5 And A Beagle
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." John Lennon
Monday, November 09, 2009
Sesame Street Memories
If you've been dropping by the google home page at all this week you can't help but notice that Sesame Street is celebrating its 40 anniversary. It started with the distinct yellow/orange legs of Big Bird substituting as the letter 'L', and a few days later the googly eyes of Cookie Monster took the place of the two 'O's, and today it's one of my favourites, Count Von Count.
While Sesame Street wasn't a part of my childhood (too old), it was certainly a part of each of my children's. Sesame Street, along with Mr. Dressup and Fred Penner formed a weekday morning trinity of fun and educational TV time (for them and me). I recall #3 sitting at the table in the front room with his Sesame Street figurines and playing along with them while watching the show. The conversations he'd hold were priceless. #4 and #5 would always be more co-operative during bath time if I'd put on the voice of Elmo while rinsing the shampoo out of their hair. "Elmo says lift your chin and look waaaayyy up! That's it!"
We had almost every Sesame Street character imaginable floating around the house for years. From a little plastic Big Bird, Snuffleupagus or Super Grover figurines, to handcrafted stuffed Berts and Ernies, to the lovable Tickle-Me Elmo.
Even now, Christmas Eve isn't complete without watching 'Christmas Eve on Sesame Street'. Child or adult, how can you not laugh at the antics of Cookie Monster as he writes, types and phones in his wish list to Santa.
While most of the toys have been packed up and put in the attic, there are a few that can still be found in the bedrooms .
While Sesame Street wasn't a part of my childhood (too old), it was certainly a part of each of my children's. Sesame Street, along with Mr. Dressup and Fred Penner formed a weekday morning trinity of fun and educational TV time (for them and me). I recall #3 sitting at the table in the front room with his Sesame Street figurines and playing along with them while watching the show. The conversations he'd hold were priceless. #4 and #5 would always be more co-operative during bath time if I'd put on the voice of Elmo while rinsing the shampoo out of their hair. "Elmo says lift your chin and look waaaayyy up! That's it!"
We had almost every Sesame Street character imaginable floating around the house for years. From a little plastic Big Bird, Snuffleupagus or Super Grover figurines, to handcrafted stuffed Berts and Ernies, to the lovable Tickle-Me Elmo.
Even now, Christmas Eve isn't complete without watching 'Christmas Eve on Sesame Street'. Child or adult, how can you not laugh at the antics of Cookie Monster as he writes, types and phones in his wish list to Santa.
While most of the toys have been packed up and put in the attic, there are a few that can still be found in the bedrooms .
Happy 40th, Sesame Street. Thanks for the memories!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween !
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Almost Like Christmas
Just a little less than 2 months until Christmas and we have one completed "Christmas in Tallinn" stocking and a second one on the needles. Each will be a gift for both the choir director and the teacher that organized and chaperoned the trip #5 took this past summer to Estonia.
Also on the march towards Christmas are two socks, sadly not yet paired off. Both in the Gentlemen's Plain Winter Sock from Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. The first using yarn from Impulse of Delight, the second from a mystery skein from the stash. Pictures don't seem to be possible given that the flash card and computer don't seem to be co-operating right now.
And finally, keeping on the theme . . . of Christmas, not socks . . . tonight #4 and I are headed off to enjoy an early Christmas present (for me) - an evening with U2! I'll try not to embarrass her by squealing with delight and singing along to the songs! :-D
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pepé Le Pew strikes.....AGAIN!
A few days ago Li of Life’s a Stitch,wrote about her little dog Gracee and her dreaded run-in with a skunk. I commented at the time that fortunately, Miles had managed to stay skunk free. This despite the fact that I think the entire Lower Mainland is rife with the smelly critters this year.
Well, of course I spoke too soon. This past Wednesday night Miles went out for his evening jaunt and as soon as the door was opened he ran straight for whatever was russling in the garden and came face to backside with Pepé Le Pew! Fortunately we had the ingredients listed in Li’s skunk deoderizing concoction and after a scrub down on the back deck, a rearranging of Miles’ sleeping accommodations, (outside instead of inside) a load of laundry and a shower for me, it was bed time for all, sometime after midnight.
He come back from his unplanned day at the local doggie groomers on Thursday evening and judging from his demeanor, I’m sure it was a little more stressful than his usual day of lounging on the daughters’ beds and barking at the mailman.
Time to add hydrogen peroxide to the grocery list so as to replenish the emergency supply under the kitchen sink for next time….because in this neighbourhood, there’s sure to be a next time…..
Well, of course I spoke too soon. This past Wednesday night Miles went out for his evening jaunt and as soon as the door was opened he ran straight for whatever was russling in the garden and came face to backside with Pepé Le Pew! Fortunately we had the ingredients listed in Li’s skunk deoderizing concoction and after a scrub down on the back deck, a rearranging of Miles’ sleeping accommodations, (outside instead of inside) a load of laundry and a shower for me, it was bed time for all, sometime after midnight.
He come back from his unplanned day at the local doggie groomers on Thursday evening and judging from his demeanor, I’m sure it was a little more stressful than his usual day of lounging on the daughters’ beds and barking at the mailman.
Time to add hydrogen peroxide to the grocery list so as to replenish the emergency supply under the kitchen sink for next time….because in this neighbourhood, there’s sure to be a next time…..
Labels: Skunk encounters of the annoying kind
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
From the Feet to the Head
Three pair of socks for the traveling young men have been put on temporary hold and have been replaced by three toques.The Laire Toque came home for a visit, so I snapped a picture.
Knit in Noro Silk - started and finished on Sept 25th. Thank you B.C. Ferries, for all that 'time on my hands'.
A second one was started the next day but due to a shortage of spare time, it wasn't finished until last Wednesday.
While driving through Parksville the other weekend, I just happened to spot a store called "The Wool Shop". Could I just drive by without stopping? Of course not! I poked around and came out with the 2 skeins of Sirdar Click which were used for this second Laire. It was quite a nice yarn to work with considering it's a 70/30 acrylic blend.
I also bought 2 skiens of Patons SWS of which only one was needed for the Hot Chilly Hat designed by Ruth of Knitting on Impluse. This is a pattern that Ruth had recently designed and I was lucky enough to get to test knit. The pattern is made up of an easy to follow stitch pattern that knits up quickly and easily and makes for a very comfortable and snug fitting toque. I'm afraid my photography skills do not do it justice however, as I can't seem to get a nice picture of the stitch detail .... not to mention the mirror shot ....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Eat, Drink and Be Married!
Eat, Drink and Be Married.....that was the theme for the weekend here at 5 and A Beagle as we gathered in picturesque Parksville to celebrate the wedding of these two special people.
The surroundings were breathtaking, the weather perfect and we now are blessed with a lovely new aunt / sister-in-law!
A pair of previously blogged about socks were made for the bride and groom, but I neglected to take any new pictures prior to wrapping them while they were in their little bride and groom sock bands. A little something from the yarn obsessed sister to keep their feet warm now that the weather has made a definite change towards fall.
Also missed from the photo-taking was a toque made for #3 while I was sitting in the ferry line up. Who knew there'd be so many fellow travelers in the middle of a Friday afternoon. My brother, mother, #5 and I set off to catch the 12:30 ferry only to find upon arrival at the terminal, that the 12:30 was full and we might get on the 3:00. A panicked phone call was placed to #2 and #4 to hustle their behinds down to the terminal so that they wouldn't end up relegated to the next sailing at 5:00.
#2 was smart enough to make a last minute reservation that guaranteed his passage on the 3:00 so we shuffled passengers around so that the groom, best man and mother of the groom would at least make it over to the island in time for the wedding rehearsal. As the vehicles loaded onto to the ferry shortly before 3:00, #4 and I slowly made our way through the lineup, closer and closer to loading, fingers crossed that we'd make it onboard with the rest of the family. But with just two other cars in front of us, the ferry reached its capacity, the loading ramp came up and the doors closed. So close! Next ferry.... 5:00pm.
Luckily for us, they added an additional sailing due to the heavier than expected volume.
So with enough time for a quick trip to Starbucks in Horseshoe Bay for a nice, warm chai tea latte, we managed to set sail at 4:00. Between the time spent waiting and the almost two hour sailing time, I finished a Laire Toque with a skein and a half of Noro Silk Garden in a black/grey/beige colourway. Sure to keep his noggin warm this winter. Socks have been put on a temporary hold while I whip up two more toques for his travel companions.
The surroundings were breathtaking, the weather perfect and we now are blessed with a lovely new aunt / sister-in-law!
A pair of previously blogged about socks were made for the bride and groom, but I neglected to take any new pictures prior to wrapping them while they were in their little bride and groom sock bands. A little something from the yarn obsessed sister to keep their feet warm now that the weather has made a definite change towards fall.
Also missed from the photo-taking was a toque made for #3 while I was sitting in the ferry line up. Who knew there'd be so many fellow travelers in the middle of a Friday afternoon. My brother, mother, #5 and I set off to catch the 12:30 ferry only to find upon arrival at the terminal, that the 12:30 was full and we might get on the 3:00. A panicked phone call was placed to #2 and #4 to hustle their behinds down to the terminal so that they wouldn't end up relegated to the next sailing at 5:00.
#2 was smart enough to make a last minute reservation that guaranteed his passage on the 3:00 so we shuffled passengers around so that the groom, best man and mother of the groom would at least make it over to the island in time for the wedding rehearsal. As the vehicles loaded onto to the ferry shortly before 3:00, #4 and I slowly made our way through the lineup, closer and closer to loading, fingers crossed that we'd make it onboard with the rest of the family. But with just two other cars in front of us, the ferry reached its capacity, the loading ramp came up and the doors closed. So close! Next ferry.... 5:00pm.
Luckily for us, they added an additional sailing due to the heavier than expected volume.
So with enough time for a quick trip to Starbucks in Horseshoe Bay for a nice, warm chai tea latte, we managed to set sail at 4:00. Between the time spent waiting and the almost two hour sailing time, I finished a Laire Toque with a skein and a half of Noro Silk Garden in a black/grey/beige colourway. Sure to keep his noggin warm this winter. Socks have been put on a temporary hold while I whip up two more toques for his travel companions.Friday, September 18, 2009
Finishing Socks (cont'd)
There are certain subtle mannerisms with each of our three kids that are identical amongst them. Whether it's a slight twinkle in their eye when they're laughing, the curve of a lip when trying to be sly, or the simple shrug of the shoulder.
Each time I see the characteristic in one that is similar in their sibling, I can't help but smile and think "how sweet, you remind me of your brother when you do that." or "you're so much like your sister."
Still moving along on the self-imposed sock marathon. The second pair were completed last week.
Sock #1 of the third pair is going a little slower than planned. I t
ook a little jaunt to Vegas at the start of the week and, well really, who goes to Vegas to knit? Not even me. Although, time spent in flight was somewhat productive. However, I've since ripped back the heal because I didn't like the looks of it.
Each time I see the characteristic in one that is similar in their sibling, I can't help but smile and think "how sweet, you remind me of your brother when you do that." or "you're so much like your sister."
It's at times such as that that I'm so grateful to have been blessed 
with three great kids and I want to give them each a big squeeze.
I must remember that feeling when it's early on a school day morning and someone doesn't want to get out of bed.
#3 will be coming home for a family wedding next week and we'll have a whole week to spend with him before he heads back to the east coast.
with three great kids and I want to give them each a big squeeze.I must remember that feeling when it's early on a school day morning and someone doesn't want to get out of bed.
Still moving along on the self-imposed sock marathon. The second pair were completed last week.
Sock #1 of the third pair is going a little slower than planned. I t
ook a little jaunt to Vegas at the start of the week and, well really, who goes to Vegas to knit? Not even me. Although, time spent in flight was somewhat productive. However, I've since ripped back the heal because I didn't like the looks of it.Monday, September 07, 2009
Back to School .....
Thursday, September 03, 2009
One More Sock Done
Given my ability to be distracted from the task at hand, I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm still progressing down the path of 16 socks (8 pair) in less than 16 weeks.
I've actually been granted somewhat of a reprieve being that I'm now only making 12 socks (6 pair) in a 13 week window. 5 of the originally planned 8 pair were to be for the 5 cross country travellers ... #3 and his friends.
I've actually been granted somewhat of a reprieve being that I'm now only making 12 socks (6 pair) in a 13 week window. 5 of the originally planned 8 pair were to be for the 5 cross country travellers ... #3 and his friends.
However, part way into the trek one of the fellows and his girlfriend decided to strike out on their own, leaving #3 and his two longtime buddies to continue on their journey to Halifax. (and what is sure to be a cold winter)
Here is the one completed Spey Valley coming in at 9 days from cast on to cast off. A fun little pattern that knits up with minimal thought - just my kind of sock. I'm sure I'll have my hands full and will take more than one to one and half weeks when it comes to 'Christmas in Tallinn'.
Labels: socks
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Countdown Begins!
I have grand plans to knit 8 pair of socks between now and Christmas. Actually....between now and a few weeks before Christmas. If my math is correct, that means I will have to maintain a rate of one sock per week
Kathryn has provided me with some valuable suggestions, not the least of which is to use yarn that is enjoyable to work with. Meet Ruth's hand dyed yarn at Impulse of Delight.
It's a delight to work with in every way.
One pair down, 7 to go. Here is a pair of Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave-25 Favorite Socks , and coming in at 1 day over two weeks, I'm pretty much on track. Good thing the person they're made for has petite feet.
The next pair are a size 10-1/2 men's....not quite the same as a ladies 6, but they're Spey Valley from Nancy Bush Knitting on the Road, which once you get past the cuff, it's mindless knit/purl. Another suggestion from Kathryn, pick at least one pair with a simple pattern for times when you want to knit, but you don't want to think. Spey Valley hits the mark there.
Here's the first of the the pair after a few hours of knitting. Again with yarn from Impulse of Delight.
Two of the remaining socks will be Christmas in Tallinn, as a thank you for each of the teachers that took the choir to Estonia this summer. Those two stockings will certainly not be in the 'mindless knit' category.
Beyond those, I have yet to chose patterns for the remaining 5 pair. They'll be going to #3 and his friends as a little something to keep their feet warm during their first east coast winter. But I'm putting an embargo on yarn purchases for the next little while....time to whittle away at more of the in house stock.
Kathryn has provided me with some valuable suggestions, not the least of which is to use yarn that is enjoyable to work with. Meet Ruth's hand dyed yarn at Impulse of Delight.
It's a delight to work with in every way.
One pair down, 7 to go. Here is a pair of Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave-25 Favorite Socks , and coming in at 1 day over two weeks, I'm pretty much on track. Good thing the person they're made for has petite feet.
The next pair are a size 10-1/2 men's....not quite the same as a ladies 6, but they're Spey Valley from Nancy Bush Knitting on the Road, which once you get past the cuff, it's mindless knit/purl. Another suggestion from Kathryn, pick at least one pair with a simple pattern for times when you want to knit, but you don't want to think. Spey Valley hits the mark there.
Here's the first of the the pair after a few hours of knitting. Again with yarn from Impulse of Delight.
Two of the remaining socks will be Christmas in Tallinn, as a thank you for each of the teachers that took the choir to Estonia this summer. Those two stockings will certainly not be in the 'mindless knit' category.
Beyond those, I have yet to chose patterns for the remaining 5 pair. They'll be going to #3 and his friends as a little something to keep their feet warm during their first east coast winter. But I'm putting an embargo on yarn purchases for the next little while....time to whittle away at more of the in house stock.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Travelling to the Past
#3 and his friends have now covered the first two provinces on their west to east journey across Canada.
He’s currently on the Saskatchewan prairie and today he walked around the town of Dundurn, a small, and perhaps at first glance, somewhat non
-descript town just off the highway between Saskatoon and Regina.
The significance of Dundurn however, is that this is the town where his Grampa was born.
-descript town just off the highway between Saskatoon and Regina.The significance of Dundurn however, is that this is the town where his Grampa was born.
Today, #3 was able to visit the house his Grampa lived 
in,
see the small schoolhouse he attended,
and the beautiful little church he was baptized in almost 78 years ago.
Dad would have been so thrilled to share that with his grandson – I’m so happy #3 could have the experience.
in,see the small schoolhouse he attended,
and the beautiful little church he was baptized in almost 78 years ago.
Dad would have been so thrilled to share that with his grandson – I’m so happy #3 could have the experience.
