A Healthy Knitter adventure

This year will be filled with adventures.  This week marks the first of several very special excursions. When our children were younger it was challenging to find the time for a vacation. Our time was limited as were our resources. My work scheduled followed the academic year calendar and my husband worked a sales job that peaked in the summer months. Our vacation became a visit to the family cabin in Idaho with the extended family whether it was 3 days or at the most a week. Although it was wonderful I often felt we should have a vacation that was just our family.  Over the years, the cabin became a place I cherish...my children know that we go to the cabin each year. They count on it. Our oldest is now 18 and a senior. Despite loving our time at the cabin, we wanted a trip that was just for the 5 of us. But what could we do that wouldn't cost a years worth of tuition?

We settled on a trip to Moab. We decided to rent a townhome instead of a hotel to provide us with a little more space and left the dog at home. We travelled from Iowa to Denver on Sunday. We stayed a couple of miles away from the house where my grandparents lived during my childhood. It was an emotional time for me as it was the first trip back to Denver since my grandmother passed away...and to be so close to their home. So many amazing memories came rushing back.

Upon rising on Monday morning, my husband and I decided to venture out for a little exercise. He on his run and I on my walk. We asked the desk clerk for ideas on where to go...she had none. It always catches me a little off guard when people respond with complete surprise that one would choose to partake in activity. We said "thank you" and ventured on. I found a little park called "Grant Tree Park" that satisfied my need for movement, solitude and a view of the Front Range on one side and Downtown on the other.

Oddly, spring is a little farther along in Denver than Iowa. There were more blooms and leaves on the trees. The dull roar of 6th Avenue was ever-present, just as I remembered from my childhood. Funny how certain sounds can transport us back to long ago. Despite my concerns of not being able to find a suitable walking place based on the reactions of the hotel desk attendant, I was pleased with my discovery.

Leaving Denver on I-70, we travelled through winter in the mountains, a wind storm in western Colorado and were met with rain in the desert once we arrived in Moab.

More tails of adventure tomorrow... 

Whoopsee...

Last week I told you about the new Healthy Knitter pattern, Snowy Walk. As it turns out, the link I included in the email you received was incorrect. For those of you that couldn't understand why you needed to log into Squarespace, that's why. My apologies.

So, I wanted to make sure that everyone had an opportunity WITHOUT frustration to view the new pattern. I'm extending the promotion for a few extra days. Snowy Walk will be 20% off through March 4th.

We continue to be in the midst of seasonal transitions with 72 degrees last Saturday and snow expected tonight. Fortunately I was able to get outside for a walk on Saturday and enjoy the lovely sunshine. I discovered the most amazing park with some very interesting trees. It was an inviting wooded area but the trees, oh my, they had a tale to tell.

Don't these trees look like an army of trees about to spring to life? How very Narnian or Lord of the Rings-ish.

A beautiful place to sit and knit...

And let the sun shine!

If these trees could talk. Soon, these trees will be in full bloom and the woods will be a maze.

May you all enjoy your days regardless of the season. Hoping you all find a few moments each day to appreciate your surroundings.

Meet my friend Pam...

I met Pam last winter/spring when we lived in Bozeman. I met her at two different knitting groups and was immediately drawn to her...she's calm, positive, encouraging, and a go-getter. She is always smiling. As it turns out she is a very dedicated knitter and walker. Each Saturday when I showed up for the knitting group, she would ask "what are you working on" and always remarked "that's so pretty, you must tell me when that pattern is ready". Well, I couldn't have gotten as far as I have without Pam. First, her encouragement was priceless and second, she willingly began test knitting my patterns. Just when I thought this is mistake-free, Pam would find a detail that needed fixing. It's the librarian in her...very good at noticing small details. I am so grateful for her assistance and support. And then, to find out that she is a dedicated walker. She is a great example of someone that is keeping "her body as active as her needles".

So, I share with you my interview with Pam. Knowing that Pam successfully walks through the Montana winters provides encouragement that we can all find strategies to deal with our own weather issues or other barriers.

Pam's favorite spot in Bozeman, MT...knitting in her backyard.

Tell us a little about yourself…where you live, what you like to knit, dreams, goals, or any basic info that helps us gain a better sense of who you are.

I live in Bozeman MT now but was raised in New Jersey, went to college in Wyoming and traveled as an Air Force wife to places in the US, Europe and Asia. We still enjoy travel and are considering the Philippines as a winter destination when I finally retire. In the meantime an occasional cruise helps satisfy our travel bug - I’ve heard about knitting cruises and think that would be an incredible experience!

When you think of the word “healthy” what comes to mind?

To me “healthy” means natural and unspoiled, whether talking about the environment or food or lifestyle. That’s one thing that attracted me to the west - the wide open and less-developed spaces just seemed so much healthier.

What’s your ideal “healthy” day look like?

The ideal day: get up with the sun and take a nice long walk through the neighborhood, then come back home for a wonderful breakfast - fresh fruit has to be part of this, maybe an omelet with sauteed fresh veggies or a yogurt parfait if I have pressing plans.  Depending on the season there might be some outside work around the yard, or maybe just laundry to hang out on the line. Then there has to be time for just relaxing - knitting or reading while sitting out on the deck, enjoying the fresh air.

How do you incorporate physical activity into your day?

I’ve had a FitBit for almost 2 years and find that to be a real incentive to get more steps. During the winter I start the day on the treadmill - getting that time in first thing each day seems to make a big difference in my overall outlook. I work from home, so have to make an effort to move around. Luckily I have a 2-story house so I make sure to go upstairs as often as possible. When I go to a store I park away from the entrance to get more steps in.

Do you have a time of year that you find it harder to be active?

It’s difficult to take as many walks outside in the winter - I don’t mind the cold but don’t want to deal with ice. Even walking down the driveway to get the newspaper and mail is an effort, but I did get some ice cleats for my shoes so that isn’t an excuse any more!

What are your favorite foods?

Chocolate! Also fresh, unprocessed foods, whole grains. I don’t eat a lot of meat these days but once in awhile a good steak is just the thing.

How do you incorporate knitting, a sedentary activity into an active lifestyle?

I see knitting as a reward, so before I can sit and knit I need to have done some other activity. I also feel justified to knit while watching TV - it lets me be productive during an otherwise unproductive time. But I make a point of getting up and moving during commercials.

What’s your best strategy to being active?

My motto: Don’t sit if you can stand, don’t stand if you can walk. I just always look for any way to increase activity.

What’s your favorite activity and why.

These days walking is my favorite - it’s easy to do anywhere, any time. I used to ride my bicycle quite a bit but don’t feel my balance is as good as it used to be and don’t want to risk a fall.

What’s your source of inspiration when it comes to being active?

The opportunity to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and sounds of nature, inspires me to get out and take a walk. I also remind myself that my grandmother lived to 99 and I expect to hit 100, so I need to keep moving!

Snowy Walk, a new pattern...

Is it winter? Is it spring? It's cold. It's hot. Whatever the season this break in our winter weather has cheered the spirits of many folk. I've been a bit sad about the fact that winter is leaving however the warm weather this morning with minimal wind screamed "SPRING". Perhaps it is a trick, February is rather early for spring but I'm now feeling ready for the transitional phase.

Speaking of transitions, I've created the perfect accessory to knit AND wear during these transitional months. Actually you could make one for each season depending on the color/fiber you choose.

Introducing "Snowy Walk"...

I designed this last spring when we were temporarily living in Bozeman, MT. I was so excited to be living in the mountains again with the promise of a snow-filled winter. Unfortunately there was very little snow...until April. Then, of course, it dumped, over and over again. I'd been working on this cowl and the stitch pattern reminded me of pine boughs filled with snow.

A snowy spring walk

This is one of my favorite patterns so far for multiple reasons.

1. Reminds of the mountains;
2. Perfect for that transitional season;
3. Beautiful stitch pattern that is perfect for multiple levels of knitter abilities; easy knitting for an intermediate knitter, just right for an advanced knitter with previous lace experience, and a great follow-up to lace knitting after your first lace project; and
4. Relatively quick project to knit and that's always a bonus

I can assure you that you'll want more than one.  I've made one in grey, white, and red. I've been wearing the red all week in honor of February. I gifted the grey and wear the white a lot as it reminds me of snow. And you should know by now...I LOVE SNOW.

The pattern is available in Ravelry with an introductory special of 20% off through February 29. So if you're seeking a relatively simple project that won't take too long. The final cowl is long enough to wrap around your neck two times...the perfect length, not too long to be droopy nor too short to be too tight. Oddly, this might just be the perfect project for summer knitting as the project is a nice size and easily transportable. Hmm, I'll have to remember that for this summer.

Snowy Walk cowl knit in white. The perfect accessory for your wardrobe as we transition from winter (snow) to spring (tulip). 

Knit, wear, walk. What adventure will you go on while wearing this cowl?