Second Chance

• It's been almost a month and I still haven't jotted down any New Year's resolutions. Sure, it's usually the same old thing every year - read more books, tidy up and organize, get more exercise (hate it), that kind of thing. But it becomes a plan of action . . . if you write it down.

• It's been almost a month and I'm still using my 2013 datebook because I haven't transferred the important ICE (in case of emergency) info to my new datebook. (And I'm still carrying a datebook because I haven't learned how to use my new lime green iPhone 5C.)

• It's been over a month and I still haven't sent out thank you notes for the wonderful, thoughtful (and yummy) gifts we received at Christmas.

• It's been over a month and I still haven't baked any yummy treats for our neighbors and friends. My fresh lemons are waiting patiently in the fridge to be turned into delicious lemon bars.

• It's been almost a month and my Cricket and Flip looms are still standing naked. The plan for 2014 was to have a warp on either loom (or both) at all times.

Which brings us to today- The Lunar New Year.

Happy Chinese New Year, 2014

I like the idea of starting with a clean slate, the potential of anything being possible. Today, being the Lunar New Year, anything is possible including completing my list.

As I said, anything is possible.

Kung Hee Fat Choy, 2014.

Oh, I Wish it Would Rain

Last weekend, we took the bikes out for a ride around Laguna Lake Park in SLO. The Man lifted both bikes over a fence allowing us to ride on the Open Space area. (A young female jogger said, "Wow" when she saw this feat of masculine strength. Yeehaw.)

The landscape was another shocking reminder of how drought-stricken SLO County has become. Presently this is our third year of little to no rain during our so-called "wet" season. Earlier this month the Governor declared California in a drought emergency.

Laguna Lake Open Space 1/19/14

Open Space in Greener Times     City of SLO photo

It was nice to see that Laguna Lake is still a viable destination for wintering and/or migratory birds. In the waning daylight we were lucky to see this large raft of American White Pelicans.

 

Our own Atascadero Lake has dried up and left most of the lake bed exposed. On our last visit we did see several different types of waterfowl: geese, ducks, grebes, and a few herons. Not sure how much longer they'll be there if the Lake continues to shrink. 

Atascadero Lake with exposed lake bed.

My daily mantra has become, "I wish it would rain".

Not Just For Kids

Just in time for Christmas, The Man found a gently-used bike for himself at Goodwill. At the same time, I found a small potholder loom. It was a good day for both of us. The new, unused Harrisville Designs metal potholder loom was priced at $1.50. I knew it was worth ten times that amount. I recognized Harrisville Designs as the family-owned New Hampshire company that makes textiles, yarns, and various weaving looms. This was no cheap-o imported plastic loom.

We all had one of these looms as a kid, I think mine was red. And I'm sure everyone probably remembers weaving on the little potholder loom with the day-glo acrylic loops. I guess no one thought about the dangers of acrylic during those days. Compared to natural fibers, acrylic- a petroleum-based fiber, is highly flammable, melts as it burns and is difficult to extinguish. Yikes!

Although my loom came with colorful cotton loops I wanted to use my own yarn. At first I thought I would need to tie loops together but then I found a YouTube video by Noreen Crone-Findlay, demonstrating a continuous warp and weave with yarn. Yay, for using the yarn stash!

I gave it a try and wove a few cotton yarn samples. Using variegated yarns makes it easy-peasy. Using two colors a little more challenging especially since I wanted the edging to be one color. I single-crocheted an edge on one but it's a little too granny for me. On another I made a fringe by hemstitching the edge which was time-consuming. The fringe looks good but defeats the purpose of a speedy quick project.

And though they're nice and heat-resistant (tried it on the hot and heavy cast iron skillet) they're a little small with a finished size of 6" x 6".  Hmmm, let's see, fairly quick and easy to make, useful, very attractive, washable, but a little small.  No problem:

Harrisville Designs Potholder Pro 10" x 10" Loom.

New Toys Fiber Tools

Both sizes work good together as a set. Hot Pots, we've got you covered.