1870 pearl

Constitutional

The place we moved to has a huge marsh area in the complex, which is teeming with wildlife.

 

Every morning I take a daily constitutional around the neighborhood and I have learned to take my camera with me because I never know what I'm going to see.

Just the other day, I heard a rustling in the bushes and out popped out an Armadillo much to my surprise! He regarded me cautiously for a moment and then scurried safely across the street into the marsh. I did not have my camera! Waaaaaa!

Right behind our building lives a brown bunny family. Sometimes I can catch a quick glimpse of one or two, before they dash back to the bushes.

I am just so happy and thankful to live in such a glorious place. But you knew that:D 

Did you by any chance click on those pretty red words scattered thorought the post? If you didn't, go ahead. I'll wait. Trek was kind enough to share her little bloggie trick with me.

PS. It's good to be back and knitting content will be appear in the next post.

Coming Together

After 2 days of whirlwind shopping, and touring countless furniture stores TBC and I settled on the furniture for our new home. It was exhausting but worth all the running around. I choose a neutral cappuccino color for the living room suite which permits a wide variety of changes to my accent colors, which are undetermined as of this time.

We even found a recliner for TBC that matches the suite and looks very similar to my knitting chair.

I also purchased the ottoman and it's almost like a chaise lounge. I see many happy hours of knitting, reading and relaxing happening here.

 

We also selected a sleeper sofa for visiting family. The timing is perfect because TBC's youngest brother and his wife are arriving on Thanksgiving day to celebrate with us!

Of course one must have tables and I was drawn to the graceful oval shape and the rich wood tones of this set. I think it compliments the furniture rather well.

And last is the kitchen table that has a bit of extra storage at the bottom! Thankfully it has a leaf and seats 6 people comfortably.

The lamps, accent pillows and area rugs have yet to be purchased but I have no doubt that I will find them in the next 2 days.

* * * * * *

I did manage to finish 1 sock and have started it's mate on Monday evening. Would anyone care to test knit it for me? I would like it done rather quickly so if you can whip out a sock in a flash, do drop me an email at a1870 at yahoo dot com, subject line: Test Knitter.

 

 

Good Things

TBC and I decided to move out of our parents home so this weekend was rather busy preparing for our 3rd move in 3 months. Consequently my knitting and pattern writing duties have been placed on hold. However, I have many good things to share.

* Friday morning we are taking up residence in a very posh apartment complex that is conveniently located right next to RB's school. This will save me 65 miles and $40.00 of gas transporting our son to his educational facility each and every week! 

* I'm franticly shopping for new living room and dining room furniture! The old stuff was left in Payson when we moved.  After 16 years of use we felt it was time for a change.

* We are pleased to report that RB did well on his mid term exams. Chinese - B, Honors Math - B, Critical Thinking - B and an A in Physical Education. He is settling in nicely with his new school and has found a great bunch of kids to pal around with.

* RB finds it rather amusing that he is taller than his mother. I am not amused, but I'm learning to deal with it.

* My so called Shrug has experienced gauge issues and sits in a red puddle awaiting its 3rd trip to the frog pond. Fortunately, Mom purchased a pretty red wrap for me at Stein Mart so I can wait on knitting that silly thing.

* Lime & Violet will feature my silly Tuscany sock pattern in the Daily Chum later this week!"

* TBC has landed a temporary job working for the city. They are so pleased with his work that they want to hire him as permanent employee!

* I have made two good friends here and both of them knit.

* The birds still make me laugh.

Guess What?

My house is full of visiting relatives again.  You just can't keep them away from the beach. I have no time to post any of my newest acquisitions so I shall entertain you with a few pictures of the natives around here.

Mr. Skink, who is very clever and hiding in the bush.

Look very closely and you will see the elusive Ghost Crab. I almost stepped on him before I spotted him out of the corner of my eye. 

And last but not least, the worlds smallest Gecko!

 

Have a good weekend and enjoy the rainbows when they appear.

Ciao!

Wildlife

At least once a week I find myself down at the beach to enjoy the sun. Often I bring my beach chair down to the oceans edge and let the surf tickle my feet while I read a book. At times my little friends the Sand Pipers make their appearance to feast on the tiny invertebrates in the sand. They make me laugh as they dart back and forth to escape the incoming surf.

Last week hundreds of Sea Hares were tossed up on the beach. Why? I do not know. But they fascinated us, especially our son. Soon he caught a few of them and placed them in a bucket to observe them more closely. They swim so gracefully in the water and they squirt ink when frightened. RB pleaded desperately that they should come and live with us but his request was firmly denied. I might add that this was very hard to do when we looked at his tan face with big sad chocolaty brown eyes staring back at us. However, we "The Parents" prevailed and he later returned them to the sea.

I am so enamored with our new life that I can hardly remember living in the isolated, bone dry Arizona mountains.

Tell me, are you growing weary of  seeing my back yard regular basis?

 

It Suits Me

On Saturday morning I awoke and thought to myself, today is the day. Today I am determined to find a bathing suit that fits me, one that I really like - no settling for second best, is pretty, modest, flatters my curvy shape and is priced just right, no more than $50.00, give or take a wee bit. With that in mind I sent up one of my many, daily "flash" prayers. (Which is a pithy request of divine assistance, protection or petition.) Please Dear Jesus, help me find the right bathing suit today. Thank you.

As I left the condo later that morning TBC suggested that I visit the shop across the street. I quickly dismissed that idea because the average price of their suits are about $100.00. To rich for my blood if you ask me.

Off I went and three hours later I had nothing to show for my effort, with the exception of a depleted tank of gas.

Upon arriving home I felt discouraged and my hope was dwindling, though I was still determined and would leave no stone unturned.

I reluctantly walked to the store that TBC recommended. Hanging on the door of the shop was a sign that stated "Buy 1 suit and get 1 free". That sounded promising and my spirit lifted a bit as I walked through the door. Straight away I found the suit I'd been looking for. I tried it on and the fit was perfect! It met my criteria with one huge exception. The price was outrageous - $98.00! Ouch! However, in that moment I decided to buy it, even though it was insanely expensive. After all I was going to wear it a lot so the "Cost Per Wear" would still be reasonable. And I was not going to compromise on the style and fit requirements so I accepted the price as is.

Then I proceeded to scour the racks for the free suit to no avail. Nothing else was right and I was very disappointed that I would not get a free one considering the store prices. With that point accepted, I brought my beautiful new suit to the register and the store manager said to me, "Since you couldn't find another one I'll give you this one for 60% off, if you promise not to tell the locals." To which I replied with a bright and happy smile on my face, "Really?! Thank you very much. You have my word. Ring me up please!

God is good my friends. He provided down to the last detail and I got exactly I wanted yesterday. Oh, He is exceedingly good in every way.

My only regret was not heeding my husband's advice sooner. I would have saved a lot of time and fuel.

P.S. TBC is delighted with my choice and we spent the remainder of the day on the beach, which was a great opportunity to try out my new suit. It is perfect in every way. I felt pretty, comfortable and confidant all day long.

P.P.S. Real knitting in the next post. I just had to share my wonderful blessing.

Walk With Me

There you are! Are you ready to walk with me this morning? Did you remember to bring your bottle of water, suntan lotion and a hat? Good, let's go.

What a beautiful day for a walk. Take a deep breath of the salty sea air. Mmmmmm. So very good for the soul.

Let's walk south towards the public beach. It's only a half a mile. On our way we shall pass by the 26 million dollar home that has been 6 years in the making and it's still not even close to human habitation. Maybe 2 years from now if they are lucky. And no, I am not exaggerating one little bit. Incredible isn't it?

It seems as some fine feathered friends are watching us today as we enjoy our ocean side stroll.

Occasionally the sea brings forth treasures from afar. Maybe it's a broken bit from a pier. Look it even has tiny mussels attached to it.

Hey, what's that circling above our heads?  A mighty Sea Hawk seeking a mid-morning snack!   

 

Can you believe it? We're already back at the condo. Aren't you invigorated from our walk. I am. Oh my, would you look at that.

Really, Mrs. & Mr. Crab you might want to find a more private place to propagate your species;0) 

I'm so glad that you came with me today. Let's do it again soon because you never know what we are going to see. Perhaps one day if we are lucky, we shall see Mr. Black Snake, who lives in the bushes near the condo.

Did I distract you from the lack of knitting today? I promise knitting is happening but I just had to share this with you. Surely you can understand that:D