Camping

Thing to Do With Your Husband #6: Go Camping

Camping is another great way to spend time with your husband. Most men love providing for their wives and camping gives them that opportunity to bring you as much comfort as they can. Plus, as I’ve said before, sunshine is great for the body, soul, and spirit. After floating (and hauling a canoe through) the Little Missouri River, Nate and I camped at Daisy State Park on Lake Greeson.

Daisy State Park

We bonded over a game of Go Fish, hot dog and marshmallow cooking, and building a home away from home for the night. Our camp site was just off the water with some pretty views.

Part of our camp site.

We woke to the sound of birds chirping. Nate started up the campfire and we cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Morning sun over our tent.

I fell in love with the many dogwoods blooming around our site.

Dogwood Blossoms

Dogwood Blossoms

Dogwood Blossom

Dogwood Blossom

We had loads of fun camping, and I’m already looking forward to next time.

Canoe Trip

Things to Do With Your Husband #5: Do an Outdoor ActivityOutdoor activities are a great way to create strong, happy memories. On Friday, we took a short (about 4.7 mile) canoe trip down the Little Missouri River beginning just downstream of Narrows Dam and ending right about the second submerged dam at the Muddy Fork Road bridge.

We had an absolute blast. A lot of the time we spent walking our canoe over slimy river rocks. There was some frustration as Nate came to terms with myvery limited canoe-steering skills. Tears flowed as I convinced him that I really was trying my best and asked for him to not be upset with me. And apologies were made as he stood in rushing water on slippery river rocks reaching into the canoe to give a hug and promise exercises in patience.

We were blessed with plenty of sunshine…

A Sunshine Blessing

… and hard work:

This was taken during an easy stretch of river!

We rejoiced at streams emptying into the river because it meant higher waters over the rocks. (Click on the picture for a better view–a pretty foot bridge was constructed there.)

A stream empties via mini-waterfall into the river.

At one calm moment during our trip, while we relaxed in slow waters, we witnessed a deer as she (I think it was a doe) stepped out into the water at the river bank for a cool drink. I didn’t get a picture because the phone was in a water-tight box, and I didn’t want to frighten her. The deer only stayed around for a minute or so–once she caught sight of our ensemble, she hurried off.

Overall, we had an incredible time. We’d been kicking around the idea of a canoe trip for probably a year or more and just never made the time to do it. I’m so glad we did this. Even as we stumbled over many, many rocks and even as I sit here with achy and sore muscles, I feel blessed and happy for the experience.

Maybe you and your husband can’t take or wouldn’t enjoy a canoe trip, but being outside in the sun is good for your body, soul, and spirit. I believe that our short ride down the rocky Little Missouri strengthened our budding marriage as we rejoiced in God’s handiwork and provision.

Strange Characteristic

I exhibit this odd characteristic in which my preferences, behaviors, and attitude waver in cycles.

There are some weeks or months that I am very much into knitting. I knit at every opportunity (even the 5 minutes in my car before class) and crank out projects like there’s no tomorrow. I love it; I’m absorbed in it. But it seems that after a few weeks of this knitting obsession, I then spend weeks without even touching the needles. I’ve been in this knitting dead-zone for the last couple of weeks. I have projects on the needles that I really want to finish. I even get to the point of actually wanting to knit them. I walk over to my basket of WIPs, pick one up, turn it over in my hands, crinkle my nose and put it back–the interest in knitting suddenly vanishes once I begin the act! That’s why there is a lace shawl in progress and a button-band re-knit in progress sitting in the living room that have only been touched once a week or so when I do the dusting.

It happens with sewing too, although there’s a definite reason I have a dress-in-progress in a bag that hasn’t seen the light of day in at least a month. I think about sewing and think I’d like to work on the dress. So I walk over to the machine, bend down and pick up the cord, and then–alas! the feeling is gone as quick as it came! This happens with crochet and embroidery, too. One day I am slaving away over a needle or hook and the next thing I know, I can’t remember when I last worked on that project in progress.

I used to think it was a crafting thing. This knitting/crochet/embroidery/sewing slump usually happens after a long stretch of marathon crafting. I thought it was a sort of burn-out–something I’d just have to deal with if I wanted to have Extreme Crafting Days. But then I realized that this happens in other areas of my life too.

I will crave Mexican food for weeks on end and then suddenly, even the thought of Mexican food will turn my stomach. This happens with Italian food and Southern food and even single dishes too, like pizza or Mexican lasagna. I made Mexican lasagna once a week for three weeks one time when I was in a Mexican food kick!

This even happens with my sleep patterns. I will be downright exhausted for weeks, never able to get enough sleep, tired after waking up from a 10-hour sleep. And then I will sleep wonderfully for a few weeks, wake up rested, have no trouble staying awake all day, even stay up late and wake up early.

I think it is a strange thing, but I don’t know if other people go through this too. I know that Nate has attitude cycles. Weeks of optimism followed by weeks of snappiness. I don’t know if he has food cycles or hobby cycles as well–he doesn’t appear to, but he just eats whatever I fix, so I kind of take him on my food trips with me.

A Supper Bet

Things to Do With Your Husband #4: Make a Bet

A couple of weeks ago, Nate bought something online and had it shipped to the house. The delivery estimate was February 22nd – 27th. He bet me that it would come in on the 22nd… sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? So I took the bet–if it was delivered any time on or after the 23rd, I’d win.

The stakes? Loser fixes the supper of the winner’s choice on the day the winner chooses.

It arrived on our doorstep promptly on…

… the 25th! Ha!

I chose meatloaf with creamed potatoes, corn, and peas. Yum! And the best part was that Nate made the meal all by himself! I did have to talk him through the meatloaf because I don’t have a recipe for it, but he did a wonderful job and everything was delicious.

I took a few photos, but none turned out very well, so sorry about that. You’ll just have to take my word for it!

She Knits: Spring Green Socks

I finished my socks! I started these January 26th and finished them last night. These worked up surprisingly fast… I think it felt that way because Nate’s socks were larger and longer and plainer and seemed to go on for miles, so in comparison, these were short and sweet.

Due to the sizing issues I had with the very first socks I made for my best friend, I don’t trust pattern sizing. I improvised these socks to obtain the perfect fit. Overall, I was successful.

Pattern Info:
Express Lane by Diane Mulholland
Ravelry

This is the basic pattern I started with. I liked the lace repeat and wanted to use that, but didn’t like the toe or heel on this pattern, and the gauge required is looser than I wanted to knit these socks. Since the yarn I used is 100% wool, a tighter gauge would help the socks wear better. I basically only used the lace chart from this pattern.

And, I even altered that. The original lace repeat is 14 stitches and 8 rounds. I added 2 rounds to the top of the chart which made it a 16 stitch and 10 round repeat. I worked my socks over a total of 64 stitches and worked the 16 stitch lace repeat over the center of the top of the foot and the center back of the leg. I altered the calf-shaping chart to reflect my changes in the basic chart.

For the toe, I used the Square Toe because my toes don’t make a nice point. They are stubby and require a more rounded toe. I’m very happy with this toe because it fits and is stretchy, so will fit just about any toe shape.

For the gusset and heel, I used Fleegle’s Toe-Up Sock Instructions. This is the same gusset/heel I used for Nate’s Socks. Those turned out so nicely, I used Fleegle’s gusset/heel again. I’m very happy with this style of heel because it is easy to do and fits very well. I have learned through the few socks I’ve made that gussets are essential for a great fit.

Yarn Info:
Knit Picks Palette
100% wool
Alfalfa colorway

I like this yarn. There is a huge color selection, and I don’t think the price can be beat for 100% wool. The wool is soft, not scratchy, and feels nice on my feet. It’ll be interesting to see how it wears. I used non-superwash wool for Nate’s socks because I think they wick moisture better, and Nate would be wearing his socks in rubber boots during wet weather. I used it for my socks because of the price difference–superwash is a tad more expensive.

I am a little worried by the comments on the yarn page for this yarn on Ravelry about felting. This IS feltable wool. I purposely knit these at a very tight gauge (8 stitches/inch versus the 9 that I think is average) to combat felting. It will be interesting to see how they hold up.

Sock Successes:

1. Color – I adore the bright, vibrant green. They reminded me of spring while knitting them.
2. Fit – Overall, they fit wonderfully, especially in the feet. They are the perfect length and the perfect circumference.
3. Pattern – I think my pattern choices/manipulations were a success this time.

Sock Displeasures:

1. Fit – The calf-shaping is not quite right. I needed to do more increasing than just 4 stitches every pattern repeat. My calves are kind of bulky and steeper than average, maybe. I think I should have increased an extra 4 stitches at the beginning/middle/end of the 5th round of the lace repeat during the calf-shaping. Then, I would have increased 8 stitches every pattern repeat and formed a steeper shaping. As they are, they do fit, but they slip down a bit when I walk because they are little too tight on the calves.
2. Ribbing – I ended up with a stitch count that is not divisible by 4 which means that my 2×2 ribbing was a little off. At the beginning of the round on the first socks, I have 4 knits in a row. I intended to mirror that on the second sock and begin with 2 purls and work those 4 knits on the other side of the sock, but forgot when the time came. So my socks are mirrored, which is a little annoying. I doubt anyone else will notice or be bothered by it, so I didn’t tink back and redo it.

And now for photos! Aren’t you excited? I took a lot of pictures because these are the first socks I’ve knit for myself, so be patient. The color is spot on the pictures, though, so you can get a feel for how cheery it is. Click a photo to enlarge it.

Photos:

Square Sock Toe

Long Legs

Very Comfortable

Fleegle’s Gusset and Heel

Down the Express Lane

Lace Pattern

I Wanted to Say…

Today before my first class started (Biochemistry II at 8 AM), a few of my peers were cramming for an exam they were taking in another class in the afternoon. Apparently it’s a class that all Chemistry/Biochemistry majors take, and the topic of my major came up quickly. The professor laughed and asked why I was even taking Biochem–it’s not required for a Math major and I’ve already satisfied my Natural Science minor requirements.

I wanted to say that it’s because the class is very interesting.

I wanted to say that it’s because he is an entertaining, yet knowledgeable instructor.

I really wanted to say that I’m taking this course because every time class meets I learn something new about God. I learn something new about God’s Creation and His magnificence and His beauty and His love and His ability to form life out of nothing–an ability that no other being in the universe possesses.

That’s what I wanted to say. But what I actually said was, “Well, really easy ‘throw-away’ classes are so boring that I end up doing poorly in them. At least in this class, I have to work hard for a B!” No, it wasn’t a bad response, but the answers in my head were so much better.

Kreativ Blogger Award

I have been given the Kreativ Blogger Award by someone who is very dear to me. I hope I follow all the rules here.

First, I am supposed to thank the person who gave me the award, Kathy. Her site is really great, so I hope you go over and check it out. She is also really great, as I’m sure you’ll figure out if you go over to her blog.

Second, I have to tell you 10 things that you may not know about me. It’s hard to remember what I have already “given away” on the blog, but I’ll try to make these things new to most of you.

1. I was born in North Carolina, but raised in Texas.
2. My favorite dessert is plain cheesecake.
3. In the 12 years I attended public school, I never received a “perfect attendance” award.
4. I began my senior year of high school with mononucleosis, and no, I didn’t get it from kissing someone.
5. Since being married, I’ve discovered that I love to cook.
6. I have an older sister and a niece who will be 7 years old in 6 days. I also have a half-sister who is 2.5 years old.
7. I’ve never broken a bone.
8. Both of my ring fingers are very crooked, a trait I inherited from my mother.
9. My hair and nails grow really fast.
10. I love all things crafty–knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery–and am looking forward to finding many more!

Finally, I’m supposed to bestow this award on 6 other bloggers. This is tricky because… well, I don’t read 6 other blogs. Here are the two I do read, and I would choose them even if I read hundreds of blogs!

1. Katie — She blogs about knitting, cooking, gardening, reading, and life as a librarian!
2. Emily — Her blog is very fun to read. She writes about gardening, sewing/quilting, and other homey stuff.

If you are reading this and you were chosen, in order to post the badge to your site, you have to do what  I did: post 10 things about you that your readers may not know and give the award to 6 others. Of course, this is entirely optional and you are not to feel obligated in any way at all. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to. I promise my feelings won’t be hurt.

Time Management

“Time is money.”

Surely everyone has heard this phrase. Well, what about the next one?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV)

I know that what Jesus said is true. And I happen to agree that time is money. This leads me to believe that how I spend my time indicates where my heart lies also.

If I told you I really love my husband, but then said I never spend time with him… would you believe that I love him? If I said I really care for the homeless, but then said I never give money to charity and never volunteer my time… would you believe that I truly care? Now, if I tell you I am a Christian and I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, but then said I never read the Bible or pray or spend time still and silent before Him… would you believe that I love God?

I have not been a good steward with my time, efforts, energy, or mind. I have not worked at glorifying God. I have not worked at being more Christ-like. Every day that I waste is a gift gambled with.

Bible Challenge

I read some last week, but didn’t make note of it. I’m going to take a break from posting about this for a while because I don’t get on the computer every day anymore, so am not keeping track of it as well. I will keep reading, but just won’t post about it weekly.

One thing that has helped is having a daily Bible study. The one I’m using now will be done at the end of February, so I’m going to look online for a free daily study to do. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

She Knits: Nate’s Socks

Nate’s long, plain, brown socks are finally complete. I enjoyed knitting these for him and would gladly cast on another pair now, but it feels like a huge accomplishment to have them finished. The best part is that they fit so wonderfully and he loves them.

Pattern Info:
Fleegle’s Toe-up Socks by Susan Glinert
Source: Fleegle’s Blog

This pattern is more of a set of guidelines than a real pattern. I obtained a different gauge than what she does in the pattern, so used different numbers. I aimed for 9 stitches per inch because I’ve read that tightly knit socks will wear better. I did follow the toe shaping, gusset increasing, and heel turn instructions. I, however, added calf-shaping because he wanted knee-high socks. This I did by measuring his leg circumference at various spots and using my gauge to get an estimate of tapering, then trying them on him as I knit them. I ended with about 1.5 inches of 1×1 ribbing at the top.

One sock fits a little tighter than the other. On the second sock, I had to use different needles and that one ended up slightly looser, longer, and stretchier. He is happy, though, and that’s what really matters. If I make him another pair, I would definitely use the same pattern (I did write it all down!) except I would begin the toe with 2 fewer stitches because the tip of the toe is just a bit wider than his big toe, so the corners end up in little points. Not a huge deal, but it’s something I will change if I can for future socks.

Yarn Info:
Knit Picks Palette
Fingering weight
Thicket colorway
100% wool

I thoroughly enjoyed working with this yarn. It’s not overly soft; perfect for socks. I can’t comment on how it will wear over time, but it’s spun nicely and I don’t think I came across a single knot in the 2.25 skeins I worked with.

Photos:
Excuse the messy background… he was sitting on the porch for sunlight and the carpeting there is really… erm, ugly.