Another Marathon in the books

This past Saturday was the Walk Wisconsin event in Stevens Point. It is the event I have been training or walking towards all Spring. This is my second year. It went well, I finished the 26.2 miles at 3:10pm over an hour less than last year. I was doing 15 minute miles for most of it until the blisters started around mile 21-22. I physically felt great and had no cramping etc. The weather was good, sun in the morning then some rain in the last part. The route was changed this year due to some green circle rebuilding. We ended up walking to the half way point, then back again. The second half was ok, having the 1/2 and 1/4 marathoners closer and around did help break up the monotony of walking the same areas. G finished her first 1/2 marathon, I know she wants to do the whole marathon next year.

Chula's New Sweater

Here is my first dog sweater. Chula was one of my hosts for my trip to Chicago. She is hard to fit for store bought sweaters so I thought I would take a stab at it. I took her measurements and started with a pattern I found in my stash of books. Instead of sewing it together I put in buttons and holes, it will be easier to put on and off. I added a belt for around her belly with adjustable holes for buttoning. Chula is ready for any weather now.

Chicago Craft Night

I was lucky to be invited to be a special guest to my friends craft night. The group wanted to learn how to two color knit after seeing some of my hats and mittens. What a fun night, the three who wanted to learn all were great. One really never knitted before and was two color knitting within an hour. I really never taught anything in knitting before so I was nervous about the evening, but I didn't need to have worried. Plus I got away for the weekend to Chicago. Took the Amtrak train for the first time, what a nice restful way to travel. We are planning another night in the fall.

Aran is complete

Had a nice weekend with the weather and the rain stopping sooner than expected. Got a good walk in on Sat. Sunday I took the road bike out for 3 hours, the weather was perfect, the views great. It is fun exploring the new roads of Juneau county, the only issue is I may run in to rutted dirt roads, but I think I know where they are. Anyway, I also had time to sew and cut my aran, it was going to be a cardigan, but once I cut the steek for the neck I thought it will work a v-neck as well, so I stopped there. I did have to go back and add to the neck it was too big and I also add 2 short rows to the back for the collar. It was a fun knit, I do like the sheep fold design, you don't need any cabling needles to do it. My gauge is getting better even with this type, but that % of a stitch is very important. I didn't have any hem on and it was a little short so I did add the garter stitch to it, which you can't see in these pictures.

Some pictures of Santa Fe

Back from Santa Fe

It was a nice week. I would have pictures now, but I guess I am not smart enough to take pictures from AOL and put them in a blog. Anyway, the weather wasn't the best. Only one day over 60 degrees. We actually awoke two days with snow on the ground. It is what I expected, lots of art and museums. The history is great, thanks to Marilyn and her knowledge. The area is easy to get around. We stayed one block from the plaza which made getting around very easy. My wish to bike in the mountains didn't happen, to cold and windy. I did get two long walks in, the fun part is the unknown of walking in new towns. I just followed one street to the end and knowing my directions I was able to make a circle around most of Santa Fe in 2 1/2 hours. It has a very religous feeling for me with the missions and churches everywhere. Honestly a couple are each a block apart. Pictures to follow.

My Dream House

My dreams of home ownership are coming true. It has been a long process, design, lot selection etc. It will still be 6 months before move in day. I hope all of this rain doesn't flood the pond in front of the house and slow things down. I guess it is good to know if there will be flooding issues in the Spring. I will keep you all updated on progress and have you guys give input on color choices. AF Romie.