As the title says, this is predominantly an unabashed recommendation. That gets this praise? Well if you like classical music - wfmt (www.wfmt.com) from which I enjoy live music direct from Chicago. It always tickles me to hear the time -always at odds with Finland- and weather -frequently at odds with Finland. I think the ads are... well I am digressing so I will be silent.
Of course I do not love everything I hear, but I am amazed at how much I do enjoy. Some of it I am even rediscovering. Things that I had loved as a kid I am actually learning the names of and who composed them... though I have to say that my filing system is as dreadful as my memory, I cannot find my list of names! I did find one: Khachaturian'sGayna Ballet Suite... and I think I was listening to Lohengrin... Drat! I really must improve my filing system! It is a good thing my head is still attached or I'd never find it! Remember: someone report me to the authorities if I forget my own name!
I use real Player (not an advertisement!) and watch Annabelle the Sheep. Once Annabelle even went to sleep! Amazing. And that brings Maso to mind and wanting 4 sheep - Maso has enough land to support 4 sheep. I've named my four imaginary sheep: Kerma (Cream - white wool), Cacao (Coco - dk brown wool), Kahvi (Coffee with very dk brwn/blk wool) and Keksi (Cookie -light tan wool). I like the naturally colored wools and if I need to dye wool I can always get a fifth sheep (white wool) Sokeri (Sugar). Ive saving dried onion skins for dying - nice rich orange. But of course I'd also want at least two milk goats as well (shades of my years at the US National Historic Site: the Carl Sandburg Home in East Flat Rock NC and memories of Mrs. Sandburg's Jennifer II who produced as much milk as most cows.
Yesterday I made wood finish/preservative/wax - bee's wax and Walnut oil. Breaker lapped up most of the oil, so I had to replace it. It's biodegradable and no poisonous. Also good for dry hands. I needed something to finish a small Niddy Noddy. Looks good now!
I'm off to do some language checking, a job application and a dissertation proposal. All need to be ready by Monday.
Smiles,
Susanne
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Whatnot
It’s 3 am. I am normally an early riser, but this is very early for me. I’m online to help someone in Mexico orient themselves to an online course. While I wait for them to install skype, I thought I might catch up with myself. This particular blog is wandering text, no pictures.
I want to start with Maso. Yes that is m a s o. It’s the name of a place – actually an old farm – near me. I first saw it some two ? years ago when walking across the lake (frozen ice, mid winter). This winter I was doing the same – the lake route cuts considerable time off getting to Funlayo and Kimmo’s – and really began studying the place. Now if I had the money I’d love to have it and restore it. At first glance all seems fine. On closer look the shore side sauna tilts, the cellar is gaping and the building above it has fallen. The barn roof has collapsed… Now I entertain myself generating terrifyingly long lists of all the probable things that would need to be done to salvage the place.
In the last two of my “over the ice” visits to Maso; I noticed that the ice was getting squishy. Water was seeping up from below. On the second of these visits I moved to the firmer packed lake ice roads –farther from Maso’s shore line, but which didn’t have the dogs’ paws drawing water. I was having visions of all of us vanishing to a cold wet quiet world. Now I take the terra firma foot path to Maso.
Speaking of ice – this time on footpaths – I love stomping on it and making it crack. It feels like a civic duty to get rid of it.
Speaking of civic duties, I have been regularly trying to get the city to turn off the big lights on the football field (snow covered and “closed” for winter). We managed to get the lights on the footpaths turned off. Then they got turned on. Then the big lights started spending the nights on – earlier they had only been on in the early morning – some time after midnight. Time for another call.
Well I should get on with my day now – it’s 4:30 am, but daylight savings time is about to begin so this is good practice. I know I have about twenty seven thousand eight hundred and fifty three other things to tell you, but they will just have to go unsaid for now.
Smiles,
Susanne
I want to start with Maso. Yes that is m a s o. It’s the name of a place – actually an old farm – near me. I first saw it some two ? years ago when walking across the lake (frozen ice, mid winter). This winter I was doing the same – the lake route cuts considerable time off getting to Funlayo and Kimmo’s – and really began studying the place. Now if I had the money I’d love to have it and restore it. At first glance all seems fine. On closer look the shore side sauna tilts, the cellar is gaping and the building above it has fallen. The barn roof has collapsed… Now I entertain myself generating terrifyingly long lists of all the probable things that would need to be done to salvage the place.
In the last two of my “over the ice” visits to Maso; I noticed that the ice was getting squishy. Water was seeping up from below. On the second of these visits I moved to the firmer packed lake ice roads –farther from Maso’s shore line, but which didn’t have the dogs’ paws drawing water. I was having visions of all of us vanishing to a cold wet quiet world. Now I take the terra firma foot path to Maso.
Speaking of ice – this time on footpaths – I love stomping on it and making it crack. It feels like a civic duty to get rid of it.
Speaking of civic duties, I have been regularly trying to get the city to turn off the big lights on the football field (snow covered and “closed” for winter). We managed to get the lights on the footpaths turned off. Then they got turned on. Then the big lights started spending the nights on – earlier they had only been on in the early morning – some time after midnight. Time for another call.
Well I should get on with my day now – it’s 4:30 am, but daylight savings time is about to begin so this is good practice. I know I have about twenty seven thousand eight hundred and fifty three other things to tell you, but they will just have to go unsaid for now.
Smiles,
Susanne
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Shawl and stuff
Here is my new shawl. It is triangle shape and crocheted with some lovely wool my dear friend Heather sent me ages ago. I started spinning it as soon as I got the wool out of the box. That's before I had a spinning wheel. I began this shawl as soon as I took the yarn off the spindle. That part of the shawl - which you can't see here - is heavier weight. Then I got my Ashford spinning wheel and spun the rest of this wool into a must finer single (the yarn is not plyed). Yes it changes color from deep blues and rich greens to lighter violets. It is lovely wool and a beautiful color. Thank you Heather!
And I made a baby hat using my Ashford Knitter's Loom. Does anyone need a winter baby hat for a wee girl?
And this is the tunic that goes well with the hat (same warp, different weft). It is open on the sides and closes with ties that are woven into the fabric. 80% wool AND machine washable in Warm water. Again if you're looking for a gift for a winter baby girl - tell me!
And here are the mutts -enjoying the good life on my bed. In fact as I write they are in almost the same position now...
Smiles,
And this is the tunic that goes well with the hat (same warp, different weft). It is open on the sides and closes with ties that are woven into the fabric. 80% wool AND machine washable in Warm water. Again if you're looking for a gift for a winter baby girl - tell me!
And here are the mutts -enjoying the good life on my bed. In fact as I write they are in almost the same position now...
Smiles,Susanne
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Where have I been?
Where have I been? Actually I haven't left town at all. First I had a visitor then I had the flu. Before the flu "struck me down" I manged to finish knitting my mittens - you can find an earlier blog where I wrote about the wool.
And below is more of the tri-color wool my daughter ordered (skein 4 and 5) for a sweater she is knitting. This is Corriedale wool from New Zealand (Ashford) in their Pansy (pink), Lilac and Magenta. When the sweater is done I'll have to get a picture of it too.
And while I was down witht the flue I started knitting a hat - you'll see that when it is done... but let me say here that the "pattern" I was following ... well, it was more complicated than my skill level. So don't expect too much.
Remember the pictures of my grandgirls spinning? Well below on the left is some of the wool they carded - I spun it. The white is rather thin and I will be carding (and washing and carding) and spinning much more just like it. It is thin so it can be woven. This is my sample. I plan on making a waffle weave blanket. The tan on the right is one of my favorites: more Coburger Fox Sheep. This one is incredibly soft and nicely lofty. It will be warm and cuddly.
And below is more of the tri-color wool my daughter ordered (skein 4 and 5) for a sweater she is knitting. This is Corriedale wool from New Zealand (Ashford) in their Pansy (pink), Lilac and Magenta. When the sweater is done I'll have to get a picture of it too.
Smiles,
Susanne
Saturday, December 27, 2008
More Wool and Mutts
Just before Christmas my dear friend Heather (also my spinning mentor) sent me a marvelous package of fiber. It arrived - hand delivered to my door no less - on Dec 23, just in the nick of time. I could hardly wait to break into the box. Here are some of the wools she sent.
On the left is a grey wool from a Lincoln breed of sheep. This particular wool feels very nice soft and open. The broen in the middle is actually varigated with some lovely colors thrown in. The grey on the right is all natural - undyed. We aren't sure of the sheep breeds for the brown or grey on the right.
Here's a close up of the grey - about the same as my own hair color!. Sorry my tiny sample is out of focus.
This is a better view of the colors in the brown. Aren't they lovely? And the wool is incredibly soft!
Here like inverted commas are the mutts. That's May on the left and Breaker on the right. This is the corner of my sheet covered sofa. The sheets collect most of the dirt and dog hair and come off quickly so that visitors do not leave covered in "dalmatian tweed".
On the left is a grey wool from a Lincoln breed of sheep. This particular wool feels very nice soft and open. The broen in the middle is actually varigated with some lovely colors thrown in. The grey on the right is all natural - undyed. We aren't sure of the sheep breeds for the brown or grey on the right.
Here's a close up of the grey - about the same as my own hair color!. Sorry my tiny sample is out of focus.
This is a better view of the colors in the brown. Aren't they lovely? And the wool is incredibly soft!
Here like inverted commas are the mutts. That's May on the left and Breaker on the right. This is the corner of my sheet covered sofa. The sheets collect most of the dirt and dog hair and come off quickly so that visitors do not leave covered in "dalmatian tweed".
Smiles,
Susanne
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Busy
Tis the time to be busy! Yep! Tuesday I was going to walk into town to drop in an Professor Sirpa Leppanen during her office hour so we could set a time to discuss my PhD idea (nebulous cloud needing a telescope to find the points). But she emailed to ask that I come at 11. so I had more free time in the morning.
I called Funlayo (my daughter) to ask if Kimmo (my son-in-law) was in town and with his car because I needed dog food (big bag from Vet). Any way this led to my walking to their place and she took me to the Vet and I bought the dog food. She then had to hurry off to get passport photos taken - they go to London on Jan 3rd for a conference - I stayed where I was and went to the local post office to get a package. Then it was time to hot foot it to my appointment with Dr. Leppanen. That took me from one part of town to another.
I arrived about 15 minutes early and waited. The meeting went well - we affirmed that my idea is interesting and nebulous and needs to become more focused and refined. And we have a simple plan that I will write up a proposal for this and send it to her by mid January and we will meet again afterward to discuss it further.
Then I hurried off to buy a few items and catch the bus home. At home I took the dogs and headed out for their walk. They wanted to smell everything and the walk took an hour! When we got home I quickly made sandwiches and gather myself together to rush off (via bus) to the Martta meeting.
The Martta is a women's organization here. I recently joined. I am in need of social contacts. Anyhow this group meets every other Tuesday at 3 PM and this was their "Christmas" meeting. There was a lot of singing Finnish Christmas songs - I knew some melodies but not the lyrics and fumbled through things as quietly as possible. Amazing how good everyone sounded though unrehearsed! Had coffee and goodies (try rolling some sharp or blue cheese in gingerbread and baking!) and "crowned "saint Lucia" ( the eldest member this time) and her 6 attendants).
After this I hurried to the bus (again) and went home to get ready for the deepening program at my place. It was almost a relief to be the only one there!
Wednesday I was busy getting ready for a presentation that Funlayo did for Forever Living products (which she sells). I'd had to defrost something in the freezer to make room for other things and discovered that Id defrosted two small containers of pumpkin - just about enough for one very small pumpkin pie, so I made the pie and baked some store bought frozen goodies and cleaned and....
Today (Thursday) was going to go to the university Library (one plus hour walk) but will be babysitting 2 of 4 grandkids tonight and walking to and fro, and decided that I would do on line research at home and also catch you all up on why I don't post more often. So my walking time is here with you and now it is time to do that research.
Keep your heads on straight it tis the season to be "busy"!
Smiles,
Susanne
I called Funlayo (my daughter) to ask if Kimmo (my son-in-law) was in town and with his car because I needed dog food (big bag from Vet). Any way this led to my walking to their place and she took me to the Vet and I bought the dog food. She then had to hurry off to get passport photos taken - they go to London on Jan 3rd for a conference - I stayed where I was and went to the local post office to get a package. Then it was time to hot foot it to my appointment with Dr. Leppanen. That took me from one part of town to another.
I arrived about 15 minutes early and waited. The meeting went well - we affirmed that my idea is interesting and nebulous and needs to become more focused and refined. And we have a simple plan that I will write up a proposal for this and send it to her by mid January and we will meet again afterward to discuss it further.
Then I hurried off to buy a few items and catch the bus home. At home I took the dogs and headed out for their walk. They wanted to smell everything and the walk took an hour! When we got home I quickly made sandwiches and gather myself together to rush off (via bus) to the Martta meeting.
The Martta is a women's organization here. I recently joined. I am in need of social contacts. Anyhow this group meets every other Tuesday at 3 PM and this was their "Christmas" meeting. There was a lot of singing Finnish Christmas songs - I knew some melodies but not the lyrics and fumbled through things as quietly as possible. Amazing how good everyone sounded though unrehearsed! Had coffee and goodies (try rolling some sharp or blue cheese in gingerbread and baking!) and "crowned "saint Lucia" ( the eldest member this time) and her 6 attendants).
After this I hurried to the bus (again) and went home to get ready for the deepening program at my place. It was almost a relief to be the only one there!
Wednesday I was busy getting ready for a presentation that Funlayo did for Forever Living products (which she sells). I'd had to defrost something in the freezer to make room for other things and discovered that Id defrosted two small containers of pumpkin - just about enough for one very small pumpkin pie, so I made the pie and baked some store bought frozen goodies and cleaned and....
Today (Thursday) was going to go to the university Library (one plus hour walk) but will be babysitting 2 of 4 grandkids tonight and walking to and fro, and decided that I would do on line research at home and also catch you all up on why I don't post more often. So my walking time is here with you and now it is time to do that research.
Keep your heads on straight it tis the season to be "busy"!
Smiles,
Susanne
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ants
The movie, Ants, was cute. But having ants in the kitchen is not cute. This morning I killed at least 100 of them and am trying to wash residual traces of honey off the various honey jars I have (cinnamon honey, ginger honey, regular honey, garlic honey, and Lingonberry (urva ursa) honey). They also like syrup - but not molasses.
Anyhow I do wonder what the local Ant News reports - new weapon of mass destruction now seen at... How would they decribe my thumb or forefinger decending on their family members?
Two weeks ago ants were not in "residence". Then the weather warmed slightly and in they came to forage for the winter. This is the second winter they will be occupying "my" territory. They vacated the premises last spring as soon as the ground thawed sufficiently. To keep them to a minimum I need to keep the kitchen almost spotlessly clean, the garbage emptied, and not allow bits of food to fall on the floor or for stickly little hands to leave ant-attractions all over the chairs or table (after a wonderful pancake breakfast the other day my daughter and I each washed the table and all the chairs. I also did the floor).
Smiles,
Susanne
Anyhow I do wonder what the local Ant News reports - new weapon of mass destruction now seen at... How would they decribe my thumb or forefinger decending on their family members?
Two weeks ago ants were not in "residence". Then the weather warmed slightly and in they came to forage for the winter. This is the second winter they will be occupying "my" territory. They vacated the premises last spring as soon as the ground thawed sufficiently. To keep them to a minimum I need to keep the kitchen almost spotlessly clean, the garbage emptied, and not allow bits of food to fall on the floor or for stickly little hands to leave ant-attractions all over the chairs or table (after a wonderful pancake breakfast the other day my daughter and I each washed the table and all the chairs. I also did the floor).
Smiles,
Susanne
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