Meet Nellie

A friend of mine introduced me to the dangerous world of vintage sewing machines.  She showed me her shiny machines, and I resisted.  She even tried telling me how I needed her little 301.  I stayed firm.  I did not need another machine.

Well my resistance is only so strong.  I started watching Craigslist.  I really had no intention of buying anything, but I was curious.  Then along came Nellie.

She is a Singer 99k, and she now belongs to the kiddos.  They love her.  I bought her for $20, and I couldn't be happier.  We oiled the gears, and she is in fantastic condition.  The machine currently has a motor, but it can easily be converted to a handcrank.  We may do this, but have not yet decided.

I have been showing Eamon and Aine how to thread her and sew.  They are very excited.  Today they each sewed a gift bag from holiday material.  They are very pleased with their work.  Pajama pants are next.  I think it was a great investment, and I am glad Sarah is my friend despite her bad influence.

Remembering

Today I found a disc in the garage with backup photos on it.  I uploaded it to my laptop and was treated to photos from the birth of my two older children as well as a few videos.  It was so cool to see them as babies again.  I forget in the day to day just how far we have come.

The kiddos really liked seeming themselves and hearing stories from their babyhood.  They really enjoy looking at photos and remembering.  Last year I made each child a photobook.  It included photos for their particular age starting with their birthday.    I plan on making books to cover these years as well as those in between.   I may not scrapbook, but hopefully they won't mind.

Eamon then and now

 Aine then and now

Benton then and now

Intend

My next intention for the year is to improve my photography.  My "go-to" camera is a point and shoot Canon.  I like it, because it can be carried in a pocket or at the bottom of my purse.  It is easy to pull out and take quick photos.  However, it is feeling its age and the abuse it endures at the hands of the small people.  Due to a goopy lens, the pictures are fuzzy, out of focus or just plain bad.  I am sure you already picked up on that.

Last year, I received a Nikon D3000.  I really like it.  I think my composition is good.  The problem is that I only take photos on auto.  This works well most of the time.  The camera is capable of more.  I have started venturing into the manual mode with some guidance from Dave.  I have used the camera for the last few days on manual.  I am doing the 365project this year in an attempt to learn more and improve.  This year I want to rock my SLR.  I want to understand how to change the settings to create the best effect.  A friend of mine has offered to help, and I am going to take her up on it.  So, tomorrow I head to her house for lemons and a photography lesson.

Let's just hope my subjects are more willing

Building

Don't let the fancy shoes fool you. 

Prime Knitting Time

Today we spent some time in the car.  We headed south to visit my husband's aunt.  It wasn't a pleasure trip We were there to help and offer support as her husband had died the previous night.  My husband had been close to his uncle, so it seemed fitting for us to be there.

Despite the sad need for the visit, I do love riding in the car.  As a child I would get carsick.  I couldn't read or do much of anything while riding.  Things have changed.  Now I can knit.  Today I worked on a pair of socks I am knitting for my dad.  They are a belated birthday gift.  I am about 70% done with the pair - gotta love worsted weight yarn.

It just seemed "right" to be knitting something for someone I love.

Resolved

Each year around this time, I reflect on the past and think about the future and what I may want to change or improve.  I am not alone in this as everyone seems to contemplate and make resolutions annually for New Year's Day.  This year I have several things I want to accomplish.  I use the word accomplish on purpose as I don't want to merely change I want to achieve.  I decided to share them in the hopes that writing it will help it happen.  I plan on creating a spot on my site to track my progress as well.

First up is health.  I resolve to lose 40 pounds this year.  It is weight I have carried on and off for quite a few years, and it is time to go.  I turn forty next year, and I would hate to be this heavy for such a milestone.  In order to achieve my goal, I have outlined a few steps:

• Exercise most days (I will shoot for daily, but I am trying for realistic goals)
• Meal Plan
• Monitor caloric intake via LoseIt program on iPod Touch
• Run in two 5Ks
• Improve number of push-ups, sit-ups and squats completed  (aim for 100/200/200)
• Complete boot camp course
• Tune into hunger and focus on satiety

I am confident this will help me accomplish my goal.  I will keep everyone posted on my success.

Looking Ahead

Today was a quiet day after a very late night celebrating the end of 2010 and welcoming 2011.   It was a day of reflection and planning.  At dinner we talked about things we want to see, do or accomplish this year.   Ideas were discussed about trips to see family, revisit logic and philosophy, learn to throw pottery, expand crochet skills, tinker with the short wave radio,  eat healthier, do more gymnastics, write on our blogs daily, sew, and expand mindcraft skills.  Underlying it all is to have fun and be kind to one another.  Look out 2011, here we come!

Handyman

Ready to help Daddy while sporting his new tool apron from Grandma