Views From My Beach Chair - Coco Cay, Bahamas

 

Good morning,

Ah, yes, the view from my beach chair.  These images were taken on the Island of Coco Cay, Bahamas, the private destination island of Royal Caribbean.  

I've been coming to Coco Cay since about 1990 and the changes have been huge.  When I first arrived, the place was a beach and a picnic area.  Since then there have been many additions for those who want to do more:  a water slide, para sailing, rental of and lessons for snorkeling and other equipment, etc. 

The picnic that is provided is still a big part of the day, but my favorite spot is still in my beach chair.

Enjoy,

Lois

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Tropic Adventures Volume 1 Surf Sounds and Sites from Coco Cay, Key West and Nassau, Bahamas Audio CD 

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Springy Hair Ties - Crochet

Good morning,

Here's a quick pattern from the past and is a perfect gift for a little girl for Valentine's Day this month.

I made pairs of these in many colors for my daughter 30 years ago. I also made dozens of pairs to donate to a non profit organization for their craft fair. The hair ties are just a darling tied around little girls' pony tails today as they were 30 years ago.

Of course, you can make and use only one for one pony tail, but I like using two of them on two pony tails high on the back of the head.

This is a very easy pattern.

Comments are always welcome.

Lois

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Springy Hair Ties

Make two ties.

Materials:

J crochet hook or smaller hook if your stitches are loose. "Springs" cannot be too loose - see images.

About a half ounce of #4 yarn. Or, try any yarn and hook that gives you the results you like.

Leaving a 2 " tail, chain 121

In the 2nd chain from the hook and in the next 29 chains, work 3 sc in the back loop only. "Springs" will twist on their own; if they don't try a smaller hook.

Slip stitch in top two loops of next 60 chains.

Work 3 sc in back loop each of remaining 30 chains. Break off leaving 2" tail.

Tie beginning and ending yarn tails together tightly. Weave/pull ends back into center of end of work.

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Lion Brand Yarn 482-130J Recycled Cotton, Seagrass 

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Ships Passing in the Day

 

Good morning,

This is an unusual picture because of the time of day it was taken. This is Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas arriving on a sunny afternoon about 5:15 PM at the Port of Miami while Majesty of the Seas is sailing out of the channel in Biscayne Bay.

Generally, both ships arrive early in the morning in Miami. Whatever the reason for Jewel's different schedule it provided an excellent photo opportunity. This image was taken from the Viking Crown Lounge high atop the Majesty of the Seas as the ships slipped past one another. The shadow of the mast of Majesty can be seen across the side of Jewel. 

The usual greeting was sounded on each of the ships' horns: three short from one ship answered by three short from the other, then one long from the first ship answered by one long from the other.

Enjoy warm thoughts,

Lois

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Building the World's Largest Cruise Ship: Voyager of the Seas, First of the Eagle Class Ships 

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Knit Sweater for Catherine

Good morning,

Today's feature item is a sweater I knit for my daughter Catherine.  I just finished it a few days ago and I will give it to her next week when I next see her.

I don't use other's patterns often, but when I do, I usually make some changes. This pattern is "Bernat Berella 4, Knit Sweaters for the Family" can be downloaded for free from the Bernat web site where there are plenty of other excellent patterns. You are required to register and log in to download free patterns, but it is free to register and the newsletters they send out are quite nice. 

Bernat does a very good job with sizing and this pattern provides a range for the entire family. I can be in a different part of the world and find the correct measurements for family and friends to make a pullover sweater. I've adapted this sweater many, many times including to make it into a cardigan. I like using Bernat yarn, but my daughter picked out her own Patons yarn for the sweater pictured. This sweater required 6 Patons Classic Wool, 100 gr., 3.5 oz. skeins.

Catherine likes wool and this one is all wool for sure. It has a nice wool feel to it.  It will have to be soaked instead of machine washed and the label says it cannot be dry cleaned. It also smells like wool - not a problem if you like that. She laughs that she smells like a wet sheep when caught in the rain wearing the wool. There is no substitute for real wool, but for some items that might be washed often for babies, children, household items, etc., other yarns are more appropriate. I like the result I have with this sweater and may do it again in other wool for myself.

I often make many adaptions as I work with patterns. For this pattern I don't sew one shoulder then work back and forth for the neck band as directed in the pattern; instead, I complete seams at both shoulders with a three needle bind off, then work the neck band on circular or double pointed needles depending on the size of the sweater. I also like to make both front pieces from the neck line up at the same time back and forth across circular needles. That makes it easy to duplicate the neck shaping on each side. I do the same for the sleeves, working both sleeves at the same time with two balls of yarn (see image).

If you haven't found the Bernat site yet, you may want to take a look.

Best,

Lois

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The Bernat Book of Irish Knits in Blarney-Spun Yarn From Ireland Itself, Book 145

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Dock Master at the Historic Dockside - Key West

Good morning,

Key West, Florida, is one of those ports where it is always fun to wander around, camera in hand, and find something to capture digitally. 

This is the dock master's office where boat owners register when they arrive on the island.

It's fun to think of all of the vessels, big and small, that have registered here over the years.

Enjoy,

Lois

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Dock, Key West, Florida Scenic Art Poster Print, 17x11

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Happy Birthday to Penny!

Penelope T. Labrador AX, MXJ, OF
CPE CL-1, CL2-R, CL2-H, CL2-F

Happy Birthday to Penny!

Good morning,

That beautiful, "smiling" Labrador Retriever in the image is our Penny; she is one of two fabulous Labs who live in our home. Not only is she pretty and sweet, she is a canine athlete who has won numerous agility titles with her trainer/my daughter, Catherine. Penny and Catherine spend a great deal of time training, but don't tell Penny. She is convinced it is all play.

Penny gets up each morning and asks, "What can I do for you today?"

Photo credits for this picture go to Catherine.

Please join us in wishing Penny "Happy Birthday Number Five!"

Lois

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The Everything Labrador Retriever Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, and Caring for Your Lab (Everything Series)

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Majesty in the Sun

 Good morning,

I love pictures of ships. Not only are ships beautiful, they always bring thoughts of wonderful times on board.

I took this image of Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas at anchor off the island of Coco Cay in the Bahamas from the tender boat. Guests are tendered between the ship and shore for a day in the sun at the beach.

What a glorious day to be cruising!

Lois

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Majesty of the Seas Cruise Fully Assembled Wood Model Cruise Ship

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