The White Project...Continued

This is step TWO.  Step one was posted awhile back, the fiber spun was a BFL, silk, Angora, merino blend.  This is boring...no pattern, no color, just white...over and over and over.
When I get done with this scarf, I intend to dye it in multiple patterns and colors.
At that point the "White" project will be no longer.

See you then, Rich

Spun Dog Fiber

It's Finished!
If you read my earlier post "Dog Fiber Project), you saw that at that time I had just finished blending some dog fiber with some nice wool for stability, the blend was about 75% dog fiber.
This was not easy.  The staple length of the dog hair varied from 3/8" to 1-1/4".  Although the wool helped in maintaining a consistent spin and size, there were times when the fiber would fall apart on me and other times when it would draft out nicely.  The fiber felt as though it was ripping in my fingers while drafting, although I know it wasn't because the final product is very nice.

This was a commissioned project.  And as such I did my best to give my client (friend) what she wanted.  She wanted the yarn to be a little heavier than what it would normally spin as.  Small Slubs developed throughout the spin, these are a result of the very short dag fibers.  I let them take their course...I thought of them as little parts of the dog.


In the middle of this project I was asked by my spinning mentor if I would take on a project like this again...my answer was "most definitely".  It was a great study and exercise in being able to spin anything and provide a product that was asked for as opposed to just letting the fiber determine it's own size.

It's still a little wet so I haven't measured the w.p.i. yet, nor it's total yardage (besides this skein that filled my bobbin there is also a smaller skein).
By this time on Thursday it'll be counted, tagged, and on it's way up north.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

Rigid Heddle project

Back on September 3 I informed everyone of my most recent Rigid Heddle project.  This was a Men's neck warmer that was made from a single ply merino/silk blend.  Here are some photos.

This photo shows the overall.  Since it was done with a single ply, the variegated coloring stands out a little more and pools less than a plied yarn would.  This is a detail showing the ridges.

As I mentioned in the earlier post, I formed the ridges by using two of the warps instead one, I did this about every 1/2 inch as shown in the details.
Please note these photos were taken prior to finish/trim.
As a last technical note on this project...Yarn-80% Merino, 20% Silk, Single Ply, 22 WPI.
It was woven with about a 14 EPI and a set of 22.

Vaya Con Dios

Dog Fiber Project

I recently began a project to spin dog fiber for a friend of mine.  This is an excerpt from wikiHow---Many people have a potential "sheep" right in their house. In North America, indigenous tribes were spinning dog hair into yarn long before the Spaniards introduced sheep. Chiengora (pronounced she-an-gora), or dog yarn, is up to 80% warmer than wool, very soft, similar in appearance to Angora, and sheds water well.
The Dog fiber I am spinning has a shorter staple than is acceptable for spinning so I had to blend it with some other material.  I blended the red dog fur with a fine Merino with an approximate ratio of 75/25.

This maintained the color of the dog fur...The softness is divine! After sorting through the dog fur and blending appropriately I ended up with a total of 5.5 ounces, distributed in 4 batts.
I look forward to spinning this in the days to come and will post the final product when finished.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

Morning at NPR

This Morning I volunteered at KCLU, the local radio station for NPR. I was there for the pledge drive.
http://www.kclu.org/support/
I have volunteered at many different things in the past, mostly dog related.  This was different.

• The other volunteers were intelligent and well spoken :-)
• There were other fiber artists (knitters) there, they knitted between when the calls came in.
• I didn't have to stay really long, I was there early in the morning and worked only a few hours.
• I learned stuff I never knew, and talked to people on the phone.

I'm going back on Tuesday.  It should be more busy then, I'll bring my spinning and knitting, and hopefully take more calls (for the benefit of KCLU and my sanity).

I know few people care about all this.  But they were good people, trying to do a good thing, and I was a part of it, and had a good time.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

The Spice Trade

When I was young, grade school young, I remembered having to study the trading paths of the early ships across the ocean.  I remember the  teacher constantly talking about the "Spice Trade". It never occurred to me to ask "why spice ?" obviously it was a product that wasn't everywhere, but so were certain other products.

And then I SAW the Spice Department at the super market...I walked past this area a few times, but I have never stood there and looked at the cost of spice (even generic salt and pepper).  I know a few of  you are giggling because you've known this all along, but me being new to the ways of domestic life this was a shock, I actually didn't buy what I needed that day because of the price.
It was then obvious to me why so much spice (and tea) were traded.  The price of spice per volumetric minimal space was incredible.  As I sit here and think more about it.  I come to some other conclusions; Many things like cloth can be made in the geo-political location.  Spice requires little or no special equipment, unlike most foods that may rot over a period of time.  And then the traders started shipping people....

In Defense of the Kiwi

This post is not about the strange little animal that lives in New Zealand.  It IS about a wonderful little spinning wheel that is manufactured by the Ashford company
http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/spinning-wheels.html

The Kiwi is often described as a "student wheel".  I hate that expression.  It gives people the idea that this is "not a real wheel", and I have heard those exact words before.  Before I step higher on my soap box I will say that I have about 5 different wheels, and all for a different purpose, and yes most of the other wheels that are not Kiwis are more expensive and look that way.
BUT... they are all spinning wheels, nothing more.
The Kiwi does have some neat features.  You can get it with an oversize bobbin and flyer.
Because it's so simple the bobbin change-out is fast.  The construction makes it easy to pick-up.
I have had my Kiwi for years, and I can trust that it will always work and never give me any problems.
Don't DIS my Kiwi dude.

ManHatter on the Loose...again

I have been know to get a little carried away with color work...here are some examples-Just a little color with some impromptu clown faces...Can't have enough clown faces.  This is the top----for all of those knitters out there I used the decrease row for the color adder, I may do this more.

And....yes, I got carried away on this one...maybe I could market these to the skate board demographic?

some simple rules---

Everytime I change color I alternate colors

Never have more than four stitches of unused color (on the inside)

Never keep track of patterns

Nothing is sacred

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

If the Sheet Fits...

I have been more involved in the daily domestic side of keeping the house in running order for a little over two months now.  During that time I have learned many things that my wife has known for years, some I have learned on my own and other items she has helped me with...some I have even blogged about because I think this information is worth your time to read and my time to write.
BED SHEETS---
I'm not sure what style of King we have, but I do know that most of the bottom fitted sheets fit differently.  I have on occasion had to re-fit multiple times in order to get (what I think) is the best fit.

There must be some additional instructions I can find...THE TAG! Just like a shirt you wear, shouldn't the tag be in a consistent location?  If it is, I have to assume that the following conditions apply-
#1- The top sheet should be facing inward (so if you cover your head you see the ribbing).
#2- The manufacture is consistent with the top sheet and the fitted portion.
#3- The quality of the sheet is such that the manufacture reallllly cares about where the tag is.
Now...With these assumptions in place I will continue to make the bed and resume my other domestic duties.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

A Party to Dye for

This past weekend we had a Dye Party at our house.
The main purpose of this party was to Dye fiber, yarn, or any similar thing into a color that it wasn't.
We had three basic Dye stations set up for people to use, Crock-Pot, Immersion, and Space Dye.
The Crock pots were for those who wanted a somewhat variegated fiber, in a material that required heat (mostly wool).
The Immersion were big pots and a burner for those who were looking for one solid color and for materials that required heat.
The Space dye area was for people who wanted to be very creative with the location of the dye, it was also for materials that did not require heat (although some heat was good).
Most of the people that came had a better understanding of Dying than I did and I only provided a location and and set-up along with some materials if needed.
We all had a blast, and the results were wonderful.  As one lady put-it as someone else was leaving
"it looks like you have a Clown in a Blender".

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

The Rembrandt Beret

This is a knitted and felted project.
I wanted a beret that had that look of real big and sloppy, the kind that really requires a lot of nerve and attitude to wear.  A beret that could be worn in multiple ways, either off the back, or to the side.

I started with a very simple beret pattern, most of them are the same; head band, increase greatly, decrease gently.  I used a handspun merino, angora, and mohair blend (about 20 wpi) and knit on a #3 needle.  Since I was going to felt it, I increased the pattern by about 1.75.  As I was knitting, I figured I needed to know how long to make it, so it was then that I decided to knit and felt a swatch...I was surprised that the length shrunk more than the brim...OOPS....
Onward...After finishing the knitting portion, I felted, and felted, and felted, and could not get the brim anywhere near my head size.
So my wife had an idea and this is how I executed it. I took a scissor and cut a 2-1/2" length up the brim in 8 equally spaced areas around the perimeter.  Then I overlapped these areas by about 5/8" of an inch and needle felted them together. Boy, is my wife smart, after this it went back into the washer.  Needless to say, it looks planned, so planned that I might do it again on purpose.  The cuts into the brim caused an extreme decrease going into the wide part of the beret.
Lesson Learned----ALWAYS knit a swatch and FINISH as you intend to.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

What's on the Rigid Heddle

I am currently doing some experiments with texture and ply on my Rigid Heddle.  I am working with some hand-spun of mine that is 80% wool / 20% silk (the color way is from
Red Fish Dye Works http://redfishdyeworks.com/ .
This is a single ply that is 22 wpi.  Yes, I used this in the warp, and Yes I have broken one warp so far.  I have also incorporated into the simple design a double warp thread every 1/2" with a triple warp thread on both sides of center.  You can see the textured ribs in the photo above.
Critique so far;
I don't have enough yarn left to finish a full size scarf, although it should be enough for a gentlemen's neck wrap.
The ribbing texture is a nice feature, I will do this again, with a little more gusto.
The single ply accentuates the design and color way, if I would have used a 2 ply for the warp, it would have kept me out of trouble, with all the breaking of the warp threads.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

Storage of Finished Yarn

Just a little demo of what I do with my finished Yarn.
My drawers are full and I don't knit or weave to keep up with my spinning.  As we all know a weaver can weave in one hour what it takes all day for the spinner to accomplish.
So I took the spare warping board and hung it in my office.  If you look closely you will see that I have little sacks of lilac hanging there also to keep the critters away.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

What's Going on the Wheel - Spinning

My wife came up with this cleaver idea that we should both spin and knit the same shawl pattern.  Sorta of a study group, but without the study.  My wife can knit me into a corner, and then some.  I on the other hand...can spin pretty neatly (we'll leave it like that).  So, she will assist me in the knitting, and I will assist her in the spinning, although she could handle that on here own.
We both got our fiber from Susie.  She's the local trainer, trader, and everything spun.

My fiber is a blend of;
30% Merino
22% Camel
16% Yak
4% Buffalo
28% Silk

Hopefully the photo will do the color some justice, I couldn't even describe the color if asked, other than brown with a greenish tint, and that sounds just plain ugly.  So in-vision something beautiful, with the photo in mind, and we'll all be good.

I will be pulling out the "Big Gun"---Matchless Wheel for this spinning project.  Although this will contain my spinning at home, it will be a more consistent spin...because I won't be talking to people at demos, or the Thursday night spin group, all my focus will be on the task at hand.  This weekend, my wife will help me decide the weight of yarn and ply, and then the both of us will spin our samples.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

Hunting and Gathering - "How we Shop"

Anybody that knows me will tell you that I'm not extremely health conscience, and  I eat because I like food!  Over the past 6+ weeks I have been doing numerous chores around the house one of them being shopping and cooking every night.  Yesterday when I went to the grocery

store I forgot my list, and low and behold it occurred to me that there are only two things to buy--
Meat (hunting)
Produce (gathering).
OK...maybe there are more items we need, I love Chips, ice cream, bagels, but when I look at how the stores are even laid out, Meat is on one end of the store and Produce is on the other end, with a careful trail leading through the Valley of Death, namely supplemental food, seasonings, and junk...full isles of just soft drinks...
I will be re-doing my shopping list template (Yes I have a shopping list template) to highlight Meat and Produce.  The ancillary items such as milk, butter, cottage cheese, and specific recipe items will only be noted as needed, I could also break this down into a food list and a "whatever" list.  This should help in setting a balanced diet that is both budget and health wise.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

The "White Album" - Spinning

I finished the white yarn yesterday for all of those who are following this project.  These are some pictures of it drying.  I have to be honest and say, this is not my best work.  The consistency of the twist, along with the singles is somewhat disappointing.  Even though it is not full dry, I did expect to see some blossoming this morning.

Later this afternoon and tomorrow I will count length, wraps, and label.  I will be sure that the labeling indicates that ply one is 50/50, and that ply two is 75/25.
Dependent on it's "halo" I may use it solely for knitting.
I believe if I would have followed the post earlier today I would have have been much happier with this product.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

Spinning Swatches (sample)

Let's all admit it...we don't do it, or at least I don't...(DO WHAT!) a spinning sample.
Considering the years I have spun, I should know better, but nooooooo I find a fiber in my stash, sorta think about what it's going to be used for (sorta) and away I go.  I never plan twist or WPI until after I've started, I let the fiber dictate to me what it's going to be....well buster, there's a new spinner in town, and things are going to change.

From now on....

1. Decide up front usage of yarn
2. Know what WPI and action I want
3. Spin a sample single
4. Ply a sample final (saving a single to use for later comparison)
5. Finish the final yarn (saving a sample to use for later comparison)

This won't be easy, I'll call my sponsor for support, and spin on a day to day basis.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

It's Plying Time Again - Spinning

In earlier posts I have talked about this project.  This is my "White Album",  I have one bobbin of a BFL/Silk blend (50/50) and another of Angora/Merino blend (75/25).

These are the mistakes I made;
I did not spin AND ply a full sample prior to beginning (this will be a full other post).
I did not compare the thickness of the single on the bobbin...YES, that is really stupid.

The top bobbin is the BFL/Silk.  I spun more of this because I have more than the Angora, and the remaining singles can be put into the fiber bag and be saved as an example for it's next project.
All of my thickness checks were done up-stream of the orifice (not at the bobbin).  As a result I noticed (just now) that the BFL/Silk blossomed on the bobbin where as the Angora did not.  I may be making to much of a big deal of this, but I consider myself a little better spinner than to miss this detail.

How  I PLY!---When I first started spinning, I always checked my twist up-stream of the orifice, this is bad.  As a result, all of my finished yarn was under-spun resulting in a technically unstable material, not suitable for long time wear.  Currently I check at the bobbin, look for a little over twist, and apply that to the singles in my fingers.  I also like to get as far back from the orifice as possible to even the twist as it  approaches the orifice.  I consider the yarn well plied if after taking it off the Niddy Noddy it rotates one full turn hanging from my hand (unfinished).

I'll keep you updated on the final product and share some close-ups.

Vaya Con Dios

Agility Class with Wine

Today is my first Agility Instruction Class.  I will be teaching.
The format will be an inexpensive private instruction for the handler that is just starting out, this may include dogs that have not completed any obedience work (in some ways this may be beneficial).  This is only a 6 week format with classes twice a week.
This Agility Class will cover all the basics of maneuvering your dog through the jumps and put you in a position to join a more advanced class later that someone else may teach.

Wine or beer will be served at all classes.  The wine and beer is for the handler, not the dog.  Only positive reinforcement will be used, this class is designed for the human/dog team to have fun in learning the basics of handling that is required on an Agility course.
I hope to see you all there!
Vaya Con Dios, Rich

My Arsenal !--Spinning

We all know that I Spin and I thought it would be a good time to share my Arsenal and defend my reasons for this obsession--
These are the first three wheels that I came across when I entered the studio.
The Ashford Kiwi http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/spinning-wheels.html on the far left (next to Silver Whippet) was my first wheel.  It is currently fitted with the Jumbo Bobbin and Flyer.  I use it primarily for Plying.  A lot of people refer to this wheel as a "Student Wheel".  This is the subject of another post, but this wheel  should not be considered a toy.
The Schacht Matchless http://www.schachtspindle.com/ is in the center.  My wheel was manufactured in 1995 and is my favorite machine, operates like a workhorse.  I always run it in double drive.  The wheel is heavy and acts more like a flywheel than a drive wheel for the flyer.  Since I bought it second hand it came to me as a single treadle, over the years I have come to prefer single treadles since I sit a little off angle to the draw, and get as much distance between my draft and the orifice.  And speaking of orifice, the only negative on this machine is that it has the smallest orifice opening of all my wheels.  I have upgraded the tension rod to the newest available and will make additional modifications as they are made available by Schacht.
The Ashford Joy on the the far right.  I bought this machine strictly for travel and demos.  It folds up (quickly), and is small and lightweight.  I will agree with some people that it may be considered too small. Like my instructor once told me, if she could have only one wheel it would be a "Matchless".
I also have a Great Wheel that is in running order, and an Indian book charka.  both of which operate fine, but are more conversation starters than production machines.

 In addition to the wheels, I'll always carry a few spindles.  These are used when I'm finishing up a skein and may need to pick up a few yards, along with demonstration purposes.  I'll carry a bottom and a top whorl spindle just to assist in explanation to people the difference in spinning equipment within different geo-cultures, and the CD spindle so the novice can have a Whorl of it too.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

What will happen if you watch it?

http://america.aljazeera.com/
Now that should be enough to arouse !
I heard today on NPR that they (aljazeera) are not expecting to profit from this adventure...That's scary. What other reason to invest millions of dollars other than to profit (financially).
I stay away from Hot Buttons and Political Topics because I think we all get a little tired of them.
BUT...I could ramble on about this for hours, and on both sides. Ten years ago the term "America Aljazeera" would be considered an oxymoron, but today there seems to be just enough tolerance to let them in the living room. But then where will they go.

Where did I run today today ?

Yes I run.  This graph is from today's run in Arroyo Verde Canyon. These trails are used by the Ventura Cross Country team. You can see on the graph my pace along with the elevation gain and loss. They (of course) align. Elevation gain...I run slower. Down hill or flat...I run faster.
BUT now how did I get this information? We all know and at times are afraid to admit it, but we have tracking software in our pockets (running shorts). So hats off to the nerds! down with conspiracy theory.  Let's take advantage of of those little cigarette size boxes (what's a cigarette?).  

Where Were You ?

While running today I thought about some critical times/people in our history.  Not meaning to age you...but...and if you don't know these, UG.
Where were you-
And who were you kissing when the first Man landed on the Moon?
When Buddy Holly's plane crashed?
During the seven day war?
When JFK was shot?
During the Chicago Republican Convention that included the "Chicago Seven"?
and for bonus points identify---Angela Davis and Jerry Reuben
Where were you-
During the Bay of Pigs?
When the American Embassy in Vietnam was evacuated?
When the 911 attack occurred on America?
When Oklahoma was bombed by an American?
When Anwar Sadat was assassinated?
And Who or What---- 
Noriega ?
Ho Chi Min Trail ?
Sally Ride ?
Jim Henson ?
And last but not least.....
Who was the first female singer for Jefferson Airplane (before Grace)?

Vaya Con Dios----Rich

To Re-Purpose

One of the newer words in the environmental protection campaign is "re-purpose".  The meaning is obvious and the phrasing correct..."to take what has been, and make it something else" sw.  As a viable future employee at some lucky company I am seeking to "re-purpose" numerous skills into a package that is good for the employer/employee.
But what should I add to the tool box (if anything)?  I know what I can and can't do, but should I add something I can't do?  i.e. learn some more difficult programs to engineer with, or learn a second language?
Today I will be stepping out a little into territories that will fill my tool box with more than is in it now.  And even if those tools are never used, the process will keep my mind sharp and prepared for the future!

What's On the Spinning Wheel

Last Week I had made a commitment to spin some soft white fiber and Here it Is!  This is an Angora Blend, meaning it has just enough Merino to hold it together and give it stability (please note the puff in the wind).  This is the softest fiber I have ever spun.  It takes-up surprisingly fast, so it's taking me a little longer than normal.  Because it doesn't have much wool in it, I need to be sure that the fiber is wrapped enough to be stable without being thick and ropy.
Initially I was going to ply it to itself, but I want enough end product to make a nice large Shawl.  I've decided to use the BFL/Silk blend as the other half of the plied yarn...not something I do on a regular basis (mixing blends) but I believe this is the best choice for these fibers.  This will give the yarn strength, sheen, allow for a heavier drape when worn, but still maintain the softness.
I have over a pound of the BFL/Silk blend so I will be in a good position to not loose any of the angora in waste.  It should be noted that the Angora Blend is like having a very soft animal (rabbit) just washed, sitting on my lap shedding away.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich

A Revelation !

The Book of Revelations--
I'll be honest, this book of the Bible has never been my favorite.
I of course have read it multiple times (because it says I'll be blessed if I do) but I really don't understand it...
I'm about half way through this time and I've come to the realization that it's confusing because it's a dream.
A lot of theologians like to try and interpret multiple parts of John's dream, and these interpretations can lead to divisions within a church, or at the least a lot of discussion that may lead to arguments that aren't productive.  
I believe that if I read it with an open mind and not worry about the strange content I may get more from it, or to put it another way, IF I read it like a dream, and only apply the areas that are obvious (to me at the time of reading) it will be the best for me and I will gain the most from this book.
I had to go through a similar understanding with the The Book of Psalms.  Once I approached it like one who was looking over the shoulder of the Psalmist it was so much clearer, and I could relate to the Psalmist on his praise or angry based on what God was doing in his life at any given time.   
All of the Bible is Spirit filled.  The books of the Bible were written at different times by many different people. I find that I always need to do some background work on the history of these books prior to and/or during the reading to help me understand what is going on historically during the times these books were written.

Vaya Con Dios---Rich

In-Laws

I just finished this Beret, and I need to finalize the size, but I'm not sure how to do that.
Someone needs to take a circumference measurement of their head and send it to me, because if they don't, I'm going to have myself a new Beret !!

A Day Off

I'm taking the day off.  It's been 5 days that I have slaved over the cooking, cleaning, shopping, running, playing with the dogs and other items that I do because I'm currently on "sabbatical", so I thought I needed a day off to rest my feet and cool the jets.  I've started by picking some of our tomatoes we've been growing.  The wifey has been laboring over the fact that I have not been tieing them up properly...but Heh! I'm busy.

We also planted the cotton we have had in pots for awhile, and hopefully it will stay alive, grow and we can get enough cotton in order to use for spinning.

And Speaking of Spinning!!!
This Thursday I started on the White stuff I have been talking about.  I did go back and forth a lot on choosing between the Merino/Silk blend, or the BFL/Angora.  The Angora blend is about 75% angora, and it's a blend that I have not spun yet.  OH Yeah, I chose the The angora blend.  It spins fast and I need to focus more so I don't over spin it.  It's wonderful.......And I look forward to the finished product.  I'm thinking at this time that I may ply it with the Silk blend...but more on that later.

Tomorrow we, wifey and I, will be donating platelets down at the local blood bank so I may not be on my best game.
If you currently don't donate please do, contact--unitedbloodservices.org

Vaya Con Dios...Rich

Results of Augratin and Bacon Dinner

I'll make this  quick... It was delicious.
The sauce was;
sauteed  onions, peppers, and garlic
I added one big can of creamy mushroom soup
1-1/2 packages of shredded cheese (I didn't have a full two)
2 dollops mayonnaise (with olive oil--you buy it that way)
1 stick of real butter.
I layered it three times--potatoes (about 5 before slicing), sauce,  fried bacon (not to crisp).
And put some strips on top for looks.
Baked at 350 for 35 minutes and then another 25 minutes at 425.
Men---don't forget to grease the 9 x 13 glass dish, or let it sit when finished.
The smell is outrageous!!!!!

A Place for Plants

The Plumerias needed a resting spot and over the last few days I have finished up two tier sections for them to sit.

I made them from standard framing 2 x 4 that were straighter than the norm.  I didn't use screws or bolts so in time as they dry they will pull apart a little.  The design is such that 8" long wood screws could be added and that will hold them for ever.  I should add that the design fully utilized (8) sticks of 8 foot long material.
I burnt the wood with a torch to add some finish to them.  I also added two coats of a clear decking finish.  It did color them up a little, but they aren't shiny.  All in all I think they came out real nice.
Later this week the Wify will go ahead and adjust the location along with putting on the plants.

? ? What to Spin Next ? ?

I currently have nothing on the spinning wheel.  I finished the Silk/Merino fiber that I did for demo at the county fair, and now I'm contemplating my next fiber project.
My office looks like an explosion of fiber...everywhere I look there is some fiber that has been pulled out and judged to spin next for my enjoyment and next project.  I have been focused on a lot of silk blends recently from Red Fish Dye Works redfishdyeworks.com 
I even have some plain white of the 50/50 blend to use for a scarf similar to the one shown on this page.  But I need some change, yet a purpose for the yarn that I will be spinning (sorta like my life).  My Wife, Ginny, has a shawl that could use some plain white angora mix, I have the fiber, so if I was a good husband I would go and prepare this for her.  It just seems really weird to clean, cook, AND spin for the wify, so I might not just on principle's sake.  But I think it will be white and will give a good hand when woven properly.
Most of my done yarn is colored, and I have a ton of un-spun fiber that is white.  SO!  White it is, now I can choose, pack up the stash, and put this stressful decision behind me.
Vaya Con Dios---Rich

Dinner Time along with announcements

So here it is at the end of the day again...sorta my favorite time.

The time that I have been planning all day.  Dinner Time.

I like Au-Gratin potatoes.

I like Bacon.

I like Cream of Mushroom Soup.

I have never done this before, but I'm going to mix the soup with the cheese, add some onion and pepper...scratch the pepper.  Spread it around the potatoes, add the bacon strips on top....

Think of Lasagna with Potatoes and Bacon...

I'll be sure to let everyone know if this works and if it's good enough to eat.  Time to start!!
Announcement---
Now everyone should know that I've started running in my off time again, I haven't posted anything because my times and dogs have been a little slow, but starting later in the week I'll keep you all posted on a separate feed how I'm doing.

Vaya Con Dios ------ Rich

Back on LINE and After the Fair

Thank Goodness the folks at A+ Computer (located in Oxnard on Rose) did a most excellent job cleaning my computer and re-loading all that tech stuff so I can return to all my readers out there.
The Fair is now over.  And although I've already spewed multiple posts about my entries here's one last entry for all of those I said good-by to on Saturday.
There were three of the nicest kids I ever met that spent time with me.  I taught them to operate a drop spindle, and they taught me a little about what happens when you show animals at the fair.  They also sold me some jam they made and soap that their grandmother made.  I will think about them and be happy that there are still kids like this in the world.  No slang, hoodies, no games that distracted...they were like little adults without the stress. 
I also meant some other nice folk that were walking by the Guild booth, and I wanted to make sure that they knew I remembered them.  A lot of thingys happen at the fair, and I hope that our exhibit and demo has inspired you, I have added our link as a reminder venturaweavespin.com
Thanks Again for the Encouragement....
Don't forget that everyone needs a "Paul", "Barnabas", and a "Timothy".

Ventura County Fair

The Ventura County Fair has been in progress for about 1 week.  I LOVE THE FAIR.  The Ventura fair is still a place where people bring Animals, Vegetables and Home Arts that they have worked on to be judged and considered the best in the area.  Me, I bring the home arts.
Besides the fair entries shown below I also demonstrate.
Because of my extra time, this year I spent two days in the Guild booth (Hand-weavers and Spinners Guild) and one day demonstrating knitting in the home arts building.
I also was able to spend time with the "Sheep to Shawl" demo.
This is where you start with a Sheep, and turn it into a shawl in one day.  We actually start with the fleece from the sheep and then we Spin it, Ply it, and Weave the shawl.
I'm thinking how weird this must sound to anyone not familiar with where cloth comes from....

Brags-----
This year I entered 5 items;
Hand-spun hand-knit, hat - second place
Hand-spun hand-woven, scarf - first place (see the scarf on this page)
Hand-spun banana fiver-first place, and two additional skeins (wool) - third place
AND
I took first in the spinning competition along with high in trial.

Everything is Colored

It's been almost a month, and the initial joy has left... a little.  I continually try and compare my life today to what it was, and the stress of the job to the stress of no pay check.  I still think I'm in a better place, I just need to convince myself more.
Today I applied for nearly every job on the CalJob board :-) that includes, a Park Aide (administration at a state park facility), a tutor for K through 12th, a customer service rep, and some other funny ones that I just couldn't resist signing up for.  Also on this front I edited my resume to more of a service position.
I ran this morning and did the 4 mile loop in my best time ever.  I'm still not running at the pace I would like, but...I have no pace to go but faster (get it? that was funny)
On the housekeeping front; we're having vegetable soup this evening with beans and lentils, the bed is made, and the laundry is almost finished.
Everything is Colored--- My Laundry sorting is getting much better! originally I wanted to put most everything in the Colored bin, but she showed me how there are many dark (DARK) Colors that would mess up the kit and ka boodle.  The expression she used was (you got it) "Everything is Colored".  This has been a lifesaver to my laundry exploits, and speaking of exploits---I now have taken it upon myself to file her clothing after it's folded,  all you mothers please don't pooh-pooh me and laugh.
And did you hear about the fair?

The Unemployed---ME!

So, here I am again.  Typing away knowing that nobody's listening, but...after reading some of my posts from 2008 I think that this is all good and humbling.
It all started on July 12, 2013...NOT!  It all started when I was getting myself so wrapped into work that I forgot the importance of what's important.  AS A RESULT...my self inflected work load drove me closer and closer into the ground, and wanting to do things that I wouldn't have done in 2008.  AND, my work performance decreased as a result ending in a leave of absence (sabbatical) for 6 weeks starting on July 12th.

So, here I am again.  But for a different reason this time.  Through out the past couple of weeks, I have learned a lot about being unemployed with a female working spouse.

Please note I am over 60 and ready for retirement, but none of us want to be told that is the case.

Sorting Laundry--
There are three categories; white, colored, and dark.  After much coaching I came to the realization that "all things are colored, some are less colored" and the less colored items are really the "colored" items while the darker colored items are considered dark.  As an example, a red shirt is dark, not colored.

Although I have learned more important items such as navigating the social service offices, applying on line I think the home survival skills are what are most important.

Vaya Con Dios, Rich