Thanks for the kind words on yesterday’s socks. They came out so nicely, didn’t they? Just enough texture to be interesting, but not enough to take away from all the pretty colors.

Sundara’s even going to add them to her gallery. Isn’t it nice when the yarn-dyer likes the finished product that much?

Now, I’ve done something unprecedented and joined my third knit-along in three days . . . The glitch, though, is that it turns out, my stash isn’t qualified after all. Margene and Norma have started the “Trek Along With Me” KAL, whose main requirement is to make a pair of socks out of Trekking XXL yarn. Which I thought I had in my stash, but, no. It turns out that what I have is Meilenweit Mega Boots. A perfectly nice yarn, but NOT Trekking. (Although, look at it. You can see why I was confused, huh? Considering I bought it last October? Doesn’t it kind of look like a skein of Trekking?)

Of course, Margene and Norma have already been nice enough to put me on the list, so . . . I think I must go shopping, huh? Gosh, that really is dreadful…. Edited to add: Phew, all this shopping! I’m exhausted now, but there will be some Trekking, color #105, on the way….

Meanwhile, I am officially on vacation, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. I don’t have to go back to work for a whole week, though, so . . . yep . . . vacation. Tomorrow, though, will pretty much be running errands and such. Oh yes, and packing. After I do my laundry. Yep. Lots of fun tomorrow! But seriously, the real fun will start Sunday morning, when we leave for the Vineyard. Please, keep those good weather wishes coming!!

And now, let me just give a moment’s thought to my dearly-departed Katy. Gone five years today. You can read some of my earlier posts on her here, here, and here.

Tags: Family, General, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
5 Comments »

And so I present to you my finished socks, in Sundara Yarn‘s “Black Lagoon” colorway. (Which, yes, is hard to photograph correctly . . . yadda yadda, you’ve heard it before.)

What a nice yarn to knit with, though.Soft, smooth, and with a really great feel as it glided past my needles. A lot like Koigu, in fact. And, oh, the color was so pretty! Although, interestingly, the one sock is just a little “brighter,” a little more vivid than its mate. I’m not sure why. It’s not a difference I noticed at all in the skeins, but it’s ever so faintly noticeable in the socks, that one is a little subtler, the other a little more vibrant. Not that I care. I love them anyway.

The pattern is my own. I started with a Turkish cast-on for the toe. This is definitely my new favorite toe. Then, I used a slight texture pattern (the same from my Berocco suede bag, in fact). The heel is Lucy Neatby’s Garter Stitch Short Row heel, which was a pleasure to knit (although so much less “stretchy” than a stockinette short-row heel, I had to knit good inch further than usual before working the heel).

The only problem? As I worked on my tight-gauge-on-tiny-needles Celtic Dreams, my gauge for the socks tightened as I passed the heels. And also, the pattern stitch is not particularly elastic . . . together, that means these are actually kind of difficult to get ON. Once they’re on my feet, they fit wonderfully and are comfortable, but getting them on in the first place? Kind of tricky. If I had to do it over again, I would increase the number of stitches when I got past the heel–the point where the entire circumference was worked in the pattern stitch, rather than just half as on the foot. Meanwhile . . . I’ll just be really careful when I put them on (grin).

Meanwhile, another day, another knit-along. I’ve joined the Amazing Lace knit-along. How could I resist? My teammate for this challenge will be, of course, my Peacock Feathers Stole. We still have a long way to go together, but we’re getting along pretty well, and I think we’ll work well together. Who can object to a little extra lace incentive??

Hey, do you hear that? It’s actually raining outside. We haven’t gotten a real rainstorm in weeks, and need it terribly. Hopefully my car’s getting a good rinse, too, to get rid of the green crud that’s been coming off the trees the last couple weeks.

I’m worried about our vacation, though–the weather forecast for Martha’s Vineyard next week?

Now, this is worrying for for two reasons.

One, well, who wants this much rain on their vacation?

But that’s not the real problem. The real problem is that vacations with your dog with a lot of rain end up like this, on the right.

We took this picture up at Gay Head (Aquinnah) cliffs . . .the parking area is as close as we got. It was raining just too darn hard when we got up there–the “furthest” point on the island–to get out of the car.

Our first vacation with Chappy, when he was about 8 months old, it rained. And rained. And rained. We spent a LOT of time either in the car or in our hotel room. And since he was so young and unsure about what was going on (“Vacation? What’s a vacation?”) he barked at every noise–people outside the room, motorcycles riding by. Everything. He got sick in the car –and when he wasn’t sick, he was drooling. He decided he was too nervous to eat, and turned up his nose at the Spot’s Stew I brought for him. Basically, he ate pieces of bagels from Mom’s breakfast, which she carried in her pocket for him.

And meantime, it was wet. This is bad enough when travelling with humans, but at least humans are welcome in all the stores and restaurants. With a dog, you can’t go into a restaurant at all. There are many stores that won’t allow him in (although many that will, too). But in good weather, that’s no problem. I wait on the sidewalk with Chappy while Mom goes into get food, or whatever. But in bad weather, standing on the sidewalk just isn’t appealing. Nor is is easy to get your dog to go to the bathroom when it’s raining all the time–which means we both get wet. That trip, we actually tried to get an early ferry off the island–something completely unheard of.

So . . . this weather forecast? It’s striking fear into my heart. In the greater scheme of things, weather on a vacation isn’t that important–not compared to other people’s health and other serious, life issues . . . but if you could maybe put a good word in with the Weather Gods for us, for decent weather on Martha’s Vineyard next week . . . It doesn’t have to be stunningly beautiful. It doesn’t even have to be warm–I’m a knitter. I have warm clothes. But . . . dry. Or even mostly dry. Sure would help a lot.

Hmm, I wonder if the fireplace in the room really works?

Tags: Chappy, Finished Knitting, General, Knitting/Spinning, Martha's Vineyard by Deb
8 Comments »

Well, look what I got in the mail today!

Some Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in color number 8, Mossy Green.

A copy of “Spinning for Softness and Speed” by Paula Simmons, which I’ve wanted for ages, but was out of print, and has since been self-published and available, so . . . had to have it.

And the new Patternworks catalog.

Not bad for a day’s mail delivery, huh?

I also want to thank everyone for their kind words about my Celtic Dreams. I’m going to have trouble leaving it behind on Sunday, but then . . . the bulk and weight issue certainly helps. Oh, and for the couple people who asked about the pattern? I thought that I had a link on my sidebar, but apparently not. I bought my copy from Black Water Abbey yarns. I ordered the pattern and asked for a color card, and then ordered the actual yarn a couple months ago.

So what am I bringing on vacation? Well, my Peacock Feathers stole, which I worked on tonight for the first time in over a week. It’s kind of ironic, actually–last year at this time I was working on my Peacock Feathers shawl–while on vacation on Martha’s Vineyard. And now I’m working on its “cousin,” the stole. Gotta love continuity.

Also, I’m bringing along the yarn and the pattern for Green Gables. I made a swatch last night (which is currently washed and drying in the bathroom), and that’ll give me a sweater to work on–still my favorite type of knitting. I’ve already decided I’m not worrying about gauge. I’ll measure my swatch and do the math in my head. The pattern isn’t that complicated, and if I could adapt the Union Square Market Pullover with all its many permutations, I’m not that worried about a raglan tee with a little lace and some shaping (grin). So far, the Cotton Fleece yarn–which I was worrying about since it’s mostly cotton–was fine to knit with. The only “issues” I had while doing my swatch was the bind-off–it’s not as stretchy I’m used to and I had a hard time casting-off, but the actual knitting was fine . . . for the swatch, anyway!

And since I’ll be working on the sweater now rather than later (i.e., after Celtic Dreams), naturally, I had to join the Green Gables knit-along. Because, well, why not??
My Sundara-yarn socks are almost done, too. In fact, I think the leg is just about the right length, I just need to add some ribbing at the top, and they’ll be finished. They look so pretty, I’m really happy with them. I’ll probably toss some other sock yarn in the bag (or, hmmm, my purse?), just in case of emergency, you know.

Oh, and if you haven’t heard about it, let me be the first to tell you about Sundara Yarn’s Sock Club (similar to another sock yarn club you may have heard of). The theme is the “Petals Collection,” and considering how much I’m enjoying my Black Lagoon socks, and how gorgeous the colors are . . . well, I would be at fault not to tell you of the club.

Tags: Knitting/Spinning by Deb
7 Comments »

So, the arms aren’t done yet. So what?

Isn’t my Celtic Dreams looking fabulous? Even if it does look like it’s got hair curlers on the shoulders.

I like this picture, too, because it’s from the back, you can (1) see how great my hair looks with the sweater and (2) it makes me look thin. (Hey, I’m not saying I’m fat, because I’m not, but the fact remains that my stomach is rather more convex than concave. But that’s another story.)

Anyway, I knitted my little fingers off last night in my eagerness to get the body finished. Usually, I knit about an hour a night, a little more on weekends, but between Sunday and Monday I racked up about six hours of knitting time. Two and a half hours last night, but darn it, It was so close . . .

I don’t categorize myself as being either about the process or the product in knitting–I like both–but when I get to a certain point in a project, I want to hurry and see it done. So, last night at 9:00, my psyche started whispering in my ear, ‘You’ve only got five rows to do.” “AND the cast-off.” “Okay, six rows, but that’s so few; you’re so close!” “But, it takes me about an hour to do four rows–and it’s late.” “But . . . so, so close. You can do it! You can knit while watching Medium, instead of spinning, just this once.” “Well…..”

I think it’s obvious which of us won, huh? No complaints, though!

I do think my gauge “drifted” a bit, though as I progressed. Not surprising, really, considering how hard it was to maintain that death-grip of tight-tension on teeny-tiny size 2 needles with Aran-weight yarn. When I finally was able to lay the whole thing flat, well, the bottom does look wider than the top. (Even just going from the armholes down.) I’m not going to worry about it now, though!

Now, as to the “soul” portion of the post. I flashed my tea stash for the Knitters Tea Swap. On the upper shelf is some herbal and flavored tea (which I rarely drink, but occasionally get the urge to try, in case my taste buds have changed). Also a handy mug for holding all the tea-brewing gadgets, tea balls, strainers, and so on. The bottom shelf has the Lipton iced tea bags that Mom likes, the green tea that my sister likes, and then the tea that I drink most often–Tetley’s British Blend, by far the best “supermarket” tea, I think. I like the flavor, and love the convenience of the bags. There’s an unopened box, there, but we always store the “current” box in that plastic, airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible.

Not that there aren’t plenty of options for brewing tea in a pot! There’s the handpainted one Mom did (which, unfortunately, drips), the tea-for-one I brought back from one of the mansions in Newport RI a few years ago, another tea-for-one that I painted, a tiny blue pot from Harrods, an IngenuiTea from Adagio (which I would like better if it were glass–hot tea and hot coffee should never come in contact with hot plastic, so far as I’m concerned, though there’s no denying it’s efficient). What else? A tea cozy from Harrods, and, let’s not forget, my favorite, the brown-betty pot. I just adore that pot, simple though it is. I’ve had it for about 17 years now and love it’s cheerful roundness.

Okay, so tonight, I’m going to watch the season finales of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars. (Obviously, UPN took my email very seriously and is being smart and airing the V.M. finale tonight, instead of pre-empting it for basketball again.) I plan on doing a genteel amount of knitting, and on letting my fingers recover from the rather insane marathon of the last couple days.

Worth it though, don’t you think? (grin)

Tags: General, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
20 Comments »

An aerial shot of my knitting bag at bedtime last night.

My Celtic Dreams is overflowing the top (I am currently about 5 rows from the end of the body), my earphones are on top, and my MP3 player on the ottoman.

What? You want a closer look at the player?

Well . . . all right . . .

No, you weren’t imagining things.

My Creative Zen Micro Photo has a little wool cozy that I made with extra Koigu from two pairs of socks ago. It fits pretty well, too, if I say so myself. And the most shocking part? I c-r-o-c-h-e-t-e-d it, instead of knitting. I figured it would be easier to add the extra strips with single-crochet (instead of casting on and binding off knit stitches). I started at the bottom, went around in circles, shaped the corners a bit, then worked back and forth up the back, around in circles again for that middle stripe, back and forth to the top, then a couple rows, some crocheted eyelets, and then ended with a long chain which I then threaded through the eyelets to make a drawstring top.

I also added a belt loop to the back, through which I currently have the arm-strap from my Sandisk threaded. I’ve been looping that over my car’s gearshift when using the radio adapter. It keeps it handy, easy to move if I need to see the screen, or if there is light reflecting into my eyes while I drive, or if I want to actually adjust something, but easily within reach . . . much easier than sticking it in the cupholder, or getting one of those stationary holders.

It’s been a long time since I crocheted anything longer than a chain, too . . . although, the Berroco Suede tote bag I finished last December did have a row of single crochet across the top. This isn’t anything fancy, and it only took me about an hour. I enjoyed thinking my way through the whole thing, making it up as I went along. It fits, and well . . . I’m happy with it. I had thought abut extending the back to make a flap that would fold all the way over the front to keep the screen clean and safe, but decided I was tired of crocheting for a while! (Although, it probably would have helped if I’d been using a smaller hook–the one in my knitting-accessory-bag was really too large for fingering weight yarn.)

Oh, and imagine my surprise when I got an email from Cynthia today . . . I won a skein of Fleece Artist yarn for sending a square to Warming Grace. Wow. Honestly, I never win anything, and now this is twice in a month? I’m flabbergasted! Boy, this whole, do-things-for-other-knitters really has its side benefits, besides just being a nice thing to do.

Tags: General, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
3 Comments »

  Because, really, why should it be?

Sure, hundreds of knitters, spinners, and bloggers were in Maryland this weekend, but we had a (mostly) fun weekend right here at home.

First, we met Risa and the twins (bad picture, sorry) at the park yesterday morning. (She wrote a great description of the day, including some very flattering comments about Mom and Chappy.) Except for the couple descents into tears (by the twins), it was a really nice day, despite the spritzes of rain on the drive over. Or the little boy who implied he was better than Chappy when he asked how old he was and I said he’d be five in July, and the little boy said, “Well, I’m ALREADY five.” Like it was an accomplishment he doubted my lovely dog could attain . . . brat (grin).

Last night, though, around 9:00, Chappy was very dramatically sick–pretty much everything he’d eaten all day came up all over the family room rug. We were worried, too, because when he first got up, we thought there was something wrong with his leg, he was walking so oddly and couldn’t manage the jump up onto the ottoman. He was also drooling, though, and when he threw up the first, um, batch, we understood–he had stomach cramps. But, in all the years we’ve had dogs and seen them get sick (usually, yes, on the rug), we’ve never seen one visibly suffering from stomach cramps. The excessive drool was unusual, too. Dogs usually just walk into or a corner, or stop where they are, heave a little, throw up, and go about their business. It was unusual to see Chappy actually being queasy. (Well, he used to get carsick as a puppy, and so yes, we’ve seen him queasy, but honest, the house was not moving at all!) After about 20 minutes, though, the drool dried up and he was feeling well enough to jump up onto the ottoman and sleep. He was fine (but sleeping) the rest of the night, and today, he’s entirely himself and (without wanting to get too graphic) his digestive system seems to be functioning normally. I just wish I knew what had caused that . . .

Anyway, today has been a lovely Sunday–beautiful weather. We had a nice, long, leisurely walk, I did some cleaning, some laundry, some reading. I actually got 10 rows done on my Celtic Dreams sweater and am well into the “skirt” section of the pattern, and am now pretty sure I’ll have the body done before vacation starts next week. (Barring unexpected emergencies that would cut into my knitting time.) This is a relief because it’s getting large and bulky and kind of a pain to turn as the rows move along and my luggage is going to be heavy enough. And the “worst” part is still to come. The one negative about doing the sweater-in-one-piece thing is, really, doing the sleeves while the whole rest of the (heavy) sweater sits in your lap, adding bulk, and making it difficult to knit at the height/angle which you prefer. But since it’s counteracted by few finishing details and no seams . . . well worth it.

While I was sitting with my knitting, I tried listening to some music on my new MP3 player. The music of choice? The soundtrack to Chess, which I haven’t heard in years. Not the soundtrack from the London version, or the one from the horrible Broadway version. No. It must be the original concept album. Do you remember it? It pre-dated the stage productions, and spun-off the single “One Night in Bangkok.” My college roommate my Sophomore year had a bootleg copy of it and played it over and over . . . at the beginning of the year, I hated it, but by the end, I liked it so much, I had to buy a copy for myself. And then when I spent a semester in London my Junior year (1987), I got to see it in the theater. I dragged a fellow student with me, got to sit in box seats right by the stage (bless those last-minute student-ticket discounts!), and when we left through our private exit that let out right by the stage door–got to see Tommy Korberg as he left and got on his motorcycle. (I’m still kicking myself for being too “cool” to ask for an autograph.)

It’s a dated musical, for sure–the music is very “electronic,” written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, formerly of ABBA, with lyrics by Tim Rice. And of course, it focuses on a chess tournament between an American and a Soviet player, with huge, heavy, Cold War implications. But, the singing is fabulous. The song “Nobody’s Side” as sung by Elaine Paige was practically my anthem when I had my miserable 21st birthday in Germany all by myself. The duet “I Know Him So Well” is just beautiful, as is the goose-bump-raising “You and I” which ends the album. And, really, how can you help but love a song that manages to tell the entire history of the game of chess in multi-part harmony? So long as you ignore the antiquated politics . . . it’s great. And the best part? That serious, heavy, electric rhythm makes it marvelous for knitting.

Of course, since I’m not using “jealous,” you need a “J” for this post, so here you go–my two favorites Js. Joan and Jilly. It’s an old picture (Jilly has been gone for six years now), but it’s one of the few good ones of both of them. (Mom, unfortunately, wore black a lot while Jilly was alive, and so in most of their pictures together, all you can see of Jilly is her eyes.)

This one, though, was taken by a professional. Mom had taken Jilly to the photographer so we could get a really good picture of her, but she (Jilly) was such a nervous, skittery little girl, she wouldn’t sit still. At all. Roger-the-photographer tried everything for about half an hour, and then said, “I’m going to leave the room for five minutes, and maybe she’ll relax a little.” When he came back, Mom was sitting with Jill in her lap, and he said, “That’s the picture I’m going to take.” Mom immediately protested, “But, my hair! My makeup! I’m not prepared!” But he took the picture anyway, and, well, Dad got a really nice Christmas present that year (grin).

And, apropos of nothing, while I was browsing through the photo album, I came across this one from Christmas 1997, when I was teaching my 8 year-old niece to knit. You know, the niece who right now is looking at colleges… (And, we won’t discuss how horrible my hair looked . . . this was back when I brushed it and caused frizz instead of curls because I didn’t know any better.)

Oh, and by the way, I’m officially 39 1/2 years old, as of yesterday. I guess this means I really am in my late thirties, huh?

Tags: ABC-Along, Chappy, Family, Friends, General, Katy, Jilly, Muppy, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
6 Comments »

Well, how many people get Christmas cards in May?

Angela, the Knitting Diva sent it, wasn’t that nice of her? It was almost 80 degrees this afternoon, though, so it’s kind of warm for a snowman . . . maybe I’ll put him in the freezer for safe keeping?

Meanwhile, I’m working hard on my Celtic Dreams. I’m HOPING to get the body done before we leave on vacation next Sunday. It’s close, remotely possible, if I work really hard. If I can get it to that point–with the body finished–I’ll be leaving it home for the trip. It’s getting kind of large and unwieldy . . . an I haven’t even gotten to the arms yet! But anyway, heavy, bulky knitting isn’t great travel-knitting. I’ll be able to leave it behind with a clear conscience if the body is finished, but if it’s just a few rows away, it’ll nag at me!

So, as a large portion of the knit-blogging community heads out to Maryland, still, I’m going to have some fun this weekend anyway. Risa and I are getting together tomorrow at the park with our kids (her twins and my dog). So I don’t need to be jealous after all!

Really, I’ve got enough yarn just now anyway….

Tags: General by Deb
5 Comments »

So, here’s the highlight of my day in a nutshell.

An order of books from Amazon.com. Actually, that’s two orders, I just haven’t gotten them all logged into the official Debbie’s Library database yet, and they don’t get shelved in the “library” until they’re officially entered. Otherwise, you see, it would be chaos.

Then, the audio book for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” which I just finished ripping so Mom and I can bring it on vacation. We’re bringing the actual book for our “trip book,” but there are times when we want to hear the story, but neither of us is in the mood to read outloud (mostly because we’re tired or are busy with our cross-stitch (Mom) or knitting (me), and Chappy’s not so good with the reading aloud thing. So . . . I’m bringing Jim Dale along as our backup–only on the MP3 player, rather than dragging all the cds along.

And, what’s that on top? A Creative Zen 8 MB Micro Photo in Titanium Grey? However did that get there?? I actually looked at the Sleek, which was basically the same price and had 20 MB of space, but it was heavy! At least twice as heavy as my camera. Just not reasonable, no matter how little I really think I’ll be carrying this, despite the vast amounts of storage space.

Meanwhile, my Celtic Dreams is coming along and starting to look like a real sweater. I wasted about five minutes of knitting time tonight, just sitting there with it spread out on my lap, admiring it. That’s not silly, is it?

Oh, and I got my Knitter’s Tea Swap pal today. Yay!

Hey, that lame form letter I got yesterday from UPN? It was more than made up for today, when I got this, the very best form-letter Order Confirmation I have ever seen. Ever. Even better than SitStay. See? From www.cdbaby.com.

Thanks for your order with CD Baby!

Your CDs have been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with
sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.

A team of 50 employees inspected your CDs and polished them to make
sure they were in the best possible condition before mailing.

Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over
the crowd as he put your CDs into the finest gold-lined box that
money can buy.

We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party
marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of
Portland waved ‘Bon Voyage!’ to your package, on its way to you, in
our private CD Baby jet on this day, Thursday, May 4th.

I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did. Your
picture is on our wall as “Customer of the Year”. We’re all
exhausted but can’t wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!

Thank you once again,

Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
the little CD store with the best new independent music

Tags: General, Reading by Deb
11 Comments »

Well, it only took six months to spin this amount of roving–that’s 8 oz–into singles.

In fact, I just squeaked it in. I started spinning this on my birthday, when I got my Woolee Winder. That’s almost exactly six months.

And then I wonder why my spinning doesn’t seem to go as quickly as it does for others?

It’s probably just as well, then, that I’m not going to MDSW this weekend. (Although, as usual when one of these event things comes up, I feel like I’m the only blogger in the universe not going, even though that’s obviously not true.)

I mean, really, I only have this much left from the roving I bought at Rhinebeck in October. (That’s 2.5 lbs of fiber there.) And if it took me six months to get 8 ounces spun? I don’t think I’ll be running short any time soon!

Maybe if I work really, really hard, I can get my next 8 oz spun by this year’s Rhinebeck? I mean . . . it’s only five months, but maybe if I apply myself . . . (grin)

In knitting news, let’s see . . . I just started my third skein of yarn for my Celtic Dreams. Considering the body is more than 2/3 done and there are just sleeves after that, I’m thinking I won’t be needing the six skeins I ordered.

My socks–which I have dedicated to Mr. Etherknitter‘s leg-bone-knitting–are coming along, slowly, but nicely . . . exactly what I hope his leg is doing! (Well, really, I’d hope his leg was knitting faster, but knitting at all is what we’re going for, so, slow is still better than non-existant.) And my Peacock Stole? It’s taken back-burner to the C.D. because I’d rather be doing lace come hot, summer weather, than a heavy Aran sweater. But I’m getting a few rows done every couple nights . . . verrrry slow progress, but it’s not completely stagnating, either.

Oh–and if you haven’t been yet–Claudia‘s got her “Knitters Against MS” fundraising drive going again this year. Go and make a donation . . . she’s got a raffle going, too, if you need some extra incentive. (And, boy, is First Prize “extra incentive!”)

And, oh yes, I got this kind and loving response from UPN: “Thank you for your recent email. WNYW FOX 5 and WWOR MY 9 value all viewer correspondence, and we are pleased you have taken the time to write to us. We regret that our programming did not meet your needs and your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate department. WNYW/WWOR is always in the process of reviewing and responding to viewer feedback. Thanks once again for notifying us with your concerns.”

Isn’t that sweet?? I feel just so very appreciated, and naturally, am confident that they’ll never transgress again . . .

Tags: General, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
8 Comments »

Dear UPN Network,

Maybe you don’t care, since by this time next year you’ll be gone, merged into the new CW network with your friend, the WB. However, I must express my outrage at your shoddy treatment of Veronica Mars. The show is ramping up for its second season finale, trying to build momentum as the season’s mysteries come to a close. So, what do you do? First, you change its time slot from Wednesday at 9:00 to Tuesday at 9:00. I can accept that, since it was its original time slot for its first season, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to the Gilmore Girls.

But, in reality, what has happened? For the past three weeks, your New York metro affiliates have pre-empted the show for basketball. Three. Weeks. So, tonight, while the rest of the country is finding out what happens at Aaron Echoll’s trial, what Lucky the janitor did when he brought that gun to school, I’m sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs. (Okay, knitting.)

Granted, I know you’ll re-air . . . what am I saying? To “re-air,” you’d need to have aired it in the first place . . . you’ll AIR the show on Sunday at 7:00, but come on, that is not a convenient time for television watching. And, really, before you say anything, it doesn’t matter that I’ll be able to get recaps all over the internet tomorrow. I don’t want to read about what happened tonight. I want to see it. Is that really too much to ask?

Further, don’t even get me started on the whole ratings issue. You have no right to complain that the show isn’t getting the ratings it should when you don’t even ut the show on the air. What are we supposed to watch?

All I can say is, you had better not play this game next week for the season finale. Really. I would never forgive you. I’ll be on vacation the following Sunday night and if you make me miss the culmination of the entire season because you don’t have the decency to air the show when you’re supposed to . . . I mean, really, why bother moving it to a “new night and time” if you never show it? . . . if you make me miss the finale next week, so help me, I’ll help you along the road into the ether, or wherever it is that dead television networks go. You won’t have to wait until September.

Sincerely….

Tags: Uncategorized by Deb
9 Comments »

Kellee had a wonderful idea–to round up some knitting mojo/good vibes/healing energy for Mr. Etherknitter, whose leg bones are being recalcitrant and not knitting like they should. It sure sounds like a good idea to me! (And, I saw this first over at Bag ‘n’ Trash, which is where I got the cool button. Beth is working on it, too.)

So, Mr. Etherknitter, I’m dedicating today’s knitting to you . . . in fact, I’ll make a point to work on my socks . . . as their legs grow, so may your own!

Tags: Uncategorized by Deb
1 Comment »

Here’s my reading list from April. Twenty-two books, for a total of 7,902 pages.

1. CRYSTAL SOLDIER “The Great Migration Duology Number 1″ by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (321 p.) Kind of a prequel to the pair’s “Liaden” series–it goes way, way back in their history, to tell the start of the sci-fi series’ universe. Jela is a soldier stranded on a dying planet, where he adopts a young tree, and ends up pairing up with a “gray-market” space trader named Cantra . . . I have to admit that I like the “real” Liaden series better. (Okay, a lot. I kind of love those books.) This whole world has such a different “feel,” it takes some effort to get into the story, though it’s well-written and pretty engaging once you do.

2. CRYSTAL DRAGON “The Great Migration Duology Number 2″ by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (359 p.)  The second book about the story of Jela and Cantra, with a look at the sheriekas enemy they are trying to fight. Again–it took some effort to get into the book (the beginning, with the sheriekas and the beginnings of Rool Tiazen weren’t really much fun), but the second half was definitely better, and at the very end, the real roots of the Liaden society were right there, and that was kind of cool. Literary archaeology.

3. WORLD WITHOUT END “Moontide and Magic Rise Number 1″ by Sean Russell (606 p.)  A fantasy duology which I absolutely adore. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read it. In a world similar to ours circa the 18th century, but a world which used to have, in living memory, mages. The last one died about 50 years ago, yet around Tristam–a natural “empiricist” (think Charles Darwin)–odd things occasionally happen. He is sent on a voyage of discovery, with an additional goal of bringing back the “regis” plant for the ageing king, but there is a swirl of political intrigue around as well, as different factions work for or against him, as he travels on the small ship with the superstitious hands . . . Beautifully written, really excellent. Great story. Well executed. He’s such a good author, and this pair of books remains my absolute favorite.

4. SEA WITHOUT A SHORE “Moontide and Magic Rise Number 2″ by Sean Russell (608 p.) And, of course, the second book. Tristam’s ship arrives at the island of Varua, but meanwhile, back in the kingdom of Farrland, the different political factions are getting ready to pounce as the king great age starts to catch up to him. And still, it seems as if the power that should have died with the last mage isn’t quite ready to give up yet . . . Really. Excellent books. Give them a try.

5. PERSUASION by Jane Austen (254 p.) Her last completed novel. Anne Eliot, misunderstood and unappreciated by her family, once allowed herself to be talked out of an attachment with a young Frederick Wentworth . . . fast forward to her as an “old” spinster, and him as a successful sea captain, and now a “catch.” Add in a family cousin who may have sinister motives . . . It’s not my favorite Austen book, but it’s a good one, once the story gets going. A more mature novel than her others (because, well, so was she), it’s a little more sobering, and yet people still get what they deserve–good or bad–by the end of the book. What’s not to love in that?

6. FIRST AMERICAN by H.W. Brands (716 p.) A thorough and interesting biography on Benjamin Franklin. So many things I didn’t know about him. (Like, that his wife’s name was Debbie . . . not to mention that he was married at all!) What a decent, intelligent, fair-minded man he seems to have been, and with such a wide range of interests. Got to love that in a Founding Father.

7. LAST OF THE REALLY GREAT WHANGDOODLES by Julie Edwards (207 p.) Children’s book that I’ve loved since I was eight. I gushed about it on the 14th, which you can read here.

8. JACK AND JILL by Louisa May Alcott (308 p.) Best known, of course, for “Little Women,” my favorites from Louisa May were always this book and “Eight Cousins.” Okay, they’re a little twee, a little too sweet, a little too condescending, but I loved them anyway. This one tells the story of two friends who are in a sledding accident and then spend the weeks and months that follow trying to be better people. Doesn’t that just sound so very inspiring? (grin). I can’t help it, though, I always rather liked it . . . although it’s probably not a good book to read if you have blood sugar problems….

9. BEST OF ENEMIES by Nancy Bond (248 p.) Another long-time favorite. This book is from 1977 (or thereabouts), and was recommended to me in junior-high school, and I liked it so much, I bought a copy for myself sometime in my 20s. The author is better known for her Newbery Honor book, A String in the Harp (also fabulous), but I love this story. In Concord Massachusetts, the town is gearing up for its April 19th Patriot’s Day celebrations, but 13-year old Charlotte Paige is feeling bored and left-out . . . until she notices some odd men around town, talking in accents, wearing old Redcoat uniforms . . . turns out, it’s an invasion, of sorts . . . a really delightful story, with one of my favorite book-endings ever, and what a gift this woman has for good description! Pity it’s out of print, it’s a wonderful book.

10. A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeline L’Engle (211 p.) Continuing my nostalgia kick, I pulled this old gem from my collection. (So old, my copy is priced at $1.25. Who says I don’t get my money’s worth, huh?) I have read all the books in this series, but this has always been my favorite–Meg’s father is missing, she’s having trouble in school because the teachers won’t let her take shortcuts, and her brilliant, little brother Charles Wallace is bound to have even worse troubles . . . enter a dark and stormy night, a trio of mysterious new neighbors, a bit of tesseracting space travel, a good helping of science and wonder, independence and love, and, well, it’s a classic for a good reason. I just adore good children’s books that are just as entertaining and enjoyable for adults.

11. CESAR’S WAY by Cesar Millan (275 p.) A method of dog-training by the host of National Geographic’s The Dog Whisperer. I have a good collection of dog training books but this one’s unique–not as “positive” as the ones I usually read. (I lean toward clicker training; Cesar is all about being Pack Leader.) But I like what I’ve seen of him on his show–quiet, confident, he’s usually smiling, clearly loves dogs and loves what he’s doing. I’ve never seen him hit or yell at a dog. With him, it’s all about exuding the right kind of energy to make your dog feel secure in his place in the world. I can live with that. I don’t know that I agree with everything he says, but what he does say makes a lot of sense, and his show is amazing. . . . I think I’m about to start a dog-book jag . . .

12. A LITTLE PRINCESS by Frances Hodgson Burnett (266 p.) I couldn’t do a “series” of nostalgic-favorite-children’s-books without including this one. I admit, Sara is a bit of a goody-goody, but she’s not quite perfect, and she’s all about being kind, using your imagination, and controlling your temper . . . all lessons I could relate to when I was nine-abouts. It’s a bit on the “sweet and gooey” side, but still . . . I’ve loved this book for years.

13. BLUE SWORD by Robin McKinley (248 p.) Another old-favorite. This by another Newbery author. Harry (short for Angharad) goes to live with her brother when their father dies but one day, is kidnapped by a desert king . . . yes, I know, it sounds like a bad romance novel, but in fact, it’s an excellent, YA fantasy book. Again, incredible descriptions. Great writing.

14. ANNE OF THE ISLAND by L.M. Montgomery (244 p.) How could I do a nostalgia kick without visiting with Anne-with-an-E Shirley? Except, I wasn’t in the mood for “Anne of Green Gables,” so I went for my second favorite of the series, where she and Gilbert finally acknowledge the inevitable–who says college isn’t educational?

15. PRINCE OF THE BLOOD by Raymond E. Feist (351 p.) A fantasy book which revisits Midkemia, the world in which his “Magician” trilogy was set. It tells the story of the twin troublemakers, Borric and Erland, visiting a desert kingdom as ambassadors–until Borric is kidnapped by slavers and must escape to warn his brother….

16. KING’S BUCCANEER by Raymond E. Feist (523 p.) And, in the other book of this duology, Nicholas, Borric and Erland’s younger brother, takes sail to try to rescue a townful of people stolen away . . .

17. JOUST by Mercedes Lackey (441 p.) The first of a fantasy trilogy that takes place in a world similar to Egypt, but where warring countries fight on dragonback. Vetch is an Altan serf who becomes a “dragon boy” for the Tian jousters, but plots to escape to his own country…

18. ALTA by Mercedes Lackey (434 p.) The second of the trilogy, Vetch (now known by his formal name, Kiron) teaches his people how to raise tame dragons of their own, but learns that there are greedy, evil magi in his homeland, using the war for their own ends, and comes up with a plan that will at least end jousting.

19. SANCTUARY by Mercedes Lackey (305 p.) The third of the trilogy–now, hiding in a lost city in the desert, refugees from both countries are trying to come up with a plan to defeat the magi. This is my least favorite of the series, but it’s an intriguing world she’s built here, and they’re enjoyable stories.

20. WENDY KNITS by Wendy Johnson (301 p.). Do I need to explain this one? Knitting as viewed by the famous Wendy . . .

21. BALANCE OF TRADE by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (451 p.) A stand-alone “Liaden” book–which is some of the best sci-fi around, I think. Jethri becomes an apprentice trader to Norn Van Deelin, and thus, the first Terran to so serve….

22. THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia McConnell (225 p.) An excellent dog book. Not so much a book on dog training as an examination of how we–humans and canines–view the world, and when some of our differences have a big impact on our inter-species communication. (Like, we primates love hugging; canines hate it. We get louder and noisier when we get excited; dogs do not–and don’t respect it when we do . . . so that, yelling at our dogs doesn’t teach them anything other than that we’re unpredictable. What they want is calm assurance . . . and so on). Fascinating, and darn entertaining, as well, as she intersperses anecdotes. Oh, and I love her definition of heel from a dog’s point of view: “Walk slowly at the pace of death by your owner’s knee while ignoring all interesting things.”

Tags: Monthly Reading List, Reading by Deb
2 Comments »