Wyoming Breezes

an afternoon of multi-tasking December 2021 Bonnie called Monday and asked if I would be available to be a substitute receptionist yesterday. I told her my schedule was open. Since the center has cut back on activities due to COVID, it was a quiet afternoon. I answered the phone, took messages, and transferred calls. There was a LOT of time for knitting.  I finished the cuff, the heel flap, the heel turn, and the gusset during my shift. The prospect of having this pair finished by the end of the year looks promising. 

puzzle progress December 2021 This is the second puzzle I’ve worked on since mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve day. It’s been snowing on and off since then — perfect puzzle weather. Marilyn gave me this puzzle (and several others) this summer.  puzzle completed in two days This one is a collage of vintage ice cream treats, many of which I’ve never seen or even tried, but a few favorites, too.  I’ve never heard of these ice cream cake rolls  Creamsicles are by far my favorite ice cream treats. What’s your favorite? 

December 2021 Since the color runs are long on this yarn, the socks will not match, which doesn’t bother me. I do like how the yarn feels: it has body and is sturdy without being stiff. It’s 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon.  The socks have been on the needles since the beginning of December , but hopefully, I’ll be able to finish the pair before the year ends.

near Parker, CO December 2021   My niece sees the funniest things on her morning walks around her neighborhood. Last year it was a  HUGE reindeer  reindeer, but the photo she took last week made me laugh out loud! 

One of my teeth has been giving me problems — achy, sensitive to cold, sensitive to exhaling cold air. From experience, I know how difficult it is to get treatment close to the holidays. I made an appointment with my regular dentist, and after he ran some tests, he recommended I see an Endodontist for a root canal. Not a problem unless, said Endodontist is in a neighboring town and . . . this happens.  Yep, the Interstate and secondary roads to Cheyenne were closed from Friday to Sunday.  WYDOT had snow plows working, but the wind was horrendous and delayed the opening again and again.  Trucks and private vehicles were lined up in all the major towns, waiting for the green light. Sunday morning I noticed that the interstate was open between Laramie and Cheyenne for eastbound traffic. I knew it probably wouldn’t be too long before all the gates would be open, so I made plans to leave and hopefully be ahead of the impatient truckers and travelers who had been stranded since...

holiday wreath by my door Laramie, WY December 2021 The only holiday decorations I have displayed are two wreaths - one on the front door and one outside the front door.  A rural fire department sells Christmas trees and wreaths on a vacant lot in West Laramie every year for a fund-raiser. By chance, I drove by the lot last week and stopped to look at the wreaths. The lady who made them was there and offered to fluff the bow while I was at the payment window. I like the simplicity of this wreath, and hopefully, it will last for several weeks.  I'm still debating if I want to put up a tree. I wouldn't have to do much because it is small and zipped in a vinyl bag in the garage. The tree is decorated, so all I'd have to do is plug it in and fluff some of the branches. Maybe it will see the light or day, and maybe it will not.  Three holiday cards have arrived in the mail. I love reading the notes that accompany them. Have you noticed that boxed Christmas cards are becoming h...

The Sockhead Cowl, knit from a dyed sock blank, is off the needles, washed, and lightly blocked. I'm pleased with this cowl: the yarn is soft and has a bit of drape, and the colors are subtle and colorfast.  I think the recipient will enjoy wearing this snuggly cowl. 

It’s been over a year since this quilt ( Pinwheel Puzzle ) was finished and quilted, but sadly, it was under the pressing table in a bag and not bound. Saturday afternoon, I prepared the binding strips and label. I promised myself that I’d finish the binding this week.  The sewing room was a mess with fabric, scraps, quilt tops and patterns stacked on the cutting and pressing tables. Since I was on a roll, I also prepared backings for the six QOV folded and stacked on the cutting table. I put off that job because I knew I wouldn’t mail the quilts to longarmer until after the holidays: I didn’t want them lost in the crush of holiday mail.  With all of those tasks done, I was able to clean off the cutting and pressing tables. Hopefully, my sewing/quilting mojo will be prompted by the tidy sewing room. 

Magic Stripes socks November 2021 During the long winter of 2019 when everyone was in isolation, I craved color and ordered colorful sock yarn. Now, I’m beginning to knit with the fun yarns, and the stripes are a bonus!  I’d like to purchase additional colors of this yarn, but the Magic Stripes yarn is no longer available. The ball weighs 100 grams, but only contains 330 yards - not quite enough for a pair of socks for myself, so the heels and toes will be knit with the blue yarn, a remnant from another pair of socks. 

bench at the Eppson Center front door November 2021 I seriously doubt this bench would safely hold anyone let alone a weary senior citizen. 

Sockhead Cowl progress November 2021 Knitting continues on the Sockhead Cowl: I am now working on the final ribbed section.  Since the sock blank was double knit, I separated the strands as I worked on the cowl. When I finished the first ribbing section with one strand, I looped a string of crochet cotton around the point on the second strand and continued rolling the second strand into a ball.  string marking the spot to begin knitting the final ribbed section With the start of the ribbing clearly marked, I don’t have to play yarn chicken.  It shouldn’t take too long to finish this project. 

Have a great day!

Tow Mater West Laramie, Wyoming November 2021 If you're not familiar with Mater, you probably haven't seen the animated movies by Pixar featuring talking cars ( Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3 ). Mater, a tow truck, is one of the main characters.  

labyrinth Ivinson and Fourth Sts. Laramie, WY November 2021 Two weeks ago, I finally checked out the labyrinth in the courtyard next to St. Matthew's Cathedral in Laramie. All summer, I watched as it was painstakingly built one brick at a time. It's still not finished, but it is beautiful and quite large.  I'm not sure how the rock, stacked along the hedge, is going to be incorporated into the design. I'm sure it will be put to use next summer as this labyrinth is a work in progress.   

patterns from Karen M.  Recently, I have received donations that will allow me to make more Quilts of Valor. The patterns above were sent by Karen M. from IL. Karen is preparing to move and graciously sent the two patterns. You might remember that Karen sent fabric and an orphan star to me in July .  fabric from Marilyn M.  Marilyn (my sister) sent me a surprise package of patriotic fabric. I love the patterns she selected.  fabric from Sue L. Sue L. from IA contacted me for my address and sent three pieces of fabric that will be fun to use in a QOV.   I can't thank Karen, Marilyn and Sue enough for sending the fabric and patterns. Their gifts will make additional QOV possible. Thank you for helping me honor veterans. 

Little Free Library Kiowa Park Laramie, WY November 2021 Last week I discovered a new Free Little Library in a small town park. It contained a variety of children and adult books and is located close to the playground and a nice bench. Some flowers were hand painted on the back. Have you discovered any new Little Free Libraries in your community?