Keeper of the Plains at Night

Last night, the kids had their friends over for a sleepover. At 9pm we ventured down to the Keeper of the Plains to see the lighting of the "Ring of Fire." Unfortunately, the fire wasn't working but I got a couple of shots of the Wichita skyline and the Keeper at night.

Little Arkansas

Last night, I paddled the Little Arkansas in a kayak. This was my first time kayaking. I felt a little shaky at first but the water was smooth and I had good instructions. We had an interesting experience with some jumping fish. Libby thought she found a little skull but it turned out to be a golf ball. My upper body is quite sore today.

Twist Soft Opening

Yesterday was the first day of business for Shelly. First thing in the morning she had sold 11 balls of Noro - I think this shop is going to be a huge success.

Swim, Bike, Run

These are from the race photographer. Lia is trying to talk me into doing a long course at Jackson County Tri. The .6 mile swim and 23.53 bike make me want to cry but the peer pressure is intense.

Midwest Mayhem

I know you came for the pictures so I will put them first.

It's so easy to meet great people at events like this. These are our new friends Richard and Sara.

Race Recap

Things I Loved-

• Seeing Carrie when I came in for the bike transition
• Traveling with Lia
• Meeting some really fun, cool people (Sara, Adam, Richard and Russell)
• I was more comfortable in the swim than I expected
• My T2 was less than one minute
• Putting on Lia's swim cap
• A fish nibbled on my knee
• My new pre-race ritual is tea for 2 and knitting
• Wore my bra top the whole race and didn't feel self-conscience about my tummy
• Seeing some really cool bikes and gear
• My transition area with my Team Tabor bucket
• They say your name at the finish line
  
• Eating at Ingrediant
• Shopping at T.J Maxx, Hobbs, and Urban Outfitters
  

Other Things-

• The hills were brutal
  
• The bike turn around was downhill, stop, turn around, straight up hill
• The 5K run started out uphill and a small section was on a gravel rode
  
• The bike and run course could have been marked better
• The hills
• I wish I had clipless pedals

For more Midwest Mayhem action, check out Lia's blog.

Monkys and IKEA

I had another fun, fabulous day at Twist, yesterday. I was so lucky to be there when the IKEA truck arrived with 3 loveseats, 2 kids table and chair sets, 4 bookshelves, 8 chairs and a LARGE table. I put together as much as a could. Look at all that beautiful yarn!!

I finished another Monkey sock. I sewed up the toe while we watched episode 9 of season 1 of Deadwood.

Crafty Alien

I'm not into knitting stuffed animals. Too much seaming but these are so cute I might knit just one. The kits are only $10. There are so many animals - beaver, ant, chipmunk, hedgehog, opossum, skunk (S's favorite animal because it begins with S), raccoon. The patterns are only $5 bucks and have instructions for 3 animals - bonus it's a pdf so instant gratification.

Monkey

This is my first pair of completed Monkey socks! I am very happy with them, they fit nicely and the yarn is soft and comfortable. I have started on my second pair - I think they will be a gift.

Monkey

I finished my 1st monkey sock, this week. I love the color. The heel flap seems too long for my liking so the next pair I make, I will adjust it.

Sewing

A few things I want to make...

Card Holder - Somehow mine got bubble gum stuck to it.

Fabric Picture - Great idea for a rainy afternoon, which we have many of lately.

More Criss Cross Coasters - I love these. I want to have some sets on hand for gifts.

Tote-able Towel - So the kids can carry their own towels to the pool.

Fabric Covered Chinese Take Out Box - These will make any gift seem fabulous.

Outside

It's a busy summer.

Swimming at the lake.


A Girl Scout Mom and Me sleepover.


Taking the dog to play in the river. She loves water.

Countdown to Twist opening

On the 4th of July, I was celebrating my freedom from traveling 3 hours to shop at a LYS. My fellow hard-core knitting friends and I spackled, primed, and painted all day yesterday (with a few Gin and Tonic breaks) to help our friend, Shelly, get her yarn shop ready for a late July opening. We are so excited for the opening of Twist.

Hey, Hey, We're the Monkeys

I tried to resist but the Monkey Mania was too strong. You should join, too. This monkey is knit from Brown Sheep Wildfoote in color Camel.

The wireless network in our house as decided that it only has to work when it wants to. It is driving me crazy - there are days when we can't get on at all. How do people live without the internet?

Control Your Beauty

I had a very fun BeautiControl Spa Party last night. We did pedicures, manicures, and mud masks.