Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# FIBERGUY

"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts."  - Marcus Aurelius

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](http://www.fiberguy.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Norwegian Purling](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/22/norwegian-purling/) - Update: My original post from 2007 appears below. However, to make it easier for users of mobile devices to watch the video, I am embedding a YouTube version here for you to see. Also, "maske" is the Norwegian word for stitch in case you did not know. Now, you may not share in the
- [I'm so very happy I am almost beside myself!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2018/02/25/im-so-very-happy-i-am-almost-beside-myself/) - Today is definitely a stay at home day, after digging out from yesterday's snowstorm. As I was laying in bed trying to get to sleep last night, my head was spinning with all sorts of sewing related ideas after spending all of Friday and Saturday at Bernina Academy learning how to master difficult fabrics. Suddenly,
- [Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake](http://www.fiberguy.com/2018/11/27/old-fashioned-sour-cream-pound-cake/) - This was the cake I learned to make many, many years ago. The recipe was given to me by a great aunt and I wrote it down in the back of grandma's steno pad where she wrote down recipes. I hope you like it. If you follow the directions exactly as given, it will turn
- [Where can you find old-fashioned grits?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2019/04/24/grits/) - There are small, local area mills all over the south that have a long history of grinding corn into grits, cornmeal and corn flour for making all the traditional southern dishes that so many of us grew up enjoying. But if you don’t live close to one of those mills, or have moved away from
- [Shawl for Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/2019/05/09/shawl-for-juliette/) - I don't particularly like the name, but this is an easy one-skein shawl I just started for Juliette. I'm making it up in Lavender Lune yarn,in a platinum color shot with gold metallic. It has a lovely, subtle bling to it. Very easy pattern. You can knit it watching TV. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-sunlight-shawl-for-sad-people
- [Turkey Tetrazzini - my favorite recipe](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/25/turkey-tetrazzini-my-favorite-recipe/) - I used to make this until I either lost or threw out the magazine that had the recipe. Luckily, someone on the internet had re-typed it in response to someone's question about best recipes for the disk. This is my "go-to" recipe for this heavenly creation. Source: http://www.chowhound.com/post/turkey-tetrazzini-americas-test-kitchen-463386 I know this isn't what you asked
- [Linen Info](http://www.fiberguy.com/2018/05/14/linen-info/) - From: http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php?topic=874.0 LINEN WEIGHTS: Sheer Weight (2.5 oz/yd2) Thread count warp : 38 Thread count weft : 34 Curtains, apparel Light Weight/Handkerchief (3.5 oz/yd2) Thread count warp : 51 Thread count weft : 43 Middle Weight (5.3 oz/yd2) Thread count warp : 46 Thread count weft : 37 apparel, bedding, pillowcases, interior design, home furnishings
- [Some new dresses for Miss J](http://www.fiberguy.com/2017/09/11/some-new-dresses-for-miss-j/) - I made a few dresses last month for Miss J. She likes all of them, and decided to wear the one with the red trim to school today.
- [My chili recipe](http://www.fiberguy.com/2017/02/07/my-chili-recipe/) - Here is my personal chili recipe, for those that requested it: 1 1/2 pd. ground beef - use 80/20 or 85/15, but no leaner 1 large white onion, diced 4-5 large cloves of garlic, peeled and finely minced or put through a garlic crusher 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 28oz can diced tomatoes
- [Pics of a quilt for D&J](http://www.fiberguy.com/2017/02/06/pics-of-a-quilt-for-dj/) - This is the quilt I finished last year for Diana and Jonathan. I didn't share pictures at the time because I wanted it to be a surprise for them. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. I had so much fun quilting it, even though it took more than 2 months to finish the
- [We can forgive ourselves ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2017/02/05/we-can-forgive-ourselves/) - Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to forgive yourself for not knowing something when you didn't know it. And being grateful instead that you have finally learned the lesson helps too. Every since I begin making quilts in the spring of 1996, I have admired the machine quilting skills of others,
- [Have you ever built a snow man?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/18/have-you-ever-built-a-snow-man/)
- [The last of the tomatoes](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/18/the-last-of-the-tomatoes/) - Harvested November 18, 2016 - in the snow - who'd a thunk?! I let them go to the last possible moment ...
- [Lemonade!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/18/lemonade/) - Bless her heart, that girl isn't going to miss a chance to make a snowman!
- [Here it comes!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/17/here-it-comes/) - Well, it's a little late but the snow arrives tomorrow. Frankly, I've been looking forward to it for a while now. And I'm a little disappointed that we are only getting a bit of snow and not the blizzard conditions west of here - I'd love a good snow day! Are you ready? I am!
- [What a beautiful night!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/13/what-a-beautiful-night/) - Have you been outside to see the gorgeous supermoon? It is spectacularly clear here and the moon is so amazing I hope you get a chance to see it! It turns out that it isn't as easy to quit Facebook cold turkey as I thought. I deleted the app from my phone, then added
- [Garden Beauty](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/05/25/garden-beauty/) - The first is of Iris "Beverly Sills" planted from a friend last year and look at how spectacular it is already! [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Beverly Sills/] The second is of a fantastic white columbine that blooms white on one stalk amidst an otherwise purple bush. Very strange, but very beautiful. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/White columbine/] The last is of
- [Our little sweat pea](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/11/26/our-little-sweat-pea/) - Taken last night at grandma Monday's house ... Ain't she cute?
- [Guess who got wings today?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/03/guess-who-got-wings-today/) - Yes, she did - and leis and flower "hair bows" and a magic wand - and after she turned me into a frog, she took a picture of me and told me I looked like a troll under the bridge. Isn't that nice? She also told I was "the best papa ever" at our nap,
- [Playing with Uncle Johnny in her new playhouse](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/23/playing-with-uncle-johnny-in-her-new-playhouse/) - She had a blast playing in her new play house with Uncle Johnny when he and Auntie Di came over this morning.
- [Another Yellow Brick Road](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/08/20/another-yellow-brick-road/) - Another yellow brick road pattern - I've made so many of these in different colors and styles, and love every one of them. The fabric at the far left of the picture is the wonderful batik that will be the border.
- [Boy, that is a lot of food, even for 18 people](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/11/28/boy-that-is-a-lot-of-food-even-for-18-people/)
- [The 2 hour dress](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/03/13/the-2-hour-dress/) - Yes, you read that right. The two hour dress. If I hadn't done the decorative stitching, it would have been the hour and a half dress. I took the bold and colorful approach, but this dress could be done many different ways, with an heirloom aesthetic or done more simply or embelished in various ways.
- [The oldest surviving stave church in Norway](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/07/13/the-oldest-surviving-stave-church-in-norway/) - The oldest surviving stave church in Norway, the one in Borgund, near Lærdal, which is on the Sognefjord. To learn more about this fascinating building, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgund_Stave_Church
- [What a beautiful combo](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/04/19/what-a-beautiful-combo/) - Finally I found a table made for my vintage Viking sewing machine. They look fabulous in my sewing studio!
- [A new dress for little Miss J](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/04/24/a-new-dress-for-little-miss-j/) - She was so excited when she woke up today and asked about her dress and I told her it was done. She insisted she wear it to school today. It is the Tiered Pillowcase dress tutorial from Polkaditchair.com.
- [A fun little project ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/06/02/a-fun-little-project/) - The machine embroidered bookmarks I made for Juliette's kindergarten class. They are a surprise gift, made in each student's favorite color, that I will give them as the year's final Book Nook reader on Thursday. Time consuming, but so much fun to make, using lots of different decorative stitches on my Pfaff Performance 5.0 machine.
- [A momentous day ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/08/27/a-momentous-day/) - Today marks a significant anniversary of a major milestone in my personal life. It was on this day, August 27th, exactly 20 years that I got into my Ford T-Bird, drugged Miss Boots to keep her somewhat calm for the long drive ahead, and left my home in Florida for the last time, headed to
- [Jonathan Haidt: Can a divided America heal?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/11/jonathan-haidt-can-a-divided-america-heal/) - I am trying to find things that help me make sense of what I am feeling and what I sense going on around me. I have a lot to think about after listening to this, but maybe it will be thought provoking for someone else too. Disgust as indelible ink ... If you don't watch
- [Let's dust this thing off and see if it still works](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/10/lets-dust-this-thing-off-and-see-if-it-still-works/) - Over the past several years I have slowly abandoned using my blog except for the (very) occasional post. But I have sickened of the onslaught to my senses that is the reality (for me) of using Facebook on a daily basis and I've determined to reclaim some of my sanity by leaving Facebook, at least
- [Not feeling very hopeful today ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/11/10/not-feeling-very-hopeful-today/) - "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." 1967 "Steeler Lecture," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The "Steeler Lecture" was one of five sermons published in a book called "Conscience for Change," republished as "The Trumpet of Conscience" after King's death. (source: https://www.reference.com/history/quote-martin-luther-king-jr-s-speech-says-end-10507aacf0c7a90b#, retrieved 11/10/2016)
- [Say hello to Dr. Faber!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/05/19/say-hello-to-dr-faber/) - Yesterday began with pouring rain, but the skies parted and the sun came out in just enough time for Hamline University to conduct its graduate program ceremonies outdoors. Here are some pictures from the blessed event. It was a very happy day for every graduate, family member, friend and faculty who were present to show their
- [The first day of school ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/09/03/the-first-day-of-school/) - So, it finally arrived. Juliette's first day of school. After a flurry of scheduled activities to get her and us ready for today, she woke up this morning eager to get dressed and get going. And I have been fine through it all. Nary a tear and not even really feeling sad, primarily because she
- [A Fabulous 50th Anniversary Party for Helen & Kaare](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/17/fabulous50thanniversary/) - We had a great party yesterday - dear friends and family (Americans, Norwegians, Canadians) gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Helen & Kaare. It was terribly hot and humid - everyone drenched in sweat - but we all had a great time!
- [I finally did it!  My first embroidery ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/04/04/i-finally-did-it-my-first-embroidery/) - Two years ago I bought myself a new combination sewing/embroidery machine, a fancy-dancy Brother Innovis 4500D Duetta. Although there are many things about the machine I like, it has also always intimidated me a bit. With my go-to machine (Bernice, my lovely Bernina 1630) on the fritz and in the shop now for 7 weeks
- [Summer flowers from our garden](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/07/18/summer-flowers-from-our-garden/) - It's really lovely in our yard right now. This is just a small part of the beauty I get to see every day! (click on any picture to see a larger slide-show version)
- [Teach them to be brave, not perfect!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2016/03/11/teach-them-to-be-brave-not-perfect/) - If you are raising a daughter, are involved in any way in raising a girl, or have a girl in your life, you need to carefully listen to this powerful message. I happen to agree with everything she says.
- [Sometimes the old technology was better ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/06/09/sometimes-the-old-technology-was-better/) - Oh, Mr. Greist, where have you been my entire sewing life? Though branded to go with my vintage Viking 6020 machine, this is really just a Greist buttonhole attachment I found on e-Bay for $15 - best sewing money I have ever spent! It makes absolutely and perfectly consistent buttonholes with one of 13 cams.
- [Time for a change](http://www.fiberguy.com/2015/02/24/time-for-a-change/) - Well, I certainly seem to have been neglecting my blog recently, haven't I? I guess I've gotten so used to Facebook, that's pretty much the only place I visit regularly. But Google sent me a nasty-gram last night, telling me that my web site was not friendly to mobile devices and if I didn't do
- [Pictures from First Communion Service, Feb 2, 2014](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/02/03/pictures-from-first-communion-service-feb-2-2014/) - Here are just a few pictures from Juliette's first communion service yesterday at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She did so well, and we were so proud of her.
- [A quilt for dear Inger](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/07/13/a-quilt-for-dear-inger/) - When I saw a package of Tonga Treats Balinese batiks last year, I instantly thought of Inger. The colors and the life in them reminded me so much of her, I knew instantly I had to make a quilt for her out of those fabrics. So I bought them and got to work. I completed
- [A quilt for Per & Regula](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/07/13/a-quilt-for-per-regula/) - This is a quilt I made for Per & Regula and I took it with us to deliver to them when we arrived in Norway. I've wanted to make a two color quilt for a long time, and this one came from a design I saw someone post on Pinterest. It was an easy block
- [Finished the pink shirt!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/02/08/finished-the-pink-shirt/) - Finally! I finally finished the pink start I started several months ago. It's been sitting in my sewing room waiting for me to finish the hems and make the buttonholes and sew the buttons on. It is a Simplicity 7030 in XL and is made with one of Anna Marie Horner's fabrics from Free Spirit,
- [Hello, Bernice!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2014/02/03/hello-bernice/) - Imagine the musical: "Hello Bernice, well Hello, Bernice, it's so nice to have you back where you belong!" I took my beloved 1630 (I am the original owner) to a local dealer in February, 2013 for repair (yes, you read that right) and just got her back today. I can't even begin to tell you
- [The secret to life ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/08/16/the-secret-to-life/) - You think I'm joking? Watch this video. There isn't a single person I know who would not benefit from listening to, and heeding, this man's message. And here is a link to the guy's book.
- [Living the good life ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/07/18/living-the-good-life/) - ... Shopping the downtown farmer's market over the lunch hour with a friend.
- [Table runner](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/07/18/table-runner/) - Got this table runner made last week too. And you know what? I LOVE making table runners, and they are good for practicing my machine quilting skills.
- [A new quilt for us](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/07/18/a-new-quilt-for-us/) - Here is a huge king size quilt for our bed - I just finished piecing the top at a quilt retreat last week.
- [Four years ago](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/06/21/four-years-ago/) - It was four years ago today that we were nervously getting ready for the short drive to Methodist Hospital where we got to meet our daughter Juliette for the first time, just a few hours old. I remember looking into those clear, bright, alert eyes of hers - and my heart melting all over the
- [First day's treasurers](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/06/19/first-days-treasurers/) - Few things are as fun as searching for shells with an almost 4-year old!
- [Princess of the sea](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/06/19/princess-of-the-sea/) - This is one girl who LOVES to be on the beach.
- [Panama City Beach](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/06/19/panama-city-beacj/) - We made to our little spot of heaven on the beach. Three days of fun in the sand and sun.
- [Riding her bike Douglas Avenue](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/04/07/riding-her-bike-douglas-avenue/) - She's been practicing in grandma's garage for days, but we wouldn't let her out in the street until we could get a helmet for her, which we picked up yesterday - a pink one, natch, that she loves. This was her first "real" ride and we all enjoyed it. I think it was second, so
- [In her Easter dress](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/04/04/in-her-easter-dress/) - Ain't she just the cutest little thing ever?
- [The Easter bunny came - and he left jelly bean poop on the table!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/03/31/the-easter-bunny-came-and-he-left-jelly-bean-poop-on-the-table/)
- [Getting ready for Easter 2013](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/03/30/getting-ready-for-easter-2013/) - She has been full of excitement all day as in "You mean TOMORROW is Easter day, Papa!?" So we had to dye some eggs, make some treats for dinner tomorrow - deviled eggs for uncle Johnny, Liptauer cheese for an appetizer, lemon cookies for dessert, and a gallon of sweet tea for me and anyone
- [Purple, black, cobwebs and spiders](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/03/28/purple-black-cobwebs-and-spiders/) - On Saturday I took Juliette to the fabric store to get her out of the house for a while. She SAID she wanted a pink princess dress. But when we got there she saw the Halloween fabric and insisted she was only interested in this purple and black fabric with cobwebs and spiders. "You can
- [I look bootiful!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/02/19/i-look-bootiful/) - (I know some of you have seen the first picture, but for those not on Facebook …) When she woke up this morning, I told Juliette to look around, there was something in her room that wasn’t there when she went to bed last night. She finally spotted the dress hanging up and her jaw
- [Getting Back to My (Fiber) Roots](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/02/11/getting-back-to-my-fiber-roots/) - For a little while now, I’ve been noticing little nudges from the universe, signals if you will, that it was time to re-examine my path, maybe change direction, and to get back into right relationship with certain parts of myself. It has all been a bit muddy, though I’ve known it has something to do
- [Books I Want to Read in 2013](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/01/02/books-i-want-to-read-in-2013/) - OK - here is a new intention I am setting for myself. Do whatever is necessary to read at least a handful of good books this year. So far I think I want to give these a try, I've ranked them in my order of preference, for my own future reference): The Middlesteins by Jami
- [Christmas sledding the last day in Lutsen](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/01/01/christmas-sledding-the-last-day-in-lutsen/) - Here are a some more videos of Juliette. We got a few inches of fresh powder the last night we were there, and took advantage of it the next morning before leaving.
- [For family and friend far away ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2013/01/01/for-family-and-friend-far-away/) - Here are a few videos from Christmas day and our annual holiday trip to Lutsen the day after Christmas. I hope you enjoy them!
- [Holidazzle 2012](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/12/10/holidazzle-2012/) - Yesterday was Juliette's first trip to see the Holidazzle parade. We ate downtown with Harald's parents and his sister, then she and Juliette and I went outside to await the parade. She was so excited to see the different floats and characters that went by, but especially enamored of Santa. She said she also really
- [Christmas Decorating 2012](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/12/10/christmas-decorating-2012/) - We didn't put up as much as we've done in years past, but it still looks more than festive enough. Here are some pictures .... [dmalbum path="/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/decorating2012/"/]
- [Welcome back, Winter!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/12/10/welcome-back-winter/) - (OK, I can't take credit for the title, the StarTribune did it already in today's paper) For those of you not from around here and who enjoy seeing pictures of the snow, here is a little of what we got this weekend - it continues to snow several more inches after these pictures were taken.
- [Halloween 2012](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/11/10/halloween-2012/) - OK, a bit late, but here now nonetheless. Here are pictures from Halloween 2012. Juliette and her girl crush, her new babysitter and neighbor, Ellen, headed out to trick or treat and Juliette had such a blast! [dmalbum path="/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Halloween2012/"/]
- [Too funny ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/10/10/too-funny/) - Because some thing are just too good not to share ... and this is one of those times!
- [How the first day went](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/09/12/how-the-first-day-went/) - She did great her first day! Daddy said on the way home from grandma's it was "Miss Ann this" and "Miss Ann that" the whole way. When I asked her to tell me all about her day, she said she couldn't remember all of it, but what she could remember was: - she got to
- [Guess who was full of sass on the first day of class?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/09/11/guess-who-was-full-of-sass-on-the-first-day-of-class/) - She was ready and eager to take off to school for her first day of class. But she’s so full of spunk today, I’m not sure that bodes well for her or not. Guess we’ll find out when we pick her up from Grandma’s house this afternoon. There was so much going on in the
- [Juliette's Big Girl Bedroom set](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/29/juliettes-big-girl-bedroom-set/) - She got her new furniture delivered yesterday and was too eager to go to bed in her new bed last night. She slept all night in her new bed, snug as a bug in a rug. [dmalbum path="/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/JulietteBigGirlFurn/"/]
- [Geraldine's Originals](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/24/geraldines-originals/) - For those of you in Tallahassee who want a good source of homemade canned goods, go visit Geraldine Rudd at Geraldine's Originals on Capital Circle NE in Tallahassee and while you are there get something good to eat. If you are from out of town, call to order your figs right away - they are
- [Can you tell I like rocking chair pictures.](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/24/can-you-tell-i-like-rocking-chair-pictures/) - This was taken at the Seineyard restaurant in Woodville after we went there for dinner one night.
- [Juliette rockin' it at Bradley's Country Storei](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/24/juliette-rockin-it-at-bradleys-country-storei/) - I always like to go to Bradley's when I go back to Tallahassee. It brings back lots of pleasant memories. And I like taking pictures of Juliette rocking on their front porch.
- [Tea time at Grandma Florida's](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/24/tea-time-at-grandma-floridas/) - Another cute picture taken while Juliette had a tea party with Granda Florida in her yard this past Saturday.
- [Today was a beach day](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/23/today-was-a-beach-day/) - We spent the afternoon in Carabelle, one of our favorite places. So much better today after our urgent care scare last night with her 104 temperature. But children recover amazingly quickly.
- [Dinner at Grandma Florida's last night](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/23/dinner-at-grandma-floridas-last-night/) - Aunt Edna and Uncle Bobby joined us for dinner last night ... and boy was it good. We're having leftovers tonight.
- [A picture of Miss J from two weeks ago](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/07/09/a-picture-of-miss-j-from-two-weeks-ago/) - The reception for Kristen and Bill's wedding on June 30th took place in our back yard, and I have more pictures to share later, but when I was cleaning the camera just now I came across this one that I had to share.
- [Desiree's Birthday Party today](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/24/desirees-birthday-party-today/) - We drove up to Alexandria today for cousin Desiree's birthday party. Juliette had so much fun in the playground and in the pool and with the hose toy. Thought you might like to see the videos I took with my iPhone at the party.
- [The princess in her castle](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/23/the-princess-in-her-castle/) - Grandma Florida sent Juliette a Princess Castle for her birthday and she took to it like a fish to water.
- [A fancy tea party with cousin Kyli](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/23/a-fancy-tea-party-with-cousin-kyli/) - They got their fancy dresses on and had a great tea party Thursday night with the new china tea set Granny Bama sent. The only thing missing was cousin Desi.
- [Pictures from our garden](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/02/pictures-from-our-garden/) - Some pictures from our own garden of the peonies in bloom. [dmalbum path="/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/June022012/"/]
- [Countryside Gardens Peony Show 2012](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/06/02/countryside-gardens-peony-show-2012/) - We went this year as we've done every year for a while now, out to Delano to Countryside Gardens to see their peony show. It was the perfect day for a long drive into the country, and the flowers were worth the effort to get there. In the end, we brough two new ones home.
- [Super Moon Buffet](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/04/13/super-moon-buffet/) - For those of you in the Twin Cities, you may be interested in a new Asian buffet. It is on the south frontage road of 394 between Louisiana and Xenia. We have been watching the construction for several weeks, wondering when they would open for business. Apparently that happened last week. After reading several encouraging
- [Quilt retreat at Four Seasons Quilts](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/03/09/quilt-retreat-at-four-seasons-quilts/) - I've been at an in town day quilt retreat for the past two days. I can't tell you how much I have needed this break from work and just to bury myself in what I love to do. Yesterday I spent all day finishing a special quilt. Today I finished up Juliette's quilt top I
- [How to be miserable](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/02/22/how-to-be-miserable/) - Call me warped, but I love the dark humor in this and just had to share ... seems pretty accurate to me!
- [Cooking therapy](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/02/18/cooking-therapy/) - Cooking is almost always therapeutic for me. Today, I must have needed a lot of therapy, 'cause I did a load of cookin'. I started making bean soup first thing this morning. Then a big breakfast of cheese grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, and blueberry bread. Today I have also made: A double recipe of chicken
- [The pretty blue pot](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/02/18/the-pretty-blue-pot/) - Many thanks to my dear MIL and FIL for the Christmas gift certificate to Bed, Bath and Beyond. I've been there several times, but could never make up my mind. Until last night, that is, when I realized I would only be happy when I bought the pretty French cast iron pot I really wanted.
- [Pictures from New Year's Eve in Lutsen](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/14/pictures-from-new-years-eve-in-lutsen/) - You've never seen a child so incredibly happy to get out and play in the snow. She would have spent the whole day outside if we had let her!
- [Videos of Juliette from this morning](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/14/videos-of-juliette-from-this-morning/) - So many people in Florida wanted to see Juliette, I figured I would post some Flip videos we took this moring while waking up and reading the paper. (Momma, click on the white arrow in the middle of each picture to start the video playing.)
- [The sweater that Berit knit!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/13/the-sweater-that-bertit-knit/) - Our dear friend from Norway, Berit, knit a sweater and hat for Juliette as a present and brought it with her when they traveled here this summer to surprise Harald's parents at their 50th anniversary party. Here are some pictures taken between Christmas and New Year's when we were up on the north shore in
- [Pictures from Aunt Louise's funeral](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/13/pictures-from-aunt-louises-funeral/) - For my family in Florida and elsewhere that might want them. [dmalbum path="/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/AuntLouise/"/]
- [A few observations from yesterday ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/13/a-few-observations-from-yesterday/) - You know, it's been quite a long time since I've been to a southern funeral, and there were several things that struck me about yesterday, things that I found endearing and good to remember. I love the elders who don't hesitate to say "Amen!" out loud during the eulogy when the preacher says something they
- [A quick trip home](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/09/a-quick-trip-home/) - I will be able to fly home to Florida for 24 hours on Wednesday night, just long enough to be there for the funeral Thursday morning before flying home late that night. It's awful to have to go under these circumstances, but it will be a really good thing for me to be with my
- [I think Aunt Louise would have loved these](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/09/i-think-aunt-louise-would-have-loved-these/) - They are gorgeous pink lillies we grew this past summer .... a cheerful memory of a happier time ....
- [A quote in memory of Aunt Louise ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/09/a-quote-in-memory-of-aunt-louise/) - Some of you are no doubt familiar with this famous quote from Henry van Dyke, the 19th century writer, poet and essayist. I love the imagery and am posting it for myself and for anyone else for whom it brings a moment's worth of comfort. “I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my
- [A sad day for the Matthews family](http://www.fiberguy.com/2012/01/09/a-sad-day-for-the-matthews-family/) - I've been fighting a bad case of the sads all day since my mom called at 7 am. My Aunt Louise died this morning around 4 am after struggling with her health for many years. Lord, she's been through the ringer with health problems. She was a wonderful and sweet woman and I only have
- [Beautiful pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/11/16/beautiful-pictures/) - It's a rare thing to get a really great photo of Harald without him mugging for the camera, so this picture is a double delight. These pictures were taken the Friday before Halloween by one of Harald's co-workers at a "sunshine committee" event the school put together for staff, a trip to Apple Jack Orchards
- [An altar in the heart](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/11/11/an-altar-in-the-heart/) - Today I am thinking about a lot of things. First and foremost, I am thinking of my dad, my uncles and my grandfathers. The list is long. All of them served their country through military service and did so, I believe, well and proudly. One of my earliest childhood memories of a photo is a
- [Halloween 2011](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/11/01/halloween-2011/) - For those of you who haven't been around little kids lately, Juliette is dressed as her favorite cartoon character from Nick Jr. - none other than Olivia, the piglet. She's absolutely mesmerized by Olivia and wanted to go as her this year. We were going to dress her as Amy Winehouse, but then she up
- [Our trip to bountiful](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/09/10/our-trip-to-bountiful/) - Look at all the wonderful goodies our trip to the Farmer's market brought this morning. Can you tell what we are doing this weekend? I can tell you it will include eggplant Parmesan, which I have been craving, lots of fresh fruit, stuffed poblano peppers at some point soon, and a French Chablis from Costco
- [Nature's bounty](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/08/06/natures-bounty/) - Here are the potatoes, red onions, beans, squash and cucumber all picked fresh today from the garden in Lutsen for our dinner tonight. And lamb shish kabobs too. And two pies for dessert - blackberry/peach and blueberry from The Pie Place in Grand Marais.
- [More pictures from the 50th Anniversary Party](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/18/more-pictures-from-the-50th-anniversary-party/) - These were taken by Jonathan (Uncle Johnny to Miss J) and we are grateful he documented the party so well.
- [Pictures and Video from Juliette's 2nd Birthday party at our house](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/10/pictures-and-video-from-juliettes-2nd-birthday-party-at-our-house/) - [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Juliette2ndBirthday/]
- [Fingerberries!!!!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/03/fingerberries/) - You mayknow them as raspberries - but to J they are fingerberries because, of course, you put them on the end of your finger to eat them!
- [The beauty I came home to ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/01/the-beauty-i-came-home-to/) - Here are pictures of what I found in our garden the day we arrived back in town. I just had to take some pictures to show you. Alas, peony season ended while we were gone, but there is plenty more to admire. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/June 2011 Flowrers/]
- [Pictures from June, 2011 Florida Trip](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/07/01/pictures-from-june-2011-florida-trip/) - Click on the image below to see a slide show of all the pictures we took from our trip to Florida. June 2011 Trip to Florida
- [A good way to start](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/30/a-good-way-to-start/) - What is the best way to start your first day back from vacation, other than a good night's sleep in your own bed? Going to your early morning appointment and being released from PT two weeks early because you are pain free and symptom free. It remains to be seen what effect a return to
- [Construction at momma's house](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/17/746/) - This is what we arrived to last night in Tallahassee. This footage was taken this morning. A remarkably efficient construction crew. It is all part of the road widening and holding pond project that is taking half of her two acres. I have quite a few mixed emotions of seeing half of my childhood yard
- [A gorgeous clematis](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/13/a-gorgeous-clematis/) - This one is a dark maroon red color. It's the last thing I see when I leave home and the first I see when I arrive back- from neighbor Margaret.
- [Peony "we have no idea what it is"](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/12/peony-we-have-no-idea-what-it-is/) - One of the prior owners planted this peony - and in the entirely wrong place - nestled under an ash tree with little. The brave little thing clung to life but never thrived. When we lost the ash tree to last fall's ice storm, we were glad that we had moved it. Now it lives
- [Peony "Do Tell"](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/12/peony-do-tell/) - One of the two we bought at the show yesterday -the blossom opened overnight.
- [Peony show at Countryside Gardens](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/11/peony-show-at-countryside-gardens/) - Today we went to the annual peony show at Countryside Gardens. (Actually, we showed up last Saturday too because we read the date wrong.) Anyway, I thought you might enjoy some of these photos from today's visit. We got two new plants today, Red Charm and Do Tell. Can't wait to see them joining the
- [Saturday flowers](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/11/saturday-flowers/) - Gorgeous,no? At first we thought it was Sarah Bernhardt, but now we realize it is Gay Paree, loaded with blooms this year.
- [Another white lovely](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/09/another-white-lovely/) - Another gorgeous snow-white peony, this time from the neighbor on the other side, Phyllis. These have just a tiny touch of dark red on some of their center petals. We do have our own white peonies we are anxiously awaiting to bloom. Maybe one day soon I'll have a picture of those soon.
- [Gorgeous white peonies](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/08/gorgeous-white-peonies/) - I cannot take credit for these - they are from our neighbor Margaret's yard. Aren't they a sight?
- [One last weekend beauty](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/05/one-last-weekend-beauty/) - I thought I would leave you with one final glorious picture from this weekend. Our neighbor Margaret grows several patches of poppies along the west side of our yard. They are so ethereal and vibrant, flamboyant even, yet tissue thin. I adore them. We had a wonderful Sunday - shopping, gardening, cooking, dinner with neighbors
- [And so it begins ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/05/and-so-it-begins/) - The first potato salad of the season, my own personal "starting line" - summer is officially here! Tonight we will share it with friends and neighbors, along with some grilled chicken and mint tea from our very own patch.
- [Beverly Sills](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/04/beverly-sills/) - She's been teasing us for days, threatening to open but not doing so. This morning when I walked into the kitchen to get my coffee I glanced out the window and this is what I saw. A lovely way to start a Saturday morning - iris "Beverly Sills."
- [Two beautiful pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/06/03/two-beautiful-pictures/) - I was lucky enough to see two beautiful things tonight when we took Beaulah out after dinner. Pictures of both lovelies are below. The first one is a peony called Coral Seas. You know the second one.
- [Video of damage from our neighborhood ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/05/24/video-of-damage-from-our-neighborhood/) - Almost all of this video comes from our immediate neighborhood. The house at the 35 second mark is the house across the street from us. From about 1:06 to 1:50 is all in the block or two around us, and there is more footage from our area after the 1:50 mark mixed in with other
- [Yesterday's Tornado](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/05/23/yesterdays-tornado/) - We had a tornado come through our neighborhood yesterday around 2:30. We were at the Guthrie for a play with H's parents and his sister, and Juliette was home with our neighbor Kathy. It came on so fast, the tornado hit before the sirens went off. Kathy's daughter texted me and we all got up
- [Tulip Festival Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/04/27/tulip-festival-pictures/) - My best friend, Nancy, who lives in Washington now sent me these pictures last night of the tulip festival held in the Skagit Valley every year. I've been lucky enough to see the festival in person once, but these pictures do a pretty good job at relaying the magnificent beauty of the gardens that the
- [Easter Sunday, 2011](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/04/26/easter-sunday-2011/) - I know it has been a long, long time since I have posted. I've been very busy at work over the last two months with our new CIO arriving and all of my new responsibilities. No longer can I just sit quietly in my own little office doing my own work. But it's all good,
- [Graduation Day](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/02/27/graduation-day/) - OMG - guess who graduated out of her high chair and into a booster chair today? She can sit at the table like a BIG girl now! Lady Miss J sitting in her booster chair, enjoying the heck out of some cheddar chickadees and string cheese. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/BoosterChair/]
- [Why We're Here](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/02/09/why-were-here/) - I read about this video in today's StarTribune and looked it up when I got home tonight. I thought I would share it, especially for those far away who might wonder why I'm still here. Why We're Here: Twin Cities from Seven and Sixty Productions on Vimeo. I have been here for 15 years now.
- [Ms. Swan as The Black Swan](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/02/09/ms-swan-as-the-black-swan/) - OK, so maybe you don't like parodies as much as I do, or you don't know who Ms. Swan is. But if you are a MadTV or Ms. Swan fan, like me, I think you'll enjoy this. Otherwise, just skip it 'cause it won't make any sense.
- [Juliette's first haircut](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/02/03/juliettes-first-haircut/) - Well, it had to be done. Her bangs were so long they were hanging in front of her eyes and annoying her and us. So we took her to Harald's stylist, Sandy, who gave Juliette her first haircut today. And she was an angel. Didn't make a single complaint the whole time. Just sat there
- [Around My French Table](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/01/22/around-my-french-table/) - We ate well tonight. OK, what's new right? Well, we ate better than we usually do. Anyone who knows us knows that the last thing we truly need is another cookbook. But Harald has been jonesing to buy Dorie Greenspan's new cookbook, Around My French Table, since before Christmas. He didn't get the book for
- [Noodles Romanoff](http://www.fiberguy.com/2011/01/08/noodles-romanoff/) - OK, I have just one question - how in the world did I live to be 45 years old and without ever eating noodles Romanoff before now? Harald said he remembered it from his youth, but it was totally new to me. Have you ever had one of those experiences where something smells so good
- [And if Mel Blanc's version wasn't enough for you ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/22/and-if-mel-blancs-version-wasnt-enough-for-you/) - ... check out the Animaniacs version of the Schnitzelbank song. Thanks to Keith for mentioning it!
- [New Favorite Christmas Song](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/22/new-favorite-christmas-song/) - We heard this on Sirius 4 a few days ago for the first time, and it's hysterical. Juliette especially loves the train sounds. It's a Mel Blanc (he the voice of Bugs Bunny) song from 1953 called "Yah Das Ist Ein Christmas Tree" and here is a YouTube video.
- [Juliette meets Santa](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/20/juliette-meets-santa/) - ... at the Macy's downtown Christmas display earlier this morning ...
- [The Digital Story of the Nativity](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/18/the-digital-story-of-the-nativity/) - Thanks to friend Sandy in Memphis for finding this.
- [A little Christmas magnificence](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/14/a-little-christmas-magnificence/) - Thank you to my friend Roz in the UK for tuning me into this rendition of one of my very favorite Christmas hymns. For some reason, it makes me cry a little (but not out of sadness!) each time I hear it. This version is from the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, ca. 1993. It's
- [To Be the Poet:  Maxine Hong Kingston](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/09/to-be-the-poet-maxine-hong-kingston/) - I have never heard of Maxine Hong Kingston before, but a friend shared a video of her at UC Berkley's Lunch Poems programs back in 2004. But I am totally smitten with her now that I've heard her speak. I am passing her along to others who, like me, may be unfamiliar with her and
- [Weekend Fun](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/06/weekend-fun/) - I had a "to-do" list a mile long on Friday, but we slogged our way through it and got all but the last three things done by yesterday, despite spending Saturday night at a Christmas party. We scaled back a bit on the decorations this year, and most of the breakable stuff is either not
- [Some pictures of Juliette in the morning](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/12/03/some-pictures-of-juliette-in-the-morning/) - This morning after we got her dressed for grandma's, Juliette decided she wanted to try on some of her hats. The pink velvet outfit with the fur collar and cuffs is too adorable, and so is she. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Dec 03 2010/]
- [Overdue slideshows - Mostly Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/11/23/overdue-slideshows-mostly-juliette/) - I know I have been unforgivably late in posting these. My only excuse (and it's a good one, so I'm sticking to it!) is that keeping up with a busy 16 month old leaves me little time except to crash when she goes to bed at night. So without further ado .... Pumpkin Picking [album:
- [Turning](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/11/03/turning/) - As alluded to in my posts from early October, last month was a time of sadness and grief in our family, as two visiting loved ones from Norway were tragically killed in a car accident on October 5. Then about 10 days ago, my own mother in Florida was hurt (but not critically) in a
- [A poem for the day](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/10/11/a-poem-for-the-day/) - My friend Kay posted this to our CJ group today and it really moved me. I've spared most of my blog readers from my love of poetry, considering it a private indulgence. But I am going to change that for today. Praise What Comes surprising as unplanned kisses, all you haven't deserved of days and
- [There is a Balm in Gilead](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/10/07/there-is-a-balm-in-gilead/) - Over the past few days, I have been rediscovering some music I grew up with. Mahalia Jackson, who I think was the greatest gospel singer of all time, played on my mom's LP player until I thought I would wear it out. Here is one of her classics. My iPod is gospel-happy now.
- [Pictures from jelly making weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/09/10/pictures-from-jelly-making-weekend/) - Once again, we headed to Lutsen over the Labor Day weekend. This is our designated annual jelly-making weekend and it was a good one. We found some really good fruit and this batch is, perhaps, the best batch of crabapple jelly we've ever made. We made two kinds. The first couple of batches we "plain"
- [More about the pink ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/08/17/more-about-the-pink/) - Some great names have been suggested. I'm particularly fond of Edna, Ethel and Maude. But you know what? I may just end up calling her Pinky - I uttered that name spontaneously as I was working on her tonight. Has the right sort of feel and fits my personality too. I took her apart again
- [My first sewing machine](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/08/17/my-first-sewing-machine/) - Here she is, in all of her mid-century pink glory. Well, she wasn't mine actually, not until now anyway. This was my mom's sewing machine, the first sewing machine that I learned to sew on. It's an Atlas model from either the late 50s or the early 60s. Mom's had it as long as I've
- [Pictures from Florida trip](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/08/16/pictures-from-florida-trip/) - Well, it has been a long time since I posted anything on my blog, hasn't it?! We were gone to Florida for a couple of weeks visiting my mom, and we got back last week and are just now settling back into normal. I thought I would share a few pictures from our Florida trip,
- [Sometimes the heart breaks into a million little pieces](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/07/09/sometimes-the-heart-breaks-into-a-million-little-pieces/) - My phone just rang at work and it was my mom in Tallahassee. I could tell something was terribly wrong when I heard her voice. My cousin Renee has two boys both of whom are on active duty in Afghanistan. Last night, her oldest son was killed in an attack on their tent which caught
- [Juliette's first birthday party](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/06/25/juliettes-first-birthday-party/) - Well, it has taken me long enough. Here are some pictures from Juliette's first birthday party last Sunday in our backyard. I especially like the cake pictures. Funny, she wasn't such a fan of sweet icing, but playing with the cake sure was fun. Also included are some gift-opening pictures. There are 20 pictures total,
- [Creation](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/06/24/creation/) - Here is the paradox: At the point in my life in which I find the least time to indulge or express it, I find the impulse, the need, to create is stronger than it has ever been. Now, don't get me wrong. I am keenly aware that the act of raising a child is a
- [Cute baby in sunglasses alert](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/05/25/cute-baby-in-sunglasses-alert/) - I defy you to avoid smiling when you look at these pictures. Sure, just go ahead and try! [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Baby Sunglasses/]
- [Who's a sleepy baby?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/05/25/whos-a-sleepy-baby/) - Last week, J cut her top two teeth. She was kinda cranky much of last week, but is much better this week. Here are some photos of her taken last week one morning when she just didn't want to wake up. I thought they were too cute! [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Sleepy Baby/]
- [She Crawls!!!!!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/04/25/she-crawls/) - I know it has been (or seemed like) forever since I've posted recent pictures. Well, today I have good reason. Juliette has been trying to learn how to crawl for weeks, but reverse was her only gear that worked. Not the most helpful, though it did get her places - mostly under chairs and tables.
- [Recent pics from new camera](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/03/26/recent-pics-from-new-camera/) - I recently got a new Panasonic DMC-ZS3 camera because my old Nikon Coolpix, which I dearly, dearly loved, was really showing it's age. I was all set to get the newest Nikon Coolpix, the S8000, but when I discovered that it didn't permit optical zoom while using the video feature, I decided to go with
- [Juliette in her new sweater](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/02/24/juliettes-in-her-new-sweater/) - Everyone wants to see a picture of Juliette in her new sweater, and why not? So here she is in all her glory!
- [A new sweater for Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/02/21/a-new-sweater-for-juliette/) - I bought this pattern at the Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival last year over Mother's day weekend. The Yarn Garage was sellnig kits of Dream in Color's Tulip cardigan sweater and I was so struck by the colors, I just had to buy a kit. The sweater was fun, easy and fast to make.
- [Are you REALLY gonna eat that??](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/02/09/are-you-really-gonna-eat-that/) - Well, yes, as a matter of fact I am! And I have to tell you, it smelled so good baking I was just about ready to gnaw off an arm before it was done. If it wasn't for the fact that it's for company coming tonight (it's my turn to host my quilt guild), I
- [Monday Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/02/09/monday-pictures/) - I took yesterday off to stay home with Juliette since our Monday babysitter is in Mexico on vacation this week and next. One of the secretaries grabbed her camera to make pictures. I thought you might like to see them. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/February 8 Pictures/]
- [More December, 2009 Pics](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/01/18/more-december-2009-pics/) - These photos came off of momma's camera. I finally got around to scanning them. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/More Christmas 2009/]
- [A new sweater for Miss J](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/01/29/a-new-sweater-for-miss-j/) - Here are two pictures of a sweater my dear friend and quilt/knitsib Karen made for Juliette. It's just cute as a button!
- [Pictures for a day](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/01/22/pictures-for-a-day/) - These were taken yesterday, at 7 months and 1 day, as she was on the bed playing with us after dinner, then as she drifted off to sleep and later got ready for bed. I figured today was a good day to share some happy, smiling pictures. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/January 21 2010/]
- [Hand knits from Norway](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/01/16/hand-knits-from-norway/) - These are for some dear friends in Norway. The beautiful pink sweater was hand knit by Turid, and the lovely pink and cream socks came from Ellen, Jan & Berit's daughter. The socks are a perfect fit now, and there is much good wear in the sweater to come. They are both family heirlooms now.
- [Christmas 2009 Pics](http://www.fiberguy.com/2010/01/15/christmas-2009-pics/) - I know, I know. It has taken me entirely too long to get these posted. But better late than never, right? There are some of my favorite pictures of Lady J in this set. Enjoy! [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Christmas 2009/]
- [She is officially ours!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/12/03/she-is-officially-ours/) - Glory, hallelujah, and praise be to God! It seems like it has taken forever to get to this point, and the backstory is moot by now, but we finally had our finalization hearing today. Juliette was officially ours as of about 10:00 am this morning - and as one friend said, we are now hers,
- [So soon!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/11/30/so-soon/) - After months of waiting for LSS to straighten out the mess they made with Juliette's birth certificate and then finally filing our petition with the court and then the court saying on Wednesday that there were "issues" with our filing that prevented them giving us a hearing date, I arrived to work this morning and
- [Would you sleep here?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/11/15/would-you-sleep-here/) - My mom is coming on Wednesday for an extended visit and I'm so looking forward to it. What you see below is what I sometimes jokingly referred to as "the spa" - a bedroom in our basement that has never really been used for much. It was outfitted with a real Finnish sauna by the
- [Groovin' new favorite](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/11/06/groovin-new-favorite/) - Once you get hooked on satellite radio, it's hard to go back to broadcast. I've gotten spoiled. Last night, on the way to Target, I was listening to Chill on Sirius (channel 35) and found myself loving what I was listening to. Turns out it's a group called Streetlife Originals. They hail from north east
- [Halloween 2009](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/11/02/halloween-2009/) - Here are some pictures taken Halloween night. We had H's folks and sister over for dinner, and they stayed for the trick or treating fun. We, of course, could not resist the temptation to dress her in her pumpkin outfit again. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Halloween/]
- [The Sweetest Sound](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/09/26/the-sweetest-sound/) - Juliette giggled for me for the first time tonight. Three times, right after I got feeding her and was making funny faces at her. I swear, it was the sweetest sound I've ever heard and it thrilled my whole being. It was pure music to my ears. We put up a dozen jars of spiced
- [Photos from October](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/10/14/photos-from-october/) - You've all been so patient awaiting new photos! We've been having such fun with her, I keep failing to find time to upload them and update my blog. But today I finally did it. Here are some photos taken recently, most of them from when my dear friend Connie and her husband Steve visited from
- [The little pumpkin is ready for Halloween!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/10/30/the-little-pumpkin-is-ready-for-halloween/) - Is it just me, or does she look like she's totally over the pumpkin outfit already? She had her four month doctor appointment (complete with scream-inducing shots at the end) on Wednesday afternoon. Juliette is now 14 lbs. 10 oz. and she is 25 1/4" long. She is only 1/4" shy of having grown three
- [Recent Photos of the Lady Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/09/16/recent-photos-of-the-lady-juliette/) - Our social worker from LSS, Michelle, at our last home visit on Friday. Her daddy holding her in his arms while she sleeps. Ain't they both just gorgeous. The two people I love the most in one glorious and humble picture. Perfection. Juliette's baptism on Sunday. Besides us and our pastors, also in the picture
- [Susan Boyle's Debut CD & Singing Tonight!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/09/15/susan-boyles-debut-cd-singing-tonight/) - You can preorder now at Amazon. I just found out. Some of you probably already knew. http://www.amazon.com/I-Dreamed-Dream-Susan-Boyle/dp/B0026P3G12/ref=pd_ts_m_13?ie=UTF8&s=music Have you heard her cover of The Stones' "Wild Horses"? Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb3XAP0c8WU&feature=player_embedded She's apparently going to be singing the song on America's Got Talent TONIGHT, which airs at 8PM EDT, 7PM CDT. Guess who is going to
- [Today's Bit of Beauty - 09/15/09](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/09/15/todays-bit-of-beauty-091509/) - These simple, common white morning glories arrested my attention this morning. They are the very essence of beauty, are they not?
- [Pictures from work baby shower today](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/08/05/pictures-from-work-baby-shower-today/) - OK, I know this link to Flickr will work because I marked this set as public. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberguy/sets/72157621955807880/ It is from a baby shower at my office over the lunch hour today. In the very first picture, if you look close in the background you will see the new downtown Minnesota Twins stadium that is almost
- [Pictures from our trip to Florida](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/08/21/pictures-from-our-trip-to-florida/) - I took so many pictures that I had to load them all on Flickr. So here are the links you can use to see all the pictures from Florida. From lunch at the Rendezvous in Memphis, day 2 of the trip down: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberguy/sets/72157622094890422/ From the night we stayed over in Meridian, MS at my aunt
- [More Weekend Pictures from Lutsen](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/08/03/more-weekend-pictures-from-lutsen/) - This was Juliett'e first trip to the Hall family homestead in Lutsen and a good "test run" for the long drive coming up in a week. These are some really cute pictures I thought you would enjoy. Her Great Aunt Lulu holding her. Taken 08/01/09. A smiling daddy. Taken 08/01/09. Such a punim! Taken 08/01/09.
- [Love Makes a Family](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/21/love-makes-a-family/) - Here are the first pictures of Juliette Rayne, born Saturday night at 11:13. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. She's got a cute little head of hair, and lungs that are working just fine, thankyouverymuch. It seems as if everything is a go for the adoption to go forward.
- [Pictures from Monday night](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/24/pictures-from-monday-night/) - Here are some pictures taken Monday night at the hospital after the entrustment ceremony and after we all arrived safely home. At home in her crib after getting her jammies on the first night. At the hospital chapel right after the entrustment ceremony ended. Papa holding her at home for the first time.
- [Pictures from Day 2 - Tuesday, June 24th](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/25/pictures-from-day-2-tuesday-june-24th/) - Pictures from Tuesday Tuesday was the day she got her belly button and her first bath before meeting great aunties and uncles! Not a happy camper - little dumplin'. Asleep in papa's arms after her morning bottle.
- [Baby's first pram ride](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/26/babys-first-pram-ride/) - Don't know what a pram is? Pram = A conveyance for baby transport, "perambulator" in full The warm air and breeze felt nice! Her hands warmed up for the firs time since she came home. This pram came as a gift from Harald's parents in Norway when he was born quite a few years back.
- [Photos from this past weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/29/photos-from-this-past-weekend/) - Update: Sorry about that! I thought the public album at Facebook would work OK for those of you who weren't members. I've changed the photo album application in my blog so I don't have to rely on an outside host. The new album browser appears below. This picture is a really good visual metaphor of
- [More photos from the weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/30/more-photos-from-the-weekend/) - Our friends, Lois and Rich, came to meet Juliette last week after we arrived home and we also got to see them again on the bon voyage for Adair & Ken. Rich was kind enough to forward all the photos he took and I thought some of you might enjoy seeing them. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/pics/albums/20090627/]
- [Photos from July 3-5](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/06/photos-from-july-3-5/) - Juliette had her first trip to church on Sunday, in an pretty little outfit her Grandma Helen bought her. She looked so precious. And she slept through the entire service, with trumpets blaring and everything. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/pics/albums/20090706/]
- [Photos from July 6](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/07/photos-from-july-6/) - Several photos from when she was all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed last night - and one of her this morning sleeping in her pram. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/pics/albums/20090707/]
- [Praise the Lord!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/09/praise-the-lord/) - I just got a message from our social worker, Michelle. Our birth mother's social worker finally got in touch with her and they had a conversation about the consent forms. She reported she felt really sad for the first few days after delivery, but now she feels very good about the adoption going forward, especially
- [Photos from July 11](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/11/photos-from-july-11/) - She's wearing a cute little pink floral sundress that Grandma Hazel in Florida bought her - with a big bow in the front! She was very alert, so we wanted to snap some pictures to prove she doesn't sleep every minute of the day. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/pics/albums/20090711/]
- [Photos from July 20](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/20/photos-from-july-20/) - It's hard to believe it's Juliette's one-month birthday already! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday we were driving home from the hospital. Anyway, here are some pictures from this past week/weekend and a few from this morning. [album: http://www.fiberguy.com/pics/albums/20090720/]
- [At long last!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/07/29/at-long-last/) - Praise be to God! At long last the paperwork was signed yesterday. The 10 day waiting period now begins. Legal risk will expire for us on August 11th at 4:30 p.m., while we are in Florida visiting mom. Here is a picture taken last night. I think the relief is written all over Harald's face.
- [Fisherman's Picnic Weekend in Lutsen](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/08/02/fishermans-picnic-weekend-in-lutsen/) - This was Juliett'e first trip to the Hall family homestead in Lutsen and a good "test run" for the long drive coming up in a week. These are some really cute pictures I thought you would enjoy. At the harbor in Grand Marais on Saturday, the day she turned six weeks old. Taken 08/01/09. At
- [Good morning](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/08/good-morning/) - A good morning to you all. And I mean it. I woke up this morning with a sense that the darkest clouds had passed. I finished re-reading Rabbi Kushner's book yesterday afternoon and sat down and had a good cry (again). And the tears felt like they cleaned out the corners of my soul that
- [Monday Morning Silliness](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/08/03/monday-morning-silliness/)
- [Today's Bit of Beauty - 06/19/09](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/19/todays-bit-of-beauty-061909/) - How can you not love this elegant beauty? It's from a small bit of peony taken from the Hall family homestead up in Lutsen. It's really taken off in our yard and this year is full of blooms. We don't know exactly what type it is, but then again we haven't done a whole lot
- [Today's Bit of Beauty - 06/18/09](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/18/todays-bit-of-beauty-061809/) - As Harald so rightfully challenged me last night, it's time to get some pictures after promising two weeks ago to do so. Even though I've been gathering pictures for several weeks, I am going to start with a picture taken just this morning. Sorry it isn't clearer, but these are among H's most precious additions to
- [Today's Bit of Beauty - Resurrected](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/06/02/todays-bit-of-beauty-resurrected/) - I know most of you have been very patient with me over the last few months. Given the loss we experienced in early April, blogging just hasn't been at the top of my list of things to get done. But spring has once again arrived in earnest in Minnesota and despite our near-total lack of
- [Our quick weekend getaway](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/27/our-quick-weekend-getaway/) - We left on Friday right after H got home from work and we had a lovely and easy drive to SE Minnesota. Descending from Preston into the deep valley where the charming town rests was almost like driving backward into time. You got this feeling you were going somewhere that time has forgot. We got
- [Catching up](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/20/catching-up/) - Sometimes the best way to let people know what's going on is just to give lots of little snippets ... 1. Friday morning came and I decided I didn't have it in me to work another day. I took a day off just for me. I ended up calling Marsha, a fiber friend (read all
- [What a wonderful world ](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/16/what-a-wonderful-world/)
- [Playing for Change](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/14/playing-for-change/) - This organization, Playing for Change, is really doing something extraordinary and wonderful. Check out some of their videos below, and visit their website for more information. Thanks to my friend, Joan, for turning me onto this ..
- [Sad news about our baby girl](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/06/sad-news-about-our-baby-girl/) - For those of you who have not heard, I just wanted you to know that our latest attempt at enlarging our family failed this past week when the birth mother suddenly changed her mind and decided to parent the beautiful little baby girl, who we will always know as Siri Grace, last Thursday night. She
- [Today's Thought](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/04/07/todays-thought/) - "Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground." - Oscar Wilde Today, I sit with my pointy sticks, taking stitch after stitch - the clicking is a blessed distraction and activity. And I think of Melpomene, the muse of tragedy, and hope she will once again comfort me and bring my soul to the point of
- [Socks for Jennifer](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/23/socks-for-jennifer/) - I just put the last stitch in when I got home from work tonight, so they aren't done a day too soon. These are socks for Jennifer for when she goes into the hospital. I hope she enjoys wearing them as much as I enjoyed making them. The pattern is Nancy's Lindberg's basic knit-to-fit sock
- [A few pictures from our first baby shower](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/12/a-few-pictures-from-our-first-baby-shower/) - My quilt buddies surprised me on Tuesday night and when I arrived for what I thought was our regular monthly get-together, they had a baby shower planned instead. If you'd like to see a few of the photos from that night, including the quilt they made for the little bambina, click here.
- [First pictures of the new nursery](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/08/first-pictures-of-the-new-nursery/) - Several people have asked to see pictures of the nursery, so I thought I would post a few. We got the room put back in order this morning and set up the portable crib and hung the valances and cleaned out the dresser and put all of Siri's clothes away. This will give you a
- [Is this how Stonehenge was built?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/05/is-this-how-stonehenge-was-built/) - Thanks for the lead, Joan!
- [Cool video and music](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/02/cool-video-and-music/) - Things on YouTube keep getting better and better .... folks on one of my knitters lists keep finding the most interesting thing ...
- [Fiber Madness](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/03/01/fiber-madness/) - For your knitting enjoyment ....
- [Today's Beauty - 07/26/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/26/todays-beauty-072608/) - These globe thistles are a constant joy this time of year, their round orbs blooming in a beautiful purplish-blue.
- [How y'all are?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/02/24/how-yall-are/) - Thinking about all my fellow southerners, and those who feel the soulful tug of the south in their heart no matter where they live, as we get ready for Fat Tuesday. My uncle in Tallahassee just ripped out his winter garden late last week and momma overnight expressed an entire box full of collard greens
- [You wanted a picture?  ... really???](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/02/19/you-wanted-a-picture-really/) - Why any of you would want to see a picture of me in the sweater is beyond me, but for those of you who asked for it, here it is. Taken at work this morning by a knitsib. Geez this sweater is warm. I gotta go get a glass of ice water!
- [My first fully completed sweater](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/02/18/my-first-fully-completed-sweater/) - Although this isn't the first sweater I've begun, it is the first one I've finished. I'm still working on that dang Einstein coat. I must admit what at first seemed like a good idea (miles of garter stitch) quickly turned into some form of tedium. I've got the body of the thing done, but I
- [Groundhog Day ... yeah, right ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/02/02/groundhog-day-yeah-right/) - Today, Punxsutawney Phil allegedly saw his shadow, thereby predicting another 6 weeks of winter. Which led me to question, just how accurate is this "immortal groundhog?" Well, according to Stormfax, he is only about 39% accurate, which means he is 61% inaccurate. Sorry, I'm going with Stormfax on this one. Click here to read more
- [Mercurial Motion](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/28/mercurial-motion/) - I had a hunch, so I checked it out and, sure enough, I was right. Mercury went retrograde on January 11th and won't stop the retrograde motion until February 1st, reaching a full return on February 14th. Whew! I KNEW there was something going on with communications and thinking, but no one here had mentioned
- [New Socks!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/21/new-socks/) - Look at these gorgeous, I mean GORGEOUS, pair of new socks that just came off the needles a few minutes ago! They are made of the softest Marino wool I have ever had the pleasure of touching. And the colors? Turquoise, purple, rust, chartreuse - oh my! They were an absolute joy to make. I started
- [Baby, it's cold outside!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/13/baby-its-cold-outside/) - Today is a day for warm oatmeal and hot cider for breakfast. When I left the house this morning, it was -17 on the house thermometer and -18 on the car's. You know it's cold when there is ice on the inside of the bus windows. But, hey, we're Minnesotans, right, and we knew it
- [Umcka](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/08/umcka/) - Harald has been fighting off something for weeks now and when he went to the doctor the last time right after Christmas, it was suggested he make a trip to Whole Foods and buy a product called "Umcka" which is supposed to help lessen the severity and duration of symptoms. I felt pretty suspicious when
- [Good Books in Bad Times](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/08/good-books-in-bad-times/) - Based on the premise that "books are friends, therapists, healing tonic, and ... 'life-affirming'", HarperCollins has started a new blog called GoodBooksInBadTimes.com. I learned about it today from the Christian Science Monitor, one of my favorite papers. There are all types of categories of books you can look through, so check it out if you
- [Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/05/hyperbolic-crochet-coral-reef/) - See 'The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef' with Luana Rubin, Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate Yorkshire, England, November 2008:
- [The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/05/the-campaign-for-love-and-forgiveness/) - If you haven't checked it out already, I encourage you to visit and learn about The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness. From their web site: "Launched in 2006, the Campaign for Love & Forgiveness uses PBS documentaries, community activities, online resources, and networking opportunities to encourage reflection and conversation about how love and forgiveness can
- [Christmas in Lutsen](http://www.fiberguy.com/2009/01/02/christmas-in-lutsen/) - We had one spectacularly sunny day while on the North Shore recently, and I snapped this photo from inside the living room showing the view down the hill with Lake Superior in the background. This was taken a little later the same afternoon - one of many deer that show up late to get the
- [Getting over myself](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/12/11/getting-over-myself/) - I have not been getting very much done when I get home at night for a very long time. I have bursts of activity, but I'm more of a slug now than I've ever been, or maybe I'm just slowing down to "normal" speed and that seems sluggish compared to my prior breakneck pace. Some people used
- [Rest in Peace, Del Martin](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/27/rest-in-peace-del-martin/) - I'm so sad I'm crying. Earlier today Del Martin passed away. It is so terribly sad when our most beloved and valiant warriors fall. What a giant she was in the struggle for equal rights for gay men and lesbians everywhere. She was one of my early and formative icons, and she made life so much
- [This is what delicious looks like](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/20/this-is-what-delicious-looks-like/) - I am normally not one of those kinds of bloggers to post many food pictures, but last night was worthy of star treatment. It started last week when H brought home six of the most gorgeous poblano peppers I have ever seen. He got them at the local farm stand we buy from and I
- [Pictures from our trip to South Dakota.](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/12/pictures-from-our-trip-to-south-dakota/) - If you would like to see the photos from our recent trip to South Dakota, click here.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/31/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/31/todays-beauty-08312008/) - A creek that has eroded itself back behind some well aged roots - along the road up to the Hall family homestead property in Lutsen, MN.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/30/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/30/todays-beauty-08302008/) - A single wild rose growing on an old-growth bush on the Hall family homestead property in Lutsen, MN.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/29/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/29/todays-beauty-08292008/) - The Badlands of South Dakota. Awesome sight, like an alien landscape.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/28/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/28/todays-beauty-08282008/) - Sunrise at the Badlands National Park. We were staying at the Cedar Pass Lodge at the bottom of the pass and this is what met us at sunrise the next morning.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/27/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/27/todays-beauty-08272008/) - The Yellow Mounds area of the Badlands scenic highway 240 route from Cactus Flat, SD to Wall, SD.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/26/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/26/todays-beauty-08262008/) - One of the wild buffalo herd we encountered - actually, the second large herd along a few miles of road in the Wildlife Loop off Highway 16 just east of Custer, South Dakota that goes through Custer State Park.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/25/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/25/todays-beauty-08252008/) - A stunning horse at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary near Hot Springs, South Dakota.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/24/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/24/todays-beauty-08242008/) - Sunset on our last night in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/23/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/23/todays-beauty-08232008/) - This is a dahlia, Andries’ Orange (1936, rarest), that we got from H's mom.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/22/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/22/todays-beauty-08222008/) - The patch of zennias in front of the black eyed Susans near our front walk and kitchen windows.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/21/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/21/todays-beauty-08212008/) - A patch of black eyed Susans by our kitchen window.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/20/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/20/todays-beauty-08202008/) - A beautiful bright pink phlox that is doing very well this year in the front bed.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/19/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/19/todays-beauty-08192008/) - Begonias from a hanging basket in the old silver maple in our backyard.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/18/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/18/todays-beauty-08182008/) - These orange-coral phlox are a new variety that Harald planted earlier this year. They are in the back of the garden by the shed and they are so colorful they are very easy to spot even from many feet away.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/17/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/17/todays-beauty-08172008/) - These lovely echinacea blossoms are from the "Sunset" variety. Absolutely gorgeous color.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/15/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/15/todays-beauty-08152008/) - These lovely echinacea blossoms are from a pale yellow variety - sorry, the name escapes me at the moment. So pale they look white in the picture, but trust me, they are a very pale yellow.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/16/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/16/todays-beauty-08162008/) - These lovely echinacea blossoms are from the "Fragrant Angel" variety. Too, too lovely and a delicate perfume in the heat of the day. Don't you just love that pure white bloom?
- [Today's Beauty - 08/11/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/11/todays-beauty-08112008/) - I have been waiting for weeks to show you all this picture! They are of a somewhat new rudbeckia, Cherokee Sunset. They made me smile inside every time I looked at them.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/14/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/14/todays-beauty-08142008/) - Such a simple, old-fashioned flower the zennia is. And our front yard is full of the State Fair variety right now in a profusion of colors.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/13/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/13/todays-beauty-08132008/) - OK, bad picture, I know. And I tried my best to get a good shot of these. They are from my heliotrope plant, which fills the front yard with the scent of vanilla for as long as they are blooming!
- [Today's Beauty - 08/12/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/12/todays-beauty-08122008/) - Another showy and gorgeous rudbeckia.
- [My new birthday toy!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/08/my-new-birthday-toy/) - I finally got one! I've loved my blue iPod mini for years, but I never thought I would need more than 4GB of space. Who knew?! Anyway, thanks to my generous family, I got a bunch of Apple gift cards for my b'day and yesterday I went and cashed them all in on a top-of-the-line
- [Today's Beauty - 08/10/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/10/todays-beauty-08102008/) - This salmon-pink lilly with is another showy favorite. Gee, I seem to love all these "wow!" flowers - maybe that does begin to say something about my personality, eh?
- [Today's Beauty - 08/09/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/09/todays-beauty-08092008/) - These are very old-fashioned double day lillies in a fabulous shade of orange. They were left by the prior owner and we haven't touched them. And they have such long stems, maybe 3-4' or more!
- [Today's Beauty - 08/08/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/08/todays-beauty-08082008/) - Happy 888 day! Oh, this one is another whore for color and smell, isn't she? But stunning, oh so stunning in the garden. We've never grown Stargazer lillies before, though we have often enjoyed them purchased. The heady perfume and riot of color, it's something of a mardi gras in bloom, isn't it?
- [Today's Beauty - 08/07/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/07/todays-beauty-08072008/) - This is a wine red lily (it's darker in person) with the neck that changes abruptly to bright yellow, then fades into chartreuse at the bottom. Isn't it just gorgeous?!
- [Today's Beauty - 08/06/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/06/todays-beauty-08062008/) - For my birthday (yes, I turn 43 today!), I have been saving up one of my favorite pictures. It is of an absolutely stunning peony that was growing in H's cousin's garden at her house in Lutsen. The color is just knock-your-socks-off, dontchathink?
- [Today's Beauty - 08/05/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/05/todays-beauty-08052008/) - It is a little out of focus, but I'm sharing it anyway. It's one of the sweet little wild roses that are found growing along the side of the road as you go up the hill to the house in Lutsen. The color and the simplicity are what is so marvelous about this flower.
- [Today's Beauty - 07/24/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/24/todays-beauty-072408/) - It seems as though we are bombarded almost daily with scenes of ugliness, barbarism or brutality - at least if we watch TV at all. The nightly news has almost become too much for me to bear. I've been wondering why I am so much happier when I spend time on the north shore. I'm
- [Today's Beauty - 07/25/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/25/todays-beauty-072508/) - It is a gray and rainy day here in Minneapolis this morning. What better to lift the mood on such a day that something sunny and cheerful. These are Citronella lillies (another Asiatic) that are ever so sprightly.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/04/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/04/todays-beauty-08042008/) - I was smitted with these pinwheel phlox blooms the moment I laid eyes on them. This is their second year and they are doing very, very well. They strike me as a very sweet and old-fashioned looking plant.
- [Today's Beauty - 08/03/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/03/todays-beauty-08032008/) - Gorgeous red lily, ain't it?
- [Today's Beauty - 08/02/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/02/todays-beauty-08022008/) - This is close relative to the hollyhock, a French mallow. Actually, we planted this plant the first spring we were in our house. It bloomed profusely and then went to seed. We thought nothing of it until the next year when mallow plants were absolutely everywhere! We've been trying to get rid of them ever
- [Today's Beauty - 08/01/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/08/01/todays-beauty-08012008/) - If you know me, you know that hollyhocks are amongst my most favorite flowers, and this double ruffled pink one is, well, just look at it will you?!
- [Today's Beauty - 07/31/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/31/todays-beauty-07312008/) - OK - I must confess. This lily belongs to my neighbor and is right next to where I park my car in the drive. But, I ask you, how could I not include this stunning creation in my collection?
- [Today's Beauty - 07/30/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/30/todays-beauty-07302008/) - This day lily filled me with joy when I saw it at Kelly & Kelly last year. I had to have it. You see why. It's the most feminine seashell pink. Oh, it does take one's breath away.
- [Today's Beauty - 07/29/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/29/todays-beauty-07292008/) - This is a fancy hybrid, I think, of the rudbeckia family. Harald picked it up at one of our many nursery stops this year and it just went in the ground - and it is blooming spectacularly already.
- [Today's Beauty - 07/28/2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/28/todays-beauty-07282008/) - This is another favorite lily. I don't know the name, but I bought it because of the way it looks and this year is the first year it has done really well.
- [The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/15/the-time-has-come-the-walrus-said-to-talk-of-many-things/) - As I was in the car on the way to the lab to get my blood work done (that my doctor ordered from my physical back in May), I was almost at the clinic and I sneezed unexpectedly. I didn't realize what had happened at first, but I instantly felt more relaxed. That's when I
- [How am I doing so far?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/17/how-am-i-doing-so-far/) - Well, today is the second full day on WW. How am I doing? Well, I'm already over my "points" for the week because if you are on the Core plan, your food choices are pretty limited. Now that I see how easy the on-line planner is to use in order to log your food consumption,
- [Minnesota Quilters 2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/07/03/minnesota-quilters-2008/) - I could just have easily titled this post "or How Boyd sought to get his mojo back" because that's precisely what I'd hoped would happen. I've been quilting in fits and spurts since last year and haven't just connected with that pure excitement and joy that quilting used to bring me at every turn. I
- [An amazing journey - 10 years and counting](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/06/24/an-amazing-journey-10-years-and-counting/) - 10 years. Wow. Who'd have thunk it? Well, it was 10 years ago today that I got back to my desk from lunch and opened an e-mail from an unknown person named Barbara telling me that she thought she might be the parent I was actively looking for. It's hard to believe that it has
- [Good News! (a/k/a "No Roof for you!")](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/06/04/good-news-aka-no-roof-for-you/) - The first contractor we contacted went over the roof carefully last night and found only minor hail damage - less than 6 spots in the whole roof. They don't even need to be repaired. He speculated the trees all along the north side of the house broke the force of the hail so the hail didn't hit
- [This weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/06/02/this-weekend/) - I haven't had the heart to write about it, but a hail storm passed over our house on Saturday and virtually destroyed our gardens. I know they are only plants, and we are lucky that no one was hurt and the house wasn't more damaged (no broken windows, thank goodness), but still - it was
- [Socks for Nancy](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/05/29/socks-for-nancy/) - Now that she has received them in the mail and opened the package, I can finally share these on my blog. These are socks I made for my bestest friend, Nancy, who just moved from LA to Bellingham. I figured since she's in a cooler climate, a nice pair of warm, comfy, handmade socks were
- [Happy, happy, joy, joy ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/05/19/happy-happy-joy-joy/) - I bought a new pair of Blue Sky Alpaca's Dalbergia rosewood DPN needles last week after seeing them at the Shepherd's Harvest fiber festival. I skipped them when I first saw them, but I kept thinking about them and days later drove the 30 miles to the "local" yarn shop that carries them. I was so
- [Seed Savers](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/05/09/seed-savers/) - Two weekends ago we paid a visit to Seed Savers in Decorah, Iowa to purchase some transplants that we couldn't get shipped to us. It was a lovely trip through rural America and I thought I would share just two photos from that day. This is the lovely, and functional, barn at Heritage Farm, the
- [Another finished project](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/05/08/another-finished-project/) - Here are a pair of socks I finished for Harald tonight. I had made the first sock too short, so when I finished the second, longer sock, I had to rip out the toe of the first one and reknit it, but I think they came out great. The yarn does all the work. These
- [Today is a "me" day ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/05/08/today-is-a-me-day/) - What I really needed to do today was stay home and finish the socks I am knitting for momma and that I have intended to send her for Mother's Day. I meant to finish them earlier this week, and had all but the toe of the second sock done by Tuesday. But the last couple
- [Ahhh, the garden ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/04/21/ahhh-the-garden/) - Yesterday was the day, finally, to get outside, put on the gloves and start cleaning out the flower beds and waking them up from their winter nap. It felt so good to have one's hands in the dirt again, to breath the fresh air, to feel the warm sun on my face. We cleaned up
- [The Yarn Harlot](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/04/17/the-yarn-harlot/) - OK, this all happened a week ago today, so I better write already! Last Thursday a knitting buddy joined me to go hear The Yarn Harlot a/k/a Stephanie Pearl-McPhee at a talk she was giving at St. Thomas University under the sponsorship of The Yarnery, a wonderful St. Paul yarn store. It was a dreadful
- [What a piece of work ... {{{ whew }}} ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/04/17/what-a-piece-of-work-whew/) - [wipes forehead and puts down pitchfork] Well, I am certainly glad that that is done. I have finally finished tweaking, configuring, customizing and generally messing around with my new blog. I'm running on the new WordPress 2.5 platform, and just for the benefit of you technogeek types, I am running the following plugins: Akismet AskApache
- [Graduation Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/06/26/graduation-pictures/) - Just a few grad pics to share with those who couldn't be there. Me walking down the aisle to get my degree! You can't really tell it's me, but that is me walking across the stage after shaking Pres. Pribenow's hand.
- [What a great weekend!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/17/what-a-great-weekend/) - A group of quilting friends and I headed to Lake City over the weekend. We made our home for two days the Dragonfly Dreams Retreat Center, recently opened by a friend of ours who used to belong to our local guild before she moved out of town. It was a glorious weekend getaway, and a
- [I has a hot dog](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/24/i-has-a-hot-dog/) - Someone turned me on to the companion site, Icanhascheezburger, some time ago. I guess you have to be in the mood for these sites to strike your funny bone - and I've been in the mood for a while now. If you are a pet lover, you'll love to spend some surfing time checking these
- [Proof positive that quilting can be demanding ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/18/proof-positive-that-quilting-can-be-demanding/) - Here are some more pictures of this weekend, captured in a moment of intense labor. Here we see nurse Susan (left) and nurse Karen (right) assisting during the final closing. Nurse Karen wipes my brow, sweaty from concentration, during the final closing seam.
- [A new look, a new name](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/04/15/a-new-look-a-new-name/) - Sometimes you just want to mix it up a bit, you know. I was getting increasingly tired of Movable Type and the way it did certain things. While certainly a robust system (and there were many things I liked about it), I made the decision to jump ship and switch my site over to WordPress.
- [What do the flowers you pick say about you?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/04/15/what-do-the-flowers-you-pick-say-about-you/) - Ohmigawd ... has it really been almost a month since I posted anything on my blog? My dear, my dear, where does the time go? Well, all is well in the land of Tyrol. The snow has melted, the bulbs are growing each day, and everything is just mozzying along at near everyday perfect. So
- [Four years in the making](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/20/four-years-in-the-making/) - Who ever though that such a "little piece of paper" could have such enormous real and symbolic importance in one's life? It took four years of serious hard work, from August, 2003 to June, 2007, to earn this degree - plus about 10 years before that of taking one class at a time here
- [Knitting quote du jour](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/21/knitting-quote-du-jour/) - I am one of those people that when I take up a new hobby, I like to read the "classics" in the field, both so I can get up to speed and so that I don't appear completely ignorant when the subjects come up. So I took up Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears because of
- [Award winning jelly makers, we are!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/21/award-winning-jelly-makers-we-are/) - You may now refer to me as an "Award Winning" apple jelly maker, thankyouverymuch. H's sister took in a jar of jelly to submit to the Target Corp. HR's annual applefest today and it won in the recipe competition - the word just came from the contest judges. Hey, those Target people aren't easy to
- [Finally on Ravelry](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/10/25/finally-on-ravelry/) - Yeah, baby! After waiting six weeks, I finally got my invitation and joined yesterday. What is Ravelry, you ask? Well, it's sorta like Facebook or MySpace - except it's only for knitters and crocheters. My Ravelry ID is "fiberguy" so add me to your friend's list if you too are a Ravelry member. Visit their
- [Blackberry Hills Farm Open Studio](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/10/25/blackberry-hills-farm-open-studio/) - A couple of weekends ago, I traveled to Wisconsin to visit the Blackberry Hills Farm open studio event. I had never been but I had come across a flyer for it at the Minnesota State Fair when I visited the booth for the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. Karin and Helen petting the farm's
- [My first little hat ... ain't it cute?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/19/my-first-little-hat-aint-it-cute/) - While at the State Fair last month, I bought this yarn at the booth from the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. The yarn came from a producer called Shepherd's Choice located in Wyoming, MN. I just loved the colors and had to have it, despite the fact that it cost $20 for a 120
- [Winter Beauty](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/12/12/winter-beauty/) - If I could explain to you how wondrous the hoar frost looked this morning, I would try to tell you how it looked like a silent hand had passed over the landscape through the night, flocking each bare tree with delicate flakes of diamond-like crystals, so that when the sun rose their brown bones were
- [Where have I been?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/12/12/where-have-i-been/) - Several of you have wondered, and rightly so, just exactly where I've been and what I've been up to. I'd love to tell you that I was visiting some exotic locale, or involved in some enthralling project that had so captured my imagination and energy that I was creatively consumed. Alas, that is not the
- [Christmas Present](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/12/22/christmas-present/) - I woke up this morning and stepped outside with Beulah only to find the most marvelous snow falling - big, sticky snowflakes that clung to everything like buttercream frosting. I thought I would share with you some pictures from our lovely morning. Scene from our front door. An eight point buck in the back yard!
- [Socks done!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/01/18/socks-done/) - Here is my finished first pair of socks! I stayed up late putting the toes in and kitchener stitching them shut, but I just couldn't stop where I was! Anyway, I am wearing them this morning, because they are warm, they are cool, they are mine, and I made them!
- [Country Threads, Garner, Iowa](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/10/30/country-threads-garner-iowa/) - (Click on the photo to see the slideshow of our trip!) On Saturday I headed down to Iowa with three of my quilt buddies, Joan, Karen and Dawn. It was a perfect fall day for a car trip. We were off for Garner, Iowa, about 145 miles from my house, and a fabulous quilt store
- [WOW 2007 Quilt Show](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/10/26/wow-2007-quilt-show/) - Several weeks ago now I attended a quilt show given by a local guild to which several of my friends belong. The name of the guild is "Women of the West", or WOW as they are known to many. I've been terribly tardy in getting the pictures off my camera and onto my site, but
- [You know you're a real Minnesotan when ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/01/24/you-know-youre-a-real-minnesotan-when/) - It's sometimes hard for me to believe my own self, given that I famously complained after leaving San Francisco to move back to South Florida that I would never live in a cold climate again, but I am as much of a Minnesotan as any boy from Florida could ever be and my experience this
- [What kind of flower are you?](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/10/what-kind-of-flower-are-you/) - My friend Fran over at Redondowriter posted a link on her blog that caught my interest. We are all ready for spring, if not downright anxious to see winter leave. Yesterday, H and I took off with his mom and sister after church to pay a visit to the Como Conservatory. It was a glorious
- [The tulips are coming, the tulips are coming!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/11/the-tulips-are-coming-the-tulips-are-coming/) - Hard to believe since there is still so much snow on the ground, but the local TV station is reporting the current temp as 44 degrees and climbing. If you can't wait to see buds blooming, (and there's a woman in Western Washington - you know who you are - who can't!) you can click
- [For those who need a Beulah fix ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/17/for-those-who-need-a-beulah-fix/) - Here is a good shot of Her Majesty reclining on the sofa one recent afternoon, looking every bit the basset hound she is. Isn't she just regal?
- [What a week!](http://www.fiberguy.com/2008/03/24/what-a-week/) - What a great week it has been since I got back from that quilt retreat! Just the best in every way. On Thursday night I realized I had spent more time in my sewing room over the past week than I have the whole time since we've moved in. That was startling. Earlier in the
- [I love this site ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/2007/09/17/i-love-this-site/) - Kind of odd and kind of wondrous, all at the same time! http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/ Look at entry 164 and 162.
- [Colorful Coffins](http://www.fiberguy.com/2006/09/26/colorful-coffins/) - OK, this has got to be one of the most unusual web sites I've encountered lately, but I'm totally grooving on the idea. Colorful Coffins Web Site - http://www.oxfordcoffins.com/ Never mind that I really want to be cremated. I've long known that funerals themselves weren't for the dead, but to help the living say goodbye.
- [Illuminating the Word](http://www.fiberguy.com/2005/04/11/illuminating-the-word/) - Saturday was the day that H and I had members-only preview tickets to attend the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts exhibit of the St. John's Bible. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the St. John's Bible was commissioned by St. John's University (College of St. Benedict), following a long-lost Benedictine tradition of
- [The Last(?) Riot of Color](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=115) - Inspired by Carolyn's blog, Tumbleweeds and Thyme, , I decided to pick all the zinnias from our garden just in case we have a damaging frost tonight. There are still plenty of buds out there, but this picture will keep my soul smiling even in the dead of winter.
- [Summer's Last Glory](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=114) - Tonight they are predicting our first frost of the season, so this may prove to be the natural end of what will be remembered as one of the most memorable summers of my life. So I thought I would share with you some of the final glories of summer before they fade or freeze. And
- [Norwegian Mittens](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=113) - No, no, no. I did not create these delightful, delectable, delicious, degorgeous mittens. They were knit for Harald and me by Berit & Turid, two longtime family friends from Norway who were recently here for a visit - wonderful women I am already anxious to see again. But for those of you who hadn't yet
- [My first pair of socks](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=112) - It seems only fitting to give those who are interested a peek into my recent knitting obsession. This is the first pair of socks I am making, a result of careful teaching from a friend in St. Paul who makes oodles of socks. Here is sock 1. I've done the ribbing, body, heel flap, and
- [How I Spent My Weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=111) - We went up to Lutsen on the North Shore for a long holiday weekend. I did exactly what I said I would do - spent a lot of time just sitting and looking out at the lake and knitting. I got my first sock done to the point where I am ready to start on
- [It's about time ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=110) - It seems like it has taken forever, but we finally have ripe tomatoes to pick from the garden. We've had peppers for a while now, but despite the fact that we have many tomatoes, they simply wouldn't rippen. Here we have some of the fruits of our labors. Front left is a Cherokee Purple variety
- [Knitknut](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=109) - OK, it looks like I am quickly becoming something of a knitnut. Maybe it's because most of my life I wished I knew how to knit and now that I am actually doing it, I can't believe it. Or maybe its the pace and rhythm of knitting that is so appealing to me. Maybe it's
- [FrayedEdges - The Women in my life](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=108) - These are "the women in my life" - members of my small guild, Frayed Edges. I have such a good time with them when we go on our annual quilt retreat to Gibbon. Alas, this may be our last year as Gallagher's Retreat Center is up for sale. I just got home from this year's
- [Peaches, Glorious Peaches!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=107) - Here is what was left after we got done eating and freezing peaches last night. Now being the good southern boy I am, you must know that I love a truly good peach more than just about anything else in the world. Alas, there is a dearth of such fruit to be found in Minnesota.
- [Hot Damn!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=105) - It's official. The two outstanding grades I was waiting on got posted to the Augsburg computer system sometime between when I left the house for dinner and when I got back. And I graduated with a 4.0 GPA! Now, I'm gonna go pat myself on the back a little more.
- [Done with School - My Brain Hurts](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=104) - That's about all I can think of right now. Good God, that was a big piece of work! I am sorta numb, in a Peggy Lee "Is that all there is to a fire?" sort of way. I thought I would have a rush of some kind of feelings yesterday when I left class, but
- [Ham Lake Forest Fire on the Gunflint Trail](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=103) - Over the Memorial Day weekend, we travelled to the North Shore. On Saturday, we drove up the Gunflint Trail to see the result of the Ham Lake wildfire that burned over 75,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada. Here are some pictures from our day trip. This is the placid scene you expect to see
- [Spring Beauty](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=102) - It's taken me forever to get these pictures downloaded from my camera. Most we taken several weeks ago, but they give you some idea of the beautiful flowers we have in our front yard and this is part of what make spring so thoroughly enjoyable. Our dwarf German iris we planted last year. Isn't the
- [Someone got a new dress!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=101) - Could you guess who, even before you got here? In my defense, I will tell you it was Harald who bought the dress for her last Sunday when he took her to the pet store, but doesn't she look cute? However, I can tell you that she was definitely NOT amused by the experience. (Shhh
- [Snow pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=100) - OK, for all of you in other parts of the world who might be feeling a little bit snow deprived, here are some pictures taken yesterday afternoon showing our snow fall from the storm that just wen through. I think we've gotten about 15"-18" of new snow. I know the snow is up past my
- [Thesis Presentation](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=99) - To say last night went well would be an understatement. Here I was, all mentally armed to defend my thesis and they really didn't challenge me at all. It was a bit of a let down. On the other hand, it was nice to hear such unexpected and glowing praise. I was really stunned, because
- [Word for the Day](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=98) - OK, when reading a British journal article yesterday for my class I encountered a word I had never seen or heard before, a rare enough occurrence for me that it made me curious. I wonder how many of you know what this word means without having to look it up? The word is : puissance.
- [Religion 495 - Seminar Final Paper](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=97) - Well, I finally heard back from three of my professors. One, the research methods professor that I had so much difficulty with last year, gave it to me right between the eyes about a couple of things, but I was able to slough off her hasty form of communication to see the valuable suggestions behind
- [Appliance Love](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=95) - As if the love affair with our new Jenn-Air dishwasher earlier this year wasn't enough, it's happened all over again. This time, it's with my new Rowenta DG-980 iron that I recently purchased from Allbrands.com. It felt like an impulsive purchase after I returned from my quilt retreat in August, but having ironed a couple
- [The beginning of the end ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=94) - Well, it looks as if I am going to Guatemala in January in order to fulfill my "Augsburg Experience" credit requirement to graduate next year. My student loans will cover the cost, and because the program is subsidized by the Lilly Foundation it is actually cheaper, including airfare, than a normal course. I'll get credit
- [Meet Mr. Cletus Tibbles](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=93) - Already somewhat affectionately known as the Lion of Douglas Avenue, or the mouth that tried to bite every piece of exposed flesh, little Cletus wasted no time exploring his new home and the humans, pets and furniture to be found there. Beulah is beside herself - it's a toy that runs and plays back! Cleo
- [Our last morning on the farm ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=92) - On Monday before we left to come home, we went down to the vegetable patch to harvest some potatoes. Here is a picture of Karin digging up some of the heirloom fingerling potatoes she likes. And I took this picture because there was just something about this old outhouse, weathered and standing out in the
- [Later that same day ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=91) - Here are some pictures you might enjoy of our puppy (we can't call her "new" anymore, can we?), Beulah Mae. On Sunday afternoon we went for a drive up the North Shore, beyond Grand Marais and past Five Mile Rock to a long beach that is good for walking and agate-hunting. Beulah and Harald walking
- [Happiness is ... making jelly!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=90) - What is one wonderful and delicious way to spend your Labor Day weekend on a relaxing trip to the North Shore? Why, making jelly, of course! After we arrived on Saturday morning, Karin took me on a trip around the land on the Gator and we stopped by one apple tree on the way toward
- [Guess who's getting a kitten?](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=89) - That's right, we are! Next Tuesday, in fact. When I took Beulah to the vet yesterday to be checked for a possible ear infection (turns out she has a nasty case of one), there was the most adorable little kitten at the vet with a sign that he was looking for a good home. He
- [Nancy's Quilt](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=88) - For days now I've been wanting to post a picture of a quilt I finished at the Gibbon retreat last weekend for my dearest and most beloved of friends, Nancy. But she reads my blog so I couldn't give it away! Well, I just got a phone call from Nancy that FedEx had delivered her
- [Quilt Retreat Weekend](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=87) - I can't even begin to tell you all what a good time I had and how much I enjoyed myself this past weekend! It was annual trek to Gibbon, Minnesota and Gallagher's Retreat Center for my local quilt guild - we call ourselves Frayed Edges. It was so nice to reconnect with my quilting buddies
- [Great News for Harald](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=86) - Harald just call to tell me that he would be out of town over the second weekend in November. OK, I wondered, what for? He just got a call that he an another teacher had been accepted as presenters at the bi-annual Minnesota Reading Association in Duluth. So my sweetie will be up on the
- [More Beulah Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=85) - I know I have been terribly tardy about posting pics of our new puppy. She grows up so much each week and she's now more than twice as big as when we picked her up in June. So all you puppy lovers out there, here are some more Beulah pictures taken recently. Looking perfectly adorable
- [Next Up On The Bookstand](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=84) - Now you knows I loves me some salty food. Yes I do! Sometimes I just crave something salty, like some hot french fries or potato chips. And, of course, I have an unhealthy love of salting my food gently. Now those of you who know Harald know that he can't stand salty things, for the
- [Potato Salad lovers unite!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=83) - You may know that there are few things I enjoy as much as a really fine potato salad. My bestest friend, Nancy, joins me in my unbridled love for the stuff. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I came across a book not to long ago of nothing but potato salad recipes.
- [Things should be better soon](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=82) - One of the reasons we've been having some problems with housetraining Beulah is a urinary track infection that was diagnosed yesterday on her trip to the vet. Now that she has started medicine to treat the UTI, things should hopefully improve soon and she won't have to go as often. Poor thing. Too bad dogs
- [Next On The Bookstand](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=81) - I don't think you have to be either religious or questioning religion to enjoy reading this memoir. If she preaches anything like she writes, then I know why Barbara Brown Taylor was once selected as one of the top 12 preachers in the English language by Baylor University. Even on my best days, I very
- [Lest any of you worry](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=80) - Let me be perfectly clear ... we (nor I) are NOT considering getting rid of Beulah Mae (not that the decision would be mine to make anyways). Not by a long shot. What you read here a few days ago was a honest expression of the frustration I was feeling at the time. Some days
- [The Eyes of Beulah Mae](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=79) - The picture is kinda spooky, but on a recent night while watching television I snapped a photo of Beulah sitting on the couch and coming over the armrest to get a better view. You can see how long her ears are getting in this photo. And this is just a plain cute picture of her
- [On The Bookstand](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=78) - I've gotten my large shipment of summer reading from Amazon. I have so much that I must read during school year that when summer comes, it seems a pure luxury to me to read what I want, when I want, as slow as I want. I'll periodically post here about books I'm reading. First up
- [Repeat Movies](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=77) - The subject of favorite repeat movies, those movies that you glady watch again whenever you get the chance, recently came up on a listserv that I belong to. I had to stop and think a minute to compile my list. Gawd - my repeat movies sound so completely *gay* compared to the rest of the
- [Puppy Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=76) - Before we left the breeder's place in Iowa Stopping for a potty & water break in Waverly, Iowa At home, rolling in the grass - she's really good at that!!
- [One more thing about Beulah Mae](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=75) - You know what fun we had picking out the name "Beulah Mae" for our little puppy, right? Well, I left out one detail you ought to know. When we got home from Iowa on Sunday and took out all the AKC registration paperwork the breeder had given us (which we didn't bother to look at
- [Finished Reading](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=74) - Yesterday was my last final in modern European history from 1789-1949. I like this professor so much, but because of things happening around me I wasn't able to be as prepared as I wanted to be. I think I did OK on the objective and short answers part of the final. The last cumulative essay
- [Beulah Mae & Iowa](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=73) - We drove the almost 300 miles to Cedar Rapids on Friday afternoon and were both surprised by how much we loved the scenic rolling hills of eastern Iowa. We must have seen millions of square acres of corn fields - many miles of it as far as the eye could see. I had never been
- [The Beauty of a Summer Garden](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=72) - We've been furiously working with our front and back gardens the past few weeks - one of the primary reasons you haven't heard much from me. Sometimes we don't come in from working until it gets dark after 9:00 and we still haven't eaten dinner yet. The rewards are paying off, primarily in the form
- [Speaking of Faith](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=71) - I usually listen to the program Speaking of Faith each week. One of the things I love about my iPod is the ability to listen to podcasts of shows at my leisure. Recently I've been catching up with past episodes that I missed. I wanted to direct those of you who might be interested in
- [Today's Beautiful Things](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=70) - William Wordsworth said it most eloquently: The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon, The winds that will be
- [Poppies](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=69) - I don't mind admitting my jealousy of my neighbor's flowers. Luckily, I have these gorgeous ones planted on either side of our yard. I defy anyone not to feel delighted while staring at a bunch of brash poppies showing themselves off magnificently during their too-brief life.
- [Other Neighbor's Flowers](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=68) - Some photos taken this spring of other spectacular flowers our neighbors have planted that we are lucky enough to see every day. Siberian Iris in Phyllis' yard Peony in Phyllis' yard Our neighbor Margaret is crazy about daffodils - her yard is full of them! And earlier this spring, they bloomed in quite the showy
- [Tulips](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=67) - Thankfully, we had great luck with the tulips we planted last fall. We were able to keep the deer and bunnies away with Liquid Fence and enjoyed the blooms for quite some time. We'll plant more next fall in a hope for a repeat performance. Species tulips - they are low to the ground and
- [Happiness is ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=66) - ... watching Ma and Pa Duck waddle across the backyard late one spring afternoon.
- [Roses](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=65) - Pictures from our front yard, taken today. Tahitian Sunset - a flirty hybrid tea rose with magnificent color Climbing Polka - we've planted two in front of trellises on the front wall of the house. Originally hybridized in France in 1992, the color and scent are both exquisite and subtly elegant.
- [Double Rainbow](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=64) - On the way home from school last night, as I emerged from a tropical shower (I was in the car, thankfully!) I looked up to see a double-rainbow stretched from one side of the Mississippi in St. Paul to the other side in Minneapolis. It was a splendid, even breathtaking, effect. I'm not sure whether
- [Icterus galbula](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=63) - We have orioles! Neighbors told us when we first moved in that Baltimore orioles used to come to our yard because some prior owners fed them. We put a feeder out about a month ago, but no luck - until yesterday. I was out talking with my neighbor Phyllis and on the way balk into
- [Timmy Ray](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=62) - There is just so much to love at this site - so many links to investigate, so little time!
- [Top ten trivia facts about you!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=61) - Ten Top Trivia Tips about Boyd! It takes more than 500 peanuts to make Boyd.The first American zoo was built in 1794, and contained only Boyd!Boyd can squeeze his entire body through a hole the size of his beak.Fish travel in schools, but whales travel in Boyd!In 1982 Time Magazine named Boyd its 'Man of
- [Brokeback Mountain](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=60) - (I'm going to talk about this movie. If you haven't seen it, you might want to stop reading now!) We finally go to see this movie last night. For weeks, I've been carefully avoiding TV programs, friendly conversations and e-mail exchanges that mention it. I wanted my own response to be really my own and
- [Scents remembered](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=59) - This was from a journal prompt several years ago on a journaling group that I belong to. I thought it worth posting here when I found it in an old mailbox of mine recently. > When I smell ***, I remember *** When I smell Youth Dew, I remember Grandma. I remember as a little
- [A cat's life ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=58) - DSCN0397 Originally uploaded by boydXVII. Now isn't this the very essence of comfort, contorted, twisted, upside down, paws in the air, ASLEEP!?
- [A little Italian inspiration for a snowy January day](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=57) - No, I've never been to Italy, though I've promised a dear friend I will sip espresso with her in Venice one day. Another mutual friend from a journaling group took a trip to Rome in December and was kind enough to take numerous pictures and upload and share them. Never before have I so wanted
- [Well, I never!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=56) - From the quiz, What Kind of Yarn Are You? You are Dishcloth Cotton. You are a very hard worker, most at home whenyou're at home. You are thrifty and seeminglyborn to clean. You are considered to be a PlainJane, but you are too practical to notice. What kind of yarn are you? brought to you
- [WTO?](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=55) - Now here is a line you won't see repeated very often, fresh from Yahoo news: "This year, the World Toilet Organization celebrates World Toilet Day by highlighting the plight of 42 percent of the world's population, especially women, who do not have access to proper toilets," the statement said. Yes, there really is a World
- [More About the House](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=54) - We went to Slumberland yesterday after church and looked for a replacement for the sofa that wouldn't fit through the door last week when it was delivered. We found a nice oatmeal chenille sofa that was just the right size, and we get a refund because it was cheaper than the original one. It was
- [The Past 10 Days](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=53) - Well, where do I start? It's been 10 very interesting, full, busy, exhausting days. You all know that the closing went well - superb, in fact - and we were busy with school on Friday and Saturday after closing. We did manage something of a picnic dinner in our new (empty) house the Saturday after
- [Notes from a N'awlins evacuee](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=52) - I "met" Ray Whiting on-line about 9 years ago when I joined the Scribe Tribe, then a group dedicated to the art of journaling. He was the "other" token gay man in the group besides me. He has lived for many years in New Orleans and I learned through a friend (who still keeps in
- [Your Unitarian Jihad Name](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=51) - OK, you gotta check this out for yourself. http://homepage.mac.com/whump/ujname.html Yours, Brother Cutlass of Desirable Mindfulness (OK, I admit the humor may be lost on those unfamiliar with Unitarianism, but try it anyway.)
- [Pet Loss and Grief Resources](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=50) - Here is the list of resources published in a local pet lover's newspaper: Animal Humane Society Pet Loss Support Group - 763-522-4325 ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hours a day) 800-946-4646 Enter PIN #104-7211 then your phone number. The call will be returned promptly. College of Vet Medicine at University of IL/C.A.R.E. Pet Loss
- [Pictures of Jasper](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=49) - As a tribute to my furry friend, I thought I would post some pictures taken of him soon after I got him. He came home with me only a few days after the 9/11 tragedy. Those who knew him knew that he made himself completely at home in my house (as these pictures clearly attest)
- [Jasper is gone](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=48) - My worst fears about Jasper's prognosis were realized this morning. When I woke up, Jasper was crying from downstairs and didn't come up like he always does and I knew something was wrong and rushed downstairs to find Jasper on the floor, the back half of his body completely paralyzed. Ever since the last episode,
- [Jasper Comes Home!](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=47) - I just arrived home with Jasper. He promptly proceeded to pee in his carrier the moment we got in the car, so he's downstairs taking what is his first bath in several days, I'm sure. You know how fastidious cats are and H and I had to listen to him complain bitterly about the wet
- [Jasper, Day 2](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=46) - We went to the hospital last night to visit Jasper. He was much calmer and was glad to see us. We held him for a while (he likes being cradled like a baby) and just closed his eyes and tucked himself into my chest as Harald scratched his head. He was drinking up the attention.
- [Jasper Update](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=45) - The good doctor just called. They've given Jasper a mild sedative, as promised, to reduce his distress. They put in an IV and have started Heparin to try to dissolve the clot and save his leg. His chest x-ray shows fluid on the lungs and a "very large heart", a sign of underlying heart disease
- [Jasper in Distress](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=44) - I wish I had something more cheerful to write about in my first blog entry in months. But I don't think I am quite up to repeating this several times over, at least not today. Jasper was his normal talking and frisky self this morning when I woke up and opened the bedroom door. He
- [Spring is here ...](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=43) - Just a few shots from my yard today. The light was perfect after I got home from school, so out in the yard I went. (My lovely flowering snow crabapple in the backyard.) (The volunteer purple violets that are all over my yard.) (Some of the violets are even the prettiest shade of white with
- [Coop of Distinction](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=41) - OK, so some of you probably don't know that I have this "thing" for chickens. They make me laugh.
- [Thrilling news ....](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=40) - In early March I applied to the Lilly Scholar program with Augsburg College. Augsburg names 10 scholars each year, who form a special cohort group for one academic year to explore the meaning of vocation for their lives. In addition to the recognition, you are granted a $2,000 scholarship and access to registration for any
- [What do you speak?](http://www.fiberguy.com/?p=39) - Well, I'm more of a linguistic mutt than I would have thought. I guess it makes sense given my Southern roots, my Yankee stepmother and her family, and having spent the last 10 years in Minnesota. Take the test and see what it says about you. Your Linguistic Profile: 30% Dixie 30% General American English

## Pages

- [Teaching Sewing](http://www.fiberguy.com/sewing/) - Here are some resources for teaching kids about sewing: Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: Family Fun for Everyone - Terrific Technique Instructions - Playful Projects to Build Skills Tips for basic sewing stitches - http://www.tipsographic.com/fashion-school-online-basic-sewing-stitches/ Guide to Mastering Sewing Machine Stitches - https://www.allfreesewing.com/Basics-and-Tutorials/Guide-to-Mastering-Different-Stitches Essential Sewing Terms & Phrases - (includes sewing machine phrases) - http://takelessons.com/blog/sewing-terms-and-phrases-z13
- [Subscribe](http://www.fiberguy.com/subscribe/) - Subcribing to my blog means you will receive an e-mail each time I publish a new entry. To subscribe to my blog, please click on this link. You can also use this link to unsubscribe. You will receive a confirmation e-mail which will verify that your e-mail address is valid. Once you click on the
- [Knitting](http://www.fiberguy.com/knitting/) - I needed a place to keep all my cool knitting links on my blog. This is that place, in no particular order. The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearl-McPhee) Ray Whiting and his Knitivity yarn business Hizknits The Panopticon (Franklin Habit) - I love this blog and he is *so* cute, too! Men Who Knit MenKnit Knitty
- [About Me](http://www.fiberguy.com/about/) - My name is Boyd Savage. I live in the Twin Cities area with my husband, Harald, and our daughter, Juliette - along with two cats, Cleo & Cletus, one dog, Miles, and four fish. By day, I work as manager of applications for a large law firm in Minneapolis. It’s all very “left brain” - analytical, detail
- [Books](http://www.fiberguy.com/books/)
- [Sewing Blogs](http://www.fiberguy.com/sewing-blogs/) - Barbara Emodi - http://sewingontheedge.blogspot.com/ Anne - http://clothingengineer.com/
- [Write Kind of Friends](http://www.fiberguy.com/write-kind-of-friends/) - All of these bloggers have shared their lives with me on a journal list for about 10 years now. Roz - Autumn Cottage Diarist Fran - Sacred Ordinary Loretta - Pomegranates and Paper Elaine - Five Acres with a View CatherinE - Louder Keith is a friend and a co-worker - and a man with
- [Photo Gallery](http://www.fiberguy.com/photo-gallery/) - Click here to visit my Photo Gallery at Flickr.
- [Links](http://www.fiberguy.com/links/) - Professional Organizations Surface Design Association Quilt Surface Design Synposium ArtCloth Network - links to members sites & contemporary art cloth American Craft Council American Quilter Society Minnesota Quilters ComplexCloth list at Yahoo Groups- for those who do what I do Resources Paula Burch's site - a real wealth of information / content rich site for

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/uncategorized/)
- [The World](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/the-world/)
- [Blogs](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/blogs/)
- [Thought](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/thought/)
- [Weirdness](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/weirdness/)
- [Religion](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/religion/)
- [Food & Drink](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/food-drink/)
- [Nature](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/nature/)
- [Funny](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/funny/)
- [Pictures](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/pictures/)
- [Film](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/film/)
- [School](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/school/)
- [Everyday Life](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/everyday-life/)
- [Writing](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/writing/)
- [Pets](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/pets/)
- [News](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/news/)
- [Travel](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/travel/)
- [Books](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/books/)
- [Quilting](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/quilting/)
- [Knitting & Crochet](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/knittingandcrochet/)
- [Gardening](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/gardening/)
- [Weight loss](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/weight-loss/)
- [Today's Bit of Beauty](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/todays-bit-of-beauty/)
- [Spirituality](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/spirituality/)
- [Music](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/music/)
- [Art](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/art/)
- [Baby](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/baby/)
- [Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/juliette/)
- [Poetry](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/poetry/)
- [Family](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/family/)
- [Sewing](http://www.fiberguy.com/topic/sewing/)

## Tags

- [anniversary adoption reunion](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/anniversary-adoption-reunion/)
- [Rochester MQ 2008](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/rochester-mq-2008/)
- [iPod](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/ipod/)
- [poblano](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/poblano/)
- [chile](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/chile/)
- [Mexican food](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/mexican-food/)
- [sweater](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/sweater/)
- [chocolate](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/chocolate/)
- [cooking.com](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/cooking-com/)
- [French cuisine](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/french-cuisine/)
- [Harald](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/harald/)
- [Cooking](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/cooking/)
- [garments](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/garments/)
- [Juliette](http://www.fiberguy.com/tag/juliette/)