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
Friday, June 23, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Chocolate Volcano
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.
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.
Friday, June 09, 2006
20s
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Houston, the Eagle has landed
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.
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.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Mizzou mile marker 225
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
15 and a half hours
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.
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.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Felicia's Cinco de Mayo
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!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Pointed Research
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.
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.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
sockapalOOOser!!!!
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Progress in Hyde Park
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!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Spring flowers
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Away
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...
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Happy Passover, Easter, Daylight Savings Time, Spring, flea, tick and heartworm season...
Monday, April 10, 2006
Trapped
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Seasons
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.
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 angelCharles Marshall
born 3 March 2005
died 23 March 2005
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Animals in cages rarely, if ever, experience silence. Unfortunately.
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!
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!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
There is life here
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A secretarial question
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.
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.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Glittering Gold
My Olympic Project, shining in the warm Colorado sun
Gently moving with the cool breeze(notice the famous Clap curled edge, despite blocking)
Nestled in the birchesIt 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.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
I've hit the wall
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.)
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.
Friday, February 17, 2006
The Obligatory Olympic update
Clapotis in progressThere 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.
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