Holy Knit! Batman

Last night's Palin Parody

2008-10-05T19:33:00.001-04:00

It's only getting better. Love that Greek girl Tina Fey.

Crickets

2008-10-01T12:20:00.002-04:00

I know I've been quiet. Some might say eerily quiet. It's just that after Palin got picked I think I went into shock. It's not as if I didn't know how much sexism there was in this country. We're not still getting paid around 76 cents on the dollar for nothing (BTW, the reason we get paid that compared to a man is because, you guessed it, we have babies and they don't, gotta love being punished for biological fact). But, the old boys network managed to shock me.

You pick a woman as your running mate Mr. McCain. Way to go, you maverick, you. Aren't you forward thinking? Aren't you the agent of change? Gee, Barack really fell down on this one didn't he by not picking a woman? I bet the old boys club will kick you out now.

Okay, let's get back to reality. The reality is my husband said that I was treating Ms. Palin the way I accuse men of treating women. That would be a no, dear. Here is what I think of Ms. Palin.

She got elected because Alaska is different and the same than the rest of this country. I am sure there are other governors, mayors, etc. out there who got elected in the same folksy way she did. Remember, Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura? Look at Al Franken running for Congress. Yes, there is education behind some of these candidates, but there is also celebrity. A la Ronald Regan, John Glenn, Arnold, you get the idea. She was a beauty queen with what passed for celebrity in Alaska. She is no brain trust and that is why I cannot believe there are men lauding this woman as such a great choice. I'm even more disgusted at the women who are holding her up as a sign I saw in Simsbury said, "Real Leader. Real Woman." As opposed to what?

Listen, I would pick on her a lot less if she seemed at least marginally more intelligent than Dan Quayle, but when you watch those interviews with Katie Couric (who in those interviews seems to be asking easy peasy basic questions), it's almost sad and painful to watch. You Tube has the interviews, all but the one where she couldn't name more than one Supreme Court case. And of course, the one she did mention was Roe V. Wade.

I gave myself that little test and the first one that came to mind for me was Brown v. Board of Ed. Surprisingly Bush v. Gore was third for me, but still, this gets back to a comment I made right after she was chosen. I feel as if I am more qualified to be vice president, and we should all find that to be very scary.

I blogged too soon

2008-08-29T11:05:00.003-04:00

Seriously, Sarah Palin? Is he kidding?

This really cracks me up. Oh, right, we of the womenfolk were only voting for Hillary Clinton because she was a card carrying member of the uterus party. And since her uterus is out, we'll just vote for the nearest one. This is hysterical. No really, it's hard to write with this pain in my side. I've snorted so many times my brains are scrambled. Seriously?

Anyone else want to share my Kool-Aid?

2008-08-29T09:29:00.003-04:00

Months ago, when I knew that Hillary would not be the Presidential nominee, I made a decision that I would support Barack Obama. I didn't really like the decision, it wasn't the decision I wanted to make, wasn't the decision I was ready to make, but I made it anyway because at the end of the day, it is always about the issues. For each of us, it is about the issues that mean the most to us. For me, it is gun control, choice, the economy, unionization, equality for all regardless of race, creed or color, believing there is a better way, empathy, and hope. Qualities and issues that I have never found were best represented by Republican candidates.

So, I must give credit where credit is due. And credit is due to Senator Obama for the glorious speech he made last night.

They can pick on him for many things, but for his oratory skills, they dare not. And for his ability to truly make people believe in the audacity of hope, there can be no doubt that last night, on the anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, we all stood a little taller, felt a little better that when change comes, not if change comes, a brighter day will dawn. Yes, it is mostly cliche, but like stereotypes, they get that way because there is something behind them. As an American, I want to be an optimist, I want to believe that our status and relationship with the world can be repaired. I want to believe that we can turn the economy around and help the middle class remain the middle class. I want to believe that we can end hunger not only around the world, but on our own doorsteps. I want to believe that someone will finally reach out to the broken educational system in so many parts of our country and say, we can't let this continue.

We are a people of hope. Every day, across our country, we get back up, dust ourselves off and keep going. After the Great Depression, after two World Wars, after assassinations and failed conflicts, scandals and disappointments, terrorism and natural disaster, we Americans got back up. We got moving. But, to do that, we had to believe and must continue to believe that from the top of our nation, there is someone there who understands, like Senator Obama said last night, and I paraphrase, you can't pull yourself up by your bootstraps, when you don't have bootstraps. There has to be a sense that empathy flows downstream.

And so, I urge you, if you haven't yet gotten on the bus, it's time to buy a ticket. Because we can't live another four years of the last eight. And anyone who says different has lost their sense of hope. It's understandable, but it's not acceptable.

Orange. The new color of power.

2008-08-27T17:20:00.002-04:00

It's taken me all day to blog about Hillary. I've been pretty torn about where to begin because I feel, well, a lot of sad.

I watched my Presidential candidate last night give what will probably go down as the best speech of the convention, potentially the best speech of her life to date and yet, it won't get us what we want.

Before I begin, I would like to point out that knowing what I know now about Bill Clinton, I would vote for him again. And again. And twice on Sunday. I don't care a whit about his dalliances in reference to how he ran the country. Good Lord, if we could have gotten Bush a Lewinsky, maybe the country wouldn't be heading toward the toilet. If it offends your delicate sensibilities that I would still vote for him, I'm not sorry. I'm just not.

And part of the reason I would vote for him, a large part of it is, Hillary. You know without her, he's still a Rhodes Scholar and all that jazz, but she is part of what makes him great. I'm sure that can be a burden for him at times knowing that she is the reason, but damn it all she is. And the proof was in the pudding last night.

Anyone catch Michelle Obama's face as she watched the speech? Pure speculation on my part, but at first she looked really nervous and then I almost think there might have been something else. Was she thinking, we should have gone with her for VP? Was she thinking, damn, that woman really is a President in the making? Was she thinking, Barack better have a better speech?

Is it me, or is it ironic that at the end of the day, Hillary is the kingmaker? Everyone said she had to go out there and make it nice and unified for Obama because he really needs her supporters to get on the bus. Gee, isn't that just dandy. She loses the nomination and she has to go out and make him the next POTUS.

Hillary was dynamic. She was magnanimous. She was Al Gore saying, yes Mr. Bush, you are the President and I'm not and that's fine because history is going to judge you as an idiot after time passes and well, I'll still be holding the Nobel Prize. In fact, she was so fantastic, I'm just waiting for the media, or the Republicans or any number of the morons out to get her to say, "She was too good." Because she almost might have been.

Hillary was beyond compare and in that moment when the speech was over and the applause were still going, I thought, she was always the one I wanted to vote for and I should have done more to make that happen. I think when Chelsea called her "her hero" it wasn't a cute little soundbite, it was the truth because in that moment that was the campaign and everything since and last night, she was heroic.

One of the stations interviewed an African American delegate who talked about how much Senator Clinton was her candidate and how this woman is the one in her family on election day to call people to remind them to get out the vote. And you know what she followed that up with? "This year, they are going to have to call me. I'm just not sure I can vote for Obama."

Not to mention all the hidden bigots who tell the pollsters they will vote for him and then tell their families they won't, or won't pull the lever when it comes down to it. I have those dear folks in my own family. I'll never understand how they live with themselves, but at least I don't have to BE them.

How is he going to get elected ? Lifelong Democrats saying they can't vote for him? People who never stray from party lines? They can't bring themselves to vote for McCain, but they will stay home. In this great country of ours where it is an honor and a privilege to vote, they will choose to stay home. What then?

I urge you, search your heart on the issues. As Senator Clinton said last night, why were you in the campaign, for her or for the issue? At the end of the day it is the issue. But, it certainly would have been nice to have her experience, her connections, her poise and all that she brought to the table. God forbid he isn't elected, I know what I'll be doing in 2011-2012.

No big surprise

2008-08-26T12:37:00.003-04:00

Saturday night, I walked in on DH watching Fox News. This doesn't bother me that much because I just start smack talking the TV until he changes it. That and I also subscribe to the notion that you keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And God knows, Fox News is the enemy of all that is holy.

So Mike Huckleberry was on there talking about how sad it was that Obama didn't even vet Hilary blah, blah, blah. And I turned to the husband and said, "Oh here it comes. The Republicans are now going to use this as a wedge to spur on the Clinton supporters who are angry she wasn't chosen, vetted, etc." Not that it takes a rocket scientist to figure out just how underhanded they can be, but by Sunday morning the attack ad was out and about using Hilary's image for their own ends.

I believe I have mentioned it in the blog before, but as my grandfather says, "They're just mean. And by that I mean they are not nice people." If that isn't just the best way to put it, I don't know what is.

Listen, I'm working my way to Obama. I'm still having a hard time conceiving of him as something other than a marketing figment. But, like the pundit said on NBC prior to Mrs. Obama's speech last night, women don't exactly have a lot of places to go besides Obama. It's not like my uterus is suddenly going to stand up and say. "You know what, I know we've been in charge of your reproductive system for a while, but hey that McCain sure is a funny-looking little elf, let's let him run the show now for us and for all the other uterii in this country." uh, yeah, not so much.

I also though it interesting that Mrs. Obama chose to focus her speech around the work American. I agree that when she made the comment about being finally proud to be an American it was taken out of context; I also agree that there is still not a white person alive in this country who would sign up to switch to be an African-American tomorrow (seriously, if you think there aren't many thousands of biggots left in this country, you need to take the rose-colored glasses off and fast) and so she is justified in not being proud of our deeply ingrained racist heritage, I think making a speech in which she repeatedly uses the word American is a little risky because it just recalls what a mistake it was to make that comment to "white" America.

And please, everyone, stop saying that Hilary cracked the glass ceiling. See my previous post as until a woman's hiney is sitting in the oval office, I am tired of hearing about incremental success. Liz Dole ran for President too (and wow, she must have handed over her ovaries prior to running), but no one elected her either. And winning primaries and yet not coming up with the nomination is a hollow victory at best.

I look forward to hearing Senator Clinton this evening and I'm sure my big mouth will have something to say about it tomorrow.

1984, no really

2008-08-23T08:29:00.003-04:00

It's been almost a year since I have written. I realize that is the equivalent of death to a blog and so I recognize that I may be writing to crickets this morning. But, it's really getting to be an interesting election season and I'm having a hard time keeping my mouth shut (shock!).

There seem to be quite a few Democrats upset this morning that Obama picked Joe Biden. Sorry folks, but have you seen Obama? He needs Biden desperately. The race is tight. And it will continue to be so. I'm no McCain fan (he would make a great dinner guest but I don't want him running my uterus, er,, country), however all this discussion about "change" is completely irrelevant in light of the way DC is set-up. Hilary was right, she was the candidate of change because she has affected change for years. You can't effect change if you don't know how DC works and Joe Biden knows how DC works.

Obama really needed Hillary. But, since his people were unwilling to even vet her (for what stupid reason I cannot fathom), they have to go with Joe. You don't have to be a pundit to say that he raises the credibility of Obama on foreign policy, on reaching across the aisle, on knowing how DC works and importantly to me, on energizing the base, most specifically the unions whom Obama has apparently forgotten are part of the backbone of the Democratic Party. I can't figure out if his people think the unions are irrelevant or antiquated, but he needs to get a grip on the base. Because if the youth and the African American voters do not turn out in record numbers, we Democrats are in deep doo-doo come November.

Notice I keep saying Obama's people, because he's a babe in the woods on a lot of this. It isn't that he isn't an incredibly intelligent guy, but at this stage of the game, sadly, intelligent isn't enough. We the People complain about career politicians out of touch with reality. Bad news folks, it takes a professional politician to get elected. That's the game. And he isn't quite as professional as you need to be.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so repulsed after the last eight years, I'd vote for any burro they run (though I still mourn the loss of Hillary; and BTW, stop saying she has made such a difference and opened all these doors for women, I don't see her sitting in the White House, do you? Because that's the only way the mysogeny in this country would be seen as beginning to go away.

And one more thing before I go, ladies we all need to wake up and fast because our reproductive rights are going straight out the window. This isn't about Supreme Court picks, it's about these uber conservative civil servants writing laws that are putting their hands all over our bodies. Saying that birth control = abortion? This statement may shock you, but the first time I heard it was my senior year of high school 15 years ago. We had a crazy assembly with some nut trying to teach natural family planning while she nursed her four-year-old on the stage in front of 17 and 18 year old young men and women (I don't object AT ALL to public breastfeeding, but I think for a Catholic High School this was a bit much, especially to a generation where probably 90% of us had not been breastfed). She said if you took the birth control pill you were having an abortion every month. Imagine what I thought as I sat there having taken the pill that morning--actually I gave her a bunch of crap because I was on the pill for ovarian cysts and couldn't believe anyone could be as ignorant as this woman was. Couldn't figure out how she could get the entire premise of the science behind the pill wrong. And here we are, 15 years later and they are writing this insanity into law. Health and Human Services is losing their mind. And they're worried about protecting health care professionals who don't want to prescribe or dispense the pill from discrimination? 1984 calling, the state wants you.

Mama said

2007-08-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

There'd be days like this.

First, the bright note, I get to dance the happy dance again this morning with the breaking news that Alberto is out on his ass-o. 'Nuff said (except to say that this lame duck presidency is starting to be kind of fun . . . remember the "deck of cards" they had when they went into Iraq? It's starting to feel like that, when they would come on and say they caught Chemical Ali and they would hold up some random deck of cards . . . somewhere on the Internet, there must be a deck of cards with these yahoos pictures on them . . . I'm guessing Alberto was the queen of hearts).

Now to the rest.

We just got back from VA which was more of a schlep than usual but all in all, a good trip. DH couldn't go with us because of the fabulous puppy, Wilbur. We don't board our dogs in general and didn't want to start with a five-month-old pup. I have to post pictures of him, he's enormous, and looks just like the boy we lost three years ago, but I digress.

I came home and had guests which was fine, but now I feel like it's taking me extra days to unpack and on top of that it's the last week before school so I have a ton of crap to get done and I roll out of bed this morning aching all over from exercise that clearly is meant to kill me and I go to make coffee and I'm standing in a small puddle of water. The fridge is next to the counter where I keep the coffee maker. The fridge hates me for reasons I am not yet sure of. So, the past hour and a half has been dedicated to figuring out what the hell is going on with the fridge. There's built up ice in the bottom of the freezer, the dust bunnies had mated behind it, and as this is the second build up of ice, now there is a problem. Thoughts anyone? Or do I just give up and call the repair guy?

Not to mention, I have lights under my counter that have suddenly stopped working, again, no apparent reason. I've got a washer that sounds as if it is about to go on strike, though truthfully, aside from the inconvenience, we are so due for a new set. The energy we waste alone makes me wonder why Al Gore isn't picketing on my lawn.

So, with all this to do, I'm here talking to you. I just needed a momentary break of sanity before I go back out to the war.

Oh, and my biggest screw up of late?

Came back from Virginia to the most lovely package of hand-knit socks (Also the latest package from blue moon) with candy from Finland. Strange. Why would someone have sent me socks. Oh, that's right, because you signed up for Sockapalooza 4 and due to the fact that you never got your pal's info and then promptly forgot about the swap, you now have a pair of socks and somewhere in the world is some other lovely person with cold toes and a bitter look on their face. So, now that I just five minutes ago received the appropriate pal information due to the ever patient and all-knowing Alison of the blue blog, I will be knitting socks ASAP. The fact that my knitting has been totally off this summer notwithstanding, I have to move my butt. But, at least, I am blogging again and pictures will soon follow.

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead

2007-08-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

What better news to wake me from my lazy summer, no blogging doldrums, than Karl Rove is resigning. Yes, that's right, resigning! Shout it loud, say it proud, ding dong the witch is dead. My children thought I had lost my mind as I giddily pranced around the house singing the song. And to resign, with the oh so trite, I want to spend more time with my family, really, is there anything better?

I'm not sure if it has been my disgust with the news or my avoidance of the news that has produced such radio silence in me. I was at the point that it felt as if there was no point in continuing to be inside the handbasket screaming my head off.

But, today, I feel revived. I almost feel hopeful. I feel as they must have felt when that giant head of Saddam's came down in pieces.

Wow, if the emperor was naked before Rove resigned, just imagine the possibilities of utter stupidity in the next few weeks. Lewis Black is smiling somewhere.

Hurt Book Sale

2007-07-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the late notice, as I have been out of the loop for a few weeks on all thing knitting, but the Interweave Press Hurt Book Sale starts today, right now!!!!

Paul Newman video

2007-06-26T17:49:00.000-04:00

I have tried twice, and unsuccessfully, to link a video that Paul Newman has put out for the DSCC. So, I am giving you the link for the video here instead.

This is a great response of sorts to the post I made yesterday. Go see it.

Not a check or balance

2007-06-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

The scariest thing I have seen in a while is the audio/video presentation at the Washington Post about Dick Cheney's Vice Presidency. Make the time to watch this. If you aren't outraged, then you haven't been paying attention and you better start before 2008.

I'm not sure if evil is too strong of a word.

And yes, soon, I will get this back to its knitting blog status! I just haven't knit in weeks so I have nothing to share on that front!

A$$ Whole

2007-06-11T18:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know I spelled it whole. I am on my way to Whole Foods this morning, as I had about a dozen children (over the course of the day) at my house and wanted to have plenty of provisions. I'm driving along and this Jag cuts me off. It was strange because he didn't just cut me off, he cut the guy at the front of the line at the next light off as well. He kept making a lane where there wasn't one and then accelerating when the light was green. And, of course, we end up in the parking lot together at Whole Foods (I thought for sure, he was on his way to save his children from a burning building because of the way he was weaving in and out of traffic).

I thought that was the end of it, and as I was on the phone with my best friend and the kids were at home with Allen, I said my few choice words to her instead of him. But no, a$$ whole, as he will forever be known, was in the blueberry section of produce. And he was opening every single freaking container of blueberries taking one out to taste test and then closing the containers up again, some of which he bought, but most of which he put back. And where exactly where his hands prior to his driving like a lunatic and picking through the blueberries for ripeness?

I admit wholeheartedly that I am a germ-a-phobe. I'm sure there is a real phobic name for this. I don't know it. What I do know is, I stood there and watched him open a ton of containers before he saw me watching and hastily moved along. I also know that I pulled a container from the bottom of a pile that his hands had not been on. The only way he got away with this was the fact that at 8 a.m., there were hardly any people shopping in the store.

Thankfully, he was out the door prior to me because I kept thinking, if we run in a third time, I'm just not sure I can contain myself.

Please sign the bill

2007-06-08T21:55:00.000-04:00

That horse's ass in the White House is at it again. Now, he wants to veto more Stem Cell Research. Isn't it great that on top of all of his other flaws, he also lacks basic compassion? Apparently he's never sat at the bedside of a dying loved one, a loved one whose illness isn't cured yet and who could have benefited from stem cell research.

The DSCC (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) has a petition up right now headed to the moron in chief's office. Please sign it and encourage your friends to do so. Send the message that the majority of Americans are for stem cell research, not against it.

German terror attacks planned

2007-06-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

I had meant to write about this topic a few weeks back and got sidetracked. My friend, April isn't going to love this post because it's about airport security again. But, it's something I bring up because it was one of those items that if you weren't paying extremely close attention you probably missed it.

My mom forwarded me a portion of a blog article from the ABC News website. The title was, "U.S., Germans Fear Imminent Attack." The bottom line of the article was that there was information that terrorists were in the advanced planning stages of an attack on U.S. military personnel or tourists in Germany. U.S. Air Marshals have actually been diverted to provide expanded protection on U.S. flights.

Some of you may or may not be aware that Germany has been a hotbed for radical Islamic terrorists (and to be clear here, I have many Muslim friends, and I have no idea of an accurate percentage, but like any faith, I am sure these extremists are an infinitesimal percentage of the population of wonderful, faithful Muslims) to plan their attacks. 9/11 was planned in Germany. My mother often flies to Frankfurt and she and her fellow flight attendants are very careful and very aware as Americans traveling abroad of keeping a very low profile (They are encouraged to do so).

We know this article is accurate because of the recent flights she has had to Germany, many of them now include multiple air marshals which is a larger than average number (I originally included the actual number and then thought better of it). The marshals, of course, are playing the whole thing down officially, however, the German-speaking flight attendant on the plane watched the local German news and the Germans were talking about it quite a bit.

It makes me more than nervous that she is on these flights. I should feel better that there are more air marshals, but I do not. I wish more people realized the fact that in the new world we live in Flight Attendants are first responders, just like your firemen, your police, your EMTs, they are your first line of defense just as much (if not more so) than the marshals. You don't often hear about the FA's whose lives were sacrificed on the planes long before the planes hit the towers. In case you are wondering, their throats were slashed. The hijackers had to, because they needed to get into the cockpit and the FA's were trying to prevent that. And now, with the pilots having reinforced cockpit doors, believe me, they are not coming out. The FA's are being trained even more critically in spotting suspicious behavior which I will not go into because God forbid someone reads this and gets a bright idea on how to hurt us more.

My point in relaying this to you, in case you have been under a rock in the last week regarding the plot in NYC, people are still out to get us and we must remain vigilant, not vigilante and crazy, but vigilant. On our toes. And keeping our eye on the ball, which is what I want to hear talked about as we start heading into all these debates. Tell us how you are getting us out of Iraq, but tell us what the hell is actually going on in the War on Terror, because that is not the same thing as the War in Iraq, and I am sick and tired (and tired and sick) of being treated as if we are idiots and believe the two are synonymous.

Some Garden Lovelies

2007-05-31T20:11:00.000-04:00

We're having quite the thunderstorm here right now, so I thought I would post some bright pics from the garden thus far. Sadly, my really good camera is at the shop, but these will have to hold you until I get it back!

This first one is one of two peonie trees I have, sadly, I didn't get a picture of the other one in bloom before the petals went awol. They have been in the ground three years, and this is the first year they bloomed. And, they smell good, too.

I love Clematis. I am currently growing three kinds. I don't know the names off the top of my head, but they are lots of fun once they take off. The first one took three years to look like this. The second one, was just planted this year, and isn't producing much, but it just makes me look forward to next year.

This is the first Iris of the season. The color is just happy, I can't think of a better word, so happy will have to do for now.

And lastly, these are the two things in my garden I am most proud of, for obvious reasons:

Going Green

2007-05-29T19:57:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to post about this for a while, but today seemed a good day to talk about it. Had a migraine this morning so I am not feeling uber creative, but wanted to pass along some good info.

I am the last person I ever expected to really start caring about the environment. I am the person who complains about every single container that I have to recycle. I am also the person that is often lazy about recycling, but no more.

A few years ago, we joined an organic farm for the summer. We've now been members for our (upcoming) fourth summer. I like doing this for several reasons. Our supermarket food really scares me. Between the engineering, and the farm practices and the chemicals and pesticides, you have to wonder what we are really consuming. Not to mention how over-farmed our land is (are there any vitamins left in our super fruits and veggies?). Buying local, helps the local economy, helps me feel good about what is going into my body and the bodies of my family. It's obviously helping the earth because they aren't putting all that crap back into our land. And the food tastes WAY better. Not marginally better, significantly better.

That was probably my first major green lightbulb moment. Then came the actual lightbulbs. Slowly but surely, we're changing over to the better bulbs. They are kind of a PIA. They have to heat up to get the brightness you would get with a regular light, but I have to admit, on this one, it has nothing to do with the environment for me. It has to do with the fact that I am living in the Northeast and they are killing us on the utilities. My freaking electric bill is a literal suck. And at least, now they are even making the dimmable lights.

There are several other things I am doing, but so as not to bore you, when I come across a genuinely good suggestion, I am passing it along. I am buying into the hype that if we are all doing a little bit here and a little bit there, then hopefully we will have a chance to save it all. Plus I have to make up for the fact that I drive an SUV and I stll have a lot left on the lease so it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Here's the tip for today, GreenDimes.com. For $36 a year, they help you get rid of your junkmail. I had just said to DH yesterday that I was going to start calling all the catalogs that I don't buy from or that I receive in duplicate or triplicate, to get them off my back and low and behold some smarty pants built a decent, honest, business around it. Right now, they are also donating $2 of every membership to fund up to 10,000 Child ID Kits in Honor of National Missing Children's Day. This is a huge win-win-win. Less junk mail, more trees, help the kids, not to mention saving a ton of water. Oh, and hopefully saving the back of my postal delivery carrier who is the best woman.

This sums up my morning thus far

2007-05-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

Some good news

2007-05-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not automatically addicted to handspinning! I'm not saying I might not do it in the future, but I clearly didn't love it the way I had feared I might. Though, I didn't have time to try the actual spinning wheel so perhaps that might have started me on my way down the path of spinning until my fingers bleed. But, it was interesting learning about the different kinds of sheep. I look forward to seeing a lot of them in person when I finally get my butt to one of these crafting festival deals.

This week is nuts, so I am not sure how much I will have time to blog. I do have some knitting pictures to post, but that will have to be tomorrow, I've got a little bit more work tonight before I finally get some sleep!

Ewephoric Day--Lily Chin Rocks!

2007-05-19T20:05:00.000-04:00

What a day! I spent most of the day at the first day of Ewephoric Weekend (sponsored by Marji's Yarncrafts)with the fabulous Lily Chin. Now I know why Holly stalks her! Even though I haven't taken a ton of classes, I know a good instructor when I see one. It was so nice to have someone who was enthusiastic, patient, and energetic. I took her Savvy Pick-Up class or I should say that I forced myself to take the class because of how much I hate to pick up. Talk about your tips and tricks. I can now pick up and purl, I can pick up without making my seams look too bulky, I can pick up with a really neat seam and on and on. I think they re-aired the episode of Knitty Gritty that Lily was on (well, she has been on more than one) where she did Tips and Tricks yesterday, so I need to go and check the DVR.

I was supposed to be in her morning class as well but Sugar Bear had a gland on the side of her neck that you could see due to how enlarged it was. Had to get her to the doc this a.m. and in addition they think she has an infected lymphnode or two though the rapid strep was negative (there has been a bunch of strep at school). She's on the mend though.

Tomorrow I am learning Hand Spinning. I think this is an enormous mistake on my part because, frankly, I should not be doing any more needle crafts! I'm completely out of control.

Not to mention, I bought a boatload of yarn today. I bought yarn to make a reversible jacket of Ms. Chin's as well as a sweater for my mom (though which major holiday she will receive that as a gift is up for discussion). And you know, there was Koigu there at Marji's and we all know what happens when I am in its proximity. Oh, and a needlefelting kit because I want to do some of that with Sugar Bear. She's my needlecraft rock and roller, I'm hoping she can teach me how to embroider this summer.

Time to hit the hay, another big day tomorrow!

I Got tagged!

2007-05-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

My online friend, J. of Nap Lover tagged me for a meme, so here I am to tell you about it!

Here are the rules:
Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about
themselves. Those tagged need to write in their
blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need
to tag seven others and list their names on your blog.
You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in
their comments so they know that they have been tagged
and to read your blog.

I think I am fairly random in general so this shouldn't be hard:

1) I love Five Guys Burgers and Fries. This is a former Washingtonian thing, though they now have a location near me. These are the best burgers on the Earth and if you have never had them, get your hiney there and get one. Unless of course you have a peanut allergy in which case it's a no go because they serve unlimited peanuts while you wait. I had one yesterday on my way back from DC (I went to the rally in DC where my grandfather was speaking, lots more on this later) and it was so fantastic I almost had a second.

2) I speak pretty good French, decent Italian and I can read and understand Greek though I am often uncomfortable speaking it with my friends who really speak it.

3) I am addicted to peanut butter and chocolate together. No, really. I should enter treatment because I think that at some point this is going to send me into a diabetic state. One of my favorite snacks is fat free chocolate Jell-o pudding with a scoopful of peanut butter. Obviously the peanut butter cancels out the fat free pudding.

4) I am from an enormous Greek family. I'm third generation born in this country which is getting a little less rare, but still not the norm. We're crazy close, and yes the movie is all true, however they left out a lot of the truly weird stuff in the interest of time. . . not weird to us because we're living it, but weird to everyone else, especially those not from an ethnic family.

5) My favorite color is purple. It hasn't changed since I was a little girl and I surround myself with it. My garden is full of it (highlighted by shades of pink). I wear it a lot. I dye yarn with it a lot. It's my go-to happy color.

6) My husband and I are 21 years apart. No, I'm not a trophy wife. No, I didn't take him from several kids and an ex-wife. No, he has no other children that we are aware of. And yes, people have actually asked me these questions within finding out this nugget and only knowing me for five seconds.

7) I have hardly watched the news in the last two weeks, which, if you read the blog on a regular basis, you know this is crazy for me. Not sure why, but I just can't hear the depressing stuff right now. Just can't take it at this juncture.

And here are the people I am tagging:

Linda

Laura

Larjmarj

Hollyarns

Rebecca

Carrie

Sock Pr0n

They are all great blogs you should read!

Just had to share this one (there will be more to follow)

2007-05-15T21:11:00.000-04:00

Day of Action--Enough is Enough

2007-05-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

This Thursday, May 17th, thousands of transportation workers will gather on the National Mall in Washington, D. C. to protest the federal government's policies of ignoring safety and security of workers in the interest of profit and putting ahead the needs of corporate people ahead of workers.

And my grandfather is going to be one of the speakers! I've talked about him before, and I mention this today because I find it to be awe-inspiring that a man who has been retired from his chosen profession for 17 years, a man who is now 82-years-old is being asked to speak to thousands of airline workers (as well as any other transportation workers who happen to be there). He, of course, mentioned it in passing to my family as if it is not a big deal, but out of the literally hundereds or thousands of people that they could have chosen as their spokesperson, they picked him, and that's pretty darn cool.

For more information on the rally, you can visit IAM Enough is Enough. And if you are in the DC area, the rally is up near Capitol Hill, starts at 10:00 and the fabulous Chic (his nickname, I swear) will be speaking around 11:30 a.m.

Anyone who thinks unions are obselete can be greatly informed at an event such as this. I just hope that the Democratic leaders expected to attend this rally have their eyes and their ears open because this will have an enormous impact on the 2008 presidential cycle. These grassroots people will help someone get elected, and the leaders attending better hope that it's them.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T20:12:00.000-04:00

To all of you muthas, Happy Mother's Day. I spent the day with all my children and wanted to share a few photos with you. Spring has sprung here in New England and I am spending every spare minute in the garden (I know, what a shock). I look forward to this time of year when I get to see everything really coming together.

First, a photo of Wilbur because he is growing so fast! He's almost 16 pounds already . . . and getting to be a little much to pick up. He's not nipping at all of our heels as much (my skin is so much happier) and DH is getting him to quit the annoying little bark. It's pretty amusing because when he barks he gets this look on his puppy face like, Is that my voice? (To really get what I mean, you have to watch Emperor's New Groove, it's a comment Eartha Kitt makes near the end)

And just because there's no dog like an old dog, our man Cal, much recovered from us stealing his manhood around the holidays. He has seemed to perk up a bit since Wilbur's arrival. Yep, anger can really keep you going at 91.

The next shot was a Mother's Day at Mimi's school pic. If I could figure out how to get the video out of my video camera and onto my computer (technical difficulties are somewhat of a rarity for me and they are leaving me really irritated, not to mention that the really good camera is having what Sony describes as not quite a recall, but something they are willing to fix on their dime), I would share the video of her singing with you too. For now, just the still of us together.

And finally, Sugar Bear in the meadow behind our house. Every spring, I try to get photos of them in the meadow among the high grass and wildflowers before my eventual job of mowing it down.This wasn't the exact shot that I wanted, but it sure is cute anyway. It's easier when I get the girls unaware, but with the distraction of Wilbur, that was nearly impossible today.

I have a bunch to talk about this week, gardening, knitting, seeing Bob and Lee Woodruff, my grandfather getting to talk on the National Mall . . . stay tuned.

Puppy Love

2007-04-24T09:06:00.000-04:00

I know I have been out of here for a few days, but with very good reason. Last Thursday, the family, our old boy Cal who is thirteen (you may remember the sad pictures at Christmas when we removed his manhood) and I headed to Virginia. Because on Friday, we picked up this adorable little guy. Wilbur Goldenbear (Wilbear for short) and we are absolutely in love.

We'd been headed on the puppy route for a while. Three years ago, we lost Cal's half brother Beauregard to lymphosarcoma. And though we had intended to wait a bit before getting a puppy, we weren't thinking three years. In any case, we now have Wilbur, and we are all just ecstatic. Especially since he slept through the night last night. I admit, though, I haven't been on night duty, DH has, because I returned from Virginia with a raging sinus infection that will not go away. You would think a z-pack would do the trick, but I'm on day three and not a ton of relief yet. The Nyquil is a blessing, though.

I wanted to share part of our trip with you. We got Wilbur from the same farm as Cal, Gap View Ranch and Kennel in Broadway, VA. They have spectacular goldens there and the reason we went back was two-fold. One, we know the breeder, and we know the quality of his pups, and in fact, this pups great-great grandfather is Cal's dad. Very cool. (Not to mention that Cal's dad was bred to Sugar Bear in his lineage . . . ah, kismet.) Two, for some reason, we had real difficulty locating a red field dog golden here in CT. Wilbur may not be quite as dark as Cal, but he will definitely not be a big 'ol blonde.

Broadway, VA is located just north of Harrisonburg where I went to school. It's about 10 minutes from the West Virginia line and one of the most beautiful parts of the Shenandoah Valley. When I spoke of Virginia Tech earlier in the week, what I was talking about really proved itself out on our journey. As we drove West and then South in VA, there were tons of signs regarding the tragedy at VA Tech, signs giving support to anyone affected by the tragedy. Last Friday was the day that Tech asked people to wear maroon and orange in honor of those lost. And it was no more evident than everywhere we stopped in VA. At restaurants, gas stations, looking at other cars on the road, people were wearing the colors and staying strong. It reminded me of the flags and the red, white and blue we saw after 9-11.

This tragedy in VA tech affected Virginians (and Americans) on a core level. It took us out of ourselves and our daily trials and tribulations, all so minor in the grand scheme of our lives. One of the students in the French class, where so many were lost, overslept that morning and she said people kept asking her if she felt lucky. She and another young man, who also should have been in the class basically said, how could we feel lucky when we lost so many dear friends? We should all feel lucky every day that we are above ground and are able to hug our loved ones and spend time with those we care about. And those students who were blessed enough not to have been shot or killed in this tragedy, they don't need to feel lucky, they just need to know that there is a purpose for them that is perhaps greater than they realize, that they are here for a reason.

And on that note, I'm off to hug the little guy. More pictures to follow I am sure!

Virginia

2007-04-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

Home. Family. Heritage. My life. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Virginia.

This has been a ghastly week for all of us. Whether or not you have a visceral connection to Virginia Tech as I do, the shock, the outrage, the emotion, is felt by all of us. I refrained from blogging the past few days because I just couldn't bring myself to say anything. Where do you find the words?

I grew up with Virginia Tech as a part of my life. My uncle (who is like an older brother to me) graduated from there when I was three. I cannot tell you the journeys we made to Blacksburg when I was a kid. It's one of the most beautiful parts of the state. And to now, have this horror associated with it, is devastating.

It's less than six degrees of separation when you live in Northern Virginia. There are a handful of schools where you go to if you stay in state: Tech, VCU, UVA, James Madison U (my alma mater), Radford, William and Mary. You know people at all of them. That's degree one. You have friends who have friends there. That's degree number two. Or your parents have friends who now have children there. My uncle, knows of at least two killed within two degrees of separation. That's just how it is when you live there.

Tech was not on my list of applications when I went to college. The distance away left over from my child's mind was too far. I didn't want to be in engineering or farming. And to be honest, I thought I could do better at the time. Proof of what an eighteen year old knows. I went to Madison, had a great time, had friends at Tech who would visit, and we would visit them. Friendly rivalries. But, at a time like this, we are all Hokies.

Which is why I wanted to share this cartoon with you, because Monday, yesterday, today, and for a long time to come, we will all be Hokies.

And one last thing, please, please, please, let us all focus on what's important here, the people who lost their lives, their kindness, their compassion, what they brought to the world. Because if we focus on the person responsible, we give him what he wants and we take justice away from those lives he has changed forever.

Bus trip, yarn store, sale

2007-04-12T10:58:00.000-04:00

Time for an update post. First, I just got an email from Creative Fibers. They are having a bus trip to Green Mountain Spinnery in VT on July 14th. It sounds like a ton of fun. For $80 you get the bus, lunch, tax and tips. You get to visit the Spinnery, have lunch at the Putney Inn and then you get to visit the Ibiwisi Alpaca Farm. Very cool.

I also got an email that Ginger Balch who used to work at The Wool Connection is now opening her own store. It's called In Sheep's Clothing Fibre Arts Studio. She's in Torrington near the Warner Theater and the Yankee Peddler Inn. You can email her at insheepscloth@optonline.net.

And finally, Astrid is offering 10% off anything in stock on April 12th and April 13th.

I'm sorry, what?

2007-04-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

DH has been out of town all week which means I have a bit of a challenge getting to sleep. Bottom line, that at eleven last night I was channel surfing and landed on fox news. I do this occasionally because, well, I need to know what those wackos are saying. That way I can rage against their ridiculous machine a little more informed.

Case in point. O'Reilly has been beating his drum about a man in VA Beach who is apparently illegally living in the U.S. He got drunk and sadly killed a young woman. Horrible story, I feel for the parents. I don't get on board, though with the argument that had he not been illegally living here, she would be alive. We just don't know that and it's arrogant to say that we do. This is just background, however.

Last night, he's complaining about the fact that some newspaper reporter in Denver called him a racist and why aren't the VA newspapers getting behind him blah, blah, blah, what else is new? And then, the kicker, for me personally, he has on the editor of the Daily News Record. 10 points to the first person who knows where the DNR is located. And why do I know where it's located? Because I went to college in the same town.

The town is Harrisonburg, VA and while it is a lovely college town nestled in the Shennandoah Valley, it is not a mecca for world news. The paper not even that good at state or local news. This paper was a running joke at our college newspaper. I did an insert for them one summer on eldercare, and for a local paper I guess it does its job. But, it's no Washington Post. And, certainly, not an authority that should end up on a huge news show.

And O'Reilly has the editor of the paper on his show (and the editor got to hawk his book, naturally) simply because the paper is backing O'Reilly. Yeah, what's that tag line again? Fair and balanced. Riiiiight. I just don't get why O'Reilly thinks that Mr. Small Town Paper USA should get a national, several million audience-membered platform. Makes no sense to me. The irony, is that most people have no idea where Harrisonburg is (most people probably hear it and think Harrisburg, PA which is a major metropolitan city by comparison) nor do they know if the paper is any good, if this guy has a valid opinion, etc. etc.

This is the problem with a lot of these cable news shows. They have a lot of time they have to fill. They pull people out of anywhere, hold them up as experts and if you aren't critically thinking or if you don't know more of the information behind the expert or the story, you can be swayed to believe anything.

I know I haven't blogged about the Imus thing. I just can't bear to give him more ink. All I will say is that it looks like CBS is going to fire him, and frankly, it's been a long time coming. He's gotten away with comments just as deplorable for years and it's nice to see that for a lot of sponsors, enough is enough. If more sponsors pay attention to this situation and stop putting their money behind people and programs that perpetuate hate, we could start making more headway, not just in race relations, but in all of our human relations.

Lovelies of the day

2007-04-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

Here it is! The top one in the sun and the bottom one in the shade. The yarn on the left is 100% Merino from Knit Picks. I took these two pictures to give you a better idea of color. The one on the right is 100% worsted, extra fine merino from Wool 2 Dye 4. It's the one I wasn't totally happy with, but in the morning light, it's not as bad. And Sugar Bear thinks it's really beautiful.

And I completely forgot, I have undyed Trekking that I ordered from Astrid that I haven't dyed yet. Woo-hoo!

I did finally pick up some needles last night. I swatched for the socks that Cookie A. did on DIY though I kept screwing up the figure eight cast-on for the dumbest reason. I don't ever use a slip knot when I cast on. And I had to use one last night and it took me a couple of times to realize that I had the knot on the wrong needle . . . should have been on the bottom and I had it on the top. Anyway, this is why I am in love with the DVR. The pattern was originally the Baudelaire sock pattern from Knitty.

They dumbed it down a bit for the show, and the pattern can be found here. I'm probably doing the dumbed-down version just because I want to go fast. I'll hopefully have some progress to show over the next few days.

Fickle dyeing goddess

2007-04-10T20:48:00.000-04:00

It's Spring (well, the calendar says it's Spring, the snow on it's way to my house begs to differ) which means that it's time to start dyeing yarn. I think I didn't have any inspiration over the winter to get into it. I showed you the yarn that Sugar Bear dyed with me last week. And then, I watched Knitty Gritty again yesterday and they had Scout on and she did this whole dyeing tutorial and I got jazzed again about dyeing. She did an excellent job, and it was nice to see her "in person."

I didn't really want to get into acid dyes today. I was feeling a bit lazy, so I got out lazy woman Kool-Aid. And I used too damn much liquid. Well, I didn't screw up the color entirely, but let's just say, there are some strange colors in what I thought would be a Sunset colorway. It's not quite muddy brown in places, but there are colors I am not loving. I'll post pics tomorrow. I need better light, natural light and well, it's dark right now on the East Coast. That and I want to show you pictures of it in a hank and in a cake. Anything to make it look a little better. I think over-dyeing it may be its ultimate fate. It's funny because I have had great luck in all my previous dyeing, but this one, not so much.

But, I am excited because I had to redeem myself and still being lazy I got out the Paas Egg Dye tonight. And I think I did a much better job than I had this morning. Ultimately, I need to get the acid dye out and get over my laziness. I ordered more undyed yarn because Linda and I are supposed to dye next week and I want to be prepared. I've got 4 oz. left of pure merino sock yarn. Hopefully, what I ordered will get here in time for our dyeing festival.

If you are interested in dyeing your own, definitely check out the Knitty Gritty link above. Valuable info for the beginner! Off to watch the show I DVRed today!

Me as an M&M

2007-04-08T09:38:00.001-04:00

Princess Buttercup the Great

Sugar Bear's first dye job

2007-04-06T12:51:00.000-04:00

Here's the yarn that we dyed yesterday. She is very proud of it. I was a little disappointed that the colors didn't come out a little more vibrant, but I think it was a yarn issue, because the yarn I used to tie the skein off came out in really vibrant reds, blues, and purples. I have a couple of pounds of yarn that I plan on dyeing in the next week or two. And I may just order a bit more in a heavier weight for the faster knitting that I crave right now.

And let's just say that I had a little accident at Creative Fibers this morning. That store just sucks me in every time. I had to pick up my mother at the airport and so since it's on the way . . . I stopped in to check out some of the J. knits yarn that is so gorgeous and well, I bought some of that. And, gee the Koigu was right next to it and there was a colorway I felt I couldn't live without so, two skeins of that. And that damn Lorna's yarn seems to have some sort of magnetic effect on my system. I am so fired. Pictures later.

And BTW, I saw the Painter's Palette book that has all the Koigu patterns and let me just say, if Vogue had originally included the picture of the crotch of those Koigu pants, I would have never considered them. It's a really bad scene. Really, really, really bad scene. Like, can't imagine even wearing them in private scene. Horrors. That must be why Vogue didn't do a close-up shot.

Mortified doesn't begin to describe

2007-04-06T10:02:00.000-04:00

This post was going to be about the yarn Sugar Bear and I dyed yesterday.

That was before Vickie Howell commented on my comment I made about Knitty Gritty. I am absolutely mortified as I was jesting about her perkiness. Which considering how cool I know her to be from her incredible books (many that they are) and blog (please everyone congratulate her on her recent marriage), must be incredibly difficult to sustain. I worship at the altar that is Vickie Howell and again, I am mortified if she didn't see I was kidding because I was not out to offend anyone and certainly would not have thought that my pathetic little blog would have even reached her. Damn the Internet!

So, all kidding aside, as I mentioned before, the show is great and you have to love her because, well, she has a show and we don't. :)

Dyeing again

2007-04-05T20:14:00.000-04:00

For those of you experiencing Spring, I just wanted to share this picture. We didn't get any accumulation today, but it basically flurried all day and this weekend is supposed to be very cold.

Mimi and Sugar Bear were both home from school today. I wasn't planning on keeping them both home. Yesterday, when I picked Mimi up at 11:45, four kids in her class had already thrown up. Not to mention, the teacher had been out all week, sick herself. By 3:00 when I picked up Sugar Bear, 6 more kids had thrown up and one of the assistants left sick as well. Plus, I believe there was also a child with strep. Talk about your banner day.

I knew I wasn't sending Mimi today. I know the school worked hard last night disinfecting the living daylights out of the classroom, but I figured, let's give it a couple of days. Sugar Bear was complaining of a sore throat last night, but I kind of thought it was all in her head. She was still pretty miserable this morning and complained all day, so I am glad I kept her home. And boy did I keep them busy.
We dyed eggs and you know, I can't exactly let dye just go to waste. So, I found a rather small ball of off-white yarn I had left over and told Sugar Bear to have at it. She picked her colors and we set it up for the microwave. The yarn isn't quite dry so I can't show you the final pics of that until tomorrow, but I think she chose some good colors and she should have fun knitting with the outcome.
I also got two new books in the mail today. I get reward certificates for Amazon through my credit card, so I figured I would treat myself to some knitting books. Really, I'm trying to get myself back on track because I am so desperate to start knitting again, but haven't yet decided on my project. Probably the DIY socks I mentioned yesterday, but I just haven't gotten to them yet. But I digress . . .

The first book is the new one by the Yarn Harlot. I've loved her other ones so thought this would be a natural for Spring. She's going to be visiting the area soon and I hope to have the chance to go see her. The other book is by the Yarn Girls and I have liked their other books, so thought, what the heck? I mean, really, is there such a thing as a bad knitting book . . . well maybe if it's wall-to-wall Leisure Arts. smile. I'll let you know how both books are very soon.

Knitty Gritty

2007-04-04T18:09:00.000-04:00

DH had HDTV needs and so bought us a rather large HDTV last week. The upside of this for me is that we finally have a DVR, meaning we can finally record tv shows that I can never quite fit into the schedule.

Like . . . Knitty Gritty. They are airing it on HGTV and DIY so between the two, it's getting much easier to catch. But, now that I can record it, I can rewind when I want to see something, and when Vickie Howell's enthusiasm gets on my nerves a bit (seriously, love you girl!), I can move ahead just enough to get by.

The last two shows didn't exactly wow me because a) even I am not going to knit coasters for my martini glasses (because frankly, if I'm spilling any out of the glass, I needed to stop drinking a while ago) and b) how often are you really going to use them. Also, yesterday was all about man knits and I can't even go to that subject until I finish the sweater that DH is now starting to harass my knitting friends about (sorry, Beth).

But, today, ah, today was a GREAT show! Socks, glorious socks. And even better, toe-up socks that I haven't tried yet but am looking forward to. Plus all the shows are new right now and they are bringing in a bunch of the bloggers that I read (like Cookie A. and Scout) to do some shows. Thanks to Linda for the heads up on that! The socks today were awesome, and I am a little inspired, especially since they were using Socks that Rock yarn and gee, I happen to have a few (ahem) skeins of that lying around just waiting to be whipped up by someone. The only thing of course, is that I have to convert the pattern from DPNs to circs but, hey, minor glitch.

Why I love you guys

2007-04-03T19:42:00.000-04:00

Because friends don't let friends knit fug.

I am officially booting the idea of the pants. Some of my reasons are yours, namely the sag factor. While I appreciate a great pair of lounging pants, I can't imagine spending that much time knitting a pair, nor the amount of money that the Koigu cost at the time that I purchased it. Of course, I would have no problem making socks out of all of it :)

I should make a shawl or a throw I think. I'm just not sure I am a "shawl person." And I'd like to do something for myself. Though, I am usually much more motivated to knit for other people. I was looking the Charlotte's Web Shawl. Very beautiful, but enormous project. And the Clapotis looks incredibly challenging but I'm sure I could get through it if I really wanted to. The problem is the volume of Koigu. We're talking many and varied projects here unless I do something big like the shawl. I did a Koigu headscarf last year that came out really lovely. But, talk about sag, I should never have even brought the pants up now that I think about the drape of that scarf.

And just so we can all drool together, here is the stash of Koigu. Isn't it lovely? The top photo is with flash and the bottom without, just to try to get to true color representation, I thought I would share both.

Horrified

2007-04-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

So, I was googling, trying to find a picture of the Koigu pants to show you and I am truly horrified to find out that there was a picture of them in the YouKnitWhat archives.

Now, when I originally saw this photo of the pants two years ago, I was more of a novice knitter. And, now I am looking at them and thinking, "are they fug?" Actually, what I am really thinking is, are they going to look horrible on me after all the work that would go into them and would they just end up incredibly saggy?

So, now is the time to tell me what you really think about these pants. I'm talking painful honesty here, people. Because it's a helluva waste of Koigu if we can all come to a consensus that they may just end up fodder for the fug file.

Filling the Wool Connection void

2007-03-30T16:36:00.000-04:00

It's really interesting how many shops and people have been affected in one way or another by the closing of the Wool Connection in Avon, CT.

First, there's Marji's Yarncrafts in Granby. She's taking over the fabulous Ewephoric Weekend from the Wool Connection, with a really great line-up of crafts and teachers (including Lily Chin, who Holly from CT raves is a great teacher). The weekend is May 19th and 20th and I just got my registration info in the mail which I better hop to and send back before all spots are taken. There is a brochure online also. There's a class on spinning I am going to have to take. It's not a good idea for me to get into yet another aspect of the disease called knitting, but if I'm already dyeing my own stuff, I might as well learn how to spin it.

Second, I got an email today from the Village Sheep in New Milford, CT. They are offering an introductory offer of 20% off luxury yarns on your first online or in store purchase to customers who used to shop at Wool Connection (perhaps they sold their email list?). The code is WELCOME so feel free to take advantage of that one.

While we are on the sale subject, Kaleidoscope Yarns has the Fibre Company yarn at 15% off through April 3rd at 5 p.m. (I love a store with specifics). It's a kettle-dyed blend of silk, baby alpaca, and merino wool. Sounds yummy.

WEBS has a bunch of new close-outs, so if you are looking for odds and ends, get there.

And finally, just go look at this Blood Orange Yarn Mama-E dyed. Try not to leave your computer screen looking like a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut.

Knitting Funk

2007-03-30T08:55:00.000-04:00

I'm not knitting. I haven't been knitting for over a week. And I'm not even that motivated to start now. I think it's because of one gigantic virus that descended on my when we got back from Florida. I think it was the same one the kids had but mine took a different route via my stomach and then via pink eye. The pink eye has been serious, almost a week now. More of a PIA than anything else.

But, I'm thinking that to get back into the knitting I am going to do something dramatic and go back to a project that I always wanted to start and never got around to. For those of you who know me, they are simply known as, "the pants." They appeared in Vogue Knitting a couple of Spring/Summer's ago and they are made entirely out of mitered squares knitted in Koigu. The fabulous yarn has been just sitting in my stockpile waiting to be loved. And I feel like the squares give you a pretty immediate sense of accomplishment which I am in desperate need of right now. These pants are legend among my knitting friends. If Jodi still reads my blog, I'm sure she's laughing because they sort of became like a pregnant woman near her due date, "anything yet?" "no, nothing."

And, of course, they may still remain that way . . . anybody out there already knit them? I'll have to scan in a pic for those of you who don't know them, but if you have your old issues, they are easy to find, and I think the model was on the beach.

Walk Against Hunger 2007

2007-03-29T09:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, my friends, it's that time again. Time to get out your happy feet and Walk Against Hunger in Hartford. I sit on the Board of a local agency, Center City Churches and as part of my duties and desire, we are recruiting walkers and teams of walkers again this year.

The Walk takes place on May 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. It's only a three mile walk, so it's very easy, and it's a great event to bring the entire family to enjoy. DH, Sugar Bear, and Mimi will all be walking with me this year.

So far, as part of CCC we have 36 teams, but our goal is 50 teams who will help us raise $50,000. The great thing is, for every one dollar raised it equals ten dollars in food. Awesome!

If you are interested in joining the team, or interested in making a donation, please visit
the Compassionate Soles webpage.

Window Dressing

2007-03-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

I've been all quiet on the eastern front because we were out of town for Spring Break. Was an interesting one because we actually relaxed and didn't make it a frenzy of activity. The girls were sick with the "fever bug" for the first half of it so that didn't help, but at least we all got to sleep in.

But, that's not what the blog is really about today. I'm talking about airport security again. Or lack there of. Or further, the fact that they put us through all these hoops to get through security and yet, it's all just window dressing. Case in point . . .

We had already picked-up our bags from baggage claim. DH was on his way to the garage to get the car (which BTW had a completely dead battery when he got there, welcome home!) when I noticed an unattended backpack. Completely unattended. Because I had the kids and the luggage with me, I couldn't seek out the police or TSA or whomever, so I alerted the nearest Southwest employee. Who didn't really care. And, did everything in her power to try to foist the bag off on anyone standing within 50 feet of it. Eventually, what I think was a security guard came over and tried to relay info on his walkie talkie.

This was a comedy of errors. His walkie apparently was working as well as those in the Twin Towers because finally he gave up and used his cell phone to call the person he was reporting the info to. At this point, I think the bag has been unattended for about 20 minutes.

A few minutes later the state police officer shows up and just begins rifling through the bag looking for identification. Since I am no longer physically at the airport, I can use the word I longed to in that moment. What if there had been a BOMB inside of it? That's what the government would have us believe is that people are at every turn trying to sabotage us. So, explain it to me Lucy, what the hell are we doing just rifling through an unattended bag that could have had anything in it?

I know this sounds paranoid, but I'm sitting there with my two children and I'm thinking, if anything happens to us over what seems like stupidity, I'm going to be really bs. We take off our shoes, we put miniscule amounts of liquid in clear plastic bags (because it makes it easier for the x-ray machine to scan?), and we walk through sniffing machines, but an unattended bag on the outside of security, that we can just rifle through and hope for the best.

Don't believe them when they say we are safer, they are only fooling themselves.

Latest Creativity

2007-03-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

We are throwing my grandmother a 75th birthday party this weekend, and I must admit, I have been one crafty beotch. She doesn't know it, but I came up with favors that are pretty darn nifty. So, this is a picture of her invitation (sorry to block out the details, you know I love you, but the room only seats 55) EDIT: I didn't design the invite, Anna Griffin did, I designed the favors, just wanted to be clear because you guys were giving me way too much credit:

I went on the Internet and looked up songs that were written in the 1930s. I picked out fifteen fairly well known songs that thankfully, I had on CD, recorded by various artists (Sinatra, Holiday, Fitzgerald, you get the idea).

I imported the image of the flower on the invitation into my CD label program and came up with this:

And I wanted to use them as favors, but I thought it would work great to also use them as table cards, so I wrapped them up and used the extra flowers that came with the invitations (so, like the invites, they are also 3-D):

I can't wait for her to see them! I just finished typing up some "1932 Was a Very Good Year" fact sheets for the table and now I just need to finish gathering some pictures to display and I am finished. Yay!

Spring Knitty is up! Spring Knitty is up

2007-03-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

Go there now!

Updates

2007-03-02T08:44:00.000-05:00

First, MagKnits has their new issue up. They've got a really cute kids t-shirt in there for all of my free time. They have a couple of pairs of sock patterns as well, but I admit, I haven't looked at them much.

Second, Kaleidoscope Yarns had Cherry Tree Merino Boucle for 25% off in case you are in need.

Astrid also has some really interesting yarn, the Atelier Zitron Unikat. There are some beautiful colors and there's also a free mitten pattern. I wish my last order had not already shipped or I would have ordered this also. She has the new Opal Bamboo collection as well. Really nice stuff.

I stopped by the Wool Connection around 11 a.m. This is my third visit to a yarn store that was closing in the past year. They are getting more sad. They were very picked over except for notions and buttons which were exactly what I needed. There are only four days left until they close, and the knitting world, I imagine, will be a little smaller because of it.

I'll be keeping an eye on my email and add more sales as I get them. And if you have any you want me to post, just send them to me or add them to the comments.

Baby Knitting Galore

2007-03-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

Ah, baby knitting. I just can't get away from it! The hat above, is for my cousin's new baby boy. It is much more red in person so it's great for a boy. It's the umbilical hat from one of the Stitch & Biatch books. A really quick knit that looks great and is very soft to the touch. I also have one of two matching booties completed. I've got to get the bootie finished by next week because I will see my cousin then. I'm using the bootie pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (i.e., my knitting gift bible).

I thought I would use Felicity, Sugar Bear's American Girl doll, as my model for the other hat. This is my favorite hat to knit for little girls, especially bald little girls, but it's so darn adorable that it works for any little girl. It's the Moe hat from Berrocco. So unbelievably soft. I've also got a bib finished that needs a button and half a burp cloth. They are the ones from the Mason-Dixon book and they're great because they are knit out of the Peaches & Creme like the dishcloths so they are absorbent and you can just throw them in the washer.
I've still got one baby that is already here, a girl to knit for. I think I'll do another Moe hat and use the same yarn for some matching booties. Seriously, my friends' husbands need to start watching more TV.

I've added some new links under Blogs and under knitting sites finally so check them out!

And justice for none

2007-02-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

Linda alerted me to the case of Julie Amero after reading Scout's blog.

Julie Amero was a substitute teacher in Norwich, CT who is facing up to 40 years in prison because pornographic images popped-up on her computer screen while she was substituting in a 7th grade class in 2004. The Washington Post actually has a really good posting on one of their blogs about this article that goes into all the details. So, if you want to know more than I post here, I suggest you visit that blog.

This woman's life is basically ruined because she couldn't figure out how to get these offensive and utterly crappy pop up windows off of her screen. It's incredibly irritating to know that I am living in a state that is wasting time prosecuting this woman when those resources could be put towards putting more pedophiles behind bars. If this woman is guilty of anything, it is panicking.

It all started when she stepped out of the room for a minute. When she came back in the room, two students were looking at a seemingly innocuous site about hairstyles. And then she realized there were pop-ups. When she couldn't get the pop-ups off of her screen she ran to the teacher's lounge, where consquently, no one helped her to get the images off. And one teacher even said something to the effect of, it happens all the time.

There also seems to be some bizarre judicial discretion at work here. Thanks to a friend, I was able to read this article by a local lawyer. The prosecution didn't bother to scan the hard drive. And when the defense did, they found a trojan horse program as well as spyware that was there long before she substituted.

Bottom line, you can contribute to her legal fund at her website.

Call the humane society quick

2007-02-22T17:23:00.000-05:00

The look on this dog's face says it all. Kill me now. Please, please kill me now.

Just in case you are wondering where this gem came from, it was on the lion brand site.

Oh me oh my

2007-02-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

Where is you knit what when you need them?

I'm not sure who or what I feel more sorry for. I feel sorry for the yarn for being turned into a "let's-wear-our-intestines-on-the-outside-today" top.

I feel sorry for the necklace, just for having to hang next to said top.

And finally, I feel sorry for the effort the model had to go through to look so pouty in the top. Perhaps, she is pouting because of the top?

And seriously, are those her boobies hanging out on the side there? I mean, a little to the left or right and it's a full-on aureola shot.

I just keep hearing, "Holy Christ!" over and over in my head.

Where is her family?

2007-02-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

You know, everyone knew that Anna Nicole Smith was an absolute wreck. And from outward appearances at least, nobody seemed to want to do anything to help her. If you ever saw her reality show, clearly this girl was an addict.

And so, it brings me briefly to Britney Spears. I can't say that I really care about any of these starlets one way or the other. But, what I do care about is where the hell their families are. Because, it seems to me that when your child checks herself out of one day rehab, shaves her head, and then remarks at the tatoo parlor that the stain on her purse is Nyquil, there's a problem. Not to mention, where are her children? Where is Dr. Phil when you need him? Flashing your coochie in public is one thing, but shaving your head seems to be one step from the looney bin.

On the knitting front, Linda and I spent Friday letting the kids run the house while we sat and knat. I finished one of the two booties I was working on and got through a good half of the second one before I made some mistake directly tied to my chattiness. And the sock continues, the hand dyed one. I'll get some pictures on here, also of the umbilical hat that I finished.

Oh what a week

2007-02-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

First, Tim Hardaway. Why is it that when someone is so obviously an a$$ hole we give him an opportunity to apologize on television. For those of you not in the loop, he's the former NBA player who felt the need to go on and on about how much he hates gay people. Can't you do that in private so that we don't get sucked into yet another celebrity drama of I hate this group of people and now I am on my way to inpatient rehab?

Second, at what point do we stop talking about Anna Nicole Smith and actually talk about things like, oh, I don't know, the dead soldiers still coming back from Iraq? The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan? Global Warming? Really anything but a dead pseudo-starlet?

And third, for those of you with HBO, please, please, please, take the time to scare the hell out of yourself by watching Alexandra Pelosi's latest documentary on Evangelical Christians. The funniest thing was the interview with the minister Haggarty, you know the one who about six months ago had to admit to being a practicing homosexual and a drug user? Yeah, his was easily the funniest part of what otherwise was a frightening documentary. One of my favorite parts was the coverage of the March for Life rally in DC. All the teenagers lining up to carry signs of fetuses and calling pro-choice people abortionists.

I have personal experience, sort of, with this fabulous event. I am not Catholic but attended Catholic high school outside of DC. As a freshman in 1990, the entire school was told they could attend and support the rally OR stay at school in an all-day study hall. Well, since I have been pro-choice from in-utero, I chose not to go to said rally and had to stay in school all day. I can still see the many faces of the other students who came right out and called me a baby killer without even asking what my position was. Anywho, the funniest part of the day in my mind, was the fact that once those students got off the metro, no one was chaperoning them to make sure they actually went to the march and so most of them went to Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and skipped the rest of the day. I think by the time I was a senior the event was optional.

Oh, and one more tidbit on that front, one of my all-time favorite announcements by our incredibly senile principal. He was discussing the idea (over the p.a. system, mind you) that if a woman got raped she should or should not have the right to an abortion. Well, of course, Catholic school, no abortion, ever, ever, ever. And as he put it, "Besides, most women don't get raped." I believe that he meant something along the lines of most women who get raped don't get pregnant, but ... umm... hello? The saddest part is the girls and boys who believed him.

Baby, it's cold outside

2007-02-05T17:23:00.000-05:00

Apparently this morning, it was 10 degrees below zero here with the windchill. We finally got some snow over the weekend, and in honor of that, I just wanted to show you our beautiful boy (who is nicely recovered from the embarrassment of the Elizabethan collar and the loss of his manhood).

On and off the needles

2007-02-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

I realize I have blogged very little about knitting lately, though I have been knitting or working on knitting projects (ahem, sewing the sweater) a bunch. So, here's a few updates. First, DH's feet in his first pair of handknit socks:

By the time I took this picture, he had actually been wearing them a while, so there is a bit of fuzz, etc. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I made them using the International Sock of Doom pattern, mostly because I had to use thick yarn, size 5 needles. The reason for the yarn was that it matches the sweater. Yes, the sweater of the neverending sewing together.

On the needles I have a pair of socks for myself:I'm not loving this pattern, but think that I will love the finished product. It's a pattern from Socks that Soar by Cat Bordhi. I think it's called Columbine Peaks. But, I am very excited by the yarn as it was one of my first and best dyed-it-myself from last fall. The self striping is really working. I've had to tink a bunch of times because I screwed up the pattern, but you get the idea.

And lastly, I'm gearing up for some baby knitting. I didn't take a picture of the pink yarn that I will be using for a friend who had a girl last month, but will definitely take a pic of the finished hat from One Skein. These little juicies will grow up to be the umbilical hats from Stitch N Bitch for my cousin's soon to be little boy. I have another friend who will be delivering a girl soon, also. These babies come in waves, though I wish it was more like one at a time! The next wave will be over summer so I can plan a little bit ahead, but really, we all know that I will procrastinate until the babies actually pop out!

Wow!

2007-02-04T12:12:00.000-05:00

In an unexpected turn, The Wool Connection in Avon, CT is closing its doors. I'm not sure how many years they have been in business, I am guessing at least 15, but as Linda said this morning, it's pretty shocking that with all of us knit hounds on the rise that they are going out of business. I'm sure there will be more news to follow, as the question now is, will they keep their catalog business going and why are they getting out of the retail store? Too much local competition? Loss of the appetite for running a business? As the knitting world turns my friends . . .

I owe you several updates. The Disney trip update is still coming. There are no words to tell you how amazing it was, but you know me, I will try to write it all up.

Also, a major knitting update. I have photos of what's on the needles, what just came off the needles and hopefully soon, that final finished photo of DH in his sewn up sweater!

Yaaaaaaaaaay!

2007-01-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

Today is the day . . . off to Disney we go. I got into the Princess breakfast at the castle tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to see the look on Callista's face when she finds out we are celebrating the day of her birthday with the girls! More when we get back!

Time for cozy toes

2007-01-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm on a sock kick right now. Portable, quick to knit (when you aren't screwing up the chart on a pattern ahem!) and great for your toesies.

In that spirit, Astrid, is having some great bargains:

Meilenweit 6ply Special: now only US$ 11.95 (429 yards, 150 grams)

Opal Best of 6ply: US$ 12.50 (462 yards, 150 grams)
Opal Rainforest 6ply: US$ 12.50 (462 yards, 150 grams)

Regia Country 6ply: US$ 10.95 (413 yards, 150 grams)
Regia Marokko 6ply: US$ 3.95 (138 yards, 50 grams)

And remember, she sends chocolate with ever order, Dutch chocolate mmmmmmmmm.

2 sleeps until Disney! Muppet YAAAAAY!

Poor Simon

2007-01-17T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm actually starting to feel sorry for Simon Cowell. He is going to have to have a tongue transplant by the end of the season six American Idol auditions from having to bite his tongue. I am sure there is a ton of editing involved, but how could two cities have such a high concentration of tone deaf people? I know we all have blind spots for the ones we love, but you would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to believe that more than half of these people can sing.

I have sung my entire life, and still can't imagine I would ever be good enough to be a pop idol. And yet, these 15-minute-of-fame-seeking-yahoos have apparently no conscience of continuing to punish the public with their let's just be honest, sh$$.

And then there is the other side of me that thinks this is borderline cruelty to the mentally ill. Clearly several of the contestants did not have their daily Seroquel dose and then off they go to their audition. And yet, it's not cruel enough that I can tear myself away. I'd like to think I am better than this, I'm not one to gawk at car accidents and yet, it's impossible to turn away from these train wrecks.

Thoughts?

Crafty Beotch

2007-01-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

I've already mentioned the Disney obsession. We're under a week now until our trip so I have to gush a little. That, and since I have had no pictures in the last few posts, I thought I would give ya a little something to look at. We're a little Character-crazy in my family in addition to being Disney nuts. Yes, we are those people who wait in line to have a giant stuffed animal sign a piece of paper with their "name" on it. I once talked to a former cast member who said that the most bitter people in all of Disneyworld are the people who have to wear the big Character costumes. Go figure. Who wouldn't want a bunch of little rug rats coming at them with hugs and pens wielded as weapons that are at just about the right height of . . . well, you get the picture.

But, I digress . . .

One of the things we've started the last couple of Disney trips is to create autograph books of our own (they end up being more expensive but they are much more cute and the characters make a big deal out of them). This time, since the girls don't know about the trip, I'm working on the basics of the books and then they will get to work on them on the three-hour-kill-me-now flight to Orlando. This is the front of Sugar Bear's book:

And the back cover with the rockin' vintage stickers I got at Disney last year:

I have to Mod Podge the back and the front so that stuff doesn't go flying off. I also put her name on the inside with the date and an adorable Ariel sticker (her absolute favorite). And then I am wrapping it up as a birthday gift. I'm working on Mimi's also, but that one really needs some decoupage help before I can show some pictures of it.

And a final note that has nothing to do with Disney . . . as a woman who has struggled with the loose and hanging arm skin where there should be some triceps (ahem!), would someone please tell Miss Diana Ross that even though she is a Diva, it's time to give up the sleeveless shirts or at least it's time to stop clapping your hand at chest height in a crowd, because sister friend, you are going to take someone out with that flying flesh. She is fabulous, but pahleeze, it's a mess.

Project Compassion

2007-01-15T21:01:00.000-05:00

On a day such as this, MLK Day, it is wonderful to spread compassion. And that's exactly what the lovely ladies over at Project Compassion are planning on doing. I believe that I got on Erin's mailing list because I "killed" her in the Sock Wars. At least that's how I think I got on. I know she also dyes yarn and sells it, but I am pretty sure it was the Sock Wars thing.

In any case, she and her friend Michelle are going to collect squares to donate to a mother and daughter who lost three families members to a car accident just before Christmas. This really takes no time at all. They are about the size of a washcloth, and imagine what it would mean to these women to have squares sewn into a blanket from all over the world. Please visit Project Compassion for more details. This will be an ongoing project and they will add different recipients to the larger scope, so if you can't help now, bookmark them, because you can always help in the future. Both knitting and crocheting are accepted. And if you don't know how to knit or crochet, either pick up the sticks or forward this information to someone who can.

Kaleidoscope Yarns Sale

2007-01-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you know, Kaleidoscope yarns is having a sale on Cherry Tree Hill Supersock and Mountain Colors 4/8s wool. Both are 15% off until 1/19 and are great for socks.

My headache is back, so that is all for today kids.

Comments and observations

2007-01-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who have sent messages about me and the silly migraines. The good news is, they seem to be starting to go away. I had a statis migraine that lasted two weeks and then what seemed every other day I was getting increasingly worse headaches. We think, it's a hormonal thing, but won't know for sure for at least another month. In the meantime, I'm off the prednisone, which by the way, is only good for one thing, motivating you to clean your house. I was as wound up as a hamster on a wheel in the middle of the night. But, I got some great organizing finished. I should have tackled the stash. Well, I started tackling the sock stash this morning, and I had organized the fug fur, ribbon, and novelty crap a while ago. But, I've really got to get in there and do more.

For those of you who also get migraines this migraine med Maxalt is some good stuff. They gave me some other samples, but so far that's what is working. My husband came home like a drug mule the other night with all the stuff that I needed. He's a trooper that one. I am lucky to have him to say the least.

The other main thing I got done when I couldn't sleep wasn't knitting, but planning. We are surprising DD Sugar Bear with a trip to Disney for her sixth birthday. I hadn't mentioned it until now because I was trying to keep my excitement in check. I love Disney almost as much as knitting. Maybe even more. It's a borderline illness. :)

Still going

2007-01-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still sewing up the sweater. But, good news, I know that it is going to fit! And I think I am doing a pretty darn good job at the finishing if I do say so myself. The only thing standing in my way is brutal migraine headaches that are just not going away. Don't worry, I'm getting the testing I need, just a big pain in the keister, cause people, I have things to do. Also have almost finished Allen's first sock that matches his sweater. He'll be lucky if I don't steal them because I am doing them in the same Cashsoft and using the International Rib of Doom pattern. Plus, he doesn't have very large feet and I do, so, they really could fit me. Insert demonic laughter here.

Hit a new yarn store yesterday, Hither and Yarn in Torrington. Well, new to me. I had horrible cabin fever after being cooped up with the migraine for literally a week so DH was kind enough to get me out of the house yesterday. Linda had been raving about them, but I had not made it out there. I went for some Noro Kureyon which I am sure I could have gotten for less from Webs, but I was there and I wanted it. And then I stumbled onto a Filatura di Crosa (or Tahki Stacey Charles or whatever the heck they are calling themselves) book. Ginormous mistake. Because first I found this:

And then I found this to go with it:

And I bought the yarn for it. Not sure when the hell exactly I will be getting to that, but it might just make it to next project status. Whatever I am knitting next is going to be for me. Damn it. I can't seem to find the photo of the two together, but they look really nice. And the book in general is pretty nifty. It's from Fall 2005. There's way more in there I would knit if I could ever even think about doing a big sweater with sleeves again.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

Mimi and Sugar Bear with Santa.

So, the sweater. Well, good news and bad news. Really good news was that I finished all of the knitting on Christmas Eve Day. Thanks to my family for doing their own dishes after I made lunch, I began sewing on the first sleeve. Bad news is, I was unable to complete the entire piecing together of the sweater. Good news, however, is, I did put it over his head and low and behold the damn thing fits! Not sure why I consider this to be so remarkable, but for a first sweater, I think it must be. And it's really quite lovely. Me promises a picture just as soon as the sucker is sewn together completely AND the DH is in it.

Hope that whatever holiday you celebrated over the last few weeks and the next couple is/was fabulous! We had 11 here over the weekend (total of about 20 Christmas Eve) and it was a wonderful time. If I can keep my eyes open later tonight, I'll be sewing away.

Thank You's

2006-12-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

I owe Linda an enormous debt of gratitude. And so here it is, THANK YOU LINDA! Yesterday, she came over with the kids so our kids could have a playdate and she picked up over 100 stitches for me on DH's sweater. We all know how much I love to pick up stitches. And she showed me how much easier it is to do this with a crochet hook. In addition, when I completely screwed up on the collar she was kind enough to then TINK (for those of you who do not know, it's knit spelled backwards, which means to un-knit what you just screwed up), probably around 400 stitches for me. All while I was working on the sleeve. Regarding the sleeve, I've done all of the increases and just have to finish in the 3 x 1 rib for the rest of it. I hope you will go look at her website as she knitted a Christmas stocking that is to die for. And all for someone she kind of knows. Linda is a gem.

Now, as much as I would like to stay and chat, I have a sweater to finish. Oh, and ignore any typos, blogger's spellcheck has been screwy for days.

For the Love of Christmas

2006-12-20T20:48:00.000-05:00

It happens to me every year. I think we've already established that I am crazy for Christmas. I love it. I decorate like a crazy person inside and out. I shop like a crazy person because I love to give gifts. I bake like a crazy person because, well, I love to bake. I think these are all fairly normal behaviors.

But, could someone please tell me what posesses people to go off the deep end with the Christmas attire?

I only wish I had my camera on me so I could take a picture of the woman sitting across from us at the restaurant tonight.

I was already in pre-barf mode when I saw that she had the goofy button-down snowflake and snowman vest. And then I saw the earrings that were Christmas lights. Gee, you'd think that would have been enough for her.

But, on the way out, low and behold, she had the Christmas socks on. Oh, and the Christmas charm bracelet. And yes, the sickeningly sweet penguin turtle neck. Are you getting the visual here? If I was Jewish, I think I would have run from her screaming, ahhhhhhh the Christmas people are coming to get me!

If this is your grandmother or your mother, it's time for an intervention. Get in their closets and get rid of this kitschy sh$$. No one wants to see it, it's frightening. If they must, let them wear their little earrings. Let them wear their socks. But the head to toe, schlock of crap is a nightmare. Help us one and all.

And while we're at it, let me share with you a little list my friend Lynn sent me today (I'm hoping to have all of them by the end of the season):

Top 10 Holiday Psych Disorders

1. Schizophrenia -- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic -- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and
Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees
and.....

6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna
Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy
- can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

PS. And yes, I am still knitting the second sleeve

Shoulders above the rest

2006-12-20T15:36:00.000-05:00

The shoulders are seamed! I matched up the ribbing and everything front to back. Though, now I am looking at the instructions for the sleeves and (gasp!) there's math involved. Someone definitely should have warned me about the math. I would have been happy to knit him a vest.

I've got the second sleeve on the needles with a lot to go, but the girls have a playdate in the morning and I plan on taking advantage of the time to knit while I chat. Must finish sweater before company begins to arrive!

Any hints on sewing the sleeves would be greatly appreciated.

Almost there!

2006-12-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, well, sleeve number one on DH's sweater is finished. I have sleeve two, the collar and then the finishing to get done by Monday. I am starting to believe this might happen. The only concern I have, well, two concerns: I'm a little nervous about the crossover collar because a) I've never even done a sweater before, let alone a collar like this, and b) my favorite: I have to pick up a bunch of stitches to do it. My second concern is the actual finishing because I haven't done that before either and I am too late to get it to someone who really knows what the hell they are doing on this front. I have a feeling this is going to be a week full of prayer.

Especially when you consider that I am having almost a dozen of us for Christmas. So, I'm a little crazy. It's amazing how much I am actually accomplishing. I'm going to sleep for a week when Christmas is over. Sorry kids, mommy is having a nervous breakdown, you'll just have to play Ants in Your Pants by yourself for a little while.

Off to start sleeve number two!

Teacher Gifts

2006-12-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

As promised, a quick shot of the teacher gifts. Hope they like them! I figure it's a nice little addition to the gift cards!

Sales Galore

2006-12-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Before I get going, let me just say, you may need to check back on this post because I will update it as I get notification of sales. If you have any you want me to post, just let me know.

First, for you Connecticut/Massachusetts locals, we have Marji's yarncrafts in Granby, CT. She's having her annual after-Christmas yarn sale for three days, December 26, 27, and 28. All yarn is on sale. Re-read it if you need to.

Webs in Northampton, MA is also having their year-end blowout sale. Bags and cones starting at $5.00. Plus a bunch of stuff at 50-60% off. The Sale runs from December 26th through January 2nd.

Simply Sock Yarn is having a 20% off sale on Interlacements Tiny toes and Toasty toes from now until the end of the year. And a pattern comes with each purchase.

Kaleidoscope Yarns is also having a sale, this time 15% off on Farmhouse Yarns Lumpy Bumpy. While supplies last.

And as always, Astrid is offering good deals. Right now, 10% off on all items. Just use Christmas as your code in the discount box. It's even valid on gift certificates! Way to go Astrid!

Holiday knitting

2006-12-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Due to the fact that I am a fool sometimes, I forgot to take a picture of Sugar Bear's teacher gifts before I gave them. I basically knit up a washcloth each, with the homemade soap that I made with Linda and then added a little gift card. Mimi's teacher's are getting the soap and the washcloths, so at least I can show you those because I haven't given them yet. They are getting awesome gift cards that were a result of the entire class donating money towards one giant gift card. Hope they like it!

I have finished the front of Allen's sweater. (Eleni, do you know that Christmas is barely over a week away? Yes, I am aware of that. And you know that you are having 11 people at your house for Christmas so you are going to be pretty busy doing other stuff this week? Yes, I am clear on that also. So, you still think you might have a shot at finishing it in time for Christmas? Of course, I am going to finish it. Riiiiiiight). I'm doing the sleeves now and hoping for the best, I think that my balls are just big enough to wrap it almost finished. I've never had to do that before, but now seems like an appropriate time to start.

BTW Hope you enjoy Mr. Nipples, finally!

Come on, you know they want us to think it's nipples

2006-12-11T17:14:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry, but I just can't get off this subject yet. At least now that two of you have posted, I can reasonably say, on this commercial, I have not lost my mind. I'm bummed, because I haven't seen the commercial since my initial post. And it's not yet made its way to You Tube, so I can't post the video. They do however have a whole bunch of crazy Mr. Nibbles comments on the Staples website. I just keep wondering how this made it past the censors? Cause there is NO WAY it sounds like nibbles. I only came to the conclusion it had to be nibbles because as funny as it is to hear nipples, those damn censors just don't think nipples and Christmas should be in the same commercial. I'm sure Jesus had nipples, but again, you can't say that publicly.

Can you tell I'm having just a little too much Christmas? Here's the thing . . .I've already been at this since the week before Thanksgiving. This is completely abnormal for me because I am the queen of the last minute when it comes to Christmas. However, this year, with Mimi in school, I have just a smidgen more time. Not a ton, but a smidgen that has enabled me to turn into my hidden desire . . . Betty Lou Who.

I wrapped a ton of presents the week before thanksgiving so I could give them to the people I was going to see at Thanksgiving. And I also did a bunch of those gift jars where you put the ingredients in the jars for some fabulous dessert and they just add the trans fat and have a holly jolly Christmas. Not to mention the Christmas crafting. I think my husband must be slipping me eggnog and I am just not aware of it. Because, seriously, I made popcorn garland for the tree. Maybe it's crack he's passing me.

We got the biggest Christmas tree we have ever had. I know this because I typically have more ornaments than I need and it's not so this year. I managed to get almost every single ever-lovin ornament on that thing. I ran out of lights at the bottom, and the popcorn garland, while not originally a necessity, became one, because I ran out of red beaded garland.

And the wrapping, my God, the wrapping. The wrapping could conceivably turn me into the grinch once and for all. I'm wrapping presents for my kids not just from us, but from my grandparents, my parents (my mom did a couple), and my aunt and uncle (who did volunteer to wrap, but they are coming up on Christmas eve and I just don't think it's a nice treat to make them wrap for my kids on top of a five to six hour drive from Virginia, call me crazy, but it's just not nice). The wrapping is endless. I have hope that I will finally get rid of all the wrapping paper I bought on the cheap that totally sucks. Because if there is an insult to injury on the wrapping front, it's having to wrap with cheap paper that rips as you cut it.

This past week alone, I baked approximately 15 dozen cookies. Plus another 4 dozen-ish tiropites (think spanikopita without the spinach).

My kids are in the Nutcracker this week. And God Bless their dance teacher, it's only an hour long because, well, I have to finish wrapping.

Staples commercial

2006-12-08T09:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have to try to find a video clip, but have you seen the commercial with the reindeer? I believe that his name is Mr. Nibbles, but seriously, it sounds like Nipples which is just a funny word, I don't care who you are, it's funny. It's something about a guy looking for a present for his wife and Mr. Nipples recommends a laptop. Hysterical. Merry Christmas!

What fresh hell is this?

2006-12-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

Here I am, minding my own business, at almost thirteen years old when they do this to me.

I was suspicious Wednesday evening when my food bowl and water were gone. Then, the family gave me extra love and attention as I went out the door with my dad to work. Except, we didn't go to work. He took me to that place I dread . . . the vet.

I had hoped it was one of those routine deals where they just check me out, but no. Not only did they remove some giant tumor on my butt, but I am now short my manhood. And to add insult to injury they shaved part of my ear to remove a cyst.

My dad has been promising me a Cal Gal, but no, instead he found himself a wife. Then, I thought I had a shot, and those small animals showed up, you know the one's that come out of the human's bellies?

And on top of it all, the one pleasure I have left, my ability to lick myself has now been taken away by this hellish collar.

I say again, I'm almost thirteen years old, can't they just leave me alone?

Reach out and touch someone

2006-12-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

The following is a re-post of a reminder for you all! Yesterday was the first of the month, did you check your boobs?

One year ago this month, my friend Loretta passed away from breast cancer. She was 34-years old and she left behind a wonderful husband, a giving, loving family, and a handsome, bright one and a half year old son.

When I attended her funeral, I believe it was her husband who said that Loretta was one to always send cards to remember birthdays and anniversaries, or to cheer up a friend . In honor of Loretta, and the impact she has had on my life, I've decided to post this reminder.

Do you do your self breast exams every month? I didn't used to. Loretta changed that for me. I turned 31 this month, which, if I am not wrong, is the age Loretta was when she found the lump. In our thirties, we aren't recommended to have mammograms yet. So, the only way you are going to find a potentially harmful lump is if YOU are checking. Because once a year at the GYN is not enough. You have to check. You need to get to know your breasts so that you know what is normal and what isn't.

My suggestion is this. We all have palm pilots or computers with one kind of calendar program or another. Our lives are busy and we keep our most important appointments in these calendars. So, it's time to start reminding yourself to do you breast exam because this is one of your most importatn appointments. Most important to your families, and most important to me, your friend.

Please, after finishing this post, go to your calendar, and make a recurring appointment for the first of every month to "CHECK YOUR BOOBIES." I've always thought the word boobies is funny, so for me, I'll see the reminder AND get a chuckle. And here's my promise to you. For the next three months, I am going to post a little reminder email on the first day of the month to CHECK YOUR BOOBIES.

If you want to, copy thid post and send this to your friends, and make the commitment to them that you will remind them for three months. I'd love for this post to reach as many people as possible. If each one reaches one, there will be a lot more of us checking our boobies and potentially saving our lives.

Lastly, if you do not know how to do a self breast exam, please visit this website (love that google) and follow the directions or get your GYN to show you on your next visit.

I love you girls! Love yourselves enough to do this!

What ever happened to . . .?

2006-12-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to feel like one of those episodes of "Where are they now?"

But, I am planning on getting back into my blog, mostly to stop all of you from emailing me with "are you dead?"

What a crazy month (yikes!) it has been. I think that once the Democrats took back the Senate and the House, I just shut down from shock. Joy, mind you, but shock none-the-less.

I think the best place to start for this "back to school" post is with the Holiday sales and knitting news. There are some great deals and info out there, so let me run them down as I have gotten them via email:

The new episode of MagKnits is up and running, you can find it here. I can't comment on whether or not it's great because I haven't yet had a chance to look at it (Linda and I made soap all day today, and I can't wait to take pictures to show you the results, but that's why I haven't had time!)

From the What the Fug file, I just want to share this unusual Berroco gem:
I'm not sure exactly how this warms your feet, other than once you put them on your feet are stuck in the same position for so long, they begin to develop their own brain to regulate their temperature.

As usual, Webs is having some closeout deals, this time on Tahki and Filatura di Crosa.

And, of course, Astrid has some deals going. All yarn kits have a 10% discount included in the price until December 5th. She has some other deals too, but basically, same great prices and service as always.

I have much more on all fronts, but I am running out of steam. I'm planning on knitting washcloths to go with the soap for the teachers of the kids and I am only on number one. Uh, yeah, 19 days until they get out of school....

EDIT: Kaleidoscope yarns is offering two Cherry Tree Hill Yarns at 15% off and they have the new Pink Denise needles that are a little pricier, but the extra dough goes to Breast Cancer Research.

Well, hello there

2006-11-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't meant to be quiet this last week. It's not really in my nature, you know.

I have to give a much longer update around all things, but I just want to say briefly, if you haven't voted yet,

WHAT"S YOUR PROBLEM???

Get thee to the polls! I have it on good authority that there could actually be record turnout this year considering that it isn't a presidential year. Only you can help make that a reality. So get off your bahookie and go vote. Yes, you Republicans, too. Remind yourselves it's a privilege not just a right.

And of course, everyone wise up and vote Democrat :)

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

Sugar Bear goes to a Montessori school and they do not celebrate Halloween for the little kids. But, now that she is a big kid in first grade, she gets to participate in Mystery History day. Each child dresses up as a famous person from history. Then they stand in front of the class and give the class three clues as to who they are and the kids try to get it right. I'm sure I have already told some of you who she is, but for those of you who don't know, can you guess who Sugar Bear is dressed as today?

I'll post some pictures of her in the "real costume" with Mimi later. Happy Halloween everyone!

And, I'm out

2006-10-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

I've had a wee bit of depression since I was killed in the Sock Wars on Saturday. I was killed by very nice pink socks, however, and I am released from having to knit that pattern again, so I shall not be bitter. Twas a good day to die. Will post a pic soon. I'm just too tired tonight.

Some musings on sock wars, though. I really enjoyed the idea of the Sock Wars. I found it to be remarkable that after I killed my target in Philadelphia, her target in the UK mailed her socks in progress to Philadelphia and then mailed them to me in Connecticut. Then, matching the gauge perfectly, if I do say so myself, I managed to duplicate the first sock and then off to the new target in Baltimore they went (the original target deserted in Canada).

And regarding gauge, I think I have complained perhaps once or twice how much I hate dealing with gauge, trying to get gauge, did I get gauge, I thought I got gauge, but no, no damn gauge. Oh, wait, I got stitches but not rows. Bottom line, I get it now. Because I got gauge, I could duplicate the sock that someone else, an ocean away had knit. And though they were originally for someone with size 9 feet, they were stretchy enough to fit the lovely size 11 where they ended their journey. I will no longer scoff at gauge, because gauge has become my friend. I understand now why I must. And just for a moment, during the beginning of each project, I will pretend I am a process knitter.

The Winds of Change

2006-10-27T16:54:00.000-04:00

I can't hear that phrase any more without envisioning a scene from Monsters, Inc. where the bad guy says, Can you feel it Wyzowski? It's the winds of change.

But, I digress. . .

The point of the post today is to remind you that there are only 11 days left until Election Day. Granted, this is not a Presidential Vote year. But, I hope that you will not let that keep you from the polls. If you aren't a democrat, the rest of this post will not appeal to you. My sincerest wish is that regardless of your party affiliation, you get out and vote, because we need to remember what a privilege the right to vote really is.

Now, on to the Democratic pitch. As I have mentioned before, one of my best friends works for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. She sent me an email today to help get the word out that it's time to get out and vote and more specifically some info that may affect you depending on where you live.

The DSCC is the—most —important organization for helping take back the Senate for the Democrats. We have to win six seats and we have a real chance but only if we get more people to volunteer in one of these three battleground states: Missouri, Virginia, and Tennessee. We donÂ't take back the senate unless we win one of these.

The DSCC needs to send 50 people to Missouri to help Claire McCaskill win her race against Republican Senator Jim Talent. The timeframe is Friday, November 3 -– Sunday or Monday, November 5 or 6. The DSCC will cover expenses for travel and housing.

We also need help in Virginia as Democratic challenger Jim Webb has a real chance to unseat Senator George Allen. The DSCC will bus people to Virginia over the next two weekends to the districts in most need. Likely you will be asked to make phone calls, knock on doors, etc. The Webb campaign needs all the help they can get.

Please consider helping either by volunteering yourself or by forwarding this to every friend or family member who might want to lend a much-needed hand.

If you are interested, please contact Beth Leonard, our GOTV (get out the vote) director at leonard@dscc.org.

Also, if you are interested, you can make a donation as small as $15 to the DSCC in order to help the cause. It's not a lot of money, but it is money that makes a difference in these final days. If you can donate more, then do it!

I think that in Connecticut, it looks like we will be stuck with Joe for more time than I care to think about. However, just maybe if we all make a conscious effort to reach just one other person and encourage them to learn more about Ned Lamont, or just make it easier for them to go vote, we can close the gap.

If you're happy with the way things have been with a Republican in the White House plus a Republican congress, you probably haven't even made it this far in the post. Regardless of my party affiliation, I just don't believe that one party should control all three places. This is the year that we can start to feel the Winds of Change, but it takes each one of us. If the election in 2000 showed us anything, EVERY vote can make a difference.

Get back on the meds, Rush

2006-10-24T22:04:00.000-04:00

If Rush Limbaugh were any more of a pig, I’d shove an apple in his mouth and do the hula myself.

The old joke goes something like, what’s lower than low?

In this case, it’s Rush Limbaugh criticizing Michael J. Fox for, get this, exaggerating the effects of Parkinson’s Disease in an ad he has taped for a candidate in Maryland.

And then, had the balls to say, “Either he didn’t take his medication or he’s acting.”

Well, if anyone would be an expert regarding medication, it would be Rush.

Here’s the link for the advertisement so that you can actually see what this moron has the gall to criticize.

Limbaugh apparently apologized later on, but, really, does that even matter? But, oh wait, it doesn’t matter because then, he shifted his position again and criticized him for using his illness to campaign for a politician. Yeah, cause you know those Republicans, no way, they would “pull” something like that.

I’ve seen the footage of Fox testifying before Congress on multiple occasions in order to get them to wise up regarding stem cell research. He bobs all over the place. It’s painful to watch. Every time DH and I see him on screen and see the effects of the disease, we have commented how it seems to be progressing rapidly. And we’re laymen sitting home just watching TV.

But Dr. Neurology Limbaugh, he’s the one who really has the lock here on what’s really going on.

I think the real question is, WHO is lower than low?

Darfur

2006-10-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

Sunday evening as I watched the 60 minutes piece on Darfur, I thought, "When will we finally care?"

There are two and a quarter million refugees in Darfur, many of them children and we don't care.

At least, 400, 000 men, women and children have been killed and we don't care.

This is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today, and we don't care.

When the villages are burned, literally to the ground, and the women are subjected to gang bang raping prior to being murdered, we don't seem to care.

When the children are gunned down by the soldiers as they try to flee the villages, we don't seem to care then either.

And we certainly don't care, when they dump these poor people, men, women and children into mass graves, often in the water supply, where they can never return to mourn their loved ones or rebuild their homes.

When are we going to care? When are we going to say, this is genocide, and though these humans are half a world a way, we have to do something? When are our leaders going to stop turning our heads to this genocide because the Sudanese government is supposedly providing intelligence in the "war on terror?"

It's easy for us to sit in our comfortable homes and not care. It's easy for us to get wrapped up in daily life and not care.

But doesn't it come down to the old cliche "If not us, then who?" Because, there is no one else. Look at your husband or wife or child and think about someone just coming into your home and taking them by force, making them disappear from your life forever. Only if you are lucky will you live to miss them.

I want to hear from our elected representatives and those who are trying to get elected that it is time that we all care.

And by chance, if you care, please consider getting involved. Tell the President and your Congressperson that it is time to establish a no-fly zone. It's time to increase humanitarian aid, while ensuring access for aid delivery. It's time to strengthen the understaffed and overwhelmed African Union peacekeeping force already in Darfur. And finally, if nothing else, it's time to push for the deployment of a strong UN peacekeeping force.

If you want to educate yourself further, please consider visiting Save Darfur. Once you know, you will have to care.

2nd Assassination in progress

2006-10-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

I got socks today from my kill's kill. They went from the UK to Philadelphia to me. Well, I should say, sock. She knitted the first sock of doom for her target and now I have to knit the second and get it off to her target in Canada. I thought she was only a size 9 but, man do these socks look huge! And I wear a size 9! No time to chat, must get knitting!

FO

2006-10-20T18:42:00.000-04:00

No, that's not what it means, it means finished object. As in this hat that I finished for Sugar Bear. Next, I will be making one for myself and for Mimi. But for now, just this one in Opal Flamingo. I love that the ponytail sticks right out of the top so neatly. And, that she wore it all day at school, even though the weather didn't really call for it. Linda has a great idea for doing one for pigtails, which would work a lot better for Mimi. Now I just have to work out the how.
Now, if I could just get that heel of the sock to cooperate. Perhaps tonight.

Ah, Halloween

2006-10-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

I just want to know, who is it exactly that dresses up their infant as a whoopie cushion for Halloween?

Knit notes

2006-10-15T20:40:00.000-04:00

Okay, first Kaleidoscope Yarns has the Denise Needles on sale until October 20th for 15% off. I use mine all the time. Though, I do confess, I am getting ready to order the Knit Picks options needles. I've got some yarn I want to get from them also, but I have been looking at these needles for months and I'm treating myself. I'm thinking of getting the basic kit and then trying some of their circs as well. I feel like I can never have too many needles, because it never fails that if I have three projects going at once, they all need the same size needle.

Second, Annie Modesitt is out and about this fall. I personally have never gotten to see her, but I see that she will be in CT next Sunday at the Yarn Barn in Woodbridge (yes, I know this is Rhinebeck weekend coming up). She's working on her signature Circular Cocoon Sweater that was in the Fall 2005 Vogue Knitting. I'm missing this workshop, but hope it works for some of you!

Third, Webs has more Noro on sale and they have closeouts on Classic Elite as well so that might be of interest!

Fourth, you-know-who Astrid, has all Trekking sock yarn for $7.95 per 100g. And they have some interesting looking sweater kits as well as some free sock patterns. Love that Astrid.

I haven't knit in a few days. The kids had a huge Country Fair at school so between baking and helping out, my hands were full with a lot more than yarn. It's good though, I think I needed a little break so I can get back in hard core as we head into holiday season!

WIPs

2006-10-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

I keep forgetting to put these up. There's actually a third shot, but for now, here we are. First, we have the Regia Surf color socks I am working on. The pattern is from Knit Socks! I think it's called the Classy Slip Up. The pattern is going pretty fast, I think I am going to switch to smaller needles for the heel and gusset. I love these colors and I must keep these for myself. I say that now, but there's always the chance that when I finish I will not be able to contain my joy and will have to give them to someone.

The next big with-a-capital-B project, is the blanket for my friend's new baby. This is my first design (I know, very simple, but still, it's mine). It's a two inch border on the sides in garter. And then the center is 2 inch stripes in stockinette. The yarn is Trendsetter Blossom for the center which is amazingly soft. Hard to part with soft. And the edging is done in the coordinating, much sturdier Muench Tessin yarn. It's a little over 100 stitches wide (yes, I know, it is a BIG baby blanket, but when my girls were small, I didn't like those little blankets; they didn't grow with them and then you are stuck with all these little useless blankets) but, it goes fast and it's fairly mindless so I can do it while I am doing other things.

Like teaching Sugar Bear to latch hook. She actually started learning at school (I love Montessori for this reason; that they teach them things like this as part of the curriculum). She's working on a panda at school and a tiger cub at home. It's great because it's a project we can work on together. I also taught her how to cross-stitch on Sunday. We had tried it about a year ago, but it was too soon. She's more into it now. The interesting thing is that she can do great with the first half of the x, but then she has trouble "seeing" the other half. But, I'm proud that she is keeping at it as she is often easily frustrated.

I'll try to post a pic later of the scarf I am in-process on!

Cherry Tree Hill Superworsted Merino

2006-10-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

I know some people love to knit with this and some wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Personally, I love it. I knit my mom a pair of socks with it last year and thought it was awesome to work with. For those of you who love it, there's a rumor going around that I thought I should share (perhaps it is a clever marketing ploy):

The rumor is that because of the scarcity of enough superwash merino to mill Supersock, once Superworsted is sold out it will never be milled again.

I got this from an email from Trash and Treasure, who is selling it on eBay and their online store (still trying to figure out if that's the same thing for them). I like these guys, good prices, good yarn. One proviso is that they sell mill ends, seconds, endlots, and discontinued colors. I think they have fixed price yarn on ebay also. Their other info says: "This washable yarn is soft and great for socks and sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves--anything you want to be able to wash and wear in a natural fiber. This yarn comes 4 oz/ 215 yards for $20 retail. Buy it before it's gone for $15 per hank."

2006-10-09T21:18:00.000-04:00

HBO bill Maher John Kerry

The unbelievable comment by Kerry

Just when things are looking up . . .

2006-10-09T21:12:00.000-04:00

Last week's October surprise of Foley turning out to be such a mess was great for Democrats. It could probably just have easily been one of the guys or gals on our side of the aisle, but thankfully it wasn't. And it's looking good for one, if not both, houses of Congress to head back toward the Democrats.

And then I see John Kerry on Bill Maher. I didn't get a chance to watch it Friday night, but I caught the rerun earlier tonight. I voted for Kerry. Considering it was a choice between him and Bush, come on, what kind of choice is that really? Eat dog poop or black licorice? The licorice starts looking really good at that point. But, I digress.

Maher was asking Kerry what he got his wife for her birthday. He said they had a getaway to Vermont. Maher said something like, why not just go to New Hampshire and kill two birds with one stone? And Kerry actually said, out loud, where people could hear him, "I could have gone to 1600 Pennsylvania avenue and killed the real bird with one stone?" Say what? I'm sorry what? (Donna, I do think that maybe I heard it wrong, but I guess part of my point is, I really wish these guys would not try to be funny, cause it always backfires; I don't think he got a single laugh, cause he was so bitter when he said it, it sounded not the way he perhaps intended it).

I think I have made it clear that I am counting the days, minutes and seconds until Bush is gone, but dude, you just threatened the President of the United States. A death threat. I'm surprised the Secret Service, who obviously don't watch Politically Incorrect, didn't show up on his doorstep. Those guys really don't have a sense of humor. And if I didn't find it funny, I can't imagine people who actually want to protect him would find it funny.

I can't believe somebody somewhere didn't pick it up. Just shows how important this guy is these days. And you know, I think he is seriously considering another run. Christ, maybe he could take that Joe Lieberman with him this time and let John Edwards do some real work. The good news is for the Democrats is that I don't think anyone is taking him seriously. Cause if he's supposed to be speaking for the party. Egads man!

Check out the video, I believe he said some other dumb stuff, but I got lost at the death threat.

WEBS sales

2006-10-04T22:13:00.000-04:00

You guys are familiar with WEBS I am sure. They are having closeout prices on Rowan in case you are interested. They also have a huge supply of sock yarn, so I am sure that will be great interest to you sock-a-holics out there.

Still waiting to be killed in the Sock wars! Can't wait! Cause I doubt I will be able to knit into the second round.

Also, Astrid's latest deal is on Opal and it's crazy. $7.50 per ball of Opal, but only until Friday. They are still having that sale on Addi's also. I love those needles. I think they are the best for socks because they fly off the needles. I know some find them slick, but for me, they work great.

Oh, and the October MagKnits is up and there are some interesting finds. That pumpkin basket is pretty sweet.

Also, the Simply Socks Yarn Company (sponsor(?) of Socktoberfest is offering several collections of Opal at 20% off. They include Petticoat, Rainforest (not sure if new colorway is included), Opal Silk (awesome) and Summer Night Bouquet.

Happy Knitting ya'll!

I keep forgetting!

2006-10-03T19:12:00.000-04:00

I received a wonderful package from my One Skein pal. She gave me the big reveal and knitted me the most adorable beaded bracelet. I need to block it a tiny bit and then I am absolutely going to wear it with pride. I'll post a picture then. She also sent some other cute swag. So thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, I just need to get off my butt and finally send my poor pal the lace scarf I was working on that Mimi was so king to take my knitting needles out of, and me with no lifeline shocking, I know.

I have also been remiss in posting the picture of the International Sock of Doom socks that I mailed off over the weekend. I think by now, she has received them. I'm still waiting to be killed. Should happen any time this week based on my discussion with my assassin. I don't love that these socks turned out so fraternal. I'm blaming Regia, because, naturally, it couldn't be my mistake. I started at what I thought was the exact same place in the ball of yarn for both socks, but, well, you see the result. I'm also not used to knitting with 6ply, but I think I have already ranted on that one.

And finally, I knit a baby hat over the weekend for a friend's new baby. I don't yet have a picture of the cutie in the hat, but I also knit up some baby booties last night that I am sending along. His real present is in the works, but by the time I finish it, he could be getting married, so I figured a couple of quick projects would hold them until the other is finished!

A Yarn Fairy Tale

2006-10-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, there was a Queen's Lady in Waiting who loved to knit. She searched high and low for the highest quality yarns. She searched out the very best prices (so as not to bankrupt the queendom). She told everyone she knew about the joys of knitting. She dreamt of fibers in all the colors of the rainbow.

What the Queen's Lady in Waiting most enjoyed was going to her LYS (local yarn store, for the uninitiated) to meet and greet with other knitters and to check out the latest and greatest fibers. It was important to her that she support her LYS because a good LYS is sometimes hard to find. So, she shopped there, and she told her knitting ladies in waiting friends to shop there. She spread their name far and wide, whenever and wherever she could (without their asking), so that the LYS might even enjoy more success.

One day, the Queen's Lady in Waiting went to her LYS to see what she could see. And she found a gorgeous Hanne Falkenberg kit that she had not seen a sample of before. Her LYS did not actually have a sample of the sweater to try on, but she was interested anyway, and decided to put the kit on hold so she could think about it. The price was dear, but worth it.

Being the savvy Lady in Waiting that she was she went home and did a little research on the Internet. The Prince had her hooked up with a cable connection. She found that if she ordered the exact same kit from Far, Far Away that she could actually save the crown over $100. Thus, she called back her LYS and told the fair young maiden there that she would not need to keep the kit on hold. She did this within 24 to 48 hours in consideration of the LYS, so that perhaps, though they had not sold it in months, that they might be able to sell it to someone, anyone.

Sadly, the young maiden at the LYS forgot to tell the owner, Lady Dragon, of the LYS immediately that the Lady in Waiting would not be taking the kit. Lady Dragon then became enraged when she read the Lady in Waiting's blog and found out that she dared save $100 by shopping elsewhere. She huffed and puffed and the fair young maiden who worked for her suggested to the Princess that she not come to the LYS for a while.

The Lady in Waiting was saddened by this because she thought that she had a good relationship with the LYS and that Lady Dragon would be the recipient of the majority of her knitting dollars. Surely to be upset over $100 seemed rather silly? Nonetheless, the Lady in Waiting soon became busy with other things. She continued to promote the LYS when she had a chance and she went about her daily Lady in Waiting business.

One fine autumn day, the Lady in Waiting was home with her Prince Charming and she thought, tonight would be a lovely night to pay a call on the fair young maiden at the LYS and to see some fellow yarn addicts. So, she packed up a bag full of yarn that she had purchased months and months ago at the LYS (they had a strict policy that on open knit night, you must knit with something you purchased at their store), she got in her carriage and parked her horses as close as she could get to the store.

The Lady in Waiting didn't get a very friendly reaction from Lady Dragon, but Lady Dragon's husband, as kind as always, greeted her nicely. And the young maiden was happy to have her join the group of ladies knitting.

The evening progressed. The Lady in Waiting decided to purchase around $100 worth of yarn that night to increase the size and scope of the project she was working on (the yarn purchased from the LYS, lo those many months ago). And the discussion turned to gauge.

The fair young maiden said that she thought that Addi turbo needles required one to decrease a needle size in order to get the proper gauge. The Lady in Waiting was surprised to hear this, but was glad to have the information. Lady Dragon, sitting fairly near to the young maiden (who was graciously helping someone with their knitting), said aloud, "I don't like Addi's" and then more quietly to her consort, "Kind of like I don't like you." The consort said, "Me?"Â And then Lady Dragon cocked her head in the direction of the Lady in Waiting.

The Lady in Waiting was stunned. Had she not looked up from her knitting, she would have thought that she merely misunderstood what Lady Dragon had said. But, her meaning was clear with the cock of her head. She didn't like the Lady in Waiting and that was that.

The Lady in Waiting, not knowing what else to say wondered aloud how anyone could be so rude. She calmly placed her needles down in her valise bid the fair young maiden and the kindly husband goodnight, and rode back to her castle.

Upon reflection, the Lady in Waiting realized, that truly, no good deed goes unpunished. Though the Lady in Waiting felt that she had been a loyal customer and promoter of her LYS, obviously for people like Lady Dragon, that was not enough. Certainly, she had heard from other customers how rude Lady Dragon could be, but the Lady in Waiting wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all wasn't Lady Dragon a businesswoman? And as such, isn't customer service let alone basic decency important to her?

These be dark times indeed.

Check your Boobies

2006-10-01T20:03:00.000-04:00

One year ago this month, my friend Loretta passed away from breast cancer. She was 34-years old and she left behind a wonderful husband, a giving, loving family, and a handsome, bright one and a half year old son.

When I attended her funeral, I believe it was her husband who said that Loretta was one to always send cards to remember birthdays and anniversaries, or to cheer up a friend . In honor of Loretta, and the impact she has had on my life, I've decided to post this reminder.

Do you do your self breast exams every month? I didn't used to. Loretta changed that for me. I turned 31 this month, which, if I am not wrong, is the age Loretta was when she found the lump. In our thirties, we aren't recommended to have mammograms yet. So, the only way you are going to find a potentially harmful lump is if YOU are checking. Because once a year at the GYN is not enough. You have to check. You need to get to know your breasts so that you know what is normal and what isn't.

My suggestion is this. We all have palm pilots or computers with one kind of calendar program or another. Our lives are busy and we keep our most important appointments in these calendars. So, it's time to start reminding yourself to do you breast exam because this is one of your most importatn appointments. Most important to your families, and most important to me, your friend.

Please, after finishing this post, go to your calendar, and make a recurring appointment for the first of every month to "CHECK YOUR BOOBIES." I've always thought the word boobies is funny, so for me, I'll see the reminder AND get a chuckle. And here's my promise to you. For the next three months, I am going to post a little reminder email on the first day of the month to CHECK YOUR BOOBIES.

If you want to, copy thid post and send this to your friends, and make the commitment to them that you will remind them for three months. I'd love for this post to reach as many people as possible. If each one reaches one, there will be a lot more of us checking our boobies and potentially saving our lives.

Lastly, if you do not know how to do a self breast exam, please visit this website (love that google) and follow the directions or get your GYN to show you on your next visit.

I love you girls! Love yourselves enough to do this!

Dum Dum Da Dumm

2006-09-29T12:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I expressed the socks to geeyouknit this morning. They should be on her doorstep tomorrow by noon. I'm not completely sure what is going on with Yarn Monkey who is in charge of the competition, but she still hasn't opened up the place where you post you are dead on the Forum. Oh well. Just wondering if the person who was to assassinate me has been killed yet.

I did send my target some goodies, hoping that will soften the blow!

The force (so far) is with me

2006-09-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

I'm still in process on said International Sock of Doom. It's actually going pretty well now that I have calmed down enough to realize that I need to get a grip on reality.

I am finishing the foot on the second sock so in all likelihood, I will get the sucker mailed out tomorrow. I'm probably going to pay big bucks for express Saturday delivery, but so be it. I've got to kill at least one person in this competition. The damn things are turning out fraternal, but I blame Regia. I started in what I thought was the exact same place on both balls, but they screwed me. I worry that it is insult to injury to be killed by fraternal socks, but what the hell? They can't all be pretty, they're DK weight for goodness sake! I'll try to post a photo tomorrow before I mail them!

One down . . .

2006-09-26T23:07:00.001-04:00

One more ever-loving sock to go. Unless of course, I don't get killed tomorrow, in which case, there will be others. But for now, the first sock is finished and I have casted on for the second, which better go faster. Thankfully, geeyouknit isn't frankenstein so I am only knitting size 8 socks!

I am feeling badly that I may assassinate, geeyouknit, because she just got dumped, on Rosh Hashannah no less. Of course, she fed-exed her socks that she already finished to England, so . . . not sure exactly how this works.

One down . . .

2006-09-26T23:07:00.000-04:00

Death wish

2006-09-25T22:39:00.000-04:00

I am on my third try of this [many, many expletives withheld] International Sock of Doom. You would think I just learned how to knit because clearly I have problems.

Okay, so I kind of ignored the DK weight part not once but twice. Though, in my defense the second time, the gauge was accurate and the yarn a bit thicker. But after watching Linda knitting hers today (Damn you for making me want to start over a third time), I realized, that I will at least have to be a gracious loser, so that when I am certainly killed first, based on my utter lack of ability to get this {more expletives withheld] pair completed, I will at least have something semi in progress to send to my assassin.

I met my yarn pusher at a restaurant (yes, Linda again) and she gave me two skeins of DK she had laying around (the same DK she is using for her sock) and then I headed off to Michaels because that was the only local place selling needles that was still open at 7:45 (as I raced around to be home in time to knit to Prison Break). And would you believe, Michael's doesn't stock circulars in a size smaller than 6 in any brand. This makes me hate the chunky eyelash scarf phase even more (and, yes, I too made some of those fugs) because I know damn well that is why they don't have smaller needles. So, I bought the sixes, I didn't do any kind of gauge swatch and I am off on yes, my third try of the first sock. The good news is that I found the errata in the pattern all by myself earlier today and fixed it accordingly. Damn that heel!

What was I thinking getting into this competition? And if by some chance in hell I manage to assassinate geeyouknit before I get killed, I'm screwed for next week because I have to have surgery on Thursday to have a soft tissue tumor (benign people) removed off of my shoulder. No, it couldn't be in my calf or somewhere more convenient to my knitting schedule. That would have been way too easy.

Seriously, what am I doing at this computer? I have to go knit that [so many expletives you can't even imagine] sock right now!!!!

The sock

2006-09-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

I've been working on this [expletive withheld] sock all day today. I have a cold and some other medical crap going on and my heart isn't in it. Except that I can't shake the feeling that the person who has to assassinate me, is hastily knitting her sock. I just screwed up the heel so I ripped out and I am getting ready to re-do. My goal is to get at least halfway done with the foot before I have to give up and go to bed. I can see that absolutely nothing will be getting done at my house for the next two days.

Sock Wars OMG

2006-09-23T08:20:00.000-04:00

I just got my target and I am totally freaking out. I have to get on this sock because it's going to take me long enough that I will probably be killed first, but try I must. Holly, are you knitting the International Sock of Doom already?

Cupido yarn

2006-09-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

My mom was in Rome, this week and last week. I'm not sure if she was able to go on the mohair quest today for the stash I wanted, but last week, she brought me the most amazing yarn. Cupido brand, I haven't seen it in the states, but it is just lovely. The deal was with this yarn, you had to buy 10 balls. And I think the balls came out to $5.70/ball. Way cheap if you ask me. So, the other flight attendant with her who knits took 5 of each color and I got five of each color and here is the passion! I showed the yarn to Jodi and she said it was from the same mill as another brand, but of course, now I can't remember which brand it was. I do know, however, that it was twice the price as how my mom was able to get it. It's just luscious! This is when the Internet lets me down because I can't let you reach out and touch it!