Wyoming Breezes

The Western Region Oddball Knitters have been busy. Below are the blankets that have been finished since April on which I had the honor to knit a section. Sherbet Emerald Isle Oddball Oddball Fiesta Tiny Stripes Some Bunny Loves You Old Glory Thomas and Friends

Star Struck Quilt of Valor 58 x 66 inches Star Struck is #17 in the 12 in 2012 Quilt of Valor Challenge . It was easy to make from red, white, and blue scraps, as well as some new yardage for the black border and neutral background. Made using Pat Fryer's Stars N Stripes pattern from Villa Rosa Designs. Update : November 28, 2012 Alycia posted this quilt on  her blog today . 

Relaxing at a ryokan after a long day of travel September 1979 A large group of teachers toured northern Japan on the Labor Day weekend 1979. Taking several cars and a van, we travelled in a caravan from city to city and stayed in ryokans (guest houses). Each ryokan had hot bath houses ( sento ) for the guests, and after bathing, the guests dressed in summer yukatas  and slippers, provided by the ryokan. Guests wore the yukatas to dinner and lounged in them until bed-time. Unfortunately, I did not write on the back of this photo, so I cannot identify these women who, if I remember correctly, were elementary teachers. I especially like the light design in the lower left corner of the photo, as it reminds me of a torii gate .

My life for 33 years was centered around the school calendar and schedule: week days were spilt into eight class periods and regulated by the bell schedule and a watchful eye on the clock. Evenings and weekends were dedicated to school activities, grading assignments, and planning lessons. Leisure time was rare. From early August to early June, my days were structured, yet my summer vacation was blissfully free of schedules. When I retired, my life changed drastically, but oddly, I developed a loose routine - reading devotions and the newspaper, blogging, reading blogs, exercising, knitting and/or sewing, washing clothes and dishes, etc. The television remains off during the day and is only turned on after 5 PM for the local and national news. Having a regular schedule, gives my days a sense of purpose even in retirement. Are you a creature of habit?

Humpty Dumpty piloted by Rich Lawhorn Louisville, KY Last weekend was the annual Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally, but sadly, the weather conditions were not conducive to flying . Based on weather reports, the Balloonmeister grounded the balloons Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. The winds on the ground and aloft were shifting, making flying too dangerous. The featured balloon (Humpty Dumpty) was inflated on Saturday and Sunday for photographs only. Two other balloons inflated but were quickly reduced to a mound of nylon when the envelopes began to whip in the winds. It was great to see Humpty Dumpty; however, one balloon does  not  a rally make. I look forward to walking among the puffy giants as they are inflated, so this year I left the field feeling like Humpty Dumpty when all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put him back together again -- nothing could be done to salvage the experience except the anticipation of next year's r...

Western Sky early evening July 16, 2012 Lately, the evening skies have been stunning. This image was captured during the Community Band concert in City Park about 8 PM as the ever-changing cloud bank's "silver lining" glowed. Sunday evening, a thunderstorm brought some much-needed moisture to the area; however, the coverage area was scattered. My lawn and plants looked brighter yesterday from the refreshing rain. Hopefully, more storms will build this week.

Berry Nice started April 2012 This Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket was sent to Oregon on Thursday for the last four-inch section. When I signed up for Berry Nice , I thought had an appropriate yarn, but as often happens, my choice changed once the needles arrived in my mail box. My original yarn color did not play well with the colors of the previous sections. I made a quick trip to Walmart (the only store in this area that sells yarn), to purchase a skein that would work; however, my choices there were extremely limited. I came home with a "have to do" colorway. I'm hoping the last knitter will use a solid yarn to unite all the colors. I used the Box Stitch for my raspberry section. Update : August 3, 2012 Update : September 29, 2012

Sumo tournament participants Misawa AFB Misawa, Japan Winer 1980 Sumo  is to Japan as football is to the United States. To say it is a popular sport is an understatement. Japan is the only country where sumo is practiced professionally, and the successful wrestlers are revered . The only sumo wrestling I saw was an on-base sumo tournament, which was by no means, a professional match. It was, however, interesting.

American Dreamer Quilt of Valor 55 x 70 inches American Dreamer is number 16 in the Quilt of Valor 12 in 2012 Challenge . I've used the eagle panel before , but wanted to do something different with it this time. The pattern is Sidelights by Mountainpeek Creations with extra borders added to meet the QOV size requirements. My red, white, and blue fabric stash is not getting any smaller (maybe it would if I would quit purchasing it), so I will be able to make many more Quilts of Valor this year. Update October 24, 2012:  this quilt was shown on  Alycia's blog  today I have an extra eagle panel to give away. The panel is shown above - it includes the three top and bottom stars and the eagle center. Even though it has the American flag in the center, I will gladly ship internationally, too. Leave a comment and indicate your desire to be included in the drawing. Make sure your response is NOT set to "no-reply" or include your email in ...

Faerie Delight started July 2012 Most of the striped blankets made from scrap balls of yarn have been "boy-friendly," but since I have several scraps of pinks, I decided to start a "girl-friendly" striped blanket. Faerie Delight will be a garter stitch blanket with two-inch stripes in each four-inch section. Knit on size 8 needles and 110 stitches. Update : November 14, 2012

Two weeks ago, I discovered a link that tests how well we see color and can differentiate different hues. It takes a couple of minutes to complete the test, as you drag blocks to show the variance of hue for the color(s). Once you are satisfied that the blocks are correctly arranged, click the button to score your test and see what hues gave you difficulty. Enter your age and sex (evidently both play a role in how we view color), the results based on age will be shown. If you are interesting in testing your ability to see color hues, click here . My score was 29. Come back and share your results and your impressions of the color test.

All Roads Lead Home Quilt of Valor 56 x 70 inches All Roads Lead Home is number 15 in the Quilt of Valor 12 in 2012 Challenge . This pattern is available free online here . It was a lot of fun to make as the blocks are 8.5 inches. I added the side borders in order to meet the QOV size requirements. Update October 24, 2012:  this quilt was shown on  Alycia's blog  today

Today, Sheila shares photos of some interesting signs she saw while she was in Japan. Obviously, some meanings get lost in the translation. Airport Water Fountain I can't remember the last time I saw anyone gargling at a water fountain, but evidently, that is frowned upon in Japan. (click photo to enlarge) Airport Luggage Carts

Early evening, looking east July 2, 2012

Very Berry started June 2012 Very Berry , a Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket, knit on size 8 needles and 120 stitches. I used Caron Simply Soft and the Box Stitch for my raspberry section. Update : September 30, 2012

Yesterday, I helped a friend set-up a blog, and today she posted about a recent trip to Beartooth Pass. She has many adventures to share with you. Pop over and welcome her to the "neighborhood." High Plains Footprints

Hot Notes, Cool Nights Community Band July 2, 2012 I had to chuckle when this little guy approached the band shell and started "conducting" the band during a Sousa march. Every summer I look forward to the Community Band concerts (Hot Notes, Cool Nights) in City Park. Musicians of all ages volunteer their time, and the concerts alternate between the Riverton and Lander communities for a month. The community band plays for about 30 minutes, and other local musicians/bands perform for another 30 minutes. If you're in the area, bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music.