One more Political Post

Saw this on Lizzie's Loose Ends. She posted it because she wanted easy access to the speech and I am doing it for the same reason.


PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

And here's another sentiment that I recently saw and is worth repeating:

Rosa sat so Martin could walk so Barack could run.

Lord, I am so proud of this country

Political Junkie

Got up early and went out to vote. I had to wait about 20 minutes but lines for other election districts were much longer. I was the 207 person to vote in our election district, DH who went earlier than I did said he was 95. We figured out that that meant that there was about 100 people an hour coming through. A big turnout, very exciting! If you are reading this and haven't voted yet what are you waiting for?

I didn't take any knitting with me the day I volunteered for Obama, in the end I realized I'd be too busy and I was. We called people in Florida and asked them to vote for the Senator during early voting if possible or today (election day) if not. I got a lot of answering machines and left messages, had a few nasty people too but that's par for the course. It was fun and they even provided snacks and food for us.

Today after voting I went off to Barnes and Noble and got the holiday edition of Interweave Knits. A very nice collection of patterns and I am already planning on making a few things. Spent the rest of the day glued to MSNBC and working on my shawl. Which is pretty much how I plan on speding the rest of the day as well.

Saw this on KmKat's blog and couldn't resist stealing it.

Ya'll know who I'm voting for, but if you're for McCain I'm willing to listen so post in the comments.

Sock troubles

So I thought that DD's socks were coming along well until I realized that there was something not right about the gusset on one side. I am not sure where I went wrong as I followed the book's instructions. I think I go over to Knitting on the Lamb where I bought the yarn and needles and ask for help fixing it. But in any case I have to say I prefer the two needle method to the 4 needle one I'd been using. But I'd like to see how it works with some bamboo or other wood needles. I love my Addis but I think they may be too slippery to make socks comfortably.

Major disaster was averted this morning. DD is wearing her costume to school today but when she put it on the zipper broke and the only thing we could do was to take out a bunch of safety pins and pin the thing together. So DD has a line of safety pins runnign up her back. She declared the repair a success professing to like the look. That's my girl she rolls with the punches.

Socks Finally

Last night I pulled out DD's socks and got started on them again. I am now on the heel flap of sock #1 we'll see how I do when I get to the gusset which was what I had trouble understanding from the Cat Bordhi book. Sensational Socks has a more step by step explanation so I think I'll have more success with it. When I bought the yarn for these socks I got two skeins but now DD says that she wants anklets and I don't really need both skeins. I will either make another pair of anklets or use the yarn for something else. Unfortunately I had the LYS wind both skeins up into balls for me so I can't return the excess. This was before I had my swift and could easily wind the yarn myself. I've got to say I love my swift. It's made my knitting life so much easier, DD especially likes it, as I used to kidnap her to hold skeins while I wound then onto my ball winder. Why I ever got the winder without the swift is beyond me. While working on the heel flap I came to a break in the yarn. I don't remember that happening when they wound it up. Tried to do a Russian join with the yarn but couldn't manage it with the thin sock yarn and my Chibi needle so I just tied a knot. I don't think it will be a problem, it's pretty much swallowed up in the knitting and can't be felt.

This weekend I am doing something I haven't done in ages. I am volunteering on a political campaign. A volunteer from the Obama campaign called yesterday and asked if I'd be willing to volunteer to call people in Ohio and Pennsylvania this weekend. I thought about it and decided why not? So I'm giving a couple of hours on Saturday to make calls. I guess I'll bring some knitting with me in case there is any down time which I doubt. But I think it's best to be prepared don't you? What I need is a small bag to carry socks in, I've seen a few cute ones on the net and really should buy one for myself.

Speaking of bags to hold projects, are you like me and find that you collect tote bags? When I see one I like I always want to buy it. Question is do they count as stash? :)

Weekend Whine

I totally forgot that I was going to put some work in on DD's socks, and just never picked them up. They still sit alone and forlorn in their little bag, perhaps tonight, I've the house to myself and can really concentrate.

I was at work all weekend. Saturday 1:30-10:00 and Sunday 10:45-7:15. (the store closes at 9:30, or 7 opn Sunday, but we spend time cleaning up after that or at least they do on the floors that sell clothes. On the third floor we just stand around talking till it's time to punch out :>) This means that I am at the store for either lunch or dinner. Since I don't spend the entire hour eating I brought the candle flame shawl along to work on. Waste of time. On Saturday I spent the time fixing a mistake that I'd made on an earlier row. Today I saw that one of the Russian joins I'd made had become undone and that resulted in frogging a few rows with no time left to do any knitting. Arrgggh! It was, however, a decent weekend at the store because Captain Nice (my new name for my "wonderful" boss) wasn't in all weekend. I have a better than even chance of having to see him tomorrow but I am determined not to let him get to me this time. I also have to ask him to put in a personal day for me on Election Day. I have to work that night but I have plans to sit up watching election news all day on MSNBC (my favorite addiction besides knitting) so I am not going to go in. If he doens't give me the day I'm taking it unpaid. This is a historic election and I am not going to miss a thing if I can help it. (While I am on the subject I want to urge you all to vote. Vote for the candidate of your choice but vote. This is an important election and every vote counts. If you don't believe me ask Al Gore)

The crappish thing about this weekend was that my working kept me from a visit to see DS today. I miss him even though I talk to him almost every day, he's 18 but he's still my baby and it's not easy to have him away. Now I won't see him till Thanksgiving. At least they had good weather. They also made a great discovery. For years we have been fans of the fast food chain Sonic, which doens't exisit in this neck of the woods. Now Sonic is about the best fast food you can get if you have to eat fast food. Well today, DH called me at work to let me know that they had seen one in a town near where DS goes to school! This means regular visits to Sonic for us, we all couldn't be happier. Especially DD who has been known to shout "Why do you taunt me?" at Sonic commercials. :>

I'm still playing at dishcloths. I get unreasonably picky with them, always frogging and starting over. For the one I am doing now, I'm working on the Chinese Waves pattern. It's easy and makes a nice fabric. I have definitely decided that the washcloths are going to be part of a Christmas gift to my Meals on Wheels partner. I don't want to make this a big gift, she'd be uncomfortable with it, but I do want to give her something, and handmade feels right.

Bad couple of days here. My boss and I kept butting heads on Monday and it just depressed me. I can't stand the guy and to make it worse the store is putting a lot of pressure on us to keep sales up. We keep saying that no one is coming in and they will just have to accept that the economy is doing lousy. But they keep harassing us. Some of the managers are sympathetic and let us know that they are just doing their job and it's not personal; but the situation is not good and I wish I could look for another job. I can't really do that now because this time of the year retail jobs tend to be only for the Christmas season and I need a job that's permanent not temporary. Another side of me says I shouldn't have to leave. I like the people I work with and I like my hours (6-10 on nights when I work and occasionally longer hours on weekends) It fits with my lifestyle very nicely. It's only my manager, who I don't always see, that's the problem. But in any case I am stuck here for the time being.

DD had a great time last weekend at a Girl Scouts encampment (she and her friends insist on referring to it as a secret cult they feel a little funny telling the rest of the kids they are in Girl Scouts) She's going for her Gold Award (think Eagle Scout only for Girls) and they got a whole mess of leadership hours towards that. I had a great time with Girl Scouts as a kid and am glad that DD has joined up again after a few years hiatus. This troop are a nice bunch of girls and their Moms are easy to get along with too.

On the knitting front I'm once again starting washcloths only to frog them. I am way to picky about how they look. One thing I've realized working them is that I have to learn how to make cables without using a cable needle. I have a booklet called Cable Needle Freedom that should be a help and I know of some sites on the net with good instructions for how to do the technique. Has anyone out there successfully ditched the cable needle? For someone like me who really likes doing them it would probably be good to learn. I am going to spend some time tomorrow trying to learn how to do socks on two circular needles. As I've said before I am not happy with the results I am getting from using double points and think that this will work out better.

Had a comment from Megan of Knitting Like it's My Job about the knitting groups she is a member of. It's a bit of a drive for me but once in a while, when I am not working on a Saturday, it might be nice to go. I'd love to go to the group that meets here in my town but it's at night and I can't usually make it on days they meet because of work.

Got to go and start dinner, "talk" to ya'll soon.

And a Good Time Was Had by All

So as you can see from the pictures I did indeed go to see the Yarn Harlot at the Brooklyn stop on her current tour. I had a great time, even enjoyed the ride in as the woman next to me complimented my knitting. (always nice to be noticed!)

I got to Brooklyn early enough to snag dinner first and then get to the store in what I thought was plenty of time. Little did I know that several Brooklyn Knitters had got there even earlier but I was lucky and got a seat though there were few left and general agreement that the store didn't know what they were in for and should have given us more chairs. Everyone had knitting with them and I spotted a very nice Clapotis in the crowd right in front of me. Now that I've seen it in person I may just have to make it and get over my unnatural fear of dropping stitches on purpose. Everyone there, or so it seemed, was talking about going to Rhinebeck for the NY Sheep and Wool Festival. I wish I could have gone but the drive is just too long for me(I tend to get very sleepy behind the wheel and can't drive very long distances. Rhinebeck is about 3 hours away from me. Although when I said this to DH this morning he looked at me funny and said I should have told him I wanted to go as he would have been happy to spend a day in the country and would have driven there and back. Bless his heart, next year for sure).

Stephanie was funny, warm, and a joy to listen to. She spoke for a bit about being on tour and the experience of writing a book. Then she read an excerpt and signed books. I brought a washcloth to give to her and here I am on her blog holding it (scroll down for my picture you can also catch me looking down at my knitting in one of the crowd shots) grinning like an idiot. She said that she was doing something with all the washcloths she was getting but wouldn't tell me what it was I guess we all have to stay tuned to her blog to find out. I could have gotten a picture with her on my camera but I got a little flustered when she took my picture for her blog and I didn't ask.

It was a great day and I'm glad I went.

I finally fixed the dropped stitch on the sweater and got that going again. Now all I have to do is get moving on both pairs of socks I am making. I have said I am disappointed in the pair I am making for myself because one of the socks has a noticeable ladder on it that I cannot seem to correct no matter how I try. I've knitted this sock over so many times (it's the one I had been calling the cursed sock) that I just don't want to rip it out and do it again. I will just have to live with the ladder. I have given up on trying to figure out Cat Bordhi's directions for doing a sock on two circular needles and will try learning it from the Charlene Schurch's book so DD's are in limbo too. But I swear I am going to get to them this week. I have also been making dishcloths, not sure why or what I will do with them all, I'm thinking Christmas gifts paired with some home made melt and pour soap.

The Harlot signing books

A picture of Steph taking a crowd picture with the famous traveling sock.

Picture of Stephanie just after she walked in. Sorry it's not better but I was using DD's camera and didn't know how to zoom.

More crowd pictures.

Here's a picture of the crowd waiting for Stephanie to walk in. It was like being at a guild or SnB meeting. Nearly everyone knitted while we waited.

Well I finally got the washcloth done plus another one that depicts the map of the state of New York that I made for the Yarn Harlot. As I said people tend to bring washcloths to her appearances so I thought that this one would be a good choice. Hopefully I will actually be able to give it to her.

This afternoon DD and I went to the mall (not the one I work at but another one nearby. I try to avoid going to the mall I work at on a day when I am scheduled to work. I feel that one trip there a day is enough! :->) and I bought a sweater at Coldwater Creek. It was really soft and I got DD laughing when I insisted that we find the content label to see what it's made out of (to shock it was acrylic.) I was not going to buy it unless I knew what it's content was. I've become a fiber geek, it's official.

Tomorrow is my trip to see the Yarn Harlot, to which I will try to bring a camera. My plan is to arrive at the store about 1 1/2 hours early so as to get a decent seat. I have to be on the 3:11 train leaving my town so I have enough time to navigate the NY City subway system down to the store where she is appearing. I'll just bring a current WIP to work on while I wait I doubt very much that I will be the only one doing that. :)

Slowly Driving Myself Insane

The last two days I have been playing with dishcloth cotton. Notice that I didn't say knitting with it. That would be because every time I may some progress I decide I don't like the design or I make a mistake, or the thing is turning out too big or too small. I'm looking for a simple uncomplicated pattern that will work up into decent wash cloth. Ah well, at least I finally got a crochet hook to use in fixing the sweater.

Rambling Along

I have realized that the shawl I am working on will require more yarn than I have on hand. That's what I get for jumping into this without considering the yardage needed. So I will have to place an order to Knitpicks this week. (twist my arm why don't you :>) Not sure how much I need but I'll over order just in case. Of course the dye lots aren't going to match but that's OK I don't really mind.

But in the truly exciting news the Yarn Harlot is coming to New York to Brooklyn specifically. It's on a day when I don't have to work so I am going to go and see her! Up on Ravelry I was told to show up at least an hour early if I expect to get a seat. So I'm going to get on an early train, eat something in Brooklyn and hightail it over to the bookstore with my knitting. I am considering starting a couple of washcloths so that will most likely be what I bring with me as it's small and lots of people seem to bring washcloths to Yarn Harlot appearances. I could bring a pair of socks but I am not happy with the ones I am working on for myself and have yet to get the hang of the ones on two circulars that I am making for DD.

Tomorrow is Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement when Jews are supposed to fast and consider their actions over the past year, repent of sins, and ask forgivness of others (as well as give forgiveness. In fact if you don't forgive you will not be forgiven) I have long since stopped following the exact rules of the day. I can't fast due to having to take meds that cannot be taken on an empty stomach, and I am not so sure I believe in the sort of God that asks that of us anyway. Buddhism is much more my thing. But we do at the least have a dinner the night it starts. I am supposed to go to work tomorrow but I've already told my manager that I am not coming in and just have to tell my co-worker that as well. Technically I shouldn't work on Thursday either but since I'm not religious I don't really care and have not real problem going in. I have tons to do tomorrow, I am still doing my Meals on Wheels run, and I have to cook dinner (there's a traditional dinner the night the Holiday starts before you fast) for DD, DH and I as well as bake a Challah. I had a lot of success with a recipie that I got off of the King Arthur Flour site. It's a Challah that is stuffed with apples and it's just delicious. Seems funny to focus on food for a holday that involves fasting.

Big news about the sweater that had the mistake in one of the cables. I found the dropped stitch! So if I am careful with a crochet hook I may be able to repair it without frogging. I haven't got a crochet hook that's an appropriate size in the house so I will have to go out to the store and get one. Or maybe I'll just add it to my Knitpicks order. I should have one around for just this sort of repair anyway.

Lately I've been spending time up on Ravelry. Lord, what a time sink that place can be! Last night I sat down at the computer to check on a few threads I'd been following there and before I knew it an hour had gone by. It's like eating peanuts or potato chips once you start it's hard to stop. One thing I haven't done is enter my stash. Frankly I'm embarassed by the amount of crappy acrylic that I have. A while back I asked people where I could get rid of it. You know, a charity or something. Unfortunately, the people I contacted at the charity never responded to my email so I am still stuck with the stuff. I should knit it up into things for donation but a lot of charities ask for wool now because it's so much warmer. I'd almost be willing to just dump the lot of it but that seems extreme (My fiber obsessions must have rubbed off on DH and DD over the years because they were both horrified when I suggested doing that). So I ask you all once again any ideas for getting rid of or using up my stash of junky acrylic?

Food and knitting

Rosh Hashanna begins tonight which means that today I am busy cooking and baking. The house smells wonderful right now with the combined scents of chicken soup and brisket. Soon enough I'll be adding my home made challah to the mix. I love the smell of baking bread. DS will not be with us for the holiday, but we will call him tonight and speak with him. Tomorrow we go to a friends' house for dinnner (the holiday is two days long with a major dinner each night).

Knitting wise I am being lazy and haven't corrected the error I made on my sweater. I am avoiding it because I don't relish the idea of frogging several rows of carefully made cables. There isn't an obvious hole in the thing so I am not sure where the error was, that has me a little nervous. But I am reasonably sure that the error is not that far down. I suppose I could just unravel the cable part but doubt my ability to do that correctly. I've never done it with cables and have no idea how to rework it so the error is fixed and the section cabled correctly. So it will sit for a couple more days till I get the courage to tackle this. The shawl is coming along nicely. Not sure how big I am going to make it. I'll just keep trying it on till it feels right. Working on it has gotten me to think again about a fingering/laceweight shawl. Let me finish and blok this one first.

Well I have to go off and play with some bread dough. L'shanna Tova to you all.

Knitting in Public

After being in pain for a few weeks I finally went to the podiatrist this morining to have my right foot looked at. After some examining and a few x-rays he told me that I needed a soft cast on it for two weeks and mucho ibuprophen to clear up the inflamation. I'll have to go out and get a pair of black sneakers to wear to work in the meantime because regular shoes will not fit over the cast. (We have to dress in black at work and my sneakers are not only tan but so beat up I will not wear them to work. I need new ones anyway) I'm also going to have to wrap it up in plastic to take showers always a joy to do.

I got some knitting done in the waiting room and even got a compliment from another patient who was waiting for x-rays. She commented that she tries to knit every few years and never manages to get the hang of it. We chatted for a bit and I suggested that she try continental style which I think is easier.

The candle flame shawl is coming along nicely after a few too many false starts while I learned the pattern. At first I had to keep one eye on the instructions and one on my knitting then I got the hang of it and don't need the instructions anymore.

Open house at the high school tonight. I get to walk around the school and meet DD's teachers, she can't come along as she did last year because she has marching band rehersal at the same time. She's giving me a map, which I am not optomistic about being able to follow. I am severely directionally challenged and don't do well with maps. So if I don't show up here in a few days send out a search party I may still be wandering the halls of the high school looking for where to go.

Arrrgh!

I was working on my sweater this afternoon when I realized that one of the cables that was supposed to have 12 stitches in it had only 11. Now I have to go and frog back to find the error. What a pain.

To pacify myself I started a new project. I'm making the candle flame shawl out of red Wool of the Andes.

DH is going to see DS tomorrow. I can't go because I have to work. Life stinks like that sometimes.

Thrummed Knitting

Lupie wanted to know what Thrummed Knitting is. As I understand it, it's the process of putting tufts of material into your knitting to make it warmer. Usually done on mittens. It just never appealed to me.

A Knitting Meme

Saw this on the blog Knitting the Blues and thought it would be fun to do.

The rules:

1. Bold the things you've done.
2. Green the things you are currently doing.
3. Red out the things you've abandoned or will never attempt.
4. Italicize the things you want to try.

Afghan
American/English Knitting (vs. Continental knitting)
Baby Items
Bobbles
Buttonholes
Cable stitch patterns (including Aran)
Cardigan
Charity knitting
Continental knitting
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Darning
Designing knitted garments
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Drop stitch patterns
Dyeing with plant dyes
Dyeing yarn
Entrelac
Fair Isle knitting
Freeform knitting
Fullling/felting
Gloves
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Hair accessories
Hat
Holiday related knitting
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies.....)
I-cord
Intarsia
Jewelry
Kitchener Bind Off
Knitting a gift
Knitting and purling backwards
Knitting for a living
Knitting for pets
Knitting for preemies
Knitting in public
Knitting items for a wedding
Knitting socks
Knitting to make money
Lace patterns
Longtail Cast On
Machine knitting
Mittens: Cuff up
Mittens: Top down
Moebius band knitting
Norwegian knitting
Olympic knitting
Participating in a Knit-a-long
Pillows
Publishing a knitting book
Purses/bags
Rug
Scarf
Shawl
Short rows
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Slip stitch patterns
Slippers
Socks: toe up
Socks: top down
Steeks
Stockinette stitch
Stuffed toys
Swatching
Sweater
Teaching a child to knit
Teaching a male to knit
Textured knitting
Thrummed knitting
Toy or doll knitting
Tubular Cast On
Twisted stitch patterns
Two ended knitting
Writing a pattern

Well there you have it. If you decide to do the meme let me know I'd love to read your list!

Whoops

My friend Lupie rightly points out that she has done this meme already so I am now tagging The Grimm Witch of Jersey Enjoy and sorry Lupe I should have just looked down one more entry! I just didn't remember that you answered this one already.

A Challenge

Pepper of Geek of all Trades tagged me with this meme. So here goes:

What are the last 3 things you purchased?
A book, a shirt and some food

What are the last three songs you downloaded?
Haven't done that in a while and don't remember

What are the three best places you visited?
Vermont, Cape Cod and Israel

What are your three favorite movies?
Mr. Roberts, A Lion in Winter and Beckett

What thee things can you not live without?
Books, my knitting, and a decent box of cereal (I eat it every morning)

What would be your three wishes?
I wish that DS would be safe and happy when he grows up
I wish DD would get into the college of her choice and not have to worry about paying for it
I wish I could lose the 50 pounds I have to take off (ok it's really 49 but I like round numbers)

What are three things you haven't done yet?
Learn to swim decently (I can get by in the water enough not to drown but I can't really swim well)
Run or walked a marathon
Fold the clothes we washed yesterday(grin)

What three Celebrities do you want to hang out with the most?
Sandy Koufax -(one of the all time great pitchers)
Temple Grandin- (an adult with autism that has had a successful life.)
Death Cab for Cutie - (my favorite band)

Name three things that freak you out
Roller coasters
Mice
driving out of town always afraid I'll get lost in a strange place. DH OTOH is a human GPS and never gets lost.

What are your three favorite dishes?
Sushi
Chicken Mole (a mexican dish that is very yummy)
mashed potatoes

Name Three Things you are good at.
Knitting
Baking Bread
Counted cross stitch

What are three things you are currently coveting?
The Yarn Harlot's new book
A decent collection of men's sweater patterns
a Tivo

These are three bloggers I will send this challenge to:
Knitnana
Knitting with my Mother's Hands
Vixenpath

An Update and Random Thoughts

I finally had my stress test at the doctor and fortunately everything is fine. He told me to continue taking the medication he'd prescribed (a beta blocker to help my heart work better and a cholesterol lowering medication) and come back in a year. He also told me in no uncertain terms that I had to exercise daily and lose weight. Well the exercise thing is not so hard to do. I can walk the neighborhood or use my Wii Fit. The Wii Fit is a lot of fun it's a "game" for the Nintendo Wii that has aerobics, balance games, yoga and strength games on it. You can get quite a workout on this thing. I highly recomend it to anyone who has a Wii system. (If you can find it that is. the Wii Fit is in high demand and it took weeks for us to nail one) Losing weight is another story. This has never been easy for me but I have no choice and have to take it off. I figure I need to lose 49 pounds. (Yikes!) So I hauled myself back to Weight Watchers and have been following it the last two days. It does work when you work at it but my problem is that I start resenting the program after a few months. This time resentment or no I have to stick with it. My health is involved not just my looks.

I am making good progress on my aran sweater; finished the back the other day and started the front. I should put in more time on the thing but I've also gotten into this wonderful book called The Street of a Thousand Blossoms. I highly recommend it especially if you're like me and love anything to do with Japan. I know I keep promising pictures and I do plan to post some over due ones this weekend. I haven't been working on the socks all that much, I should pick them up and try to finish them. I am disappointed in the socks. I have a ladder that I cannot seem to eliminate no matter how hard I try. But they do look good othewise and the ladder isn't too noticible but I know it's there and it bothers me. Tell me all does working on two circular needles make for a lack of ladders or am I going to have the same problem with DD's socks (which you may remember are my first attempt at socks on two circulars) ?

Had issues in my kitchen this week. We've had trouble with pantry moths in the past. They are annoying little buggers and hard to get rid of. This time we are getting real serious with our latest plague of flying annoyances bent on eating my food. I spent time yesterday cleaning out our pantry closet, throwing things out that looked like the bugs had gotten to them and wiping out the interior throughly. Now we are having the exterminator in to do a treatment. That will hopefully take care of the problem once and for all. Being a Buddhist I have a hard time with killing bugs. I'm one of those people who takes them outside and sets them free. But for pantry moths I make an exception. They are that bad.

We had DS in for 2 1/2 weeks at the end of August. One week was spent at Cape Cod which we all enjoyed and would like to go back to one of these days. The second week was spent at home seeing his friends and watching too much TV. By far this was the best visit ever with DS. This new progam at his school really seems to be making a difference with him. He loves having the vocational training and talks constantly about getting a job. It's hard having him away at boarding school but he's doing so well I cannot complain.

DH had a look at my blogroll and asked me if I actually read them all. For the most part I do. I have them all on bloglines and check them once or twice a day. I skim some blogs and some like, the Yarn Harlot, I read word for word. Not all of them update on a daily basis so it's not as hard as you might think to keep up. However, the list is getting a little ridiculous and I should pare it down a bit. I just hate to miss a good blog and it's hard not to add them to the list. How many blogs do you all read on a daily or somewhat daily basis?

Thanks again to those who commented and wrote about my recent scare with my health. It really helped to know I had friends in cyberspace.

Various Things

Hello all. Not much of a knitting nature to report. DH's sweater was blocked and sewed up and he was happy with it. The sweater I was making for myself is coming along nicely and the socks for myself (formally known as the cursed socks) are nearly done.

Got a bit of a scare healthwise. I went to the doctor because I had been complaining of a post nasal drip to DH and he wanted me to see the doctor as I also felt a tightness in my throat and a heaviness on my chest and thought it might be my asthma rearing it's head again. Well I got to the doctor and told him my symptoms. He checked me over and then said he wanted to do an EKG. I was kind of surprised but had no problem with it so consented. When he had read it he told me that there were subtle changes in my EKG and he had arranged for the cardilogist to see me after I took a chest x-ray. (it's a multi-specialty medical group so they are all in one building). Well I was a little worried but went along with it and saw the cardiologist who also took an EKG and found subtle changes in it. I had had a cholestrol test a few weeks back and they pulled it out. My cholesterol was way elevated, (231 to be exact) and he immediatly wrote out a perscription for a cholesterol lowering drug as well as something to "help my heart" I also had to make appointments for an echocardiogram and a stress test. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was surprised to say the least because I'd never had trouble with my heart before. Was I scared? Not really, just pissed off in the extreme that I'd let this happen to me.

Well I've taken this to be wakeup call. The medication for my heart has gotten rid of the tightness in my throat as well as the feeling of heaviness in my chest which I now know are symptoms of angina. I've started walking again and have been closely watching my diet. Got a great book called the New 8-Week Cholesteral Cure. It's got all kinds of info on how to cut down cholesterol and strenghten your heart. I've never been really sick, always a healthy person but I've kind of taken it for granted in the last few years. I've put on way too much weight and haven't been at all careful over what I ate, hardly exercised. That has to change now I no longer have the luxury of sitting back and doing nothing. I've been distinctly told by the doctors that I have to take this into my hands and do something about it. Wish me luck.

Time to Finish

DH's sweater is done but for the sewing and blocking. I would have blocked it this weekend but DS was in and the best place in the house to block out the pieces is the floor of his room.(nobody is in it most of the time after all) Pictures will follow when it's all done.

I stared the sweater that I wrote about in my last post. It's fun if a little difficult to work because the yarn doesn't have any elasticity. But it's going to look gorgeous and I am happy with it. The sock yarn I bought that day is in the process of becoming my first socks on circular needles. I'm having a little trouble with the directions and will go back to Knitting on the Lamb for some help tomorrow.

I have a question for anyone that's reading this. I have a stash of old acrylic yarn bought when I was young and foolish and not a fiber snob. ( I use acrylic but not the old plastic type of yarn which a lot of this stuff is). Can anyone suggest a place that might take the yarn from me. A charity or a school or something? I'd hate to just throw it out. DH bless his hear was horrified when I suggested doing that, but knitting it all into preemie hats just isn't practical and a lot of other charities only take items made with wool yarns.

Another Sweater

Checked out a new (well new to me) LYS yesterday. Knitting on the Lamb is a nice store good stock of yarn and a very friendly owner. I chose to make an oversized Aran sweater made from raw silk yarn. Yes silk. Surprisingly it's not overly expensive at about $7.50 a skein. I don't do too many sweaters and this one will be for me. I'd like to have it done by the time we go on vacation this summer so I can take it along. The yarn is being ordered for me as they didn't have enough at the store. DD will come along when i pick it up so she can pick out some yarn for a pair of socks I plan to make for her. These socks will be done on two circular needles, a technique I've been wanting to learn.

But back to the sweater. I took one skein home, along with an Addi Turbo needle #7 to swatch it with. Unfortunately I didn't hit gauge with this combo and think I have to go down a size to make it. Gauge is 18 stitches to the inch and I'm at 16 to the inch. So I'll try a size six needle next time. The suggested gauge on the ball band was 16 to the inch on number 7 needles so at least I know my tension is reasonable.

The socks formally known as cursed are coming along. I have done the gusset on one and am on the heel flap of the other (had to do some ripping back to fix a counting error). The sweater for DH is up to the armholes on the back. So that's had some good progress too.

The Sweater Revisited

Well after thinking about it quite a bit I decided to totally bag DH's sweater and use the yarn to make him a simple pullover. Boring I know but the yarn is sort of marbled and the simplicity of stockinette stitch will show it off to good advantage. I'm doing a drop shoulder, with the possibility of a rolled collar, DH hasn't decided if that's what he wants yet. The gauge swatch is in process and I will use the pattern in The Knitters Handy Guide to Sweater Patterns.

The now formally cursed socks are coming along very nicely. I have one done down to the heel flap and the other almost to the heel flap. (I always work the two at the same time so I don't get second sock syndrome) I have Cat Bordhi's book Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles on order from the library and plan to make the next pair using that method, perhaps doing two socks on the two circulars. I don't mind using double points, I rather like them in fact, but I want to add the other technique to my skills.

I promise pictures as soon as I find the blasted camera. :)

Thought You Got Rid of Me Didn't You?

Well after entirely too long a lay off I am back in the saddle again with this blog. The cursed socks stayed cursed and were relegated to UFO status until I picked them up again this past week and have been working on them steadily. The sweater for DH got relegated to UFO status as well but I plan to do something with it this coming week. The sweater was/is an aran knit that did not come with a chart so it's a little hard to figure out how it's supposed to look. Row two of the instructions made no sense but I think I can figure it out. My LYS closed but the owner still sells from her house so I think I may contact her via email and ask if she'd be willing to go over the pattern with me and I'd pay her for her time. What do you all think of that?

In new projects I am going to try to teach myself how to do socks on two circular needles, Sensational Knitted Socks, which I have a copy of, has directions and I am going to try it with a pair of socks that I plan to make for DD.

To update you on the family and myself, I've changed jobs since last I was here. I work now at a local department store a few nights a week and then some weekend time. DD is in High School now and DS continues to do well at his boarding school. (you may remember that DS has autism and goes to a school for kids with special needs) DH is doing well at his job and keeps wondering about his sweater :) The kitchen project I mentioned in the blog is long done and came out great!

I've made some changes to the sidebar, eliminated the podcast list as many of them had given up the ghost I will produce a new list soon. If anyone knows of a good blog that I don't list let me know about it. I'm always on the lookout for a new blog. It can be knitting related or not.

Wonderful package from my Tea Swap Pal! Trekking yarn, a chocolate cat, 3 kinds of tea a tea infuser, sour gummy watermelon slices and some nuts. Can't wait to dig into it 

Filling in

Just want to fill you in on a few developments. As you can see from the picture I got a great package from my secret pal. Pistachios are a real favorite of mine, and I am looking forward to the book. So many little things that add up to a wonderful surprise.

We are going away on vacation from August 20th to the 27th. Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. While we're gone they're going to come and rip out the kitchen and re-sheetrock the walls, paint and get ready for my tile guy to come in. I'll take photos of the room naked without appliances and cabinets when I get home.

DS will be coming home tomorrow, we're going to go pick him up from school and leave early on Sunday morning. Lots to do before then the kitchen has to be boxed up, we're far along with that but have more to do. Dishes and food in my pantry closet. We'll set up a mini kitchen in the living room with the coffee maker and a cheap microwave to use for the duration. Lot's of eating out the next few weeks. Wish us luck.

A few days late here is the latest fabulous package from my utterly wonderful Secret Pal. 

Quick Update

The cabinets for the kitchen are being delivered today. I am starting to be very nervous and also excited about this project. So many things can go wrong, and I am sure that some small things will, but in the end it will all work out. Not sure of the precise start date right now but I will keep you guys posted when I do.

DS and DD are doing well DS comes home for two weeks, or so, starting on the 18th. On the 20th, my birthday, we are leaving on a weeks vacation to Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Also going to Washington DC to visit my BIL. For Busch Gardens we are going to get a pass to get through the lines easier with DS. He has trouble waiting sometimes and we want the option to get through the lines easier. They have a special pass for people who are disabled so DS qualifies for it. I hate the looks we get from people when we use these passes but we are entitled to it so I try to ignore them.

Long Overdue

Here's a long overdue post from me. Some questions posed by the folks at Secrect Pal 8

1. What is your favorite season of the year and why?

Fall is my favorite season. The weather is great not too hot or cold, and I love to see the trees turn color.

2. Summer is hot. What do you knit in Summer?

I do socks and hats.

3. If money was no object.....what would you buy at the LYS?

Probably some cashmere

4. What are some activities that have become family traditions for your family?

Here's a silly one: we go out on New Years Day to the mall and buy all the calendars we need for the year at half price. It started out as a joke when we first got married but we do it every year so I guess it's a tradition now.

5. What is the weather right now?

Hot and a little muggy but pleasant because it's sunny and not raining!

That's it for the questions.

Not much else going on. Promise to post in a couple of days.

House

House is the only TV program that I make it a point never to miss. Unfortunately, I didn't discover the show until this, it's second season. So when DD (she is as addicted to this show as I am) and I saw the first season in the local Best Buy, on DVD, we grabbed it. We've been enjoying catching up with our favorite characters, seeing how the developed over time. Best of all is the quality mother daughter time we are getting as a result. If you haven't checked out House yet you can find it on Fox on Tuesday nights at 8 and again at 9. (they're running two episodes through the summer)

Disaster on sock two today. I accidentally pulled out one of the working needles and have to frog back to get it right again. ARGHH! The universe doesn't want this pair done. I'm working it very slowly due to lack of time these days, which I think makes it twice as frustrating when I have a set back.

DS got back to school basically OK. He had a day when he went a little haywire at school, but that is typical for him the day after he gets back. I wish we could find a way to transition him better but there doesn't seem to be anyway but time. I will speak to the psychologist and the case manager at school to see if anything can be done.

On the kitchen front we looked at tiles today and think we found what we want, or at least have it nailed down to two different ones. Now I have to get this coordinated with my contractor as one tile place said lay the tiles after the cabinets are done and another said do it before. I have to ask what he usually does. We are going with porcelain tiles in a sort of beige color. I'll try to post a picture when we make up our minds on which one we're going to use.

As promised pictures of my kitchen as it is now prior to the renovation. We are now scheduled to start at the end of August beginning of September.

Note the total lack of counter space

Short Update

Not much knitting getting done lately. DS is home from school and I've been busy with him and a thousand things around the house. DS is doing well I'm happy to say, cooperative and in a good mood the whole time he's been home. Not necessarily a given for a kid like him (he has autism and a few other problems which is why he goes to a special school away from home. No school here could meet his needs). I'm proud of him. Tonight we took him out for his 16th birthday, and had cake and presents. Tomorrow is a family BBQ in his honor as well.

The Kitchen cabinets have finally been ordered now we have to schedule with the contractor. I will post some before photos sometime this week so you can see how rotten my kitchen looks now and why I desperately need a new one.

Sock 2 of the Lorna's Laces pair is now in the middle of the heel flap. (I'm usually faster than this but as I said there's not been much knitting going on around here) I hope to be done with the heel this weekend which will put the two socks even. Then I'll start switching off between them till they're both done.

Ramblings

Not much going on around here which is why I haven't been posting. DS is coming home for a week and a bit starting on Saturday. I can't wait to see him. It's a drag that I have to work for three days this week (I work part time and only work Monday to Wednesday) and won't have the time with him, but DH will be taking off those days so they have some time for father son bonding. DD is finishing school this Friday and starts Day Camp on Monday. She loves this camp and seeing the same kids each Summer. They've all been together for years now and really have developed friendships. DD has no interest in going to Sleep Away camp and having been forced to go myself when I was little, I have no interest in making her go. She's independent for a 12 year old and I don't think she misses anything in not going away to camp.

The socks are coming along well and I will post pics as soon as #2 matches #1.

I still despair over DH's sweater. First of all I want to make him something, second of all I like working on Aran's. I will try one more time to get the pattern to work and them I will look for a new one that can use the same yarn. I'll never buy a pattern from Sirdar again, even though I love the yarn.

Knit in Public Day

I was lucky to be able to get some KIPing in on this second annual Worldwide Knit in Public Day. We took my MIL to the store to bring in her furs for the winter and we had to wait. So I pulled out my sock and knitted away. Didn't get a lot done but I got a few rows in. So did you knit in public today? If so where and how?

Waiting on a call from my contractor before I can order the cabinets for the kitchen. We always seem to be waiting on someone for this project. It's going to take 6-8 weeks for the cabinets to come in and so I am anxious to get the order in ASAP. Well I called on Friday I'm sure he'll get back to me on Monday. In a comment Jenn asked me to post before, during and after photos. I will do that when the project gets closer to actually getting done.

The sock I was working on today is actually the second sock from the Lorna's Laces socks I am making. True to the history of these socks I had to cast on three times before I got what I liked. Maybe I should call this one Brother of the cursed sock ;). I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have a repeat of the problems I had with the first one.

My shoulder has been better the last two days, still stiff but not as painful. I've had the x-ray now I just have to get back to the doctor to get them looked at. After that I will most likely have an MRI. With luck the rotator cuff is not torn. Physical therapy I can handle, but I'd like to avoid surgery if possible. My thanks to Ruinwen for her good wishes about my shoulder.

Updates

It occurs to me that I never said what happened at the arthritis doctor. Well it's not exactly my arthritis, I either have a torn rotator cuff or something called an impingement. That means that some muscles are pinching others causing the pain in my shoulder. My research online reveals that this can result from bursitis, tendonitis or arthritis. So I'm in for some x-rays and most likely an MRI. If I'm lucky it's the impingement as that is treated by physical therapy, the rotator cuff tear would mean surgery. So think good thoughts and I'll continue updates

Have I mentioned we're doing our kitchen over? Well finally after many false starts we have a contractor that's willing to do the work. I just called today to leave a message saying we agreed to the price please send a contract. A lot of the work will have to be done while I am not at home as both DS and I have to work. I have to put a lot of trust into these folks. But the neighbor across the street is a relative of the contractor so I am fairly comfortable with the arrangement. Finally new cabinets (needed), new floor (badly needed), new appliances (very badly needed). The kitchen is around 40 years old. The oven is original equipment, and for someone who likes to bake a horror. The cook top, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are newer but also in need of replacement. I don't know if I should say yipee, or recoil in horror at the thought of what's about to happen. (the kitchen will be totally gutted down to the wall studs) Wish us luck.

On the knitting front not too much has happened as of late. I'm still working on the cursed sock (not so cursed at the moment it's working fine thank you), and have not yet taken out the baby blanket to work on, but I will. The comments on the blog totally decided me.

Success!!

I took Leigh Ann's advice and left the sock alone for a bit. Then instead of taking the easy way out, I frogged back to the start of the heel and got the right number of stitches this time after it was fully turned. Persistence is a virtue. Now all I have to do is get the gusset right and it's smooth sailing. One day a picture will appear on this site I promise :). I will be starting sock two as soon as the gusset is done. This is the way I work all my socks. First I get one to the foot, then the other and after that I alternate the two. I find I avoid second sock syndrome that way. The owner of my LYS liked my idea so much she now advises all her sock classes to do the same thing.

Knitter's Tea Swap

If you go to the blog Knitter's Tea Swap. You will see the other fabulous package I got.

Look at the wonderful package I got from my Secret Pal! Sock yarn, two patterns, yummy candy (my fave is the sour gummy worms) Incense, bath salts, tea and two books. The woman knows how to spoil me! 

The Curse Of The Sock Returns

What is it about this sock of mine? I cannot seem to do anything right with it. After puzzling out the error I made turning the heel (worked on the wrong number of stitches), it looks like there now will be one fewer stitch than needed, I don't know why and I don't care at this point. I'm just going to do a make one and be done with it. Honestly, I don't know what is wrong with me on this thing, I've done 7 pairs of socks with no problems before this. *sigh* I will chalk it up to karma and move on.

DS has been in from school the last few days and goes back tomorrow. DH will take him to meet his train (they send staff up from school to ride with the kids they don't go alone ever) while I will go to work. I'm glad he's doing it, aside from the fact that DS seems to like it when DH takes him back for the return trip, I think I'd just lose it. He'll be up for a week at the end of June as well as 2 weeks or so at the end of August. In between times we visit him and talk daily on the phone. I know he's doing well at school and that this is the right place for him, but I miss him so much a times. He was so good this weekend it's hard to let him go again.

DD marched in our town and the town next over's Memorial Day Parade with the middle school marching band. Our school district takes in both towns so they do both parades each year. DS not being a fan of parades stayed home with DH, last year I did the same. It was nice to see her march and the kids did so well! Nothing like small town America I say. (there are only 7000 people in my town, our school district only has about 3500 kids K-12, that's less people than in my entire high school when I was a student)

Well, we're off to dinner with friends, wish me luck with the traffic.

Baby blanket dilemma

I started a baby blanket for my nephew a long while back. The baby is near to a year old now should I still send it to him if I make a push to finish it. I feel a little silly about it now. I made one for his sister and felt I had to make one for him, but just lost interest in it. It's a feather and fan pattern in blue. Rather pretty actually I just got bored with it. Opinions are wanted on this there's not too much of the blanket to be done.

The sock and scarf continue to move along nicely, but slowly. I haven't had much time to knit lately. Hope to get some solid time in today after I clean up the house. Still no ideas on what to do about DH's sweater. I'm thinking of writing to Sirdar and asking if there are any errata for the pattern. If I don't come to a solution soon I will bag this sweater and look for something else to make him with the yarn. It's a wonderful yarn and shouldn't just sit.

To my vast disappointment I found the envelope I put the stitch markers in for my tea swap pal on the table I packed the stuff into the box on. I feel bad that I didn't send them. Don't think I mentioned them in my note. I also realized I didn't make suggestions on what to do with the yarn as you are supposed to. But I figure that two skeins of Regia sock yarn make the use kind of obvious. Still haven't heard from her that she got it even though I know it was delivered. Maybe she's busy or just didn't like what I sent. I suppose I can give it a week or so till I ask about it from the people who run the swap. Nice to hear from my swap pal and excited to see what I get. I promise pictures as soon as it arrives.

One more round of doctor appointments next week. Another dentist visit, which I hope will be less painful than the last. I've been good about flossing and using the Listerine as directed so it should go better. Aside from the fact that it will have been only two weeks since my last visit rather than 5 years :). I'm also seeing the arthritis doctor. I cannot take the pain in my right shoulder any more. I can't reach with the arm as I am supposed to without pain, can't put it behind my back. I hope he can do something for me. It's been months with no improvement. I'll keep you all posted.

Doctor Day

A few days ago I posted about going to some doctor appointments. Today was day the day. The dentist was just awful. It's been about 4 years since I've gone so there's no one to blame but me. The cleaning actually hurt, and I have to go back for another one in two weeks because there was so much buildup. Two cavities as well. *sigh* The money aspect aside ( and we don't have dental insurance) this was a big wake up call. I will never, ever wait so long to go to the dentist. Every six months from now on I swear. The Pulmonary doctor my GP sent me to had a good report. He said my lung function test was good, but that I do still have to deal with my very mild asthma, and that the cough was most likely from that. So I now have an inhaler again (I used to have one but haven't used it in so long it got lost) and a prescription for Singuliar which will take care of my allergies as well. Next are a pair of appointments to deal with my arthritis. (do I or do I not sound like a little old lady down by the pool in Florida complaining about my aches and pains?)

DH asked if I actually read all the blogs on my list. The answer is sort of. Some I always read like Yarn Harlot, some I skim, some I skip from time to time. Thank God for Bloglines it's so much easier to keep up that way.

Got the last things I needed for my tea swap pal today. I'll be mailing it tomorrow assuming I can locate our ever disappearing packing tape. I sure hope she likes what I send. I'm throwing in some stitch markers I made as well. They are so easy to make and everyone can use them. I always like to throw in a few when I do a package like this. I also mailed off some squares for the Warming Grace challenge for blue squares yesterday. I love to do charity knitting, and if you don't already do some, I urge you to lend your talents to some worthy group. You'll get much more than you give I promise.

Thanks to Ruinwen and Dipsy D for their kind comments on the scarf. I'm using Noro Kureyon color 163. A gift from a Secret Pal a while back. I love the way the colors change and think the pattern really enhances it.

I Find This Truly Frightening

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Bill Gates

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

Multidirectional scarf 

The "Cursed Sock" in progress 

All's Well That Ends Well

We had a beautiful day for our visit to DS. Sunshine and the home team won. We surprised DS with a visit from his best friend and his parents which totally delighted him. DS gave me two Mother's Day gifts he made himself. A Jewelry box and a mug he made in ceramics. They came out well, he's starting to be neater with his paints and using more colors. DH got a candlestick and a box that's shaped like a basketball. Unfortunately I went totally off my eating plan at the ball park. Well I'm picking myself off and starting over. Each day a new beginning I say.

Please notice that I've put a couple of new buttons up on the blog. One just for fun, two for some worthy charities I recommend to you. Warming Grace is right now looking for some blue squares for a blanket for a very sick boy, the squares are small and easy to work up please consider helping this child and making a square.

The sock is cursed. I dropped a stitch on Friday night that couldn't be picked up, went down too far and it was just hard to catch. I had to start from scratch again but no matter got tons done at the game and while I road in the car on the way down. As I have finally gotten DH to find the camera I will post a picture as pitiful as it is.

FP asked me what pattern I was using for DH's sweater, it's a Sirdar pattern from The Seascapes Book of Aran Classics, design H specifically. If anyone has worked this please let me know. I'd like to thank FP for her kind comments about me and DS.

Well off to use the camera!

Rain Rain Go Away

It has been raining here all day. I decided to engage in my second favorite activity (other than knitting) and bake some Oatmeal Bread. Just seemed to be the right thing to do on a rainy day. I don't use a bread machine but rather a standing mixer. I feel I have more flexibility with the dough this way. I love the way it makes the house smell. This is a nice moist slightly sweet bread that makes great peanut butter sandwiches. It's also great toasted. If you've never baked bread I recommend it highly, anyone can do it.

I am not sure what to do about DH's sweater. There seems to be an error in the pattern on the second row. The stitches as written are not matching up with the previous row at all. (in other words I'm not seeing purls where I expect knits and visa versa) I really want to make him a sweater and love the yarn. I am not sure what to do now at all. I suppose I will try to chart it again (I was not successful at it when I took a shot before) or play around with the instructions till I get it right. Or I can just find a pattern suitable for the yarn and try that.

I've picked out the yarn I'm sending to my tea swap partner now all I have to do is get the tea and treat to go with it. I had trouble finding the tea I wanted at the first place I looked so I'll have to try another market this weekend. I want to get this out of the house by the end of the week. I am so often just on deadline with stuff like this. This time I intend to be early!

This and That

We're going to see DS this weekend at school and brining along his best friend and parents as a surprise. We also hope to take in a Minor League baseball game if the rain holds off, so think good thoughts and hope that there's no rain for us. If we get rained out, we'll donate the tickets to my son's house at school for them to use at a later date. Not sure what we'll do as an alternative if it does rain but I'm hoping we won't need one. DS has been at school for about 16 months now. It's not easy to have him away but he is doing so well that it kind of helps ease it for me. We talk every night on the phone and see him a couple of times a month so it's not as bad as it might be. But I still wish we could send him to a school near home and have him with us all the time.

I've been living with an awful cough the last couple of weeks. Finally I'm doing something about it. My regular doctor is sending me to a Pulmonary doctor this week to get a lung function test. I think he's going to put me back on asthma medication which I hate. But if he says I need it I guess I've no choice. I'm also seeing the dentist for the first time in like 5 years. Can you tell I'm not fan of doctors?

Still working on the Lorna's Laces socks and the multidirectional scarf. I swear I will get photos up soon. DH put our camera away and I have no idea where it is. I keep forgetting to ask him to take it out for me.

Got my matches for Secrect Pal 8 and the Knitter's Tea swap. I'm already plotting what I'm going to send. The tea swap has to be out by June 1 so I will probably do that this week. For my other pal, well the less said the better I think :).

Secret Pal 8 Questionnaire.

Here's my questionnaire for Secret Pal 8. Hopefully my pal will find it useful!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

My favorite is wool or blends with mostly wool in them. I don't really mind acrylic but hate the plastic kind

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a needle case for the straights and no real storage for the circs I'm ashamed to say

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting for about 40 years learned when I was in elementary school. I'd say I'm intermediate to advanced

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have an Amazon wish list

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I like spicy woody type scents best but also like light florals

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Yes I have a sweet tooth I love sour candies

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I don't spin but have always wanted to learn, I also work with beads

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like classic rock, folk, jazz and some indy stuff. I can play mp3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is green, but I like all earth tones. I don't like pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married with two kids a 15 year old boy, and a 12 year old girl. We have a guinea pig

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I love scarves, always wear hats and mittens in cold weather but no ponchos please

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks

13. What are you knitting right now?

a pair of Lorna's Laces socks, a multi directional scarf, and a baby blanket that never seems to end

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes I do.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

No real preference between straight and circular, I prefer bamboo or wood unless it's Addi's

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I own a yarn winder but no swift

17. How did you learn to knit?

Combo of my mother and my brother's girlfriend showing me the stitches

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

8 months

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Penguins

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I don't subscribe to any magazines right now, nothing I'm all that desperate to get my hands on right now

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

knitting socks on two circular needles

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes I'm a socknitter! I'm 8 1/2 around the ball of the foot and 9 inches in length, I wear a 6 1/2 shoe

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

8/20

Well that's all about me, can't wait to find out who I'm spoiling this time!

World Wide Knit in Public Day

It's that time again folks. World Wide Knit in Public day is coming around again. On June 10, join knitters all over the world as we knit in public and show off our craft. Get more information by clicking the "show your sticks" button on my blog.

Frustration

Well I shouldn't have talked so big about making progress. Soon as I did I started to have trouble with the socks. No matter what I did I kept messing up the gusset. Don't know why, it's hardly my first sock. Finally in frustration I frogged the damned thing to the start. I decided that it was just cursed and took it as a hint that it might be time to try something different than plain vanilla socks. So I am breaking out that copy of Sensational Knitted Socks I bought the other day and will try something from it for a change. Wish me luck.

The observant among you will see a new button on my blog for the Knitter's Tea Swap. I just joined and look forward to what I'll be getting. You are supposed to send a box of your favorite tea, something to eat with it and two skeins from your stash. Sounds easy and fun. Give it a go yourself.

My two newest purchases are some Lorna's Laces sock yarn off of Ebay in green, and a toddler vest pattern that I intend to use for Children in Common. I saw it mentioned on the CIC list and could not resist. Please consider lending your talents to this wonderful organization. More information can be found by clicking the Children in Common link on my sidebar.

Productive Day

I got a lot done today knitting wise. I finished a vest for Children in Common, But I'm not sure about how the shoulders look so I may have to play with it a bit. I also got to the heel turn on the Lorna's Laces socks. I really enjoyed the vest and learned a new technique while doing it, the Thee Needle Bind Off. Now I know another way to join shoulders in sweaters and vests.

Went to the LYS yesterday and scored two new balls of sock yarn, Lana Grossa Cotton Fantasy. I've been wanting to try this yarn and the samples in the shop looked so yummy I couldn't resist. (yes I know I should have pictures with this and I will as soon as DH digs out the camera for me) I also got some needles, a couple of sets in bamboo in size 1 for socks and an Addi Turbo in 10 1/2 for mostly charity knitting. Last but not least is the book, Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I'd seen it mentioned on the Socknitter's list and it looks as good as everyone said it did. Lots of socks in some basic patterns so you gain confidence. Directions for 4, or 5 DP needles and also for 2 Circs. I recommend this book, my next pair of socks is coming from it.

The Lorna's Laces sock would be much further along if I hadn't had to frog the gusset. I am very picky about my socks and just didn't like the way it looked. So I pulled it back to before the heel turn ( the only way I know I'd get to the right place in the pattern.) It was frustrating but I'd rather frog than have lousy socks.

Waiting excitedly for the start of Secrect Pal 8. I sat out round seven as I was changing jobs and didn't know what my situation was going to be moneywise. Round 8's rules are a little different, you have to contact your pal 3 times each month by email, package or snail mail. It used to be only one package a month and that's it. I like this way better and it's one of the reasons I joined. If you've never done secret pal, give it a try you won't be sorry. I am also considering doing a knitting and tea swap that's being offered in the RAOK web ring. I've not made my mind up about that one though.

I'm still listening to podcasts. Mostly while I knit. Have you tried any from my list? I'll be adding more this week sometime. I highly recommend Cast-On, KnitCast, and Knit Tunes (no knitting content just wonderful music to knit by). The others are great but these are my particular favorites. If you find a podcast you like please let me know. It doesn't have to be knitting related either. I'd also ask you to tell me about blogs you particularly like so I can add them to my Bloglines list.

Sweater Problems

I've been working on DH's sweater, or more accurately trying to work on it. It's an Aran and the directions aren't charted so it's a little confusing. The first attempt to start the pattern resulted in not enough stitches being left to finish the row. In an effort to figure it out I actually went through the pattern and counted how many stitches it would take to get through the pattern repeats and it came out OK, so I know that there's no problem in the pattern itself. So I bravely started working again, hoping it would come out OK this time and in the middle of the row my son called and I lost my place. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out where I am but it's frustrating. I will never again buy an Aran pattern that isn't charted. I never appreciated how important charts are until now. Being able to see visually what's going on would be helpful right now. I don't have the patience to go through the pattern and chart it myself and besides I'm afraid that I will make a mistake and screw it up.

I finished a premie hat from some left over Magic Stripes sock yarn and it's just darling. I will post a picture very soon I promise. Not as fast as a premie hat from regular yarn but almost an instant gratification project, with the bonus that it helps someone. I plan to make a few more of the hats from this yarn as well as the yarn I mentioned in my last entry. Not sure where I will send them to quite yet but there's time for that. I'm also going to try and do some stuff for Children in Common. Most likely some mittens as it's been a long time since I've made any.

I've rethought my position of finishing the red sweater at all costs. I am not sure if I'd have enough yarn to finish it if I go to another pattern. DH keeps saying to me that I shouldn't finish it if I am not enjoying working on it and he is right. I will make it into smaller projects instead. The yarn is lovely and one of these days I will make a sweater out of some Knit Picks yarn.

Going Riding In A Car

I did something today I've never done before, I knitted in the car while DH drove. I'd always thought that it would make me nauseous but it didn't and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I have something to do on those long car rides to visit DS at school (DS has special needs and attends a boarding school for kids with developmental disabilities about 3 hours away from us) I worked on my socks and got a lot done.

People have been noticing that I have trouble with my right shoulder. Two people today asked me if there was something wrong with my arm due to the way I've been holding it. I didn't realize I'd compensated to that extent. My shoulder is painful when moved and sometimes just at rest due to the fact that I have a form of arthritis. I guess it's time to have it looked at by a doctor if people are seeing a difference in how I carry myself.

DS has been in for a visit the last few days and it is a joy to have him at home. I know that they are helping him at school and that he is happy there but I do miss him. He's nearly 16 but he's still my baby and I can't help it. I wish there was a school that would help him here at home but there just isn't one. Sad, but disabled kids just don't get what they need from the schools in this area.

I have not re-started the red sweater yet as I worked on the socks today. OK, didn't work on it because I was too disgusted. I admit it. I am determined to get this sweater done. No matter how long it takes.

I will post a picture of the socks when they are a little further along. I just love the way the colors are working out, striping along in a spiral pattern as I go. I am excited by this yarn, it's so soft and a pleasure to work with. I am going to have to get some more Lorna's Laces. I've also decided what to do with the yarn that kept having breaks in it. I am going to use it to make premie hats. I've done premie hats in the past but haven't done any in a while. I think it would look lovely to have some of those tiny hats in a patterned yarn, rather than the usual baby colors I've used. I encourage you all to try making premie things, it's a wonderful way to give back by using your knitting. Try clicking on Carewear on the sidebar for more information.

Help! My Sweater Is Driving Me Crazy.

I took out the red sweater today to work on and damned if I didn't find a reason to frog the stupid thing yet again. Loose stitches, and a mistake that I found. Honestly I don't know why I don't just chuck the thing for good. No matter what I do I seem to come up with a problem. *sigh* In the morning I'll try again. Or maybe finally start DH's sweater.

Listened to a new podcast today that I just loved. I've had it listed on the sidebar but not heard it until this evening. (I'm trying to keep a comprehensive list of fiber podcasts on the sidebar so if you know of one I don't list PLEASE tell me) It's called Knit Tunes and it consists of music to knit by rather than knitting content per se. But the music was wonderful and very nice to knit to so I recommend it to you all. I also rather liked At The Yarn Shop. She talks about what it's like to own a shop, which I found interesting, as well as product reviews. Check this one out too, I think you'll be pleased.

The socks have had to go by the wayside. The yarn I complained about proved to be even more annoying than I had anticipated. It kept having breaks in the yarn and if I'd kept using it I'd have had a thousand knots which I didn't want to have in a pair of socks. So I put the yarn away for a possible future use as an accent and took out some Lorna's Laces that I had in the stash. Wonderful color, the Amish colorway for those of you who know this line. Purples, blues, black, and a flash of red from time to time. Just gorgeous. I've not knitted Lorna's Laces before so I am really looking forward to working with it. I've heard so much about it. I'll of course keep you posted on how this goes.

Things I Do While I Knit

Do you just sit and knit or do you do something while you are knitting? If you're like me than you usually are doing something in addition to knitting. I've read while knitting, (only possible on easy patterns) listened to music and podcasts, and of course watched TV. I've also walked while knitting if it's a small item like socks this is very easy to do. One of the things I like to do is burn candles when I knit. I love the different scents of Yankee Candles and always have them on hand. I just enjoy the fragrance and it kind of sets the mood. OK, I admit it I'm a candle addict and burn them all the time not just when I'm knitting. I ought to sign up with one of those direct sales companies that sells candles so I can get them cheap. :)

I am enjoying my socks a lot but there are problems with the yarn. I keep coming to places where one ply is broken so it's thin in that spot. I hope it will be OK when it's finished. After these socks I think I am going to try a pair that is toe up. I've never done that before and really want to give it a try. The technique junkie in me rides again I guess. I had thought to do the next pair for DH, but now that I've decided to do it toe up I may not. We'll see how I feel when the time comes. I am a slow knitter these days for some reason so it' will be a bit till I get to it.

I highly recommend the Knit Cast with Anne Modeseitt. I've been listening to it and it's fascinating. She talks about how she learned how to knit, her designing philosophy and much more. You can get it by clicking the Knit Cast link under podcasts on the blog here. KnitCast was the first pod cast I ever listened to, many episodes back, and it continues to be one of the best knitting podcasts around.

Quick note about DH. He finally recovered completely from his accident although he had pain until sometime in March. Thanks to those who asked about this.

Long Time No See

Sorry it's been so long since I updated this blog. I promise more updates in the future. Right now I'm working on socks my favorite knitting project and still am working on the multidirectional knitting. I had a problem with the scarf I was trying to do in the technique, so I stopped it and will instead go through the lessons you can get for free from the multidirectional knitting group where I lurk.

I still haven't started DH's sweater but the next pair of socks are his so that will partially make up for it. I may have to go out and buy some yarn for it as he will probably not like the stuff in my sock yarn stash. My what a sacrifice that will be :). I am working on the red sweater still, but it's boring so it's going slow. Note to self and any other would be designers, don't design a stockinette stitch only sweater. It's slow going and boring. I should have done some panels of seed stitch or something. Not too late I still may work it on the front.

I mentioned podcasts here on the blog, and I am still listening to them. I am happy to say that there is a wealth of knitting podcasts out there most of them great fun. In the next few days I'll be adding a new block to the sidebar listing some podcasts for you to try. Give them a go and remember you don't need an Ipod to listen you can always play the podcasts on your computer or burn a disk and listen on a CD player. I've done both and it works well.

Well I'm off to a hot cup of tea and a perusal of the new KnitPicks catalog. Till next time.