Meanderings of a Mermaid

So at the knitting group yesterday we discussed a personal challenge that someone had seen on Ravelry. The aim is to come up with eleven knitting goals for 2011. An email had circulated a day before our meeting so we had a little time to contemplate this. I've decided to make mine a design challenge. I've noticed for the past three or four years that there have been some incredibly good books published with gorgeous designs. Since I lost a little weight I can fit into most standard designs now, plus I was kicked in the teeth (so to speak) with a rough patch in life for awhile. So it had become too easy to fall back on opening a book and numbly following someone else's design. It's been fun, but it's time for me to put on my thinking cap again and do what I love best about knitting - design. I am a Master Knitter after all and a Master Designer. Gulp. So having put this out there.... I shall try to show you, in 2011, a little of what is mucking around in my head. PS....

BS returned with this charmer in tow! Get a load of all the space! Just before it got dark there was enough time to put up the canopy and test out all the seats! Um, and enjoy a celebratory drink.

The two canoes are still the most reliable way to get around on the lake. There is no better way to get up close and personal to the loons. Inserted here should be a photo of the twelve foot skiff. I'm sure there are some old prints of it around. I generally leave that little boat on a nearby bass fishing heaven hole. Good old Cedar Lake. She was employed by geologists on Cedar Lake at Hemlo. I'd like to think she assisted in the discovery of the rich Hemlo Gold Mines. Each ding must have a good story. And the red boat. She never did get a name. Slow but considerably more comfortable to all that came before. And it was a steal of a deal when we bought her. She may become next summer's "project" - strip out all the old heavy wood, see where she leaks, and see if we can juice her up for speed! And this is the new addition to the marina. For now she is Down South but will make the long drive to camp where she will be employed in the capture of fish, suns...

I am too excited today. Tomorrow I head off to meet a bunch of great gals who get together at a coffee shop and knit! I can't wait. There seems to be a lack of knitters in my immediate area so I am roaming a bit. But, as you know, I love to roam. I've also created a group at the Ravelry website for those who live in the Hill Country. So here are just a few shots that I happen to have stored in my laptop. I have to go! Time to decide what to take for Show and Tell! It feels like the first day at school. PS. The top lacy image is the yoke of a sweater done in Qivuit, the most expensive fibre in the world!

A simple thanks one day out of the year is never enough. I have a lot to be thankful for and the people who are close to me know that they are truly appreciated and loved. I am so grateful for everything they give me. Normally for Thanksgiving I invite someone or a few people who have no one else in their lives. Thankfully, this year I was unable to come up with a single person who is not with family and loved ones. Enjoy the harvest festival!

This fishing charter happened back in June 2009 and was the culmination of a dream I've had for awhile. It came about as a first date actually. Caught some fish, but not the man! A brook trout fishing trip on Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River. We were three days fishing. This is a world class brook trout fishery with careful monitoring and controls . while on the water we were approached and filled out a creel survey. And scenic beauty galore. We camped in tents on the river and had food provided by the guide. You must have a very experienced guide to fish here due to very strong currents and a large hydro dam project. Also, a good guide will get you onto the fish! Scene of an island on Lake Nipigon. As we head south to the first dam. We couldn't have asked for better weather. People will give me heck for not recalling exactly all the lengths and weights. I caught less fish than the boys but mine were all the best. In three days I caught three brook trout and they were all...

At camp this year BS and I did a lot of work and made a lot of changes. Here are a few of them. Starting with major tree felling and stump pulling. The land is being levelled out a little and views to the lake being opened up. Here is the studio with new lights, ceiling fan, and curtains along the north wall that hide storage. Many trees were cut down this year and won't go to waste. Look at all the firewood. And this is only one pile of three! A new propane tank means I will never run out of fuel at an inopportune time! Even the BBQ is now hooked up to this monster. The new marina! OK so it is a simple dock. But what an improvement over the old dock, which is floating in the distance at the end of the new one. Event he old shed got a new lease on life with a new metal roof. Oh there is still lots to do but we made a great dent in the list!

In the main square of Christchurch, New Zealand. After the horrific earthquake of 2010 I wonder if this gorgeous sculpture still stands? I prefer to remember it this way. And here is the most lovely train station in Dunedin. The intricacy of its masonry is admirable. As a geologist I appreciate the use of natural materials to such great effect. And nature provides many spectacles to behold. This is the view from my hotel room. And the whole reason I visited New Zealand was this crazy life long dream to see the mudpits of the country. Does that seem bizarre to you? My mother brought home a geology book when I was about five years old. It covered much of the volcanic and hydrothermal regime of New Zealand and for some unexplicable reason I was mesmerized. When your dreams come true it is a special thing. Even if it is the Earth farting in your face.

Sunrise ushers in a brand new day at camp. It is not uncommon to experience lovely colourful sunrises. We also enjoy the sunset colours. The late day rays pour over the ridge and colour the lake and surrounding bush. I don't know what this plant is; it's a bush height. This is a fall image we caught as we walked the dogs along the road by the beaver pond. Did I mention the sunrises? Part of the new dock is visible as well. I think you'll agree it's a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee. At the same time I thank my lucky stars to be living there. Beginning of April with a view of the Narrows. Check out how low the water levels are. I have seen lower, but not very often. And while beavers are known to be very industrious, their proclivity towards satelllite TV is largely undocumented. A rare photo of a beaver lodge with a satellite dish. Wonder what those rodents are watching....

I'm trying out a new look. What do you think? And I couldn't resist adding some beauty to the blog. These lovelies are from camp. Day lilies. Sweet!