Me: Good morning!!

(awkward silence)

Me:  Oh dear... have I come to my senses?

My Reply to Myself: Sorry, but no, you are still talking to yourself. 

Me:  Oh well...  I hope someone shows up soon. 

Today it's all about knitting as promised!

So long story, short. 

I have made DH several scarfs over the years.  We were out a few weeks ago and I noticed (gasp!!!) a hole in his cashmere scarf, so darn, darn, darn...  That made me curious, and you know curiosity killed the cat.  I went to the coat closet and removed all the woolen scarves and began to examine them and you know I only found one other scarf that was math eaten.  Can I just say "Thank you GOD!!"

Let me insert here scarves have been hand laundered in gentle washing soap and sprayed with the essential oil lavender to ward off any more holes created by moths.

Back to the darning...  no matter how I darned, it showed, so I took a little snip at the bind off edge, unraveled and began to re-knit his cashmere scarf.  It is now complete and was worn just this weekend. 

Pictures of the recreation? 

My Reply to Myself:  Sorry, no.  Maybe another day.  I do however have pictures of the second woolen scarf I discovered with those pesky holes.

Me:  Did you snip it too?

My Reply to Myself:  Yep!  I sure did.  I knit a few different patterns before I finally decided, I would try the mistake rib stitch.  I tried several different needle sizes too, and I finally landed on US size 8, 5.0mm needles.  The yarn is a worsted weight wool.

Me:  I was telling this story...

My Reply to Myself: Excuse me!!  go right ahead...

Me:  I believe I will. 

I worked on the scarf yesterday and I took pictures to share with you too!!  That is if there is really a you out there lurking quietly so you won't be noticed. 

Like my said, I did try several different needle sized and stitch patterns before settling on the mistake rib stitch for this particular project.  I like the result of the US size 15, 10mm  needles, but not for a man's scarf.  I may think about ladies scarf using the  US size 15, 10mm needles, because it gave an airy, feel to the scarf and did not seem masculine at all.

So I finally settled on the US size 8, 5.0mm needles, for the worsted weight yarn in black for DH's new/re-knit scarf, because it yielded a heavier result that I believe will be warm and worn often.

Oops!  I said short and I am going on and on.  Let me get down to business.

Here is my pattern for this particular mistake rib scarf:

You will need:  US size 8, 5.0mm needles, your choice worsted weight yarn (the old scarf weighed ), and a yarn needle
Gauge:  Sts X Rows = 4 inches (not terribly important since this is a scarf)

Pattern stitch:
The mistake rib stitch  is a repeat of 4 stitches +1
K2, P2 across to last stitch, K1

NOTE: I slip the first stitch of each row because it seems to give a cleaner edge to the scarf.

Instructions:
Cast on 51 stitches

Row 1:  Sl1 as if to knit, K1, K2, *K2, P2* repeat from * to * to last stitch K1
Repeat Row 1 until your scarf is as long as you would like. 

I will update this post when I complete the scarf with more exacts.  Below are pictures of the scarf on the needles.

 

If you are looking for an easy to knit scarf that will be warm you might like to give this a try!

Hope you have a wonderful day today and find a few minutes to relax ans knit a few stitches.

See you tomorrow!

Debbie

Me: Where are those chocolate covered potato chips?

Reply to Myself: What ARE you talking about? I have been outside on the porch knitting in this lovely weather and now I am sitting here at the computer working on a blog post.

Me: You know exactly what I am talking about… I’ve got pictures to prove it!!  Would you like to see?
I wanted something salty, so I grabbed a bag of chips from the pantry and then I thought well… maybe not… maybe I really want something chocolate so back to the pantry. Wouldn’t you know it, no chocolate, except some semi sweet chocolate chips.

So as I so often do, I said to myself: “What do you think we can do with this?”

And this is what we did:

I grabbed a few more things

This is what you will need if you want to have chocolate covered potato chips for a snack.

small microwave safe bowl

1/2 cup measuring device

semi sweet chocolate chips

some chips - as you can see I had wavy on hand

wax paper (not pictured) - cause I didn't think of that until I needed it to lay the chocolate covered chips on... duh...





After I grabbed most of  what I needed, I measured 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips into the measuring cup

See:

 



Then I poured the chocolate chips into my small microwave safe bowl



Then I put the bowl in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  I did this twice.  Now...  I just want to say don't get impatient and put them in for a full minute.  If you do, your chocolate will burn and trust me.  Burnt chocolate is NOT good.  It will be a nasty mess and you will have to start all over... 

Ok.  Now take the bowl out of the microwave and stir.  When you take the bowl out after two 30 second turns in the microwave, it should look something like this...



Stir this until it looks something like this.



Now you need to put the bowl in the microwave for 15 second intervals stirring between each 15 second interval until the chocolate chips look something like this.

Now dip your chips and lay them on some wax paper to allow the chocolate to harden.

 

They look Yummy!! 

When the chocolate is no longer soft, you can put them in a bowl and serve them OR you can just eat them off the wax paper. (grin)

Let me run get one and see if they are any good, I'll be right back...  this is what I found...



I didn't get any!!  Where did they go!!  They must have been good.  Hope you like them too!

Tomorrow, I will show you one of the things I have on the needles.  So be sure and join me for some knitting talk.

Debbie

Me: Hello!! So glad you could make it today.

MY REPLY TO ME: Me too!! I am glad to be back in the swing of things. So... what do you say, let's get this blog going again!?

ME: Great!! Since it has been a while let's take a minute to review. If you want a more detailed writing check out the original postings.

Here we go:

1. Research and Plan
a. make a list
b. make a decision
c. purchase a day planner
d. plan daily and stick to the plan
e. follow the 6 most important tasks rule
f. prioritize
g. delegate
h. follow through
2. Reduce Clutter
3. Write it down! NOW not later!!!
4. Make a decision and act on it
5. A place for everything and everything in its place.
6. Put it away NOW, not later!
7. Clean as you go
8. Multi Task

That bring us up to date... Whew!!

Now for my last getting organized and staying organized tip.

Tip #9

Develop a routine/system.

Once you find a place for everything and have everything in its place, it is easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of your de-cluttered environment. BUT don’t do it! Treat yourself with a reward and move on. It is very important that you continue to develop the habits you have been forming over the past few days, weeks, even months.

If you just sit back and relax, before you know it disorganization and clutter will creep back in your lovely home and take up residence once again.

We have discussed systems and routines in some of our secrets. A planner is one system. The inbox is also an example of a system and a routine for all incoming paper. A daily division of cleaning is another example of a system and a routine for maintaining a clean home environment.

In order to get organized and stay organized it is vital to have systems that have specific procedures and guidelines that can become routines in your daily lifestyle. It is a good idea to write out each system so that you can make them simple, efficient, and fit your lifestyle. You know what they say; KISS – Keep It Simple Sister! Avoid extra steps, anything that will require more effort. We all like things quick and simple.

Make sure your systems and routines work with your kid’s schedules, running errands, household chores, laundry, office time, mail, exercise, family time, your personal quiet time and any other area of your life that you can think of.

When you have your systems and routines in place things should flow smoothly. You need to be dedicated to doing a little each day once you are organized, so you will stay organized, so you can relax each day and enjoy your clutter free organized home.

WOW!! How time flies...

It has been quite a long span since my last post!!

Well, let's not cry over spilt milk. Let's just pick up where we left off and get on with the getting organized tips.

But first I want to share a few photos of what I accomplished while the blog was neglected.

This is a scarf and earwarmer set I whipped up.

A slouchy hat I designed for fun.

Ahh... a cup cozy for valentines day.

Another Slouchy hat. This time knit in a worsted weight yarn.

And yes, you know I could not leave out the precious little one. You can probably tell, she didn't really want her picture taken, she was trying to watch the Superbowl in her team sweater.

That's what I have been knitting. What have you been knitting?

I'd love to hear from you!

Let's talk again on Monday! Don't forget to bring your favorite morning drink and join me for an organizational tip and maybe a little talk about knitting, or crocheting, or beading, or... you never know what might be on my mind.

I'm lookiong forward to our time together.

Thanks for dropping in today.

Debbie

Getting organized - Secret #8

We are down to my last two secrets...

I must say, however, I am not going to miss the clutter and disorganization!!

8. Multi Task.

While you are on the phone with a friend or on terminal hold, you can organize a drawer in your kitchen, or office. You could sort your dirty laundry, or fold clean laundry while you are watching a favorite TV show. You could knit a pair of socks while you watch a movie. Oh… Knitting socks is for me, but you could too if you wanted.

See you again soon.

Getting organized - Secret #7 - AND Spring is in the air!

It is so beautiful here today!! The flowers are blooming. The grass is begining to green up and the trees are showing signs of life. It is so nice to feel the cool gentle breeze on my face. I can smell the fresh scent of spring in the air. What a joy to be alive in this day and enjoy God's creations.

Who wants to be cooped up inside getting organized? Not me, but here I sit...

Secret # 7...

7. Clean as you go.

It has been my experience if I “let things go” for a while, it is overwhelming when time comes that cleaning must take place. When things get messy, I get overwhelmed, so it is easier for me to clean as I go rather than letting it pile up. I have a weekly cleaning list that I use to tackle house cleaning chores each day so I am not spending more than an hour, two at the most cleaning daily. I clean the kitchen and dining area daily and after each meal. I add one or two additional rooms each weekday to the mix so I am really just staying caught up weekly without having to have a full 12 hour day of cleaning each week. I do laundry and clean bathrooms on Mondays, in addition to the Kitchen and Dining area. I sweep, mop, and polish all the floors in the house on Fridays so they are nice for the weekend and any drop in guests that might show up unannounced.

When I am cooking I wash up the dishes as I go, so there is not such a huge mess at the end. I avoid messing up every dish in the house too!! I am not about making more work for myself. NO WAY!! I have enought to do as it is. ...stepping off that soap box now... If I can use the same bowl for two things, I will. I really do hate to clean, so I have to do everything I can to simplify and make cleaning not seem overwhelming to me. I wipe down the counter and stove constantly as I am cooking so that I don’t have to spend another hour in the kitchen cleaning after each meal.

Clean as you go is put it away now’s partner. They work hand in hand to help you get organized and stay organized.

We can do this!!!

I just wanna talk about me...

That's right! Today I just wanna talk about me. Today it's all about me, me, me!

It has been busy week. I knit up a cowl but I don't like the way it turned out so it is now at the frog pond. Rippit!! I knit up an eternity scarf that I really like, but I have been so busy I have not had time to photograph. I will try to do that later today.

I do have pictures of my little precious one though...

I guess I want to talk about her now. Here she is just after a nice refreshing bath.



I know this is going to sound strange, but it is true. She gets upset to the point of making herself sick if I don't take her with me everywhere I go. She is my little shadow, I do love her as much as she loves me though. I am glad she wants to be with me, but I wish she would adjust better to Tuesday and Sunday mornings when I am out of the house without her.

On with the story. I left the house Tuesday to attend my regular Tuesday morning Bible study, which she has never gone to with me because really... Anyway, after bible study I went into town to eat lunch with my hubby. Little Miss Priss didn't want to be left home alone for those 3 hours even though she had toys, food, water, and lots of room to play. She was so stressed by my departure that she was a sick little girl when I got home. So, I spent the remainder of the day Tuesday, and all day Wednesday holding and loving her back to her less stressed self.

This is not the first time I have been away and she was so stressed that she got sick. Funny thing is, when I get home and hold her, she perks up and begins to get better almost immediately. How strange that seems to me. Has anyone else experienced this with their little Yorkie? I have read that they get very attached to their owners and will stress to sickness if their owner is away, but I really just thought it was bunk until now.

I said that to say this... Back in January I had scheduled her for surgery on Thursday, March 25th, to be spayed. She is just too small to have babies, in my opinion. I was probably overly concerned, but she does weigh only 2.7 lbs and she just stressed herself sick when I was only gone from home for a few hours. So I took her into the vet first thing Thursday as scheduled and explained how worried I was and how I was thinking we should just postpone this since she had just been stressed to sickness on Tuesday, the anesthesia is hard on small ones, she would be alone overnight, blah, blah, blah, and on and on why I should just take her back home with me and forget this surgery. Long story short, the vet said he would take her home with him overnight but that she needed to stay there overnight to be monitored. because she is so small. Reluctantly I agreed that we would proceed as planned and left the vets office.

SO... I spent the rest of the day worrying and doing anything I could to keep myself busy so I would not worry so much about her. Hubby took me out on a lovely date to a very nice restaurant and all I could do was talk about the baby (that would be Prissy). We did manage to have a nice evening all in all. He is a good husband.

I am excited to say Prissy is home now and doing well. I just love her to pieces. I am doing better too now that she is home.

I think that today we will sit in the bed, watch good movies, and knit something. I don't know what we will knit yet, but I will think of something. I am sure one of the yarns in this house will call out to me just begging to made into something.

Ok... I am done talking about me for awhile. In my next blog, I will continue with the organization tips.

Hope you have a GREAT weekend.

Getting organized - Secret #6

6. Put it away NOW, not later!

This secret works with the decision secret. I have a terrible habit of coming in the door and tossing whatever I have in my hand on the nearest table or counter top with the best of intentions of coming right back to put it away. I bet you do too, unless you are already organized. Hey!! If you are already organized why are you reading this? Well, I am glad you are reading this even if you are organized.

Not putting things away right now is one of the main reasons things get cluttered and unorganized. It doesn’t take much longer to put things away properly than it does to toss them on the nearest table top. Most importantly, the habit of putting things away now will save a tremendous amount of time when it is time to clean and when you are looking for something you need right now. It will save days of sorting and organizing later. Just think… what if we had been doing this all along? We would not be spending days, weeks, maybe even months getting organized now.

Starting today, force yourself to put things in their home the minute you are done using them, not later. In a few short days you will have formed the habit and putting things in their home will seem the only rational thing to do.

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you will comment and come again. I only have three more posts in this getting organized series. What are we going to talk about next? Knitting? Food? A little of this and a little of that? I don't really know, but we will talk about something. A girl can always chat about something.

See you again soon!

Back to getting organized... Secret #5

Good afternoon!

I hope all is well in your world. We still have snow on the ground here, but it is slowly melting away. I was hoping to have a picnic on the new dock down at the lake, but I guess that will have to wait until next week, or at least for a warmer sun filled day.

Ok... Back to getting organized and staying organized.

5. A place for everything and everything in its place.

We need to have a designated place for everything in our lives. No more junk drawers!! I bet you know where your makeup is. It has a home. I bet you know where your jewelry is. It has a home. Do you lose your car keys? I lose mine all the time. Why? Because I don’t put them where they go, which is in the front pocket of my purse. Where do your car keys go? You should have one place for them (in your purse or next to the door is best) and you'll never lose them again. Where do your old newspapers go? Pens? Pencils? Magazines? Children’s toys? Pet’s toys? Everything should have a home, a place to go when it is not being used.

Determine what organized looks like. To me organized is not cluttered. An organized home is a welcoming, calm, clean, place to be where things can be easily located and retrieved. An organized home is a place I enjoy living in and don’t mind visiting.

We need to find a "home" for every item in our home. If we have homeless items in our lives we need to find a home for them. If there are things sitting on your kitchen counter that don’t belong in the kitchen, they are homeless. Do you have things on your bed that don’t belong there? How about things on your desk that don’t belong? Now is the time to make a decision about where these items will live. Take action, file it, throw it away, give it to someone who will love it and use it, or find it a home, now. Don’t just keep moving these homeless items from one homeless shelter to another.

Some people love labels. Labels may help you keep things in their home, so you might want to use labels.

Think about how you use the items in your home when you are finding homes for things. You want your homes to be easy to get to and you want to be able to find what you have put away easily. Put items near the point they will be used. Store all the laundry items in the laundry room or near the washer and dryer. Keep your dish washing detergent next to the dishwasher. Put your pots and pans, pot holders and cooking utensils next to the stove. I know you are thinking duh??? But not everyone puts things in the most obvious place and then they are surprised when it is not convenient. Trust me, I know, I have put things away and then could not find them. Planning is a good thing!

It’s okay to duplicate items in different homes within your home. You will need a pair of scissors in your kitchen, and you will also need to have a pair in your home office. I also like to have a pair of scissors in my knitting corner(s). You might also like to have duplicate cleaning supplies in each bathroom. I know I do. It saves me time when I am cleaning the bathrooms and I don't have to lug around a cleaning tray.

That's it for today. See you soon with secret #6.

Spring, smhing!

I thought it was spring. Look what I woke up to this morning.





I can't even see my little yellow buttercups anymore. Can you believe it was in the upper 60's on Friday and this morning snow and lots of it?

I think I will just have a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy some knitting.

I will continue our organizing secrets tomorrow with secret #5.

God bless you!
Debbie