five of them. Great idea!

We only had a limited of time on Tuesday but we managed to squeeze in a visit to a yarn shop in Punta Gorda. It happened to be very close to one of Ambrynn's favorite playgrounds so we went there and watched her play for a while.

All too soon it was time to head to the airport and come home. We've got great memories, though, and it's nice to be able to have actually seen where the kids are living, you know? I'd be lying if I said we weren't still concerned about them but we're parents so we're always going to be concerned.

Bottom line? I'm already plotting and planning for our next trip.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (50)

January 23, 2008

And We're Back

We got home late last night from our trip. The weather was mostly beautiful and it was great to hang out with the kids for a few days. I'll have a more detailed post for you tomorrow but for now, how's this?

Yeah. It wasn't too hard to take.

Posted by Carole at 11:33 AM | Comments (29)

January 18, 2008

Eye Candy Friday

Pine trees in the snow are pretty but palm trees in the sand are infinitely better. I'm just saying.

Please send vibes for safe travel and sunny weather! See you next Wednesday.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (37)

January 17, 2008

A is for Ambrynn

When I did the 2006 ABC Along I had a rule that I wouldn't use any people for my letter posts. This time around, though, things are going to be different. I mean, really, how could I not choose my beautiful little granddaughter to represent the letter A in my life?

This little angel stole my heart from the first time I saw her (you can read about that here, if you'd like) and I miss her desperately now that she has moved to Florida with her mom and dad. She's 2 1/2 and time is passing too quickly. Her father tells us that she has developed quite a stubborn streak and the terrible twos have arrived in full force. But I'm her nana and it's hard for me to imagine her as being anything other than sweet and lovable.

Soon, though, I won't have to imagine at all. You see, A is also for Airplane and on Saturday Dale and I will be boarding an airplane and flying to Florida for a little visit.

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Turns out A is also for Anticipation.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (49)

January 16, 2008

Walk With Me Wednesday

I didn't take this walk on a Wednesday but I've got nothing else for today so you'll just have to pretend, okay?

It was just your standard "walk down back" with Dale and Dixie but the new camera made it way more fun.

There are some shots of my sister-in-law's garden, the road we walk, frozen puddles and ice along the river.

Finally, just for Sandy, a Haiku.

Walk to the river
Fancy camera in hand
Endless photo ops

Posted by Carole at 6:55 AM | Comments (23)

January 15, 2008

S Day

I haven’t even posted my letter A for the ABC Along but yesterday was all about the letter S.

There was snow.

And seaming a sweater.

And a Siamese cat.

I finished the sweater in spite of Mason’s “help” but you’ll have to wait for the shots of Patrick wearing it until I can get the little guy over here in the daylight.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (32)

January 14, 2008

Spinning the Weekend Away

I know that many of you look forward to my Monday posts because I often have stories about exciting stuff I did over the weekend. Well, I hate to disappoint, but if you're here for one of those type of posts, you're in the wrong place. My weekend was very pleasant but it was far from exciting.

There was plenty of time for hanging around the house, grocery shopping, visiting friends and, of course, knitting and spinning. I suppose it could be considered dull but after the whirlwind of the holidays it was actually very nice to have a commitment free weekend. Doesn't make for a lot of blog fodder, though, you know?

To redeem myself and entertain you I took some pictures of the spinning I've been doing for NaSpiMoMo.

It may not be all that exciting but at least it's pretty.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

January 11, 2008

Eye Candy Friday

Another picture from our afternoon in Plymouth last week. The grass is pretty but I'll be much happier when it's green again.

Enjoy your weekend.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (17)

January 10, 2008

Debbie's Quilt

When my dear friend Debbie was killed last summer she was working on a quilt. No surprise there, as she was just about always working on a quilt. However, this quilt was for her son and Debbie's husband asked if Sharon, Lois, Wendy and I would finish it. We agreed, knowing it might be painful at times but also knowing that Debbie would have wanted us to do this.

Debbie had the center squares all pieced and sewn together so we just had to decide on the border and do the final quilting and binding. Lois really pushed us to get it finished, I think she felt the burden of it the most, maybe because it was "living" at her house.

I would have been happy to ignore it for a good long time as facing that quilt was just a little too much like facing my grief. But I was dragged through the process by my friends and now it's done.

If you know any quilt folklore then you know that the red in the center of a log cabin block represents the hearth or the heart of the home. Since Debbie's death I have realized that she was truly the heart of our little group so it seems fitting that this last quilt is a Log Cabin design.

The fabric for the piano keys border came from all of our stashes so this quilt is truly a combination of all of us -- our efforts, our fabric, our time and our love.

It's a legacy and an heirloom and completing it is one more act of friendship towards Debbie. I guess it was a gift for all of us, too.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (76)

January 9, 2008

Christmas Light Socks

Behold my first pair of socks 2008.

Aren't they cheerful?

The yarn is Sophie's Toes and the color is called "Christmas Lights" and that's just what they look like to me.

Of course, the real Christmas Lights are all put away for the year but these socks will be a sweet reminder of the season until it comes around again.

Posted by Carole at 5:40 AM | Comments (45)

January 8, 2008

Juno Regina

That red coat I mentioned in yesterday's post? I also needed a scarf to wear with it. When I saw Miriam's Juno Regina pattern I knew it was just the thing.

The yarn, ironically enough, is some lace weight that Miriam herself dyed for me last winter. So, both the yarn and the pattern come from the same brilliant designer.

It's nice that she's also my friend.

I love the way the colors swirl and move throughout the length of the scarf. Speaking of the length, it's only about 1/2 the length of the original design. I wanted it shorter so it would be just a simple neck wrap.

Light as a feather but very warm and beautiful.

It's like getting a hug from Miriam every time I wear it.

Posted by Carole at 6:40 AM | Comments (48)

January 7, 2008

Calorimetry

It seems like everyone is talking about diet and exercise these days, myself included. It's that time of year, after all. So let me put it right out: My intention this year is to make physical changes, to get off my butt and get moving, to feel better about myself and the way I look. To that end I've started Weight Watchers online again, I've changed my YMCA membership to a family one so that Dale can go with me, and I've joined the Ravelry group lessw8 in 08.

I'm seeking chemical reactions and physical changes. A calorimetry of the mind, body and spirit, if you will.

Speaking of Calorimetry (nice segue, huh?) I finished two in the week leading up to Christmas. Both are for me, selfish little knitter that I am.

The gray one goes with my charcoal gray coat. The yarn is di.Ve' Teseo and the striping effect is very cool. I cast on 100 stitches and knit until it was about 4 inches wide.

And the brown one goes with my red coat. The yarn is Karabella Boise and it is soft, soft, soft. I again cast on 100 stitches but knit until it this one was only about 3 inches wide.

I'm not a big wearer of hats as I like to avoid "hat head" at all costs. However, sometimes it's just too cold to go without some sort of head covering and I think these two little headbands will see me through the rest of this winter just fine.

Especially if today's predicted highs of 57º stick around.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (48)

January 4, 2008

Eye Candy Friday

In an effort to learn more about my new camera, we made a trip to Plymouth last weekend. I took a lot of photos but this one, with my new telephoto lens, is probably my favorite.

Have a wonderful first weekend of 2008!

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (35)

January 3, 2008

Recipe Box Redux

I posted about finding my mother's recipe box back in 2006 for "R" of the ABC Along. But I'm not adverse to showing it again in the interest of entering a contest over at Mason Dixon Knitting.

It's not the prettiest box in the world but it's got a certain vintage appeal about it.

The recipes, of course, are the important part. When I originally posted about my mother's recipe box I know I mentioned the Sour Cream Coffee Cake but I never actually shared the recipe. Until now, anyway.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream to butter and sugar then add sifted dry ingredients.

Prepare nut topping as follows:
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar

Pour 1/2 batter into greased tube pan and sprinkle 1/2 nut mixture on top. Add remaining batter and top with remaining nut mixture. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes.

This truly is the most moist, most delicious, most wonderful coffee cake I've ever had. I hope you all enjoy it, too.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (33)

January 2, 2008

Public Service Announcement

The holiday merry making is over and now it's back to work. Ugh. I do have two things to tell you about that might help you start your new year off right, though. They are fun things that you and I can do together.

First there is NaSpiMoMo. This is the brain child of Margene, although I did make the button and I'm helping her administer the Ravelry group. (Speaking of the button, I used a photo that Maryse took of my wheel as the background. I want to take photos just like Maryse when I grow up.) Anyway, the idea behind NaSpiMoMo is to spin as much as you can in January. That's it. No rules, no contests, no give aways, just spinning. You can't go wrong with that! I hope you'll join us.

Second there is the ABC Along 2008. It's back and it's all thanks to Vicki. If you missed this in 2006 now is your chance to join up. To quote directly from the Ravelry group, "Members in this year-long group . . . post a photo to their blog and/or the Flickr group every two weeks to correspond with a letter of the alphabet. Photos can be related to fiber, but do not have to be; they should reflect the personality of the photographer, and something of importance or meaning to them. Post at least one photo in each 2-week period to match the corresponding letter of the alphabet."

Don't those two groups sound like fun? And we could all use a little fun to get us through the bleak midwinter!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (26)

January 1, 2008

Reflections on Knitting, 2007

Happy New Year, everyone! It's become a tradition for me to post about my finished knits and my upcoming goals for the New Year on January 1st. And you know how I am about tradition so you won't be surprised to see me doing this again this year, will you?

First, my stats for 2007:

24 pairs of socks
10 pairs mitts/mittens
9 hats/headcoverings
4 shawls
3 scarves
3 baby accessory items
3 sweaters/vests
3 dishcloths
1 felted bag

That's 60 knitted items in 200, three more than I finished in 2006!

Now that we've seen what I actually did, let's take a look at what I said I would do.

Goals for 2007:

1. Knit 20 pairs of socks. I knit 18 this year without even trying. I think I can do 20. done and then some
2. Knit a Nancy Bush sock pattern. It's hard to believe, with all the Nancy Bush books I have, that I've yet to actually knit one of her sock patterns. This will be the year. I had actually already done this and didn't realize it.
3. Overcome my fear of cables by knitting myself a cabled sweater. again, done and then some
4. Knit a pair of mittens from the book Folk Mittens. done but not exactly. I knit mittens from the Selbuvotter book instead but since my point was to knit stranded mittens then I think I can call this goal done.
5. Knit that cabled vest for Dale. I'll give this one more shot but if I don't do it this year, it's coming off the list. done

Goals for 2008

1. Knit another pair of stranded mittens.
2. Knit a sweater for me.
3. Expand my sock knitting techniques. I think it's time to try toe up, short row heels and short row toes. Just to say I can.

My goal list is shorter this year and I'm not sure what that means. Maybe it's time to push myself even harder or maybe I'm just happy with my knitting skillz as they are. Whatever the case, I'm sure it will be a year full of wonderful knitting.

How about you? What are your knitting goals for 2007?

Posted by Carole at 8:40 AM | Comments (39)