Here's DS and DD#1 (Twin A). Okay, I know this is not knitting content...but these are the people I knit for! :o) I had been reading on Yarn Harlot's blog links about the poppies sold on Veteran's Day in Canada. My Grandpa used to sell them as a little boy and I have one clipped onto my desk organizer to remind me of him...as well as all the Veterans. My Great Grandfather, Albin Johnson, was born in Sweden, came to America as an infant and served in France and Belgium during WWI. I actually have a pressed poppy which he sent his sister from France...only it's purpleish blue. And it amazes me it survived all these years. Below are pictures of the Veteran's memorial we visited on Veteran's Day before spending some time together at "Apple Hill". And yes, I'm still knitting away at Christmas and birthday gifts. I need to finish ends and block a few things and take pictures to post here! 

My identical twins daughters age 2.5 years, eating apple donuts! 

This is the Veteran's Memorial in Placerville, California...who says you have to go to New England for fall color! :o) (Although I wouldn't mind that either) DH had the day off from school so we enjoyed it as a family. I am thankful for my family members and other veterans who have given their time, energies and lives for our country, even when we don't always support them! Freedom isn't free! Thank you!!! 

The Mountain Sumacs looked aflame! 

We saw every color from green to red! 

Secret Pal Surprise!

I just had to share this wonderful fiber gift from my AK Secret Pal, Sue. Sue is the person who I gift to and NO, we aren't secret anymore! :o) She has been so fun to get to know and has helped me out with a lot of information. She has a friend owns Bullen's Wullens and this fiber came from there. It's a wonderful blend of Merino/Tussah Silk/Alpaca. Yesterday I was just itching to do something fibery...couldn't justify spinning time or working on sewing. But I could dye while working in the kitchen on other things. So, I made this from Gaywool dyes, mixing Raspberry and Indigo. It's done pretty similar to the Kool Aid dyeing so is very easy. This was the first time I had blended any colors. This roving is so SOFT! I can't wait to spin it, but I will...I'm hoping I can do it fingering weight and make a scarf for me.

But back to my Secret Pal Sue. DS got very excited to see the "mailman" (UPS actually) stopping in front of our house. He was jumping up and down and squealing. What can I say? The boy doesn't get out much, so simple things bring him pleasure! :o) (I actually like that trait in him!) I could hardly get the box in the door, the girls were all over it as if they could actually pick it up. It was a task to get the box opened with three toddlers/preschoolers helping. DS kept saying "What cool box Mommy!" So what was inside? Well, besides this wonderful fiber, there was some Regia cotton sock yarn in blues (Sue and I both love blue) along with a sock pattern, several patterns I have been wanting to try and Over The Edge by Nicky Epstein! I have been wanting that book and I sat down and looked through it right away. I don't have the first one either but have that on my list (On The Edge). I found lots of ideas from the book to try for designing some sweaters for my twin daughters.

But did she stop there? No! She sent a phonics program/game for DS who I am homeschooling, some construction paper and for the girls, finger paints! I'm not sure if I am brave enough yet to do that! LOL

What a wonderful Secret Pal she has been...and not because she gives me neat things, but because of who she is! Thank you Sue!!!

Well, it has been awhile since I updated this blog. Life has this way of cutting into my computer time. But I have been knitting and have a couple finished objects to share soon!