Antics with the menagerie

the game

2008-05-30T20:03:00.002-04:00

My creation, originally uploaded by shelaghms.

the spinnery

2007-10-11T18:15:00.000-04:00

I'm sure any readers I once had have given up on me. Posting every quarter is not reassuring, nor consistent, but my knitting hasn't been either. So late this summer, I decided to jump start my knitting with something special. I threw financial caution to the wind and booked my spot with these lovely folks. Then I set about securing a place to stay. The end of September is the beginning of leaf peeping season, so rooms were already scarce. Lots of people plan ahead. My planning revolves around a school calendar and I never think of staying at a B & B, hotel, or motel in New England. It seems like such an extravagance.

And it was! Jill and Dennis, the Innkeepers were outstanding hosts. The food was divine! My room was cozy and quaint, and Saturday night Dennis built a fire in the fire pit and I gazed at the multitude of stars glittering in the clear Vermont sky. I recommend the place wholeheartedly.

Four other women in the class were staying there too which made it less scary and more fun. Thanks to Lori from Westport, Kindy from Wellesley, Sally for being unable to attend so her sister Kindy could go in her place with Lori, Terri from NYC, and her friend Julia from Brooklyn; warm fuzzy, funny, eloquent knitters each of them. And they let me sit with them, so kind since I didn't bring a friend.

The starring attraction for me was the teacher.

More tomorrow, since I've finally got a little blog fodder, I don't want to use it all in one post.

ah, july

2007-07-07T15:17:00.001-04:00

miss Isabel, july 4, originally uploaded by shelaghms.

It is a gorgeous day. . . and lucky many say: 7 . 7 . 07.

Miss Isabel sends a smile in honor of the holiday, her Nana's impending birthday, and the love of her Auntie. . . along with her passion for all fruit, Jerry, and Yoda, and . . . she's a happy little girl, and I am blessed she's part of my life.

I am knitting. Slowly, but surely. I finally got a new camera, so blogging may resume - I hope! - and ravelry will be used. What an amazing tool.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

new year :: generosity

2007-01-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

The Kim family's experience touched and saddened me deeply :: please visit the Kim family art + craft auction :: all money raised will go directly to James Kim's family :: details are on the site or you may donate directly to The James Kim Memorial Fund ::

. . a safe, creative, and bright 2007 to every single one of you in blogville. . .

and thank you for your patience with me here.

How did it happen?

2006-10-13T10:22:00.000-04:00

The incident is so vivid in my memory, I didn't think to explain how it happened or that it wouldn't be apparent to my readers. Rachel pointed this out, so let me clarify:

Cassidy, a 50 lb. mutt with what I think must be some terrier in her, got into the sheep pasture that is spitting distance from our home. She went into the barn, thru the screen door that is not attached to the doorway - it's propped up against the opening - and down the ramp. It had been a windy day and I had forgotten that the door wasn't attached to the doorway.

Cass chased the sheep, and the sheep ran into the pond to get away. The first row boat I hopped in quickly took on water, so I dragged out the second one, which delayed the possible rescue. The two of them swam around until the sheep very quickly became exhausted.

It's the thrill of the chase for Cass. And sheep aren't very smart. We didn't have this problem with the cattle or horses on the ranch.

My home, the sheep, the pasture, the pond, the barn, and the leaky rowboat are owned by my employer. You can imagine the pluses and minuses of those details. The Boss is away, but the under-bosses know; burying a sheep carcass is not a one person job.

Is the story clearer?

Payback?

2006-10-10T18:44:00.000-04:00

One of my dogs drowned a sheep today.

I am still in disbelief.

Is it fast-acting karma for not knitting in almost eight (8) weeks? For not announcing my conclusions about and winners for RKT #1? For still having over 115 unread items in my blogroll? For not keeping in touch with friends - live, Knitty, and blogville - during this hellacious life transition? For a gajillion other things...

*sigh*

Color purple

2006-09-03T21:11:00.000-04:00

You Are Grape

You are bold and a true individual. You are very different and very okay with that.
People know you as a straight shooter. You're very honest, even when the truth hurts.
You are also very grounded and practical. No one is going to sneak anything by you.
People enjoy your fresh approach to life. And it's this honesty that makes you a very innovative person.

What Color Purple Are You?

I found this over at Kim's.

RKT #1 contest is now closed

2006-09-03T20:58:00.000-04:00

Please be patient while I do the judging. No long weekend for me. It's work, work, work.

Thanks to all who entered!

RKT #1 contest deadline

2006-08-20T11:51:00.000-04:00

Is Friday, 1 September. I will present my conclusions and awards on Sunday, 3 September.

Thanks to everyone who has been adventurous and contributed to RKT #1.

For those who have been too busy knitting or basking in the final days of summer or trying to stay warm in winter, there's still time!

For me, work is in full swing, and very little knitting or much else is happening. That will change soon enough. Fingers crossed.

Random Knitting Theory #1 = a contest

2006-08-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

It's the first theory thrown out on the blog anyway. Or the first one I can recall, and in this heat, it's tough to remember my name.

UPDATE: Revised Random Knitting Theory #1: Any kind of knitter; not continental! Please enter the contest Rachel, Sarah, and Rain!
#1: Successful, continental knitters have a certain kind of hand. I don't think I am going to be able to accurately describe the hand I see. I know it's not mine: I am not a continental knitter, nor do I have nails that naturally grow just past my fingertips.

So, if you think you've got the look (thank you, Sheena Easton), take two pictures: one of your hands; and a knitting action shot. Post them to your blog, along with a response to Random Knitting Theory #1, and leave a comment letting me, and any other interested parties, know to go for a look-see.

Two prizes will be awarded: one for best match to the image of the hand I have in my head; and another for whatever strikes my fancy a.k.a. creativity. Please do keep this a family friendly contest, the menagerie will be assisting with the judging, as will Isabel.

Prizes: a super pretty skein of some super pretty yarn; I have some stash goodies, but just in case a cotton-only hand hero wins, then I'll be ordering up something delish. How's that for vague?!

When I started this post I had no intention of having a contest, so if you have questions, please ask. Just think, if you are the only person who gives it a go, you're automatically a winner!!! Wooo hoooo!

PS: This contest is in honor of Aija. I won some stunning Holz & Stein 2.5 mm ebony dpns in a contest she held. Thanks, Aija! The needles are dreamy. I thought I'd share the love. Not the needles. And I really am interested in testing my theory. (I hope Grumperina doesn't stumble upon this, it's so unscientific.)

Freshie

2006-07-22T21:33:00.001-04:00

Miss Isabel Reed making her world debut on Thursday, 20 July 2006.

Itsy is fresh out of the oven in this picture with her beaming Auntie.

Swoon.

Wired

2006-07-17T17:28:00.000-04:00

Finally. I'm posting from "home." Wooo hoooo!!!!

It's a bigillion degrees inside and out. The menagerie and I need to hydrate.

Question for my savvy readers: which do you prefer, Bloglines or NewsGator? Please discuss.

Six things on my mind...

2006-07-16T21:29:00.000-04:00

1. I am still packed in boxes. Still not in my apartment. It's close to two (2) months of living boxed up, and its charm has nearly worn off. No, I think it has worn off entirely.

2. The charm may have left when the heat and humidity rolled in.

3. My poison ivy a.k.a. leprosy is new and improved on my right upper arm. It's itchy, weepy, and angry looking.

4. Camera is packed somewhere, hence the never-ending pictureless blog. Painful, I know. My most sincere apologies. I have knit a thing or two.

5. Unable to blog from FNJ or see some blogs properly. Flipping firewall. Note #1, so there's no surfing or blogging from home, which helps contribute to the absence of charm. (I am at my parents' = post possible = three (3) hour drive tomorrow morning beginning at 5 AM.)

6. Thursday is a bionically big day: Charlie's sister is scheduled to enter this world. I will let you know whatever the news may be as soon as I can. I will be at the hospital knitting feverishly, waiting.

Obit

2006-07-15T20:51:00.000-04:00

I found this funny...nicked from Elizabeth.

'What" will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Days 1-3 of Fancy New Job

2006-07-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

An Ode to Penny Karma

Day One, 5 July 2006:

7 AM: Alarm goes off playing the only radio station I could find that might broadcast NPR. It was "The Early Show". Who knew you could listen to the TV on the radio?

7.10 AM: Take Jerry and Cassidy out for the morning constitutional. On leashes.

7.45 AM: Re-enter apartment thru window. I locked myself out of my really-far-off-the-ground-first-floor-windowed apartment. Thanks to all the watchful faeries for giving me 2nd floor neighbors with a canoe rack, and a canoe that I gently stepped on in order to hoist myself over a sill with a nail that ripped my t-shirt thru the no-screened Shaker window onto my couch.

8.32 AM: Arrive in my office 2 minutes late to the horror of an unlocked door, lights on, and a lovely canvas goodie bag from THE BOSS. How cool! I hope she doesn't know I was late. I have a thing for timeliness in the work place, especially on the first day.

8.35-8.55 AM: Attempt to log onto my work computer. Let's all remember, I attended meetings, etc. at the Fancy New Place in early June; log on has happened before.

8.55 AM: Finally stumble upon system password.

8.55-9.25 AM: Try to log onto Fancy New Job Email. Finally asked colleague, coincidental owner of aforementioned canoe, and discover Not-On-Site-Tech-Guy error, fix said error, and finally get into email program.

Please note: We're not even three full hours into my First Day of FNJ.

4 PM: Go back to unlocked first floor apartment. It's a temporary stay, so nothing is unpacked. There is no phone. No Internet access. No Tour. No World Cup. No Wimbledon. One channel on the TV. No AC. A LOT of humidity, and an active four-year-old living above me. In this historic Shaker building it's as though that loud little cherub lives with me, as well as the four other members of his canoe-owning family.

5 PM: Let Jerry out to meet larger-than-Jerry upstairs neighbor dog. Cassidy met him earlier, so I kept her on leash. Neighbor dog attacks Jerry. Repeatedly. Jerry goes back into the hallway, trying to get back into the apartment, neighbor dog corners him in hallway.

9.30 PM: Make great progress on my niece-to-be's MDK Kimono during "So You Think You Can Dance". Run out of yarn four (4) rows shy of cast off.

Day Two:

Highlight: Dare to check my Bloglines.

Lowlights: FNJ has a firewall that blocks photos and posting abilities on Blogspot. The same firewall blocked me from checking the standings of Le Tour. Left ear swollen to near elephant size. Bug bite, I think. Either that, or it's poison ivy, which I have on various other parts of my body. On my right arm it looks like leprosy at this point.

Day Three: FNJ Retreat, 8.30 - 2 PM.

8.07 AM: Wake up. I forgot to turn on alarm.

8.33 AM: Arrive at THE BOSSES' HOUSE a.k.a. retreat location. Three minutes late, but three others out of six total were later. Whew.

11.30 PM: My ear is a little smaller, and I am at my parents' writing this post. Thankfully, the three (3) hour drive was uneventful. I've successfully ordered more Kimono yarn.

The Volcano's Mom

2006-06-23T00:19:00.000-04:00

J thinks I need a new knitting bag. One that doesn't smell like l'eau de puke.

A little washing, a little air, lots of time, and the knitting bag smells fresh as air a.k.a. not puke.

No need for a new knitting bag, Jules.

OK?

Can you all encourage her to trust me, please?

xxoo

Chocolate Volcano

2006-06-16T11:42:00.000-04:00

During my last post, my dear, sweet friend, Tif, had taken over the care of J's 5 year old. My single compatriot told me, when I asked if James should be eating all those M&Ms, that that's the fun of hanging out with Auntie Tif, M&Ms and soda!

I wrapped up my brief blog entry from the Business Center of a lovely Courtyard Marriott, and off we went to figure out laundry and then lunch. All with James in tow.

We left James' Mom to sleep, or look after one of her other two children, ages 8 months and 3 years, found pregnant-Kath, and went out to lunch. Three adults and one child.

After much discussion and reflection, we decided to go to a restaurant the three of us used to frequent when we were in high school (this is boarding school, folks, and frequent is a relative term). It's a quaint little place with yummy sandwiches, and Tiffy bet it all that they would have PB&J for James. He wanted grilled cheese, and that's what he got.

La, la, la, ordering happens, drinks arrive - lemonade for James, soda and water for us, some potato skins (keep in mind, Tif and I are slightly hung over, Kath is pregnant, and battling fatigue - so we battle with food), and James declares: My tummy hurts.

In Tif's infinite wisdom, she asks James to come over and sit on her lap. We ask him if he needs to go to the bathroom (Kath-mommy-of 3.25-brilliance), but no. He says: I need to go home right now, my tummy really hurts.

There is a small, wet chirp, and then the volcano strikes! James, Tif, and our just-served-lunch are covered in chocolate vomit, along with my purse/knitting bag.

Paralyzing laughter ensues. Yes, that's how us strong, brilliant women react when faced with such trying circumstances.

The upshot: James felt much better. When Tif asked him in the bathroom if he thought he had to throw up any more, he replied: No! Did you see how much I threw up on you?! Tif drove the rental back to the Courtyard in her thong. I got to ride next to the volcano, and there was lots of laughter from all, including James.

PS: The knitting was fine. The bag smells like puke; I spent most of my time gingerly scrubbing the choco-puke off my new copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting. Thank goodness for disposable dust jackets.

20s

2006-06-09T11:13:00.000-04:00

We are not in our twentys anymore.

Last night, the five (5) of us began celebrating our 20th high school reunion. J, the mother of three, is "in trouble" this morning. She's napping right now.

We are not in our twentys anymore.

Knitting content: I managed to knit a little a few days ago - Mason-Dixon linen dish towel, here I come. In lovely crabapple.

Moving content: Movers delivered, stuff in NY. I'm in MA, RI tomorrow. The menagerie is surviving: all five (5) are currently with Mimi and Papa. Brave, strong parents, I have.

Houston, the Eagle has landed

2006-05-30T23:42:00.000-04:00

and so has the menagerie.

The Grande Dame of the brood, Georgie, my first dog, and RI resident (read: she was commandeered by my Mother when I moved to Colorado four (4) years ago), who is at least thirteen (13) years old, survived surgery today: the removal of a small orange-sized oozing cyst-tumor-thingy. It's being biopsied. The vet couldn't get it all. It was like the Energizer Bunny, she reported.

Being home prior to the possible life-ending surgery was the goal, and we achieved it. All six (6) of us arrived in southern RI at 9.22 PM on Monday evening, Memorial Day.

Whew. What a ride.

*****

Happy birthday to my dear sister.

*****

Edited to add: My folks place is about three (3) hours from where I will live. The movers will most likely deliver my stuff on Sunday, June 4. I have new job meetings June 6, 7, 8; 20th high school reunion June 9-11.

The journey is not over yet.

Final point of reference: full-time, fancy new job begins officially on Wednesday, July 5.

Mizzou mile marker 225

2006-05-28T17:37:00.000-04:00

a.k.a. just outside of St. Louis, and yes, I'm blogging from the passenger seat. Technology is amazing. Particularly since I had no idea you could connect to the internet via some kind of Sprint card for a flat monthly fee. Thanks for bringing the card along, Dad.

Jerry, Cassidy, and Maxy are all doing quite well with the travel. Abby is too, in the car. She did a runner out of the motel room - not sure if Dad was trying to give us more space in the car, or the wind did actually blow the door open, but thankfully, and incredibly, Abbs ran into a room several doors down. Whew.

I'd like to hit southern RI sometime tomorrow night. My father, the co-pilot, is not so optimistic.

I'll keep you posted. And more about the movers at a future date.

Oh, so far, not a stitch knit. We're a little cramped in here, so I haven't braved it just yet. I'm afraid I'll just get going and some pet something will happen, and yarn and/or needes will be everywhere. Perhaps I'll give it a go tomorrow.

15 and a half hours

2006-05-24T19:31:00.000-04:00

I have 15.5 hours to compress my three (3) bedroom ranch into brown cartons for the movers. They are movers, not packers and movers.

It's amazing:
1. how much crap I have
2. how much clothing I have accumulated spanning sizes 6 to 12. I wish I was still a size 6.
3. how people who collect chachki move. Blessedly, I collect yarn, not knick knacks.
4. how miffed Max is about all this.
5. how I have moved well over twenty times in my life, and I still hate packing.
6. how as a result, I leave it to the last 15.5 hours.

Let's hope I find some kind of box for my TV.
Thankfully, my fiberglass sea kayak is already on the East coast.

Felicia's Cinco de Mayo

2006-05-05T19:37:00.000-04:00

Check out my Anaheim Angel's Cinco de Mayo sockapalOOOza celebration for me!

See those three (3) hockey-puck shaped goodies wrapped in yellow? They are heaven. Ibarra chocolate from Mexico. My sock goddess, Felicia, is Hispanic, and sent them along as a representative tasty treat. They have a hint of cinnamon, and are divine.

I've been wearing my new visor on and off all day, despite the clouds. And I have new sniffs should the sun not return for days.

Look at how well these socks fit! Felicia, are you sure you're a beginner? There are perfect baby cables, and blues, such glorious blues, in the socks!

Those are my very happy, and incredibly thankful feet. Thank you, Felicia from Anaheim! You are a most talented, generous, and thoughtful sock pal! I adore my socks!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Felicia!

Pointed Research

2006-05-01T20:37:00.000-04:00

Did you know that some US 6 needles are 4.0 mm and some are 4.25 mm?

Yes, it's true. Clover circular identifies US 6s as 4.25 mm, while Skacel Addi and Bryspun identify US 6s as 4.0 mm.

Did you know it's safer to go with the mm size on Addi Turbos because their US sizing can be off?

Yes, it's true too.

How did you learn that real knitters use the metric system? Please share.

Impetus for learning, and above link, courtesy of email exchange with Wendy B. regarding my Fad-Classic swatch.

I hope she doesn't think I'm a total neophyte.

sockapalOOOser!!!!

2006-04-30T22:26:00.000-04:00

Ms. Worsted really, no, tragically underestimated how long it would take to knit up luscious Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on size 1 needles for her large-footed sock pal. Ms. W is also finding it tough to do weekend power-knitting, hours at a time, on the aforementioned bamboo BBQ skewers. She's thru the gusset on sock #1, but has 6.5 more inches to go before the toe. In addition, Ms. Worst may be further damaging her eye sight. And straining her right hand - the need to knit tightly = grasp the dental floss tightly = owie hand for the thrower.

So a break is in order.

Let's hop in the way-way-back time machine to last Monday, April 24th. That's the day I could finally unfurl my brow, breathe more deeply, and truly relax. Well, that's the day I got the hint of sure-fire change: I was offered a job.

I accepted said job on Tuesday afternoon, and have been letting the realization settle in. It takes time to grasp that the three (3) month-long search is over; I will have a way to continue to feed the menagerie, me, and my yarn habit; put a roof over our heads; and an engaging promotion with kind, respectful, thoughtful colleagues: all in the great State of New York.

Now it's time to think about packing up the pets and the books and the stash. I must be at the new job in New York (TNJINY) for June 6, 7, 8; with an official full-time start-date of July 5th. There's my 20th high school reunion mixed into early June too...so I must get prepared. I must get knitting.

As a break from my gargantuan, slow-going socks, I'm swatching for Fad-Classic in Hot Pink (3459). I'm loving every yarn pink right now, which is so not me, but it's Fad-Classic, so I thought I'd be OK.

Still no color decision made for Ali, but in my fantasy world, I finish it for my reunion.

I purchased some Euroflax Originals. That Mason-Dixon book makes me want to knit dishrags, hand towels, a night gown and matching bathrobe, bathroom rugs, and queen-sized blankets. I thought I'd start small, a linen hand towel or two.

All the yarn mentioned above was purchased as a pressie for me, for TNJINY. Yeah me!

Progress in Hyde Park

2006-04-19T16:24:00.000-04:00

As the flowers begin to bloom, the grass greens, and young women start wearing less, usually some form of a fashion don't, I thought I'd share my tweedy green that is fit for another season.

A raglan seam

See those two holes? Those are in the armpit. I picked up five stitches, see the pattern continuity? Did I do something wrong to achieve those holes - the one on the right clearly larger than the left. Or is that "typical" and I will just sew them closed?

It's my rendition of Elizabeth Morrison's Hyde Park Pullover in Tahki Donegal Tweed from my stash. Stash usage: I'm so proud.

Tour de Georgia update: Popo pulls it out for the boys in blue in Stage 2!

Spring flowers

2006-04-17T20:36:00.000-04:00

Colors bright and bold against a burning landscape. Thirty (30) mph wind gusts + a grass fire = closed roads, evacuated businesses, and a clouded view out my front window. Fire is so powerful; I hope it's under control soon.

A comparatively frivolous question for each of you:

What colors would you choose for creating a spring & summertime Ali? I have nine (9) different colors of Knit Picks Shine Worsted.

Here are your choices for the main bag (in other words, I have three (3) skeins of each color):

Bachelor Button
Green Apple
Crocus
Snapdragon

Pocket color choices (including those not selected above; I have two (2) skeins of each color):

Coral
Reef (this is a teal greenish color)
Sunflower
Watermelon
Wisteria (this color can look remarkably like gray often)

Please share your ideas. I'm stuck.

Away

2006-04-12T00:13:00.000-04:00

Just as I was starting to get back into the groove, I'm off on an unexpected business trip. I'll be back Sunday. The menagerie is close to wilding: this is the fourth trip back east in six weeks.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Happy Passover, Easter, Daylight Savings Time, Spring, flea, tick and heartworm season...

Trapped

2006-04-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been trapped under a very heavy object. I've managed little knitting, and absosmurfly no photography for my blog, so there's been no posting. *Sigh*

I finished the original three month Stashalong, and promptly bought some yarn, which rolled in today. As I said, no pictures, but some links.

I want a fun Spring purse, so I purchased the Queen Designer of Handknit Bags' pattern, Ali. The ensuing personal challenge of yarn substitution occurred, and finally, after much surfing and searching, settled, with little thought to gauge, on Knit Picks Shine Worsted. Since Knit Picks doesn't have sample cards for the Shine Worsted yet, and I had been stashing-a-long, I went a little crazy. Nine (9) different colors kind of crazy*.

I must admit that I am slightly color-choice handicapped. Like many of us, I gravitate to a particular color family - the blues - but am capable of branching out occasionally. But when a pattern calls for several colors in the same knitted object, I panic. Or choose what the designer has chosen, if I like it - then I know what the outcome will be.

Not this time. This time I have nine (9) colors to put together and choose from. Maybe it will be a bag for Fall.

My other yarn came zooming at me from East Bridgewater, MA, the home of kpixie. (No, we will not take the time to reflect on the relationship of these two companies. I'll leave that to spicier bloggers, you know who they are.) It is the glorious Blue Sky Alpacas: Cotton in Thistle. It's gorgeous! And it will eventually make its way into the shape of Something Red by the ever-stylish Miss Wendy B.

And just so you all don't think I'm ignoring the other brilliant TGB designer, I am almost done with the body of the Hyde Park Pullover. And I'm coincidentally in style because it's green.

Let's not forget those sockapalOOOZa socks that must get done by May 1st.

*Neither my work nor my home monitor accurately represent Knit Picks colors.

To all of you who left words of support and kindness about Charlie, or simply thought them: a most sincere and heartfelt thanks. Truly.

Seasons

2006-03-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

I am intrigued by the way the seasons influence memory...in an instant, I can be transported back to March 22, 2005, for no apparent reason. Or perhaps, right now, because it was a profoundly emotional time.

There were the highs of a love so bright, only an innocent could inspire it. And a loss, so wrenching, it leaves emotional paralysis, and a chasm filled with anxiousness, and sadness, and confusion.

I honor my nephew's short life. He teaches me about strength, love, and human relationships.

Charlie's mother, my sister, is brave. Fearlessly brave.

Charlie's sister is expected to join us, here on earth, in late July. I hope she stays longer than Charlie. But if she doesn't, she'll be with him. I can rest easy with that thought.

me & my angel

Charles Marshall

born 3 March 2005

died 23 March 2005

Animals in cages rarely, if ever, experience silence. Unfortunately.

2006-03-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Finally, a somewhat quiet moment (if Cassidy barking at every-living-prairie-thing-under-the-full-moon as background noise doesn't count as noise) to share what should be a few great photographs of me in the Gibbon area of the Monkey Pavilion at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. And a shot of the one-handed adorable, tricky, smacking-unsuspecting-teenagers, monkey that I cannot locate on their website or I would link to him. And Google Images is not helping either.

I would post pictures of me cleaning kennels at the Humane Society today, and successfully leaving the building after seven (7) hours there w i t h o u t another animal.

Let's review: Maxalicious is from the Humane Society; Cassidy is a rescue from a no-kill group that leases space from PetSmart (prior to my running into Cass in a cage in the middle of an aisle of PetSmart, I had no idea PetSmart had cats and dogs you can pay for and take home. What an epiphany I revisit everyday!); Jerry was a stray, who was on my lawn one morning when I opened the door to leave for work, who then jumped in my truck, and just wouldn't leave, thankfully; and lastly, my little lovebug, Abby, came from a family who moved to Australia, and my boss volunteered me to take her - assuring me that if it didn't work out, he'd take her - and despite frequent, lengthy camping trips, either she finds her way back home, or I collect her from a nearby house that she enjoys visiting (yes, cats will hang out at your house if you feed them food, treats, milk, and run the dryer so the vent will keep her warm, but that's a fact overlooked by Abby's friends.)

But really, the point of this post is to tell you that I will post pictures tomorrow of the amazing giftys I received from my Cheapy Secret Pal today. SHE RULES!!!! THANK YOU, ERIN!!!! The package couldn't have been better timed. Truly. The chocolate helped me through some yucky law stuff I spent some time taking care of late this afternoon...the cards are perfect. The loofah mitt - ah! You knit it, right? Splendid! Yummy! Thank you!

I LOVE MY SP!!!! And so does the menagerie!

There is life here

2006-03-11T14:53:00.000-05:00

It's just moving along at what feels like a frantic pace. A respite is in sight: next Friday afternoon, St. Patrick's Day, I will be free of the five teenagers I am spending the next week with. I will finally be able to breathe.

Since my comment query, I have been to Boston, MA, Hartford, CT, New London, CT, South County, RI, Chicago, IL, Colorado Springs, CO, Denver CO, with lots of work, and smiling, and nodding, and selling in between. And now I've rolled right into a week-long experiential education program with five adolescents.

So there's been no knitting (OK, that's not true, there was airplane knitting which lead to ripping out six (6) Cozy inches, and several rows of Hyde Park tinking that I'm dreading - so there's been negative knitting.), clearly no blogging, and very little blog cruising and commenting.

The jury is still out on the comment feature, but for those of you that may have revisited my last posts comments, you'll see a real need for me to accurately know who is commenting.

An ex-boyfriend had a lovely dog named Wendy. I never knew how popular a name it really is. I know, if reading and spamming their blog counts as knowing, four human Wendys. One Wendy I actually worked with and never spammed. She got to talk to me every day. The joy!

Meet Jerry:

He was trying to tell me something. Most likely, get away from all electronic items, and take me for a walk.

Off to meet a zookeeper.

A secretarial question

2006-02-28T23:49:00.000-05:00

For my dear, loyal readers:

Why are Areli and Elizabeth the only commenters (it's a close relative of slickeriness) whose comments, when automatically forwarded to my email Inbox, contain a reply-to address?

I want to be able to reply to each of you, and I know I rarely revisit comments I've left to see if the blogger has responded, so I guess others may be the same way. So then I would have to go to the commenter's profile, find their blog, and leave an unrelated comment on their blog. Seems awkward, no?

Is this problem solved by using HaloScan? Or another way to phrase it, is this why many folks use HaloScan? Or, why do some bloggers use HaloScan?

I want to be a good, responsive blogger, what to do, my readers, lurkers, fans?

Please leave a comment. I will respond.

Glittering Gold

2006-02-27T18:49:00.000-05:00

My Olympic Project,

Clapotis,

shining in the warm Colorado sun

Gently moving with the cool breeze

(notice the famous Clap curled edge, despite blocking)

Nestled in the birches

It was a close race, I saved much of it for Saturday and Sunday, but victory was mine.

Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert

Yarn: No No Kitty Yarns Monty Wool, colourway "Snow Day"

Needles: Size 7 US Addi turbos

Pattern modifications: I added two (2) extra repeats in the straight section, and it's just long enough.

Thoughts & Reflections on the pattern and the Olympic process: I prefer long wraps, so if I had it to do over, I'd make it longer and wider. I would also use a worsted weight, silk blend, as the designer suggests, for weight, drape and slickeriness (yes, that's a real word.).

The pattern was much easier than I thought it would be. A blessing. I don't like knitting to deadlines.

I'm pleased and proud to be a medalist.

I've hit the wall

2006-02-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, I hit the wall on several days ago. No Olympic knitting so far this week. And it's Thursday night - blogging rather than knitting. Yes, you read it right. No Olympic knitting this week. Not that much knitting at all this week. And what knitting I did manage, I just ripped out. Or the sweet way of saying it: I frogged it.

What's it? It is this: (yes, I nicked the pic from zib's blog. Thank you, zib.)

Elizabeth's Hyde Park Pullover

It's the ultimate Stashalong project for me - a pattern that I can use the Donegal Tweed I have had for y e a r s. About six (6) months ago, it was a 75% completed to-be-felted bag from Knitter's Stash. I decided I would never use it and could someday use the yarn for something else. Elizabeth brought me that something. The to-be-comfy Hyde Park Pullover.

So I immediately abandoned my Olympic knitting to make a gauge - OK, I made several, that's another post - and cast on. Yeah, well, I botched the broken rib (not mistake rib, as previously posted, and very ironic. Is it ironic? Is that the word I want?) pattern by over-thinking it while increasing, just on one row, and further botched it by trying to drop stitches to the row that needed fixing. So rip.

And that's been my CRANKY knitting week. Oh, I was sick with a stomach bug on Monday, which was a work day for me. Instead, I languished uncomfortably near the bathroom. Perhaps that's what has set the delightful tone.

I'm feeling better, just cranky.

If you're in the final days of your Olympic quest, keep the faith. For those that have bowed out of the competition, you are a true hero for even trying.

The Obligatory Olympic update

2006-02-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

Clapotis in progress

There she is in all her glory...

According to Miss Tangerine on the right, it's 10F outside, hence the office window picture. Here in the Banana Belt, we're used to warmer weather and snow that lasts about 2 hours. We're well into the 36-hour time frame and its charm has worn off.

Looks like I'll be busy this weekend, only five (5) stitches dropped so far.

My color commentary for the event thus far: Last night, I was watching boardercross (please, just call it that, not snowboard cross, how cumbersome), turned to purl a row, purled three (3) stitches and I saw it. Crap! I dropped a stitch! So I tinked back to the knit side, started picking up the stitch, and then remembered what the *F* I was knitting - a drop stitch wrap. I laughed at myself, then grew concerned about early-onset Alzheimer's.

No, really. It's a true story.

This and that...

2006-02-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

A few mid-week details to share:

As you may know, I have chosen to knit the ever-popular Clapotis by Kate Gilbert for the Olympics. My fiber choice is Monty Wool dyed by Danielle, the former No No Kitty Yarn guru, in the colourway "Snow Day." The colors actually make me think of spring, so I'm enjoying it in this dreary February.

I have not done any Olympic knitting in two days. Not sure what that's about, but I'll be knitting tonight. Yes. Tonight.

Thus far, however, I have learned a little more about swatching. I mentioned earlier that I swatched four (4) times. Torture? No. Learning? But, of course. Mostly, don't be a novice swatcher and watch a CSI episode while swatching. You may not read the yarn label, even though you know it's not worsted weight and that's what the pattern calls for; you may forget which way to go with the size of your needles; you may not write down your measurements, thereby forcing you to re-knit a swatch with size 7 US needles, your final choice for the project; and you may stay up way too late. But I swatched. :: pat, pat, pat on my back ::

I have dropped three (3) stitches so far, and barring the fighting I'm doing with the 100% wool - let go of one another! - it's going along well.

In Stashalong news, yesterday was a free day. I took advantage of it to prepare for my March knitalong. Please notice the new button to the right - the Pearl Buck Swing Jacket Knitalong. It's another Kate Gilbert pattern from Interweave Knits Winter 2005, and will by my first sweater that I will finish, meaning sew together myself. Whoa. I chose to purchase 12 skeins of Jaeger Matchmaker Merino DK. It is cheaper than the Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK the pattern calls for, and machine washable, a fine quality for someone like me and my hairy, dirty family. Since ordering yarn online without sample cards has always proven an adventure for me, I'm looking forward to its arrival. I chose the colourway buddleia, and, yes, I purchased an extra skein or two, just in case.

In sockapalOOOza news, yup, a sock exchange, I have purchased and received the yarn for my sock pal. It's Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. It is SOOOOOOoooooooo soft. I'm excited to knit with it. Nervous to make socks since I haven't made any in years, and back then it was only one (1) pair, I believe. A nice pair for Dad, but it was so long ago, it's like I never made them. I was smart enough to put myself in the beginner group, so I have that going for me - lower expectations. I hope.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Elizabeth for her fair isle color choice guidance as I dream about a future project (see fuzzy-picture-I-could-not-defuzz below). I love the shape and design of this sweater, particularly the neck shaping. LOVE IT. But I look almost-dead/viciously hungover in gray, so I put the query out to the Knittyheads about changing colors. Miss Elizabeth responded promptly and brilliantly...and most importantly, she said, don't make a sweater in a color that "doesn't suit" me. I won't.

That's what's knews around here. Keep on keepin' on, Olympians!!!!

My sweet Angel Valentine

2006-02-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Charles Marshall, swaddled in handknit auntie lovin'

Sweetness and light he is.

My love.

My angel-nephew.

My Charlie.

He'll always be my true Valentine.

I miss him.

Yes, there are horses in Ireland

2006-02-09T18:40:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Irish Hiking Scarf designed by Adrian of Hello Yarn
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Indigo; 98 yds per skein, 2.75 skeins used
Needles: Size 8 US Lantern Moon in Ebony
Finished measurements: 48" long by 5" wide

This one's for the Big D. He does not wrap scarves around his neck, so I did not need to make it very long. Dad chose the color over the phone - a man after my own heart with his love for dark blues.

Due to scheduling conflicts with my model, and my promise of back to back posts, I apologize for the absence of action shots.

Perhaps you can notice in the close-up photograph some light colored fiber that contributes to a subtle halo. Can you see it? They are very fine. They are delicate fibers from the stunning and rare Cassidy-beast, as well as Maxalicious, Abbini, and the precious tail fiber of Jerry.

What a truly special treat for my dear, pet-loving Dad.

Olympic update: No knitting last night. I'm tapering before tomorrow's big opener. I will be going to bed early and carbo-loading tomorrow morning.

Best of luck to all the athletes!

Notice those satellite dishes

2006-02-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

My little mink has parked those ears of hers on my mother's Bobblicious every night for at least four weeks now.

"Who, me?" She says.

You'll notice Miss Abby is also sleeping in traffic: knitting traffic. The orange binder contains printed copies of assorted Knitty patterns I'm working on, or hope to be working on some time soon (soon = before 2008).

Laptop to cruise Knitty and my favorite blogs and job search sites. (Dear Cassidy & Laptop Fairy, please stop taking the keys away - I don't have the keyboard memorized, so missing letters makes cruising, commenting, and posting hard. Thank you.)

Red plaid pouch is an attempt to corral knitting tools, but the scissors, stitch markers, ruler, and pencil are all under my precious petite feline.

Plastic bag filled with yarn purchased by Ms. D from Sakonnet Purls for a scarf she's commissioned me to do. They will match her green snake-skin cowboy boots.

And the light blue, peach, and brown lump is my Manos afghan that I completed for my Master Work in 2002. Yup, a knitted afghan for my Masters degree. Great program. Great afghan. Manos not so great for extended blankie use. But that doesn't bother Abby.

See...

Stay tuned. I will seam Abby's Wool-Ease Thick and Quick dream. And tomorrow I'll unveil Dad's Irish Hiking Scarf. That's back to back posts, folks. Hang on to your hats.

In Olympic training news...I knit FOUR different gauges last night. That should say it all. I didn't get gauge, but I'm persevering. That's what Olympic athletes do. And I'm going to do it performance enhancers-free. Wish me luck with my Clapotis.

Because I'm so cutting edge...

2006-02-03T22:55:00.000-05:00

...and have been far too busy this week to form fresh sentences or find a few moments to knit.

Make your own word cloud.

Tagged, huh.

2006-01-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

I thought to tag was this, but I guess it's this, and I've been tagged. So I'll do my best, but just thinking about my favorite anything causes me paralysis and shortness of breath, so if I don't get thru it, it's cause I've hit the deck. No, not this kind of deck. This kind.

Four jobs you've had:
Professional sea kayak instructor
English teacher
Waitress
School Counselor

Four movies you can (and have) watched over and over:
Tommy Boy
Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (if that's part IIs title)
Star Wars
Any Steven Seagal flick

Four TV shows you love to watch:
CSI
CSI: New York
24
Prison Break, but since that's not on right now, I'll say NCIS (I went to high school with Tony DiNozo a.k.a. Michael Weatherly. Gotta support my peeps. OK, who am I kidding with that sentence?)

Four Places you've lived...variety is the spice of life:
Beloit, WI
Wolfeboro, NH
Albuquerque, NM
New York, New York

Four Places you've been on vacation:
Baja, Mexico
Sarasota, FL
Prince William Sound, AK
Santa Fe, NM

Four websites you visit daily...are you noticing the job hunt?:
Knittyboards
AISNE
NAIS
Zibibbo Is Good -- A shout out to Monkee. I don't want you think I'm slacking on my fanhood!

Four of your favorite foods...bring on the comfort foods right now!:
Kiwis
French fries
Homemade lemon poppyseed bread
Macaroni & cheese

Four places I'd rather be right now...than at work, you mean?:
Tucked into bed in freshly clean sheets after a long, hot shower
in WEBS, so I can see what all the hype is about
Hawaii
with my pets and friends Nick & Elsa in Santa Fe

Fini.

There's a whole lotta pressure with tagging someone else, so can I skip that and not get naughty blogger points? Hope so.

And cause every post should have a something to look at, here's The Wingnut. Why the crap blurry photo you ask, and are frankly a little annoyed about? Because she does not stop moving, EVER. OK, that's not entirely true. 20% of the time she's in a light, teeth-grinding coma, but 80% of her day is spent being very, very busy. Very busy throwing her stuffed lobster around (how else am I gonna teach her she's a displaced New Englander?). Then chasing Max. Or Abby. Or both of them. Flytackling Jerry. Using her talons to get my attention. Back to the lobster. Or the elf. More barking, protecting us from coyotes. Bark. Drink lots of water. Nibble. Sit for a cookie. Try to eat it before Jerry the Alpha comes over. Eventually pass out next to the human who's on the stinkin' computer or using those tasty ebony sticks...ah, the life of Cassidy. (And before you start assuming I'm some big Dead Head, she came with that name.)

In Stashalong news: I'm still staying strong, and I will finish the damn seam on Bobblicious this weekend.

Edgar at the base of Mt. Princeton

2006-01-24T16:04:00.000-05:00

Edgar designed by Silke Hupka
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, I don't know which color; 1 skein used - it's 2 repeats longer than the cravat in the pattern, if I recall correctly. I wanted to use as much of the skein as possible. And I did.
Needles: Size 8 US addi turbos
Finished measurements prior to blocking: 4 inches wide by 39 inches long

Edgar is a handsome scarf, and a fun knit. I learned how to do a cable cast on, which is exciting! And I really enjoyed watching the Silk Garden color progression. This was my first project with Silk Garden, and I really like it. I will have to block the scarf and see if I still like it afterwards, particularly since I didn't do a gauge swatch.

Edgar was originally slated for my Dad, but it's a bit too flashy for him, so I have started an Irish Hiking Scarf for him instead.

I had a lot of fun trying to take quality pictures of Edgar in between sessions with students...one day I will not take pictures under duress. Edgar is pictured here just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado, at the base of Mt. Princeton's chalk cliffs, at about 9000 feet, on a typical crystal clear day.

Below, two other pics I just couldn't leave out. Thanks to Jen for tolerating her first model shoot.

Elegant Ella...

2006-01-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

Modeled by the lovely Miss Diane is...
Ella designed by Wendy Wonnacott
Yarn: Four Play by Brooks Farm Yarns in Golden Splendor 2; 270 yds per skein, 3 skeins used
Needles: Size 10 US Clover bamboo circular
Finished measurements taken after a full day of wear: Panel width: 16 inches wide
Outer tip to center bottom: 50 inches

The measurements are a bit larger than Wendy's Ella. There may be several reasons for this:
1. My gauge may have been slightly off - totally possible given my well known gauge handicap.
2. I took the measurements after a full day of wear. The yarn certainly looks more stretched out than it did this morning.
3. I may have blocked it a little too zealously. As I look at the close up picture, I notice white between the stitches. I am a complete rookie blocker.
And it could be a combination of all 3.
Please feel free to share your thoughts with me. I'd appreciate it.

I really enjoyed knitting with the Four Play - it's soft, with a subtle sheen. I think it's the first silk blend I have worked with, and I will definitely work with it again. Another Ella even. The pattern requires concentration, but it's such a cool looking pattern that it was worth it. And really not too difficult.

And this, I believe, I will keep. For me.

Glorious Gioia!

2006-01-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to present:

Gioia designed by Wendy Wonnacott for The Garter Belt
modeled by the ever-lovely Miss Paula, whose matching shirt was a delightful coincidence

Yarn: 100% Merino wool, handpainted by Malabrigo in Lime blue; 215 yds per skein, less than 1 skein used
Needles: Size 11 bamboo
Finished measurements: 22 inches wide by 30 inches long

I churned this little beauty out over the weekend. The pattern showcases the handpainted yarn quite well...Miss Paula was hesitant to return her after the quick photo shoot.

My one reflection on this project is that if you're a tightish knitter like me, don't use crap round tipped bamboo needles - it made for challenging stitch work at times...otherwise, the pattern is a gem, and the Malabrigo unspeakably soft...just dreamy...

I will most likely send this to Gramma - to help stave off the raging AC in Florida. Doesn't every almost-93-year-old deserve soft, hand-knitted fabric around their neck?

A Christmas Knit...Cozy

2005-12-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

Miss Linda, my Secret Elf recipient, and my brother's girlfriend, is modeling the little beauty. The photos of just the Cozy are pre-blocking pics - I had a TERRIBLE time getting these photos posted, so forgive the layout. It's awful.

The specs are:
Pattern: Cozy
Fiber: 8 skeins of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Chestnut
Needles: size 8 US addi turbo circulars
Measurements: pre-blocking: 18" wide by 63" long; post-blocking: 19" wide by 78" long

Please excuse the rushed photos. Miss Linda doesn't like to have her picture taken, and I was fixated on finishing and gifting the Cozy. Especially since I didn't finish knitting it until late on Christmas. Gifted the morning of the 26th. Worth the wait though, I hope...and my Mom broke her right wrist a few weeks ago, so the Mighty Righty needed help.

And now I have to finish Bobblicious. I thought it would fit comfortably over her cast and help keep her warm during this damp New England winter. And Edgar for my Dad. And a Nantasket Basket for my Mom. And a Cozy for my sister. Yikes.

The pressure is on!

2005-12-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

Yup, the big day is bearing down on me...and I should have at least one lovely Cozy done for the big day. Provided I get some knitting time. But there's so much to do, and so many people to see!!!!

I promise to post FO pics sooooon. Certainly by the 25th :-).

Happy holidays to my brave blog readers! And thank you!

Serena is soaring to Virginia...

2005-11-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

I completed Serena, the beauty, and she's tucked safely in a padded Fed Ex Pak winging her way to Miss Isabel right this very moment...

I knit her, tucked all those pesky ends in, gently soaked her in some newly acquired Eucalen, and then blocked her. What an experience blocking is...after 24 hours, I was fearful she wasn't going to dry, so late last night, I put a fan on her and WHOOSH, she was dry in no time.

Looking elegant and regal, here, on my dear model-friend Paula, I present to you, Serena:

The details:

Pattern & incredibly prompt and gracious pattern help:
Serena by Wendy Wonnacott for The Garter Belt
Finished Measurements: Width: 13 inches Length: 67 inches
Yarn: Panache by Knit Picks in Moss; 68 yds per skein
Yardage: 522 yards
Needle: Size 11 Addis

It's a stylish pattern which appears more difficult to knit than it truly is...

Serena, stopped dead

2005-11-17T19:08:00.000-05:00

So I think this is possibly a great learning moment for me, I'm just not sure if I'm clear about what I need to learn, but I suspect it has to do with gauge...Here's my Serena so far:

I am using Panache (68 yards a skein) from Knit Picks, and size 11 needles. The pattern calls for a gauge of 12 sts/17 rows=4 inches. And I really did do a gauge - for about the 3rd time in my knitting life - not that that's long, but still...and I was only off a little. Maybe .5 at the most on the row count. So I thought the knitted piece might be a little small, since I purchased the yardage that the pattern called for: 270 yards. But here I am, only on row 115 or 235, and I'm out of yarn. All 4 skeins gone. So what did I do wrong?

Oh sweet Ella

2005-11-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

Here's my progress on miss Ella...designed by Miss Wendy. You can find her prowess at www.thegarterbelt.com She's my new hero. I'll wax on more about her later...
My little Ella is being done in Brooks Farm Four Play, colorway Golden Splendor 2, on size 10s, although I think I told someone somewhere I was on size 8s. What? This progress report is brought to you courtesy of Ali.

For the love of Freds

2005-11-03T19:26:00.000-05:00

Meet Fred. And Fred. Aren't they cute?

Fred is one of Silke's designs. She's dreamy. You can find her work at www.smallknits.com. The light blue Fred is made out of Reynolds Lopi, and the coal/mist Fred is made our of Sierra from Knit Picks. You can see Ella peeking out of my Fred...

These are my first forays into felting. Fun, easy. And mistakes are gone *poof*, and I just adore bags. Fred is considered a basket. So I guess I'm fond of baskets too.

Anxiety of the blogging and finishing kind...

2005-10-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

So, as you can see, I'm not much of a blogger.

I have abandoned the sweater pattern that kicked off this blog - the gauge is off a little AND I need a break from the project no one seems to know what to do with...

I finished Fred. Perhaps I'll post a picture soon. It's Fred, a felted basket, from Small Knits (www.smallknits.com). Silke is my hero. I found her website thru Knitty.com - she designed Edgar. Fred came out well, my first felted project that is larger than a Christmas tree ornament. I just received some Sierra from Knit Picks - my first experience from Knit Picks - NOT to be confused with knitpixie!!!! - and I'll let you know how the yarn knits up and felts.

I'm also working on 2 hats for Charlesie. He's 2.5 and was just diagnosed with leukemia. The doctors think he's going to be OK...he's going to be bald for about 3 years, so I better get on those hats.

I also have a scarf going - a pattern of Silke's. You like that? Her first name, as though I know her. She as VERY nice via email - at least I can say we've exchanged emails.

Do you ever have finishing anxiety? I HATE finishing work...

Holy cats! I am pattern challenged!

2005-09-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

I have finished 3 baby blankets in the past few months, and knit my first fruit cap yesterday, all so I didn't have to try to wrap my brain around this pattern. It's going to be a loverly sweater, if I ever make it past the right front corner...

So here's the schematic to the sweater that is knit in one piece, with the sleeves picked up and knitted down. Bloodquaffer, if this helps you help me, I'll be grateful. truly.

Hugs.