Yesterday Joshua turned 15!   Josh has always worried that he wouldn’t get presents because in his previous life, his birthday often came and went with nary a look.  He did indeed get gifts and he got pretty much what he asked for so he’s very happy today. (whew)

He waited, patiently for him even, for the gift giving and opening to begin.

All gfts were placed in a bag and he had to choose a number to find out what he would open.

He pretty much just got cash, CD’s he wanted, and a gift card to the PX.  We went out to lunch and banana splits because he didn’t want a birthday cake.

Then it was off to shop and blow every bit of money he got for his birthday.  He went to bed a happy kid. (whew….for the moment at least)

Why do I wander so far from the loom?  It makes me happy to weave so why do I let it to go so long?  While the kids were out playing yesterday afternoon, I sat at the loom and wove off the outside of three bags.  I have enough warp left on the loom for one more.  Hopefully I can get back to the loom later today.

This one is for my friend “C”.  Hope she likes the blues.

This one is for Aunt Sally

And one that has really long repeats of self striping type yarn. The picture really doesn’t do this yarn justice.  Hopefully once it’s cut off the loom, washed, pressed, and sewn up, I can grab a better shot.

A special thanks to Reluctant Dragon over at Ravelry for starting the new weaving group to encourage us weavers to weave just a bit a day.

Around The World in 80 Days - Victoria

As we continue our journey through Australia, we find ourselves in Victoria today.  It is the smallest mainland state but yet is the most urbanized and has the most population.  Melbourne is the state’s capital and the largest city.

OSU Nautlilus

The Rock Iguana accepted Capt Jac’s blankey of love and came back to the crew to show his appreciation.  The crew knicknamed the creature Iggy realizing that even mutant creatures need love.  Iggy allowed the crew to tie a rope around him and he pulled their stranded vessle off the rocks and back out to sea.  After a quick pet from all the crew members, Iggy retreated back into the forest to hide his sorrow at his new friend’s departure.  Capt Jac and his crew ran checks and tests and found the submarine to again be seaworthy.  They submerged their craft and were soon underway and headed back home to Port Daddy’s Chair.

Capt Jac and his crew lived happily ever after.  Upon Capt Jac’s retirement, he returned back to that island to live with Iggy for the rest of his life.

Capt Jac wants to thank everyone for reading his story and following along.  He enjoyed sharing it with you.

I finished the blue sweater I knit on the Bond Knitting Machine.  I am pleased with it being a first project and I can see where machine knitting can be addictive and yes I even searched around e-window shopping for other patterns and machines and stuff, but alas, I have so much already I can’t see buying anything else to add to my collection, so I will keep on keeping on with what I have.

I did get all the pieces knit for another sweater on Tuesday, and am working on seaming it and ribbing and hope to have that to show off in a few days.  Now have I dyed the blanks I knit up on Sunday (which started this whole crazy thing)?  Uh no.  I really do miss having a dedicated dye area like I had in our two other houses.  Here I have to dye things on the carport and drag everything out and stow it all back when done and with the way the wind kicks up and other things (kids) I just can’t get it done like I would like.  Excuses?  Yes.  But really, to go out and dye one or two things doesn’t make all the work involved setting up and putting away worth it right now.  So, maybe I need to warp up some more yarn for weaving or knitting and then have enough to justify getting everything out. Oh wah…right.  Anyone want to pass the cheese with my whine?

Around The World in 80 Days - New South Wales

New South Wales is located in the southeastern part of Australia and boasts cities such as Sydney, New Castle, Wollongong, and Canberra.  Sydney is on the east coast and was built around Port Jackson.  Sydney is noted for it’s famed Sydney Opera House. Sydney also hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic games.

OSU Nautilus (we resume where we left off…I think)

Capt. Jac knitted until his fingers were raw and bleeding.  He was able to finish the gigantic project in just two days. He and his crew had to formulate a plan to take the finished object to the beast and present it as a sacrificial offering of love.  Under the cover of darkness, they crept through the tropical vegetation and came across the mutant beast sleeping on the beach.  They threw the project over the rock iguana and ran back to their ship hoping that no life would be lost if the beast were to wake and become angry.  Much to their surprise and delight, the beast accepted their gift and cuddled with it for the rest of the night.

(*disclaimer….while in this story Capt Jac knitted the project, Chris requested credit for the ACTUAL knitting.)

Stay tuned for the conclusion (finally) of our story.

Silly doggie (part two)

Caleb got his time in the spot light the other day with the cone around his neck (he’s doing better and not biting his feet nearly as often now).  This time, Neo, our neighbor’s dog barked for attention in the spotlight.  Neo LOVES water.  All last summer and the first part of this summer, the his kids would have to go out and spray water on him to keep him cool.  He actually would do flips and tricks over getting sprayed.  This summer, his kids went away for a month, and his mom and dad got a little creative and just set up the sprinkler for him.  He will spend 20 to 30 minutes literally running through the sprinkler, chasing it around, biting at the water, etc.  I’ve enjoyed watching his antics and finally got them on film to share.

Hope your day is a good one.  I’ve got to get through two more days of hearing how it’s almost Josh’s birthday and he’ll be 15.  I am guessing  he is thinking I keep forgetting so he has to remind me about once every 15 minutes or so.  Sunday can’t come soon enough so he can’t talk about what he wants for his birthday anymore

Lately, we are just marking time off the calendar until Jim comes home and things return to normal around here.  We’ve tried a variety of ways to check off that time.  Jess keeps asking me when we can start the countdown dance again (it’s just a little thing she and I started doing before Jim came home for R/R).  But I keep telling her it’s just too early yet to start that.  Hopefully in another month or so.  Thought I would share with you though a few figures.  As of writing this Jim has been gone:

• 42:18 Weeks
• 295.27 Days
• 7,086.46 Hours
• 425,187.45 Minutes
• 25,511,247 Seconds

He still has to go:

• 9.82 Weeks
• 68.73 Days
• 1,649.54 Hours
• 98,972.55 Minutes
• 5,938,353 Seconds

Until the day comes that he can return home.

He’s completed 81.1% of his deployment and has 19.9% left to go.  Just in case you all were interested.

Strike Update

Two of the labor force workers quickly crossed the picket line, apologized and conceeded that management was indeed in charge.  Honestly, I thought these two would be the holdouts.  Guess they didn’t relish the idea of management not cooking dinner.  The three remaining on the labor force apparently thought it was a game and that management would cave at dinnertime and feed them a fine feast.  When management put peanut butter, bananas, and tortillas on the table and instructed them to make their own dinner while the others dined on breaded chicken, rice, and green beans, those three realized management was quite serious about providing the basics of life but not frills.  We’ll see what today brings.

Around The World In 80 Days - Queensland Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland Australia and is the largest coral reef system in the world.  Moving off the Barrier Reef and onto land, we come to the state of Queensland.  Towns such as Brisbane, Logan City, Toowoomba, Goldcoast, and Sunshine Coast are more to the southeast and contain the majority of the population of the state. Queensland got it’s name from Queen Victoria when she signed a proclamation separating Queensland from from New South Wales.  Known as the “Sunshine State”, the climate is warm and most of the state is considered in the tropics.

Hello. We regret that we are unable to assist you today as the management for this facility is currently on strike.  Oh how I wish I could put that as my voice mail message today.  In fact I AM on strike.  Upper management (that would be me) and the labor party (that would be the kids) failed to come to an understanding as to who is in charge therefore, management (literally) walked away from the table this morning and began their strike.  Our currently featured blog content (Around the World in 80 Days and the Tales of the OSU Nautilus) will return when the strike has ended and the labor party recognizes that management is in fact, the true and rightful party to be in charge.  (it could be awhile)

Beach Swap

The incredibly sweet Debby, sent out this package in July.  It somehow got lost once it arrived at my post office.  Repeated attempts to find the package resulted in a big ole frowny face from me.  Finally upon showing them proof it was somewhere in the office (thank you delivery confirmation) they finally located it yesterday and I left with a big ole smile on my face .  I was in a hurry to get the rest of our errands done so I could get home and open the package.  My Suburban (aka Beauty) has a security feature, that if you are not completely sitting in the seat properly while trying to start the car, the engine becomes disabled for 15 minutes.  Guess what happened?  Yup.  I was in such a rush, that I disabled her engine.  But, hey…it was a great opportunity to open and enjoy the box (divine intervention???)

Included in the box was a cool tropical themed knitting bag, sugar free jolly ranchers (which were promptly opened and shared), sugar free twizzlers (oh yeah), lavender and chamomile lotion and spray (smells awesome), a note pad, magnet, soap, treats for the kitties and the doggie (how sweet was that?) and two skeins of purple Malabrigo silk/wool yarn.  I have never held or petting Malabrigo before but have heard wonderful things.  And I agree….wonderful!  Yummy.  Squooshy.  Thanks again Debby!

After going through the box, the Suburban started right up and we finished our errands.

then perhaps I could think of a good title for this post.  Yesterday was just one of those days I care not repeat.  Kids and I kept facing “challenges” where they just didn’t want to do what was asked, expected, or otherwise requested of them.  I went to bed last night (notice I didn’t say sleep) feeling as though I had been beated down, rolled over, and then hung out to dry.  I got up this morning feeling much the same way.  But the sun is shining, the temps are too bad right now, and our school day is almost over…it’s bound to be a better day.  Isn’t it?

Around The World In 80 Days - A break

We finished the Asian continent and will move over to Australia.  We are taking a break today to catch up on sleep, do laundry, exchange our currency to the local one, and just generally take it easy.  Tomorrow we will begin our exploration of the Land Down Under.

OSU Nautilus (at least Captain Jac is sleeping)

Captain Jac was suddenly awakened from his dream with a revelation and a plan to get the submarine off the island and back out to sea.  Captain Jac was sure the Nautilus needed major repairs but they needed to get back to their home base of Port Daddy’s Chair for the repairs.  In order to get the Nautilus back out to sea, they would need serious muscle power as the high tides alone would not be enough to do the job.  Serious muscle power such as a tank or even a huge mutant Rock Iguana would do the trick.  But, the question was…how to get the creature to agree.  Then it came to him.  His momma always told him that hand made gifts given in love went far to tame even the wildest beast.  So Captain Jac got busy.  Luckily his mom taught him to knit as a youngster and he remembered how to do it.  He fashioned some knitting needles from native tree limbs and used plant fibers from the area flora as yarn.

Can you see where this story is headed?  The conclusion is coming…sometime.

WIP

Yesterday I pulled out my old Bond Knitting Machine that I have had for several years but not used for a long time.  I machine knit some sock blanks and some cotton in hopes to actually do some dyeing this week.  While the machine was set up, I had the great idea to actually knit a sweater using some scraps.  Last night after dinner, I knit up the back of the sweater.  This morning while the kids were eating breakfast, I knit up the front.  While they were working on their school work that didn’t require my attention, I seamed up what I could.  My plan is to get to the sleeves this afternoon and then I can work on the ribbing for the sleeves and bottom as well as the collar during my quiet time tonight.  One thing I learned about the knitting machine…..it’s NOT quiet

Hope your day is a great one.

Yesterday was our monthly get together of our home school and “oh our husbands are all deployed” group.  We were missing a member of our group this time and that was NOT cool, but I am so hoping we can plan it where she can join us next month but that’s up in the air right now.  We have a different theme running each month and last night was Italian.  So we had some yummy toscana soup (like the kind you can get at Olive Garden….yes Jim the spicy sausage soup), baked spaghetti, sloppy joe pizza, salad, garlic bread, and for desert Italian ices.  Oooh so good.  Before dinner was served, all the kids made home made butter.  We’ve done that before, but we added a twist this time.  We added flavorings to make flavored butter.  We had honey butter, cinnamon butter, chocolate butter, mint butter, hot chile butter, plain butter, and Parmesan cheese/garlic butter.  Each child got a chance to sample a bit of the butter on a home made tortilla (made by Chris and Cass for their home ec project of the week).  Some were not so good, some needed a little more of this or that, and some were really good. The hands down winner was the Parmesan cheese/garlic butter.  It was amazing!!!

Poor Doggie

Poor Caleb is back to chewing on his paws.  He actually chewed on it so much the other day, he cracked his nail below the quick and had it bleeding.  Paw problems with Caleb are an on going thing.  Generally means his allergies are kicking up and seasons are changing (which right now, seasons changing is a good thing for us…just not for Caleb’s allergies).  I borrowed my friends Elizabethan dog collar so he would leave his paw alone to help it heal.  He could get under the table with the collar on, but not back out.  He bumped into things and people, but all in all he did well with it.

Around The World in 80 Days - Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is located in the South Pacific and is about the size of California with a population of about 6.7 million people. The terrain is mostly mountainous with some coastal lowlands and foothills.  Papua New Guinea has several thousand communities averaging a few hundred people to each one.  The people are divided by language, customs, and traditions.  These divisions have resulted in some low scale tribal conflicts.

OSU Nautilus (the story continues)

Captain Jac and his crew were fearless in the fight with the Mutant Rock Iguana and fought a good fight. Not one crew member was lost in the battle.  The Rock Iguana retreated with more bruises on its pride then on its body.  Captain Jac and his crew, still run aground on the deserted island, decided to retire to their racks (beds) to settle in for the night and hopefully start fresh in the morning finding their way off the island.  Captain Jac hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since before pulling out of their berth in Port Daddy’s Chair, so sleep was quick in coming.  So were the dreams. Captain Jac immediately began dreaming about overgrown and super sized sheep.

Why sheep?  Perhaps he was counting them before he fell asleep.  What do sheep have to do with the rest of this story?  Stay tuned to the next installment to see what happens.

No, I am not talking about Pink Floyd’s The Wall (yes I listened to Pink Floyd in my younger years), or the famous Wall in Washington DC honoring Vietnam Veterans (which I have been to and it’s amazingly powerful).  No, I am talking THE WALL.  You know, the one you hit when you are just so tired you can’t take it anymore.  The one you hit when you just don’t think you can take another day of this madness.  Yes, with something like 74 days left til Jim gets home, I have hit THAT wall.  I know we’ve made it this far and I know we can make it the rest of the way.  I am just tired and don’t want to anymore.  Can we just pretend it’s November now?

Around The World in 80 Days - Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is comprised of 7,107 islands in the Western Pacific Ocean.  The Philippines became a Spanish colony in the 16th century and later an American territory at the beginning of the 20th century.  The local climate tends to be hot, humid, and tropical with a median temperature of 79 to 80 degrees (although after another summer here I would relish 80 degree weather ) Filipino and English are the primary languages but more then 180 languages and dialects are spoken on the various islands. The Filipino culture is made up of Hispanic, American, Chines, Arab, and Indian backgrounds

OSU Nautilus (part 3 I think)

When we last heard from Captain Jac and the OSU Nautilus, they were headed towards the bottom of the ocean with a giant sea turtle.  The creature continued to steer the Nautilus through uncharted waters while the crew was helpless to do anything about it.  After, what seemed like an eternity, the Nautilus was released by the sea turtle and drifted in the tide to run aground on a never before seen island.  The crew headed top side to determine the damage from the sea turtle.  They were alarmed and amazed to come face to face with a mutant endangered Rock Iguana.  Captain Jac shouted for his crew to arm themselves and prepare for battle.

Will the crew survive the invasion of the iguana?  Will they figure out where they are and how to get back to sea?  Will this story make sense when it’s over?  Who knows but it’s keeping a child amused if no one else.

Jim insisted on buying me an “Easy Button” before he left.  I am so glad he did. (thanks again honey).  I am LOVING it.  It’s an Easy Button For Parents to be exact.  When you press the big red button it says the phrases “that was easy”, “of course you’re right”, “your house, your rules”, and “because you said so”.  It does say them randomly, but I tell ya, when one of the kids starts acting up or something gets a little hard, or whatever, I press my big red button and instantly feel a whole lot better.

Around The World In 80 Days - Indonesia

Today we travel to Indonesia which is actually made up of more then 17,500 islands.  Indonesia has a population of over 222 million people (2006).  Textiles such as batik, ikat, and songket are created across Indonesia.  The food styles are varied across the islands, however, they are heavily influenced by Chinese,  European,  Middle Easter, and Indian cultures.

Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana Cakes)

6 medium ripe bananas, peeled

1 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Flour

oil for deep frying

Finely mash bananas and mix with sugar and flour.  Drop a large spoonful of batter into hot oil (carefully) and cook until crisp and golden brown.  You may cook more then one cake at a time, just do not crowd hot oil.  When done, drain on a paper towel and serve while still warm.

OSU Nautilus

The OSU Nautilus made it’s maiden voyage yesterday.  It set sail at sunset and within minutes of submerging, it was attacked by a giant sea turtle.

It rocked the submarine from side to side and amid engine gears grinding at full speed ahead, the creature held fast and caused the submarine to sink deeper and deeper into the dark ocean waters. The turtle would not release the submarine and dragged it further out to sea. What will happen to Captain Jac and the OSU Nautilus crew next?

Jessi had a good day yesterday and asked me to tell everyone who wrote to wish her a happy day, “Thank you.”  We plan to head to the store tomorrow so she can spend some of that money that’s burning a hole in her purse. Josh’s birthday is up next, so that’s all we’ll hear about for the next week and a half I am sure.

Captain Nemo, I Presume

Jacob has (finally) truly discovered the joys of reading.  It’s been a long time coming but he’s finally figured out that you can use your imagination and totally get lost in a book.  He’s read (really read) 3 books since Jim returned back to the land of his deployment.  Yesterday Jac finished reading 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.  After finishing off the book, he went to his room and was uncharacteristically quiet.  When I checked on him, he was building with Legos (which he generally does NOT do by himself).  When he was done building his creation, he shared it with me.  He built his version of the Nautilus.  Of course, it’s the Ohio State University edition just for his dad.

Around The World in 80 Days - Singapore

Continuing our trip through the Asian continent, we head to Singapore today.  Singapore isn’t just one island but more like 50 little islets.  Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.  The government madated that all citizens learn English and require at least 10 years of school education.  Singapore’s location on major shipping lanes have given it great importance in Southeast Asia.  But to be honest , when I think of Singapore, the first thing that comes to mind is a Singapore Sling created by Mr Ngaim Tong Boon.  If I were to knock one of these drinks back, I know someone would have to pick me up off the floor.  But they do sound yummy, don’t they?  Too bad it’s 0-dark-30 and I don’t drink alcoholic beverages anymore.

May your day be blessed.