Redondo Beach Pier

The sun was out and after being cooped up all week with the rain it was time for an outing. After breakfast at CJ's Diego & I took a spontaneous detour to the pier and met this beautiful student from China, she was so full of life - her eyes danced with merriment (oh to be young again). I enjoyed talking with her and her two friends, they are here to study English and in two months time they spoke pretty well. They were delightful.

The pier has so much character, it's not all scrubbed and hygienic (some Orange County beach areas lost all their individuality, they tore down the quirky fun buildings and made them bland and beige) this pier is funky don't you love this sign and I bet it would be a really great photo at night with the neon all lit up

Red Yellow and Blue - just looks like fun, if I hadn't been so full from breakfast I would have had to try this, well that just gives me another excuse to go back. Maybe on a warm sunny afternoon I'll grab one of their lemonades and a corn dog too - sounds yummy!

This fellow was sizing me up, probably thinking "you got something for me?" The birds at the pier are brazen, they will walk up to any tourist and demand food from them - hmmm maybe walking the pier with a corn dog may not be such an attractive idea now, I can imagine them stalking me and demanding my food from me. I watched them following a family that was eating ice cream cones, more and more gulls were landing near this family and following them, it looked like a seagull parade.
From the end of the pier I watched in wonder at the spray that washed upon the rocks. This never ceases to amaze me and I could never grow tired watching the movement of water, in all its different forms.

I have some projects on the needles now, another pair of Mosey Legwarmers (I love wearing the pair I have now) and Kim my hair dresser gave a subtle hint that she loved the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret that I had given Melissa, so I'll have to knit one this week and drop it by for her. Will post knit photos soon.

Slouchy Beret

The weather in Southern California has been quite stormy so this darling Slouchy Beret will not have a proper photo as it will be given to a someone who has been so kind to me, early Saturday morning at the Salon I go to. Over the years Melissa has gone out of her way to do so many countless little things for me and I am embarrassed that it took me so long to appreciate her efforts. This is one of the free patterns on Ravelry called Gwen Slouchy Beret. The yarn is by Nature Spun and the color will look great as Melissa is a vivacious Red Head.
I miss taking my garden and flower photos (you know when you are desperate when you start playing with your book and the plate blocked beret). Then it became symbolic as I realized that knitting has taken the forefront to my reading, both are joyful to me and I am lucky to be able to do both. I vow to make more use of the Library, especially after reading about the Central Library in Los Angeles I am really tempted to go.
I've been enjoying the Mysteries by Monica Ferris, fun to read and easy to pick back up again. I know that I'm in for a bit of trouble if I can't wait to get to the break room before I start reading. Wandering aimlessly down the hall while engulfed in the story (gotten a few goofy smiles as I look up startled and just missing someone passing by). Well I'd better get off the computer now, lightening is starting and I can hear the thunder approaching. Happy Knitting!

Bamboozled headbands

Sometimes being economical can lead to a new discovery. Its only fair to warn you - these headbands are addicting, not only do they look great on, but are fun to knit. I purchased some Paton's Classic Wool (on sale ) and found I could get a Star Crossed Slouchy Beret and a Bamboozled head band out of one skein (both free patterns on Knittingcentralpattern.com. Taking photos right now is incredibly difficult, rain is forecast for the entire week and today there is even a hard wind with very heavy rain. I could not wait for nicer weather and I wanted to share them with you. My current wip is a beret and should have it done by this weekend (will share photos). By the way I hope the weather forecast is wrong - they said we could get as much as 20 inches of rain by this weekend (that would be more that we get in 1 year in less than a week).

Flying XD

I woke up a little early this morning (4:30 am) and thought I'll do a quick little post, just a photo or two of my last trip to the Huntington, a nice way to start the morning. So a little bleary eyed, I fished out my camera and extracted the XD card - only to see it flying through the air, then thunk as it hit the floor and slid under a piece of furniture. Well I thought they would be a little heartier than that and did not realize that it would not want to work any more. So I must begin again with a new XD card, the bright side is I'm going to go take photos this weekend using my Monopod and should be able to get even better photos. I did take a photo of my new Bamboozled head band (a wonderful knit) and I'll be sure to take new photos of it again. At least this is an easy fix and I'll be posting very soon with photos just for you -my gentle readers.

Yipee Photos at last!

For all my snowbound friends I felt the need to post photos I took last weekend at the Huntington Library. We've had warm weather (in the upper 70's) and nice cool evenings, so the flowers are in abundance. The Iris above was so beautiful, its petals rendered me speechless (quite an accomplishment, do I hear the men out there thinking where can I get me some of those?).

This kale shared it's bed with other beauties and I loved how there was a soft rose tint in the middle beckoning me to draw a little closer and stare into the depths, do you see the little specks of green?
The Japanese Gardens at the Huntington is very popular and the maturity of this garden gives it a majesty. The Huntington recently installed a Chinese Garden, but it needs time to mature, it feels like its missing something and I just can't put my finger on it. All of the gardens at the Huntington are lovely, each special in their own way, I'll be sure to take more photos to share with you, maybe the Cactus garden should be next?
I've been knitting up a storm and am beginning to learn how to use this camera, I am hoping to find a better place to take the photos, the sun is still pretty harsh and most of my photos were not great. The slouchy hat above is for Melanie who sometimes can squeeze me in with my hair stylist (its almost like winning the lotto). She has always gone out of her way and takes such good care of me that I thought a hat or two would be a simple way to express my appreciation for all she does for me.
One of my co-workers Olga has always loved my knitting, we share coffee from my little coffee pot every morning (Pete's Coffee - yum) and she's been teaching me little phrases in Spanish. Always kind hear-ted so this neck scarf is for her. I gave it to her just after I took this photo and she tried it on right away! I sometimes feel a little selfish, it gives me such great joy to give someone something I've made, even anonymously - it doesn't matter, just makes my heart smile.

The last hat is knitted from Baby Alpaca and is so soft and squishy, I'm sending it to Marie who is the dog breeder for my three Standard Poodles, she shared her knowledge and given me so many tips on caring for my dogs and I just can't thank her enough.

Last of all I am so happy to be blogging with photos again. I do hope to take better photos of my knitting as I study the manual that came with my camera and experiment with the settings - so there's still hope for me yet! I just realised that I gave very little details about my knitting - I guess it's the excitement of it all and promise I'll do better on the next post.

New Year

I haven't been able to post any photos as the USB ports on my computer are not working and I don't know what's wrong, there aren't alot of funds right now so I'm not sure when I can get it fixed. I have a new camera and have taken some photos at the Huntington, the flowers were amazing and I love the way this camera allowed me to show some of their detail. I also took some photos of my knitted projects and a want to post new pattern I wrote for a cowl - complete with photos,

My dog Wooster is still fighting this abcess thing and I am doing my best to help him with hot packs and antibiotics, I'll be increasing the hot packs this weekend to 4 times a day, he is the most loving dog and a great patient. Good luck to everyone in this New Year, I wish you all the best, things are bound to get better and I do have things to be grateful about, a job, a measure of health and a few good friends and my fellow bloggers whose encouraging words and beautiful blogs encourage me greatly.

Wooster

I've been taking care of my Standard Poodle Wooster, he has a sore that is infected and needs tending. Will be back to blog soon. Wish me luck.

Where did the time go?

I had bought a really nice pair of black Mary Janes and was trying desperately to find a nice lacy sock, what I found was that most of the patterns are toe up and try as I may I COULD not get the provisional cast on. Does anyone know of a good You Tube for this? Well anyways I found the Hedera pattern on Knitty and decided to make them into knee highs (hopefully have enough yarn). I started them on a size 3 needle (cast on 60 just like the pattern states) and plan to move down to a size 2 for the lower calf and then the foot will be knitted in a size 1 (hope this works). Using Rowan 4ply has been a blissful experience and so far it fits my calf just fine.
Here is the Mansey legwarmer, its so cool looking on, adds an edge to these worn black denim slim pants (hate to say skinny). I love the way they lay over the boot, if you love leg warmers you should give this pattern a try, the cables make it interesting, I did amend the pattern a bit to account for being just a hair under 5'2" by eliminating one of the cable repeats, added a slouchy effect by using a size 8 needle (verses a size 7 the pattern calls for) and knitted using the directions for the size small. (To get a better photo I think I need to practice gymnastics a bit.)
I'm hooked on reading mysteries again, I am growing fond of Monica Ferris's books that center (at least in my opinion) around a store called Crewel World, the books are very entertaining and an easy read, as the series goes it feels like the characters have come into their own and I grow fonder of them with each book. I am also almost through with Maggie Sefton's series and with only two more books to go - I thought - better find another series to start, so it will be the Tea Mysteries by Laura Child's (this time I'm doing it right and starting at the beginning).
Isn't it PRETTY!!!! A very dear friend knows how much I've enjoyed blogging bought me a camera that can take macro shots - so this will hopefully improve the photos of my knitting. I will dedicate some time later this week to read the manual and then next weekend I'll have to find time to actually play with it (hope its user friendly). This dear friend would wish to remain anonymous, but I am so grateful as I could not afford this myself right now. At the end of this week I will turn another year older and will be 51 years of age (still got carded 2 years ago though - tee hee). It is so surprising how quickly time flies - really amazing how could I be this old?

80 degree Cowl

I have been knitting this cowl in spite of 80 degree weather, the yarn is so pretty and is a combination of silk and wool with a wonderful sheen. It isn't very soft though and it is a thick and thin yarn (not exactly sure of the terminology) that would not hold up well to a garment, hence the cowl, I will have about 3 hanks left - any ideas? I am hoping that when I wash it - the yarn will soften - we shall see.

Last Sunday was photo day for the family so off we went to downtown Disney. The mist from this waterfall was refreshing as the day was a little warm.
Here are my great Nieces and nephew, it was a great idea to bring this along to keep them occupied as the photos took so long. The younger generation kindly retrieved all the balls that kept flying in every direction.
This is the little darling Danzie who is the sweetest baby I've ever had the privileged to have known. Her mommy does such a fine job with her too.
Birds of Paradise just thrive in our climate and are everywhere. This one was a beauty - for my snowbound friends - enjoy!

Flu & Blogging

Woke up at 2am feeling totally crummy, its lunch time and the feeling continues. So what is a girl to do? Blog a little and see if I feel any better. I've almost finished the Mansey legwarmers, got to refresh my technique on i cords and pom poms (used my pompom gadget for the first time). I followed the yarn suggestion this time - Paton's Classic Wool in a nice gray. I liked this legwarmer as it finishes with a bootcut instead of being tapered. My only change was instead of a size 7 circular, I used a size 8 and the fit is perfect, it drapes a bit and is a bit slouchy. Maybe I should knit a slouchy hat or cowl to go with these?

I finished the Red Scarf and true to form, the red yarn would not photograph indoors or out, so I took a quick shot in the car on the way to the Post Office. I do hope the recipient (who ever it is) does like it, the yarn is Alpaca (my own pattern) and I made it with lots of love.

Isn't this fabric BEAUTIFUL! One of my family members is making me a quilt and she just told me the front was done. So off I ran to M & L fabrics with her words ringing in my ear "get something you really love" and so I did. I feel happy just looking at this fabric, I love the butterflies, bees and multiple flowers, they all work so well together (in this design and in real life too).

More photos from the Huntington (taken last month). I love flowers no matter what their stage, so I thought I would share with you this perfect Rosebud.

A Rose in full bloom, dazzling in the sunlight.

Roses in their final stage with only a few petals remaining are still wonderful to me as they peak through the new rosebuds. It almost seems like the older rose above is caressing the new rose bud that is emerging next to it.
Finally, what would a trip to the Huntington Library be without sharing another of their magnificent statues with you. I'll do better next time I go and get more details about the statues to share with you. Well back to bed I go rest and perhaps finally get a little sleep.

Knitting Photos - At Last

Monkey Socks - aren't they fun to knit. I liked the pair I made my neighbor so much that I knit myself a pair. The yarn is from Celtic Memory yarns and is a merino bamboo blend that is so soft and yummy and I think it works really well with this pattern.

WIP'S

Maybe its my love for gardening, but I am drawn to socks with leaf motifs. This pattern is from Vogue Knitting - The Ultimate Sock Book and the pattern is called "Leaf Lace Socks", I really enjoyed knitting the picot edge and the chart is short and very easy to work with. The yarn is Knit Picks on size 1 needles. This will be a nice color to wear this winter, wouldn't these look great with a similar colored skirt?

Project #2 is just a simple ribbed cowl, the yarn is a mystery yarn of Wool and Alpaca on a size 13 needles. I had originally purchased the yarn for a gorgeous little top, but realized that the pattern called for each hank to have 100 yards (these only had about 60 yards - oops!) So a cowl they will be, another great way to extend my wardrobe.
WIP #3 - half way through the Red Scarf that I am donating, I'll put some extra time on it this week and see if there is any way I can finish it before the weekend (my knitting group meets on Saturday). Wish me luck! I read on Stitches of Violet's blog about limiting WIP's to 3, so I am trying that for now, it seems manageable.
Just wanted to share a couple of photos from my last trip to the Huntington Library. These giant bamboos are incredible, I've been near them when there was a strong breeze and the creaks and thunks that they emit is quite loud, I could appreciate them there in that garden and can imagine how they would be in a storm. (am quite happy that I never planted these in my yard though)
Ok, you've probably guessed by now, I love flowers and roses just move me, their fragrances, the way the petals glisten when they are kissed by dew, I even like it when you can see the new buds coming up while the older flower are fading.

FRISCO'S DINER

This place had a lot of character and if you like loud music and
girls on roller skates (in rather short skirts), then this place is for you.
I'll admit the breakfast was good and the prices pretty reasonable, but it was hard to relax and enjoy my food. (I'll just leave it at that).

Thanks to my Fellow Bloggers

I leave for work and it's dark, and arrive home just as the sun is setting (on an early day). This has made taking photos for my post - most challenging. So I sit and read lovely blogs when I get home to unwind from a long and weary drive. My fellow bloggers how I appreciate the care you've taken, with your words so carefully crafted, comforting and inspiring me. The wonderful photos that I sit and day dream about, their beauty is surreal at times. This weekend I will take photos of my knitting and be sure to post them. Last spring I had these dear little columbine pop up again, I love when flowers reseed themselves.