Tonight I went to my first session of the local knitting group in my home town. It's every Tuesday from 6-9, at a nearby (to my Mom's) coffee shop. I talked my Sis (Thanks Linda!) into going with me, and it was great. A nice, friendly group of about 12 women. They were mostly pretty accomplished knitters (and one crocheter) but welcoming and friendly. It was a lot easier for me to walk in with my sister.
There's another group in a nearby town every first Wednesday of the month--it's tomorrow night, so I may not go this month, but a couple of the people at the Auburn group go to that one too, so I'll have at least someone I've met before.
I still miss my Thursday Down Cellar group (Hi everyone!) but it's nice to try a new group and meet some fellow knitters.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Stunning
4 days into my new Cali life, and I'm LOVING the weather. I hit CA at just the right time--the daffodils are just finishing, the poppies (I love those golden CA poppies!) are blooming, the oak trees are just leafing out, and the hillsides are a glorious shade of green.
Promise to post photos soon. Very little knitting. Enjoying long walks and great food and fabulous weather!
Promise to post photos soon. Very little knitting. Enjoying long walks and great food and fabulous weather!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Settling in
Spent Monday afternoon washing my filthy car, doing laundry, etc (who am I kidding? My mom did all my laundry!). Had a nice, quiet evening.
Tuesday started the mundane--banking, paperwork, etc, but I'm biting it off in small pieces. Took a great long walk around nearby loop (beautiful vistas of the snow-capped Sierras--hope to post some photos later this week), and then wrestled boxes and organized stuff out in the "shop" so I can later actually access some of my stuff. Trying to get like things together.
Today I'm picking up M and driving over to Nevada City to check things out. Lovely weather here, supposed to be 65 and sunny here. I'm loving it!
Tuesday started the mundane--banking, paperwork, etc, but I'm biting it off in small pieces. Took a great long walk around nearby loop (beautiful vistas of the snow-capped Sierras--hope to post some photos later this week), and then wrestled boxes and organized stuff out in the "shop" so I can later actually access some of my stuff. Trying to get like things together.
Today I'm picking up M and driving over to Nevada City to check things out. Lovely weather here, supposed to be 65 and sunny here. I'm loving it!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Home at last
2 weeks exactly, and finally home. Stayed last night in Truckee (just outside Tahoe) due to snow and chain control. Headed home this morning, and got to Mom's around noon. Got my car unpacked, 3 loads of laundry done, and went to the car wash to get all the driving residue gone. Mom's a GREAT car detailer!
Nice, relaxing evening. Tomorrow I'll start working on my lists (taxes, bank, etc) and hopefully start working out again.
Sunny but breezy here today--cool. Tomorrow's supposed to be 65--NICE!
Nice, relaxing evening. Tomorrow I'll start working on my lists (taxes, bank, etc) and hopefully start working out again.
Sunny but breezy here today--cool. Tomorrow's supposed to be 65--NICE!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Almost home
Sunday afternoon, and we planned to be home today. Drove as far as Reno last night, went out for Martini's and dinner, and spent the night. The weather was ok in Reno, but snowing over the Donner Summit.
We drove from Reno to Truckee this morning, but there was chain control on I-80, so we stopped for lunch (yay, great Mexican again!) and spent the afternoon with M's friend who lives outside of Truckee. Went cross country skiing, and played Scrabble all afternoon. Have decided to stay the night here and attempt the road in the morning. Funny how we thought we'd have bad weather on the East Coast and we're about 70 miles from home and are stuck!
All in all, I'm glad to prolong the trip one more day.
We drove from Reno to Truckee this morning, but there was chain control on I-80, so we stopped for lunch (yay, great Mexican again!) and spent the afternoon with M's friend who lives outside of Truckee. Went cross country skiing, and played Scrabble all afternoon. Have decided to stay the night here and attempt the road in the morning. Funny how we thought we'd have bad weather on the East Coast and we're about 70 miles from home and are stuck!
All in all, I'm glad to prolong the trip one more day.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The days start to run together
I was doing so well keeping up with where we were each day, and really dropped the ball for the last few.
Tuesday we drove from Hays Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado (we didn't take the detour to see the worlds largest ball of twine--shoot!) We got to Co. Springs in the late afternoon, with time to do a short hike in the Garden of the Gods (beautiful, red rocks in interesting shapes). Stayed Tuesday night in Colorado Springs.
Got up early Wednesday morning and toured the Helen Hunt Falls and the 7 Falls in Cheyenne Mountain Park (or something like that) in Colorado Springs (lots of stairs, and pretty, though still snowy). From Colorado Springs, we headed to Vail. Took a short stop in Breckenridge (cute and still lots of ski activity) then drove on to Vail where we spent the night with a friend of M's.
Thursday morning, we left Vail, and headed further into Colorado, and stayed at Ouray (pronounced You-ray) Colorado, a tiny town nestled in in a beautiful alpine gorge. Most of the hotels had their own hot springs, and the town even had a pool open daily fed by the hot springs. On the way there, we took a short side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The admission was free in the winter (love that) and the scenic overlooks (some visible from the car, some a short hike) were stunning and breathtaking. I would by far rate this higher and more scenic than Grand Canyon (smaller scale, of course). It was truly a highlight.
Friday morning, we left Ouray (about 15 miles out of the way but worth it!) and headed west toward Utah. We took a mid-day break in Telluride, my personal favorite of the Colorado ski towns we saw (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride). We took the free Gondola ride from Telluride to the top fo the mountain, and then down to Mountian Village. Had a great lunch at the base of the mountain (warm enough to eat outside and watch folks end their ski runs), and even got to stop in at a yarn store. Fun day.
Friday late afternoon we drove through Moab, and into Arches National Park--got there with an hour before sunset and saw most of the park. Took a short hike and scampered up into the double arch (not for folks who are afraid of heights!). Was amazing, and accessible, and a real highlight. Spent Friday night in Green River, Utah, just about 50 miles from Moab (tried to stay in Moab, but the half marathon runners had booked all the rooms). Today we're on through the rest of Utah, and into Nevada. I think it's going to be a long driving day.
Our estimated date of arrival home in California is late Sunday. I am looking forward to not lugging a suitcase in every night, but I could easily go for another week of this. It's the trip of a lifetime.
Tuesday we drove from Hays Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado (we didn't take the detour to see the worlds largest ball of twine--shoot!) We got to Co. Springs in the late afternoon, with time to do a short hike in the Garden of the Gods (beautiful, red rocks in interesting shapes). Stayed Tuesday night in Colorado Springs.
Got up early Wednesday morning and toured the Helen Hunt Falls and the 7 Falls in Cheyenne Mountain Park (or something like that) in Colorado Springs (lots of stairs, and pretty, though still snowy). From Colorado Springs, we headed to Vail. Took a short stop in Breckenridge (cute and still lots of ski activity) then drove on to Vail where we spent the night with a friend of M's.
Thursday morning, we left Vail, and headed further into Colorado, and stayed at Ouray (pronounced You-ray) Colorado, a tiny town nestled in in a beautiful alpine gorge. Most of the hotels had their own hot springs, and the town even had a pool open daily fed by the hot springs. On the way there, we took a short side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The admission was free in the winter (love that) and the scenic overlooks (some visible from the car, some a short hike) were stunning and breathtaking. I would by far rate this higher and more scenic than Grand Canyon (smaller scale, of course). It was truly a highlight.
Friday morning, we left Ouray (about 15 miles out of the way but worth it!) and headed west toward Utah. We took a mid-day break in Telluride, my personal favorite of the Colorado ski towns we saw (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride). We took the free Gondola ride from Telluride to the top fo the mountain, and then down to Mountian Village. Had a great lunch at the base of the mountain (warm enough to eat outside and watch folks end their ski runs), and even got to stop in at a yarn store. Fun day.
Friday late afternoon we drove through Moab, and into Arches National Park--got there with an hour before sunset and saw most of the park. Took a short hike and scampered up into the double arch (not for folks who are afraid of heights!). Was amazing, and accessible, and a real highlight. Spent Friday night in Green River, Utah, just about 50 miles from Moab (tried to stay in Moab, but the half marathon runners had booked all the rooms). Today we're on through the rest of Utah, and into Nevada. I think it's going to be a long driving day.
Our estimated date of arrival home in California is late Sunday. I am looking forward to not lugging a suitcase in every night, but I could easily go for another week of this. It's the trip of a lifetime.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thoughts on Kansas
Kansas is a large state. It's somewhat flat, very brown and dry. Even the "big" towns seem sleepy. The hotels here seem to (for some unfathomable reason) be among the most expensive. Strange.
We left KC yesterday afternoon, and drove straight through to Hayes, KS, over half way through the width of Kansas. Had dinner in a cute brew pub last night (the ONLY game in town). The weather yesterday was lovely--above 70, and sunny. Wide open blue skies. Looks like more of the same today--perhaps up to 80. There's a Walmart across the street from the hotel, and I'm thinking we'll stop in before leaving. I have so many cold weather clothes with me, but nearly none for warmer weather. Would like to supplement what I've got if they have something cheap and attractive. Would prefer Target, but those have been few and far between.
As a treat for breaking up the driving, I started a new knitting project yesterday--a bear for the Mother Bear Project: I know I'll miss the Lake Street Irregulars deadline (tomorrow?) but I needed a change and it's a quick knit.
Today we're heading for Colorado. May try to go skiing again (tomorrow?) weather permitting. May spend a couple nights in Colorado--I've never been there (except to the Denver airport) and would like to get to see more than the highways.
We left KC yesterday afternoon, and drove straight through to Hayes, KS, over half way through the width of Kansas. Had dinner in a cute brew pub last night (the ONLY game in town). The weather yesterday was lovely--above 70, and sunny. Wide open blue skies. Looks like more of the same today--perhaps up to 80. There's a Walmart across the street from the hotel, and I'm thinking we'll stop in before leaving. I have so many cold weather clothes with me, but nearly none for warmer weather. Would like to supplement what I've got if they have something cheap and attractive. Would prefer Target, but those have been few and far between.
As a treat for breaking up the driving, I started a new knitting project yesterday--a bear for the Mother Bear Project: I know I'll miss the Lake Street Irregulars deadline (tomorrow?) but I needed a change and it's a quick knit.
Today we're heading for Colorado. May try to go skiing again (tomorrow?) weather permitting. May spend a couple nights in Colorado--I've never been there (except to the Denver airport) and would like to get to see more than the highways.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mission: Kansas City
Yesterday we drove from just east of St. Louis to just east of Kansas City. We stopped in at the Arch in St. Louis (very cool, though didn't love the city itself) and then drove on to St. Charles, Missouri. We rented bikes there, and rode along the Missouri river. It was a great stopping point--a really cute town, with a well maintained, brick paved historic district. Cute shops, outdoor restaurants, etc.
From there we headed to Columbia, MO, thinking we'd find a brewpub or some local dinner place in the college town. No luck. We stayed in Independence MO, just outside of KC. Today's plan is to check out KC, eat some more BBQ (didn't realize I was the fan I seem to be!) and maybe try to get through a bunch of Kansas. The states are getting bigger with fewer highlights (which may mean more knitting!).
From there we headed to Columbia, MO, thinking we'd find a brewpub or some local dinner place in the college town. No luck. We stayed in Independence MO, just outside of KC. Today's plan is to check out KC, eat some more BBQ (didn't realize I was the fan I seem to be!) and maybe try to get through a bunch of Kansas. The states are getting bigger with fewer highlights (which may mean more knitting!).
Sunday, March 15, 2009
St. Louis here we come
Did a Tri-State day yesterday: Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois. Had BBQ for lunch in Lexington Ky (a highlight was the Kentucky Bourbon Ale (beer aged in Bourbon casks), saw the beautiful horse farms with white and black fences around Lexington, and tried to take a Bourbon Distillery tour, but our timing was way off, and we missed the open hours.
Drove to Mt. Vernon, IL last night. Lots of rain and overcast and mist, but today looks a bit more promising. Plan to tour around St. Louis today, and maybe spend the night nearby. On a continued quest for the best BBQ. Stay tuned!
Drove to Mt. Vernon, IL last night. Lots of rain and overcast and mist, but today looks a bit more promising. Plan to tour around St. Louis today, and maybe spend the night nearby. On a continued quest for the best BBQ. Stay tuned!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
In search of BBQ
Friday we hit another eating high: found a place called The Tavern in Charlottesville, VA and had the best breakfast (and by breakfast, I mean at lunchtime). Biscuits, gravy, grits--YUMMY.
Did more driving on Friday, crossing through West VA, and into Kentucky. Stayed about an hour outside of Lexington KY Friday night, and today plan to see the Lexington (and maybe Louisville) areas. We're in search of BBQ for lunch or dinner. So far, we've had at least one AMAZING regional meal a day, and are hoping to keep it up.
The weather has been iffy--snow and rain showers on Friday prevented views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We tried to see something called the Natural Bridge ("One of the 7 wonders of the world!") but decided not to pay the entrance fee. The slight detour took us by "Foamhenge" though, which was pretty funny.
Made a short stop at the Greenbriar in West Virginia--a beautiful old Hotel and Resort (golf course, clay tennis courts, spa, etc). Would have loved to see it in the spring or summer (or when there wasn't snow on the ground!)
Knitting progress: minimal, but have been enjoying the drive, sights and journey.
Did more driving on Friday, crossing through West VA, and into Kentucky. Stayed about an hour outside of Lexington KY Friday night, and today plan to see the Lexington (and maybe Louisville) areas. We're in search of BBQ for lunch or dinner. So far, we've had at least one AMAZING regional meal a day, and are hoping to keep it up.
The weather has been iffy--snow and rain showers on Friday prevented views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We tried to see something called the Natural Bridge ("One of the 7 wonders of the world!") but decided not to pay the entrance fee. The slight detour took us by "Foamhenge" though, which was pretty funny.
Made a short stop at the Greenbriar in West Virginia--a beautiful old Hotel and Resort (golf course, clay tennis courts, spa, etc). Would have loved to see it in the spring or summer (or when there wasn't snow on the ground!)
Knitting progress: minimal, but have been enjoying the drive, sights and journey.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Westbound at last
Today we finally turned westward, after 2 days of southerly driving.
Saw the sunrise over the Atlantic (from Ocean City) this morning, and then drove south through Assateague (saw a few ponies, but it was really windy and cold which inhibited walking on the beach) and Chincoteague, and had one of the best lunches of my life: a small seafood stand on the side of the road (after searching all over Chincoteague for an OPEN restaurant--it's definitely off-season here) just south of Chincoteague. The crabcake sandwich and hushpuppies were to die for.
Drove through Virginia Beach (with a short side trip to the lighthouses at the fort there), and on to Charlottesville VA tonight. Tomorrow is maybe Monticello, or maybe skiing at a local resort. We'll see how the weather is.
Still looking for a camera, but in the meantime bought a disposable today. But posted photos will have to wait. The time is flying by. . . .
Saw the sunrise over the Atlantic (from Ocean City) this morning, and then drove south through Assateague (saw a few ponies, but it was really windy and cold which inhibited walking on the beach) and Chincoteague, and had one of the best lunches of my life: a small seafood stand on the side of the road (after searching all over Chincoteague for an OPEN restaurant--it's definitely off-season here) just south of Chincoteague. The crabcake sandwich and hushpuppies were to die for.
Drove through Virginia Beach (with a short side trip to the lighthouses at the fort there), and on to Charlottesville VA tonight. Tomorrow is maybe Monticello, or maybe skiing at a local resort. We'll see how the weather is.
Still looking for a camera, but in the meantime bought a disposable today. But posted photos will have to wait. The time is flying by. . . .
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Southbound
Got the truck loaded yesterday, but didn't leave NJ until about 6pm and thus made it only to Delaware Tuesday night. It was an emotional day, but successful.
Today got a slow start--trying to find a new camera, but having trouble finding what I want (thus no photos). BEAUTIFUL warm weather (though hear a storm and temp drop are on their way)--had to change into a short sleeve shirt!
Drove from Newark Delaware through the Maryland coastal area. Had lunch near Rehoboth Beach, and drove down the coast to Ocean City MD. It was beautiful and sunny and we could see the Atlantic on one side and the bay on the other. Tomorrow plan to look for ponies at Assateague and Chinquateague (sp?). Also have a list of knitting store in VA to try and locate, so it's sure to be a fun day!
Will keep posting about progress (or lack thereof!). So far, it's great, and loving the pace. Thanks all for the comments! (The Stuarts give a shout out to Alex--they're having a ball!)
Today got a slow start--trying to find a new camera, but having trouble finding what I want (thus no photos). BEAUTIFUL warm weather (though hear a storm and temp drop are on their way)--had to change into a short sleeve shirt!
Drove from Newark Delaware through the Maryland coastal area. Had lunch near Rehoboth Beach, and drove down the coast to Ocean City MD. It was beautiful and sunny and we could see the Atlantic on one side and the bay on the other. Tomorrow plan to look for ponies at Assateague and Chinquateague (sp?). Also have a list of knitting store in VA to try and locate, so it's sure to be a fun day!
Will keep posting about progress (or lack thereof!). So far, it's great, and loving the pace. Thanks all for the comments! (The Stuarts give a shout out to Alex--they're having a ball!)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Moving day
Today's moving day. The truck arrives in about an hour.
We're hoping to leave by early afternoon and make it to Virginia tonight. Would like to see the ponies at Chinquateague and Assateague (sp?) and the beaches. We'll see.
I had hoped to post more photos, but I'm being thwarted in my effort to buy a camera. Hope to find one today.
Goodbye New Jersey. Goodbye East Coast!
We're hoping to leave by early afternoon and make it to Virginia tonight. Would like to see the ponies at Chinquateague and Assateague (sp?) and the beaches. We'll see.
I had hoped to post more photos, but I'm being thwarted in my effort to buy a camera. Hope to find one today.
Goodbye New Jersey. Goodbye East Coast!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Clumsy
Missing the last step and twisting an ankle = slowdown in progress. Silly me. At least it's not (as initially thought) broken. Only a bit swollen and purple, and a bit tender. Thank goodness for ice, Advil and ace bandages! I can see the light at the end of the packing tunnel.
Today I picked all my knitting projects for the trip--way way too many to complete, but enough variety (and mindless knitting) to keep me busy. Craft room is 99% packed.
Next up: all my clothes and shoes (ack!)
Today I picked all my knitting projects for the trip--way way too many to complete, but enough variety (and mindless knitting) to keep me busy. Craft room is 99% packed.
Next up: all my clothes and shoes (ack!)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Squeezing in some creative time
The endless packing continues, and though the laundry room is the only mostly complete room, I've made lots of progress. My goal is now to complete nearly all by end of day Saturday so I can play a bit on Sunday, organize on Monday and then load on Tuesday. We'll see if I can pull it off!
In the midst of all the work, I have been able to squeeze in a bit of creativity. I'm packing up my craft room and knitting/yarn last. I'm working on my cross country knitting project plan, and it's close. I think maybe the yarn can be packed tomorrow.
In between building, packing and taping up boxes, I have managed to squeeze in some creative time--I'm about done with a scarf I unearthed that was about 80% complete, and then shoved in a closet. I just have a few rows left. I also made some beaded stitch markers to give to my knitting group tonight.
Got my car serviced for the 3000 mile trip, and so things are falling into place . . .
20090304_IMG_1346
Originally uploaded by karensedmonds
In the midst of all the work, I have been able to squeeze in a bit of creativity. I'm packing up my craft room and knitting/yarn last. I'm working on my cross country knitting project plan, and it's close. I think maybe the yarn can be packed tomorrow.
In between building, packing and taping up boxes, I have managed to squeeze in some creative time--I'm about done with a scarf I unearthed that was about 80% complete, and then shoved in a closet. I just have a few rows left. I also made some beaded stitch markers to give to my knitting group tonight.
Got my car serviced for the 3000 mile trip, and so things are falling into place . . .
20090304_IMG_1346
Originally uploaded by karensedmonds
Monday, March 2, 2009
more winter
Well, if it wasn't obvious before, here is part of the reason I'm looking forward to moving back to the warmer west coast.We got about 6 inches of snow today, not quite the Nor'easter they predicted, but cold and icy nevertheless.
Hasn't inspired me (too much) to power through packing (it's endless) but I'm making progress slowly but surely.
Some stats:
Basement: 85% packed
Linen closet: 100% packed
Kitchen: 50% packed
Next up: continue to work on kitchen . . .
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Packing and Knitting
Since a photo of boxes would not be very exciting, here instead is a photo of the bolero I just finished for Ryley. I gave it to her yesterday--she's 18 months and adorable!
I spent all day today packing, and made a dent, but it's still overwhelming. . .
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