Found the link at The Knittin Coop - Thanks, Robin!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Mother's mother's mother's...
[Genealogy content]
On Jan 15, 2007, I did a brief post about the yDNA project that my brother participated in. The yDNA is for the male line [father's father's father's....] I've been thinking about having my DNA checked - the mitrochondrial DNA is for maternal ancestry. The test does not tell who you ancestor was but give clues as to where your [my] maternal ancestry fits into the deep or very old genetic lines.
I know who my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother was: Lucinda W. Cook. I know Lucinda was born in Pennsylvania in 1805. She married Moses Cochran in Mercer Co. PA in 1826. [He was about 18 years older and a widower. Don't know if he had children with his first wife.] Lucinda and Moses had, at least, 8 children and I know what happened to a few of them. Lucinda & Moses lived in Mercer Co. PA until at least 1855 [when he submitted a War of 1812 pension application.]
They were living in Henry Co., MO, at the time of the 1860 census. Then, according to more pension applications, Lucinda & Moses lived in Adams Co., IA. By 1877, they had moved with their oldest [known] son, Frank, to Madison Co., NE. Moses died there in 1878 at the age of 92. Lucinda died in Madison Co., NE, in 1883 at 78 years of age.
A few years ago, my DD3 & I met my sister and Mother in Madison Co. and we found Lucinda W. Cook & Moses Cochran's gravesites. That was before I'd heard about genealogical DNA, but I still felt a connection to Lucinda when I was standing at her grave - my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother.
What I don't know is: who was Lucinda W. Cook's mother [and father] [and what does the "W" stand for?]
I've started a list of things to do, send for, research, etc. for genealogy...all things that I haven't had time to do. I'm going to have time in the near future and I bet I won't want to be knitting ALL the time. That minor procedure I had last week has turned into a major procedure scheduled for next week and I'll have at least six weeks off work. I'm lining up projects:
On Jan 15, 2007, I did a brief post about the yDNA project that my brother participated in. The yDNA is for the male line [father's father's father's....] I've been thinking about having my DNA checked - the mitrochondrial DNA is for maternal ancestry. The test does not tell who you ancestor was but give clues as to where your [my] maternal ancestry fits into the deep or very old genetic lines.
I know who my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother was: Lucinda W. Cook. I know Lucinda was born in Pennsylvania in 1805. She married Moses Cochran in Mercer Co. PA in 1826. [He was about 18 years older and a widower. Don't know if he had children with his first wife.] Lucinda and Moses had, at least, 8 children and I know what happened to a few of them. Lucinda & Moses lived in Mercer Co. PA until at least 1855 [when he submitted a War of 1812 pension application.]
They were living in Henry Co., MO, at the time of the 1860 census. Then, according to more pension applications, Lucinda & Moses lived in Adams Co., IA. By 1877, they had moved with their oldest [known] son, Frank, to Madison Co., NE. Moses died there in 1878 at the age of 92. Lucinda died in Madison Co., NE, in 1883 at 78 years of age.
A few years ago, my DD3 & I met my sister and Mother in Madison Co. and we found Lucinda W. Cook & Moses Cochran's gravesites. That was before I'd heard about genealogical DNA, but I still felt a connection to Lucinda when I was standing at her grave - my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother.
What I don't know is: who was Lucinda W. Cook's mother [and father] [and what does the "W" stand for?]
I've started a list of things to do, send for, research, etc. for genealogy...all things that I haven't had time to do. I'm going to have time in the near future and I bet I won't want to be knitting ALL the time. That minor procedure I had last week has turned into a major procedure scheduled for next week and I'll have at least six weeks off work. I'm lining up projects:
- knit socks, I have enough sock yarn for 4 pairs
- crochet camouflage blankets for Sport & Buster
- organize all my photos from the past three years
- work on transfering data from my old genealogy database to my new one - and cleaning up the info, adding citations, etc.
Knitting to classical music [update]
I mentioned this topic in January 9th and 15th posts. I have several dozen classical cds, but I also listen to a local classical music only FM station. But, the tower crashed to the ground this weekend when two of the guy-wires snapped. Too much ice and wind. No estimate when they will be back in operation. But, at least I have my cds!
The Grand Dogs
Hmmm...I'm feeling like I need to keep up with the bloggers.... Lots of people with lots of photos of their cats and/or dogs. Don't have any. (-: My houseplants are SO well behaved - I can leave them unattended for DAYS at a time :-)
But, DD3's boyfriend & family have 3 Schnauzers, so here's a photo of two of them. 
Sunday, February 25, 2007
February Socks DONE!
I actually finished them yesterday afternoon (2/24). Still no digital camera so here is a scan of the pair - and the little bit of leftover yarn!
Yarn: Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry on size 2 dpns. Pattern (free) from poshyarns.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wasted days and a night
I had Great and Wonderful plans to get A LOT of knitting done yesterday and today. So far (3:25 p.m.) I've only done a few rows. I had a minor procedure done yesterday under anesthesia. It was scheduled for Noon. I got there early (with an empty stomach as ordered.) It didn't take long to get all the paper work done. I was taken to the surgery room, changed into a gown and with 25 minutes to go before the DR was to arrive, I thought I could knit.
I only got a row or two done when the anesthethist (spelling?) came in and put in an IV - in the bend of my elbow. No more knitting. So I laid there on the gurney, staring at the lights, and listening to the radio. I guess I could have asked them to change the station. But thought that maybe it was the Dr.'s favorite type of music and I'd better leave it alone. Noon came and went and about 12:45 p.m. someone came in to say that the Dr. was running late, still in surgery, and it might be another hour yet. So they turned the lights down. I forgot to ask about the radio. Oh, well. By that time I was sure I'd set a record for the consecutive number of minutes I've listened to Country music and I might as well build on the record....
Coming out of anesthesia was rough. The nurses wouldn't let me sleep, so I puked. They wanted me to sit up, but my head hurt. I kept asking for 10 more minutes. (Maybe I only asked twice.) They called my DD1 to come to take me home. ARGH. Couldn't keep anything down all afternoon & evening. Slept most of the time. Woke up about 3:45 a.m. and had a cup of weak tension tamer tea and three small soda cracker squares. Slept in the recliner till DD1 got up to go to work. Had a small bowl of oatmeal and tea. Slept a couple hours more. Had some chicken noodle soup and then slept till 2:30 p.m.
I feel like I'm recovering from the flu. Think I'll go make some Yorkshire Tea (but weaker than normal) and get to knitting. Only a week left in the month ... gotta finish my February socks!
I only got a row or two done when the anesthethist (spelling?) came in and put in an IV - in the bend of my elbow. No more knitting. So I laid there on the gurney, staring at the lights, and listening to the radio. I guess I could have asked them to change the station. But thought that maybe it was the Dr.'s favorite type of music and I'd better leave it alone. Noon came and went and about 12:45 p.m. someone came in to say that the Dr. was running late, still in surgery, and it might be another hour yet. So they turned the lights down. I forgot to ask about the radio. Oh, well. By that time I was sure I'd set a record for the consecutive number of minutes I've listened to Country music and I might as well build on the record....
Coming out of anesthesia was rough. The nurses wouldn't let me sleep, so I puked. They wanted me to sit up, but my head hurt. I kept asking for 10 more minutes. (Maybe I only asked twice.) They called my DD1 to come to take me home. ARGH. Couldn't keep anything down all afternoon & evening. Slept most of the time. Woke up about 3:45 a.m. and had a cup of weak tension tamer tea and three small soda cracker squares. Slept in the recliner till DD1 got up to go to work. Had a small bowl of oatmeal and tea. Slept a couple hours more. Had some chicken noodle soup and then slept till 2:30 p.m.
I feel like I'm recovering from the flu. Think I'll go make some Yorkshire Tea (but weaker than normal) and get to knitting. Only a week left in the month ... gotta finish my February socks!
To count or Not to count
I've been comtemplating adding a "counter" on my blog (if blogger will let me.) I have mixed feelings about this. I'd like to see the number of visitors to my blog...but I'm thinking there probably aren't many, so maybe I'd rather not know!
But, that brings me to what's the purpose of blogging? My boss has been thinking about a blog for our department to keep our customers up-to-date on new products & services. Boss has been looking at blogs from other similar departments and said, "But, they really aren't Interactive, because there are very few comments posted."
I didn't disagree. But, I do disagree. I see a blog as having the potential to be interactive, but I don't see that it's the purpose of all blogs. Political blogs, perhaps, because the posts would generate debate. But, blogs to update customers about new products & services, or a blog like mine that updates whoever-drops-by on my little hobby projects. There's really not much to debate or comment on. If any visitor wants to comment, that's great. But, I certainly don't expect comments.
I read about 20 blogs now on a fairly regular basis. I enjoy being updated on the bloggers' projects and what they do share of their lives. I've only commented on a few. Maybe I should just say, "Hi, I visit your blog every week. Thanks for posting." ?? --- maybe I should.
But, that brings me to what's the purpose of blogging? My boss has been thinking about a blog for our department to keep our customers up-to-date on new products & services. Boss has been looking at blogs from other similar departments and said, "But, they really aren't Interactive, because there are very few comments posted."
I didn't disagree. But, I do disagree. I see a blog as having the potential to be interactive, but I don't see that it's the purpose of all blogs. Political blogs, perhaps, because the posts would generate debate. But, blogs to update customers about new products & services, or a blog like mine that updates whoever-drops-by on my little hobby projects. There's really not much to debate or comment on. If any visitor wants to comment, that's great. But, I certainly don't expect comments.
I read about 20 blogs now on a fairly regular basis. I enjoy being updated on the bloggers' projects and what they do share of their lives. I've only commented on a few. Maybe I should just say, "Hi, I visit your blog every week. Thanks for posting." ?? --- maybe I should.
Monday, February 19, 2007
February Socks Update
Hauled my February socks down to DD3's yesterday, but forgot to get a digital photo of them. So...I scanned them on my printer/scanner.
People just aren't knitting anymore? Say it ain't so!
Two road trips in the past few days and visits to two new-to-me LYSs in two different towns.
1) This was really a "Fiber Arts" shop - and it must look like heaven to a quilter. But when I asked about yarn, the Owner said she's discontinuing most yarn, because "People just aren't knitting anymore." Oh, Really? I replied. And I mentioned being on the Socknitters list with thousands of others who knit socks. Her eyebrows KNIT together in a puzzled frown. The Owner said that we could look through catalogs and she'd special order for me. That was a great offer, but I declined since I don't know when I'll ever be up that way again.
2) Yesterday we visited a newly opened YARN shop. What fun! DD1 & I went to visit DD3 at college, so they both went into the shop with me. We did a lot of browsing - and squeezing of the yarn! :-) There was a smallish, but respectable, selection of sock yarn. Only one Step - in an orange colorway. Yuck. I bought a ball of OPAL Feelings in #1703. Also, touched a skein of Buffalo yarn! $60 per 50 g. I'll pass on that one!
OTN: February socks. Two legs and heel flaps completed. Doing the heel turn on the first. I should be able to do a lot of knitting tomorrow...These WILL be done in February!
1) This was really a "Fiber Arts" shop - and it must look like heaven to a quilter. But when I asked about yarn, the Owner said she's discontinuing most yarn, because "People just aren't knitting anymore." Oh, Really? I replied. And I mentioned being on the Socknitters list with thousands of others who knit socks. Her eyebrows KNIT together in a puzzled frown. The Owner said that we could look through catalogs and she'd special order for me. That was a great offer, but I declined since I don't know when I'll ever be up that way again.
2) Yesterday we visited a newly opened YARN shop. What fun! DD1 & I went to visit DD3 at college, so they both went into the shop with me. We did a lot of browsing - and squeezing of the yarn! :-) There was a smallish, but respectable, selection of sock yarn. Only one Step - in an orange colorway. Yuck. I bought a ball of OPAL Feelings in #1703. Also, touched a skein of Buffalo yarn! $60 per 50 g. I'll pass on that one!
OTN: February socks. Two legs and heel flaps completed. Doing the heel turn on the first. I should be able to do a lot of knitting tomorrow...These WILL be done in February!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
You'll have to trust me
No photos to prove my progress:
Buster's mittens OTN mitten #2. I'll finish it tonight
February Socks. OTN sock #1...I've been sidetracked. I'm nearly finished with the heel flap. On all of my previous (seven?) pairs I've done a s1, k1 type of heel flap. That seems to be sturdier, but the Kiefers are a bit snug in my work flats. I'm thinking the stockinette flap might fit better.
Ten minutes left in the Black Hawks-Fliers game, so I'm off to watch & knit mitts.
Buster's mittens OTN mitten #2. I'll finish it tonight
February Socks. OTN sock #1...I've been sidetracked. I'm nearly finished with the heel flap. On all of my previous (seven?) pairs I've done a s1, k1 type of heel flap. That seems to be sturdier, but the Kiefers are a bit snug in my work flats. I'm thinking the stockinette flap might fit better.
Ten minutes left in the Black Hawks-Fliers game, so I'm off to watch & knit mitts.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
SAM3 KAL February Sock progress
This is my first experience with Knit-ALongs - There are a lot of posts & photos on the SAM3 KAL web site with FINISHED pairs -- already! I actually finished those Kiefers on February 1st. I guess I *could* have submitted them as my February sock.
So, the true color is something in between!
Oh, well. My February sock is pure February! I've completed the first leg & I'm ready to start the second leg [before I do the heel flaps, etc.] Here are a couple photos [one the flash didn't work & it's too dark; the other is over-flashed.]
So, the true color is something in between!
Photos! We Have Photos!
As previously mentioned, I do not have a digital camera. One would really be handy to enhance posts with current visuals. Last night I remembered that there is an OLD, but digital, camera at work! Early this evening I picked up Sport & Buster [so the mama could study] and took them to my workplace. Not many people around, so I was able to take the boys & the digital camera to my office and get some photos.
Buster - having found the only Tootsie Pop in the entire building:
Sport - sporting his new coat and the cap (2nd ed.) and mittens I knit for him. 
OTN: Seaman's Cap in variegated blues for Buster [and Sport's cap]:
Buster - having found the only Tootsie Pop in the entire building:
Sport - sporting his new coat and the cap (2nd ed.) and mittens I knit for him. 
OTN: Seaman's Cap in variegated blues for Buster [and Sport's cap]:
Sunday, February 4, 2007
OTN update and other musings
I did some dishes, 3 loads of laundry, and cleaned the bathroom yesterday. Also worked on a genealogy question.... about possible kin who were among over 300 people returned to their families [after being Indian captives] in 1764. Very interesting reading [I was/am a history major.]
AND...drum roll...I also knit 3 inches on the Seaman's Cap for Buster [in Red Heart variegated blues] AND 4 inches on the first leg of the Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry. Love the feel of this yarn.
OH... and drove up to Mother's. But didn't stay. Friday evening I went shopping after PT [that was stupid] and shopped for Mother, too. It was 6:30 p.m. by the time I dropped off her groceries. and I was tired, hungry, and my ankle was aching. So, I just took in the bags and said, "Gotta go."
However, while I was zipping along the freeway dreaming of my recliner & an ice pack for my ankle, Mother called wanting to know where her ice cream was. Hmm...I guess in the trunk. So, I drove it [and the two cans of frozen juice] over there this morning. ARGH. Minus 28 degrees F windchill.
I was driving along past the lake and saw a dozen or so fisherpeople out there. On the lake. And I remembered the shock and amazement my nephew expressed the first winter he was here and drove past the lake with his dad. The lake where they'd fished in the summer. Having lived in Oklahoma and Virginia, Nephew had never before seen such a sight. "Dad! There are cars out there ON the lake!!!"
And I thought of how cold it must be out there ON the lake - even in those little huts. And I wondered if those fisherpeople have someone who loves them enough to knit thick, wool socks for them. ...or if they knit their own?
AND...drum roll...I also knit 3 inches on the Seaman's Cap for Buster [in Red Heart variegated blues] AND 4 inches on the first leg of the Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry. Love the feel of this yarn.
OH... and drove up to Mother's. But didn't stay. Friday evening I went shopping after PT [that was stupid] and shopped for Mother, too. It was 6:30 p.m. by the time I dropped off her groceries. and I was tired, hungry, and my ankle was aching. So, I just took in the bags and said, "Gotta go."
However, while I was zipping along the freeway dreaming of my recliner & an ice pack for my ankle, Mother called wanting to know where her ice cream was. Hmm...I guess in the trunk. So, I drove it [and the two cans of frozen juice] over there this morning. ARGH. Minus 28 degrees F windchill.
I was driving along past the lake and saw a dozen or so fisherpeople out there. On the lake. And I remembered the shock and amazement my nephew expressed the first winter he was here and drove past the lake with his dad. The lake where they'd fished in the summer. Having lived in Oklahoma and Virginia, Nephew had never before seen such a sight. "Dad! There are cars out there ON the lake!!!"
And I thought of how cold it must be out there ON the lake - even in those little huts. And I wondered if those fisherpeople have someone who loves them enough to knit thick, wool socks for them. ...or if they knit their own?
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Introducing the Kiefers [2007 Socks #1]
Trekking XXL #90. Done on 1.5 bamboo dpns. Pattern was my tweeked version of "Java Rib Rocks" that I found in Strings 'n Things's free pattern area. But the link there isn't working now.Really need to get a digital camera. The flash certainly faded out the color of the yarn.
A Really Local LYS?
My excursions to LYSs around the state (and the dearth of any in town) have made me yearn for a nice sized, very well stocked, shop nearby. I live 1-1.5 miles from a major shopping mall area. A LYS in the fringes of the mall would be great. The area pulls in shoppers from as far as 50 miles away. It would be perfect. Why hasn't someone opened one there?
I've been thinking about this for several weeks. But, hadn't mentioned it to anyone - until my DD2 mentioned getting a 39/40 on her Intro to Business assignment this week. She said she created a business plan for a Local Yarn Shop. Eh? How cool! All we need is the money to get it started. Hmmm...think I'll buy a lotto ticket one of these days.
DD1 talks about wanting to have an Independent Bookstore/Coffee Shop. I could see a LYS adjacent [but no food or beverages allowed in the yarn side.] DD3 is a psych major and a knitter. Maybe she could help teach classes. Or design patterns.
OK - enough daydreaming. Time to refill my coffee mug and get knittin'.
I've been thinking about this for several weeks. But, hadn't mentioned it to anyone - until my DD2 mentioned getting a 39/40 on her Intro to Business assignment this week. She said she created a business plan for a Local Yarn Shop. Eh? How cool! All we need is the money to get it started. Hmmm...think I'll buy a lotto ticket one of these days.
DD1 talks about wanting to have an Independent Bookstore/Coffee Shop. I could see a LYS adjacent [but no food or beverages allowed in the yarn side.] DD3 is a psych major and a knitter. Maybe she could help teach classes. Or design patterns.
OK - enough daydreaming. Time to refill my coffee mug and get knittin'.
Wanting to Lose the Training Wheels
I seem to spend a lot of time each day reading [knitters'] blogs. I'm so amazed at the talented/gifted bloggers...their knitting skills, technology skills, etc. Man, I'm such a newbie. My blog is still in the training-wheels-stage.
I see things on other knitting blogs that I'd like for mine. But...how do I do it? How/where do I get those clever little buttons? Are they like Girl/Boy Scout Badges...earned? There are other features that I'd like to add. But...not sure how. I've been wondering if I should just email several bloggers and ask..."How do you do that?" DD1 has a LiveJournal blog. All three DDs have MySpace pages. Maybe I'll ask them first.
How do people find the TIME to knit so much? I think [as a Continental style] knitter I knit pretty fast...WHEN I knit. My problem is finding time to knit. In the past month my main knitting retreat has been at PT. My crew at Physical Therapy have been, sorta, partners in my 1st pair of 2007 socks [the Trekking XXL #90 Kiefers.] They've been keeping up with the progress and I wore them yesterday. Had PT staff stop by to look at them - and at my February Socks. :-)
I see things on other knitting blogs that I'd like for mine. But...how do I do it? How/where do I get those clever little buttons? Are they like Girl/Boy Scout Badges...earned? There are other features that I'd like to add. But...not sure how. I've been wondering if I should just email several bloggers and ask..."How do you do that?" DD1 has a LiveJournal blog. All three DDs have MySpace pages. Maybe I'll ask them first.
How do people find the TIME to knit so much? I think [as a Continental style] knitter I knit pretty fast...WHEN I knit. My problem is finding time to knit. In the past month my main knitting retreat has been at PT. My crew at Physical Therapy have been, sorta, partners in my 1st pair of 2007 socks [the Trekking XXL #90 Kiefers.] They've been keeping up with the progress and I wore them yesterday. Had PT staff stop by to look at them - and at my February Socks. :-)
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Sock of the Month 3
Hey, I've joined a "Sock of the Month Club" Knit Along ...SAM3 KAL. It started today. But...I don't think I can legally claim those Trekking XXLs that I finished this afternoon as my pair for February.
So...I've cast on and have completed 4 rows of my February socks. The yarn is the Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry. The pattern is one I found online at: Poshyarn. Scroll down the page to see the Slip Up Socks. If you move your cursor over the photo of the socks, you'll see an enlarged image of the stitch pattern.
I worked a couple gauge swatches today while at PT and decided that the size 2 needles that the pattern calls for [and not my size 1.5 US/2.5 mm bamboos] will be best. I've been reading posts on the Socknitters List that discuss pros & cons of wooden [or bamboo] needles. I haven't left a comment, but in My Humble Opinion, my one set of bamboo dpns are the best knitting investment I've made yet!
So...I've cast on and have completed 4 rows of my February socks. The yarn is the Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry. The pattern is one I found online at: Poshyarn. Scroll down the page to see the Slip Up Socks. If you move your cursor over the photo of the socks, you'll see an enlarged image of the stitch pattern.
I worked a couple gauge swatches today while at PT and decided that the size 2 needles that the pattern calls for [and not my size 1.5 US/2.5 mm bamboos] will be best. I've been reading posts on the Socknitters List that discuss pros & cons of wooden [or bamboo] needles. I haven't left a comment, but in My Humble Opinion, my one set of bamboo dpns are the best knitting investment I've made yet!
Better Late Than Never
It took longer than I had hoped, but - yippee! - I finished the Trekking XXL (#90) pair this afternoon. Photo is on the roll I'll drop off at the one hour after work tomorrow. [Gotta get a digital camera!] Will try to post the photo this weekend.
Plan to wear newly finished socks to work tomorrow! My feet will be SO happy!
Plan to wear newly finished socks to work tomorrow! My feet will be SO happy!
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