Day 120 Road Trip To Yarn Shops in Illinois & Iowa

We were on a mission..........hunting down spinning fiber & yarn. Three yarn shops on Saturday...over 300 miles round trip, and countless beautiful farms and towns. My favorite shop Fiber WILD! located in Illinois had a wonderful selection of yarn....some fiber......reasonable prices. And the town was full of old brick buildings with loads of character.....history everywhere we turned...But as we left we noticed the giant (and I mean two story) wooden gates that can close and prohibit access to the Downtown area.  Locks it up tight.....hmm there has to be history behind that one. Next trip to Fiber Wild!,  I will spend the whole day there, shopping little antique shops..visiting Fiber Wild!, and asking the big question...".Why are there gates locking up the town, do the streets literally roll up at night?" Many possibilities lurk in my mind.........(turns out, they are flood gates).

Next stop,.. off to The StageCoach Yarn Shop........delightful...it's actually located inside a house that the stagecoach stopped at during the 1800's. A yarn shop full of history, a fireplace and a warm friendly shop owner. It was a delight. (If you go make sure to bring cash, no debit)
Our final stop on our hunting mission was Crazy Girl. It was a long day, and we were finished for the day.
We did get some yummy yarn, they wound it for us. One of the shopkeepers showed me patterns that are available online for the yarn I had chosen. Very nice touch.
What a wonderful day, I love looking at the different farms, hills and valleys that constantly change and beckon my camera to come out and capture the moment. But often it's the memory that has to retain that information, my hands can not retrieve the camera fast enough.So here are a few of the pictures that I took , mostly because Scott stopped the Jeep, or at least slowed down.

What a wonderful Day!

Our meetings have grown..............loads of fun!!!

Eldridge Knitting Nook: FEb 23rd, 2011 Meeting

Eldridge Knitting Nook: FEb 23rd, 2011 Meeting: "FEB 23rd, 2011 Our Fiber Enthusiast club is off to a wonderful start.....walk in newbies joined us to learn and share good company. A..."

365 Days On A Farm: Day 114 - Feb 13, 2011

365 Days On A Farm: Day 114 - Feb 13, 2011: " Miss Effie's Farm A recent outing took me to Miss Effie's Farm....what a wondrous place it is! I can't wait till sprin..."

Day 114 - Feb 13, 2011

 Miss Effie's Farm 

A recent outing took me to Miss Effie's Farm....what a wondrous place it is! I can't wait till spring to fill my house with her flowers. I bought some yummy hand-spun yarn and I was gifted some farm fresh eggs! Thank you Miss Effie! 

 And with those wonderful Farm Fresh Eggs.....My Darling Scott made us an early Valentine's Day breakfast. I have to admit he cooks breakfast every weekend.......and dinner sometimes during the week.....He is wonderful!

Jonny is holding the eggs.......once you have farm fresh eggs....you can't go back..there's no comparison.

I couldn't get Scott to hold still in the kitchen

                  for a pic....

                                                  mostly, I just get out of his way!

And the end results!!!! YUmmmmmmy . Thank you Miss Effie.........!!!

Eldridge Knitting Nook: Feb. 16th, 2011 Awesome Meeting!

Eldridge Knitting Nook: Feb. 16th, 2011 Awesome Meeting!: "Imagine 30 people in the The Buzz Cafe with enough enthusiasm to fill a stadium.Yup, that's our group of Fiber Frenzied ..."

365 Days On A Farm: Day 117 - 365 Days on a Farm

365 Days On A Farm: Day 117 - 365 Days on a Farm: "Second Meeting at THE BUZZ CAFE for the ELDRIDGE KNITTING NOOK Fiber Enthusiasts Club Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. &n..."

Day 117 - 365 Days on a Farm

Second Meeting at THE BUZZ CAFE for the ELDRIDGE KNITTING NOOK Fiber Enthusiasts Club Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.   Grab your Latest Work In Project , your Fabulous completed projects....some cash for an excellent Coffee Drink.....and come on over and join us other Fiber Floozies! We have lots to talk about, and next weeks meeting will involve a Good Old Fashioned Green for the Environment Yarn Swap! See you there.......   please r.s.v.p cuz there are a lot of us zany folks out there!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Day 112 - Snow Beastie Sleeves

Here are a few pics of the sleeves I finished knitting , just two days before the snow beast tried to get me......luckily I was wearing them....saved my arms....and the snow beast didn't get past my wrists...I know , I know..the cows area green with envy......they thought I was bringing them leg warmers....Now I'd like to see THAT on youtube!

Quad City Runs Front Page article on our Knitting Club!!

http://qctimes.com/news/local/article_84f35442-3331-11e0-b321-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

Day 109 - Knitting Club Makes the news!

Our first meeting was the day after the blizzard, but our club still arrived with spirit! Thank you everyone! It was a lot of fun and I can't wait till our next meeting. Feb 16th. Our club has room for more members so join us!
http://qctimes.com/vmix_4733af6c-3336-11e0-9ff0-001cc4c002e0.html

Day 103 Feb. 2nd, 2011

This is the snow beast the next morning after the snow plows came through. Scott walked past the tunnel and the top of the drift is several feet over his head.

These are pics of our yard and the side of the house. Farmer Larry came by and offered to help Scott get his Jeep out of the Ditch. Scott walked ahead a mile to the Jeep. (It wasn't snowing  but it was bitter cold) And they were able to pull the Jeep out. Luckily no damage. Then Scott says "Are you ready to go to your First Knit Club meeting?" . Ummmmm? Wasn't sure that we could get there. Yuppers. That darling man made sure we got to the meeting early and even stayed and helped.. Have I mentioned that SCOTT ROCKS?
Most of the city was closed. THE BUZZ CAFE WAS CLOSED but opened for us. Two New Members Jerry and Susan braved the roads and cold and came to the Meeting. As well as a new friend, Rasha (she had intended to come for a story on our club) But I believe she might be a new member as well! Yay Rasha!
What a wonderful time we had and what a wonderful day for me....especially after the previous nights stress!
Thank you Buzz Cafe's owners  Rob & Kristie!!!!

365 Days On A Farm: Day 102- Feb. 2nd, 2011 - 6 hours, 5 snow mobiles,...

365 Days On A Farm: Day 102- Feb. 2nd, 2011 - 6 hours, 5 snow mobiles,...: "Thats what it takes to tell our story for Tuesday evening. The school called earlier to let us know there's an early release for the s..."

Day 102- Feb. 2nd, 2011 - 6 hours, 5 snow mobiles,4 emergency road crews, 3 stranded people, 2 deputies,1 jeep

Thats what it takes to tell our story for Tuesday evening. 

The school called earlier to let us know there's an early release for the students, because of the pending storm. They predicted 17-22 inches in a 12 hour span. Scott left work and headed straight home to pick me up, to go the store and get a few days supplies in case we got stranded at the house. It was only 4:30 or so, and daylight. With light snow and heavy winds. We took the gravel road to the paved road (5-6 miles) . And went to the store. We were quick about it, rushing through the grocery isles. Made a quick stop to get candles at the Dollar General (Jesse had called from the house and said the house lights were flickering; Jesse stayed home because he was sick.) It was now dark, had to be around 5:30...and the snow was so heavy in town it was hard to see. once we got to the open fields and on the dirt roads, it was downright zero visibility at some points. We hit several snow drifts taller the the hood of the car. The wind was howling around 40-50 mph. We ran off the road after hitting a drift that was like a wall, but managed to recover from that one. Then we hit a drift that did us in, no visibility and we ended up in a ditch. STUCK. No one was hurt, but the Jeep was buried in snow. When we first got stuck, we were going to walk the 1 mile trek to our house, but once we stepped outside the severity of the weather was evident, we decided to get back in the vehicle and call 9-1-1.  

Scott tried to dig us out several times through the night, but it was too deep and the wind replaced the snow shortly after he shoveled it. BTW: Scott is awesome!

This is the next day!

9-1-1 Operator was great, they were going to try to get to us, the weather was preventing emergency vehicles from getting to stranded motorists. Over the next several hours, one emergency vehicle after another tried to reach us, only to get stuck and stranded themselves. We had the jeep going to keep us warm enough, but the gas wouldn't last through the night.The deputies that were stuck trying to rescue us kept in touch, informing us when each unit tried to reach us, and another call when they were stuck. The situation was very serious and the three of us in the Jeep were well aware. Hour by hour we would get the call, they weren't able to get to us. Then around 10 p.m. the Deputies called and said that the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department was going to come out on snow mobiles and try to get to us. The deputy said he would wait till we were rescued before he would get help. Approx 11:15 p.m. we saw the headlights of 5 or 6 snowmobiles, (couldn't see ) They opened the Jeep doors on the Drivers side (Passenger side was too deep) and informed us that its gonna be a rough ride, hang on and they will get us to our house. A fireman took off his jacket and put it on Jonathon! They led us each to a snow mobile and we got on. The driver I was with told me to bury my face in his back and hang on as tight as I could. I did. A rough ride indeed, without seeing anything it felt like we were riding tall waves of the ocean. I had never been on a snow mobile and THIS wasn't fun. It was beyond bitter cold. A fireman took off his jacket and put it on Jonathon!

Scott walked to vehicle the next day to get our groceries!And to rescue the Jeep.

 We were almost home when the snowmobile I was on got stuck, sank right into the snow. I stepped off and my leg sank into the snow past my hip and under the snow mobile.The firemen and Scott all got off their snowmobiles and assisted. I couldn't get my leg out so I just rolled sideways across the snow. Then I stood up and looked to the left. We were on a snow drift that covered the road 8-10 feet high. It took Four Firemen to get the snow mobile out of the snow beast. They had Scott and I walk ahead to the bottom of the Drift. I struggled because hip deep snow is difficult to move through. After several steps I got stuck, again a fireman pulled me off and assisted me down the drift. Scott was 10 feet ahead of us trying to create a path for us to walk. It was that moment that I got scared, I didn't know if we would be able to get through this situation. But the firemen were waiting at the bottom of the snow beast with the other snow mobiles to take us home. When we got to the house the wind was howling so much that it was hard to hear let alone see, but I tried to thank one of the firemen, and offered our home to anyone that couldn't get home. He told me , "I'm with the Fire Department, we have more people to rescue." And off he went. I couldn't imagine, I was exhausted and stressed. Poor Scott's' face (eyebrows) mustache and were coated in thick ice. All of our clothes were soaking wet and frozen stiff. Jonathan's ear was almost frost bitten. It was a terrible ordeal for all. And that was from being exposed to the elements from 11:15 pm to Midnight when we got home, only a mile away. BTW: Groceries had to stay in the Jeep.  Scott made us burgers and we were so happy to be home and worried all the night that the people that tried to help us made it home safely.HOME SWEET HOME! Sigh!

Eldridge Knitting Nook

If only Puma had opposable thumbs!

Here we go..............Best Knitting Club in the area.........  Knitting Nook in Eldridge, Iowa......Brand New Club for Knitting/Crochet/Weaving/Spinners.....and any other fiber fanatic person out there...Experienced?...awesome..share your friendship and latest WIP (work in progress)..want to learn to knit and make some amazing friends? Join us.....we meet Feb. 2nd at 3-5pm at  THE BUZZ CAFE. http://www.facebook.com/TheBuzzCafe2008?v=wall
R.S.V.P. to save a spot for you and a friend! No dues, No fees, just good company! eldridgeknittingnook@gmail.com
THE BUZZ CAFE is allowing us to meet there free of charge, but you pay for your own beverages and snacks.
The coffee is wonderful ..........Can't wait to see you there!!!!
http://365daysonafarm.blogspot.com

365 Days On A Farm: Scott's Felted Slippers -

365 Days On A Farm: Scott's Felted Slippers -

Scott's Felted Slippers -

And here they are. It took a lot of scrubbing....and swearing..but they came out well.  Scott says that they are very warm. The next pair will have a higher rise at the heel. Or maybe a boot style. On a quest for another pattern. Do you have any favorites?

Day 60 - Shrink Shrank Shrunk!

 Day 60 - Slippers are knitted and in the process of shrinking. Our washer is a water saver HE type and not very conducive to felting or fulling. SO I used a combination of hand scrubbing vigorously and by washing machine. It took 4 wash cycles and some knuckle skin.    THese before pics --show how HUGE they were....This is Scott trying on the Slippers made for a Shrek! (He is a size 11 )

I don't believe any of us thought this was  going to work...except for me, of course, "MUST HAVE FAITH IN THE PATTERN!!"
Will send finished pics here soon!!!
Happy Knitting everyone!

Day 91

-20 Degrees...are ya kidding? Don't things fall off at that temp? Home knitting and doing domestic things today.....one trip into town...and it's going to be a soup night. Stopped at my favorite coffee shop in town, starting a knitting club there, very exciting....will pick a start date and make flyers this weekend.
Jon made a snowman the other evening.....he is our snow gargoyle, however...he's not scary.
COLD AS CAN BE...BUT IT"S ALL GOOD!

Love the Alapacas...Wish I had a few!

365 Days On A Farm: Banana Muffins Extraordinare !!!!! - Final recipe

365 Days On A Farm: Banana Muffins Extraordinare !!!!! - Final recipe: "This is the final recipe through trial and error.....my family loves these...One thing thats great about a dependable recipe like ..."

Day 78 - GoodBye Taffy

Rest in Peace Taffy

Taffy left us January 8th, 2011. She was an elderly cat that had lived a full life. Although we are sad that she is no longer with us.....it was time for her to let go and join the spirit world! Travel softly Taffy!! 

Taffy is the second cat we have lost since moving here to Iowa. Taffy's death was expected, she was very old, we knew her time was soon, but Anubus death was unexpected....will post on him next...... 

Banana Muffins Awesome!

Worked out terrific......Next batch will have a bit less wheat flour and more cinnamon...but you get the idea! Shall I tell Scott he is a genius? 

Day 77-

Banana Muffin Experiment - My oven is unreliable (I am being kind). So I am attempting to make Banana bread Cupcakes in my Rival counter top roaster. Actually it is Scott's idea and his roaster....so with his encouragement ....here goes..I am using this recipe.

--Banana Bread Cupcakes --

Preheat Oven 350 Degrees

Cream 1/2 Cup room temp butter
with 1 cup white sugar

beat in 2 eggs

Now add the following and beat until smooth:
1.5 cups mashed (well ripe) bananas
1.2 tsp vanilla
Dash of Cinnamon (I just sprinkled it in ) roughly 1/2 tsp
Dash Nutmeg (less nutmeg)

Sift:
1 cup of all purpose flour
1 cup of whole wheat flour (if you don't have whole wheat just use 2 cups white total)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Stir this to the banana mixture (with spoon)

Pour into banana loaf pan or As I did ,..use paper cupcake baking cups (no foil)
Place in Muffin pan and place in roaster . 25 - 30 minutes.

Anyone else out there make bread or do any baking in your roaster? Would love to hear from you...

Day 75

Day 75
Happy New Year Everyone! We celebrated the New Year in my favorite Way. At home with loved ones (missing lot of loved ones too)..quiet, safe and comforting. Thats what the New Year holds for me. I like it when I can lay my head down at night, knowing drama will not be waking me at night.

The snow melted! All thats left are the brownish piles at the end of the roadways or parking lots. Very Ugly and a bit of a bummer.

However the highlight to it all is that my car now makes it out of the driveway!!! I am mobile again!!!

Buddy cornered an animal at the end of the driveway New Years eve.....when we walked up we were surprised it was a large opossum! It was leaning into the snow bank..eyes wide open..fell right into the snow..just like a cartoon! Great stuff. We retreated and let the opossum skunk away ;)

Happy New Year to all!!  Stay tuned for pics and patterns!!!

365 Days On A Farm: Arizona folks don't know what to do with a canoe!

365 Days On A Farm: Arizona folks don't know what to do with a canoe!

Arizona folks don't know what to do with a canoe!

365 Days On A Farm: Day 41- Day 44

365 Days On A Farm: Day 41- Day 44: "Angies visit was short but so sweet!!!!! She was there for our first snow! We went into a mall to shop for boots.....just a quick trip. ha h..."

Day 41- Day 44

Angies visit was short but so sweet!!!!! She was there for our first snow! We went into a mall to shop for boots.....just a quick trip. ha ha!!!! And when we went out to the car it was a white out!!!!

Angie found her boots, but we were not prepared!

Angie wrote in the snow...we had fun playing in the parking lot..even tho' people gave us the "geez..out of towners" look!!!!     The ride home was interesting and a bit scary, and as always we laughed all the way home!!! 

And she sighted the first deer!!! 

We miss you Angie, come back soon and bring the whole family!!!!