5 And A Beagle

A Time to Remember...

2011-11-11T14:28:00.001-08:00

A re-posting of one from a few years ago......

A few years ago, one of #3's schoolmates, Jack, was fortunate to be chosen to represent the province of BC as a delegate of youth traveling with WWII veterans on a pilgrimage to Ortona Italy. Prior to the journey, Jack was to research the life of a Canadian soldier that would have fought in the infamous Battle of Ortona.

Below is an excerpt from Jack's report . . . .

ORTONA, Italy - We stand here together at the grave of John Harper MacLeod. We are students, teachers, writers, leaders, soldiers and historians and we are on a pilgrimage of remembrance. But there are many graves here at the Moro River War Cemetery and each one as worthy as another. So why are we standing at this grave, the grave of John Harper MacLeod?

The answer to this question lies, in part, with me because I chose Private MacLeod with a single idea in mind -- that I would find the youngest soldier I could and write about him.

You see, I could never imagine what it would be like to be in a war but, being 17, I could almost imagine what it would be like to be 19. And, before arriving here, I found the name in the Canadian Virtual War Memorial of a teenager who was killed in action on Dec. 26th during his 19th and last year of life.

His name was John Harper MacLeod and he was from Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, the son of Alexander and Alexandra MacLeod. He was a private with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, service number M101975. So with these three leads in hand -- his home town, his parentage and his regiment, I began to look for the details that would bring his story to life. I naively thought, in this age of information, that the hunt would be easy -- type in MacLeod and out comes A, B, and C. Well, I was wrong. Hours on the Internet revealed little. I realized I would have to do things the old-fashioned way - - in person.

So I went to the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Regimental Headquarters in Vancouver where I spoke with Corporal Chris Thompson and archivist Lloyd Hunter but they could only confirm what I already knew -- that Private MacLeod did indeed serve with their regiment from Oct. 10 until Dec. 26, 1943 when he was killed somewhere on the streets of Ortona.

Dismayed but not deterred, I began to contact Seaforth veterans who might have known him, but nobody did. They told me, instead, what they knew about Ortona and where they had been in the days between Christmas and the New Year in 1943.

"Was he at the dinner?" I was asked by one but I didn't know.

My vice-principal, Chris Campbell, suggested I contact Mark Zuehlke, author of the book Ortona, who theorized that MacLeod might have been killed at Dead Horse Square in Ortona where the Seaforths were engaged on Boxing Day. He suggested I talk to another MacLeod - - Ken Macleod, no relation to my MacLeod but a teacher and historian who knew a great deal about Ortona and the Seaforths.

So armed with Zuehlke's introduction, I contacted Ken MacLeod who gave me a new list of veterans to call -- Sergeant Bill Worton, Lieutenant-Colonel Syd Thomson, Ozzie Rivers, Laurie Cross and Bill Hughes.

But no one remembered John Harper MacLeod. It was Worton, however, who told me that a soldier with the number M101975 would most likely have been a reinforcement sent in by another regiment. This was confirmed by Thomson. It seemed that I had the wrong regiment.

Meanwhile I was following leads at the community level. I discovered that Cobble Hill was a tiny hamlet in the Cowichan Valley, midway between Nanaimo and Victoria. And with a name like MacLeod I knew John Harper was Scottish so I began calling all the Presbyterian Churches in Cobble Hill and the surrounding areas.

I was looking for church records on the MacLeod family -- the baptisms, marriages and deaths in a pre-Internet world. Everyone I called was interested in the story and willing to help but still, there was nothing. So I expanded my search, calling all the churches in the Cowichan Valley regardless of their denomination or distance, speaking with more archivists and church secretaries. But still, nothing.

I called Priscilla Lowe, curator of the Cowichan Valley Museum in Duncan, and she called many old families and veterans from the Cobble Hill area in hopes that something might turn up. But still, nothing.

I spoke with Virginia Bonner, a long-time resident of Cobble Hill and author of two books on local history, and she, enthused, began to help me look for leads and clues on John Harper MacLeod.

"Maybe he changed his name," she said. When I asked why he would do that she informed me that there had been a lot of German families in the Cowichan Valley at that time and many of them had changed their names, apparently preferring Scottish names to English ones.

"Could he have been from one of those families?" she speculated. "Was he really a MacLeod?"

But I didn't know. Was it possible that I had both the wrong regiment and the wrong name? I began to worry.

My mother and I finally went to Cobble Hill where we attended a Cowichan Valley Historical Society meeting at the invitation of Lowe. I explained my quest to the 30 some people there but while several intriguing theories were put forward, nobody actually remembered the MacLeod family.

I called two legion halls the next day and spoke with two local veterans, Roy Bobolo, an Italian-Canadian who fought in the Netherlands, and Peter Owen, a retired Cobble Hill school principal who had served with the British. But still I had nothing.

I went to the local newspaper office on the advice of Duncan publisher Tom Paterson, and persuaded the editor of The Cowichan Valley Citizen, Brian Wilford, to run an article on the story but still, there was nothing.

I read through four months of microfiche of the 1943-44 Victoria Daily Colonist with the help of several librarians, and still I found nothing.

I went to the oldest graveyard in Cobble Hill and looked at every tombstone, hoping I would find the names of Alexander and Alexandra MacLeod among them but there was nothing.

But what seemed most disturbing was that the name John Harper MacLeod was not written on the small cenotaph in Cobble Hill nor on the larger one in nearby Duncan. There was simply a void of information about a young private who died 61 years ago this Boxing Day.

There was, it seemed, nothing.

But somehow he had become important to me. He was the almost unknown soldier -- the one whose name is known but little else; the one who slips through the annals of history and is forgotten by all those he fought for.

And I realized I wouldn't forget him and if I lived 1,000 years I wouldn't forget what he did. He gave his youth, he gave his innocence, and eventually he gave his life so that I could enjoy mine. You see, there was a point when I could have stopped and chosen another soldier on which to write and fulfilled the assignment far more easily but I couldn't because John Harper MacLeod had gained a deep foothold in my heart and he would not leave.

It was almost as if he said to me, "Don't forget about me too."

Did he have brothers and sisters? Were his parents strict or easy? Was there enough money or none? Did he want to be a lawyer or a farmer? Did he have a lot of friends or just one or two? Was he good in school? Did he have a girlfriend?

Maybe he wasn't from Cobble Hill at all, I concluded. Maybe he lied about his age and where he came from because he wanted to get into the army without his parents stopping him.

But this I did know and this I do know. I know that he died, a 72nd Seaforth Highlander of Canada on Dec. 26, 1943 and I know he lies in this grave in front of me now.

And I'm glad he died on Boxing Day for it means his last meal, if he got to have it, would have been Christmas dinner with his company in a half-demolished Italian church but at least it is likely he would have had a good last meal.

I know also that he was just a kid, two years older than I am today, if he really was 19. So while I don't really know who he was, at the same time I sense I do, as clearly as I know my own friends and family.

That's because John Harper MacLeod has become all the young men that I know, my friends and both of my brothers. Young men, who are not unlike who our veterans were some 60 years ago. He is an amalgam of all our personalities put together. He has my friend Mike's stoicism, my friend Patrick's charm, my friend Derek's creativity and my friend Jeremy's loyalty. He has my brother Charlie's will to win, my brother Thomas's optimism and he might even have some of me in him too. That is why I could not choose another to write about or talk about here today because to abandon him would be to abandon my friends, my brothers and myself.

Then something happened, something remarkable. Two days before my departure from North Vancouver to Ortona, someone called me from Cobble Hill. It was Peter Owen, the British veteran and retired school principal. He had asked around and two people had come forward, an elderly woman and a retired farmer -- both of them long time Cobble Hill residents and they had the same story.

There had, they said, been a farm on Aros Road in the 1930s, just off Telegraph Road, where a family named MacLeod had lived. The owners of this farm were German but they had changed their name to MacLeod -- just as local historian Virginia Bonner had speculated.

According to the story, the farmer had died before the war but he was survived by his wife and two sons. And one son, they told Owen, joined the Canadian army and the other joined the German army and during the course of the war, both of them were killed. The property was sold and later subdivided and their mother moved away.

"God knows where," said Owen. "She could have gone anywhere."

John Harper MacLeod, I can tell you this. I went to Cobble Hill and I spent time there. Barry's Garage is still the centre of town. There's still a corner store next to Barry's Garage and there's a cold beer and wine store and a barber shop across the street. There's a coffee shop too, but it's closed on Saturdays because the owner teaches piano.

And there's a place up the road that sells pottery with Cobble Hill stamped on the back of everything they make. So I bought this little pot there, John, and before I left Cobble Hill, I took some earth from the ground next to the cenotaph and this I have brought with me here from Cobble Hill.

I missed a bit of school trying to track you down and you eluded me. But you missed a lot of life for me, Private MacLeod and I thank you.

And so I promise you, that if the family from Cobble Hill was indeed yours, that if it was your brother who died for Germany and you for Canada, then I am sorry for what you went through and I cannot imagine what it would have been like for you and your brother.

But if it is true and you are John Harper MacLeod of Cobble Hill, then your name belongs on the cenotaph at Cobble Hill and there are many there who will want it written and I am one of them and so too, I suspect, is everyone here today.

Take time on this Remembrance Day to think about the sacrifices that have been made by so many men and women.

Who's Training Who?

2011-05-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Day 5 of life with Puppy, and this morning we had double success with the housebreaking process. The first pee and poop of the day OUTSIDE.....yeah! Is it because Charlie has clued in to what he has to do (and where)? Nooooo, it's because I've learned just because he looks like he doesn't have to go . . . . . . . . . . patience, Grasshopper!

Who's the smarter one now? Hah - I'll take the small victories where I can but I'm still stocking up on a jumbo supply of paper towels and spray cleaner AND the kitchen tile floor is still his only free roaming room in the house.

New Beginnings

2011-05-15T10:33:00.001-07:00

It's been over 7 months since Miles left us and on any given day, as I walk up the front steps I will think "better hurry up and open the door because Miles will be anxious to get out for some play time in the backyard." When the dishwasher door is opened, I still expect to hear the clickety-clack of his paws on the kitchen floor as he comes in to scope out possible snacks (some bad habits were hard to break - he saw the dishwasher as his personal smorgasbord). Miles will always be missed!

Today we bring home a puppy, another beagle, that won't take Miles' place in our hearts, but will wiggle his way in to find his own little spot in our hearts.

This is a picture taken about 6 weeks ago. His father is a beagle originally from Sweden and his momma, a local Fraser Valley beagle. In keeping with his Swedish lineage, we've decided to name him ~~Markus~~, ~~Lars~~, ~~Bjorn~~, Benny . . . . maybe, I'm not sure - it's still up for vote between the girls.

One this is for certain . . . life with a puppy in the house should be very interesting!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

2010-09-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

Almost 6 years to the day, this big guy came to live with us. He was a reluctant addition to the family and his first impression on most of us was not the best. I went alone to pick him up and his first greeting for me that day was a snarl and snap at my hand as I tried to pet him. His owners at the time helped to load him and all his worldly possessions into my van and as they sadly waved, we drove away. With Miles probably wondering what was going on as two familiar faces faded into the distance and me beginning to wonder if I'd survive the drive home should Miles decide he didn't like me.

When we arrived in the driveway of his new home, Miles greeted #4 with what became his signature "first meeting - hello". A snarl and a snap. But #4 persevered. She grabbed his leash and took him on a walk around the block - or rather, he took her for a walk. I'll never forget how #4 looked like she was being pulled by a locomotive while Miles took off to explore (at breakneck speed) his new neighbourhood.

It didn't take long for Miles to realize we were his new family and instead of the snarl/snap, we were greeted with a wildly wagging tail and yelps of excitement. Unless of course, one of us happened to change our appearance and he didn't recognize us. #3 came home one afternoon with a drastically new haircut and Miles tore after him as if he were attacking an intruder. Poor #3 had to leap up on the sundeck rail to escape the wild beagle.

Miles had his own dog bed, updated through the years after each skunk encounter, but that was only for the occasional daytime nap. His true place of honour was on either one of the girls' beds. Who needs a hot water bottle in the winter when you've got a big ol' beagle to cuddle up with.

Miles was always ready for a game of catch although he'd slowed down in the past few years, and he was ALWAYS ready for a walk. If dogs could do a happy dance, he surely did one each time his leash was picked up off the front door table.

Sadly, I write of all these things in the past tense because Miles left us this afternoon. #5 and I came home to an unusually quite house this afternoon and I'm only glad that I was with #5 and she didn't have to happen upon him while she was alone.

I like to think he died a very painless, peaceful death while resting on one of his girls' beds. I'm sure somewhere he is still chasing squirrels and doing his happy dance at the prospect of a much loved walk. Just remember....stay away from the skunks, big guy!

Happy Friday....

2010-08-13T11:07:00.001-07:00

Socks......still

2010-07-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

#4 was downtown the other day, spending her hard earned money on.......socks - Boston Terrier socks.

I wonder how Miles would feel if he only knew that she pines for another dog.

Knitting still goes on around here even though not much blogging goes on. And socks still take the top spot - probably because of their portability.

These are the Canada socks from Knitting on the Road.

Of course by the time I came to the conclusion that I should have switched the two contrast yarns around so as to better show the patterning, I was too far along to possibly want to rip out and start over.

Oh well, once worn, whose going to be peeping under my pant legs?

Although it took its time in arriving, summer seems to have settled in quite nicely here in Vancouver. I hope you're enjoying a relaxing summer wherever you are.

Checkin' in

2010-07-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

Hello......anyone still out there??

Belugas in Vancouver

2010-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

It's official..... the belugas are loose on the streets of Vancouver!

Let the games begin!

The countdown . . .

2010-01-27T15:10:00.001-08:00

Only 16 days left to go ........

....... and the mittens are multiplying around here.

I sure wish the snowflakes were too.

Beagle Mischief

2010-01-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

You just never know what you'll find in the garden around here.

These are a couple of stuffies that were spirited out of one of the girls' bedrooms by a certain crafty, slinking beagle. We always know Miles is up to no good when he calmly saunters out of one of the bedrooms with a "nothin' goin' on here" kind of demeanor until he comes to within five feet of the kitchen door. Then it's as if he's been rocket propelled, running out onto the deck and down into the yard. Usually he's nabbed before he gets too far, but sometimes we don't realize what he's done until a certain bunny or bear is dug up from its burial spot a few months later. These two were found in the garden in the fall and placed in the tree.....with the intention of bringing them in later that day. Obviously that never happened and they've spent a soggy winter on their perches.

Now that both the girls and Miles have grown a little older, not only are there not as many stuffies lying about but there's not as much mischief in the pooch.

I've been trying to use up bits of yarn stashed about the house. Here's another Laire as well as a few Bea gle dishcloths.

Felice Anno Nuovo!

2009-12-31T14:17:00.000-08:00

From all of us here at 5 and a Beagle......

Wishing you a New Year filled with love and laughter.

Christmas in Tallinn

2009-11-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

Moving right along in my bid to get Christmas knitting completed before midnight on December 24th, I can now tick 2 Christmas in Tallinn stockings off the list.

Both stockings were knit with a combination of Elann Peruvian Highland Sport (coloured) and Elann Peruvian Alpaca Fina (white). The deeper wine red was done as the pattern suggested with 3.25 mm needles, switching to 2.75mm needles for the 'foot' portion.

The other stocking was knit on 3.00 mm & 2.75 mm needles. Going down from 3.25 to 2.75 definitely makes for a nicer proportioned stocking.

Now I just need to buy a chocolate Santa and these are set to be gifted to the two Mrs. R's that spearheaded the trip this past summer for #5 and her choir-mates to Tallinn and beyond.

Still on the Christmas knitting list.....

Birds Nest Smoke Ring

and

Raspberry Stitch lap blanket

Better keep clicking those needles or midnight December 24th could still be a reality.

Wide Open Spaces

2009-11-13T14:28:00.001-08:00

Why is it that even though, as a parent you know your goal is to raise your children to become well adjusted, independent, self sufficient young adults . . . why is it that each time they inch closer to the edge of the nest, get closer to spreading their wings and taking flight, it tears away a little piece of your heart?

#4 passed her road test today, shed her learner's license and is free to hop in the car and hit the road whenever she desires.

I think I'll have to take to hiding the car keys

Lest We Forget

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Take time today to remember.....

Sesame Street Memories

2009-11-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

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 .

Happy 40th, Sesame Street. Thanks for the memories!

Happy Halloween !

2009-10-31T10:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from the Great (beagle) Pumpkin !

Almost Like Christmas

2009-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

Pepé Le Pew strikes.....AGAIN!

2009-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

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…..

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's turkey time here in Canada this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

From the Feet to the Head

2009-10-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

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 ....

Eat, Drink and Be Married!

2009-09-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Finishing Socks (cont'd)

2009-09-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

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."

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.

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 took 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.

Back to School .....

2009-09-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

One More Sock Done

2009-09-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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'.

The Countdown Begins!

2009-08-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

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.

Travelling to the Past

2009-08-25T15:12:00.001-07:00

#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.

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.

North to Alaska

2009-08-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago, #2 , #5 and I went on a week’s cruise to Alaska. Being that the kids had been doing all of the travelling this summer, #2 and I thought it might be a good idea to jump on the bandwagon . . . . or ship, as it were.

#5 of course, fresh from her jaunt through parts of Europe got to come along for the ride – can’t leave a young ‘un home alone now can you? (Not if you want the house and its contents to still be in one piece when you return)

7 days and nights, 3 ports of call and LOTS of food – a wonderful time was had.

Even managed to hit the local yarn stores in each port and picked up some interesting 'made in Alaska' yarns.

Of course the Regia isn't Alaskan, but it was on sale 50% off, so I couldn't resist.

Dogs and Two Year Olds

2009-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Not too sure how this guy feels about being on the "Least Intelligent Breeds" in this article

He looks a little stunned by the findings.

My New Favourite Spot

2009-07-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Not much knitting going on during this crazy heat wave.

But we re-discovered a little spot in the neighbourhood.

Nice little beach to go and cool the tootsies

And take a dip

With hardly a soul around

Too Darn HOT!!

2009-07-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

VERY Low tech air conditioning.....

Fifty year old temperature records in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver have fallen. And that doesn't even include the humidex, which makes this heat wave even more fun!

The temperature in Vancouver reached a high of 30 degrees which was just shy of the July 28th record of 32 degrees, set in 1998, but it felt more like 35 with the humidity. Away from the water, temperatures are well over 30, and it feels like 40.

I'm flying the white flag of surrender!

The Empty(ing) Nest

2009-07-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is turning into a summer of travel for some of us here at 5 and A Beagle.

This young lady headed out just over two weeks ago on quite the adventure with her school choir.
They participated in the Estonian Festival of Song and Dance at the beginning of the month and have since headed south to various spots of interest as they make their way to Frankfurt and, ultimately, home.

Someone is missing her.

Our next wanderer will be this wee lass.
She will be leaving us on Sunday. First stop Paris, then on to the Emerald Isle - County Mayo, Ireland until the end of the month.

Someone is sure to be missing her, too.

And last but not least,
this young man will be taking to the road with 4 of his long-time friends as they explore this vast country of ours over the next 8 months - Canada from coast to coast.

And guess who will be missing him?

Do those look like sad, puppy dog eyes?

You don't want to see mine!

Surprise!

2009-07-03T18:30:00.001-07:00

Well - that was certainly a longer break than planned. With the exception of 'flying the flag' the other day, it's been over 3 months. Hmmm, and what's happened you may ask - or not - . . . . not a heck of a lot . . . . just life.

In the knitting department - the Baby Surprise Jacket.

It's amazing how what seems like an indistinguishable blob while on the needles turns into a cute little jacket. And to accompany the jacket, a pair of Cat Bordhi's Little Sky socks.

All will be heading off to the newest addition to the family in Italy (hopefully without any of Miles' fur - man, that dog is shedding like crazy).

Project Details:
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket
Started-June 24th
Finished-June 30th
Cat Bordhi's Little Sky Socks
Started- June 30th
Finished-July 1st
Yarn-a combination of Regia Sock yarn in the colourway-Canadian along with Elann's Sock It To Me yarn in navy blue.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T00:08:00.001-07:00

April Fool and April Fuel

2009-04-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

The weather decided to play an April Fools joke on us Vancouverites.......

Snow!

But, while I was driving #5 to her early morning practice, one of the local radio stations announced a little "road side" contest. They were giving out gas cards and other goodies at a spot just over the bridge in Vancouver. With 20 minutes to spare before I had to be at work, I zipped across the inlet, scooped up a little 'April Fuel' and headed back across the bridge to North Vancouver.

Snapshot Saturday

2009-03-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

The Lions' Gate Bridge at Sunset

Looking towards the southeast, at a span of the Lions' Gate Bridge.

Started in the spring of 1937 and completed just over a year and a half later, the Lions' Gate Bridge spans Burrard Inlet at its 'First Narrows' and connects Vancouver to the North Shore.

The building of the bridge was financed by the Guinness family (of the Irish beer fame) so as to provide access to North and West Vancouver. The family had purchased over 4,000 acres in what is now West Vancouver and of course, with a bridge to connect the North Shore to the rest of Vancouver, development of the land would be a much easier task.

To help recover construction costs, toll booths were built at the north end of the bridge. At that time, a weekly auto ticket cost a princely $1.25, pedestrians paid 7 cents per crossing and cars were 25 cents (plus 5 cents per extra passenger).

The tolls were lifted in 1952 and today upwards of 70,000 vehicles cross it daily.

One Down, One to Go!

2009-03-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Well - embroidery it was. Here is the first sock, just before the eucalan bath and block.

The i-cord of the second sock has been started and I'd be dreaming if I thought I could get it finished in time for the birthday on Saturday. B will have to settle for one sock with the promise of the second.

Your Opinion Please...

2009-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I found myself at home, alone for THE WHOLE EVENING! I think that may have been the first time in, like, 22 years! What to do, what to do?

It should come as no surprise that I sat and worked on Golden West the whole night.

One entire evening, uninterupted, with a the knitting project and all I managed to accomplish was the embroidery on one side of one sock. (The dark swirly bunch up the boot) That stuff is just a wee bit time consuming and I'm beginning to wonder if the sock really needs it.

Your opinion....to embroider or not to embroider?

Snapshot Saturday

2009-03-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Vancouver in the spring. Guess which picture best describes what the first full day of spring might have in store for us this year?

Golden West - Stage 1

2009-03-20T07:48:00.001-07:00

The knitting portion of Golden West sock #1 is almost complete. I just need to produce a second 'boot strap' and then it's on to the embroidery.

The boot strap was to be done using the technique of Double Knitting. Do you think I could figure that out? I searched for tutorials online, watched, read, tried.....failed. I ended up picking up 12 stitiches and knitting a circular strap on double points. It's a little thicker than I would like and I don't know if double knitting would provide a somewhat flatter strap.

Any suggestions? Any Double Knitting for Dummies? Maybe I should just try an i-cord.

B's birthday is on the 28th so it's going to be a weekend of knitting to get everything done in time.

Snapshot Saturday

2009-03-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

Taken on a sunny, summer day on Granville Island in Vancouver.

These colourful aqua buses shuttle people across False Creek.

On a snowy March day. Winter just doesn't seem quite ready to fade away and let spring arrive.

Grand Boulevard in North Vancouver on Monday.

4 Stages of Stash Busting

2009-03-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've been making fairly good progress in working my way through some of the yarn that has accumulated around here.

#5 went through the stash and pulled out a collection of 'fun fur' yarn and asked me to make a pillow for her. A quick evening project and about 2-1/2, 3 skeins of yarn put to good use.

During a trip to Michael's over the Christmas season, I came across some sock yarn I'd not seen before and had to give it a try.

On sale for $4 per, I picked up a couple of skeins. A simple, basic stockinette stitch sock with Patons Stretch Sock yarn.

I received a lovely skein of Socks that Rock yarn as a Christmas gift and have been slowly working my way through the Cable Sock pattern from the Interweave Knits Favorites Socks book.

And last but not least, I found a kit that I'd completely forgotten about from the 2008 Tsarina Tsock Club. It's the Golden West sock and it's absolutely perfect for the upcoming birthday of #3's girlfriend.

She works as a riding instructor at the local equestrian centre and these are just in the beginning stages, but will hopefully knit up into this.

This is an interesting pattern that starts with an i-cord band around the ankle from which stitches are picked up to knit down the foot and then up the leg, with embroidered embellishments added later.

Snapshot Saturday

2009-03-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to "Spring Ahead" tonight!

left to right - top to bottom

1. Steam Clock in Gastown 2. Sundial in Butchart Gardens 3. West Vancouver Floral Clock 4. Vancouver City Hall Clock 5. The Birks Clock, Downtown Vancouver 6. PT Cruiser, regularly traveling the Lower Mainland 7. Mantle Clock, my fireplace 8. 'Vancouver Block' Clock

2009-03-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

According to 'The Big Read' (http://www.neabigread.org/) , adults on average, have only read six books on this list. So ... copy this list, remove my yeses and nos, and add your comments (favourable or otherwise) about the ones you have read. Don't forget to include a total.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen - Yes
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien – Yes
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte - No
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling – Does watching the movies count? Only read the first two.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - Yes
6 The Bible –some
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte - Yes
8 1984 - George Orwell - Yes
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - No
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens - No
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott - Yes
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy – Yes
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller – No
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare –No
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier - No
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien - Yes
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks - No
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger - No
19 The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger - Just started
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot- Yes
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell - Yes
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald - Yes
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens-No
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy - No
25 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams - No
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh - No
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky - No
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll - Yes
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame - Yes
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy - Yes
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens - No
33 The Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis - Yes
34 Emma - Jane Austen - Yes
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen - No
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - Yes
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - Yes
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres-Yes
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden - Yes
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne – Yes
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell - Yes
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown - Yes
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez - No
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving - Yes
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins - No
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery - Yes
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy - No
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood - Yes
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding -No
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan - Yes
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel -No
52 Dune - Frank Herbert- No
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons -No
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen - No
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth -No
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon -No
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens - Yes
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley -No
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon -Yes
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez -No
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck –Yes
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov -No
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt -No
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold –Yes
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas -No
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac -No
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy -No
68 Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding -No
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie -No
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville - No
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens - No
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker -No
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett - Yes
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson -Yes
75 Ulysses - James Joyce - no
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath -no
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome -No
78 Germinal - Emile Zola -No
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray -No
80 Possession - AS Byatt- No
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - Yes
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell -No
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker -No
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro -No
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert -No
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry -Yes
87 Charlotte's Web - EB White - Yes
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom -Yes
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - No
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton –No
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad -No
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupe –Yes
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks -No
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams -Yes
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole -No
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute -No
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas - No
98 Hamlet – Shakespeare – No
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl -Yes
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo -No

Snapshot Saturday

2009-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

A fine balance....

(click to enlarge)

A few summers ago, while riding through Stanley Park towards English Bay, we came across this amazing array of stones balanced in the bay at low tide by Kent Avery.

Snapshot Saturday

2009-02-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

(unfortunately, the panorama shot doesn't allow for very much clarity when published here, but you just have to click for a clearer picture)

A light snowfall hit the lower mainland a little over a week ago and I took the opportunity to head over to the Vancouver side of Burrard Inlet to get a few pictures of the North Shore mountains. I've used autostitch to join them together to get a panoramic shot.

We're very fortunate in North Vancouver to live at the base of three ski hills. Outside of the shot to the right (east) is Mount Seymour, just right of center is Grouse Mountain and out of the shot on the left is Cypress .

The twin peaks off in the background of this photo are referred to as The Lions or The Two Sisters. The story of the Sisters can be found here.

I've never made the climb, but I understand there is a great hike that starts out from the seaside community of Lions Bay and heads 15km and 1,200 vertical meters upwards. (9.3 miles and 4,200 ft)

A lot of natural beauty right at our doorstep.

Spa Day for the Beagle

2009-02-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday was 'grooming day' for Miles. He's not a big fan of the occasion. I don't know how anyone else's beagle is when it comes to encounters with water, but Miles is most certainly NOT a fan.

Miles LOVES to play fetch. He'll chase after a tennis ball to the point of exhaustion. Nothing will deter him from getting the ball and bringing it back to his playmate for another go 'round. The ball's up in the garden area - no sweat, leap the 3 foot wall, get into the garden, suss out the ball and jump back into the yard for more fun. The ball's stuck in the prickly juniper shrub in said garden - again, no sweat. Just jump the wall, burrow into the shrub, prickles be damned, get the ball and jump out of the shrub, down from the wall and through the yard for more fun. But should the ball land anywhere near the sprinkler, forget it, game over. He'll slink away from his much desired tennis ball with his tail between his legs. We've taken him to the local doggie park at Ambelside beach and he'll romp around and fetch (on leash, he's a beagle after all) and have a grand old time. But again, if the ball goes into the ocean - game over. He wants that tennis ball so badly, but there is just NO WAY he'll get wet to get it.

Back when Miles was skunked the second time, we tried the tomato juice bath/rinse/torture. He tried desperately to climb out of the bathtub and in the end, although the odour was slightly neutralized, the bathroom looked like a major crime scene. Splatters of tomato red everywhere. One sunny, hot summer day, we gave Miles a bath in the backyard. All I can say is it's a good thing it was a sunny, hot summer day as we all ended up soaked.

I don't know what methods they use, how many it takes to hold him down and how wet they get, but after a session at the groomers Miles, who usually looks a little stressed at the end of it all, comes out with a lovely, clean coat - the white fur glowing.

Most days, Miles reminds me of Pig Pen from the Peanuts cartoon. Every move he makes leaves a 'cloud' of fur, but after grooming day there's a short reprieve.

It's only a very short reprieve however. Here are the completed smockies and I'm sure, woven in there with angora is a little bit of beagle.

Snapshot Saturday

2009-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:00

In honour of the day.....

One of the many trails that wind through or around Stanley Park.

Push, Pull, Stretch, Expand, Contract

2009-02-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

Push, pull, stretch, expand, contract. It may seem like I’m describing a session of blocking with some newly completed knitted creation, but no, those were the instructions given to me by a physiotherapist.

It would seem that on the eve of my birthday a few weeks ago, I’d suddenly gone past my “best before date”. Or possibly it was due to my having dangled from that precipice by just my left arm, more likely it was something having been aggravated from shoveling more snow in a two week span than I had in a decade or two.

Whatever the cause, I ended up with calcium deposits on the left shoulder and acute bursitis. My doctor suggested either a shot of cortisone or painkillers to help ride out what would likely be a “week or so” of pain. NOT being a fan of needles, I opted for the second option.

In that “week or so” I learned I can become very whiny around my family. I learned that no matter how much you want to knit, IT HURTS! SO STOP! I also learned that it’s no fun not being able to sleep on your side, properly bathe or shampoo, or dress yourself.

But hey, every day did get a little better and now, with the push, pull, stretch of regular physio, I should almost start to feel 48 again.

As soon as knitting didn't hurt anymore, I started on the fingerless gloves with the remaining Peter Rabbit Yarn.

Pattern: Smockies that have yet to be turned right side out and 'smocked'

Snapshot Saturday

2009-02-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

A new feature here at 5 and A Beagle.

Random snapshots from around our fair city of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Today, for your viewing pleasure . . . .

. . . . taken from the Stanley Park Seawall at Second Beach on a sunny day in August 2007.
Looking westward beyond the UBC Endowment Lands in the distance on the left and Lighthouse and Whytecliff Park in the distance on the right.

Knitting and Cakes

2009-02-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

We're still in birthday mode around here. It was #2's big day on Sunday and #3 will be celebrating on Thursday.

Maybe we should stick to this kind of cake. After all, there'd be fewer calories consumed.

I haven't knit any cakes, but I have finished a pair of mitts and a cowl. The pattern is The Raven from the Selbuvotter book by Terri Shea.

Soon to be mailed off to Estonia and hopefully getting there before the spring thaw.

Also heading overseas, to Italy, everything but the bear. From this book, The Lamb Scarf and a toque for piccola cugina.

Also, an experiment with leftover sock yarn - the mitered baby blanket in a size just right for someone's favourite little doll.

#5 just introduced me to the 'picnik' picture editing program. Just what I need, yet another way to lose an entire night in front of the computer.

A New Day

2009-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is how I woke up this morning......

istock cartoon

....clinging desperately to the precipice that is my 40's...for just one more year....

Magic Loop vs Double Points

2009-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

(Sock #2 in the pair of Cable Rib Socks and the first of a pair of Fingerless gloves w/Peter Rabbit yarn)

I used to think that double pointed needles were the only way to knit in the round. That was until I tried the magic loop. No more stitches hopping off the needles, no more needles that go missing.

Speaking of needles and missing....

this is my arm today, after a blood sample was taken on Friday.
According to the third, and finally successful nurse that took a stab at me, I have very uncooperative veins. I can't understand why, when I have such an upbeat blood type....B positive.

Last Knitting before the New Year

2008-12-30T18:18:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve

The snow finally stopped falling on Boxing Day, but there's still plenty of the white stuff around.

Even the transit buses were feeling the holiday spirit on a very snowy Christmas Eve.

Santa was very good to all of us, even Miles.

Won't someone open the door? I wanna go bury this in the snow!!

I received an early Christmas treat from Li of Life's a Stitch, as I was the lucky winner of her blog contest. A skein of delightfully soft Peter Rabbit angora yarn. I watched Dreamgirls for the first time last night and in a wee session of marathon knitting, finished this Cat Borhdi moebius with the butter soft angora.

(psst, Marina...here's a snippet of the kitchen. Maple shaker cabinets, stainless appliances and black granite counters. Notice on the top shelf above my head, I even have sheep in the kitchen)

This much is still left over, so I'm thinking ... a pair of fingerless mitts. Thank you again Li, for the lovely yarn!

I hope you all have a fun filled New Year's Eve and we'll catch you all next year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

From 5

And A Beagle

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-21T22:16:00.001-08:00

Last night I fell asleep on the west coast and somehow this morning I woke up on the east coast. Or so it seems.

It has been snowing non-stop for the past 24 hours and the forecast is for more of the same. I'm pretty confident in saying we won't be dreaming of a white Christmas, we'll be living it. Yahoo!!

#5 and I did some more baking today (yes, the inhabitants dared to eat most of my last go 'round) and in between measuring, mixing, frosting, etc. we played in the snow.

(click on any to enlarge)

A Day of Baking

2008-12-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Stick a fork in me, I'M DONE!

It all started at 10:30 this morning with a simple loaf of Banana Bread with dried cranberries.

Then it was 5 dozen Candied Fruit Drops,

2 dozen Cappucino Shortbread, 6 dozen Chocolate Gingerbread in assorted shapes and sizes
(decorating to come later),

and last but not least 5 dozen Chocolate Crackle cookies.

Next week it's tarts and brownies.

No one had better dip into the Christmas baking stash or they'll have to answer me an my rolling pin. That is if I can catch them. Right now I'm not moving too quickly, these old joints have seized up from standing most of the day.

Here Come the Holidays!

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's December and things are starting to get festive around here!
Just take a look.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thankful

2008-11-27T12:04:00.001-08:00

It’s Thanksgiving and Turkey in the US today. Here in Canada, we celebrated back in October.

In honour of our American friends’ special day, I’d like to share a recently completed project made from a skein of delightful corriedale wool gifted to me from Karen as part of PIF. I had originally thought of a pair of chunky, warm socks from one of Cat Bordhi’s designs, but instead opted for a Moebius from the Elegant Arrows pattern of Sivia Harding’s .

It took a few go ‘rounds to get the gist of the moebius cast-on, but once the “penny dropped”, it was very satisfying to see how quickly and easily the project knit up. As I said, the yarn was delightful. It was so springy and soft and a pleasure to work with. And as a finished project, the moebius is great, the perfect fit under a jacket as the temperatures drop.

Thank you all around to all who share their talents with others.
To Karen, for allowing me to work with her wonderful, hand-spun yarn. To Cat, for her tutorial on the deviously simple moebius cast-on, and to Sivia, for sharing her creativity in the pattern.

A knitter's/crocheter's cornucopia.

I'd saved this picture from a website quite some time ago and neglected to note the link and so unfortunately, can't give credit where credit is due.

Morning Storm Cloud

2008-11-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm sure there are a few of you out there that are, or were parents of teenagers. Certainly all of us were teenagers once upon a time. In our household, we're working on the third of three, and there never seems to be an end to the challenges presented.

What the heck do you do when your darling teenager drives you to the absolute edge? Poised on the brink of insanity. What do you do when almost every morning you turn into a nagging shrew? Nagging to get said teenager out of bed, fighting for space in any given room in the house (mainly the bathroom). There's no shortage of pitched voices, indignant, smart ass comments, stomping, slamming. The list goes on and on.

In this morning's grand finale, the teenager was punted out at the bus stop, both parent and student guaranteed to be late for work/school.

And what do you do as you watch your child, the one you cradled with endless love ~~centuries~~ 15 years ago, cross the street to catch the bus and you have to resist the urge to run her over? What do you do as you drive away fuming, wanting to run something over? You get to your office late and continue clinging to the dark, stormy cloud above your head, slamming drawers, stomping around until slowly the miserable shrew recedes and you think - what a horrible, crappy parting between parent and child!

How do you change!?

A Time to Remember

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Below is an excerpt from Jack's report . . . .

The answer to this question lies, in part, with me because I chose Private MacLeod with a single idea in mind -- that I would find the youngest soldier I could and write about him.

"Was he at the dinner?" I was asked by one but I didn't know.

I spoke with Virginia Bonner, a long-time resident of Cobble Hill and author of two books on local history, and she, enthused, began to help me look for leads and clues on John Harper MacLeod.

"Could he have been from one of those families?" she speculated. "Was he really a MacLeod?"

But I didn't know. Was it possible that I had both the wrong regiment and the wrong name? I began to worry.

I read through four months of microfiche of the 1943-44 Victoria Daily Colonist with the help of several librarians, and still I found nothing.

I went to the oldest graveyard in Cobble Hill and looked at every tombstone, hoping I would find the names of Alexander and Alexandra MacLeod among them but there was nothing.

There was, it seemed, nothing.

It was almost as if he said to me, "Don't forget about me too."

Maybe he wasn't from Cobble Hill at all, I concluded. Maybe he lied about his age and where he came from because he wanted to get into the army without his parents stopping him.

But this I did know and this I do know. I know that he died, a 72nd Seaforth Highlander of Canada on Dec. 26, 1943 and I know he lies in this grave in front of me now.

"God knows where," said Owen. "She could have gone anywhere."

I missed a bit of school trying to track you down and you eluded me. But you missed a lot of life for me, Private MacLeod and I thank you.

Take time on this Remembrance Day to think about the sacrifices that have been made by so many men and women.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times - The Tale of Two Clocks

2008-11-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Three mornings per week, #5 and I (and the beagle) wake up early so that #5 can get to school for an early morning practice. Early morning practices are something we’re used to around here at 5 and a Beagle because for 12 years, #3 played minor hockey. Nothing says lovin’ like a cold ice rink in the early morning. #5’s early morning practice doesn’t involve freezing your backside off, but it involves getting up well before sunrise none the less.

Last night before crawling under the blankets at 10:30, I diligently set my alarm for a 5:45 wake up call. When the alarm went off I felt completely thrown off. It seemed impossible that this was the first time I’d woken since having fallen asleep, because a normal night’s sleep involves me waking at least twice between 3 and 5-ish. How could I have slept straight through and yet not feel somewhat refreshed as a result?

After two swats at the snooze button, I rolled out of bed at 6:05. Before heading into the shower, I went into #5’s room and gave her the “10 minute warning”. After a quick shower, it was into #4’s room to get the dog up for his morning routine. Usually Miles is scratching at the bedroom door as soon as he hears me up and about, but this morning he was buried under the blankets and seemed somewhat put out that I had dared to lift them and disturb his slumber. Never the less I shoved him outside, fed and watered him and went back in to wake #5 again.

I was in no mood to listen to her pleas for ‘5 more minutes’ and while I began to lecture her (as only a mother who has had to get up early for someone else’s commitment can do) about responsibility, commitment, blah, blah, blah, she looks at her cell phone and questions “why does my phone say 4:35?” at almost the exact moment a grumpy, groggy #2 hollers out from his bedroom “Why are there lights on? Why are you two arguing at 4:30 in the morning?!”

Down into the kitchen I go to find the stove and microwave declaring it to be 4:37! Back into the bedroom again to find that my bedside alarm clock is stupidly displaying 6:37.

Turning out the lights so #2 can go back to sleep, I go into #5’s room and in my best Emily Litella, declare “Never mind. Go back to sleep.”

Great – 4:30 in the morning, freshly showered and WIDE AWAKE. What the heck do you do with two hours to spare? Well, after getting a bit of ironing done – fun times – I sat down and tried to make sense of this and this with these.

I’ll be double checking the time on the clock before I roll into bed tonight!

A lovely package of goodies came in the mail earlier this week from Karen of Karen Squared. I'd signed up for Pay it Forward on Karen's blog last year. I obviously misread the instructions because here I am almost a year late, doing my part and putting the word out to anyone interested in carrying on this 'exchange'.

The PIF pledge:

I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this 'Pay It Forward' exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you'll likely not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you'll receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise.

So if there are any regulars, lurkers, or newbies....come on down and sign up!

TRICK OR TREAT!

2008-10-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Aw Shucks...

2008-10-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

It always delights me when I see that someone has found their way to my site from afar. When the messages came from Kathryn in England last month and just recently from Helen in Australia, I was very surprised to receive these wee recognitions. It's actually quite a wonder to me that anyone comes around here to read my blog.

This all started as a way to keep in touch with parents that were travelling back in 2005, and upon their return to Vancouver, this site morphed into a 'scrapbook' of sorts to track my little knitting projects. It's been fun sharing the good, bad and the ugly with all who pop by. I hope you enjoy and occasionally have a chuckle.

Thank you Kathyrn and Helen, for continuing to come by and visit and thanks to all who stop by......

The rules for award acceptance are as follows:

1. The winner can put the logo on their website/blog.
2. Add a link to the person who gave you this award.
3. Nominate at least 5 other websites/blogs.
4. Provide links of the nominated websites/blogs.
5. Leave a message at each website owner that you've nominated.

So in no particular order, I would like to nominate the following:

Karen Squared - USA - an amazing knitter and spinner, and she sews too
Coffee Helps - IRELAND - an entertaining young lady who is currently writing about her travels around Europe.
Yarn Hog - USA - a very talented knitter and entertaining writer who shares my aversion to spiders
The Ravell'd Sleave - USA - a knitter, a voracious reader and a woman with a fun sense of humour....or is that humor.
Knitting on Impulse - CANADA - a very talented, creative woman, living in Whistler. Check out her hand dyed yarn, the colourways are beautiful.

And of course there are many more blogs that I enjoy reading.

Web, Bugs and Flowers

2008-10-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just as this time of the year brings a beautiful change in the colours around us, it also brings out the magnificently spun webs and their inhabitants, the spiders.
It seems that almost every morning requires a flailing of the arms while walking out the front door to the car. Industrious spiders have been busy spinning their delicate webs along the pathway to the front door in the hours between the last person into the house in the evening and the first person out of the house in the morning. The webs I find amazing, the spiders just creep me out.

Sometimes one of the eight legged critters finds its way into the house.

Thank goodness #2 found this one a few nights ago. It was dispatched to the toilet without and squeals or screams. At least not from the girls and I, I don't know how the spider felt.

Maybe that's why it's been raining all week.

Other foreigners that make their way into the house.....
earwigs that hitch a ride on the dahlias.

Aack!

Gossamer Stars Scarf posing with the me, the dog, the dahlias, the spiders and the earwigs.

I shook it really well after..... just to be sure.

And even though we've passed the mid point of October, there are still dahlias and roses in the garden. These were just cut this afternoon.

Knitting for Baby

2008-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

What's the first thought that pops into your head when your 21 year old son calls you up in the middle of the day and starts the conversation off with.....

"So, B (his girlfriend) just called. She just left her doctor's office."

Pause....

Dear God in heaven, if this kid is about to tell me what, at this moment in time, I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR, I'll scream! Right here, right now! I tried to keep breathing, not wanting to jump to conclusions, waiting for what seemed forever for him to continue with the information he wanted to share with me.

"Okay, she just left her doctor's office and she found a note on the windshield. It said someone witnessed someone else hit the car and the witness left their phone number as well as the license number of the car that hit it."

Well.....imagine my relief!

Zoe Mellor Bee Booties and a baby blanket in the Honeycomb pattern for a cousin's baby shower last weekend.

It will be a ~~few years~~ at least a decade before I'll be knitting any baby things for my own children's children.

Dahlias in September

2008-09-17T15:48:00.001-07:00

Every year in August and September, my Dad’s garden would be ablaze with colour. Enormous dahlias of every colour imaginable would bask in the gently fading summer sunshine.

Dad had given me a few tubers in the past and I’d try, without success to fill our garden with a little colour.

At the end of the growing season last year, the tubers in Dad's garden were dug up and split amongst friends and family. I stored mine in boxes of sawdust in the workroom and planted them in mid spring.

It was exciting to see their green shoots
poking out of the dirt a few weeks later, but due to my total lack of a ‘green thumb’, I wasn’t too convinced I’d have anything more than that.

I was pleasantly surprised with their continued growth of leafy green and imagine my thrill a few weeks ago at finding clusters of buds in amongst the greenery! Every day is now bringing a freshly opened globe of colour.

No where near the variety and beauty as Dad’s, but flowering dahlias none the less. I’m sure somewhere, he’s smiling.

Drive By Sheeping

2008-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Look who mysteriously appeared on our doorstep last Thursday night.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2008-09-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

1. Looked for a new car.
2. Started Gossamer Scarf.
3. Painted #4's bedroom.
4. Painted the first of 3 pieces of furniture for her bedroom.
5. Looked for a new car.
6. Went to Tacoma to see American Idols on Tour with #5 and a few thousand squealing pre-teens and teens.
7. Started socks from Nancy Bush's Vintage Socks.
Can't recall the pattern, and obviously neglected for the balance of the summer and currently a WIP.

8. Started new job.
9. Looked for a new car.
10. Enjoyed an evening with Tom Petty.
11. Painted #5's bedroom.
12. Finished Gossamer Scarf. Currently awaiting blocking.

13. Looked for a new car.
14. Helped mother with yet another garage sale as she pares down from house to apartment.
15. Started Bee Booties, finished Bee Booties (gotta love a quick knit).

16. Bought and assembled furniture for #5's room.
17. Started Bee Hat.
18. Looked for a new car.
19. Finished Bee Hat.
20. Enjoyed a week on the Sunshine Coast. A little sun, a little rain, a little relaxation.
21. Started Frenchman's Creek sock from Tsarina Socks

22. Cleaned out lots of STUFF from house. How DOES it all accumulate?
23. Looked for a new car.

Did you notice a recurring theme? The old green Windstar went for it's last spin around the block back in June and we've been searching for the right deal on a replacement ever since. Three months later and I think we may have it. Not quite what I envisioned myself driving, and certainly NOT what #4 wants to be seen in, let alone learning to drive in, but here it is.....my new wheels....

Now it's back to school, back to work, back to the regular routines.

Into the Great Wide Open

2008-07-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Into the great wide open, under a sky of blue, out in the great wide open...."

This past Saturday, #2 and I (and 40,000 of our closest friends) packed into this site to see Tom Petty. It was fantastic!

The festival was a 3 day event filled with quite a diverse group of performers but we only had a one day pass for Saturday.

On a normal summer day, Pemberton is 2 to 2.5 hours away. We left home mid-day Saturday and were making great time along the Sea to Sky Hwy up until…..rounding a bend with a marker announcing that Pemberton was a mere 13km away, we came to a grinding halt, cars stretching into the distance ahead of us.

While we waited in the slowly creeping line, #2 kept remarking on how we had to be a couple of the oldest in the line up. In fact, according to him there was probably not another person in any of the hundreds of cars ahead and behind us that would have been passing their time in the same way that I was….knitting. What can you do when you’re stuck waiting?

Wandering around the festival site, us 40-somethings were definitely in the minority amongst a sea of 20-somethings, but we crushed our way into the crowd and got to within about 50m of the stage. At one point, as we were waiting for the concert to start, I remember thinking “this would be a really bad time for panic attack.” Which of course was a bad thing to think because it simply got me thinking... “we’re packed!" "What if I start panicking?” "Oh my God, I think I’m starting to panic!” "Where will I go?" "What if I can’t breath?" "How fast can I push my way through ALL of these people?!?"

Then of course the other 'fun' experience besides the crush of bodies, was the people being passed through the crowd - OVERHEAD! After the second “body” came surfing above us, I really began to question what the hell we were doing there. Thankfully there weren’t any others and as the night progressed, the crush of bodies even lightened up a bit.

It was such a fun experience to be in the crowd singing along with “kids” half my age to songs, some of which were hits before most in the crowd were even born.

No doubt that Tom Petty is still a crowd pleaser even though he's past his ~~mid~~ late 40's. I'm sure no one in his group was passing their time knitting on their way to the concert.

Link to a snippet of video I managed to take.

Something Old, Something New

2008-07-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy month around here, what with a high school graduation, a 77th birthday, a 25th anniversary, end of year exams, a new job.... a little bit of old, a little bit of new.

#4 has bid a fond farewell to her high school, gramma celebrated her birthday, a little happy, a little sad because this is the first one in a many years without dad. #2 and I hit the silver anniversary milestone, the girls have finished all of their exams and in 3 more days, I will be saying goodbye to a company I've been with for 26 years. While I'll miss the people, some of whom I've known for 20 plus years, I will definitely not miss the commute. I'll be moving to a job a scant 2 miles from home.

Projects on the go or completed......

The first in a pair of socks for il piccola cugina in Italy.
Crenellated Toe-up Socks from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet

A neat little pattern with a Serbian toe and Turkish heel.

And completed before the heatwave that is the start of summer in the Pacific Northwest, my very first Clapotis. Am I the last to make one? Is there a knitting soul who has yet to catch the addiction?

The Graduate

2008-06-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Celebration abounded here at 5 and A Beagle this past weekend. #4 and her friends are bidding farewell to high school and are preparing to embark on the next leg of the journey. Just a few provincial exams remain, a summer of everything they can pack into it, and then it's off to college, university, work, travels.... wherever life takes them.

Who's That Looking Back at Me?

2008-06-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I went for a long overdue haircut. I sat in the chair as the stylist proceeded to pin up the sections of hair she wanted out of the way – a clump clipped up from the back, another from the left side and another from the right. I glanced into the mirror, chin down, as she prepared to start snipping on a thin layer at the back and who did I see looking back at me...?

My God! When did I turn into Aunt Bee?

Gray hair, lovely 1950’s style granny updo, double chin….

"Flibbertigibbet!" When did this happen? I felt like I should be scolding someone for not finishing their drink “Opie, you haven't finished your milk. We can't put it back in the cow, you know.” Now, I loved Aunt Bee - she was loving, nurturing, baked a great apple pie ... but I don't want to look like her... not yet!

I didn’t have time on Sunday for anything other than the cut but I made an appointment for later this week to have my hair coloured. That will take care of the gray, but what do I do about the double chin? I guess I’ll have to refrain from looking down – only straight ahead or up from now on.

Baby Blanket Bingo

2008-05-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Alphabet Baby Blanket by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Austermann's Smargadg Classic
8 skeins of cream 1.5 skeins of blue
Started: March 5, 2008
Finished: May 17, 2008

And here it is, enjoying a little sunshine -

A Little Reflection

2008-05-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

#4 headed off this morning on a retreat with her grade 12 class. The last one for them as a group before they graduate and move on in June. As it was when her brother went on the same retreat 3 years ago, the school had asked for family and friends to send letters of love and encouragement called Palankas for the students to read while they're at the retreat. Although we'd been down this road before and the school sent out a reminder about a month ago, there we were in the last week, putting out the request to all and sundry. Thank goodness ours is not a large family, so there weren't too many people to contact, but just like last time, we missed the deadline and had to scramble getting the letters in with only a few days to spare. I suspect the staff will heave a collective sigh of relief and wipe their brows when the last of the Parolini's leave the school's hallowed halls in three years time. But I also suspect there will be another family, equally famous for its procrastination, that will take our place.

We sat at the table on Sunday night, #2 and I, and put together our thoughts and wishes for darling #4. Compressing 18 years into a card isn't easy.

Although the Palankas are to be kept a secret from the students, the majority seem to know of their existance and #4 was no exception. I wonder if it had something to do with me talking about them at a family dinner a year or so ago and realizing once it was too late, that she was at the table. Not one for open displays of emotion, unless you count frustration with parents and siblings as an open display of emotion, #4 has informed me that she will not get teary eyed when she reads the letters.

I have to wonder.

I hope they all take the time to read carefully through their letters to know their family and friends love them, to know what their fondest memories are, to know the accomplishments they're most proud of and the things they desire for their future.

And if they feel a sniffle or two, well, that's a good thing.

Who's He Singing About?

2008-04-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

What's this... a sign that I may be a little narcissistic?

I just received this yarn that I'd ordered awhile back from the Three Irish Girls. The colourway....look closely, yes, it's called Maureen.

Now I might be a little concerned that I'd become somewhat self absorbed if I were also listening to this.

Pepe Le Peu revisisted.......AGAIN!

2008-04-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I think I'll just rename this blog - 5 And A Skunk!

Damn dog! ****ing Skunk!
At least this time we got Miles before he ran into the house. The poor boy must have gotten it right in the snout. I was unlucky to have been outside when he got skunked, and had the pleasure of picking up a little residual. We ended up going for an unplanned walk around the block to clear our airways and Miles rolled on every grassy boulevard we went by. I almost felt like joining him but thought if any of the neighbours were up at 11:00pm, that might give them further proof of my craziness.

A midnight de-skunking on the back deck with two rounds with dish detergent/baking soda and another with mouthwash took care of some of the odor but needless to say we were the first ones outside the groomer's door this morning.

I'm trying to keep a healthy distance from my co-workers this morning.

A B C Baby Blanket

2008-03-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

ABC, it’s easy as 123…..really?!? Not when it’s the ABC Baby Blanket. It’s got to be 45 years since I’ve had this much difficulty with the alphabet. And to believe, I was actually tinkering with the idea of doing a Greek Alphabet Baby blanket. I can’t even handle the english alphabet, I can’t imagine how crazy the greek alphabet would be making me by now.

This is the third, yes third go around with S*T*U*V*W. I’m beginning to feel S*T*U*P*I*D. These yarn overs, SSK and K2T are driving me to distraction. I think I begin to get a little over confident in my ability to glance at the chart and decipher / and \ and convert the symbol in my mind to the appropriate knitted stitch. Then when I stop to admire my handywork about two or three or *sigh* 15 rows later, I realize to my horror that I’ve screwed up.

I’ve tried to reason that no one else will see the mistake but who am I kidding. Sure , the intended recipient certainly won’t be able to discern the alphabet for the first 3 to 4 years of his life and by that time, will have moved on to more exciting things than an alphabet blankie. But I couldn’t stand looking at the screw ups so out they came.

I can’t seem to convince a certain inhabitant of this house to pick up needles and give knitting a try, but she was more than willing to rip out the stitches for me.

Happy Birthday D

2008-03-21T10:56:00.001-07:00

Big HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes are being sent out to this young gal. She turns 18 today - Here's to lot's of fun ahead.

It seems that through the last decade, these two have been joined at the hip. Sometimes 'D' is okay with that .......sometimes it appears, she's not

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO OUR 'ADOPTED' #6!

A What in a Pear Tree???

2008-03-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post - a month to be precise. Either I just can't get my act together to write something interesting or entertaining (assuming that some of my past posts fit either of those categories), or I truly don't have anything to say. I think it's the former.

I'm taking the easy way out again and linking to an article I just saw. This serves a dual purpose, actually. I'm posting on the blog with minimal effort AND I'm showing my kids (and their friends) that I'm not as obsessed as some people.

http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?pn=oddities&articleID=2885187

If it's February, there must be birthdays (and colds)

2008-02-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

A week ago Friday was #2's birthday and dear #4 made him a cake. Unfortunately it was a few days later before #2 was up to trying a piece.

There we were a family with 2 birthdays in the span of 4 days, 2 birthday cakes in the house with all of us (except #4) too sick to really want any.

While the coughing, the sneezing, the fevers, the abscessed tooth, the tonsilitis, and the strep throat kept the cakes at bay for a few days for all of us, once he had a slice #2 declared the cake better than the store bought one from Maxims.

Must be her teacher. #4 and her friend, the Martha Stewart of the North Shore slaved over this masterpiece well into the evening as evidenced by the exhausted look on #4's face as well as by the fact that it had to be late, the brain cells had to be sleeping....why else would she decorate a cake for her DAD with.......

Two Toque Tuesday

2008-02-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Another month, another finished object or two ...... two toques
One in basic 3 x 3 ribbing in the Canucks colours for #3

and the other, the Karlchen hat with a special morse code message. I happened upon this site and thought it would be ideal for this hat - the original message "I'm not wearing any underwear" seemed like the perfect hidden message given the sense of humour of the recipient. But then I started thinking I should put his business name and phone number on it so that he could pay me .... oh maybe $5,ooo dollars and write it off as a business advertising expense. Unfortunately I didn't do a very good job of planning out the spacing. I only managed to get the first three digits of his phone number in after the name. Not much of an advertisment, I guess I'll have to forego the fee ;)
Spelled out in the dot dot dash dash of morse code - Dutchman Landscaping 986

Click to Donate a Mammogram

2008-02-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have a favour to ask, it only takes a minute.... and it doesn’t cost a thing.

Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle).

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors /advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammograms in exchange for advertising.

Here is the web site, please pass it along to people you know.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

One Bag Full, Two Warm Feet

2008-01-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

May I present…..

The first finished item of the new year.

Pattern: Anntrelac Socks – Interweave Holiday 2007
Yarn: Socks That Rock – 2007 sock club December colourway (which I can’t for the life of me remember the colour name or the fibre content)
Started: Dec 27, 2007
Finished: Jan 13, 2008
Could it be I’m turning over a new leaf of only working on one project at a time and seeing it through to completion? Hah, not likely.

I followed the pattern with the exception of adding a little slip one ribbing on the bottom of the sock.
This gives a slightly snugger fit and provides a wee bit of cushioning on the ball of the foot. Love the pattern, however the photo tends to make it look like I have very large ankles… or cankles as #4 likes to call them.

Next on the needles a simple scarf for #5. How simple? Too simple! She’s requested a cream coloured scarf along the lines of this one only… skip the cabling. Yes, that’s right, skip the cabling. That means K2, P2, K2, purl middle _ _ stitches and K2, P2, K2. I’m not sure I can stay awake for this one. It doesn’t seem right that the most outgoing, adventurous one of the bunch of us (except for the beagle, he’s up for any adventure), wants such a PLAIN scarf.

This is the same young lady who when only a mere 5 years old got on a shuttle bus filled with twenty-somethings, music blaring, everyone having a great time in the Penticton summer sun, and started dancing to the music while her older brother and sister slunk down in their seats with fingers stuffed in their ears. The same girl who when at the age of 6 went on her first ride on the inner-tube at the back of the motor boat and when told the hand signals for slow, fast and stop, couldn’t stop smiling and giving the thumbs up to go faster. The same kid that goes on any and every wild ride at the fair. This is the girl that wants a plain cream scarf with no cables. Sigh.

After that however, I’ll have plenty to choose from with all of the goodies that #5 and I picked up at the ‘boxing day’ sale last week at 3 Bags Full.

I had received a very generous gift certificate from my brother and his girlfriend at Christmas and I’m sure I wouldn’t have gone over the value if it weren’t for the fact that there was at least a 1 hour line that snaked past all the lovely yarn in the shop on the way to the cash register. How can you pass up the buttery soft Blue Sky Alpaca on sale for 30% off. I ended up adding 6 skeins of assorted colours before I hit the end of the line. Plus 4 more skeins of assorted Noro. Oh, and 2 skeins of Indigo Moon. I came out with One Bag Full, but there was definitely a Three there….the Three numbers before the decimal point on the bill. I won’t give the specifics, because as I said to #5 beside me at the cash register…. “What happens in the yarn shop, stays in the yarn shop!”

A Wish for a Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

As 2007 draws to a close, I would like to wish that all of you ....
always find time for doing what you love to do,

spend time with the people you love,

find joy in the unexpected,

and....
May you always hit the pillow with a smile on your face!

Happy New Year and much love and happiness in 2008 to all of you from all of us at 5 And A Beagle!

Sock Wars meets The Wall Street Journal

2007-12-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119766934184930123.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_page_one

Balance

2007-11-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments on the mittens.

The first test run I did on the Squirrel mitten came out a little snug to say the least. I asked Kate for some suggestions for success. I was thinking a few ~~bottles~~ glasses of wine to loosen up my overly tight grip on the yarn - she suggested a larger needle size. Pragmatic woman.

The larger needles definitely made the difference, but the mitts needed something more. A little soak in Eucalan and blocking over the shaped hangers really loosened and softened up the taut stitches.

Isn't it amazing what a soak in a warm bath, a little stretch, and some time spent hanging upside down can do? I'm thinking I could benefit from the same treatment -- well, maybe not the hanging upside down bit. But definitely a soak and stretch to help work out the knots and tightness.

I guess even though one might think the worst of a bad thing is over, it never really is. You just have to learn the coping skills to deal with it. And if finding a little time to do something you love is part of coping, that's what you do. I've been torn in the last few months about whether it's a good thing to keep this blog going. It seemed inconsequential to the bigger issues our family has been dealing with, but after some time I've come to the conclusion that it, and the things blogged about, provide some much needed balance.

A Whole Lotta Blockin' Goin' On

2007-11-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

The Gothic Leaf scarf is blocking on #3's bed. I'm not sure about this lace blocking. I'm never sure if I've stretched it enough and if I tug on one spot, I find I have to tug on another spot. I can't imagine blocking something more involved than a rectangle.

4" squares that didn't all seem to measure up to 4" squares without a little blocking. For Michaela's blanket project.

The baby kimona from Mason Dixon for a cousin's little daughter.

And last but not least, the squirrel.
A pair of mitts for #4's friend. I was hoping to have them finished for her to wear on their big Gr 12 boat cruise this past weekend, but I wasn't fast enough. Because, just like her socks, nothing says I'm cool like a pair of homemade (squirrel & oak) mittens! Gotta maintain my "crazy mom" image... and really, it doesn't take much!

Optimism

2007-11-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

I live with a bunch of eternal optimists. How do I know? I look at the wastebasket under the kitchen sink and think "...couldn't hold another thing-must be taken down to the garbage can!" The rest of this house's inhabitants look at the same wastebasket and think "...full?? No, it can always hold more!"

Eternal optimists or eternally lazy sods - you be the judge.

ISE 5

2007-11-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Last week it was the socks for Sock Wars, this week it's a scarf for ISE 5. Thank you Laurie for the beautiful scarf and all of the goodies! These past few mail deliveries have netted some wonderful things. I was knocked out of Sock Wars with a great pair of socks in Cherry Tree Hill-Champlain Sunset. I was looking on the yarn band and saw that CTH had a colourway called Fall Foliage and with all of the beautiful fall colours around us right now, I had to get that colourway.

Well today's delivery was a special treat - Laurie knit the peaks and valleys scarf in the Fall Foliage colourway. I love the colours and the pattern. As if the scarf weren't enough, I've been spoiled with a skein of CTH in Northern Lights and Cat Bordhi's new book that is sure to seal my addiction to sock knitting.

Miles is obviously not as excited as I am. But as #4 recently read in a book on Beagles, they are the ultimate beggar pooch and are completely ruled by their stomach. No kidding! The only yarn that could excite him would be yarn wrapped around Ukranian sausage

Knocked Out

2007-11-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm officially out of Sock Wars. It actually happened on Thursday but I have only now just picked myself up from my candy/chocolate induced state of uselessness.

All the ghosts and goblins and Harry Potters came knocking on my door Wednesday night to scare some treats from me, but on Thursday there was one more knock. Miles tore down the stairs to the front door and I cautiously followed. Lo and behold there was the a big kid dressed up as postman. Unfortunately he wasn't there to collect candy treats, he was there to give me a 'killer' package.

Fellow Canadian, Deirdre sent the most lovely pair of Cherry Tree Hill socks to knock me off my feet (and simultaneously keep them warm) as well as a skein of sock yarn (which I can never truly have enough of) and some chocolate treats.....just for me!

I didn't realize until just looking at the label now, but the sock yarn Deirdre sent is in the Canadian colourway-perfect!

Thank you Deirdre and good luck on your next round.

This Post Brought to You by the Letter S

2007-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Still stuck in a sock ‘rut’.

Sock Wars started on Oct 13th and while I can’t whip throught a pair in 3 days under normal circumstances, I pushed these off the needles on Monday.
For those that care...
(Pattern: The Scar Sock for Sock Wars 2007
Yarn: Socks that Rock Silkie
Colourway: Walkin' on the Wild Tide)

This sock is sitting, like an ancient ruin, on my kitchen table. Socks that Rock - Solstice Step for another one of #4’s friends.

I remember the mothers of a few of my high-school friends - -

One a very conservative, bridge playing mother of 4 – kind of a June Cleaver of the 70’s. Another, a laid back, All My Children watching mother of 3 with a dry wit and a big heart. And yet another liberal minded mother of 3 who, if there were mini-vans and soccer moms in the 70’s, she’d have been one.

I can only imagine what I’ll be recalled as. A crazy sock knitting mother of 3, who swears like a trucker when pushed to the edge, with a house and van in constant need of a visit from ‘what’s their names’ from “How Clean is Your House?”.

In an attempt to divert myself from knitting in circles, I’ve signed up for a short yet sweet three night class at 3 Bags Full. Lace knitting with the wonderfully calming and relaxing (and very talented) Sivia Harding. Here, still keeping in the S theme, the Gothic Leaf Scarf.

And finally, for simplicity – squares (of which I have not pictures) for Michaela’s blanket project.

I received a skein of absolutely beautiful laceweight yarn from blogless? blog-free? Ivana, whom I’ve had the good fortune of meeting because of this blog. I’ve got my eye on a pattern that has yet to be published. Moonshadow. Gorgeous the way it curves and flows with the stitches. It’s a stole, so it appears I won’t be leaving the letter S anytime soon.

And yet another special treat has come in my front door. I recently won a prize in Suzanne’s contest …. any guesses?

Yes, sock yarn. This is destined to be a pair of bright, cheery socks for my cold feet.

Thanks to Ivana and Suzanne for keeping me in lovely yarns.

How (NOT) to Have Fun on a Friday Night

2007-09-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

AGAIN!

Flippin' dog!

Flippin' skunk!

Summarizing a Summer of Socks OR A Little Alliteration As We Await Autumn

2007-09-19T21:25:00.002-07:00

The Summer Sock Saga all started with Sockapalooza. As you may have already read, I had quite a time with the socks I knit for Allison in Ottawa, but in addition to the German Stockings, I've made three other pair of socks this summer and have been the recipient of a lovely pair from Rochelle.

First the pair of socks from Rochelle. Sockapalooza is such a fun exchange, this is only the second time I've participated and I've received yet another wonderful pair of socks. Summer is slowly fading and these are a treat for keeping my feet warm. They fit like a charm and the colours and detailing of the pattern are so beautiful. Thank you Rochelle, for these socks and for being such a kind person. Your words of support meant so much.

Another shot of the patterning.

Next on the summer sock list, the Harry Potter socks made for a young co-worker. A quick, plain old stocking stitch. Yarn from Bright Dyes.

Third on the list, the Mermaid socks in Tofutsie yarn for #4's good friend 'D'. I finally gave them to her last night as the girls were getting ready to go to a party. I tried to tell her she should wear them there, because nothing says "Hey, I'm cool!" like a pair of homemade socks. I don't know why, but they didn't believe me.

An finally, another quick stocking stitch sock. These are for #5 to wear as she and I 'run' in the CIBC Run for the Cure next Sunday. Yarn - Lorna's Laces Flamingo colourway. I love these stocking stitch socks. They make driving in rush hour tolerable. I don't get fussed about hitting all the red lights if I can pick up and knit a few stitches while I sit in traffic.

Maybe it's time to put the sock patterns away for awhile and move onto something else, but I'm not sure what. Although being that I've signed up again for Sock Wars, there's guaranteed to be at least one pair of socks knit in October.

It's been good to keep busy with work and such. Knitting, when I have the energy helps me to relax.

I hope you are all enjoying the changes that come with the summer/fall transition. Have a nice weekend.

A Heartfelt Thank You

2007-08-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

A very big, heartfelt thank you to all of you who have expressed your condolences in these recent weeks. Whether a close friend or neighbour, or someone only met and known because of this blog, it has touched my heart to receive your words and gestures of kindness.

Two weeks ago this beautifully bright platter was filled with equally bright (and delicious) frosted lemon cupcakes - made with love by a special young lady.

My Dad taught me many things over the years - to name but a few -
- love, forgiveness, generosity, respect and the importance of family and dear friends.

Each of our children have been blessed with wonderful friendships that have grown, as they have, through the years and I pray these friendships will continue to grow and strengthen through their many years ahead. I've seen how my Mom has been supported by friends that she and Dad have known for 60+ years and I hope this sweetheart and our #4 will still be laughing and crying together 60 years from now

Once again, thank you to all of you for your kindness!

A Message to Dad

2007-08-07T20:49:00.001-07:00

What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world, someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped to show the way...

What do you say to someone who stood by to help you grow, providing love, strength and support so you could become the person you are today?

What can you say to let him know that he's the best there is, and that you hope you've inherited some of his wisdom and his strength?

What words would you say if you had the chance?

Maybe you'd just say...."I love you Dad..."

and hope he understands.

I wish I could turn back the clock 24 hours and say those words one more time.

My dad passed away suddenly this morning. I guess ours is not to question why, but I just keep screaming that question in my head.

I love you Dad

The Lure of Simplicity

2007-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you just need to simplify things in your life, right?

And in knitting, what could be simpler than round after round of straight knitting?

These Harry Potter socks are for a young co-worker who's just crazy for all things HP. Self-striping yarn from BrightDyes.

Also on the needles, the Mermaid sock from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet. The yarn, Tofutsies, seemed an appropriate choice for someone who leans towards Tofu instead of meat, someone who frolics in the tidal pool with the crustaceans (tofutsies contains Chitin - fibre from shrimp and crab shells). But after seeing this photo,

I'm thinking she doesn't have the affinity for the sea that a Mermaid should.

Arrgghh!

2007-08-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

File this one under What the * * * * was I thinking?!?

Dear Sockapalooza Pal,

I was so excited when your information came up and you mentioned that you had a preference for cables over lace. I'm not overly fond of knitting lace socks, and I had in mind the perfect sock pattern that incorporated some interesting cabling. I ordered up the pattern and when it finally arrived, I dug right into my stash for the indigo dyed yarn that I'd made up last summer. I was a little concerned that it might not be enough for the pair, but because I was sooooo anxious to start, I reasoned that if I was shortening the length of the socks by at least 1.5 inches per sock, the 440 yards that I had should be enough. After all, the pattern called for between 3 and 5 skeins of 185 yard yarn. And as I've tried to convince my kids, I can do math. Let's see 3 times 185 - okay 5 carry the 1, 5 carry the 2 - - 555 yards. No problem, I'd shorten the pair and 110 (or so) less yarn would do.

Of course I didn't calculate just how much yarn I would save with 3 less inches overall. That would have taken time and I obviously wasn't wanting to invest the time or I would have shopped for yarn in the precise amount the pattern called for. Nor did I really think about the fact that your measurements would put me in the middle of that 3 to 5 skein estimate. (4 times 185 is a lot farther away from 440 yards). The little voice inside my head kept saying "just start the sock already."

There were hiccups along the way, signs that perhaps I should have made the time to hit a few yarn shops and scout out the perfect yarn with more than enough yardage, but no, I frogged and started over a least three times.

Finally the patterning, decreasing, shaping, it all made sense and a sock was taking shape. Every once in a while I'd look at the slowly shrinking cake of yarn and tell myself, "sure, you can squeeze that second sock out of what's left."

About 4/5's of the way into sock #1, I put it on the postal scale at work. Then I put the remaining yarn on the scale. The feeling was akin to when I step on a scale. YIKES!

Almost one month into the knitting and one month away from having to mail the completed pair to you, I went to a local yarn shop and picked up what I thought was a pretty close match. I figured if I did the second sock in alternating rounds of old yarn/new yarn, I'd be away to the races. I sat out in the lovely sunshine and knit away. Not bad, I thought to myself, this turned out pretty good! The colours are so close. Then one day, I took it to work with me and when I slipped it out of the knitting bag, I couldn't believe my eyes. The two yarns were no where near as close in colour/shading as I'd thought.

Optimistically dilusional as alway, I kept knitting, not able to bear the thought that I really should rip back both socks and do alternating rounds on both. A possiblilty that MIGHT have been easy for me to accept if these had been ankle socks, but they're knee high! And 122 cast on stitches!

Overdying was my only option. The "intellegent" voice in my head (the one that is like a poor neglected child for all the times I ignore it) said, they're already two different socks without any overdying, what makes you think they'll react to the colouring in an identical manner? The same voice that told me 440 yards would be enough was saying, "Sure they will, why wouldn't they? Both yarns are 100% merino, both are indigo blue, what could go wrong?"

First I tried Koolaid- Blueberry Blast. Good grief! Shades of an okay blue on some sections and blueberry NEON on others!

Then I figured, get away from blue, go raspberry. Good grief again!

Forget the Koolaid!! Next step, Michaels for some Wiltons BLACK.

Eight, count them, eight trips to the dye pot and an entire jar of Wiltons gone, this is what I've ended up with. What should have been the beautiful, subtle colour changes of indigo has had to become .......Black! Well not quite black, but brown/burgundy/black

I even picked up some yarn when I picked up the dye because I figured my only solution would be to knit another pair. I felt like weeping last night, when after 3 hours of knitting, I had only 4 inches.

I'm hopeful that you'll open the package up in the bright Ottawa sunshine, and you won't see the subtle (I don't think so) differences between your right and left socks and if you do notice them (as you are likely to), I hope you'll like them just the same. Keep in mind they'll keep your feet warm in the cold Ottawa winters!

The Wet, West Coast

2007-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

A little snippet of information pulled from the Internet for prospective tourists set on visiting the Pacific Northwest, or more specifically, Vancouver in July.

July is the least rainy month in a city famous for its rain. Visitors can expect rain about 7 days out of 31 in July.

Who would have thought that those 7 days would be 7 days in a row and the very same 7 days that we went away to Vancouver Island on a wee little vacation. Apparently we didn't go far enough "away" so as to avoid the rain. Actually, we would had to have gone east over the Rockies into Alberta or way off west in the Pacific, perhaps Hawaii, in order to find the sunshine.

The first day was actually quite nice, #4 and our 'adopted' #6 went for a stroll along the beach and saw a family of otters (twelve Mom, there were twelve of them!!!) running (do otters run?) in front of their path, heading from the ocean into the forest.

#5 and her friend K went for a swim and had a grand time heading out for what seemed like forever on a sandbar.

Later in the day #4, #6 and I went into town to get groceries and I optimistically picked up a bottle of SPF 45 sunscreen. I recall walking past a display of umbrellas for a bargain $1.47 each, thinking "hmmmm, good price, I should pick up a couple." But no, I didn't listen to that inner voice. Too bad really, because that was the last day of sunshine and our day trips to
Victoria (NO ONE is out in the inner harbour when there's a downpour), Ladysmith, Chemainus (even the horse and his buggy stay home when it's raining)

Saint Michael and All Angels-Chemainus 1994

Saint Michael and All Angels-Chemainus 2007

and Saltspring (fibre artists pack everything into plastic rubbermaid containers when it rains-making it hard to fondle the fibre) would have been a lot nicer with those darn umbrellas. The bottle of sunscreen never even saw the light of day (literally and figuratively) until the day we were leaving and the sun made its reappearance

No worries though, this is just life on the West Coast. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And when you don't want to be outside getting wet, there's always alternatives.

Chess

Checkers

Reading,

Puzzles, Movies (the latest Harry Potter for 2 adults, 4 kids, popcorn and drinks for all and only.....get this....$40! At a movie in town, the popcorn alone costs that much!) and of course, there was knitting.

The German Stockings are finished but because I'm the fool that I am, I underestimated the amount of yarn I would need. The first sock was knit with Knitpicks merino that I had dyed last summer with natural indigo. Why didn't I dye two skeins? It became evident 3/4's of the way through the first sock that I wouldn't have enough to complete the pair so I picked up a skein of Indigo Moon in a colourway that I thought was pretty darn close. The second sock was knit with alternating rounds of each yarn. It looks close in the sunlight, but take it indoors and it's close but not quite. Take a look at these and tell me, would you wear similar, but not quite socks?
Any suggestions on overdying? Any suggestions period? As usual, the colours in the photo aren't quite true to the actual, the second (right) sock isn't quite so purple in hue, but as you can see, there's a definite difference.

They have to be mailed off on Aug 1st, so there's no chance I'll rip the first one and start again with alternating rows of the two yarns. But what the heck to do!!! Bend over and kick myself if I were pliable enough.

Anticipation Far Exceeds the Actual Event

2007-07-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

No, that's not what my advice was to the soon-to-be-wed Londoner. It is however, my advice to #4 and our 'adopted' #6. They've been anxiously awaiting the posting of a picture I took a few weeks back.

Have you ever tried the Beer Can Chicken recipe?. I'd heard so much about it, I decided to give it a go and of course, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the crazy looking bird before it was put on the BBQ.

Here in all of its glory is the Beer Can Chicken.

That's right, that's all it is. See what I mean about anticipation girls?

Actually, the recipe was a bit the same way. I was expecting a fantastically juicy bird, and it just wasn't that spectacular. I think this recipe is far, far better.

As for the marital advice..... #2 gave similar advice to what a few of you commented on. Don't give up on your interests/activities once your married. My advice - not so serious (or maybe it was) Don't believe him when he tells you everyone else is doing it 7 days a week, and twice on Saturdays! They're not!

Canada Day weekend has come and gone and what did we do? It seems a little "unpatriotic" to be going after the tree that bears the leaf that is a symbol of our country on the day set aside for celebrating the country, but what the heck. We thinned out the maple tree in our back yard. It's a beautifully majestic tree, but the darn thing grows like a gigantic weed. The poor garden beneath it is starved for light, so we decided to give it a thinning.

This is just a small portion of what was cut down, but I don't think they'll be missed.

The tree is still a big beast.

And when there wasn't gardening, there was time for knitting. One sock down and about 20% of sock number two done.

Cookie A's pattern German Stocking heading off to a fellow Canadian for Sockapalooza 4.
(crappy lighting today for an outside shot.)

Time Passages

2007-06-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Two dozen years ago today, this young couple started their journey together across the stepping stones of that little ol' pond called married life. It's been quite a journey. Always a new stone to jump onto, and every few years the stones have gotten just a little bit bigger so as to hold not just these two, but first a son, then a daughter and not long after, another daughter. Sometimes there's even room for the beagle.

At times through the years, it may have seemed to one or the other of these two that they might be navigating across a pond filled with crocodiles, times when one or the both may have felt they took the wrong path, times when one or the other of them may have felt like heading off on a path of stones all their own. But for all of the challenges that they've faced on this journey, they've faced them together. Through thick and thin, sickness and health, high tide and low.

In London a few years back, while walking across the Tower Bridge, a group of young ladies came towards us. All of them were dressed in jeans and pink t-shirts, one of the 'girls' was also sporting a little white veil. A stag-ette - British style. As we approached, one of them asked if we had some wise words of advice for her friend who was about to be married in a few days.

What would you ladies give as sage advice to a soon to be wed young woman? You tell me your thoughts and I'll tell you next post, what #2 and I each told her.