Tuesday, September 2, 2008

On a lighter note

Ok, I was in a lousy mood when I posted last, but I just had to get it out.  We had a few bum experiences last week just after our announcement and I needed to get it all off my chest.  I promise to drop it.



I finished knitting my hand spun sweater last night. Finishedhssweater
I am in mad mad love with it.  It's hard when I love knitting on something so much and then it's finished...kind of like reading a great book.  I miss it terribly and flounder around for a while, wondering what to do next that can even begin to compare.  I think I'll postpone needling in the ends and blocking it for a bit, so we'll have a little more time together before it cools off enough for me to wear it.



The other afternoon I took some photos of things I love in my yard.  For those of you who are familiar with these plants, probably you can stop here.  I so enjoy learning about things through other blogs, I decided to share with those of you who don't live in this type of climate or may not have enjoyed some of these plants.Chamisa



First...the yellow Chamisa bush is just starting to bloom.  Known in English as Rabbit Brush, it is a popular local dye material for shades of greenish yellows and a plant used by local families for generations for teas for colds, if I recall correctly (anyone with better info, please jump in here!).  While these grow down in the valley below us, it is, to my knowledge, the only one on our land.  I have no clue how it got here, but I am grateful, and it's always a sign of fall when I see it starting to bloom.



Next...my Russian Sage bush. Russiansage
Sunflowerwalkway
The nursery told me years ago that this plant wouldn't grow at our elevation, but I loved it so much, I decided to give it a try.  It has taken about five or more years to reach this size (about 5 feet across, at least) and is now having pups grow in the adjacent walkway.  I love the color of it contrasted by our wild sunflowers that crowd our yard each summer.  Here's a photo of the walkway in front of our house, to give you a small idea of what the sunflower population is.  Why bother with fussy landscaping when nature is doing such a wonderful job?



5 comments:

shawn said...

i love seeing where you live! have you ever used the sunflowers for dyeing? i've read that it works... the sweater is gorgeous! now it's time for everything to settle down.xxx

Bennie said...

all the sunflowers make me homesick for NM...the sweater turned out great I love that yarn...I am going to start a sweater soon..after 3 years of being SCARED..I finally feel I can handle it..haha..love, bennie

the ryan sheep said...

Hi Martie! LOVE the pictures, how breathtaking! Makes me feel ALMOST like I visited your beautiful place--minus the hugs and fun time that would ensue of course! I won't show the sheep though, they might pack their bags and head South!! Bwaahahahaha! Hugs--San

RuthieJ said...

I love the colors in your sweater Martie--it turned out really good and looks so nice and warm.
Your landscaping is gorgeous! What beautiful views all around your house! Do birdies stop by to help themselves to sunflower seeds?

Teresa Q said...

Martie:
The sweater is gorgeous & will look lovely on you. The photos of the blooms at your home are breath taking. How blessed you are!! As for your last post - I think others should know how their negative words & rudeness affect others. You are loved by many more than those pitiful few. You so provided for many of us with the most beautiful of fibers & yarns thoughout the years at your wonderful shop. We will miss that, but we wish you the best in your new adventure. I am sure that you will be a success.
Teresa