Monday, January 18, 2010

Haiti - Shouldn't they get the Katrina trailers?

I have been thinking that housing will be necessary very soon in Haiti. By the time everything is cleared, electric and water restored (assuming that they have had it in the past) the Katrina trailers could be there and ready to go.
Why not? American's aren't buying them. The US Government isn't using them so there they sit in lots.
Give me your opinion?




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Monday, October 26, 2009

Knitting: Are you in the mood for a neck scarf?

I am in the mood for a neck scarf. My new friend, M., sent me the pattern for Vintage Neck Thing. It is a cute little neck scarf. One end slides through the other end and that is what makes the thing hold together around your neck. Amazing!
I'm knitting one today so that I can give it to the needy. Goes together fast, easy and is fun to work on.
Photos tomorrow as my batteries were absolutely dead, dead, dead. Haven't take many photos lately of anything. Figures!



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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Bubble wrap your windows - Green Daily

Bubble wrap your windows - Green Daily

Thanks for reading. I truly would love to know who you are and what you are thinking about gardening. Please take a few moments to contact me. I'd love to hear what you have to say! Your opinion counts with me!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

RECYCLING WAS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE, KNITTING TONIGHT TO CATCH UP!

Wow!!!! Went to our county recycle center today for a tour. Eyes are wide open more now than before. Amazing! Do you recycle? Some? All? None?
Consider that everything you throw away in your kitchen and bathroom can be recycled! If you have a baby or know someone who does, by using cloth diapers at least $300.00 a month can be saved. Isn't that amazing? With just a little vinegar and baking soda the odor will be eliminated and a little tlc will keep them good as new baby after baby, after baby, after baby!
Recycle your camera batteries, tvs, electricals, cardboard, metal, old windows, wood, everything.
Compost your food or simply place it in a container and take it to your recycle center too!
Speaking of composting. I was told today about placing cardboard down onto the ground where you want to compost. Add your grass clippings, food (no oils), more cardboard and paper and watch your compost turn into the most amazing chunk of ground! I didn't know worms like cardboard, did you?
Consider buying a plastic trashcan. Cut a hole in the middle, using a piece of wire mess place it over the hole. Purchase a water spout and apply it to the botton side and you have saved a lot of money on your water bill for watering the grass, garden, house plants and more!



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Friday, September 11, 2009

TO MARKET, TO MARKET TO FIND A FAT "HEIRLOOM TOMATO"

We're off tomorrow to find a big huge heirloom tomato for the sake of the seeds. Going to start the winter growing indoors so need to find a tomato. Have the onion, lettuce, radish and a few herbs for the winter indoor garden. I'm excited.
Been researching the black plastic idea for the windows this winter. Will try to cut back on expensive heating by using black plastic in hopes that it will help heat us a little.



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FINALLY BACK ONLINE!

After 10 days of no computer, I'M BACK!!!!
Changed over to AT&T and Direct TV, yes, I bundled~ well, it took a lot and still have received billing in two different account numbers so will tackle that later today. Yee gads, can't they get things right? Too many 'passing the buck' and not doing their job' as my Mother would say. Twice they showed up to install the Direct TV, then they called 15 minutes later to schedule an appointment to install the Direct TV after the 2nd guy left. Then lots of grief and phone calls to get the computer set up. But finally, here I am. Do you ever have those problems?
Saw a great email about someone having to do a pee test before getting their paycheck. Amazing! Simply amazing!
Knitting, yes, I've been knitting.
Next Monday will take Mom to the State Fair. She knits socks and more. But for the fair they ask her to bring her socks and demonstrate knitting. We go along so she doesn't have to drive herself.
Today, I'm going to knit after working on painting my bathroom. Started it about 2 weeks ago. Didn't like the paint once I started. But, decided that people could use it the color I picked. They can just go in and get their job over with and get out. Adjust their eyes once they get into the hallway and go on with their day! I'm leaving the ceiling and walls a deep, rich, and dark, dark, blue. David says it looks, well, let's put it this way, he has his own bathroom!!! It's the original color I wanted and I'm keeping it. Oh not to mention that I'll need to tone it down with a white trim, maybe add a little yellow towel or something. But for sure, will tone it down somewhat!
Back to your day and try to get something done myself.
Have a great Weekend!!!!



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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Here's one if you live in Western North Carolina

www.asapconnections. org. A great place to find out about fresh food in Western North Carolina. Be sure to see what it offers you. You might want something like that in your area.



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Been so busy today with my other blog and going to the test farm. Please check it out, I think you'll enjoy it.
www.feedinghaywood.blogspot.com



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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Ever Wonder Why You Should Invest In A Hand Knit Item?

I want to take tonight to talk about investing in a hand knit item. Sweater, socks, hat, scarf, coat doesn't matter what but why. When you think about purchasing off the rack in the store you think about color and what you are going to wear with the knit item.
But when you invest in a hand knit item you think about durability (how long will it last), what you will wear with it, what kind of yarn will feel comfortable on you, and then what you will wear with it.
A hand knit item is, more than likely, going to be on your shelf in the dressing room a lot longer than the item off the shelf. So make sure it is servicable. It's got to last because you are paying dearly for the yarn, the pattern, and the time involved the knitter is taking to knit the item. Nope, this is your run of the mill off the shelf item. This hand knit work of art is exactly that, a work of art. It is going to fit you exact. And it's going to take a lot of time.
Time is hard to calculate when ordering the item. If it's just a plain sweater, one color, large knitting needles, and large heavy weight yarn plan on the knitter telling you it will take about 120 constant knitting hours. Oh my gosh, that's a lot! A machine in a factory can do it in a few minutes, maybe even seconds. Add a pattern or design and it's a couple hundred more. Add, say, 8 or 9 colors and you've got way too many hours to think about counting. So, now, are you ready to pay for those hours? Well, now, 120 hours x's say even $8.00 an hour. Yeeks! Believe it or not, the hand knitter is doing this item as a work of her/his talents and love for the art, art of knitting that is. And believe me, she/he could find other things in life to do that didn't take as much time.
Be ready to invest heavily in a hand knit item. For this item will last a long, long time, look good on you and be truly a piece of art!



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Thursday, August 27, 2009

TO KNIT OR NOT TO KNIT, THAT IS THE QUESTION!

I need to step up into high gear. I feel like I'm not getting things done that I want to get crackin' on.
My Fall orders for hand knit sweaters and hand knit socks are beginning to come in. They will continue now through Christmas. Then the "year to knit" orders will surface after that. Yes, a year to knit. Designer sweaters and coats.
I want to begin talking to you about yarns. And patterns and designs.
So today, let's start with yarn.
Do you itch from wool? Do you like the smooth, soft cuddley feel when you wear a sweater or a pair of socks?
I recommend first that you take the time to go to a yarn shop. Begin browsing and touching. Feeling on your face and hands the different textures. A good yarn shop will have swatches knit up so that you can actually feel the difference.
Ask questions. DO NOT BUY THE FIRST THING YOU THAT CATCHES YOUR EYE. You must research this if it is something that you want to wear for a few years or that you are going to invest money into.
Ask how many colors it is available in.
Ask if they can order more of the "SAME DYE LOT". Oh, what's a dye lot?
Ask if it is the right amount of strands, too thick or too thin for the item you want to knit or have knitted.
Ask about laundring the yarn once it is knit into a sweater or a pair of socks.
Ask if it will fade.
Ask how many skeins you would need for an average cardigan, pullover or pair of socks.
Ask how soon extra could be returned for a refund.
Ask if they can make other suggestions that you might be interested in.
Ask for a sample of the yarn to take home for consideration.
Remember, just because it is eye appealing to you, doesn't mean that it is the perfect yarn for the item you want.





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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Today is Tuesday, Today is Tuesda, dah, dah, de, dah!

Anne from California has asked me to knit for her. I encouraged her to look at different sweater patterns and yarns. If you are considering a "work of art" consider looking at ideas from Kafee and Debbie Bliss. Vogue Knitting is a good source and there are many, many, many places to look online.
Kafee is, in my opinion, a work in progress. He has the lines and looks that I like. But it doesn't matter where you look, it matters on you, and your ideas. You do realize, don't you, that when you have a sweater knit, it isn't like picking one up off the shelf. Hand knitting allows for you, your thoughts and wishes and your size. Most of you are use to having to make something fit. But by hand knitting, we can knit strictly to your own measurements. So, now what does that mean exactly? Well, Are you 73 inches around in your bust? Are you 18 inches in your waist? Are you 36 inches in your hips? Is your arm length 17 inches or 21 inches? Do you like to cover your back side, or show your back side? Mid-drift showing or cover the rolls? Me, I like to cover my rolls! :) So I do it all, just the way you want it.
Yarns? Are you a cashmere, wool, or allergies keep you in cotton? It's all out there and lately in just the colors you are looking for. I know some good spinners and also know that we can find you just about anything you wish online, in yarn shops or yarn exhibits which are starting up now all over the USA and Canada. For me, the yarn exhibit nearest me will be in October but you check your area for one. It will be an enjoyable day of browsing and buying.
And now, let's talk about style. You look at a sweater and what do you see? Sleeves, neckline, front panels. Don't like or do like the sleeves on one. Like the neckline on another and then decide you want something different on the front panels. Not a problem. It's easy to take "pieces" from several different designers and put them together in a look just knit for you. Unsure, what exactly it will look like? Well, print each look out, cut and tape them together and sit back and look at it. Don't be hasty. Leave it alone for a few days. Check back. Still like it? Good let's get knitting. Don't like it? Cut and tape some more until you do. Don't rush into it.
Now, have I aroused your interest?
I'll be gone to Senior Leadership class tomorrow but will try yet this week to do a little something on types of yarns.
Oh, yes, I forgot. You need socks, kilt hose, etc. to go with your outfits. Look no further.



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Monday, August 24, 2009

My Passions Are Numerous

Just in case you are here for the first time, maybe the only time, keep in mind that I am most passionate about my hand knitting. I absolutely love hand knitting for persons all around Canada and USA. Most of what I am ask to knit are hand knit sweaters, coats and socks.
My forte' is that I knit to a persons measurement. Not your usual off the shelf buy here. And I knit to your choice of pattern and to your choice of yarns. Cashmere is a favorite yarn to knit with but I'll knit on any yarn created.
My blog friend hand paints yarns and I am excited about her yarn. They look yummy enough to eat!
My favorite patterns and designs, for the moment are by Kafee. Oh yes, they are absolute!
Thanks for visiting my blog and remember to write me at lickstone@gmail.com when you are ready to make an apparel statement with a lucious hand knit item.
Enjoy life, you only have one chance at it!



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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Been a long time, but I'm back!

Well you know me! Been a long time since blogging but am back. Garden is slowing down to a dull roar. I have about 15 quarts of tomatoes, 6 quarts and 1 pint of green beans, 6 quarts of squash ready for the pressure canner right now. And then there's the 1/2 bu. of lovely white grapes for my favorite grape jelly. That will need to come tomorrow.
Thought I'd get to finish painting one of my bathrooms today but that didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow. I thought that I had really, really goofed. I had this hair brain idea that I wanted deep, rich, dark, dark blue. Well, night before last, about 10 pm I started painting. My tile looked lite green next to that paint at 10 pm. I about cried and begged David not to go into that bathroom. Well, yesterday morning it looked a whole, whole, whole lot better. So, I'll keep it! White accessories and it'll kick, or so I'll think. Then I'll top it with blue glass tiles around the sink. Oh yes, I think it will be a moving statement! Who cares if everyone that goes in there gets the job done and doesn't linger long. Not Me!!!
I have someone by the name of Anne from Cali. looking at knitting patterns for a sweater. She is an artist so I think she'll choose something that really "talks" to her, probably a pattern from Kaffe. Kaffe patterns are absolutely hot in my opinion. Now there isn't a single one that doesn't speak to me. And with some of the yarns from those of you who read this, awesome!
So, I'll send Anne your way when she's ready for yarn, k?
Have a terrific week.
Later!



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Sunday, August 2, 2009

BEFORE IT'S MONDAY AGAIN!

Hello to all,
Finished a grocery tote and used it at Walmart. Felt so very good not to carry out their little plastic bags. I'll make more now and use them at the grocery store too.
I didn't know that there are so many flowering plants that propagate. I looked up Forsethia, Rose of Sharon and a couple others including grape vines. Wow, I was shocked. And since I have a hillside, a creek bank and some other areas decided I'd get started sticking branches into the ground. Maybe by next spring they will be big enough so that those areas won't need weedeating. Along with that, I put some Lion's Ear seed, some double pink poppy seed, and some coneflower seed into the ground. Divided and started some more hostas. Did you ever see the Lion's Ear? Google it and you'll be intrigued by the spikey orange flowers. How beautiful!

Evidently more people are gardening this summer because of the economy. We haven't sold as much as other years in our driveway. That's fine with me because then I can can more squash and green beans. We delivered a bushel of both of those to the soup kitchen to help feed the needy.

Well, I'd better get off here and get some knitting worked on this evening. Hope all of you have a fantastic week. Stay safe!



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Monday, July 20, 2009

GOOD MORNING!!! IT'S MONDAY, ENJOY YOUR WEEK

Laura commented on my roses in the photos of the puppies. I wanted to tell you what I do to care for them.
I use Bayer Advanced for Trees and Shrubs, once a year. Then I cover the ground with about 3-5 inches of pine needles around the trunks of the roses.
Remember after the blooms fall off, using scissors, cut on an angle on the stem. Make sure it is just above a 5 leaf area. Just above.....Within a couple weeks you'll see a new shoot.





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Sunday, July 19, 2009

THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO SEE HOW THEY'VE GROWN

Aren't the baby puppies growing up? I have 3 AKC black female puppies (Daddy a Champion and both Mom and Pop are AKC) for sale. And 3 (2 male, 1 female) Coton de Tulear puppies for sale.
I've been working selling produce in our driveway and trying to knit (when the wind isn't blowing too hard). So will try to get an update for you later this week.
Hope all of you are enjoying your summer and knitting, quilting and basking in the sun.
See ya soon and take care.
Suzanne







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Sunday, July 12, 2009

I LOVE THE QUIET OF SUNDAY MORNINGS

No lawn mowers, no cars whizzing by heading to work, just quiet! Ahhhhhhhhhh! Sunday church goers haven't started yet, but they don't whiz by so fast, ever notice? Coffee tastes better because I seem to sit longer and enjoy it. Why, I don't know, but I love a sweet like a cinnamon roll or something on Sunday morning. Everything just takes an "easier feeling" for me on the Lord's Day!
We trekked from NC to WVA to buy a Copper colored male Pug yesterday. His name is, of all things, Copper. He's a dandy. I think he'll work perfectly with my girls. Don't care for his breathing problems but will put him on a little diet and see if that helps. He's use to being caged up all his life so little activity. Here, he'll get to run out in about 1/2 acre of chain link fencing as often as the weather permits. So undoubtedly he'll exercise well.
Took my knitting with me but enjoyed the scenery too much for knitting. Once we got there, it was hurry, hurry, hurry so didn't do any there. We met someone from Indiana there who had purchased a Cocker puppy from us. It was closer for them to meet us there than drive to NC. And headed back. It was a 10 hour round trip. But the Cracker Barrel was waiting for us about 1/2 way going and kept us full the whole trip.
Evidently the cows broke into my squash patch. I'll take a walk and check it out. Rats! I had 7 different kinds of squash growing this year and all was doing so well. But life goes on, just will be another growing season, if God allows it.
Have a great one! Keep knitting those hand knit socks, hand knit coats and hand knit sweaters. Fall breezes are just around the corner!



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Friday, July 10, 2009

FORGOT TO ATTACH ON MY LAST POST, SORRY!





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THE TANGLED MESS OF THE YARN

Thought you'd like to see the tangled mess of yarn. I roll each up on a holder of some description. It's too difficult to handle 8 or more skeins while working color on both right and left fronts as well as 2 Ring of Fire cable pieces which will attach to each front panel.
Gettin' off here now. Someone coming to see the baby Coton puppies and I need to shower and grab a cup of coffee.
Will photo more of the 9 color hand knit coat next week.
Until then, have a peaceful and safe weekend.



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Thursday, July 9, 2009

OH THE TANGLED WEB I WEAVE (KNIT)

You should see the tangled mess of all the different colors on both front panels of the 9 color coat. It is really taking on the colored design now. With every row, I get more and more excited to continue. But oh the mess. Some colors are weaving in and out across each panel and some are just running straight or almost straight upward. Then the gold, the main color is running back and forth, weaving in and out of each individual color.
My suggestion to the lady that ordered the coat is that she have her seamstress make a lining to sew into the coat. Between all of the weaving I think it will not only look nicer but will keep it's shape better and also hold all of the weaving in place. I sure hope she takes my advice on that one.
Rained here most of the day today. Hurrah!!! The garden is full of rain so we didn't pick today. Might set up "shop" and sell vegetables tomorrow in the driveway to my neighbors and give to the soup kitchen.
Saturday we take off for Lewisburg, WVA to pick up the new male Pug we have bought. A couple from Indiana is meeting us there to pick up the baby Cocker puppy that they have bought from us. Joy and sadness, saying good bye to one puppy and picking up another one.
Have a great weekend if I don't get back here before then.
Enjoy!



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TODAY IS MY DAY TO KNIT AND SEW!

Yah! It's rainy here this morning. So, today is a day for myself! No cleaning, 1 load of laundry and then it's all for me! No exciting lifestyle here, just plain ole relaxation, and doing what I want to do.

We were just talking this morning about how people who work in factories, on the line, have someone on each side of them to keep up production. If you are slow you get in trouble and if you are too fast you get in trouble. So with that thought, I'm glad I am right here where I am, home. Get up when I want, do what I want, and go to bed when I want! Lazy, aren't I? I think so.

Well, that little number deal yesterday blew my mind. Who sits and thinks up all this stuff? You know, the 123456789 thing. 12:34:56 on 7/8/9. Amazing. My brain doesn't ride on that train track. I was behind the door when the good Lord passed out that stuff. I'm more a gentle, kind, loving person I guess so not much need for my brain to go into overtime on anything too often.

I knit last night on the gold 9 color coat again. It is taking on color and lookin' good. I'll have a photo in a few days of the front panels. Am doing both right and left fronts and also the Ring of Fire cable for both right and left panel. Thought I'd attach the cable as I go but didn't. Best of all things, it will be exactly the same amount of rows and finished at the same time the fronts are finished. Hurrah!!

Going to Lewisburg, WV Saturday to pick up a male Pug. Finally found what I have been looking for. He should be able to handle my two girls just fine. Love his apricot head color and his wrinkles. Well, those are the only wrinkles I do like, on a dog! And then on July 16, will pick up the Bassett male puppy. He'll be too young for about a year or so but then so is the female. She is just about 9 months now so won't hurt her to wait on him to age a little. Nephew bought a female Bassett and plans to take her to college with him. Well, now, wonder how that deep throat barking will sound when 3 college boys are trying to study or party. Won't work, so told him she'll have a home here and he can get her on weekends when he's home. Ahhh, youth!
I have just got to work on those fabric grocery bags today and get some of those finished. You know I dislike looking at those little plastic bags more and more when the cashier asks if I want paper or plastic.
Have a good day!



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Monday, July 6, 2009

WOOL SOCK ORDERS NOW FOR FALL!

I am just beginning to get my sock orders in. Usually each fall I knit between 40-60 pairs of socks for people. I can knit a pair in about 2 days.
I like to have the customer measure their feet so that I get it right on the size I knit. Why in the world sell something that is either too big or too small or some kind of color that no one would ever buy to wear.
Had a nice compliment from a person on Twitter last night. Makes my heart bump up and down more rapid when people compliment me on my knitting or cooking. She's from Tennessee and a knitter herself.
I'd better get off here and get busy. The garden is producing now so will set up a table in my driveway and sell to neighborhood people. Have been giving the first to close friends and neighbors. Once it starts we not only sell but deliver 3-8 bushels of veggies a week to the soup kitchen. I hate to see anything go to waste. Last summer I canned squash for the first time. You know, it was rather tasty during the winter. I made it into squash casseroles. We probably ate a casserole a week.
Have a good one, y'hear!


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Sunday, July 5, 2009

HERE IT IS, PATTERN DESIGN FOR FULL LENGTH COAT




Thought you'd like to see the colors, design, and charted design of the coat that I am knitting. Yes, that's right, 9 colors. The collar is Ring of Fire Cable. I have the back, and 2 sides finished. Am working on the front panels and the Cable along both sides of the fronts. Take a peek and see what you think!



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Thursday, July 2, 2009

HAPPY 4TH, Y'ALL!!!!!

The front panels of the hand knit coat are almost long enough to photo for you to take a peak. I can't wait to show you.
Working with 9 colors at one time and block by block (stitch by stitch) design is extremely time consuming. Had to make little balls of yarns instead of the big skeins so that I can manuver 6 or more at a time.
It's not something I can sit and chat and knit on at the same time. But oh so rewarding! It is by far, my greatest achievement and I am so very proud of myself. Ok, brag, brag, brag!!! But I am!
Am starting to sell some of my Coton de Tulear puppies and my Cocker Spaniel puppies. For those of you who know North Carolina mountains, Sunday we trek to Franklin to pick up a new Bassett Hound puppy. Male of course so he can take over manly responsibilities of the female Bassett in due time!
Someone coming from Indiana to NC this weekend for a Cocker puppy. And someone coming from Atlanta for 1, maybe 2, PBGV's. Yes, google it....PBGV. Petit Bassett Griffon VenDen. It's a mouthful to say and the dogs are fantastic! Be sure to look them up online. Little maintenance as you don't clip their hair. Well, I did after they matted in spots from the winter.
I'm off to bathe puppies. And work with the leach and the bigger dogs.
Have a terrifically wonderful weekend. Stay safe and enjoy your family and friends.



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Sunday, June 28, 2009

CUSTOM ORDER KNITTING

To those of you who don't know my occupation. It is a custom knitter. I knit for people throughout the USA and Canada.
I am currently working on a sweater for a lady in Atlanta, a hand knit coat for a lady in Philadelphia and a sweater for a lady in Chicago.
Love my knitting.
Let me know if you are interested.



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HERE'S MY PUPPIES I HAVE FOR SALE!









Thought you'd like to see my babies that are for sale. Aren't they precious.



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