Stitch Over Time

This is a 'stitch' because I'm not much of a "stitcher" compared to my sisters, but I always enjoyed crocheting when I had more time. I started this colorful afghan before I had children and the green one was left when grandma Anne passed away. She'd started it and included several rows at the corner of the square (the one she always told she learned from hearing the directions over the phone). That is certainly not something I could do, but my grandma could do just about anything when it came to crocheting or knitting. My plans were to finish these for my two sons as gifts. One day I decided I had to finish these two blankets that they had been asking about. Feeling sort of bad that I'd let them sit so long, decided to get going again. My poetry is always inspired and I had a moment in this process where I completely forgot what to do with the colorful one and wasn't sure what I'd so with it. I really wanted to finish this and so decided to ask her. This is where STITCH OVER TIME came from. There are two crochet stitches I learned long ago from my grandma Anne that I hoped I'd always know. One she called a "ric rac" all fanciful and bright with shades of many colors of dark, medium and light. The other came out as a square with no specific name she learned it over the phone from a friend who could explain. Throughout many years she'd really found her nitch even the last years of her life she found she still could stitch. More patterns and more yarn she never seemed to have enough continuing to give to others though at times it could be tough. A 'ric rac' that I started that I started just after she passed away still sits unfinished to this very day. Today I started in again experiencing trials and errors forgetting a specific stitch decided to ask her. Just a minute later as clear as I could see looking back on that row I knew she's answered me. This 'ric rac' should be done many a time it would have been to be given as a gift to my son who's turning ten. The other crocheted treasure meant for someone she had in mind has many shades of green like beautiful evergreen pines. It too shall be complete as soon as can be to be given to my other son instead of to me. This will tell the story of a lady oh so fine.... and the meaning of this poem of mine called STITCH OVER TIME.

Dad's Pack

Dad's Pack This past New Years Day the boys and I were saying our goodbyes at grandpa and grandmas before heading back home. My nephew was there as well. As we got our last load in the car and were ready to leave, my dad walked downstairs saying he has something and to wait. When he returned I saw this old yellow pack in his hands. He gave this pack to me and I was overjoyed to receive it since I knew he'd used it for nordic skiing. In fact, it was the pack that carried the 12 lb. load in the Norwegian Birkebeiner Ski Race in Norway. The weight is still required to be carried by those skiing in this challenging race. It represents the 12 lb. baby and future King Haakon being carried by two men of the Birkebeineret to safety during a dangerous and turbulent time in Norway. Dad always said of all the nordic ski races he completed, this was the most difficult. It symbolizes much more for me personally and those are expressed in the poem DAD'S PACK On this New Years Day I received a special pack A treasure from my dad used in travels back. It held a certain purpose in a worldwide race It carried extra weight with a sure and steady pace. By a strong and loyal man who always had a dream That never lost his will nor his courage or his steam. It will serve as a reminder in times that I need strength That any challenge can be met no matter what the length. In future trails I blaze I'll wear by dad's old pack That will carry all my dreams and I will never look back. The places that it's been and the future load it holds Will bring a special joy of stories to be told. There will come a day when I will need a hand To help me carry my load or to simply take a stand. This is when I'll know that courage should not lack A burden can be placed inside my dad's pack. Then it can be carried with the same goal in mind To strive to the finish and never look behind.

Photo of the Bisti Wilderness

Bisti Badlands-De-Na-Zin

I am on my way to the Farmington BLM (Bureau of Land Management) after a 5 year stint at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. About a month ago, I couldn't picture myself leaving that Park but I have to go because of funding. I am going to an area that is heavily into oil and gas exploration and some really cool recreation activities. One of the main areas on the Farmington unit, is the Bisti Wilderness or Bisti Badlands as some locals call it. It's really cool if your a rock hound. Some say that this is the area where they faked the moon landing in 1969. I think it's a real cool place and I will be checking the area out for hiking and biking trails. This is also a paleontologist meca and I think there is some cool dinosaur bones that have been discovered in the area. If I am not mistaken, this area was once underwater and when the glaciers retreated, it left these spectacular hoodoos and rock formations. It should be fun to see some new areas at my new duty station of Northern New Mexico. Tess

Navajo Hogan

This hogan was located in our cutting unit way up Black Rock Canyon in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The hogans were used by Navajo's and are found all over the reservation. The door will always be on the east side of the building. Some hogans are still in use today and they are even bigger than they were originally built. Typically if you see an abandoned hogan, there was a death and they left the body in there as a tomb. It is known to never enter a hogan after it's abandoned. In this hogan, a small baby had died and so the parents had abandon it. The land owner told me that they spent there childhood up in the area of this hogan and nobody ever bothered it, except for these two donkeys. Tess

More Felicity Hats

I made a few more Felicity hats for Christmas Gifts and I have discovered that whatever skein you knit with, it turns out different. The yarn is Lion Brand "Amazing" If you need a warm and cozy hat for winter, just let me know. http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/amazing.html

Tess

Felicity hats

I found this hat design and then I found the perfect yarn. It's called Lion Brand Amazing. The colors are really pretty when you knit. I used a size 4 for the head and then I knit about 4" or so and then I changed to size 6 needles to finish it off.

http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/yarn-lion-amazing.html

http://knitology.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/felicityv2.pdf

The Everyday Cowl

I decided to knit a sweater for Anner. The cowl neck was very popular in the 80's and the style and design are back. All the gals in my class wore "Cowl Necks' , along with their perfectly primped layered hair. They were going for the Farrah Fawcett look. Of course, I was wearing button up plaid shirts with corduroy pants. Go figure.

Poem by Angie Nistler...

The Bed Swing

Chained between two oak trees

On a wooded bank
There is a special place
Overlooking handy Hank's

It is a family treasure
The stories all run deep
All those years of fun
Are memories to keep

The joy that it provided us
Lasted nearly 30 years
From times of soothing comfort
To those that caused some tears

With hurt, stress or fear
When trouble comes my way
This place is in my heart
To this very day

It is the fondest time
Of my childhood
Returning to that time
Thinking that I could

It always drew me back
To get another look
Holding on real tight
Like a sturdy hook

The day I did return
To see if it was there
Noticing it wasn't
Decided that I dare

Reaching toward the chain
Grown into the tree
Needing just a touch
A piece falling free

Tightly in my hand
Lied a rusty piece
Of that lasting memory
Of times that will not cease

On this cool autumn day
It seemed meant to be
The memories would hold
in this lock without a key

Of those happy times
That will always give a ring
Of laughter fun and peace.....On the Bed Swing....

Container Gardening in Junk Pots!

Check out this upcoming event in Minneapolis. I plan to attend after being told about it by a friend. I'm signed up for the class - "Container Gardening in Junk Pots". I know nothing on this topic as of now, but watch for an update after the weekend!

http://www.aajms.com/

Launching Vintage Stalkers Etsy Store

Stalkers? It's not a bad word when it comes to locating that perfect vintage piece.

There are a couple of definitions which are: someone who walks with long stiff strides or someone who stalks wild game or yet another one is someone who prowls and sneaks about. I prefer....gals who are browsing at junk shops in a relaxed manner while on the prowl for awesome vintage finds. No worries...there is enough to go around for everybody. Look at what people throw out these days. We just happen to have an eye for the good stuff and for the current trends in vintage. Plus we are saving these items from the landfill and creating a new use for them.


'wire egg basket'


So, since we are doing this vintage stalking anyway we decided to set up shop and sell some of our wonderful finds. The sisters have been at this for years and like I mentioned in a previous post it is in our DNA strand structure. We all have our own styles of what we like...I happen to love vintage ski items, old books and funky containers. When I am out scouting around I pick what appeals to me be it a color, a particular material or something nostalgic that brings back memories.


'some of my favorite books'


That is what it is all about. Sure there are plenty of places you can find "new" items that are made to look old but we think it is more fun to find the "real old stuff". There is always something out there from the past that was made so well and still has life in it. It may show signs of wear and tear, have rust all over it or have dents and dings but that is what makes it look so awesome.

Let us....vintage stalkers be your personal pickers for funky and fun items. You don't have to do the work! We will help those lost vintage items find a new life in your home! You can find a new purpose for an old item.....


'tile made in England'


So...take a minute and check out our new shop...and check back often since you never know what we will find!

Until next time......

Branigan Weavers Tweed Irish Teddy Bear

Please use your imagination and think...."Irish Accent"



Failte! My name is Kevin the Irish Tweed Teddy Bear and I immigrated to the United States from Drogheda which is in County Louth Ireland. I come from a wonderful place called Branigan Weavers where they take great care in creating woven capes, blankets and other woolen wonders like me!

My new house mate visited Ireland but did not stop in my town and I asked "Why?" Her excuse was that she and her sister only had two weeks for their trip and they wanted to see as much of Ireland as possible. She was sorry they missed my region but she did say that they managed to drive all the way around the entire island without killing each other...which I didn't quite understand being a loving and carefree teddy bear and all.

I told my house mate that the next time she is in Ireland she better high tail it up to Drogheda because there are many wonderful things to see and do. They missed seeing the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center and Newgrange tomb which dates back to 2900 B.C. meaning it is 5,000 years old (500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza). What were they thinking when they missed that wonderful gem? My head is full of stuffing and I even figured that one out!

She promised she would stop there next time. In 2012 they are having a celebration in Belfast which will commemorate the building of the Titanic in their city. The Titanic set sail from Belfast on April 10th 1912 and if you know anything about history you know the fate of her voyage. Anyway, if she can make it to Ireland again she said she will swing by Drogheda....I hope she does.

Just between you guys and me....I think they were in the pubs drinking a bit of that wonderful brew that we all know and love!



P.S. You might not hear from me again as a guest blogger since my housemate might be upset that I gave away what they were REALLY doing in Ireland!

P.S.S. Do the words Bushmill's Distillery have any meaning? see I told ya...they were a little distracted....I won't say another word...



P.S.S.S. I know I am pink and my name is Kevin...I just want you to know I am ok with my feminine side! It is 2010 people!

So long....Kevin

Hovland Lumber Mora, Minnesota

I just recently took a trip up to Minnesota to visit family and relatives. I ended up skiing the 42 km race while I was home. I skied with my sister Ang. The following day, I spent some time up at my cabin and then went to retrieve my Blash Ash paneling that was stored out at Hovland Lumber. It turned out real nice. I have always been attracted to black and white ash, especially when it's planed. The grain is really beautiful on the boards. I hope to do some wainscoting or put it up on the ceilings. There is only 484 board feet so It won't go to far but just to get some wood that came off of your land is pretty cool. Well, it's still stored in Minnesota now so we'll see how long it takes to actually get to Colorado.
Hovland lumber has been around for a long time. I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. The mill has gotten bigger and they have added some other components to the mill, namely the planer and edger. This tooling has made it possible for Eric and Einar to make tongue and groove paneling. After talking to Einar Hovland last week, the business has been slow because of the housing slump. This affects business owner's in small towns like Mora Minnesota. Hopefully the economy will rebound and business will increase in the next few months. If you need paneling, rough boards building supplies, or specialty pieces (Bar counters), Hovland Lumber is the place to go for all your lumber needs.

Black Ash Species

Logged by Steve Kerr Logging
Milled by Hovland Lumber hovland@izoom.net

Already February of 2010...Is Anybody Out There?

Time is flying by as usual. I figured the Etsy shops might be slow but it has been super slow motion lately. Valentine's Day has come and gone. Not many people are buying. I was wondering if it was either paying off the Christmas bills, the infamous TAX TIME, or just the economy in general. I am hoping that it picks up sometime real soon. I have been stocking up the shop even though there seems to be no one buying. Hard to motivate to make things but we should keep on going regardless!

I have listed a few cotton crocheted bowls in my shop which are kind of different and fun. I have been thinking about some new ideas. I don't know what they are yet but I will keep you posted if something new comes up! This might be the perfect time to figure it out!

Here is a photo of the cotton bowl in a natural color...





And a super bright green!





Using a different fiber and crocheting instead of knitting has been kind of fun!
100% cotton is wonderful to work with and I might do more things with it...


Anyway...not much more for now! Keep creating and let's hope there is a jump start in the economy real soon!

Until next time....Anne

DISCOVERY! Scientists Isolate the "Vintage Gene" after studying the Johnstone Clan....

Vintage=the endless pursuit of going through thrift shops, junk stores, antique stores (not the tidy and clean ones), consignment shops, pole barns owned by the local eccentrics who know their junk (the messier the better), yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, auctions...repeat, repeat, repeat!

To find the good stuff you have to put in the effort and do some 'diggin'. I come from a line of "Vintage People". It is funny how this term makes all of the 'rooting around in junk' sound so much better! We aren't hoarders....we are 'Vintage Collectors'. Sounds so sophisticated doesn't it? Lucky for me I have received a lot of my vintage goodies without any of the dirty work.

When I was a youngster we used to stop by the local flea market near our lake cabin. If we were lucky we got to "stop for just a minute" after our Sunday ritual of church in Motley Minnesota. I have a confession...I am so sorry for I have sinned....ding a ling a ling....I was thinking about the darn 'flea market' the whole time I was in church. Sorry Mom. It is all Dad's fault!

At the time I don't think my Mom was that into it but we all loved it! We would get a dollar or so and we could search around for a good find. In my last post I was wondering how my son got into vintage...hmmmmmm....that is a good one. Ya don't have to be a 'rocket scientist' to figure that one out.

Eventually my Mom came around and a let me tell you, she has an eye for the really good stuff. I often thought she should have been an interior decorator or a fashion designer!

Check out the latest Vogue Magazine and read their review on the up and coming vintage clothing collector...Jean Johnstone! The gal with killer instincts for high end vintage fashion. Don't get in her way at your local thrift store. She is ruthless when it comes to finding the top end labels for her daughters....watch out for her...Can you imagine her at a Paris resale shop?

Here are some fun vintage gems! Awesome!

Do you notice a pattern here?

Jim's Cebe goggles from his younger days.....

Mother in Laws actual ski boots.....Priceless!


Mother in Laws actual runner sled....Priceless!

Kids ski boots given to us from a friend. (they were going to throw them out) Blasphemy!

My growing Skier Figurine collection from my Mom!

Handknit Mittens from Margie! Great find!

Vintage Ski Sweater that Kathy got me....isn't it cute?

And a few more goodies...

Book from Dad...

Sewing machine...found...I am not telling where!

Doll house Mom found at a garage sale for $5 bucks I believe...worth about $150.00 in antique store!

Poster Tess gave to me a couple years ago because of our addiction to fiber arts!

Dad's sweater...yes, they gave it to me...I guess he hadn't worn it in a while. I think he had someone make it for him. Classic!

Ok....I could add a ton more...but we want to hear about your "vintage" collecting stories!
Drop us a comment!

until next time....Anne

Snow...Hike....Ski....Repeat....

It was a 'blue bird' day in the central mountains of Colorado and we finally got a few inches of snow at the ski area that we frequent. It was a small amount of snow but enough to get us up skiing for a few hours. It was warm with zero wind so I figured we needed to do some hiking to untracked powder.

We rode up to the top of chair #4 at Loveland Ski Area and then bombed it down to where you start your hike up to 'Tickler'. And yes, it tickles your funny bone to ski up at this altitude. You definitely have to put on your 'big girl panties' to ski this terrain!



The photo above is our hike up to the good stuff. The guy right in front of hubbie Jim asked him if he was on steroids because he caught up to them so fast. I think he is a little overzealous because we haven't had that great of a snow year....yet.

Here are a couple of photos of the same tree this season compared to last season.

























Fortunately for Tess, her region has been getting slammed with snow this year. What gives? Oh well...that is the breaks and it makes you work that much harder to get the freshies.

So we skied 'Tickler'...guess which tracks are mine?? Hint...not the 'knuckle dragger' tracks on the far right....





From there we cruised over to A-Tow which is a term for a 'stash' we go to find powder. It is actually where one of the original tow ropes (yes, the ones that rip your gloves to shreds) was located at Loveland back in the day. I recently bought a book called "Powder Ghost Towns" by Peter Bronski...Epic Back-Country Runs in Colorado's Lost Ski Resorts. This book makes my husband feel really old because when he was a kid he had ski races at many of these defunct ski areas. My son loves it because he is a 'VINTAGE' junkie...not sure where he inherited that from? Odd how these things pop up in the genetics??

Anyway, we hiked over to A-Tow and it felt like we were skiing in wet cement. I had about 6" of snow packed all along the bottoms of my skis. Jim kept reminding me while I was 'cussing out my ski tuner person' that I am the one who said I wanted a work out. Well, I got one that is for sure.

We got out of that 'sticky' situation and Jim went back to his beloved 'steeps' of Loveland. I decided to hit the 'Ridge' one more time since the weather was just too perfect not to. I snapped a photo of Gray's and Torrey's Peaks which are two Fourteeners of Colorado.



I should mention that we have hiked these two and have skied down Torrey's. Now that was a day to be on your toes! Oh by the way, sorry Mom...ahhhhh...I didn't mention it to you because I am aware of how you worry just a touch...and yes I am preparing myself since I have a daredevil daughter....stay tuned....

Well, I guess I should stop this babbling on incessantly about our ski day. It was not an epic powder day but fun none the less. I will mention one more site which is ColoradoSkiHistory which is one of my son's favorite websites! Check it out!

P.S. Shadow objects are larger than they appear!


P.S.S. Knuckle draggers=see photo....














Until next time...Anne

Cute and Cuddly Etsy Shop....

Today I was looking around on Etsy and I came across this super cute site and I thought of my niece's one year old daughter! The site is called Sighfoo and the designer makes adorable creatures out of recycled and felted wool sweaters. I have made things out of felted wool sweaters as well but only something that is square and made into a pouch. But these stuffed animals take the cake! How fun and creative. It looks like she also has another shop with lampwork glass jewelry she makes as well called Starvingartistbazaar. Yet again I have found a super fun shop on Etsy!

Check out Andy Foo...Isn't he cute?


Or...Thomas Foo....




Now I just need to decide which one of these little cuties would be best for Avery! I can just picture her clutching onto one of these fun and unique toys!

Until next time.....Anne

Into Yoga

Recognizing after the first of the year that I had four ski events lined up to participate in, I quickly determined that I needed to get into better shape. My bike is shoe-horned into the house on its training wheels - and it gets a spin fairly frequently. We've also been skiing fairly regularly, but the recent warming trend has resulted in less than optimal conditions for that activity. When friend JackiePak got me tuned into a 5 week special for yoga, it took me about 30 minutes to decide to sign up. With the condition that we would go together to the first class, of course!

Corepower Yoga offers a great selection of classes from beginner to advanced. I'm still at the beginner stage, but have noticed something quite remarkable. I feel stronger, more flexible and a little less 'klut-sey". I feel like I sit and stand taller - and breathe more deeply.

For thousands of years, people have been practicing yoga for inward reflection, emotional release, centering, and of course for the exercise, strength-building and flexibility enhancing side-effects. I have found that I'm much more calm and relaxed after yoga class. The poses and stretching are a great work-out for me.

Last week, JackiePak and I decided to try Yoga Sculpt. This is not as innocuous as it sounds. There is no clay involved. What a great cardio and strengthening work-out! It's yoga with weights - and faster! I'm sure we were two of the oldest people there, and I know that at least 85% of the participants in this class were young enough to be my daughter. But I know that I will do this more and more. After class we got the low-down on who the best (translate: easiest) instructors are for the sculpt class.

The cool thing is that my membership is good at any studio, so I'm presently bouncing between Minneapolis and St. Paul. I did recently learn that (after my special intro deal ends), I quality for a sr. discount! Every instructor I have had has been great. I am hooked! I am certain that yoga is something that I will do for many years to come.

Kathy

Old ranch in Southwest Colorado

This is my neighbor's land up on Summit Ridge. The Mtns on the horizon are Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mtn Ute land. The majority of the people that settled the summit ridge area are Hispanic and ranched primarily cattle and sheep. There are a lot of sheep herders around this area though. They typically take their sheep up in the high country in the summer months and bring them back down in the winter.

The Pyranese, Border Collie, and Australian shepherd dogs are very popular down in the Montezuma, Western slope, and San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. There are a lot of Pyranese dogs that guard herds up near the LaPlata and Lizard Head Mtns as well. The Great Pyranese has always been a favorite dog breed of mine, and when one landed on my doorstep in 2005, I had no choice but to adopt it. She (Poncha) had a brother but was either killed or run over. Poncha is a real lovable dog, although she licks a lot and has a mind of her own. She is actually a Pyranese mixed breed. If you ever have a herd of sheep and need to protect your herd from wolves, coyotes, or other predator's, get yourself a Great Pyranese.
http://clubs.akc.org/gpca/ghist.html

While we are at it. Ski jump #1

Epic Ski videos of us above Aspen, Colorado. These are priceless. Tess


Jason doing a jump with some whiskey in him before noon. Listen to Eric and Anner laughing. Funny.

The Girls up at Loveland Valley -circa 1989 /

Judging by everyone's oversized glasses of different colors, this must of been on the tail end of the 80's. I really like Anner's shades. It's like wayfarers but white. Made for some great racoon eyes in the winter. This was taken at the Valley I believe when Anner was working for skier services. I have more photos if anyone is interested.

You know me. We built a shed just for my stuff, which is mostly photos. Enjoy. Tess