Fall Has Arrived

In the Rockies it is snowing, but in Northern California was are getting autumn. The trees are all decked out for the season in reds and yellows. This is one of the prettier falls I have seen. 

Just look at all the shades of red and brown and orange. 

I think the trees are showing off!

A Day to be Thankful

As Thanksgiving day becomes night, I've been reflecting on all the things for which I am thankful...and the list is long and varied. It includes all the usual "suspects" as well as some "unique to me" items. What have you included on your list? 

To all, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Twenty Three Skidoo

I just finished the 23rd blanket of the year. It's my favorite ripple pattern in shades of pink and orange. If someone told me that those two colors go together, I would not believe it, but the right shades of the two work quite well. 

Tell me what you think? 

Sock Monkey

My sister brought up a "naked" sock monkey and she asked me to make a hat for him. Well the hat led to a scarf and the scarf led to the bows...and all of a sudden we had a well dressed sock monkey. He's a happy little critter now that he's dressed in the latest fashion.

Going Green

We are going green. After doing some research, we decided it was time to use the bright California sun for power. We contacted Solar City and immediately we met with a person who told us all we needed to know (and more) about solar power on our property. 

A site plan was made, plans were drawn up, permits were received from the county and in less than 3 weeks, we received a call to set up an installation date. That was yesterday. 

The truck rolled in and a few things were off-loaded. Fellows then went to the roof of the barn and stated to lay out the design. 

As you can see they cordoned off the barn...safety was paramount. 

More fellows climbed on the roof boring and sealing holes, setting up frameworks, and finally setting up 13 photovoltaic units (PVU). 

We have enough solar power on the roof to take care of our electric needs! It still needs to be connected into the "grid" so we can sell power back to PG&E (our power company). 

When that happens we will turn the switch to ON and start powering our residence with green renewable electricity! 

Rain, Glorious Rain

We had some rain today! In fact we had a bit of a wind storm too! For a few minutes it felt like the house was going to be blown off the mountain. Then the rain came, the wind stopped and it was "back to normal" in about 4 minutes. 

Our usual 40 mile view was limited to less than a mile. As you can see we need more rain. The hills are beyond parched.

Lavender Blue

Way back in April and May I harvested our lavender plants. I created small bundles of lavender sprigs and hung them up to dry, over the summer. About 2 weeks ago I processed the lavender...all the bundles created two cups of lavender buds. 

I made packets for the lavender and crocheted sachets for the packets.  

The sachets in the front are for boys, and the sachets in the back are for girls. I made about 30 sachets, and every one is different. I still had another cup of processed lavender and I was trying to think of a creative use for it, when I stumbled across the idea of making artisan lavender soap.

I had never made soap before, but after doing my online research and told myself "I can do that!" So I did. The aroma is wonderful. Now comes the happy task of giving them to my friends and family for Christmas.

One Score, Two

I just finished my 22nd blanket for the year. It's a hexagon/star in various shades of blues.

I'm think a little girl will like this blanket a lot!

Three More Steps

Progress on the shed is happening, but as usual, it's slow! After caulking and sealing, 

 The trim was primed. 

The first coat of paint was the next step. More is needed but the rain started. We will take any excuse to not work on the shed. 3 steps down...at least 7 more 'easy" steps to go.

It's Raining!

It's 11 PM and it's raining pretty hard! Sure sounds good. If you listen hard, you can almost hear the plants drinking it in!

I know this is not the greatest picture, but you can see the rain. Given the fact that it's been dry dry dry...this is a happy picture!