Long Lake Yarns

This is the biggest toad I’ve ever seen in Michigan.  He was about 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. He was sitting on a patio stone by the side door of  the cottage.  I didn’t  know what variety of toad he was.  I imagined he was maybe the my-head-is-so-big-I-can’t-lift-it-off-my-fingers toad.  Or the inward-facing-three-toed toad.  Maybe [...]

This yarn is so, so, yummy.  A mix of wool, silk and even angora blended in the typical Noro way, as far as color goes. And at least in these two skeins, no nasty knots where the color scheme is broken up (that other “typical” Noro way–at least in my experience especially with Kureyon). Transitions [...]

We watched this big guy just after he’d emerged from his nymph stage and was drying his wings for several minutes on our lawn.  You can find out more about the nymph stage by watching this video on the life cycle of the dragonfly.  Let’s just say that the end stage is the best–no more [...]

Ok, so you’re cute.  But they gave me the kerchief to wear because I’m better than cute.  I have a job around here.   I’ll teach you how it’s done, because cute doesn’t last forever.  I see the size of those paws.  You’ll need  to earn your keep.  Lay low at first.  Let them get [...]

Easy stuff.  Not much to say.  Just posted this batch to show off their colors and variety.  Five of them are all the same easy pattern:  Cast on a multiple of two.  Often 34 stitches, kitchen cotton (such as “Peaches ‘n Cream”), size seven needles.  Gauge doesn’t matter. Knit four garter stitch ridges (8 rows). [...]

Sometimes mindless knitting is just what is seriously needed.  On long car or plane trips it helps pass the time.  Sitting in waiting rooms becomes more tolerable.  Washcloths and dishcloths are often easy patterns.  You can finish them quickly and end up with something useful.  I made these in pairs, to equally use both balls [...]

No, the island isn’t widely known by the name Belly Button.  Only Steve and I know that’s its name (and Steve knew it first of all). This is Long Lake.  Latitude:  N45 degrees, 76.85′, longitude W83 degrees, 58.41′. If you are one of those rare humans who can actually still see the figures that the [...]