Crochet Pattern: Beard

Oh boy I have been waiting a long time to post this fun pattern. I made this as a Christmas present so I couldn't share it with the world wide web in case that certain someone saw. Well I actually ended up making one of these for Joe and each of his brothers. One skein of yarn (I used Vann'as Choice like always) made about 4 beards.

This was my first attempt at reading a pattern. My experience with crochet has been just blankets and creating the size/style I wanted. This was considered a victory for me to master the pattern. Enough so that now I've made about 5 of these!

Crochet Pattern: Beard
Adapted from Mad Min

Abbreviations
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sts: stitches

Size J hook

Start: ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in remaining ch sts. turn (6sc)
Row 2: ch 1, *Bobble stitch in first stitch. sc in second stitch* repeat 2 times, turn (3 bobbles and 3 sc)
Row 3: ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc across next 4 sts, 2 sc in last stitch, turn (8 sc)
Row 4: ch 1, *Bobble in first stitch, sc in second stitch* repeat 3 times, turn (4 Bobbles, 4 sc)
Row 5: ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc across next 6 sts, 2 sc in last stitch (10 sc)
Row 6: ch 1, *Bobble stitch in first stitch. sc in second stitch* repeat 4 times, turn (5 bobbles and 5 sc)
Row 7: ch 1, sc across, turn (10 sc)
Row 8: ch 1,*Bobble in first stitch, sc in second stitch* repeat 3 times, turn (5 Bobbles, 5 sc)
Rows 9-22: repeat rows 7 & 8
Row 23: ch 1, decrease sc in first 2 stitches, sc across 6 sts, decrease sc last two sts, turn (8 sc)
Row 24: ch 1, *Bobble stitch in first stitch. sc in second stitch* repeat 3 times, turn (4 bobbles, 4 sc)
Row 25: ch 1, decrease sc in first 2 stitches, sc across 4 sts, decrease sc last two sts, turn (6 sc)
Row 26: ch 1, *Bobble stitch in first stitch. sc in second stitch* repeat 2 times, turn (3 bobbles, 3 sc)
Row 27: ch 1, sc across, turn (6sc)

Earloops:
Chain 20 (if you can measure on someone, even better). slip stitch to last stitch on Row 27 creating a loop for ear. Fasten off. Attach yarn to first stitch on Row 1. Chain 20 (or whatever you did on other side), slip stitch to last stitch of Row 1. Fasten off

Mustache:
Connect yarn to first Bobble stitch on Row 6 with a sc, begin crocheting a chain that will reach over to the opposite side snugly. ( I crocheted 10). Sc into first Bobble on Row 20 and then turn. ch 1, dc into first sc, dc into 3 chain sts, sc in next two ch sts, dc over last 3 chain stitches, dc into last sc, slip stitch next to last sc into beard. (10 dc, 2 sc) Fasten off and weave in ends.

Don't know what a bobble stitch is? Don't worry, I didn't either when I started this project. Just YouTube it and find a tutorial video on how to make that stitch. That's exactly what I did and it worked perfect. Surprisingly there is a ton of crochet tutorials on YouTube. Just search for them!

Remember these guys?

I also made a white beard and paired it with a Santa hat for a work Christmas party gift. I wish I had a picture of the person who won the gift, it was a huge hit. I hope to make more of those for next year. Thanks to my grandma I have a bunch of left over yarn and a good amount of white.

The (Overly) Dramatic Fisbee Rescue

This frisbee has sat on our roof since Thanksgiving. I don't know the person responsible for this horrible crime, but that is not the point of this post. It's not sitting on the very top of the house, it's actualyl the roof over our screen porch. But still, this guy has been hanging on for dear life for a while.

Thanks to a little spring (yet still winter and freezing) cleaning we decided it was time to rescue this poor guy. Frisbees in our household are a prized possession. Last year at our Christmas in Iowa I think we broke 3 of dad's frisbees?

Joe was the brave soul who ventured out on to the roof. The temp was good, no wind registered on my finger. Who am I kidding, I stayed inside to document the action.

After about 5 seconds of agony, success! Joe tossed the frisbee down onto the ground where I believe it still stands. Yes, we may have rescued the frisbee from terrorizing heights, but we did not feel the need to rescue it from the elements. It's just a frisbee, right?

And that, my friends, is how you dramatically rescue a frisbee.

Chilean Family

In high school I participated in a foreign exchange student program. It wasn't a full semester, but I got to spend about 10 great days in beautiful Chile. Here is me with my Chilean family back in 2004. I still have this picture framed... somewhere. I can't say all the pictures from past apartments have made it out of their boxes.

And here is my Chilean family now.

That's Vicente, Marielle (Jr.), Marielle and Eduardo. They took me in so many years ago and showed me a fabulous country and culture. They sent this new picture as a holiday greeting to friends and family. After receiving the email from the Bastas I had to look back at pictures from my trip. I also thought it would be something fun to share on the blog.

Here is most of the group just after arriving in Arica, Chile. There were only 4 students traveling (including me) plus our Spanish teacher. Small group, but easier to travel together. Yes, I do stand out in most pictures. Between my height and hair color, I was a bit of a spectacle.

We enjoyed days at the beach catching sun and jet skiing.

And nights eating pizza with weird toppings I had never tried before.

I attended class... that was entirely in Spanish.

And even tried on the school uniform.

Some sightseeing adventures included the rock with "bird shit" according to my host mom.

And a trip to the mountains.

Where a simple picture by the pool...

Turned into a fight to throw each other in. Nobody ended up in the pool that day, unfortunately.

In the end I made new friends...

... Lots of new friends.

The trip was life changing and one experience I'll never forget. Thanks to my wonderful host family!

Large Granny Square Blanket

I shared my very first crochet project a while back. Even though this post is long over due, I still wanted to share with you my second crochet project. I guess when I start a project I go big. No messing around with small items, I must make huge blankets.

Anyways, I embarked on a project with a deadline. I wanted to make my future sister-in-law a blanket for Christmas. But instead of having Christmas Eve as a deadline, I had Thanksgiving as a strict date. Why you ask? Because we saw my brother and his fiance over Thanksgiving and knew we wouldn't see each other over Christmas. Plus it would be so much easier (and cheaper) to hand them the presents rather than mail then later. Can you believe Joe and I had all their presents bought and wrapped before Thanksgiving? No procrastinating in this house!

When I took crochet class (way back when we lived in Des Moines!) I bought a Vanna White pattern book. Crazy, I know, but I love it! The book it all about blankets and her yarn (Vanna's Choice) is the best. The colors are great and they blend together so easily. Anyways, I made one of the blankets from this book. It's basically a huge granny square using two colors of yarn together. It was nice to finish the project once I was out of yarn and not have to go back and stitch together multiple squares like I did with the Iowa blanket. That was just an extra step I didn't have to worry about with this project.

I used linen and taupe which really blend well together without being in your face crazy.

All together the blanket took 20 skeins of yarn. It sounds like a lot, but the blanket is really good sized (covering almost this entire bed) and is super heavy. Not too heavy though, just perfect. I really like this patten and will definitely use the method of 2 yarn colors together for future projects. I hope it keeps you warm Amy!

Resolutions & Big Wonderful Wyoming

It's the new year and that means making resolutions. Do you come up with one each year? Are they different each year or do you resort back to the same one (probably because you didn't keep it the year before)? I've never been one to make resolutions with myself. Call me lazy, say I'm not goal oriented, but it's just not my thing.

On a side note, I usually always make a promise to myself for Lent. Back in high school every year my goal would be to give up drinking pop for the whole time. Usually that worked just fine, but eventually it got too easy. Turned out I wasn't drinking pop normally any other time of the year. One year I made it a bit more difficult for myself and gave up chocolate. To my somewhat surprise, yet excitement, I kept that promise and went chocolate-free for the entire time. One other thing I tired was push-ups. Instead of giving something up, I wanted to do something good for myself. I think the number I set was 50 for each day, but I don't think I was able to keep that promise going for the whole Lent season.

This year might be a tad different. I wanted to make silent promises to myself and stick to it. My goals are to floss my teeth and clean the kitchen more thoroughly each night. The flossing part seems elf explanatory, everyone needs to keep their teeth healthy. The kitchen cleaning is something I've struggled with, but want to improve. All it takes most nights is a simple wash. At least I don't want to have a pile of dishes waiting for me in the morning. Well, now they are no longer silent promises since I've shared them with the web. That's ok though, now I can welcome encouragement from all of you!

You might be asking, well why don't you just try to work out more and make that your resolution? My theory is a resolution like that is just asking to be broken. I will say, though, that Joe and I have started a work out routine (or somewhat routine) together. We have the luxury of multiple workout options from running in our neighborhood, riding our bikes indoors and workout DVDs.

Even better, we now have a goal to work towards. Did I say earlier that I'm not goal oriented? No, you just accused me of that. Either way, Joe and I have a goal. Thanks to some family members (and other people who I don't even know) we've joined the great bike ride across Wyoming.

Rules

• Be ready for a high altitude adventure.  You will be riding across Wyoming and hopefully learning something about its history and other knowledge that isn’t quite as valuable.  Most elevations of your destinations are included on the ride so you see all the variations in the state as well as why we have to breathe just a little deeper in Wyoming.

• For every mile you ride on your bike or stationary bike, you count as a mile on the trip.  Every hour of exercise counts as 5 miles.  If you walk for one hour you can count that as 5 miles but if you walk or run more than 5 miles you will have to adjust for the additional time (For example, if you walk one and a half hours, you would record 7 ½ miles.).

• If you play on a sports team, every hour of practice or game play counts as 5 miles.  Sitting on the bench for a game will not count but if you are playing most of a game, you will have to use your math skills and convert them to miles.

• The race begins January 15 and ends July 4.  That means get started now because time is already ticking!

• If you would like a free map of Wyoming to follow your route, let Louise know and she will send you one.

• Have fun, set off, and see you at the finish line on the 4^th of July.

Now for the course and mileage. This will help you achieve small goals along the way. Strive for a town or landmark each week!

(Disclaimer: I did not create this course, nor have I ever been to Wyoming. Thank you to Louise who sent this trail to the family.)

• The ride begins in the far southeast corner at Pine Bluffs.  This is a small town of about 1,100 people and it is best known for having one of the nicest rest areas on I-80.  Not much happens here but it is the gateway to Wyoming.  (30 miles)

• Cheyenne - You have arrived in the capital city of Big Wonderful Wyoming.  This is the home of Cheyenne Frontier Days otherwise known as the Daddy of ‘Em All rodeo. (30 miles)

• Sherman Pass (Elev. 8640 ft) - You have reached the summit known as Sherman Pass and the highest point on transcontinental I-80.  You need to stop and rub the nose on Lincoln’s bust to remind you this was part of the old Lincoln highway. (20 miles)

• Laramie (Elev. 7220 ft) - This is the home of the University of Wyoming, the state’s only four-year university.  Lots of campus bars where you can stop and have a cold one.  Ask any student where the Library is and you will probably not be able to do much studying there. (20 miles)

• Bosler (Elev. 7074 ft) - A neat little ghost of the past dozing along the old “Lincoln Highway” (US 30/287) and named for Frank Bosler, one of the early ranchers of the area. (25 miles)

• Sybille Game Research and Conservation Education Unit - One of the country’s leading wildlife research facilities.  It is especially known for the Game and Fish department’s work with the black-footed ferret.  No place for a cold one here but open to the public from May 1 to September 15.  Well worth the stop. (25 miles)

• Wheatland (Elev. 4733 ft) - The horse Steamboat was stabled here.  The horse was the model of the bucking horse found on Wyoming license plates and the mascot for the University of Wyoming.  (20 miles)

• Glendo (Elev. 4718 ft) - This is the site of Glendo State Park and Reservoir that a favorite summer recreation site for Wyomingites and citizens of Colorado.  (25 miles)

• Douglas (Elev. 4815 ft) - Home of the state fair and a pretty jumping place in August. Don’t hit the jackalope standing in the middle of town or you might damage your bike.  (30 miles) 

• Glenrock (Elev. 5000 ft) - This town was also known as Deer Creek Station and was an important stage stop along the Oregon Trail. (25 miles)

• Casper (Elev. 5123 ft) - This is the second largest city in Wyoming and nicknamed the Oil City.  The city has a history of boom and bust and cowboy culture.  It lies at the foot of the Casper Mountains and on the banks of the North Platte River.  The town was named for Lt. Caspar Collins but due to a typo the name was registered as Casper.  (20 miles)

• Junction of 220 and 487 (Elev. 5200 ft) - As you leave Casper you begin riding through Wyoming’s desolate high plans.  You will stop at several locations that have names but no people.  You might see a small isolated gas station or a ranch.  More cows and sheep live here than people. (70 miles)

• Medicine Bow (Elev. 6563 ft) - After your long journey, you have reached the historic town of Medicine Bow.  Home of the Virginian Hotel.  The town and the hotel became the background for the novel and television show entitled The Virginian.  The hotel is still operating and you can stop for refreshments at the bar.  (20 miles)

• Hanna (Elev. 6777 ft) - One of many coal-mining towns in Wyoming that started as a coal supply town for the Union Pacific railroad.   (20 miles)

• Walcott Junction (Elev. 6450 ft) - The crossroads of US 30 and I-80.  Point of many road closings in Wyoming during the winter months.   (15 miles)

• Sinclair (Elev. 6592ft) - Home of the Sinclair oil refinery and a wonderful Mexican restaurant, Su Casa.  Stop in for some famous Mexican food as you pass through.  (5 miles)

• Rawlins (Elev. 6755 ft) - Don’t pick up any hitchhikers here, this is the home of the State Penitentiary.  (55 miles)

• Jeffrey City (Elev.  6390 ft) - Company boomtown is the way to describe this stop.  It was built here by Western Nuclear to mine uranium.  The town lost 95% of its population within three years and after a population of several thousand in the 1970s, today’s population is 58.  (20 miles)

• Sweetwater Station Junction - This junction was used by those pioneers who traveled the Mormon Trail.  It was named after a donkey carrying sugar tripped and dumped its cargo of sugar into the Sweetwater River.  Solar rest area here with spots for camping.  (30 miles)

• Riverton (Elev. 4956 ft) - Home of the Arapahoe and Shoshoni Indian tribes.   In recent times, gambling is allowed on the reservation so if you feel lucky this is the stop and you might end up a few dollars richer (or poorer).  (25 miles)

• Lander (Elev. 5257 ft) - Known as the town where the rails end and the trails begin, the Chicago and Northwestern abandoned their hopes for a westward line that ended here.  The first paid rodeo took place here and a rodeo is still held every Fourth of July weekend.  For a cold one stop at the Gannett Bar and for a good meal you can’t beat the Cowfish restaurant. (30 miles)

• South Pass City (Elev. 7605 ft) - Famous historic site and a well preserved example of Wyoming life during the gold rush days.  If you have some time spend some time visiting this tourist site.  (35 miles)

• Farson (Elev. 6580 ft) - Watch the antelope roam and the sage grouse strut when you get here.  Of course, no one leaves with a visit to the Farson Mercantile for a big cone.  Even the small will fill you up.  (40 miles)

• Rock Springs (Elev. 6277 ft) - Welcome to the home of 58 Nationalities.  This early coal mining town brought immigrants from all over to mine coal for the Union Pacific.  While passing through, you might catch a glimpse of the famous wild horse herd that live in the high desert outside of the city.  For refreshment while there, stop at the Outlaw Inn which is named for some of the early outlaw history of the town and a favorite meeting place for locals for about fifty years.  (15 miles)

• Green River (Elev. 6100 ft) - Green River boasts a wonderful walking and bike path.  The path begins at Expedition Island, which is also the spot where the John Wesley Powell began his expedition of the Colorado River.  Don’t miss his statue next to the museum downtown.  (25 miles)

• Seekskadee National Wildlife Refuge - Established in 1965 to protect wildlife habitat.  It is an important resting place for bird migration.  Once you are here, you can observe nature along the banks of the Green River or drop a line in the river and catch a Rocky Mountain trout. (20 miles)

• Junction of S-372 and US-189 - This is a fork in the road like so many others in the road.  Not much here but the vast Wyoming open spaces.  If you turn to your left, you will find yourself in Kemmerer  (Elev. 6987).  It is the home of the first J.C. Penney store in the nation and still operational.  To your right is LaBarge and that is where we are headed.  (25 miles)

• LaBarge (Elev. 6600 ft) - This small town of 551 was named for a French trapper and mountain man Joseph Marie LaBarge who lived in the area.  It is also the final resting place of the Moondance Diner of New York City fame.  It made a notorious moving trip across the country in 2007.  Unfortunately, it is open only sporadically.  (20 miles)

• Big Piney (Elev.  6824 ft) - Actually you are in the twin cities of Big Piney-Marbleton.  In 1987, Wyoming native, Glenn Close co-produced a produced a documentary here entitled,  “Do You Mean There Are Still Real Cowboys?”  It was narrated by Robert Redford.  Coming here reminds you of the cattle history of the state.  Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a cattle drive coming down the highway.  It definitely stops traffic.  (25 miles)

• Pinedale (Elev. 7175 ft) – This popular tourist town is the gateway to the beautiful Wind River Mountains.  All season outdoor activities are popular here.  It is also a major gateway to the Jackson Hole area.  In recent year the enormous Jonah Field gas development has changed the town from a tourist town to a bustling energy community.  There are lots of places to explore, for a great meal, good drinks, and wonderful scenery make a stop at the Lakeside Lodge. (40 miles)

• Bondurant (Elev. 6658 ft) - You are passing through some of the most beautiful country in Wyoming.  You might see moose, elk or big horn sheep along the way.  The Episcopal church of St. Hubert the Hunter is not only an historical site but also a community center.  In the summer, everyone celebrates when they have their community barbeque.  If you look to your right you will seek Gannett Peak (Elev.  13,004 ft) the highest point in Wyoming. (35 miles)

• Jackson (Elev. 8208 ft) - This is probably the most famous town in Wyoming.  It was originally called Jackson Hole and was named for an early beaver trapper in the area named Edward Jackson.  Surely, he never envisioned the tourism, powder skiing and national parks for which the area is famous.  Stay here a day and explore all the town has to offer.  This is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  (35 miles)

• Moran Junction (Elev. 6742 ft) - You are now in Grand Teton National Park approaching the beautiful Jackson Lake and the Grand Teton Mountain Range (Elev.  12772 ft). For those of you who can speak French or can Google you might want to take a moment and translate the name of the mountains from the French to English.  Everyone in Wyoming  pretty much knows the answer. (25 miles)

• South Gate of Yellowstone Park - Welcome to Yellowstone Park.  This is the first national park established in the nation.  Its area is bigger than the states of  Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  In 2011, over 3,000,000 visitors from all over the world came to see its many natural wonders.  A visit to the park is the only thing that does it justice.  As you ride watch out for bear, moose, elk, bison and an assortment of other wildlife.  Also, don’t go near the crusty surface of the earth because you might find yourself in a geyser. (20 miles)

• West Thumb (Elev. 7732 ft) - Here is one of the many junctions in the park.  You are now of the shore of geothermal Lake Yellowstone.  In recent years the floor of the lake is beginning to rise indicating increased seismic activity.  After a stop at Lake Lodge, hop on your bike to your final stop. (15 miles)

• Old Faithful (Elev. 7349 ft) - You have arrived though don’t put you wheel into this geyser.  Sit down, relax, and watch Old Faithful erupt every 45 to 125 minutes.  This amazing cone geyser can erupt from 106 to 185 feet.  Congratulations, you made it and hopefully in better shape than when you started.  Now reward yourself with a dinner and a stay in the rustic and beautiful Old Faithful Inn.  It was built in 1903-04 to reflect the chaos of nature and well worth the visit.  Relax, it is the Fourth of July and your journey has ended.

 Now get moving!

One Last Christmas Greeting

Is it too late for me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas? Well consider this your greeting.

Joe and I started sending out Christmas card after we got married. Every year I look forward to browsing through pictures, selecting the design and ordering them. I've even started designing them in late October before. This year wasn't the same story. I kept dragging my feet and struggled to find pictures I wanted to use. Luckily I was still able to get them ordered and in the mail to family and friends before we took off for the holiday.

See the pink stamp? After buying the house I actually bought a return address stamp with our new address since we don't plan on changing it for a while. What a time saver, and I love the design! I spent a couple nights addressing the envelopes while watching TV with Joe. Not much else gets me in the Christmas spirit more!

Memory Lane

Over Christmas vacation we searched through a bunch of old pictures. These are all of me and my brother, Scott. My dad also makes an apperance, but that makes me feel bad for not including mom. Next time I'll get ya!

Photo Friday #37

Joe and I had a bit too much fun last night during the bowl game. But it was hilarious!

Tis The Season

We had a great trip to Iowa this holiday season. I was at a loss of words last night when writing this post, but I have some pictures to help tell our story.

It started out with Joe's family. We spent Christmas at the lake. Here is a classic picture of Joe and his brother's wearing the crochet beards I made them. I even plan on posting that pattern if anyone cares to learn!

When you add the camo hat he looks even tougher, burlier, manlier?

How was the weather, you might ask? It was cold. At least we were both expecting the freezing (or below freezing) temps, but that's still not something you can really get used to. I was very happy to see snow though for a couple days.

Here is the lake which wasn't quite completely frozen over. The boys played snow football twice and I don't know how they managed. It was negative four degrees when we woke up Christmas morning... brrr!

Here is my parent's house with just as much snow piled up.

Of course the cold air didn't stop Joe from his new winter tradition. He created a snow angel.... in his swimsuit. That's right, he jumped out of the hot tub, ran across the yard, did a snow angel and ran quickly back to the hot tub.

I got all snuggled up inside to keep warm. Plus I was in front of the fire. I guess one year away from Iowa spoiled me. I'm not used to this cold weather!

We also spent a couple days at my parent's house. Joe and my dad spent a good couple hours in the pool. You can see the steam off the water. Must be warm inside and cold outside.

We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Brown Bottle while with my parents. I never get tired of that food. That restaurant is one that I could eat at everytime we go home. It's a classic. 

I had to include this picture also. We spent a day with my grandparents and watched the last Bears football game of the season. Joe supported the Packers that night when they played (and lost) to the Vikings. Only because that victory would have meant the Bears were in the playoffs.

Our Christmas tradition, mimosas. Although we actually had them a couple days after Christmas, they were still the tradition.

Now we're home in Charlotte and back to work. What a great vacation!