Hattie Mae Knits

Grateful For The Day

2012-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Its just amazing to me that the month of January is coming to an end. When I look back at the beginning of the year I really have to reflect on "Hows this New Year Working for Ya, Tammie?".
So far, so good. The twins turned 18, Luke finally got his drivers license! John ( my oldest) is still working at his 2 day a week job and hasn't complained once about riding his bike at 11pm and coming home at 4am in the freezing driving rain. We fondly refer to is as "Johns Boot Camp 101". My middle son is living life and loving it with the "Girl of his Dreams", his term. She's sweet, we just have to slow the freight train of love down every once in a while. As in" No your too young to think about marriage!"
Yep! There is never a dull moment in the Lindsey household.
I have finally found a job that I believe I will work at until I am ready to retire from the world of teeth!!! Thats a mouth full! No pun intended, since that whole industry is not for the faint of heart.
I have to remind myself daily to keep my "Gratefulness factor up", thats what I have always called it. Sometimes its not easy. The true test is to remind myself daily to keep being thankful for all I have. Some days I wake up and everything seems to be good in my world. By 9am I could be changing my mind about that. Depends on the other people that live in my world with me. Thats when I step back take a breath and say, "Ok here we go, how can we make this better and learn from it?" Thats where my faith comes in. By the end of the day, I can look back and say Thank you God, that wasn't so bad. We got through that. Now on to the next day!" THANK YOU GOD!

First Handspun Of 2012

2012-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Tide-Pool
Merino/Silk 2012

2011-12-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

PEACE

This was the Year 2011! I can hardly believe that we are looking at an end to it. 2011 started out with promise of a better year than 2010 for my family. My husband finally got a job after almost 3 years of unemployment. I finally got a permanent job after almost a year of working temp jobs here and there. My oldest son finally got a job and is working on saving enough money to move out and become his own person. WOW!!! What a year of transition for us.
My middle son is working towards having full time work and transitioning as an adult with Aspergers.
My twin sons, well... They are about to turn 18! They are both full of hope and dreams. On the cusp of graduating from high school and getting ready to spread their wings of independence.
Oh, to be that young again. They are both wanting to go into nursing. So they look and plan for college and think about where they want to go to school for 4 years. I gently talk to them about the financial reality of out of state tuition. I know that where ever they go to school they will do very well.
Through all this I need to relax and know that God will bring it all together in the end. I pray for peace in my heart to just let God take control. Its hard to be a control freak and let God do it all!
So I knit and spin..... This helps me re-focus.
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Happy New Year 2012! I ask you to be a good one for my family. As always I will start out with a positive attitude about you. Please forgive me if I get a bit grumpy in the middle of it, or have to say I hate you. You know that in the end I will always look back and realize that you have forced me to grow and change for the best. I know that I will have learned a few things along the way. See you in just a few short days 2012!!!!!

October is in Full Swing!

2011-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

My what was referred to as a shed, now it is "The Cottage"

October is here and it seems even though the weather has been warm and pleasant that the Oregon Fall is upon us.

My Bold New House Color! "Goose Bay"

I've accomplished the goal of being amongst the employed again! This time I believe that I have found the job I've been waiting for. Thank you Jesus! I have prayed for this. I've known this lady for the past 15 years. I've kept in touch over the years, just that the opportunity wasn't available to me to work for her. I feel so fortunate right now.
I'm working three days a week with a few four days a week here and there. I'm good with that!
Now I can settle down and enjoy my family and home with out worry. I haven't won the lottery, but the sense of relief of employment is amazing. My stress has reduced significantly.
This month my knitting project has been a cardigan that I will modify to have 3/4 length sleeves. I found the pattern on Raverly and have looked at it over the years. It's the "Tappan Zee Cardigan." I'm using Alpaca/Merino/Silk blend in the amazing colors from Textiles A Mano ( Laura ) beautiful dying. Her art form of dying is so wonderful. Not to mention the fiber itself is fantastic to work with. The yarn is called "Bonita".

Last I do have to say we painted the house! I'm so very happy with it! Yes, it's bright and No, I don't care what the neighbors think! hehehe! I feel like we have up lifted our souls when we drive into the drive way JOY!

Tappan Zee Cardigan, "Bonita" Alpaca/Merino/Silk

Fall? Really??

2011-09-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

It's Fall! Yes!? But its almost 100 degrees out! Whats up with Global Warming???
Ok well here in Eugene, its HOT! Good thing that I have air conditioning, so I can knit and spin at will.
I have been able to finish my shawl from the Mystery KAL of Stephen West, Earth & Sky. I used all of my hand-spun yarn. I used a mixture of Abstract Fibers Alpaca and Silk, Dicentra's fiber of merino and tussah and a beautiful braid of merino and silk blend from Laura at Textiles A Mano here in Eugene.

I'm really very happy with how it all turn out. I do have to say that I may be changing the bind off, as it's too tight and doesn't drape as I had hoped it would. Laura suggested I use the Orenburg Lace bind off which is designed to be very loose and drapey for a shawl.
I'm going to enjoy Fall. Seems that Summer took a very long time to come to us this year. I got a job, so I'm working 3 days a week for now. We are preparing to paint our house, so this will fill all the other days. I really hoped to have had more time before going back to work. However I have learned to follow what comes my way. This is where I will be for now.
My twins have just started their senior year in high school with hope of a shinning future on their minds. I sure wish I had that kind of energy again!
I really must say that I am starting Fall with peace in my heart, feel fear is far away. I'm happy with how my Summer has happened. Joy is all around me in all that I see and do. I thank my friends who are numerous and kind, for their support and love through all I do.
On to Fall we go!

July Has Gone! Oh My Its August!!

2011-08-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Slouchy Little Hat

Where on earth has the time gone!? I can't even believe that it's already August and my poor Blog has been ignored.
June and July just blew past me. June was cold and rainy here in Eugene and July wasn't looking much better until the last few weeks came to an end. It has taken way too long for Summer to find us in Eugene.
The sun has been amazing for about a week here. My strawberries and raspberries are finally starting to appear.

My New Jenkins Turkish Spindle & Mohair Locks

I have been spinning and knitting outside every day. In fact I have a chair that is in the perfect spot so I can see my little garden and watch the birds flitter around me. When I'm needing a knitting or spinning break I'm not worried about a rain cloud raining on my knitting or wheel. It just sits there all day long waiting for me to give it the attention it needs.
Oh how I love this feeling of endless Summer!

Spinning during the Tour<> Spinning Alpaca/Silk!!

Its finally Summer

2011-06-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Blue Skies and Sunny Days! Yes we finally have summer in the Pacific Northwest!
I'm enjoying spinning on my patio and knitting under a tree.
This weekend is the "Black Sheep Gathering" in Eugene. I can hardly wait for Friday. I plan to go over to the BSG and hang out with my Wheel and knitting.
I can smell the sheep now! The colors and smells are the most wonderful reason to be there.

June

2011-06-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

The last time I blogged was on Easter. Wow!
I'm so glad that I have my faith, at Easter it felt as if I had been through yet another journey. I had just been through yet another job, that was difficult and trying. I was questioning my career and feeling rather burned out.
Today I am back on the rolls of unemployment. Do I feel bad about that? No.... Not at all! In fact I am looking at this as a time to heal. I'm going to take the time to look at what really matters and what would be the best way to accomplish it!
Right now my goal: Spend way too much time with my family! They will get tired of seeing me and hearing from me. I love it! They will too, they just don't know it yet. I plan to clean out a few rooms so I can paint and clean the carpets. Think I'll even have a big garage sale.
Will my family get tired of me hanging around? I hope so.

Pacific Northwest Shawl, Yarn from Textiles A Mano, "Lanita"
Oh, did I say there will be Knitting and Spinning as well :>)

Pacific Northwest Shawl ( Textiles A Mano yarn "Lanita") & Larch Shawl (Crazy Zauberball)

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

"Jesus Christ is Risen today.... Alleluia, Alleluia!!!!! " Oh how I love that song! It make me cry every time I sing it !
Just the thought that Jesus gave his life to save ME! Wow!
My prayer is that I keep my head in the clouds with Jesus no matter what is going on in my life. There are days that are very difficult. I have to remember who is with me at all times. JESUS, MY SAVIOR

Happy Easter

Faith Journey

2011-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

My Dad & Mom<><><>Two of the most amazing people I know<><><>
They always have walked in Faith

I have just been hired for the job of my life time. I have worked in dentistry for the last 35 plus years. I really felt like when I started this journey of looking for work, that I had reached "burn out". Now I feel like I have revived my feelings that I can go forth in the same field. I have found a employer who has passion and compassion like no other that I have ever seen. She respects me as a professional as well as respecting her patients. I feel so encouraged.
My husband started a new job that he is happy and encouraged that he has finally found a positive environment to work in. He's not making the money he was almost 3 years ago, but the positive rebuild that has to take place will be the best in time. Thus our
"Faith Journey".
These last 9 months have been a "Faith Journey" for me and my family. When I think about 9 months, I think about being pregnant, and how long that felt to me as the months went by, as I became more and more uncomfortable and anxious.
This has truly been uncomfortable and as the time went by and I was really becoming anxious! This time it was not about giving birth and how I would feel and what would I feel. But it was all about 5 other people that now were counting on me to support them.
I was becoming creative about paying the bills and making our resources go further. No one ever asked for extra's. If they wanted it they went out and mowed a lawn, or dug a ditch to finance it. They too were becoming creative with our resource's.
We have been on a journey together as a family. I have worked temporary jobs here and there and unemployment in-between. My husband has kept the family together as he has looked for a job for the last 2 1/2 years! Even though it has been hard for him to be
home, he has created a bond with the boys that he would never have been able to get if he had been working.
We have prayed through some of the hardest of days, weeks, months, and years of our life. I truly believe God has been with us every step of the way. I know just a fraction of how Jesus felt on His journey of Faith. We are in the the season of Lent. I have felt as if my season of Lent has been for years. Not just a short season.
I look forward to celebrating Easter this year more than ever!
Thank you God for sending us your Son to show us the way to "Life Everlasting". JOY! PEACE!

Knitting my first Shawl

2011-03-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Zauberball " Larch" Shawl

I've been working on knitting my first shawl. I just finished it about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I knit the "Larch" shawlette, which can be found on Raverly. My reason for taking this on was to get some practice knitting a pattern with a chart. I'm so proud of myself! I made mistakes and got off a bit as anyone can see. :) There is what my husband calls a "dragon tail twist" going on at the end of the triangle. I told him that it makes my shawl unique to me and my style! I used Zauberball sock yarn. The color is really more pinks, and purples. I haven't blocked it yet and am really thinking about not doing it. I love the rufflyness of it unblocked.
Now I feel almost ready for the "Pacific Northwest Shawl" but not quite.... I'm working on "Cedar Leaf" with some of my beautiful handspun that was given to me for Christmas by one of my son's.

Merino, Yak, Silk

I really can hardly wait to finish that and see the results of the hands-on.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2011-03-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the day I was born to John and Darlene Dobson. I was born on a day that it was truly Spring in Eugene, Oregon. I'm told it snowed, sleeted, rained, and the sun shone. I was born at 5:00pm, as my Dad always said at dinner time! How rude! However I think that my birth was a thrill to my Daddy, as I was and am his only daughter. I'm his little POOPSIE.... Now not every one knows that he calls me that. So don't be passing it around :). I had a big brother to greet me when I was brought home to Baxter Street. Of course that was only after my Mom was kept a mandatory 5 days in the hospital. I'm told that she was very happy to get out of that place. Too many women screaming and fussing when they were in labor. Just too noisy! Haha I'm sure my Mom is reliving my birth story as I type. She is very good at birthday parties about telling her children and grand children about their birth stories. As she always says, every one has a birthday story and every one deserves to know it. I love my Mommy!
I think thats funny. Times have really changed now!
At 53 years old, I really don't feel much different other than my joints aren't as limber as they were even a year ago. Yes I still dye my hair, if I didn't it would most likely be a very dull gray with streaks of brown. I really hate to think of that! I'm still raising my twins so as long as I have children under 20 years of age, I will be dyeing my hair!
I'm sure that today will be like any other day for me. I work, I have lunch, I work, I come home.... Only that I intend to take an extra long time tonight taking a bath and soaking in the fact that I am one year older with a glass of wine. Cheers to me on this lovely day in March that I call my BIRTH - DAY!!!!!!

Baby its Cold Out There!!!!

2011-02-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Friday, no work, no swim meet! Just me my needles and my spinning wheel and a hot Cup o' Joe... AHHHH Life is good. The sky is blue, it's 34* out side and I really don't know what the wind chill is. The wind has been blowing the snow around all day. Weather man says its going to dip down to 14* tonight.
My heart is full of sunshine and joy to have my needles in my hands. I'm finishing my little shawlette that I have been working on since before Christmas. Next big project on the horizon is the Pacific Northwest Shawl as a KAL with friends at Textiles A Mano. I'm so excited to get started on that in May!

My Little Garden Birds all Frozen Over

Oregon 5A State Champion!

2011-02-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

Now that the State Swim meet is over, my plan Spin and Knit!
My boys just swam the most amazing state meet ever! Luke didn't final, but he left everything he had in that pool! He swam the 200 and 500 Freestyle in the Prelims, he placed 10th and 8th respectively. We are so proud of he perseverance and sportsmanship!
He is amazing! He PR'd for both events.
Cameron did final for Saturdays final races. He swam the 200 IM and placed 5th overall, he swam the 100 Breaststroke and placed 1st in the State for 5A. He is just flying high. He broke a team record for both events and PR'd in both! Amazing kid as well!
Needless to say we are very proud of the twins, now on to Spring training for them. They both have the goal of swimming on the Oregon Zone team in races in California. August 2011.

My Twin Sons! Cameron and Luke 17 years old

Mt Hood Community College competition Bubble

There it is! Cameron Lindsey! Almost broke the State time. So funny Camero....

Right now I have so many knitting and spinning projects to finish and plan to start the " Pacific Northwest Shawl" in May as a KAL with my Wednesday night knitting group at Textiles A Mano. I have my yarn, now I need to buy and read the pattern, get the right needles and start in May! I'm really excited to begin.

Swim!

2011-02-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Cameron

Luke>> in the middle, blond fuzzy hair

Cameron and Luke 17 years old, my twins

These last two weeks have been dedicated to High School Swimming! My twins just swam district and now we head to State. They were on the bubble in 2 of their relays and now both relays are heading to State! Cameron is seeded 1st in the 100 Breast Stroke, and 3rd in 200 IM. Luke is seeded 8th in the 500 Freestyle and 10th in the 200 Freestyle! I'm so amazingly proud! Now on to State next weekend in Portland. Prelims on Friday and then depending on how they do, they will swim finals on Saturday. So needless to say my spinning and knitting have taken a 2 week break on the weekends. I still try and do at least an hour in the evenings before I fall over exhausted!

The Oscar Meyer WienerMobile Adventure

2011-02-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

I usually try and keep my posts to comments about knitting, spinning and some family stuff. Please forgive me today as this is all about a Wiener Mobile.
We were told by our very good friends that the Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile would be in our area this week. Knowing the reaction that my strange and delightful teenage boys would have, we knew we had to take on this awesome adventure!
As soon as swim practice was over, in fact a bit early because Cameron told the coach that they had to leave early because of a church function! They drove over to the local Fred Meyer to view the greatness of a wiener! The Wiener Mobile turned off the freeway right in front of them! Oh my goodness! I was driving behind them and watch them yelling and jerking around like a bunch of 2 year olds! ( they are 17!)
We followed to the Fred Meyer parking lot and the boys were the first to arrive right behind that wiener! They were so happy to finally meet their dream... The biggest wiener in the world... Ok, ok one of 6.
The rest is history... they got to sit ShotBun in the wiener and even got to get their own wiener whistle! Oh the joy of being a teenage boy with a wiener whistle!
Back to the lie that was told to the swim coach about leaving early for church.... Well coach found out from someone where they were going, first thing he said was I'm going to check out this "church"... he arrived and BUSTED the boys. He had a great sense of humor about it asking "Well, were are the free hot dogs? I'm hungry!"

Proud Momma Bear

2011-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is my proud Momma moment! Please put up with me today!
http://www.registerguard.com/web/sports
Please click on the link and read the article about my twin boys. On January 18th, 2011. We couldn't be more proud of them!

Prep swimming: North's Lindseys want repeat of twin titlesThe North brothers swim different events but have same results

They are fraternal twins, not identical, and that helps explain why Cameron Lindsey is the Midwestern League champion in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 …

Full Story …

Spinning and Chloee Kitty

2011-01-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

chloee and the happy spinner :)

Our Kitty Chloee has decided today that she must sit in my lap while I spin! She's funny, she goes through stages of strangeness... today its sitting in my lap as I spin. My son took the picture for me.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my dear friends!

As this first day of the New Year begins, I have given much thought of how I would like to see it begin and end for me.

These last few years have been hard for my family with unemployment stress. We have learned to live a more simple life with teenagers. That is not easy, as the financial demands are many in this day of technology for them. School demands require more use of technology, which requires having computers that are in good working order. We have spent a lot of energy making sure the boys have the right tools to complete their education properly.Thus that part of simple living has had to go forward. SIGH!

The best part of this last year was seeing my sweet son Daniel graduate from high school. That was a major step in our life and his as well. Watching him become a working part of the community and become a better man has been amazing for us.

My sweet twin sons start out the new year for us with their birthday! This year they turn 17 on January 2nd. Its amazing that we have come so far in raising such amazing children. This is their Junior year in high school so they are beginning to think about how they may want to live their lives as independent adults. That has been fun to be in on those discussions.

My oldest sweet son has had his own challenges in becoming an adult at 22 years old. He goes back and forth trying to make the right decisions for his own direction in life. The biggest decision this year was to finally buy a car. He was tired of riding his bike in the cold drizzle of Eugene to work and back home in the dark. He had to make the decision of buying a car or moving out on his own. I know that was a tough one for him and he would have liked to have had both. I'm proud of him, he paid cash for his car and paid cash for his first 6 months of insurance! Now he can save to move out.

My husband still looks for work daily. Its been a long 2 1/2 years for him. I know God will open a door soon. Thats why I think this has got to be our year!

I continue to work a temp job in Veneta that may or may not be over with at the end of January.... Time will tell. I pray that I continue to work as long as they need me and more.

I intend to continue to do more of my knitting and spinning, thus my source of relaxation....

God has blessed my family in so many ways this past year. We have remained strong and maintained our dignity in the face of hard times. Our family has love and promise to be better people every day.

My wish is to end 2011 better than how we started. As a family we can help others with kindness and compassion. We will make it happen!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of my blog peeps :)
This past year has been an interesting one,with many ups and downs. Unemployment has been the hardest of them all. I have to say that we have worked very hard to keep our heads high and keep our spirits up with activities with our beautiful boys. I have enjoyed being with them for the summer which hasn't happened in many years. My husband even though unhappy without work for the last 3 years, has been given the gift of being with our boys and learning about them in a new way. He has been here to help our oldest purchase his first car. He has been at every swim meet that the twins have swam, he even has learned how to volunteer at swim meets, timing and clean up. He amazingly has really enjoyed it.....
I'm grateful for the random jobs I have been able to pick up here and there. Right now I'm working a temp job until the end of January or longer. While I don't like the drive at night when I'm tired after working a 9-10 hour day, I'm very grateful for the job. After being home all summer I'm missing being home with the boys. They have been so understanding.
So now about my knitting and spinning! It has preserved my sanity! I have missed a few of my Wednesday Evening knitting groups at Textiles A Mano, but have worked really hard at going to spinning on Saturdays! I really have enjoyed the wonderful friends I have met and continue to meet there.
Merry Christmas to everyone! Keep your heart full of thankfulness and joy and you will have Peace!

Time is Flying!!!

2010-12-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! Am I wasting time? Its almost time! YIKES!
These are the questions that I ask myself at this time of year.
We are down to the wire on Christmas and I don't have a thing done! OK that's in my mind.... I do have the tree and lights hung, and as much of my Christmas Village up that I'm willing to deal with. That means that if I put it all up my back will hurt and then I will have deal with the kitties sitting in the middle of it all like big abominable snow cats! They just love to annoy me to no end like that! I swear they see me coming through their sleeping eyes and boom! Get up and jump out of the middle of it all as house's and little fake people and horse's go flopping and flying around!
This year I decided to make it a little more real looking by covering the couch pillows with the white snow looking batting and then putting a book under each house to stabilize it. Crazy of me to think that the cats wouldn't see those nice soft pillows of snow as their beds!!!! I swear I live in a constant PollyAnna World! Denial and playing the" Glad Game" in my head constantly!
Where was I going with all this? Oh just to say that if your not ready for Christmas its ok. It all could be worse, you could have a cat sitting in the middle of it all thinking its all about them!
Thank goodness its all about Jesus! Merry Christmas

Advent Has Begun!

2010-12-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has begun at my house! Today I started putting up my Christmas Village, while watching the Oregon Ducks play. It's always difficult for me to get this task done. Therefore today was a great day to get it going. Now I need to get my husband to put up Christmas lights before it starts to rain again. I often wonder what the motivation would be on a cold day to go out and put lights up that will come down in a month! This just seems so strange to me that I even am thinking about this. Many years ago I found so much joy in putting those lights up and decorating my house. Now I just look at it & see WORK! I really think that I've become rather scrooge like...........
I enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of the season. But I would rather enjoy the church events and family with out all the hard work. Whats that about any way????
Right now I'm working on hats, I obsessed with hats..... My boys are all getting hats for Christmas! In fact they are wearing them already. I'll have to confiscate them so I can re-gift them in their stockings.

This is my attempt at a hat with flaps... Its "Thorpe"
I have knit it over sized so I can felt it. Its merino and tussah.

Cameron's Hat.... I can get it off of him!

Still Working Hard

2010-11-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks have been intense. I have still been working as a dental assistant in Veneta, about a 33 mile round trip trek every day.
I'm so grateful for the work, yet I'm so tired at night that my head is spinning in circles!
I still am only getting about 30 minutes a day for lunch and no other breaks, unless I run at top speed to the bathroom down the hall. The dentist is very nice, yet very intense. Don't think he is thinking any one gets a break!
At this point I know that I can count on work until the end of January 2011. His long time assistant cant come back to work until that time, and even then who knows. She was hurt pretty bad, I really feel sorry for her the more I have learned. She broke her leg in 4 places and now is recovering from surgery, as they had to place pins, posts and who knows what else to put her together again!
Thus I have found little time to knit or spin unless its on the weekends. My new focus right now is hats for my boys for Christmas. I have a lot of hands-on which I know they would love to have in a hat :)
So I have been plowing through that as I can.
Today I plan to knit and spin and watch the Oregon Ducks win another football game! "I Love My Ducks!"

Making of a Hat

My Sweet son Daniel and I we did Pumpkins together

Tomorrow the boys swim team cleans the stadium, so thats where I will be with them. Sweeping and shoveling up game day old food and muck! Sure hope it doesn't rain tonight. That makes it really mucky....... Still love the Ducks, just not the fans that make the mess..........

Weekend and a Job!

2010-10-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well when you pray for something that you really know you need make sure you understand that GOD is the one in charge! Because this week my prayers were answered.... Not how I wanted but how GOD wanted I'm really sure of it!

I was called Sunday night to work a temp job in a dental office for 2 months. I started on Tuesday.

I was happy to have it and understood that it was only for 2 months due to the fact that the assistant broke her leg and would be out for that amount of time. I was good with that, but didn't know anything about this office.

Well I really think this lady broke her leg on purpose!

This office works 10 hour days with very little time in the day to even go pee! They schedule an hour for lunch, not sure why because I have yet to even get a full hour, not to mention even 15 mins.! They work a long morning and don't even schedule a break until 1:00. I can work with that.... NOT! The first day I got 30 minutes all day! The second day I got 15 minutes at 2:00!!! I had worked a straight 6 hours with no break! My hands were shaking and my brain was fuzzy. My bladder was bulging! This is insane!!!!

OK enough GOD! I prayed for a job, any job... I'm not afraid to work hard and never say no.... What the heck are you trying to teach me here???? I am now praying for this woman's leg to heal fast!

I drive round trip over 30 miles to do this job. I don't mind the drive its a pretty one. I do mind these insane hours! All I can think of is home, shower, bed. My family really misses me and I miss them.

So my prayers are... Dear God, please give me the strength to do this job for the next 2 months and help this lady's leg to heal fast! Help me understand what you are teaching me... but please teach me fast, because I'm too old to work like this. I promise I will listen even if I'm too tired to answer back. Thank You GOD! Love Tammie. AMEN>>>>>>>>>>>

Wednesday Prayers

2010-10-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

I've been working on more new spinning. I'm working on a new fiber I've never spun before. It's Polwarth, and beautiful!!!! It's like spinning butter. I also have been working in tufts of angora (Bunny Fur ) as I go. What will I make???? A prayer shawl. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I have a friend who is hosting a workshop in December on knitting prayer shawls. She has several patterns. The idea is to knit one for some one who needs comfort in some way. They may have a health issue or just daily struggles with life.
I really love the idea. I decided to spin my fiber for this project and pray as I spin. It feels so peaceful as I work. I'm not sure who will receive the shawl, but its cool to think about how much love will be put into the fibers.

Home Spun, Happy Birthday Mom 10/10/10

2010-10-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Batt from Uniquely Yours

Beautiful Swatch :)

BFL/Tussah Silk

Birthday Cake!!!

Amazing! I just made my first custom Yarn !!

Working on Mom's Birthday Yarn

2010-10-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

In honor of my Mom, I have spun her a birthday yarn. Her birthday is Sunday 10/10/10!!! She will be a young 75 years old. So I have spun her favorite colors. She loves the Reds, Oranges, Golds, and Greens. I have combined a beautiful combination of fibers just for her! I spun BFL/Tussah Silk in a fantastic orange/copper fiber from Dicentra Designs, then I received a mystery batt from an online SAL ( Uniquely Yours) they are on Raverly. Her batt contained a mixture of greens, yellows, rusts, and golds, with a bit of purple. It is made up of Merino/Romney,Mohair,BFL/Suffolk X, Nylon, Acrylic, Bamboo,Tencel, Silk Noil and Angelina fibers!!!
I know thats a lot!!!! I wasn't sure what I would end up with but its fantastic!!!!
2 ply, Sport weight, I knit a swatch so she could see it better, ok it was for me too!!! I was dyeing to check it out!
Happy Birthday Momma!!! I love you, Love your crazy spinning knitting daughter :)

Working Interview

2010-10-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was the first time I have worked since June 30th! I did what we call a working interview in the dental field.
I have to say that the day I spent in this office was probably the least stressful work day I have had in years!!!
They had a gal there that did all the sterilization and clean up! Oh my goodness was I spoiled by the end of the day! Have to say my legs and feet did not hurt at the end of the day and I didn't feel like I had roller skates on all day.
I believe God is Good! I really am praying that they will hire me.
Its between me and another lady that has work as a fill in for them so they wanted to give her first choice. I think thats nice of them. She may not take it due to the fact she lives 20 miles from the office. From my drive way it's 11 1/2 miles. Nice country drive. The office is located in a little scandinavian town. The building is a cute little house nicely redone and decorated. Its very homey and cozy. Its set in a nice little neighborhood across from a park.
So now the thing to do is pray, pray, pray!
Other good thing is I will have knitting time! They work M,T,Th,F.Wednesday nights are my knitting group night, woohoo!
Like I said GOD IS GOOD :)

Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival :)

2010-09-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Silk Curls

Basket of Fiber :)

Oh my goodness! Yesterday my dear hubby and I went to the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, about 2 hours from my home. It started out beautiful and sunny here in Eugene. Half way there the rain started and it didn't stop! I had never been to the fiber fest

so I didn't know what the heck to expect. I had sandals on and my summer crop pants and a light t-shirt. We didn't take our umbrellas...... Oh well we decided we would make the best of it. After all we were out for the adventure.
We got there and the rain kept on.... Most of the show was in two buildings, however there was a lot outside under canopies. By the time we finished in the buildings and I had bought fiber to my hearts content. The rain started to slow:) It warmed up and so did my toes.
The fiber was abundant and I had a wonderful time just filling my heart with the sounds and smells of fiber. I found some wonderful fiber to bring home. I bought a few things that I had never spun before.
I have Corriedale roving, BFL/Silk, BFL/Tussah, Polwarth, Silk Curls, and Angora Bunny
I am really looking forward to spinning and learning. The Angora I bought from a young girl who had 2 bunnies one white and one grey and white, she told me about how clean she kept them and that she even blew dryed them when they got hay or VM in their fur. It's beautiful! She had it all packaged so nicely in clear box's with her card on top. $5.00 for 1 oz. Thats a lot of bunny fur!!!
My husband was so sweet he carried my basket around for me while I shopped. He even was approached by a few unsavory women who wanted to steal him to carry their goods! I told them to back away from my man, he was taken for the day! Such a good man :)

Been a While!!!!

2010-09-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! I haven't posted anything for a while! Since school has started we have been on a roller coaster!
I have been out every day pounding the pavement for work! It's Fall and my husband got laid off from his job. He only has 9 weeks left on his unemployment so here we go...... I have sent out and gone to every dental office in town. Cant give up! I have had 2 interviews, one decided to not hire any one at this time. The other only wanted part-time and I needed full time.... Oh the joy of life right now in these uncertain times!
I continue to spin and knit it helps me get through these really stress filled moments and days.
On the flip side of all this, life does go on! The twins are playing water polo and are doing great in school. They are amazing and I thank "God" daily for the joy my children have given me!!!!

School Has started!

2010-09-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well School has officially started! I realized its Friday! The twins are 16 and Juniors this year. Which means they don't even start school until the end of the week. It just seems so very strange to me to say that Friday is the first day of school. Don't ask me to explain this, we have had this strangeness all of their high school years and since we are on the last 2 there isn't a point to complain or wonder "WHY".
As for me.... this is the first year EVER! that I have had the wonderful experience to stay home and enjoy the quietness of the house :) Happy Me :)... My plan for this day, you may ask??? Drink coffee and spin and knit>>>>>>>>>>>

Luke & Cameron 16 years old

Me, Myself, and My Fiber

YEAH ME! Thats what I say! Happy Days are here again. Oh I know that looking for work is so very important, but I believe that God wants me to have this day to chill. Voice of reason, YAHOO!

Navajo Ply!

2010-08-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Side by Side

Strawberry Fields>Navajo Plied>BFL

Just finished my first Navajo Ply! I believe this will be my new favorite. The colors are amazing and the fiber is so much more stable.

Indigo Blue>Merino/Bamboo,Regular Ply

Spinning

2010-08-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Covered Bridge>>>> Walk

2 ply, Merino/Bamboo

Got down to the business of spinning again last night. I had spent a few days at the property in Yachats ( Cloud 9 ) and had done some knitting and reading. Both of which I needed to catch up on! I so love this life called Summer right now :) Here's what I did at Cloud 9 and a view of being there.

Cloud 9

Got the toilet fixed so I could knit!

2010-08-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

HEY HEY! WOOHOO! We got the toilet fixed so I could knit! Good thing I have AC, it was 101* here yesterday. If we didn't have that I couldn't have even thought about knitting. I'm working on a scarf pattern with some of my homespun. Its the new Spin-Off magazine, had to figure out how to do a CDI= Center Double Increase. Found it online through a video. Thats a new one for me. This scarf is really a cool design. I'll post a picture when I get a bit further along. Happy Day and Knitting

Summer Joy!

2010-08-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well today I was hopping to enjoy knitting and spinning. I finally figured out how to do a Center Double Increase! WOO HOOOO!

Think I may just go dig a Biffy!

Instead..... We have a leaking toilet! All the nerve! How on earth can the toilet leak at a time like this? I have work to do. I need to knit! Then I need to spin. I have fiber calling my name! Tammie, Tammie..... Really now can you even believe the nerve of that toilet?

Spin a Tale :)

2010-08-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Merino/Bamboo

Merino/Silk

This is my new spin, Approx. 250 yards Merino/Bamboo Pink, Plied with Merino/Silk. WPI=10, Medium Worsted (4)
Gauge per inch= 4-5 inch's, Needle size U.S. #7-#9

Color Way-- Pink SeaShells, By HattieMae

ClOUD NINE HERE I COME!!!

2010-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Merino/Bamboo

We are on the count down to Cloud 9. We leave in 2 days to prepare for the big family reunion. The hamburgers and hot dogs have been bought. The wine is in the fridge. What more will we need other than the wonderful family to show up?! I'm just really loving this Summer. No work, hang'n with the boys. Lots of spinning and catching up on my reading! I'm reading Lady of the Butterflies, by Fiona Mountain. One of those Costco finds. Its interesting at this point..... Here's a picture of my latest spin.

Boys are all home from Camp

2010-08-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

We got the boys home from Camp. They were stinky and dirty and full of fun tales! The joy of boys and camp tales. Dinner was interesting that night with all the stories being told. Next is a big family reunion at Cloud 9. We all can hardly wait. One last big family meeting yesterday at Mom and Dads to finalize the plans.

New Deck at Cloud 9-- Summer 2010

I love Summer :)

Finished Tour De Fleece!

2010-07-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is what I got for finishing the race! I'm still spinning to catch up on what I didn't get done! YEAH ME!!!

Finished Tour De Fleece!

2010-07-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

I finished my first Tour! It was fun and I was inspired by so many wonderful people. I set my sites a bit high for a first timer. Guess next year I'll know better. Here's a picture of my work. I spun the blue BFL/Tussah Silk and plied it with the Green Merino. I spun a vibrant Blue that is BFL/Bamboo that I'm planning to ply with a mystery fiber which is sky blue, thats what I have on my wheel right now. I also spun a pretty pink BFL and plied it with a white baby alpaca and mystery wine colored fiber. I'm so happy with my progress, I can hardly wait to finish what I didn't get done. YEAH ME!!!!

2010-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Update on my progress for Tour De Fleece with Ravelry. I have been really spinning away to the point that my knee was hurting last night and I had to re-a-just my position in my chair last night and spin on my toes :) so funny... Better today so I need to keep going .....

Tour De Fleece

2010-07-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Just Joined Team Lendrum Tour De Fleece. I plan on spinning my weeks away!

New Life New Job

2010-06-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here I go! I have after 15 years been replaced at my job as a dental assistant. My old boss has just sold his practice to a younger dentist who has no plans to keep the old staff.... Guess I get to join the ranks of the unemployed and have the summer to figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

There fore I declare a time of self revival! I have always wanted to stay home more and take care of my teenagers. Have a cleaner house, make more healthy dinners, exercise more and knit and spin more! I have found out during these last few years that I am strong and tough in many ways! I went back to school to help myself learn what I could do with my career and what I really wanted to accomplish with my life.

My husband had been unemployed for 21 months and just recently got a job. I guess that God opens a door just as he shuts a door..... I have to feel ok with this because I simply can't change it... It's not in my power. My faith has got to carry us through this closed door.

Home Spun

2010-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Merino and Silk Winter Spinning

Green Cardigan

2010-03-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Guess what!! It's Spring! time for spinning and knitting! I almost have my green cardigan completed! Finally... I have been working on it for almost a year.... I can't believe it.

2009-12-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!!! This is a picture of Cloud 9 Black berries...... Pick one ;)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! No I don't have my shopping done... Do You????? Now lets get going on that Christmas Shopping!

NEW SPIN

2009-11-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

ISN'T THIS PRETTY! MERINO/SILK 80/20 KETTLE DYED...... I'M GETTING BETTER AT MY SPINNING

ALMOST THANKSGIVING!!!

2009-11-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Well it's almost Thanksgiving.... I keep hearing my co-workers and friends talking about Christmas shopping!!! It just seems so absurd to be thinking so early about Christmas of all things!!! I am still not over Summer>>>> I so love Summer>>>> The nights are getting cold and it's nice to snuggle into the down comforter at night. But you know Summer is so serene and warm. I love how the sun feels on my skin and the warmth of the evening from a hot day. I like the changing of the seasons but I miss the warmth of Summer. II think I'm close to starting back to school. I now have the dilemma of a start date. November 18th or January 3rd,2010.... Oh the angst of making decisions of an adult 51 year old woman. I think of how busy this time of year is, and if I should start so soon before I'm sure about funding? The questions of this life some times make me think about wether it's that important at this moment or just to take it one day at a time. I start to question my decision when I finally have time to think. The time to think is early in the morning before the house becomes awake and full of noise and movement. I'm sure I will decide soon. I just don't like the feeling of hurry... I already have enough of that at work and home. This all may seem like a lot of rambling, but rambling helps you make choices that are difficult. II think my decision is made........ I'll tell later. Make the weekend a fabulous one. Be Strong, Be Bold, Trust Jesus>>>>>>>>>>>>

It's November!!!!

2009-11-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

Hello to the folks who read my blog!!! I've decided that I most likely am the only one that does... This however is a great way to keep track of my life for me. I can hardly believe that we are close to Thanksgiving. We will have the troops here again this year. Life is busy and I have been thinking about going back to school. I have looked into Colorado Tech online school. I just applied for my FAFSA so we will see how I stand on finances with it all. It just makes sense right now to try and make myself more marketable. I am working full time as a dental assistant but my body is beginning to rebel against the rigors of the high stress. I'm looking into Medical insurance coding. We shall see.... Oh well on to bigger and better things! SPIN AND KNIT,SPIN AND KNIT

2009-11-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Fall!!! This has been a busy one, the boys started back to high school as busy as ever. The twins are playing water polo, Dan is working very hard on his senior paper ( " Teaching Young Children to swim"). John well at 21 he's still living at home going to school part time and doing theater. He's just wrapping Rocky Horror Picture Show. He needs a job! And yes it's time to move out! David has been unemployed for the last year! Me... I'm working my tail off and thinking about going back to school to make myself more marketable, only because the dentist I work for is getting ready to retire and sell his practice. It would be good for me to push forward at 51 years old and prove that I'm good at more than just sling'n spit...... I just took up spinning though and love it! I constantly need to prove to myself that I'm good at more than just the daily hard work and being a Mom! Happy Fall

Fourth of July

2009-06-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Summer!!!!

2009-06-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us! The boys are doing finals this week. They are looking forward to summer work and of course FUN!

2009-05-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Sun Shine Today, Garden is growing and we are already eating salad fixings from it!!!! YUMMMM! I will post garden pictures soon

CLOUD NINE HERE I COME!!!

2009-03-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

It's Spring Break and kids have been home doing chores all week. I am taking the next 2 days to go to the coast with them! Off to Yachats,Oregon to our family property!!!! We need to dig a new out house hole. And I need some serious R&R and Knitting time!!! New Pics to come for the property, PRAY FOR SUNNY DAYS!

SPRING IS HERE!!!

2009-03-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Break to all!!!!!

2009-03-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

My Handsome Twin Son's!!!

Happy February to all

2009-02-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

February is here already I can't believe it. I'm working on new socks. The yarn is Blue Moon, it's a yarn I bought at the Black Sheep Gathering in June. It's beautiful! I'll take pictures soon..........

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009!!!!!

2008-11-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Happy November! My sweet twin boys with their beautiful dates for Home Coming 2008

2008-10-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

I wish I was here again!!!! Vacation & Cloud 9

2008-05-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

God Bless Cloud 9 & Mothers every where!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Mothers Day!!!! Knit all Day!!!!!

2008-04-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Its a busy month. not much knitting taking place. It makes me want to sit on a rock like this lady to do my knitting so no one can find me!!!!!!

2008-03-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

NEW STR Arrived!!!!!! IRISH EYE'S ARE SMILING!!!!!!

IT"S MY BIRTHDAY WEEK

2008-03-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

2008-02-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Picture's posted at the end of my Blog of my new socks that rock!!! Serendipity, one sock done one to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One dragon sock almost done!!!!!!

2008-02-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

I almost have my first dragon sock done ( serendipity)!!!!! I need to take a picture of it to post on the blog.....

Started my Blue Moon Dragon Socks

2008-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

I finally started my dragon socks. i will frog them tonight because I'm off count on the lace pattern... Not too far down the leg it's cool. I learned today how to mark the rows better. I'm always learning......

2008-02-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

GO NORTH EUGENE!!!!!!! Swimmers won the District Finals GO DANIEL!!!!

2008-02-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

I got my sock yarn from Blue Moon!!! I love it the colors are fabulous. I will post a picture soon. Enjoy!!!!!!

2008-02-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say that my sock kit is here but due to the need for a different number it got delayed . We then had a snow storm last week. This is the view from my chair in the family room, my favorite place to knit!!!! I still am working on a few other projects so I had time to work on them & watch it snow!! A rare treat on the valley floor!!!! Happy Day