Wyoming Breezes

I go to a gym four to five days a week to workout, and my constant companion is my iPod Shuffle. I've been listening to the same workout music since October, and it is getting too predictable, so I was glad to find a source for some free workout music.  These three free workout mixes (higher bpm) are available for a limited time (In fact, I think one is only available today and tomorrow.)  I don't like all the songs, but they will add some variety to my workouts.   Here are the links: http://subway.workoutmusic.com/ http://shape.workoutmusic.com/ http://motiontraxx.com/secret/ Enjoy

Japanese washing machine April 2012 Dear Wyoming Breezes Foreign Friday Fan Club: It is time to get out of our kimonos and wear comfortable clothes again. Some of Nancy's future Foreign Fridays will feature signs and labels from my recent trip to Japan. Since my husband and I don't know the Japanese language, we depended 100% on our hosts and the signs to explain directions. Today's photo shows why I didn't do my own laundry while in Japan. Would you know how to use this washing machine? Your friend, Sheila • More of Sheila's photos will be featured in future Foreign Fridays. 

Wind Map Website This map is too cool not to share. Note that the brighter the lines, the faster the wind speed. The current map in motion can be found here . On the website, check out the information below the map, especially the "Gallery" section.

Last week, I joined two friends (Sue and Louise) for a picnic in Sinks Canyon. We had a good time visiting and sight-seeing. Two of the most visited areas in the canyon are "The Sinks" and "The Rise." Middle Fork of Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern on the south side of the highway.  The Sinks, pictured above, is where the river disappears under the mountain. Note the people standing on the left in the photo. At flood stage, that area would be under water. The power of the water over the years has eroded the limestone, creating the cavern. What makes this area so unique is that the river surfaces a quarter of a mile away on the opposite side (the north side) of the road in an area called The Rise. All of the river's rage is gone at The Rise: the water is crystal clear and is the habitat of giant rainbow and brown trout. The river returns on the north side of the highway.  Note the large cavern (dark hole on the left); however,

Inchworm started June 2012 I used the empty needles from Three Bears to start a new blanket for the Western Region Oddball Knitting group that I've named Inchworm . Each knitter's section will have four, one-inch segments. The segments will use small scraps we all have from working on previous blankets. The garter-stitch blanket is being knit with 120 stitches on size 8 needles. Update: August 18, 2012 Inchworm Four Western Region Oddball knitters have added sections. Two more sections will be added. Update : September 11, 2012

Three Bears Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket started April 2012 This is a delightful blanket, and the three bears in the cream section are certainly cute but very hard to photograph. I knit the last section on the far right in my favorite Checks and Ridges stitch. The blanket was knit with 120 stitches on size 8 needles. Update : September 6, 2012

Fish Market Southern Japan April 1980

Last week, I made a road trip with two of my knitting buddies. The trip was a short one, only 40 minutes from home, but it took us to another world - a world filled with adventure, intrigue, romance, and locations that only words can create.  We entered the world of Mad Dog and The Pilgrim, two local women, who sell books mostly online, but they also sell to those who happen upon the large barn near their home. This site  explains why they relocated their business from Denver, CO to isolated Sweetwater Station, WY with a population less than ten people. Yes, you read that correctly - less than ten individuals. In the barn, books of all sizes and ages are on display as well as packed in boxes. It is  book lovers' heaven. Around every corner is yet another area with even more books, beautiful antique furniture, a variety of paintings and prints as well as oddities. History books and biographies can be found in this section of the barn. Up stairs is a colle

Garden Vegetables started June 2012 Garden Vegetables , a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket, was started by my knitting buddy, Cheryl. Her section, a deep purple, represents eggplant; my section, peas. I used Caron Simply Soft and the Box Stitch for my section. Update : December 9, 2012

While Marilyn and I visited at a lot of quilt shops on our trip, we also browsed antique shops. Marilyn was looking specifically for old beer signs for her husband, and I searched for vintage linens. Call me old-fashioned, but I use scarves on my nightstands, an antique buffet, and an antique dresser. I found some wonderful pieces for very reasonable prices. It was the six-inch crochet on each end of this linen scarf that caught my eye. Even though the piece had some yellowing, I knew the $8.95 price was a steal. After a good wash, most of the yellowing has disappeared, and the scarf fits the buffet nicely. Because of the two doves, I think this scarf was a wedding gift. The linen and lace are in excellent condition, so it was probably only used for special occasions. This scarf has a delicate edge and minimal embroidery in the corners. The untrimmed edge is the fabric selvage. It fits the dresser well for $2.95. I love this embroidered and cutwork piece (detail sho

Knit in Public Lander, WY June 9, 2012 A small group of fiber guild members met in front of the old Lander library to knit in public. While the location was off the beaten path, we knit and visited from 10AM until nearly 2PM. Where did you Knit in Public this year?

Last week, Sheila N. shared her kimono dressing experience. This week features her husband, Doug. For more information about their recent trip to Japan, check last week's post . * * * * * Dear Readers, Thank you for your nice comments about last Friday's kimono wear! I am glad you enjoyed participating in this experience. Today we have photos of our friend Tamami who lives in Tokyo. Doug and I met her when she was a student here at Central Wyoming College. One of Sheila's hosts, Tamami arranged the kimono dressing adventure. She chose to wear  a green kimono which belongs to her mother. Note the pink clip at the nape which the teacher used to measure and to temporarily secure items. This bin contains the under kimono garments for Tamami.  See last week's post for more detail. Tamami's kimono and obi Tamami's obi has an intricate carriage design. Tamami fully dressed in her kimono and obi. Now, it's Doug's turn to g