and as my screen name implies, I love to make mittens! 
I made my first pair last November--it was actually out of necessity that I learned how to make mittens, as my husband has Neuropathy in his feet and hands--his hands get super cold and he thought mittens might help warm his chilly hands. Only problem is, it's hard to find men's knitted mittens. So I sat down with a good pattern and I was off to the races! 
I have been knitting voraciously since I re-learned in late summer 2009. I love to knit sooooo much!
It has helped me learn patience, to think outside the box and to express my creativity. 
Plus it has given my self-confidence a huge boost! 
Besides knitting, I love to kayak. My husband and I own sea kayaks and love paddling on the Great Lakes--we only have to get the boats on Lakes Erie and Ontario, to have paddled all 5 Lakes.
I also l love spending time with my little man, Mr. Jingles--my Cocker spaniel.
I just finished a patchwork blanket of my own design, for him. I also enjoy history, museums, rockhounding and visiting wineries. Love to read too.
And CMM--I think it's cool you collect Barbies. And that both of you work in Nursing Homes. Caregivers are such special people. 