tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45487813284231997822024-03-13T20:51:45.515-04:00tamknots tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-72559180917476476512017-05-06T19:42:00.000-04:002017-05-06T19:44:45.790-04:00Place your order hereHi there,<br />
Several weeks ago this photo was posted on <a href="https://www.themercantile.com/">The Pioneer Woman Mercantile</a> Instagram:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMVT-NDFs0vmzN7z4JvJOhOd8a_wo15CdUz6LbMqsr_aD8GNdz1744YhHsCLCzZRkmjakTJrdeOBmF7xYhEVlVsF0a9u2X_707WDZvYd3kh329akcBlGYKfLG0aAx3knUZeT5WJVO6bA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMVT-NDFs0vmzN7z4JvJOhOd8a_wo15CdUz6LbMqsr_aD8GNdz1744YhHsCLCzZRkmjakTJrdeOBmF7xYhEVlVsF0a9u2X_707WDZvYd3kh329akcBlGYKfLG0aAx3knUZeT5WJVO6bA/s640/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="419" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Source: @pwmercantile 4-13-17</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth">Ballband dishcloths</a>! Hand knit! And what a clever marketing idea to team up with a modern yarn store, <a href="https://loopslove.myshopify.com/pages/tulsa-store-1">Loops in Tulsa</a>. I just love this photo and have decided to knit a colorful stack of these this summer for my dishcloth happy drawer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStMuMpt_GwfOrf_ADEVrxg83oa4XWntLuuoVDZbwx_fQhlBvsx-3Pk4xkPiTX1m-e1dcgatfAEmAY8gFbrlLZZo4SUA3UJUYrE3r_qAwDfcnfTo6cwuyYsjKixVdj0cjvDC-kKshXov4/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStMuMpt_GwfOrf_ADEVrxg83oa4XWntLuuoVDZbwx_fQhlBvsx-3Pk4xkPiTX1m-e1dcgatfAEmAY8gFbrlLZZo4SUA3UJUYrE3r_qAwDfcnfTo6cwuyYsjKixVdj0cjvDC-kKshXov4/s320/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qA4SihCuk781RbIHiE20zLA9jaDxsbKtj9gVAUA-iETx8d2gYnSnS42zddyUBvW-r5hGW5kbQiU8o8OL6ZRmgp78Liz9yqWPpPzQIqkJTzDbNzh17ou8wWMxOzEokQrZX7mcBasCOVA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qA4SihCuk781RbIHiE20zLA9jaDxsbKtj9gVAUA-iETx8d2gYnSnS42zddyUBvW-r5hGW5kbQiU8o8OL6ZRmgp78Liz9yqWPpPzQIqkJTzDbNzh17ou8wWMxOzEokQrZX7mcBasCOVA/s320/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I started thinking . . . and wondering how much these retail for. I emailed The Merc to ask! I received a warm reply from Rachel from the PW Team, who said they were already out of stock, but they retail for <b>$19 each</b>. Sounds pretty reasonable to me if I were a non-knitter shopper who appreciates someone else's creative work. <br />
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Then I wanted to know how long it might take me to knit one dishcloth. So I timed myself several times on different days knitting the <u>six-row</u> repeat:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdTU_-OUgubP1l3mhM-NQatfznf20hez2SEolwlbF9mKVc-sofJuq9Y_32UJbBjnRdumO_i9N6ARNll1tl_TxHppnWt6ExBjc2MYXhANkSEXgGdRqWv6KGRPasfkoBZLKDRlam4AVxUY/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdTU_-OUgubP1l3mhM-NQatfznf20hez2SEolwlbF9mKVc-sofJuq9Y_32UJbBjnRdumO_i9N6ARNll1tl_TxHppnWt6ExBjc2MYXhANkSEXgGdRqWv6KGRPasfkoBZLKDRlam4AVxUY/s320/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First timing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3itQfqDWb1mG5lJLycZOZmDbHZxsfOY1SVJsSe5Cuho2rE-9me_KurWZPAYWQwWr5CXLH5Q_67zbh1-71ZMmHTjK_h_eIVIxMsW1uJekxb7E3kF6N-5OW-wWTgMvS9QRskUoTdyxS4s/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3itQfqDWb1mG5lJLycZOZmDbHZxsfOY1SVJsSe5Cuho2rE-9me_KurWZPAYWQwWr5CXLH5Q_67zbh1-71ZMmHTjK_h_eIVIxMsW1uJekxb7E3kF6N-5OW-wWTgMvS9QRskUoTdyxS4s/s320/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Second timing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x4FNNwmcBQ49yAjWlmpVeiiF3mKcVdhGS58m1KiJ2Ncf8sdX183cNKj1F_Eyd6D2QJS7c3hTciKjMuUhe2cz8cJtIm560aJ0N-pGNFpSO0NaaBAHn1YiKiKHNqTlW_C9czeXWS8k79w/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x4FNNwmcBQ49yAjWlmpVeiiF3mKcVdhGS58m1KiJ2Ncf8sdX183cNKj1F_Eyd6D2QJS7c3hTciKjMuUhe2cz8cJtIm560aJ0N-pGNFpSO0NaaBAHn1YiKiKHNqTlW_C9czeXWS8k79w/s320/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third timing</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Nothing stellar.</span></b><br />
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A completed dishcloth has 13 six-row repeats, plus the cast-on/bind-off rows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI6QLlwpEQYPd_9tldVX1FToHw2HWR9ZxBjiXfBLJYt6nRxEMBG-EQB34ZAeBzltkF4XPauOCC290g2q0oT4T3BcBSRkYH-56GdnZpDYeUEPUm1KTYI0vvmEvWcZIxTs5YQI09SWmfiw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI6QLlwpEQYPd_9tldVX1FToHw2HWR9ZxBjiXfBLJYt6nRxEMBG-EQB34ZAeBzltkF4XPauOCC290g2q0oT4T3BcBSRkYH-56GdnZpDYeUEPUm1KTYI0vvmEvWcZIxTs5YQI09SWmfiw/s400/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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If you take my best time of 14 minutes x 13 repeats = 182 minutes, which is approx 3 hours to complete one dishcloth. That would be if I were trucking along on it. Now -- I'm a PROfessional in the workforce game for 37+ years. I refuse to command less than $30/hour for my time. Let's do the math . . .<br />
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For you to purchase this lovely hand knit, made specially by me, it will cost you --<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswl2OFGecKkwzGQSA9fSjjpV6dBaLVFbU3qhIhNDpmEVnSouuTO5fbdAxYVdjv5z8YngmBJrWiy-MKKjtvVj9Zt14iF_ITtRJSxCP_YJYvFvVN3RoVFjs5fUu2urNGbmFobDq32uZ6v4/s1600/ha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswl2OFGecKkwzGQSA9fSjjpV6dBaLVFbU3qhIhNDpmEVnSouuTO5fbdAxYVdjv5z8YngmBJrWiy-MKKjtvVj9Zt14iF_ITtRJSxCP_YJYvFvVN3RoVFjs5fUu2urNGbmFobDq32uZ6v4/s400/ha.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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What colors would you like???!!! I can have your order ready by December! 💪<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<br />tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com2North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-57235965953390439402017-04-10T19:32:00.000-04:002017-04-10T19:32:01.659-04:00On to phase twoHi there,<br />
So a couple weekends ago, we completed <a href="http://www.tamknots.com/2017/03/march-is-madness.html">phase one</a> of the new patio. The hardest part was done, so now we were ready to complete with some finishing touches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh42Sx01lqq-1h4KP-Q8q6llVbMpQj3Rh4DzLx_soRrHinkdz32_zRePoohO0reDLz-NzdmxnQsTgXr9AMQKdMxBX7hk4xxzStowzpPyUm-pTolTH9k0YBXOyXrxePn8DJVfiOQIRTLQ/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh42Sx01lqq-1h4KP-Q8q6llVbMpQj3Rh4DzLx_soRrHinkdz32_zRePoohO0reDLz-NzdmxnQsTgXr9AMQKdMxBX7hk4xxzStowzpPyUm-pTolTH9k0YBXOyXrxePn8DJVfiOQIRTLQ/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Our house sits on a corner lot, so a sidewalk and street borders the side of the yard. To add a bit of privacy, Steve came up with the idea of building a planter box for the edge of the patio to serve as a bookend on the opposite site of the deck. That was this past weekend's project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5Ayp4CD6KYs2fELdKfd4BFnZ3DuHQP0doSRvhcXHQ3Tx3xv2kPKzvMzMMQNBKdTsNEFePTQxnwoSBF0Pa4z_jh-SlGaoXxn5tkp6pWJUVCgaNkBfWRckkxdPwZT1Q0fcUv9iGfMA8aw/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5Ayp4CD6KYs2fELdKfd4BFnZ3DuHQP0doSRvhcXHQ3Tx3xv2kPKzvMzMMQNBKdTsNEFePTQxnwoSBF0Pa4z_jh-SlGaoXxn5tkp6pWJUVCgaNkBfWRckkxdPwZT1Q0fcUv9iGfMA8aw/s400/IMG_1718.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The inside tray is lined with landscape fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYH6CvrBTsBkPx7kihg-Tv4kUlEXjSBq7jRf1UswI8YVf5szBKqcrSyTbK9j3nMsI-Gdhisz52hjFgSZGXyPRf9Rvp7GKbg7UhLJcBE08lCEo23kXmVjNCJO04tRC8xBPAbHPgkA-lE0/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYH6CvrBTsBkPx7kihg-Tv4kUlEXjSBq7jRf1UswI8YVf5szBKqcrSyTbK9j3nMsI-Gdhisz52hjFgSZGXyPRf9Rvp7GKbg7UhLJcBE08lCEo23kXmVjNCJO04tRC8xBPAbHPgkA-lE0/s400/IMG_1721.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqJYqhiBS9Xw3vdbKM1Uq1um5HCUhI_POQTcQ-CYLfq4XcMSmI_u65ErkPImytFBCTgDFxxLdO6_ohf5e81PIR2xWP-g0rjRZrwrLldy4vrGaQfxbfNN9-X5SERseP1ZfxSXsTb5xqPY/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqJYqhiBS9Xw3vdbKM1Uq1um5HCUhI_POQTcQ-CYLfq4XcMSmI_u65ErkPImytFBCTgDFxxLdO6_ohf5e81PIR2xWP-g0rjRZrwrLldy4vrGaQfxbfNN9-X5SERseP1ZfxSXsTb5xqPY/s200/IMG_1723.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcWe85DrwUxnfssgi-xeF9jQ0fshIH8G0z_P_5tiglZHuk83i8gkm9XBoKBXV8AqC3BpJHIiaKgCaigO9O3-yjsIa_WaxzuLWUAFOFi62TUbGAnph1uYnFrNMQxW0MgIUMm3rjNAMKZc/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcWe85DrwUxnfssgi-xeF9jQ0fshIH8G0z_P_5tiglZHuk83i8gkm9XBoKBXV8AqC3BpJHIiaKgCaigO9O3-yjsIa_WaxzuLWUAFOFi62TUbGAnph1uYnFrNMQxW0MgIUMm3rjNAMKZc/s200/IMG_1724.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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It gives just enough privacy . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_cBxNPE540SfwPmjgPnQ3yegCwS0FiMNeYCvNmQDBVredULtmmlAhAXyeQropdxfHiqvtrKnKrva7sIh08MKbFDBhmtl116CsJKdCbeHk4Dri-KG7lmV6cpmN4zCvQJVuyXyXb_SUk/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_cBxNPE540SfwPmjgPnQ3yegCwS0FiMNeYCvNmQDBVredULtmmlAhAXyeQropdxfHiqvtrKnKrva7sIh08MKbFDBhmtl116CsJKdCbeHk4Dri-KG7lmV6cpmN4zCvQJVuyXyXb_SUk/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's stained to match the deck.<br />
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From the other direction . . .<br />
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We're looking forward to a beautiful, sunny Easter Sunday to grill and relax with our family. It will be the perfect opportunity for the inaugural bash! We will definitely be on a stay-cation all summer!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<br />tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-47044702681589786902017-03-25T16:32:00.000-04:002017-03-25T16:32:49.800-04:00March is madnessHi there,<br />
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<b>Summer 2016</b><br />
Our deck.<br />
My happy happy place.<br />
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The space is nothing out of the ordinary, but I have spent many delightful hours there alone reading and knitting, and with my family and friends talking, eating, and laughing.<br />
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The deck was in desperate need, though, of a sprucing up. In our climate, we can pretty much enjoy this outdoor area 10 months of the year. I missed having a table and umbrella for when we grill (which is nearly every evening!)<br />
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<b>3-18-2017</b><br />
So we decided to add a stone patio area off from the deck to give us extra room. It's Steve's do-it-himself project, but he had lots of helpers.<br />
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The area was prepped and leveled.<br />
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We had the deck power washed.<br />
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Steve has since given it a beautiful coat of rich chestnut brown stain.<br />
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Just like a knitter, a builder must first gather his tools!<br />
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First step was to lay down some landscape fabric over the leveled area.<br />
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The Lowe's truck showed up with the materials. Everything was ordered online, and the delivery service was exceptional.<br />
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A layer of sand was applied before the first rows of 16" x 16" stone pavers were lined up.<br />
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We are so grateful to Steph, Adam, and Zane for their help. It was hard work!<br />
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<b>3-25-17</b><br />
We got the table set up this afternoon.<br />
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The former deck furniture is now on the patio around the fire pit. We still have finishing touches like lighting, flowers, etc., but the hard part is done. Steve bought a new smoker so he is looking forward to making ribs, BBQ, wings all summer long. I'll post more photos when it is in use!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-19952621201004573742017-03-16T12:58:00.001-04:002017-03-16T13:01:13.310-04:00An interview with myself<b>Q&A: blogger tamknots interviews . . . herself 😉</b><br />
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<i>Today I'm pleased to welcome myself as a guest to the blog to have a conversation with me about my new pursuit of bidding on <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">b</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">a</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">y</span></b>. (Yes, it's taken me 20 years to catch on to the concept.)</i><br />
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<b>Hello Tammy. Why now? What has sparked this sudden interest in e-commerce bidding?</b><br />
I was searching for one particular item, vintage books by a specific author, to begin a sentimental collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYmAllaGlzlLyZ1Yj634nt50lL90umo7VlQk8FWKSEIMKZ6ufissYXWChixEIwFnz63Z1kmSiKd76rBHZ72JrUMv6uu3ReMF7kcoV-cZdM0GbMN5BKa3poNBpdqwlyS33q44lHNQtYdw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYmAllaGlzlLyZ1Yj634nt50lL90umo7VlQk8FWKSEIMKZ6ufissYXWChixEIwFnz63Z1kmSiKd76rBHZ72JrUMv6uu3ReMF7kcoV-cZdM0GbMN5BKa3poNBpdqwlyS33q44lHNQtYdw/s320/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>Please tell me more about the collection you are starting.</b><br />
Author Emilie Loring was a bestselling author in the first half of the 20th century, writing romance novels with strong independent female characters. Her detailed bio, along with the list of her published books are featured on <a href="https://pattibender.com/">The Emilie Loring Collection</a> website, written by Patti Bender who is also writing a biography, <i>Happy Landings: The Life Behind Emilie Loring's Stories</i>.<br />
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<b>How did your interest in this author begin?</b><br />
In 7th grade I had started to outgrow the Nancy Drew books and similar series. I ran into a junior high classmate at our rural Wyoming hometown public library who showed me the fiction shelf (in the adult section!) and made the recommendation. I felt so cool reading grown-up books. The books are simple love stories, with independent interesting female characters.<br />
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<b>Have you been satisfied with the books you've purchased so far?</b><br />
Yes! I have purchased six books. All are in excellent condition. My second bid was for a set of five first editions with the original cover jackets. It's almost as if they were put on a shelf and never touched by the original owner.<br />
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The first book I purchased, <i>Give Me One Summer</i>, published in 1936, has an inscription on the inside cover. Someone who had a very special 'Uncle John' received it as a Christmas present that year. It makes me treasure owning this book even more!<br />
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<b>What contributed to your love of reading and writing?</b><br />
In 1966 when I walked home from my first day of 1st grade, my mother was waiting for me at the end of the sidewalk. She asked me if I had a good day, and I started to cry. I was so disappointed that I had not been taught to read on that very first day. I can vividly remember that scene and my feelings 50 years later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM1FQlGWb8CrkhFyqV0QjHXR2a2ZDSvDrupP3uZ4eFcOFP0arhkDVkWpTZRU2AYcznr0S31UCA_xb6QxvKuJ4fF8m2r_WbcEVo9J7vwsDPi05Bmd-PRek_h3vSOuP1eoDFj_AaNMRJO4/s1600/wilder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM1FQlGWb8CrkhFyqV0QjHXR2a2ZDSvDrupP3uZ4eFcOFP0arhkDVkWpTZRU2AYcznr0S31UCA_xb6QxvKuJ4fF8m2r_WbcEVo9J7vwsDPi05Bmd-PRek_h3vSOuP1eoDFj_AaNMRJO4/s200/wilder.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">author Laura Ingalls Wilder</td></tr>
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<b>What are the first books you remember reading?</b><br />
The <i>Little House on the Prairie </i>series. I love those books. One of my favorite all-time quotes is from Laura Ingalls Wilder:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="color: blue;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Home is the nicest word there is."</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I wholeheartedly agree with that!</span></span><br />
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I'm sure I read every Nancy Drew on the school library shelves.<br />
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<b>Anything else you'd like to share?</b><br />
To my family and friends in Wyo and NE who happen to read this: please be on the lookout for library-bound hardcover Emilie Loring books as you visit yard sales and estate sales in your area.<br />
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<i>Thank you to my hubby for the beautiful roses in the photos.</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com1North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-6794532388034196182017-03-06T13:01:00.003-05:002017-03-25T15:44:42.618-04:00So, what's new with you?Hi there,<br />
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A former colleague of mine dropped by the office last week. He left about two years ago to pursue an entrepreneurship opportunity. He's also newly remarried, has moved to a new town, and had all sorts of newsy stuff to share. We had a wonderful conversation, catching up on his life and talking about updates from around campus. Then he asked me,<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">So, what's new with you?</span><br />
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Ugh! This is such a hard question for me to answer casually.<br />
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I'm fine... hubby's fine... kiddos are great... work's fine...<br />
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I haven't seen this guy in a long time, but I couldn't think of one newsworthy thing that was "new with me."<br />
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Later, I decided to challenge myself to come up with ten things that were new with me within the past 18 months.<br />
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👱 I've started to enjoy sushi. Not anything too crazy, but I can now order it as an entree instead of just sampling it from another's plate.<br />
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👱 I no longer watch, read, or listen to the national or local news. It has become too painful and unbearable. It's good here in my bubble.<br />
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👱 I'm standing more! I have a new gizmo on my office desk called a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Desktop-Kangaroo-Pro-Black/dp/B004TYTNY2">Kangaroo Pro</a>. It helps make the day go by faster and has taken very little time to get used to.<br />
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👱 In knitting news, I learned the cable cast-on for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/block-stitch-baby-blanket-or-throw">CM block stitch baby blanket</a>. It makes a beautiful edge. I also added fringe for the very first time, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/block-stitch-baby-blanket-or-throw">Montego Bay Scarf</a>.<br />
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👱 I tucked away all of my knitting projects and bags except for one! I'm returning to just knitting one project at a time. Dedicated, single focused, tunnel vision knitting. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That's FIVE, let's see if I can come up with FIVE more! </span></b><br />
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👱 I've given up lipstick, sort of. My kids might remember when they were little, the <strike>car</strike> minivan never backed out of the driveway until my bright lipstick was applied. It was required to go with my career "look" that included a dress, pantyhose, and heels. This was the 90's. Now I'm good with a tinted lip balm or simply Burt's Bees beeswax.<br />
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👱 I've unfollowed a bunch of people (including knitters) on twitter and instagram. Radically opinionated people are a turn-off, no matter what flavor they are touting. Thank you to those who post with a sense of humor and love.<br />
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👱 Like everyone else, I've adapted to TV binging. It is the only way to watch a series as far as I'm concerned. Some of the recent ones that have obsessed me include <a href="http://www.sho.com/nurse-jackie">Nurse Jackie</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238784/">Gilmore Girls</a>--both the original and the revival, and right now it's the legal drama <a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/suits">Suits</a>. I had never heard of this show until Prince Harry started dating cast member Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane. I'm hooked!<br />
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👱<b> </b> A young man near and dear to me completed boot camp this winter and earned the title of U.S. Marine. I had never before followed along, corresponded with, and prayed for someone entering this profession. I found it to be so interesting, and I am more thankful now than ever to the men and women who serve or have served in the military.<br />
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👱 Oh this is a big one! I opened an <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">b</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">a</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">y</span></b> account. For the first time. Years ago, Burton, a dearly departed coworker, talked incessantly about his bidding and purchases on <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">b</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">a</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">y</span></b> of golf clubs, fishing equipment, etc. He made it sound so mysterious and complicated, and it involved another thing I didn't understand, PayPal. I've discovered that it's not that intimidating, so I've taken the plunge for a new pursuit, which I'll share in a later post.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That's TEN!</span></b> <br />
And I wouldn't share any one of these if someone were to ask me in person. <br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">What's new with you??</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span><br />
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<br />tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-30819136749166987112017-01-14T15:38:00.000-05:002017-03-25T15:45:38.119-04:00Reverse ___________.Hi there,<br />
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New Year's resolutions, goals, and even to-do lists are of no interest to me. My motto for the most part is get up, get dressed, and go to work. Rinse and repeat. Be tough and do the best you can, knowing some days will be better than others. Gripe a little or a lot throughout the week, and then <i><span style="color: lime;"><b>OH SO</b></span></i> enjoy the weekend.<br />
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After his last game of the season, <b>Panthers</b> <b><span style="color: cyan;">QB</span></b> Cam Newton said he has a love-hate relationship with football. It's his job, and don't most American workers have that love-hate struggle with their workplace, regardless if they are earning millions?<br />
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Listed below are some thoughts about how we can look at things in a different way for this new year. Some are real "googled" topics, others I just dreamed up. <br />
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My bucket list doesn't exist. But there are so many wonderful experiences, accomplishments, and memories to fill my <b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">reverse bucket list</span></b> -- that's the gratitude list of your life's most rewarding events. I encourage you to start yours. I learned about this concept from a Twitter <a href="http://www.quietrev.com/im-listening-stop-looking-at-me-grumpys-reflection-on-craving-connection/">post</a> on @livequiet:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "georgia";"><i>My reverse bucket list was a list of the absolute best, most soulful, most meaningful experiences I’ve had in my life thus far. Here’s the really interesting takeaway, one I think might pique your curiosity: Not only did this little exercise ground me and make me feel pretty darn grateful for the life I’ve had, the list revealed to me that most of my blissed-out, connection-rich life moments have involved travel. --Jennifer Mattern</i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><b>Reverse Muggings</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Secret</span></b> <b><span style="color: #274e13;">Santas</span></b> in Charlotte, NC anonymously handed out $100 bills during the 2016 holidays. They call their random acts of generosity <a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article118507278.html">reverse muggings</a>. <br />
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Adopt a <span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-weight: bold;">reverse mentor</span><span style="background-color: white;"> -- </span>someone from at least a generation younger (baby boomer partnered with a millennial) to become more contemporary in all areas of your life. <br />
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<b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">Reverse travel</span></b>: That's called a <b>STAY-CATION</b>, the best possible way to get rested and refreshed.<br />
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My job doesn't allow me to work at home on a regular basis, something I would love to do because I'm such a homebody. So I've decided I can <b><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"> reverse telecommute</span></b> by making my office space feel more like my home. Leave out the bathrobe and knitting, but include favorite photos, a special coffee mug, and hospitality granted to anyone stopping by.<br />
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;"><b>Reverse attitude</b></span></span>: If it's negative, reverse it!<br />
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<i>Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. </i> <i>--Wayne Dyer</i></blockquote>
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<b><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">Reverse aging</span></b>: It's not the number, it's the frame of mind. Cute book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Act-Old-Awesome/dp/0061771309/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484072693&sr=1-1&keywords=how+not+to+act+old"><i>How Not to Act Old: 185 Ways to Pass for Phat, Sick, Dope, Awesome, or at Least Not Totally Lame</i></a>.<br />
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<b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">Reverse celebrity</span></b>: Stop caring about how many followers you have on social media.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">After winning the National Championship game, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would exclaim, “I told ’em that the difference in this game was going to be love they had for each other.</span><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I told them to let the light they have inside of them be brighter than the light shining on them.</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If they focused on that they’d be OK.”</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">Reverse fitness</span></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">Reverse success</span></b><br />
Entrepreneur programs are all the rage at colleges and universities these days. One campus has established a "failure fund" to inspire students to pursue creative ideas, encouraging them to fail.<br />
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<b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">REVERSE</span></b><br />
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Sometimes it's okay to work alone, to solve a problem alone, to spend time alone. To be self-reliant.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wyominggrown.org/">Wyoming Spirit</a>: low-drama, tenacious and independent.<br />
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What can you put in <span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;"><b>reverse</b></span></span>?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-48880507404503648992016-12-10T10:41:00.003-05:002016-12-10T10:41:48.066-05:00Dear Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PXz6begBQVBJvyUskhoXTuMrjBYqlTu1NXN4bVC1AaOnFrA9r_iYWgvvowb4kmW5o4huIYfZaL9O8JwJZS-xjpjVKrWEviCk5QexdaiyhfoddjCZs2b_wG-YKvJvus4pQClEBLw9TlE/s1600/tamtosanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PXz6begBQVBJvyUskhoXTuMrjBYqlTu1NXN4bVC1AaOnFrA9r_iYWgvvowb4kmW5o4huIYfZaL9O8JwJZS-xjpjVKrWEviCk5QexdaiyhfoddjCZs2b_wG-YKvJvus4pQClEBLw9TlE/s640/tamtosanta.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<br />tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com2North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.121409099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.3977371 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-49212339897881874152016-10-13T13:28:00.000-04:002016-10-13T13:28:53.236-04:00TunesHi there,<div>
I am off from work this week--decided I needed a break and change of scenery from the daily grind. It is a glorious time of year, we are just starting to see tiny changes in the weather, lower temps, and an occasional colored leaf, although most everything is still pretty green.</div>
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It feels good to be a homemaker as my full-time and only job for a few days. I accomplished some much needed fall cleaning early in the week. As part of this, we are updating a few pieces of furniture in the family room, and we moved the piano out of that room to the living room. Some call it a formal living room, but there is nothing formal about me or my home. The room is not used as much as others, but it is a lovely quiet spot to take a phone call, read, and now practice playing the piano.</div>
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This beauty was given to my mom from her parents as her high school graduation gift in Lyman, Nebraska in 1944. That makes it 72 years old. It's been moved a lot, first throughout my parents 40+ years of marriage, then we had it moved from a storage shed in Wyoming to Knoxville, Tennessee in the early 90's, then to North Carolina. I hope it will always stay in our family, regardless of whether anyone knows how to play it. I took 12 years of piano lessons from first grade to senior year, and I cannot read music and can only play with one finger. What a prodigy, ha! <i>How do you get to Carnegie Hall?</i> <span style="color: magenta;">practicepracticepractice</span> </div>
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My mom, on the other hand, could play the heck out of that piano, every kind of music <b>except</b> classical. She played hymns, contemporary church music, Christmas carols, honky-tonk, polkas, and any pop song from the radio. </div>
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I have all of her sheet music, the piano bench is full, and I have another huge box of it in the attic. Lots of 70's fun. She could listen to a song on the radio and then sit down and play it. She had such a God-given gift, which she used frequently in our hometown Presbyterian Church to accompany soloists and perform with the choir for holidays. I cherish these memories.</div>
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My goal is to learn the Charlie Brown song, to be able to play it gleefully well. </div>
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#goals <span style="color: magenta;">practicepracticepractice</span></div>
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Above the piano are old photos from my parents' wedding in 1947. Dorothy and Fred (affectionately known as Dot & Fritz) were engaged before my dad shipped off to the Philippines in WWII and were married as soon as he returned from his two years of service in the Army. They had a huge two-day Dutch Hop wedding, the kind that was popular in German farming communities like Goshen County, especially in the 40's and 50's. The Dutch Hop is a type of dance and style of music particular to the Germans who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Russia's Volga River region. It's similar to a polka, but has more of a hop to it. A polka band with a dulcimer played at the wedding. If you wanted to have a dance with the bride, you had to pin money on her wedding dress. The German farm wives prepared all of the food, noodle soup and butterballs, light rye bread, garlic sausage, and vegetable beef soup, salads and dessert, and kegs of beer and bottles of whiskey. The cooks brought favorite glasses, plates, or bowls and smashed them on the floor as they danced around the couple.</div>
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I really hit the jackpot when it came to parents. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span></div>
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tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com5North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-77795936403964867362016-09-18T12:14:00.003-04:002016-09-18T12:14:28.663-04:00Feel the loveHi there,<br />
I knit very few baby items. My knitting time and energy are limited so I'm either making cowls and scarves for myself or my daughter or dishcloths for my own household. I never knit by special order.<br />
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My son's very special friends, Meredith and Bradley, have been going through a difficult first pregnancy with twins, resulting in an early hospitalization for required bed rest. The baby boys were born very early and will be in the neonatal unit until around Thanksgiving.<br />
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As a small gesture of support and love, I knit up two <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-preemie-cap-for-project-sunshine">Simple Preemie Caps</a> in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/manos-del-uruguay-serena">Manos del Uruguay Serena</a> Tide and Glacier.<br />
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Babies Luke and Owen, we are pulling for you.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com2North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-26569764728272348062016-08-21T18:22:00.000-04:002016-08-21T18:22:18.128-04:00Wrapping up summerHi there,<div>
We were honored this weekend to gather with our family friends, David & Susan, and their extended family to celebrate the wedding of their youngest daughter Liv (whose sister <a href="http://www.tamknots.com/2015/03/a-special-shower.html">Alexa</a> was the bride in 2015). </div>
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Years ago during our soccer travels when our daughter played, I remember passing a beautiful old abandoned dairy barn as we drove around a sharp curve to the complex. I remember saying how I wish someone would turn it into a restaurant or event place. When we got to the wedding destination just outside of Winston-Salem, NC, I was shocked to discover that Liv's beautiful wedding was going to be held inside that renovated barn. </div>
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It is now called the <a href="http://winmock.com/about/our-story/">WinMock at Kinderton</a>. Check out its story, what an incredible venue. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steph & me in our wedding attire</td></tr>
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Congratulations to Johnny & Liv, enjoy the high seas, and we look forward to seeing you at the Fantasy Football Live Draft later next week!</div>
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I have a finished object to share, it's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/montego-bay-scarf">Montego Bay Scarf</a>, and I'm happy with how it turned out. It was fun adding the fringe to the ends.</div>
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For my birthday earlier this month, Susan gave me a generous gift card to my <a href="http://www.needlecraftcenter.com/">LYS</a>. I couldn't wait to pick out some yarn. Normally when I buy yarn, I have the pattern picked out. This time, I went into the store expecting to come out with something with linen content. I didn't care for the colors that were on the shelf, and the helpful store clerk steered me toward some 100% bulky cotton in Carolina Panthers colors.</div>
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I knew I wanted to find a cowl pattern that would show off the colors and not pool. I used 62 grams of a fourth skein to (gasp!) swatch the following:</div>
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I finally chose the pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knotted-openwork-cowl">Knotted Openwork Cowl</a> that is simple and shows off the variegated colors of the yarn. It's really turning out well, and I would like to make the pattern again with a handpainted wool.</div>
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I'm a bit sad to see the Olympics come to an end, but our household is definitely ready for some football!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span></div>
tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-40985469108065190942016-07-27T12:41:00.000-04:002016-07-27T12:57:24.477-04:00Embrace the grindHi there,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRy5HoaXJ_unv-raJDX7-F9kx3wgBJVMQ-pr1JWi3vM9LJTfrETKvPbqGq6JsowGX8Uj1mFQWGYhoEFmlfDNEekqV6HhFn5SejBwKmN83NAGeyiNjPu9_bPQuOeG5sD5xx9PVbZCQweM/s1600/training_camp_lowes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRy5HoaXJ_unv-raJDX7-F9kx3wgBJVMQ-pr1JWi3vM9LJTfrETKvPbqGq6JsowGX8Uj1mFQWGYhoEFmlfDNEekqV6HhFn5SejBwKmN83NAGeyiNjPu9_bPQuOeG5sD5xx9PVbZCQweM/s320/training_camp_lowes.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <b><span style="font-size: large;">C<span style="color: cyan;">a</span>r<span style="color: cyan;">o</span>l<span style="color: cyan;">i</span>n<span style="color: cyan;">a</span> P<span style="color: cyan;">a</span>n<span style="color: cyan;">t</span>h<span style="color: cyan;">e</span>r<span style="color: cyan;">s</span></span> </b>report to training camp at <a href="http://www.wofford.edu/">Wofford College</a> today. We were watching a pre-camp program on one of the local channels featuring a former player who had been through this experience. He gave the advice to those attending to <i><b>embrace the grind</b></i>. I feel sorry for the <strike>poor</strike> (I mean rich) players and even more sorry for all other individuals who have to make a living out in this heat we're having.<br />
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So Steve and I are adopting this motto as we slog through the second half of this brutally HOT summer. <b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">ETG</span></b> . . . we are <b><span style="color: orange;">e</span></b>mbracing <span style="color: orange;"><b>t</b></span>he <span style="color: orange;"><b>g</b></span>rind! The grind of the early morning alarm clock, the drive to and from work, and the sprint in and out of air conditioning.<br />
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In the meantime, there is glorious summer knitting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKKQktucZuMYylwr7dLuQYate2RElLVniZAWxwm4OwxsUOGtDEy7ui8HOR3ikwh60EmeQkBamyM3-hOzl2JLOdgPrOyD7e1eIC2AWWfDNUEv3dk3m5fZBX2n4dbOumvUD-1cIAtWsFAw/s1600/swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKKQktucZuMYylwr7dLuQYate2RElLVniZAWxwm4OwxsUOGtDEy7ui8HOR3ikwh60EmeQkBamyM3-hOzl2JLOdgPrOyD7e1eIC2AWWfDNUEv3dk3m5fZBX2n4dbOumvUD-1cIAtWsFAw/s320/swatches.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I took advantage of Churchmouse Yarns <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/featured-faves">featured faves 20% off</a> and ordered enough skeins of <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/featured-faves/products/berroco-indigo">Berroco Indigo</a> to make the small <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/featured-faves/products/block-stitch-baby-blanket-throw">block stitch baby blanket</a> in the off-white color "cut-offs". The pattern and yarn call for a size 7 needle. Normally for a blanket pattern, I would just jump right in, but this time I decided to swatch to determine not only gauge, but what type of needle I wanted to use with this 95% cotton yarn. With my <i>loooooooose</i> gauge, especially with cotton, I had to go down to a size 5. I'm using Knitter's Pride <a href="http://www.knitterspride.com/Materialwise-Details.asp?id=16&mcid=1">Karbonz</a> carbon fiber 32" circulars, which are absolutely perfect for this fiber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHH7nNB5s7mxFQyqmc6FMPuCUl4lZD2o4vNh8U3zVvXlvSYy_ZrMdmRI65pzx-pD9G1aQg02CNLnZX130xhyphenhyphenm-dPmmZGgMDSb0kSkntl-5YBj-lFyNYlPjmPoYp71XwZBaBol5pPbMLA/s1600/blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHH7nNB5s7mxFQyqmc6FMPuCUl4lZD2o4vNh8U3zVvXlvSYy_ZrMdmRI65pzx-pD9G1aQg02CNLnZX130xhyphenhyphenm-dPmmZGgMDSb0kSkntl-5YBj-lFyNYlPjmPoYp71XwZBaBol5pPbMLA/s320/blanket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's very exciting to get started. I'm in no hurry to complete, this will be a knit-when-I-feel-like-it type of project. It won't be a bad idea, though, to have a cute little neutral baby blanket on hand when a special gift is needed. A bulky/cushy cold-weather blankie sounds most ideal, but it really isn't ideal for a baby born in the South. We just don't have enough cold days for a heavy blanket to be used. This light cotton that is washer/dryer friendly is so much better suited. The color looks a little drab in the photo, but in real I think it is gorgeous.<br />
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Kay at <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">MDK</a> is making a <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/creative-odysseys/rolling-stripes-summer-scarf-2016/">summer scarf</a> out of this yarn. While reading through the comments in her post about it, I saw someone had shared the news that <i><b><span style="color: blue;">"tink"</span></b></i> is now a new word in the <i>Oxford Dictionary</i>. More <a href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2016/07/new-words-july-2016/">here</a>.<br />
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I truly love all four seasons, and it is wonderful to live in a state where we get to experience each one equally. Summer has so much going for it, especially when being on and in the water is involved, and the delicious produce and recipes that only appeal in hot temps. However! This extreme stuff is overwhelming, and it's time for <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>football</b></span>!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-86321490234777760252016-07-09T15:12:00.000-04:002016-07-09T15:12:20.974-04:00Christmas in JulyHi there,<br />
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Today, I wish I were in <span style="color: red;"><b>Wayne,</b></span> <b><span style="color: blue;">Nebraska.</span></b> It is <a href="http://www.chickenshow.com/index.php">Chicken Show</a> weekend, small town living at its very finest. Ravelry friend <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/abbysitznmomanitz">Sharon</a> is no doubt right in the middle of the hens!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZHjJvbxBvoBKObUgd-vR2MGdklCpYkESQ8KRYw1oWUfW69_rXlmxW4rvxDUv9RTBO6vSEBw0jfURoJqkj2-nLQdF7IDsXbcjysLSIAPm11y37mIiFqgkHH9LkEMdrCtDnC-CYB6-ca0/s1600/cement_chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZHjJvbxBvoBKObUgd-vR2MGdklCpYkESQ8KRYw1oWUfW69_rXlmxW4rvxDUv9RTBO6vSEBw0jfURoJqkj2-nLQdF7IDsXbcjysLSIAPm11y37mIiFqgkHH9LkEMdrCtDnC-CYB6-ca0/s320/cement_chickens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chickenshow.com/index.php">The Wayne, NE Chicken Show</a></td></tr>
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It's a slow and hot Saturday here in North Carolina. So slow that I'm watching back-to-back Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. The perfect dose of fictional escapism.<br />
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Summer is at the half-way mark, and I would say I'm at midpoint with my summer knitting projects.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/montego-bay-scarf">Montego Bay Scarf</a> in that precious skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk (Charcoal). I've been dedicated with adding a lifeline string every four or five inches of progress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQEMM5_3nNOa84h7znCNrcmXOKhEXER2Kfg2UhpyVHm1LLXYu9dtnV-DssIw9aJqN-o_6V-XP1pgZEqbv_qq-R8Ix1uwqqFuyZ57py3J9uReYp1XUAa22_AvwcIqsDaPMpdM4XSGR-Ok/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQEMM5_3nNOa84h7znCNrcmXOKhEXER2Kfg2UhpyVHm1LLXYu9dtnV-DssIw9aJqN-o_6V-XP1pgZEqbv_qq-R8Ix1uwqqFuyZ57py3J9uReYp1XUAa22_AvwcIqsDaPMpdM4XSGR-Ok/s320/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm half-way through with the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/bias-before--after-scarf">Tahiti Bias Before and After Scarf</a> (Breeze). One ball complete, one to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmyDBceSgCuWiVHumyu2qvAy17oA2EWsBV22lEb96hOxAum5iu7ggPliFi7YCYXGPfDBQ6EiVxwr-Sb6Pn77957ym02bjzjX4RtpTe2ah2DQS_PQ6eujIT-AJ28Ws59snyKLYW2wFHFU/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmyDBceSgCuWiVHumyu2qvAy17oA2EWsBV22lEb96hOxAum5iu7ggPliFi7YCYXGPfDBQ6EiVxwr-Sb6Pn77957ym02bjzjX4RtpTe2ah2DQS_PQ6eujIT-AJ28Ws59snyKLYW2wFHFU/s320/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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Also, a second pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/school-girl-3">School Girl Socks</a> in Quince & Co. Chickadee (Egret). The pair I made in Leek turned out okay except the cuff was too tightly cast on and very hard to get on over my heel. For this newest pair, I learned how to do the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcwmCuIylII">German Twisted Cast-on</a> from Staci at <a href="http://verypink.com/about/">VeryPink</a>. Her how-to videos are my favorite. I knit sock one and sock two parallel: cuff-cuff, heel flap-heel flap, turn heel-turn heel, etc. If I knit one complete sock, I can guarantee that second one won't get picked up until a year later.<br />
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So by the time I get these summer projects completed, it will be fall. They may not get worn until next summer. There's no way I could knit with bulky wool in the summer, and it wouldn't be much fun to use summery cotton yarn for my winter knitting.<br />
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Peace and love!<br />
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<b>God Bless America!</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com1North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.1267376 -89.346448199999969 42.392408599999996 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-10402596174533889922016-06-24T16:42:00.000-04:002016-06-24T16:42:24.147-04:00Island living<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x-_ntc2az7f4bctIJYgvRQk-kcq-l7RUGe7nOgYsmQrzOs4rFrXOsGSalh6xqFA-oP0azaPCGQksQyIok3RXKzMfXrzdTGdcqmWQaHmXxh2uyrvMTbztQzKIUiSH-rC9uzh4cTljZaI/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x-_ntc2az7f4bctIJYgvRQk-kcq-l7RUGe7nOgYsmQrzOs4rFrXOsGSalh6xqFA-oP0azaPCGQksQyIok3RXKzMfXrzdTGdcqmWQaHmXxh2uyrvMTbztQzKIUiSH-rC9uzh4cTljZaI/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Dear kids,</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Your dad and I have packed up the truck with essential household items and sentimental personal belongings, and we're moving to <b><a href="http://www.outerbanks.com/ocracoke.html">Ocracoke Island</a></b>. Permanently. Please dispose of everything remaining as you see fit, and you're welcome to move back into the house or sell it. #wedonotcare </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yzvU5tPr-oQPtgeUzzbqeObUuCtIwevSsgTZK8JVYrL9-H1zcEBZ8f9_rac2eTbwIWrs6ri4JI_vgK-an6sC2NlgKdqXlh140lsZWzH0lgz1P7IUxqIdIogk6TWU4HtJJSxQIbqaScE/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yzvU5tPr-oQPtgeUzzbqeObUuCtIwevSsgTZK8JVYrL9-H1zcEBZ8f9_rac2eTbwIWrs6ri4JI_vgK-an6sC2NlgKdqXlh140lsZWzH0lgz1P7IUxqIdIogk6TWU4HtJJSxQIbqaScE/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #0b5394;">Our new address is: </i><i>00000 Beachfront Private Drive, The.Island #nozip.</i><i style="color: #0b5394;"> Off the grid and not visible on </i><i style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: blue;">G</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">o</span><span style="background-color: white; color: yellow; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">o</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">g</span><span style="background-color: white; color: lime; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">l</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">e</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> maps. It has everything we need -- front porch facing the beach, back deck facing the beach, hammocks, space for a lazy ole dog that we have yet to adopt, and plenty of room for you to come and visit.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK298H5MXCqjpBBNanqW-WkQC6g2mtPCm670FHaRVpAL0cj4-7KRpenVQj_St9MS2SDCovx5zsdk6w_9BNBW47c6_WEcaUbWe07zWmCkTMgUJhmHLNMIkMcySFkMedgh-Y418y_LbJgg8/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK298H5MXCqjpBBNanqW-WkQC6g2mtPCm670FHaRVpAL0cj4-7KRpenVQj_St9MS2SDCovx5zsdk6w_9BNBW47c6_WEcaUbWe07zWmCkTMgUJhmHLNMIkMcySFkMedgh-Y418y_LbJgg8/s400/IMG_0096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #0b5394;">We plan to spend our remaining years off-line, enjoying a barefoot, stress-free existence, cheerfully oblivious to any signs of politics, negative news, the stock market, and the Kardashians!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWRatdf6wBPQcqksx14fz-ljZ-URciAtru1wHsQWv_5ui4pck57JkqgwuQ3G7S_2DyFF9IVpMstE_4ljbMGnRnEwelki7BKTm6CncbZsIymzSul5Q7BREyYVsuEBCbxr_fJee1SJJ9Zk/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWRatdf6wBPQcqksx14fz-ljZ-URciAtru1wHsQWv_5ui4pck57JkqgwuQ3G7S_2DyFF9IVpMstE_4ljbMGnRnEwelki7BKTm6CncbZsIymzSul5Q7BREyYVsuEBCbxr_fJee1SJJ9Zk/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>We may take up a new hobby . . . </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7hk_uJ9rrCIX2NDReYlYNMrGmAvVqPF2CB_51tjxOj8hbmEH2-aiRq7RBm4H963_qyZHMeUJVQlacEvKHcUnCzYel-PbAwBpFjPTb6tQzBQnk2F984sbz9b2fhO4TwNOmVJljzvdqGk/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7hk_uJ9rrCIX2NDReYlYNMrGmAvVqPF2CB_51tjxOj8hbmEH2-aiRq7RBm4H963_qyZHMeUJVQlacEvKHcUnCzYel-PbAwBpFjPTb6tQzBQnk2F984sbz9b2fhO4TwNOmVJljzvdqGk/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>and will respectfully observe all of God's beautiful creatures . . . </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-swRuy6_TZmKoJNCMi8bRbbWHfdVG9fd_-6zac5xtMwckUzoQdhpWMJFetReW-BXufKwbhbcs98wx082I6fFYbTDBFhP9f7UpdAqaw3-96-bhtKY_VwiuozCPt_JTlRXeSMZsb74i6A/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-swRuy6_TZmKoJNCMi8bRbbWHfdVG9fd_-6zac5xtMwckUzoQdhpWMJFetReW-BXufKwbhbcs98wx082I6fFYbTDBFhP9f7UpdAqaw3-96-bhtKY_VwiuozCPt_JTlRXeSMZsb74i6A/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCDuVXggk70FJFBOc6yuw-FpzWMYC9tPecvzA1KN9APCENb9F2YrtfosNkKH1GH3XgMVWeAZOcdqBBuP2c9ipTT8ssfPXwxYlayslkVkLj3sfEyskK2Q_ltOpXopbIVkeR6TeSBLQrME/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCDuVXggk70FJFBOc6yuw-FpzWMYC9tPecvzA1KN9APCENb9F2YrtfosNkKH1GH3XgMVWeAZOcdqBBuP2c9ipTT8ssfPXwxYlayslkVkLj3sfEyskK2Q_ltOpXopbIVkeR6TeSBLQrME/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Oh, just kidding!</b> You know how I love my home and everything in it, and we could never move away from </span></i><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">♪</span><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"> the house that built you </span></i><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">♫</span><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">We are simply not over that fabulous </span><b>VACAY</b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> yet from May. It has been a long week at the office. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">It's so wonderful to see your smiling faces as often as we can, and I wouldn't trade that for all the sand in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Banks">Outer Banks</a>. </span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Mom</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i>(</i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; font-weight: bold;">all of the gorgeous OBX photos are generously shared by </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://shoofography.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #999999;">shoofography.com</span></a>)</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><br /></b>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com5North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-20160593621923485202016-06-16T08:28:00.000-04:002016-06-16T20:05:33.881-04:00No need to waitHi there,<br />
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Is this a true or false statement . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnAs9kkIA7OJ0SOdmRyrcRpSjoYiHfRWBzigChsuNVWdyaH5m5p60OATZehdasPEtfco0O-U-zE6hpG7HSoBsDkj3CzJRzViP2NHlAd6SCQxFQnUGEshju6ZUmH5HchYr_T6Xt6HW5ms/s1600/Lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnAs9kkIA7OJ0SOdmRyrcRpSjoYiHfRWBzigChsuNVWdyaH5m5p60OATZehdasPEtfco0O-U-zE6hpG7HSoBsDkj3CzJRzViP2NHlAd6SCQxFQnUGEshju6ZUmH5HchYr_T6Xt6HW5ms/s320/Lucy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, life <u>used</u> <u>to</u> <u>be</u> full of <span style="color: magenta;">surprises</span> a generation or two ago. It seems like there is not much <span style="color: orange;">anticipation</span> time these days for life's events and daily business.<br />
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Think about these general categories:<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Life milestones</span></b><br />
<b>Dating</b>: Before eHarmony, Match, Facebook, and LinkedIn, there were for-real blind dates. You did not see or learn about the person until you met face-to-face or had a phone conversation. Information was based on word-of-mouth from the person who set you up. Major <span style="color: orange;">anticipation</span>.<br />
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<b>Newlyweds</b>: Living with a new spouse for the very first time <i>after</i> the wedding--lots of <span style="color: magenta;">surprises</span>. Not too common any more.<br />
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<b>Babies</b>: That <span style="color: orange;">anticipated</span> moment when the doctor catches the newborn and exclaims, "It's a <b><span style="color: blue;">BOY</span></b>" or "It's a <b><span style="color: magenta;">GIRL</span></b>"! Family members were then notified of the gender and name <i>after</i> the birth. Only a mother's intuition revealed anything beforehand.<br />
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<b>Teenagers</b>: Parents waited up, because between the time kids left the house until curfew time, they were not reachable by text or phone. I drove a group of girlfriends to an out-of-town basketball game about an hour away senior year of high school. Coming home we chose the wrong direction, headed south instead of north, sort of making a complete circle to return. Our parents had no way to contact us to find out why we were not pulling into the driveway at the <span style="color: orange;">anticipated</span> time, rather than waaaay late, like 2 a.m.<br />
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<b>College Acceptance: </b>Running to<b> </b>the mailbox awaiting that thick oversized envelope from the university of choice. Now the news is shared with a simple login. There is still <span style="color: orange;">anticipation</span>, but goodness the results come so much faster.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Communication</span></b><br />
<b>Who's calling</b>: There was a house phone for the whole family. No caller-ID, no VM or answering machine, no call waiting. The identity of the caller was a <b><span style="color: red;">s</span><span style="color: orange;">u</span><span style="color: yellow;">r</span><span style="color: lime;">p</span><span style="color: cyan;">r</span><span style="color: blue;">i</span><span style="color: purple;">s</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span></b> every time the phone rang.<br />
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<b>Mailbox</b>: It was nice to <span style="color: orange;">anticipate</span> the daily postal mail with correspondence from friends and loved ones on a regular basis. I have kept every letter my mom wrote to me the first year I moved away from home. I'll always cherish those. I was so homesick.<br />
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<b>Tractor technology</b>: My dad drove mostly old <span style="color: #274e13;"><b>John Deere</b></span> tractors on the farm, and it was such a big deal when he got his first cab tractor with air conditioning. How cool that farmers now have cell phones, GPS, and info screens. Many times, I remember my mom had to drive out to the fields to find Dad because there was no way to reach him if he was late for dinner, and she would try to hide her panic, worrying that he had been in a farm accident.<br />
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<b>Annual Christmas letter:</b> A year's worth of news was saved up to share with distant relatives and old friends. Now all of that plus a lot more is <b>OVER</b>shared on a regular basis with social media.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Banking</span></b><br />
<b>What is my credit card balance</b>? I check my account online every morning. Remember waiting for the monthly statement to come in the mail?<br />
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<b>I need to deposit my (paper) paycheck</b>. I've had direct deposit for over 30 years, but I do remember back when my paycheck was handed to me, and I then had to <strike>walk</strike>/<strike>drive</strike> <i>rush</i> to the bank to deposit it.<br />
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<b>Did the check clear?</b> Online banking has eliminated the need for a checkbook and checkbook registry. Our accounts are always up-to-date with the rare <span style="color: magenta;">surprise</span>.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Household and General Information</b></span><br />
<b>Beeping appliances:</b> All of our household appliances chime/beep/chirp when their cycle is complete. Very annoying sometimes, but we know when the dryer has finished tumbling and the coffee is brewed!<br />
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<b>I hope there's ice:</b> Our fridge makes ice as fast as I can use it. Remember filling ice cube trays? Most of the time they were empty when really needed.<br />
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<b>Photos:</b> Oh the <span style="color: orange;">anticipation</span> of waiting on a 24 roll of Kodak film to be developed, usually by mail-order. It would be several weeks before the photos were returned, and in my case it would net about three great, unblurry photos. "I'll share my vacation photos with you once I get them organized into a scrapbook," we used to say. Now it's one, two, three, FACEBOOK!<br />
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<b>Time and temperature:</b> There was a phone number we dialed (from the house phone), sponsored by a bank, that would announce the correct time and current temperature. That info was not readily available at our fingertips. The other way to get the current temperature was to drive by the big bank on the corner of Main Street and look up at its scrolling electronic message display.<br />
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<b>Weather forecast:</b> Available through the <i>Farmers' Almanac</i> or local weatherman. We did not have access to snazzy Doppler Radar apps predicting when the rain would fall.<br />
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<b>Am I lost? </b> It's still possible to be lost, but with GPS guidance, the correct route is quickly available. Remember the printed AAA TripTiks?<br />
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<b>Where were you when you heard the news?</b> Now almost all of us are learning about breaking news stories at the same moment--when the notifications start coming through our phones.<br />
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<b>Bon Voyage</b>: Did the flight arrive on time? No news is good news. But now we can <i>FlightAware</i>-it<i> </i>from takeoff to landing.<br />
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<b>I'm dying to read that new bestseller: </b> My name would have been on the local library's wait-list for a month or three; now in 30 seconds or less, I can download it to my tablet.<br />
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<b>Test results: </b>professional exams, lab results from the doctor . . . very little wait time to know if you passed. <br />
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<b>2-day delivery: </b>Instead of waiting for a slow catalog mail-order delivery, Amazon Prime seems even not immediate enough.<br />
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<b>Facts:</b> I'll need to research that topic with the encyclopedia, but we don't have a set at home. Or, I can ask Siri. Need a quick medical diagnosis? WebMD is <i>too</i> convenient (my symptoms always show that I'm either pregnant or gravely ill).<br />
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<b>And finally, Knitting: </b> If I didn't have access to YouTube videos and knitter forums, I would have given up on this damn hobby a long time ago!<br />
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Now, I'm not THAT old! This shows how things have changed in our lives so much in a relatively short amount of time, almost all for the better. My parents have both been gone for a long time, and I often think about how amazed they would be to see how the world runs today.<br />
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Can you think of other surprises we no longer have to wait for?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span><br />
<br />tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com4North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-19308864263051178242016-05-30T14:47:00.000-04:002016-05-30T14:47:53.907-04:00My OBX TravelogueHi there,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NPc5mSPsF56aI5D18c4xDqZBFspwqdWJPJRltA-cD3PPR2L8DFs-7h20L2fjlG01Nd7LG38YVaomwJq7vPAby-feQAH0CiTTa8R8B42dNMQyVZW6IMNfwPEB1sNJzktQp66g2_HeH_o/s1600/obx-bumper-sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NPc5mSPsF56aI5D18c4xDqZBFspwqdWJPJRltA-cD3PPR2L8DFs-7h20L2fjlG01Nd7LG38YVaomwJq7vPAby-feQAH0CiTTa8R8B42dNMQyVZW6IMNfwPEB1sNJzktQp66g2_HeH_o/s200/obx-bumper-sticker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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When we moved to <span style="color: #073763;"><b>North Carolina</b></span> from <span style="color: orange;"><b>Tennessee</b></span> 18 years ago, I would frequently see this bumper sticker and not know what it meant. I looked it up a few times, but then would forget. You've probably heard of these places: Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Hatteras, and the setting for the Diane Lane/Richard Gere <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nights-Rodanthe-Richard-Gere/dp/B0017ANB08">Nights in Rodanthe</a></i> movie, based on the Nicholas Sparks <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nights-Rodanthe-Nicholas-Sparks/dp/0446612707/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1464538077&sr=1-1&keywords=Nights+in+rodanthe">book</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTjGiOf0gfeSDCBXpq-dmLwiSR5QWSABE_55PHKG4BDAPNW-LmmfGtE2ynWGnESLJrXApFsWuE3crFZeTEFFRwfWwNwEBtlvAhsky0EfqaDj_Tq3zKD0vY4MeLfa5EC-8smI_uzKDjMg/s1600/obx+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTjGiOf0gfeSDCBXpq-dmLwiSR5QWSABE_55PHKG4BDAPNW-LmmfGtE2ynWGnESLJrXApFsWuE3crFZeTEFFRwfWwNwEBtlvAhsky0EfqaDj_Tq3zKD0vY4MeLfa5EC-8smI_uzKDjMg/s640/obx+map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Banks">Outer Banks</a> (OBX) off the coast of North Carolina <span style="text-align: center;">are barrier islands separating the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland, about a six hour drive from Charlotte. After years of vacationing at the more southern NC and SC beaches, Steve and I decided to visit there this past week.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We stayed in Nags Head on Hwy 64, at the <a href="http://oasissuites.com/">Oasis Suites</a> Hotel, which we chose for its central location. On Monday evening we had a delicious dinner at the nearby <a href="http://www.lonecedarcafe.com/">Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe</a>, owned by former NC State Senator Marc Basnight, and operated by his two daughters. Everything on the menu is fresh, local, and just-picked. We were told that soft-shell crabs are in season, so we tried them as an appetizer and really enjoyed, along with our entrees of fresh flounder and the seafood combo.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7vR6GE5-2hlr4m8XeVMoiWrKoK9K59ezlVVaZZ7OkN6XRg98m1rshdFo5jDEb5qte_MLdTmHH632Q-Vyo8aBS41M61Y6fWZyNcn0eqlzgRnxFn9L2FZXkHsBXnvIou_BvVxsfw5Nkl0/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7vR6GE5-2hlr4m8XeVMoiWrKoK9K59ezlVVaZZ7OkN6XRg98m1rshdFo5jDEb5qte_MLdTmHH632Q-Vyo8aBS41M61Y6fWZyNcn0eqlzgRnxFn9L2FZXkHsBXnvIou_BvVxsfw5Nkl0/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Tuesday</b> morning we traveled south on Hwy 12, down that narrow strip of land that connects the islands and towns. At some points, the land is so narrow that we could see the water right next to the road on both sides. The week before <b><span style="color: red;">M</span>e<span style="color: blue;">m</span><span style="color: red;">o</span>r<span style="color: blue;">i</span><span style="color: red;">a</span>l <span style="color: blue;">D</span><span style="color: red;">a</span>y</b> turned out to be the perfect time to be there because tourist season had not really started so traffic was fairly light.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Lighthouse #1</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJSnLbsSvPznBvL0xukbMTPX_XlrdT0_WVSX9miM7z2LnR3CCtXM89CrwKbx-QGqnfySlhGP4a154Ah9goPGkP1rNOiYlNlzNaf0MltXDQgNROhFfjLyQB5MbbMkUWze0uIGFDgIM6pA/s1600/2016-05-24_154257856_71D53_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJSnLbsSvPznBvL0xukbMTPX_XlrdT0_WVSX9miM7z2LnR3CCtXM89CrwKbx-QGqnfySlhGP4a154Ah9goPGkP1rNOiYlNlzNaf0MltXDQgNROhFfjLyQB5MbbMkUWze0uIGFDgIM6pA/s320/2016-05-24_154257856_71D53_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cape Hatteras Lighthouse</b></td></tr>
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One of our first stops was at the <a href="http://www.outerbanks.com/cape-hatteras-lighthouse.html">Cape Hatteras Lighthouse</a>. We didn't make the climb to the top, no regrets though. It is equivalent to a 12-story building, 257 steps to the top. I'm afraid of heights! I think I would have been okay as far as the trek up; there is a landing every 31 steps. Knitters are counters, so anything is achievable if you can stay on count, right?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniLe2pt6Igksjjp-VTXM-4XWBdv-Lw8eG0qfMmW6l0QqczzcH60XuiQRCxUetCaiH61VclC5Lm_jhvVl3_AGH-RATSqEgUHW3AABgtDr4_x0PFYQddWdmP-CmYlh7WDgLHwv6kgWTvtY/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniLe2pt6Igksjjp-VTXM-4XWBdv-Lw8eG0qfMmW6l0QqczzcH60XuiQRCxUetCaiH61VclC5Lm_jhvVl3_AGH-RATSqEgUHW3AABgtDr4_x0PFYQddWdmP-CmYlh7WDgLHwv6kgWTvtY/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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Next we drove onto the ferry to take us to <a href="http://www.ocracoke-nc.com/">Ocracoke Island</a> at the most southern end.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ocracoke-nc.com/ocracoke-ferry.html">ferry ride</a> from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke took about 45 minutes. Being on a ferry with vehicles was new to both of us, and it was amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMTXGgzrE2uCdSxQnAQ6_V5DLV2apccBhhWCETE-7cn-1cHXFwWOD35BY9DazJWcSDkag1GKoSAeHxeW5hEWuazWUOGZ_2TM1sUjmBk3V9PvFEDxrwmvbSDvcTmSkhkqcA7Gz5HM0s9g/s1600/2016-05-24_212924401_29F57_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMTXGgzrE2uCdSxQnAQ6_V5DLV2apccBhhWCETE-7cn-1cHXFwWOD35BY9DazJWcSDkag1GKoSAeHxeW5hEWuazWUOGZ_2TM1sUjmBk3V9PvFEDxrwmvbSDvcTmSkhkqcA7Gz5HM0s9g/s320/2016-05-24_212924401_29F57_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The village of Ocracoke was one of our most favorite spots. We had lunch at <a href="http://smacnallys.com/">SmacNally's Waterfront Bar & Grill</a>. Their hush puppies were the best I've ever tasted. Steve enjoyed a burger, and I had the buffalo shrimp special. Again, we walked right in, got the best table on the water, because the summer crowds had not arrived.<br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">Lighthouse #2</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ocracoke Island Lighthouse<br />photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.outerbanks.com/ocracoke-island-lighthouse.html">Ocracoke Island Lighthouse</a> was our next stop. It is tiny compared to the others, and visitors cannot go inside it. I'm glad we had the chance to see it.<br />
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After the ride back on the ferry to Hatteras Island, we back-tracked to Avon. We were so excited because this was our ultimate destination to visit our family friends, newlyweds <a href="http://www.tamknots.com/2015/03/a-special-shower.html">Alexa and Allen</a>. And boy have they had an exciting year! They moved to the OBX last fall, got settled, then were chosen to be on the FYI Channel's <a href="http://www.fyi.tv/shows/tiny-house-nation">Tiny House Nation</a>. They spent over a week in Chicago this spring with the cast and crew while their tiny house was completed, then drove it back to Avon behind their newly purchased truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUp-Hqv3Yhd5djMayPIcjJeKTiBVDAHlb6RmDJVMQ1Z6a1aQZDR9DJHO_GFs8E_EKn3niW5c0D5kflDXheDrgV1F4vk9EtBRAg5L-CR0gajmgp0j-O5Ti4cghkf8W2PT9Uiy64Bykwhs/s1600/tiny+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUp-Hqv3Yhd5djMayPIcjJeKTiBVDAHlb6RmDJVMQ1Z6a1aQZDR9DJHO_GFs8E_EKn3niW5c0D5kflDXheDrgV1F4vk9EtBRAg5L-CR0gajmgp0j-O5Ti4cghkf8W2PT9Uiy64Bykwhs/s320/tiny+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo by <a href="http://travelwellmagazine.com/">Alexa</a> (<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">used with permission)</span></b></td></tr>
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Their episode will appear late summer/early fall, and I'll be sure to post the air date. The home is cozy, homey, and they are so happy with it. It's the perfect complement to their <a href="http://travelwellmagazine.com/">Travel Well Magazine</a> lifestyle. Alexa rode with us to meet Allen at the Avon restaurant where he works part-time, <a href="http://www.pangeatavern.com/">Pangea Tavern</a>. It was by far the best meal of our trip, we both agreed on that. We started with the daily catch mahi fish bites, then for our entree we both had the special blackened mahi-mahi over rice and beans. Absolutely amazing! <b><u>Thank</u> <u>you</u></b> so much Alexa and Allen for the tour and wonderful dinner and visit!<br />
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Driving back to our hotel later that night, we were about the only vehicle on the road. In spots it was very isolated and desolate, sort of reminded me of being on a rural Wyoming road.<br />
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<b>Wednesday</b> was our day to travel north on Hwy 12. First stop was <a href="https://duckdonuts.com/">Duck Donuts</a>! That was fun, they customize your donuts as you order. WooHoo, I just <span style="color: blue;">g</span><span style="color: red;">o</span><span style="color: yellow;">o</span><span style="color: blue;">g</span><span style="color: lime;">l</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: yellow;">d</span> it and found there is a franchise in Charlotte, 14.9 miles from our house! <br />
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We needed the energy to hike up the hill at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm">Wright Brothers National Memorial</a> in Kitty Hawk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeLh1Q31A3oXRgkweYY-JntWJLbBMAyOjTQAp2SCmvJRvydmjoYXH3FzXVGea722iMV1faQ-9uTwHZMg3zmuj15EWqXMNqn2USp7O3kpn993SzwXqfJaWWHWbrpNU7YSbGZ6ftbjTpwo/s1600/2016-05-25_145105880_3ADCC_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeLh1Q31A3oXRgkweYY-JntWJLbBMAyOjTQAp2SCmvJRvydmjoYXH3FzXVGea722iMV1faQ-9uTwHZMg3zmuj15EWqXMNqn2USp7O3kpn993SzwXqfJaWWHWbrpNU7YSbGZ6ftbjTpwo/s320/2016-05-25_145105880_3ADCC_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu-c3pLDnRdQ0zkTtDPXIBR-D7X9mNYO8FIcNCGRajc6kZeYNZThnSaZDPj9ya0wqFgufy3Tkqc3yC640wW33FPXUL7I5CF_vc2ie7_sW8-bS00tlyQWuzJE3JelZo10RzsS2d2CQL9E/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu-c3pLDnRdQ0zkTtDPXIBR-D7X9mNYO8FIcNCGRajc6kZeYNZThnSaZDPj9ya0wqFgufy3Tkqc3yC640wW33FPXUL7I5CF_vc2ie7_sW8-bS00tlyQWuzJE3JelZo10RzsS2d2CQL9E/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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Next, my GPS navigated <strike>us</strike> me to a yarn store I had been told about (with a nice bench outside for Steve to wait).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg8qqkhT2iW6vHOhreZrV4cje6T7La8pwFsywVBlCmzWp9GFGwBdkz0wfxcFknRHhW15DwE41XfoTIV17OqWq88Y6Noy9YGtA7La0ZptUYie_7nP1CFCFpgyjbdw46l0CH6DX8I2MiAA/s1600/2016-05-25_154200533_893CC_iOS+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg8qqkhT2iW6vHOhreZrV4cje6T7La8pwFsywVBlCmzWp9GFGwBdkz0wfxcFknRHhW15DwE41XfoTIV17OqWq88Y6Noy9YGtA7La0ZptUYie_7nP1CFCFpgyjbdw46l0CH6DX8I2MiAA/s320/2016-05-25_154200533_893CC_iOS+%25282%2529.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.knittingaddiction.com/">Knitting Addiction</a> in Kitty Hawk is probably the best LYS I have shopped in. It's spacious, modern, and stocked with all the most popular yarn and accessories that we see on Ravelry. There was a resident cat under the staircase and The Yarn Truck, a mobile LYS, parked in the back parking lot. I was able to pick up a couple of skeins of souvenir yarn and breathe in some yarn fumes before continuing down the road.<br />
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Next we drove to the <a href="http://www.waterfrontshopsduck.com/about-us.html">Waterfront Shops</a> in Duck. We walked along the boardwalk on the Sound, enjoying the views. Really a cool spot. Plenty of walking!<br />
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Lots of shops and nature, all together in one location. There was the most wonderful independent bookstore called <a href="http://www.duckscottage.com/about-ducks-cottage">Duck's Cottage Coffee & Books</a> with a great selection of beach reads and novels with stories taking place in the Outer Banks. The staff left little notes around the store on certain books with their comments, and that so appealed to me. Author <a href="http://marykayandrews.com/">Mary Kay Andrews</a> was doing a book signing there today, wish I could have met her. We ate lunch at the outdoors counter at <a href="http://www.coastalcantina.com/">Coastal Cantina</a>, featuring a Tex Mex menu (quesadillas and fish tacos) and a soundfront view.<br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">Lighthouse #3</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqehP0gBFRUpKww9-hzKh9EHSOuHaJmk0tXrsF4darxKvMm_ExzkBl1EaBWlF4vhGcKCXFepQiTg0RWvJQZ57qzO3vs6QpohfPlZAi67uXWdsxuR9Rfp_UO6IcjDd5xNKCwBYCYdz79fE/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqehP0gBFRUpKww9-hzKh9EHSOuHaJmk0tXrsF4darxKvMm_ExzkBl1EaBWlF4vhGcKCXFepQiTg0RWvJQZ57qzO3vs6QpohfPlZAi67uXWdsxuR9Rfp_UO6IcjDd5xNKCwBYCYdz79fE/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/">Carrituck Beach Lighthouse</a> is 10 stories and also open for a 220-step climb to the top (nope, we didn't attempt it). There was a lovely souvenir shop on the grounds too.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Right down the road at the very north end of the island was the most amazing thing! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQGsxp8Vtp3tv1Q0dPdK728Q0VZZVrgwF_RYCsNNvKwFta9I2pPTIag0pam74rFHkEWS5j3ztJJ2SkIcpd0P-DnZEDMJ8WSg3J0exsFPEtjkfxulLTiFEndUFDKJi8WsUuzM9TJm52lY/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQGsxp8Vtp3tv1Q0dPdK728Q0VZZVrgwF_RYCsNNvKwFta9I2pPTIag0pam74rFHkEWS5j3ztJJ2SkIcpd0P-DnZEDMJ8WSg3J0exsFPEtjkfxulLTiFEndUFDKJi8WsUuzM9TJm52lY/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The </span><a href="http://www.outerbanks.com/corolla-wild-horses.html" style="text-align: center;">Corolla Wild Horses</a>. We drove right onto the beach (a 4x4 is required).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ll4Mgzv0gML5J5iEA2dWyoAfZCz_D7uBhuHy-zYGZaeAlyqbvNJ5TYrzSB0T7doqdyPt_4F6LhiZbtEDnLZ_72_BliZUhTBHd3RvnR8HA8xeQw2iOc53h4zJxc1cY7_2dBhw1D9U_fg/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ll4Mgzv0gML5J5iEA2dWyoAfZCz_D7uBhuHy-zYGZaeAlyqbvNJ5TYrzSB0T7doqdyPt_4F6LhiZbtEDnLZ_72_BliZUhTBHd3RvnR8HA8xeQw2iOc53h4zJxc1cY7_2dBhw1D9U_fg/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElCeTkpqWHwHFT7oclmvmPH-7Vjm-LZfFiubDdzI9XMdbLXM7_e6R2220euoWM9SyxZu250XFjxLuJQvyCxivSgvZIL0Xf3R90PucC1O2Nzd40FlVhfQOjde1P86tc-FYeooGQe9VO-I/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElCeTkpqWHwHFT7oclmvmPH-7Vjm-LZfFiubDdzI9XMdbLXM7_e6R2220euoWM9SyxZu250XFjxLuJQvyCxivSgvZIL0Xf3R90PucC1O2Nzd40FlVhfQOjde1P86tc-FYeooGQe9VO-I/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWD8WpbVQhAkrdDSnc0vYUF0b5ZEupvFvsriQdYc5ktiYc72gMa_sQsc44lpyJYFoFM_EkCCudrEKGTKeAI_JfFs81J5EyJWS7tb7xgvDaSwUcmXVdpdGpy2VEcVi4V1-kma6DAme8G4/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWD8WpbVQhAkrdDSnc0vYUF0b5ZEupvFvsriQdYc5ktiYc72gMa_sQsc44lpyJYFoFM_EkCCudrEKGTKeAI_JfFs81J5EyJWS7tb7xgvDaSwUcmXVdpdGpy2VEcVi4V1-kma6DAme8G4/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photos by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The horses seem pretty tame, yet many look rough. I have so many questions about what they eat, do they have shelter or vet care, etc.? </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Whew, the day is not over, we really jam packed in the sightseeing!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">On the way back down Hwy 12 to Kitty Hawk, we stopped briefly into <a href="http://obxtrio.com/">Trio</a>, a wine-beer-cheese retail shop recommended by Allen, where we picked up some custom souvenirs. And Trio just happens to be next door to the <a href="http://www.knittingaddiction.com/">Knitting Addiction</a> LYS where we stopped earlier! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We made a very brief stop at <a href="http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/">Jockey's Ridge State Park</a> to see the giant sand dunes. By this point, we had walked a ton so we were not keen on hiking up a sand slope.</span><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">Lighthouse #4</span></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">By far my most favorite . . . </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPr1KVig-mwXGFPUMaDR1US74qY649lWZUcID44DkxhieVi1SYTzqq_Gtdnnr8iIXyM_UIuMOs5TSd2yhEnItinTz2QV7XvCzVhY_aqVnr1ucozM6YgEMdXDhwuoKX_gnat3ZD5uPXME/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPr1KVig-mwXGFPUMaDR1US74qY649lWZUcID44DkxhieVi1SYTzqq_Gtdnnr8iIXyM_UIuMOs5TSd2yhEnItinTz2QV7XvCzVhY_aqVnr1ucozM6YgEMdXDhwuoKX_gnat3ZD5uPXME/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">. . . the <a href="http://www.outerbanks.com/bodie-island-lighthouse.html">Bodie Island Lighthouse</a>. It had the most beautiful grounds of all, with a breathtaking boardwalk out to the marshlands. It was the most fun to photograph.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi8vDPJI-mLowvtO2TfeZrQuXJdDcMp2GrhcfnDt0gJKy-soRSTY17aDnMuseB0YDvGgTm525AFaiW1n-qm0BOUBzP7m__2yXf4dEvz3Ze4KUHBpsLKQZogIVF5A4lBp9v9W4K8QRRTA/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi8vDPJI-mLowvtO2TfeZrQuXJdDcMp2GrhcfnDt0gJKy-soRSTY17aDnMuseB0YDvGgTm525AFaiW1n-qm0BOUBzP7m__2yXf4dEvz3Ze4KUHBpsLKQZogIVF5A4lBp9v9W4K8QRRTA/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Finally, we headed straight to dinner, another al fresco meal, at <a href="http://www.stripersbarandgrille.com/">Stripers Bar & Grille</a> in Manteo, the kind of place where diners can drive up in their boats and dock by the restaurant. Steve tried a soft-shell crab sandwich, and I had their caprese salad and blackened scallops.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUzZ4_4bgx_FhtJYeG2eqqMTBYNp84dtOPdIOIwZOeZB78XL-MYHleK0dVvferPP98Mpon3LXUXgOeohZ6QlVn3A9Yfdxus1tZZh-YzSngdQDObVKhg00FT9WEml-axy1zje_5a1BH04/s1600/2016-05-25_230156238_43EC9_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUzZ4_4bgx_FhtJYeG2eqqMTBYNp84dtOPdIOIwZOeZB78XL-MYHleK0dVvferPP98Mpon3LXUXgOeohZ6QlVn3A9Yfdxus1tZZh-YzSngdQDObVKhg00FT9WEml-axy1zje_5a1BH04/s320/2016-05-25_230156238_43EC9_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kBCipLUMPiXdhyphenhyphendGbyh7-ZQHty2olTV2tzJVGO7CptWu7mBvZEabYgN625lrlWJSHMabtDeKCdxUl0C6V9l-2QlVA4jiA7ngsNJM3dkkRtUg9V27pbcoe9yoUKU4k3zt90Zx6JUvoK4/s1600/2016-05-25_235319043_FE254_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kBCipLUMPiXdhyphenhyphendGbyh7-ZQHty2olTV2tzJVGO7CptWu7mBvZEabYgN625lrlWJSHMabtDeKCdxUl0C6V9l-2QlVA4jiA7ngsNJM3dkkRtUg9V27pbcoe9yoUKU4k3zt90Zx6JUvoK4/s320/2016-05-25_235319043_FE254_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">If you're still reading this, I hope you aren't bored to tears. It was mostly to document memories for myself.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We planned very little in advance for this trip. Other than a few restaurant suggestions, we figured out everything else on the go, and found the islands very easy to navigate. All of the lighthouses were free admission (it costs a small amount if you want to climb to the top), the ferry and driving on the beach were free, and about the only site we had to pay admission to was the Wright Brothers Museum. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Before this vacation, I had never really thought much about lighthouses, but now that I've seen these four distinct ones, I am absolutely in love with them. The National Park Service and State of North Carolina have done a really nice job, and I hope you'll have a chance to visit here someday!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeVKVzT4EXWQCatSXXrXw7RyyC8vp9mp00Yrmf3D9LROIDW1ygCKUEZzl0GubbHUqdzBm_FxrO0iAHh75bzrzMCJJ1DmFbVKGFYwpWHjxqkuuFSGJW4XCPW7XWLfj4kdk83mNLbaREo/s1600/desktop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeVKVzT4EXWQCatSXXrXw7RyyC8vp9mp00Yrmf3D9LROIDW1ygCKUEZzl0GubbHUqdzBm_FxrO0iAHh75bzrzMCJJ1DmFbVKGFYwpWHjxqkuuFSGJW4XCPW7XWLfj4kdk83mNLbaREo/s320/desktop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida handwriting'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com4North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-90843757675202671472016-05-15T14:31:00.000-04:002016-05-15T14:31:11.873-04:00Lists!Hi there,<br />
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This was my Friday lunch spot at work. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo087rSf1ZEjfZC1ztPbDWyo7sKNfWQKVnzw_udlxLR7gGMtmOk5LzTbxZI5DGWUTbncwL2KCX8wUCdsN9NS5QkoVF_YI0IJp_JbXZaUeLU0T9CBJdZVC_Z8koOV3_XnNxdAAXCnvCrso/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo087rSf1ZEjfZC1ztPbDWyo7sKNfWQKVnzw_udlxLR7gGMtmOk5LzTbxZI5DGWUTbncwL2KCX8wUCdsN9NS5QkoVF_YI0IJp_JbXZaUeLU0T9CBJdZVC_Z8koOV3_XnNxdAAXCnvCrso/s400/IMG_0756.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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An umbrella-ed table on a beautiful patio overlooking the football field. It was quiet, deserted, peaceful, and it made it really hard to return to my desk for 3+ more hours.<br />
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The intranet page for employees has a link called:<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Top 10 things to do before you retire!</span></i></b><br />
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Of course, it links to a page with boring words like fiduciary, savings plans, risk, loss, fidelity, interest, etc. <br />
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I've got about five-plus years to go, but after working for what feels like 4-ever, I'm already thinking about my post-career life. So I decided to come up with my own <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">top ten</span></b> list for things <b><span style="color: blue;">I</span></b> want to do before I retire:<br />
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<li><b>Enjoy the paycheck! </b>Duh . . . </li>
<li><b>Take a sick day without guilt!</b> We are a loyal, committed group of staff, and we struggle through the day with the occasional headache, etc. Why? Why not take a day now and then for mental and physical rest and recuperation. </li>
<li><b>Chat more!</b> Seriously, step away from the computer and share a laugh with someone.</li>
<li><b>Ride for the brand!</b> This is a Wyoming saying that I love. It says to me, be engaged and faithful to the institution and its mission. </li>
<li><b>Embrace routine!</b> Ask an unemployed person what they miss most about having a job, and I bet they'll say the routine of working. There is something satisfying about having a schedule.</li>
<li><b>Be a mentor and adopt a reverse mentor!</b> Awww, those millennials in the work place. Love them! Watch closely, because their style, ideas, and influence are amazing.</li>
<li><b>Shake it off!</b> As Taylor Swift would say. Sometimes office politics feel like junior high.</li>
<li><b>Find the good and praise it!</b> This was author Alex Haley's phrase. I met Mr. Haley when I worked at <span style="color: orange;"><b>The University of Tennessee</b></span>, and he demonstrated this philosophy over and over. </li>
<li><b>Give gifts!</b> When colleagues go above and beyond to help me complete a project, I find a way to thank them with a small token gift. I'm talking about a pen, chocolate, cup of coffee at the Cafe, etc.</li>
<li><b>Leave it in good order!</b> When I finally give it up, I hope the next person is grateful to find the responsibilities easy to take over.</li>
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<b>Writing the list for top 10 things <i>after</i> I retire is going to be a lot more fun!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed0VqYBPxsR88ucPNs0cGTLr4AoANmGsPiTwIkpTdisI_u1aTBFzL-RrQTAtv9iAFioSKQ_S5T4amQgRnXecvrrBgKL5zDNqZdFxMh602BukK7dpFL8lLMUKVg4-bPMDb_06I4sytVsw/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed0VqYBPxsR88ucPNs0cGTLr4AoANmGsPiTwIkpTdisI_u1aTBFzL-RrQTAtv9iAFioSKQ_S5T4amQgRnXecvrrBgKL5zDNqZdFxMh602BukK7dpFL8lLMUKVg4-bPMDb_06I4sytVsw/s320/IMG_0753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This cow, standing with my son Ben and me, is Becky, the mom and founder of the nonprofit <a href="http://weliveawesome.org/">Live Awesome</a>. She dressed up in support of a fundraiser last week. She said wearing the Chick-fil-A cow costume was on her bucket list. And it was the <u>only</u> item on her list, so now it is checked off. I love that--rather than having a long list of bucket items to worry about, how about creating, then doing them, one idea at a time. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida handwriting'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com4North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-39539195770829509472016-04-30T12:57:00.000-04:002016-04-30T12:57:02.120-04:00Springtime in North CarolinaHi there,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIPrea622MRL1OLNmDn9ifEEDkJGlFp14V7HNYRcyMUEPQrgdYa_9lj0oBY8BGG0Ht988tc-qvWxSFj7eCnVhHJjVBZ1SW15SOO0uuNV2cHdsVqu0FZG_BGL1RjoclJ-_4eH0zFw766c/s1600/pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIPrea622MRL1OLNmDn9ifEEDkJGlFp14V7HNYRcyMUEPQrgdYa_9lj0oBY8BGG0Ht988tc-qvWxSFj7eCnVhHJjVBZ1SW15SOO0uuNV2cHdsVqu0FZG_BGL1RjoclJ-_4eH0zFw766c/s400/pano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's the last day of April so to document for my Wyoming and Nebraska friends what spring looks like in the South, here are some pics from our backyard from the last couple of weeks.<br />
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Steve has planted his garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyckBGBj71KuWLeNhOp5O8X-l34SopL6TcWZj8zUdcPtH1G4QY0LTmh5Dg-0y8VL-V7_CGiFuSVpig37cGWtrTo_L8hc66-RrQ5JCXPwJWbgQjf2xJUNVkQ-vl5hcfJIM0LltozZ67u8c/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyckBGBj71KuWLeNhOp5O8X-l34SopL6TcWZj8zUdcPtH1G4QY0LTmh5Dg-0y8VL-V7_CGiFuSVpig37cGWtrTo_L8hc66-RrQ5JCXPwJWbgQjf2xJUNVkQ-vl5hcfJIM0LltozZ67u8c/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our pond frog survived another winter, and he's started to sing/chirp a little more loudly each day.<br />
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I'm beginning to think about summer knitting, meaning warm-weather knitting, which is about eight months out of the year in North Carolina. One of my favorite things to do is to knit on my deck in the natural light.<br />
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One project I'm looking forward to is the <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/">Churchmouse</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-before--after-scarf">Bias Before & After Scarf</a>. I've chosen two skeins of <a href="http://shop.yarnery.com/tahiti/">Tahiti</a> cotton in Breeze (7616), and I ordered some <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Sunstruck_Straight_Needles__DSTNSunstruckNeedles.html">Sunstruck 10" straight needles</a> from KnitPicks for the project.<br />
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Funny thing is that I chose almost the exact same colors as the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/color-affection">Color Affection Shawl</a> I made in Manos Serena a couple of summers ago.<br />
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I had purchased a luxury skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk in charcoal several summers ago to make a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clapo-ktus">Clapo-Ktus</a>, but I ended up frogging it. That pattern has a lot of M1s, both right and left, in it, which is my least favorite stitch. I was delighted to discover another pattern that this yarn is made for, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/montego-bay-scarf">Montego Bay Scarf</a>. It's a lacy, easy to memorize pattern.<br />
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I found this <a href="http://www.yarn.com/videos/video/how-to-use-a-lifeline-in-knitting/"><i>how to use a lifeline</i></a> video from WEBS very helpful for placing waste yarn along a lace pattern and then how to frog back to that point if necessary. It is sort of like having an umbrella--it won't rain if you have it with you. I probably won't need to rip back since I have the lifeline.<br />
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I tend to gravitate toward the same blue-green colors both inside and out. I spruced up my kitchen table for spring with some new place mats from Target.<br />
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So in order not to be too matchy-matchy, I cast on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth">ballband dishcloth</a> in salt & pepper / ocean coral as an accent. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/GravesGapKnitter">Yolanda</a> said she'd like to KAL--she and I have some history with Peaches & Creme projects.<br />
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What I'd also like to tell my Wyoming and Nebraska friends is even though spring is beautiful here, every time I hear about the spring snowstorms out west, I get terribly homesick. I remember the beauty of those heavy snows, sometimes clear into May. <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">H</span><span style="color: yellow;">A</span><span style="color: #351c75;">P</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">P</span><span style="color: yellow;">Y</span> <span style="color: #351c75;">S</span><span style="color: red;">P</span><span style="color: yellow;">R</span><span style="color: #351c75;">I</span><span style="color: red;">N</span><span style="color: yellow;">G</span><span style="color: #351c75;">!</span><span style="color: red;">!</span><span style="color: yellow;">!</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida handwriting'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida handwriting'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-41270605748022627862016-04-04T17:54:00.000-04:002016-04-04T18:06:09.191-04:00Inclination Cowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4sdDMeFMc5Vn4MoZ7WAs2YtN_6Ykxq5PoAbQNSuvjE14X62a-Yd0EQ7PEkCwvlcHuozwtmii4N6QxVSbFN-UDFSzojhzVYlWl8ssPYsXTkWZbR8lpqbWDFBa4Ilo9BJMlCE-yxtqQRw/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4sdDMeFMc5Vn4MoZ7WAs2YtN_6Ykxq5PoAbQNSuvjE14X62a-Yd0EQ7PEkCwvlcHuozwtmii4N6QxVSbFN-UDFSzojhzVYlWl8ssPYsXTkWZbR8lpqbWDFBa4Ilo9BJMlCE-yxtqQRw/s400/IMG_0628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi there,<br />
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The <a href="http://www.tamknots.com/2016/03/temptations.html">two-person knit-a-long</a> for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inclination-2">Inclination Cowl</a> with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/abbysitznmomanitz"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sharon</span></b></a> has been a lot of fun. But if there was ever a demonstration of what a slow knitter I am, this was it. <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Sharon</b></span> messaged me that she was 29 rounds in before I had barely gotten started, and she received her yarn order after I did. Normally, there is no rush, it is not a race, I will take all the time I need, but when knitting with a partner, I want to keep up! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by <a href="http://shoofography.com/">shoofography.com</a></td></tr>
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I recently had to pull out our marriage certificate for an insurance policy validation--34 years of marriage, and oh boy, he gets to style and photograph my knitting, who would have known?! The photos of me are taken with the camera on Steve's new Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will definitely make <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/inclination">this cowl</a> again, it was a wonderful, easy one-skein pattern. I cast on 120 rather than the recommended 100 because I didn't want it to feel tight around my neck. Hindsight, I think the 100 would have been just fine, but I had plenty of yarn to squeak out 70 rounds, which was plentiful. I used <span style="background-color: white;">Clover bamboo circulars, size 8, 24”. Addis or HiyaHiya circulars would have been so much better/faster with this yarn, but I used what I had to get started.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">FROM </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/abbysitznmomanitz"><span style="color: #990000;">SHARON</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><i>Thoughts about my cowl.....it isn't blocked....motivated to finish with 14 inches of fresh snow at the end of March with 4 more the day before Easter...I love the reverse stocking with Malabrigo...and remember reading your email which forwarded the Yarnery ad while in line at our drive through coffee shop! Nice simple pattern that has you wanting to do one more row, after one more row.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">I think she chose the perfect colors for both of us. That is how </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sharon</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> and I first met on Ravelry. I admired the colors she had picked out for her </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/abbysitznmomanitz/stole" style="color: #222222;">Stole</a><span style="color: #222222;"> (also a project from The Yarnery), and she helped me choose the nine colors for </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/abbysitznmomanitz/stole" style="color: #222222;">mine</a><span style="color: #222222;">. I now ask her opinion for practically every project I even think about making!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">As you can tell from our photo backgrounds . . . </span><br />
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. . . I'm in North Carolina, where the grass is green and the trees are in bloom.<br />
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. . . <b><span style="color: #990000;">Sharon</span></b> (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">@abbysitznmomanitz) is in Nebraska, where there is still snow on the ground!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.yarnery.com/malabrigo-worsted/">Malabrigo Merino Worsted</a> in <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ka</span><span style="color: #76a5af;">l</span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">e</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">id</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">os</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1GDEQCzc3e6-lfNkEd9eLOsLPShGbkaXSzF-aWYp0rosELAkgLI8kyg3Iad6Ges-JaFJcPuEj45kiWN6Fzd9V4L8sFsaCUeufzfud0i6_hfToFzXLD-us__hA30yC0pHqK1sDc5esn0/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1GDEQCzc3e6-lfNkEd9eLOsLPShGbkaXSzF-aWYp0rosELAkgLI8kyg3Iad6Ges-JaFJcPuEj45kiWN6Fzd9V4L8sFsaCUeufzfud0i6_hfToFzXLD-us__hA30yC0pHqK1sDc5esn0/s320/image3.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.yarnery.com/malabrigo-worsted/">Malabrigo Merino Worsted</a> in <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mi</span><span style="color: orange;">lo</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">ng</span><span style="color: #783f04;">a</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Thank you to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/scott-rohr">Scott Rohr</a> (@rohrknits) at <a href="http://www.yarnery.com/">The Yarnery</a> for this fabulous pattern! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
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tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-90182612389377768502016-03-28T18:11:00.000-04:002016-03-28T18:11:15.175-04:00Spring Time Dessert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Strawberry </span><span style="color: cyan;">shortcake</span></b> <b><span style="color: orange;">screams</span></b> <b><span style="color: lime;">spring</span></b>! </span><br />
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For a quick treat on an average day, we pick up a <a href="http://saraleedesserts.com/products/pound-cakes/butter-pound-cake/">Sara Lee All Butter Pound Cake</a> with some Cool Whip and fresh strawberries. But when the occasion calls for an extra special variety, I make a buttermilk pound cake from scratch. This recipe was shared with me in Wyoming back in the 70's, but I know it has southern roots.<br />
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<b><u>Buttermilk Pound
Cake</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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1 cup butter, softened<o:p></o:p></div>
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4 eggs<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 cup buttermilk<o:p></o:p></div>
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½ tsp soda<o:p></o:p></div>
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3 cups all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></div>
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¼ tsp salt<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>With</b> a mixer, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a
time, beating well after each addition. Sift together dry ingredients. Add
alternately with buttermilk to the mixer, mixing well after each addition. Add
vanilla and mix well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Bake</b> in a buttered and floured tube pan (or bundt pan) at
350 degrees for one hour. Top will be
crusty when done. </div>
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<b>Cool</b> at least 10 minutes before removing from pan.</div>
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Top a slice of cake with fresh strawberries and whipped topping. I make my own by mixing with a whipping attachment a pint of heavy whipping cream with approx a ½ cup powdered sugar. That makes a nice bowl full. </div>
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Going to the extra effort of the homemade cake and whipped cream is a nice way to say <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I Love You</i></span></b> to the family you serve it to, don't you think?! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida handwriting'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span></div>
tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com2North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-11383891912368687632016-03-10T19:55:00.000-05:002016-03-21T06:50:42.902-04:00TemptationsHi there,<br />
What can I say, those emails get me every time. The ones with all the new sample projects, made in the most beautiful <b><span style="color: yellow;">c</span><span style="color: blue;">o</span><span style="color: magenta;">l</span><span style="color: blue;">o</span><span style="color: orange;">r</span><span style="color: red;">s</span></b> of high quality yarn! You know, the ones from <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/">Purl Soho</a> in <span style="color: red;">The Big Apple</span>, <a href="http://www.eatsleepknit.com/">Eat.Sleep.Knit.</a> in Smyrna, Georgia, and the <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/">Churchmouse Yarns & Teas</a> newsletter sent from Bainbridge Island, Washington. There are others: <a href="http://cowgirlyarn.com/">Cowgirl Yarn</a> in Laramie, Wyoming (which I would love to visit!), <a href="http://www.personalthreads.com/">Personal Threads Boutique</a> in Omaha, Nebraska, and especially my LYS, <a href="http://www.needlecraftcenter.com/">The Needlecraft Center</a> in Davidson, North Carolina.<br />
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<strike><span style="color: #666666;">Good</span></strike> <strike><span style="color: #999999;">great</span></strike> <b>BEST</b> pal <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/abbysitznmomanitz">Sharon</a> and I decided to assemble a two-person knit-a-long after seeing the beautiful <a href="http://shop.yarnery.com/malabrigo-worsted/">Malabrigo Merino Worsted</a> yarn featured in the recent email from <a href="http://www.yarnery.com/">The Yarnery</a> located in St. Paul, Minnesota.<br />
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Look at these <b><span style="color: #351c75;">c</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">o</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">l</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">o</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">r</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">s</span></b> and tell me you wouldn't be tempted! (There were 80 colors to chose from.)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjF6Tk3tIgzEWzbYwl9fS5CQtbql8NW4si7VCU5taTpXNVZvp7yr4K4Ib6_9I5a1nn5ES_sRHuOE5nKTEXRr5MNavV_tzPtV2s0X8iCcSgPEx0oZcigpz27qnGKvKuUsTgbtmUQKd3EE/s1600/colors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjF6Tk3tIgzEWzbYwl9fS5CQtbql8NW4si7VCU5taTpXNVZvp7yr4K4Ib6_9I5a1nn5ES_sRHuOE5nKTEXRr5MNavV_tzPtV2s0X8iCcSgPEx0oZcigpz27qnGKvKuUsTgbtmUQKd3EE/s640/colors.png" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.yarnery.com/"><i>The Yarnery</i></a> email, 3-3-16</td></tr>
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My first inclination would be the <span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Water Green</b></span>, however it was sold out. Left to my own devices, I next would have chosen <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Rattan</b></span>. But thank goodness Sharon got involved and chose <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ka</span><span style="color: #76a5af;">l</span></b><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">e</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">id</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">os</span></b> for me. It looks like a basketful of dyed Easter eggs.<br />
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She selected the gorgeous <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mi</span><span style="color: orange;">lo</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">ng</span><span style="color: #783f04;">a</span></b> for herself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCVYC3jIeaKWlJ7adfqOdtnZH83RaG3eraAclDqBkhRWWnbYMIgUOQ51HaKIMnr9H-nRh5BYaFuP-TNYuWt43TPD4BSF5LKgZ_rnw2CqIzEoQVryNgBmFCgZ7oI623lKDkKkSgiYENiU/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCVYC3jIeaKWlJ7adfqOdtnZH83RaG3eraAclDqBkhRWWnbYMIgUOQ51HaKIMnr9H-nRh5BYaFuP-TNYuWt43TPD4BSF5LKgZ_rnw2CqIzEoQVryNgBmFCgZ7oI623lKDkKkSgiYENiU/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The project is the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inclination-2">Inclination Cowl</a></span></i></b>, a one-skein accessory for spring, free with the yarn purchase. They threw in a couple of surprise yummy chocolate pieces!<br />
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Our goal is to <b><span style="color: purple;">stop,</span> <span style="color: magenta;">drop,</span> </b>and<b> <span style="color: #38761d;">knit,</span></b> leaving behind all other works in progress until we have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/inclination">completion</a>.<br />
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I'll keep you posted on that commitment, and perhaps I can persuade Sharon to allow me to share a photo of her wearing her finished KAL. We both may overshare our KAL progress on Instagram if you want to follow along: @tamknots and @abbysitznmomanitz.<br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">XOXO from North Carolina!</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-79735097053617405632016-02-28T18:43:00.002-05:002016-02-29T07:18:11.281-05:00A love letter to our family petsHi there,<br />
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We adopted our first family pet as soon as our kiddos were old enough to participate.</div>
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In Tennessee, first came <b>Domino</b> when Steph and Ben were around two and four. The mother cat was a stray who gave birth to a litter in the neighbor's garage, and they were eager to farm out the kittens. We chose <b>Domino</b>, you can tell how his name was picked.</div>
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Also in Tennessee, the sweet <b>Bagheera</b> girl came to us. I witnessed the jerk park in front of our house and throw her out of his truck. She was young, and we couldn't not feed her. Not too long after that, during a rainstorm, she gave birth to one stillborn kitten. I rushed her to the vet where she had to have an emergency c-section to deliver several others that didn't make it. She was too young and small to be having her first batch of kitchens. Throw in some shots and spading, and that vet bill was about $350 at a time when that was not in the budget. But she was well worth the investment. </div>
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Both cats moved with us to North Carolina. <b>Bagheera</b> became a neighborhood celebrity, sunbathing in the driveway where anyone walking by would stop and pet her. <b>Domino</b> and <b>Bagheera</b> loved each other and lived happy long lives.</div>
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Next we adopted <b>Mickey</b> from a farm.</div>
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<b>Mickey</b> was a <strike>terror</strike> terrier mix. I loved him dearly, but he was a handful. He didn't like other dogs or other people. He only liked me, and we were both un-trainable. After he passed, we took a break from animals. During the middle school years, we had a variety of other critters: lizards (<i>ewwww</i>), a hamster, and even Gilbert the turtle.</div>
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After Ben left for college, Steph was lonely and decided we had to have a new family pet while she was still in high school. So for her 17th birthday, we adopted <b>Sully</b>. She was a rescue and brought us the gifts of ring worm and ear mites. Again, she was worth the investment of vet bills and nursing.</div>
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Steph left for college, and <b>Sully</b> became mine. And she has been my <b><span style="color: red;">most favorite</span></b> of all, just the sweetest baby. I'm sorry to say that she became sick in January, losing a lot of weight. She spent the last two weeks of her life laying in front of the gas logs, which I had turned on for her any time that I was at home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSrPMxzdcd3Bq8Ohhw8VVU5ZFDGAWFM-PPv1M3Ro75y-1AQXmGN-aMe6ah9TREuv11f1JPSZRAb0mi_RVXsglTZLSswU0dRfwMzkbsvXvFyBei3TwjzKnohRjk4tsWGOt-UtoH1jo1uU/s1600/Sully4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSrPMxzdcd3Bq8Ohhw8VVU5ZFDGAWFM-PPv1M3Ro75y-1AQXmGN-aMe6ah9TREuv11f1JPSZRAb0mi_RVXsglTZLSswU0dRfwMzkbsvXvFyBei3TwjzKnohRjk4tsWGOt-UtoH1jo1uU/s320/Sully4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I miss her so much, and the house seems especially empty now. But I've declared <b>NO MORE PETS</b> until I retire!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LSmh0eDepY_0-pTD2xr5XdJLypSv18KKsQn9WznxF4oyyuJ6248wQ9aDo3Ld1zC7m7Wf3GpQMjXSn3U-rl_rVb1U0mfOQU1l5wuupQVIyml0qNpv6Cq4RpRlrHKVSOyBmMA3qhhcwk0/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LSmh0eDepY_0-pTD2xr5XdJLypSv18KKsQn9WznxF4oyyuJ6248wQ9aDo3Ld1zC7m7Wf3GpQMjXSn3U-rl_rVb1U0mfOQU1l5wuupQVIyml0qNpv6Cq4RpRlrHKVSOyBmMA3qhhcwk0/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are so lucky to have <b>Granddog Bear</b> visit whenever we wish! He's the best-est ever!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span></div>
tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com1North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-19462424953577068262016-02-22T17:15:00.000-05:002016-02-22T17:15:25.531-05:00Feeling blueHi there,<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">COUGH</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">COUGH</span> <span style="color: #073763;">cough</span> <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">cough</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">cough</span> <span style="color: blue;">Cough</span> <span style="color: #cfe2f3;">Cough</span> <span style="color: #073763;">COUGH</span></span></b><br />
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That's been me the past several days. Incessant cough, lack of sleep, and all around yuck-eee feeling. I haven't left the house since Friday night. But I have every intention tomorrow to head back to my life. There has been very little energy for knitting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAjvxc3sJKLjDek8_7mA3WbuCVgde9TIwE1a5Bwdbg1JNhWIJlGPZ9rIdEB67slo8RbbV6IOShemM53qLY125YOIobN6MdsmzsVQhXpMrS1ttvdlLQsQMKAi35LDIuBbiHBhPmb28z9I/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAjvxc3sJKLjDek8_7mA3WbuCVgde9TIwE1a5Bwdbg1JNhWIJlGPZ9rIdEB67slo8RbbV6IOShemM53qLY125YOIobN6MdsmzsVQhXpMrS1ttvdlLQsQMKAi35LDIuBbiHBhPmb28z9I/s400/Image-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One day last week I wore a splendid finished handknit to the office. That's my third <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/welted-cowl--infinity-loop-3">Churchmouse Welted Cowl</a> in Rowan Felted Tweed (165 Scree). I spent several minutes (okay about 15 min) before anyone else arrived taking photos of it. I didn't expect any non-knitter to mention it, but when I wore it to knitting group at lunch and no one noticed it, I was a bit bummed! But that's okay, because I know my online knitting friends will cheer!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">COUGH</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">COUGH</span> <span style="color: #073763;">cough</span> <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">cough</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">cough</span> <span style="color: blue;">Cough</span> <span style="color: #cfe2f3;">Cough</span> <span style="color: #073763;">COUGH</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #073763;">(it's getting better . . . )</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com4North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-42958726075135113772016-02-02T17:52:00.001-05:002016-02-02T17:52:40.357-05:00Romans 12:8Hi there,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTkWlkKi_PCQ4YevrBvjYPpGIrL5oxj1uqm5mV1pyJmC1d12L7f1WImGSSiiBgJshbGG7LdFcv57nM4oYKeblV4VhQNngKB1dzsoVVu3Fg7wIm7Gn43E3F96652vohgayY45jV-UTkBU/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTkWlkKi_PCQ4YevrBvjYPpGIrL5oxj1uqm5mV1pyJmC1d12L7f1WImGSSiiBgJshbGG7LdFcv57nM4oYKeblV4VhQNngKB1dzsoVVu3Fg7wIm7Gn43E3F96652vohgayY45jV-UTkBU/s400/sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This past Sunday morning while knitting in my pajamas and flipping through the channels, I happened to stop at Dr. Charles Stanley in the middle of his <a href="http://www.intouch.org/">InTouch</a> sermon. He sometimes has some interesting things to say, and his topic on that day was regarding how to be encouraging to others.<br />
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A long time ago, in our United Methodist adult Sunday School class in Tennessee, we took a test to find out what spiritual gifts we had<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">to be used for the benefit of others</span>.</span></span> I recall that I had one that came through loud and clear and much more prominent than any others: <b>I am an encourager.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaozCe8vjPkl20sU70ozKn4qtrBinlWtHniIMApa0XIdHNYxXVKSvEr13Uxm50mO2oqnx-ayAb1PLQ_8BK6Im7kuY4RGS6NtzSndQvcoumGbaRzqmQQsKcOwOTpD4W18ZQIGYyPl3b-c/s1600/encourage-synonyms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaozCe8vjPkl20sU70ozKn4qtrBinlWtHniIMApa0XIdHNYxXVKSvEr13Uxm50mO2oqnx-ayAb1PLQ_8BK6Im7kuY4RGS6NtzSndQvcoumGbaRzqmQQsKcOwOTpD4W18ZQIGYyPl3b-c/s320/encourage-synonyms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I liked the list of 25 <i><span style="color: magenta;">Ways to Show Encouragement</span></i> shared by Dr. Stanley:<br />
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<li>Call</li>
<li>Text</li>
<li>Write a letter (or an email)</li>
<li>Give a sincere compliment</li>
<li>Pray (what would you have me pray for you about?)</li>
<li>Fulfill a need in someone's life</li>
<li>Give them time</li>
<li>Point them to applicable Scripture</li>
<li>Tell them the truth</li>
<li>Be forgiving</li>
<li>Love (say I love you)</li>
<li>Be a good example</li>
<li>Give Godly correction</li>
<li>Listen to them</li>
<li>Give them your full attention</li>
<li>Be patient</li>
<li>Cry with them</li>
<li>Agree when it's appropriate</li>
<li>Give a meaningful gift</li>
<li>An affirming look</li>
<li>Pass on helpful information</li>
<li>Express loyalty</li>
<li>Love those whom they love</li>
<li>Assisting them in an area in which they feel inadequate</li>
<li>Smile! </li>
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Here's a <a href="http://www.intouch.org/watch/encouragement/encouraging-one-another-video">link</a> to the sermon if you are interested.<br />
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(I <b>accept</b> encouragement too, especially when it involves knitting!!!)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com3North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-86854517383568186182016-01-30T11:23:00.002-05:002016-01-30T11:23:48.053-05:00PJ timeHi there,<br />
It's Saturday morning (late), and I'm enjoying leisure time in my PJs. <i>Sigh!</i><br />
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We were able to catch up with David and Susan last night for dinner. Our temps have risen quite a bit since the ice storm, and I wanted to give the <a href="http://www.tamknots.com/2016/01/winter-storm-16.html">Purl Ridge Cowl #2</a> and matching fingerless gloves to Susan while we still have a month or so of winter left! She was a good sport to model them at the restaurant with me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDayof5u8JlQoNHwGuAFpK9QD4zBb06aJ20sSb_l7dh0FS4Eo_SNB_rESXwxe1MYyL0NXtlTXLfWJwUylGDKOK1_ileAbwftD8mPZdTF6Md7kLtYNbXYdcwSlyl-ETd1dAdRmtmwF4qIk/s1600/Tam+and+Susan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDayof5u8JlQoNHwGuAFpK9QD4zBb06aJ20sSb_l7dh0FS4Eo_SNB_rESXwxe1MYyL0NXtlTXLfWJwUylGDKOK1_ileAbwftD8mPZdTF6Md7kLtYNbXYdcwSlyl-ETd1dAdRmtmwF4qIk/s400/Tam+and+Susan.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Susan has an amazingly stocked pantry and freezer. One item she usually has on hand because she orders it by the dozen for gifts is this:<br />
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So I asked her to bring me a jar, thinking ahead to snacks for the Super Bowl. Perfect for a simple dip. You mix a half jar of the relish with one 8-oz cream cheese and serve with Fritos Scoops! That's it!<br />
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I'll be deciding about game snacks all week. Please share any favorites of yours in the comments! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">G<span style="color: cyan;">o</span> P<span style="color: cyan;">a</span>n<span style="color: cyan;">t</span>h<span style="color: cyan;">e</span>r<span style="color: cyan;">s</span>!<span style="color: cyan;">!</span>!</span><br />
<b>(<span style="color: #073763;">Peyton,</span> <span style="color: orange;">I love you,</span> have a great game!)</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy</b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com4North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548781328423199782.post-20402788178959968812016-01-23T17:44:00.000-05:002016-01-23T17:44:55.237-05:00Winter Storm '16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LP1FUoE7PTKSJGtO7nORq5RPJmpVlubS3cwwtQJaaW-UI7Soq1nOq5Du9HZndbU2P5HWLBpUNKtUcNeCwiV2Tkrz60gPP_ggpVH1TI1GB5oMbLiI6ZgttdE6vYQq_0NjH0xohd5_Hgs/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LP1FUoE7PTKSJGtO7nORq5RPJmpVlubS3cwwtQJaaW-UI7Soq1nOq5Du9HZndbU2P5HWLBpUNKtUcNeCwiV2Tkrz60gPP_ggpVH1TI1GB5oMbLiI6ZgttdE6vYQq_0NjH0xohd5_Hgs/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hi there,<br />
Here's a glimpse from our world. Snow overnight on top of the ice. It is so beautiful and crunchy.<br />
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It wouldn't be a good idea to be out on the local roads, yet we are not as affected as the northeast is today.<br />
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Steve gave me a <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/">Churchmouse Yarns</a> gift certificate for Christmas, which I had great pleasure in spending. My wonderful package arrived last week, and that is a gift unto itself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8WNMYY3FnH8glTl1GILZCHu_6mdFJyZXpJ7-ZAEMbPBSxhkBmWjbNo1XrY7TZsXIbANSr72q_5xhKzm5c4XIvRDBodaSikWeVr9Y39AcNsl-mRsg0oTkAlmfsgwiwVJtLKo8nD2xEV4/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8WNMYY3FnH8glTl1GILZCHu_6mdFJyZXpJ7-ZAEMbPBSxhkBmWjbNo1XrY7TZsXIbANSr72q_5xhKzm5c4XIvRDBodaSikWeVr9Y39AcNsl-mRsg0oTkAlmfsgwiwVJtLKo8nD2xEV4/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sully was excited too!</td></tr>
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That's two beautiful skeins of Isager yarn, <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/yarns-by-brand//products/isager-alpaca-1#top">Alpaca 1</a> in #61 plaster and <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/yarns-by-brand//products/isager-spinni-wool-1#top">Spinni</a> in #61 shell pink. I plan to double-strand these for a lovely cowl, but for now I'm going to enjoy just admiring the yarn on the skeins. Thanks to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/abbysitznmomanitz">Sharon</a> for her recommendation on this combo, I would not have come up with it on my own!<br />
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I started this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/purl-ridge-scarf-2">Purl Ridge Cowl</a> in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (periwinkle) last February and stuffed it away in a bag after a few rounds. After picking it back up a couple of weeks ago, I plowed through it and even got inspired to make a pair of matching fingerless gloves. I was inspired by this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/grettag47/purl-ridge-scarf-2">lovely set</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/grettag47">Gretta</a> in Australia. We were supposed to enjoy dinner out tonight with friends Susan and David at a restaurant in Denver. (Not <u>that</u> Denver, but Denver, NC -- did you know there is also a Dallas, NC?) I was going to give this set to Susan tonight as a surprise gift. She ordered a <span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span> bullet journal for herself, she has the <span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span> Inkjoy Stylus pen, and she always has a pretty manicure with beautiful rings, so I thought this set would be perfect for her. The bad roads have made us scrap our plans so <span style="color: #351c75;">Susan (!)</span>, if you happen to read this before I see you, <b><span style="color: #351c75;">SURPRISE! </span></b><br />
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Next I cast on a third <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tamknots/welted-cowl--infinity-loop-3">Churchmouse Welted Cowl</a> in <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/yarns-by-brand//products/rowan-felted-tweed#top">Rowan Felted Tweed</a> in color <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">165 Scree, described as barely blue stone grey. I should have enough yarn to make a matching pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/welted-fingerless-gloves">CM welted fingerless gloves</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Steve mentioned this morning that he would like a pair of handknit manly fingerless gloves, which would help him with his photography in the cold weather. Yaaaayy, I'm thrilled about this. If you have a favorite men's fingerless gloves pattern (very plain) and suggested yarn, please add to comments! </span></span><br />
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About this time tomorrow, we'll be settling in to cheer for our <b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">P</span><span style="font-size: large;">a</span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">n</span><span style="font-size: large;">t</span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">h</span><span style="font-size: large;">e</span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">r</span><span style="font-size: large;">s</span></b> as they beat Arizona to proceed to the <b>Super <span style="color: cyan;">Bowl</span>!!!!! </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tammy </b></span></span>tamknotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119631107652810665noreply@blogger.com7North Carolina, USA35.7595731 -79.01929969999997629.124975099999997 -89.346448199999969 42.394171099999994 -68.692151199999984