Knitting

 Yes, I still knit but I took a long break last year because I became enamored (obsessed)  with another hobby of stationary, fountain pens, journaling and letter writing. My brain doesn’t have enough bandwidth to handle all my hobbies and in a way journaling replaced this blog. I have lots of fountain pens and I needed to use them so journaling and letter writing made the most sense. 

Anyway, my knitting was very neglected and a couple of months ago I picked up a WIP of a sweater. I finished it and decided it didn’t work for me so I put it up on Buy Nothing. I was just happy that someone would enjoy it. Now I see other WIPs and decide to pick one up. It is a pair of socks for my son J who needs socks for his cold feet. Perfect! 

I finished the pair while in Hawaii so I was estimating that I got his size right.These socks are pretty forgiving and stretchy so they didn’t have to be perfect but still I want them to be comfy. I used various mini-skeins and leftover sock yarn and they turned out great. I tend to vary the colors and striping to make fraternal socks and it’s totally my  preference. Some people might prefer matchy socks and store looking quality but these are handmade and I like them to reflect that. That’s just me. The knitting community refers these as monster socks which sums it up. 

So here they are and they fit! I tried to choose a more neutral palette since I don’t think he cares for bright colors so much  but I did manage to to sneak (squoze) them in. I think that brings his house cozy socks to 4 pairs. I may try and knit another pair that doubles the yarn to make thicker socks for those extra cold nights. 

2024 Update

 Who would have guessed I would show up here again. I pretty much just use my ipad exclusively now and I keep seeing these mechanical keyboard so I thought I should give it a whirl. 

 The keyboard is pretty pastels of yellow, pink and blue with round buttons. It has been a while since I’ve typed on a full sized keyboard so I am a bit rusty. I was worried that the keys would make a clacking sound like a typewriter but it is quieter than that. I find that it is growing on me quickly. This can bring me back into blogging!

I am currently placing the keyboard on my lap which feels fine for my wrists that tend to get bent and aggravate my carpal tunnel when I have to type on a desk. This way actually work out for me. The keyboard was purchased on Amazon for around $30 and the only complaint I  have is that my hands feel too close together, maybe I would do better with an ergonomic keyboard which I have never tried. Hmm, things to consider. That is all for now since it is late and I need to go to bed,

11-24-24

I am back. I see my last post was in 2021 so that’s a large gap and my only faithful reader is my  hubby (hi honey!). A lot has happened too many to list but here are a few…

1. My mom passed away 12-31-21 and it was kind of surreal during the pandemic. She was in decline slowly and she had a stroke. We didn’t see eye to eye on many things but I know that she loved me and did her very best. Considering she was a single mom, she was able to provide me with so many opportunities and experiences so I am very grateful for that. I have learned forgiveness because we are not perfect especially when parenting. I’ll leave it at that but I loved her and all my good memories outweigh the bad. 

2. Husband’s job change. He found another job local to us that he worked at for a year and decided to leave for greener pastures. We are at place in our lives where travel positions become an option. Our children are grown and travel jobs offer a lot of positives. Of course, it isn’t for everyone but we decided to try. It was a long process but once all the paperwork is completed  it became much smoother. 

So far, H has been to West Virginia working 3 weeks on and 1 week off which worked out well for us. Lots of opportunities to explore another state which is very different from SoCal which make one appreciate home. I was able to visit and see for myself what West Virginia is like. I enjoyed my one week visit but there is not much to do there unless you’re into hunting, fishing and hiking. 

I began searching his job board for other locations and I think I started in April 2024. It really does take months to get vetted and licensed etc and my choice is Hawaii. Almost the polar opposite from West Virginia but he’s been there almost 3 weeks and so far so good. I’ve already visited for a week and had a great time exploring local eating establishments and places. He will be working there into 2025  so we need to begin searching for another location if he wants to.

I’ll leave more updates for another post. I am still getting used to typing on this keyboard but it works. 

More Area 15

 Onto the next video...this video of Area 15 I used VN Video Editor. I was able to use my ipad to upload the clips and edit pretty quickly. The trim feature uses sliders to adjust the length of your clips which I found very easy to use. I didn't care for the templates that were offered but I think subscribing will give me a lot more options. I didn't notice any transitions either but that is probably offered in the subscribed version. 

Catching up

 I am on a roll or actually motivated to do my editing. Life events can be overwhelming but I am learning to try to go with it. I was focused on my health which was an added situation and like I said, I am learning to balance things more. This blog needs to be fun for me or something was more fun so I neglected It's The Cheese. Now you'll have more to read and catch up on.

This video was a series of photos and clips from my phone and compiled on the GoPro app. It's a simple and easy tool to do all the hard work. I like it gives me a little recap of that day. Tell me what you think. I have been using different apps/programs to see what I prefer. 

Area 15

 Too much time between posts but I am still alive! Me and my family are doing well and survived 2020. Now well into 2021 and this summer, the boys and I did some traveling both together and separate. 

We took a summer trip to Vegas with the boys and myself to see how the outside world is handling Covid. I decided to get a GoPro and try to document our trip in June. The video recording part is pretty easy but the everything after takes me considerably longer. I am currently trying to figure out editing but so far I can manage to slap some clips together and insert transistions along with headers and closers. I keep telling myself that the majority of people start off horribly and amateurish so I am in good company. 

Eventually I will try splicing clips and adding effects but I want to become proficient where I am at now and keep working on it. 

So here is my first video of Area 15. I used Wondershare Filmora to edit this video.

October

 Let's see what has been going in my life this past month...

Lots of knitting and as always, I am continuously trying to decrease my yarn stash. 

Hopefully I will be able to find all the things I completed.

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Better pics of my Playful shawl in daylight. I am so pleased how it turned out and had the scariest game of yarn chicken! 😨

A post shared by Debbie T (@moodybq) on Sep 16, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

My largest project is the Playful Shawl. This was so enjoyable to knit and that is key for me. I love all the colors and getting some of those neverending leftovers used up is extremely satisfying.

Now for something different but still sock yarn is the cute little baby sweater called the Baby Vertebrae. My nephew and his girlfriend are expecting a girl in January so I thought a little sweater would be handy. I chose a variegated yarn that has blue, pale pink and yellow. Recently I am steering away from the typical gender colors because why limit myself and others when there are so many gorgeous colors out there!

 

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Baby Vertebrae is done!! Adorable and perfect for that special baby! # Enjoyable knit and it’s a shame I don’t have any upcoming babies. #knit #baby #newborn #sweater

A post shared by Debbie T (@moodybq) on Sep 6, 2020 at 11:23am PDT

 Another nephew and his wife can't be left out so I knit a cute little sweater vest for fall. I have to keep track of the weather and the age/size because that would not be great to knit a warm weather item that will fit the baby in the summer. I think that this will be perfect to layer over a shirt. Bulky yarn got this project done fast.

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Wee Speedy 2 baby sweater is done. Really fast knit. Perfect for fall.

A post shared by Debbie T (@moodybq) on Oct 1, 2020 at 9:46pm PDT

Hot hot hot

 Well, our mild summer is over. All of SoCal is experiencing a heatwave which is interesting during COVID times. No malls, movie theaters or public pools are available. Here in the South Bay, most of the homes do not have A/C since the daily breeze usually takes care of hot weather. In the last 10 years, we've been having warmer summers and colder winters. This summer has been usually mild with maybe a couple of days of 80+ degrees. It's already August and now we can turn on our room air units to cooldown our bedrooms to sleep.

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My coin counting collection (so far) because I ran out of coin wrappers. I need more and I was just at the bank today. Facepalm. Any guesses how $ I have so far???

A post shared by Debbie T (@moodybq) on Aug 14, 2020 at 5:25pm PDT

Some random things going on at the cheese house. I've been wrapping my coins because there is a nationwide coin shortage. I have this bucket of coins that I've been saving up for yarn but I figured now is a good time to turn them in. Couple of weeks ago I was the bank and asked for coin wrappers. So far I these all ready to go to the bank. It's $241 and I still have more to go. Wouldn't you know, I was just at the bank again and forgot to ask for more wrappers. Ugh.

I started another Chickadee cowl this time with the yarn leftovers from my Vacillate shawl kit. I also will add in some yarn from my Blended shawl hopefully to contrast a little with all the jewel tones. 

School will begin soon for both boys which is virtual/online. I'll have to get a good system for Josh so he can stay on task and be focused. Eventually, when he is able J will have a blended schedule (half online and half in-person).

Even with the heat, I cooked this weekend. I am tired of takeout so I chose butter chicken and chile verde with pork ribs.

I'll try the butter chicken for dinner tonight and have some leftovers this week. The same with the chile verde although it's pretty spicy and I'll need plenty of beans and chips to lower the heat for me. Hector brought me extra limes so if I can deal with using the oven I will make lime bars. 

I hope all of you are keeping yourself positive and healthy. Tell me what you've been up to int he comments!

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Another Chickadee cowl in progress. Using the Vacillate yarn leftovers and few others. Hunkered down in our bedroom, A/C on and watching playoff hockey!!

A post shared by Debbie T (@moodybq) on Aug 16, 2020 at 4:14pm PDT