Lladro
Posted on November 30th, 2007
Brought to you by:
Last Year
Posted on November 29th, 2007
I just spent a while entering all my books-read in for Saturday’s monthly reading list post, so I don’t have a lot of time left for "regular" blogging. One thing I thought interesting, though? I needed to look into my archives from last year for something and, since I was going by, I was curious about what I was blogging about last year.
Well, my post from a year ago yesterday looks pretty similar to my post from yesterday–even to the picture of my knitting bag and mentioning Cate.
Now, because it’s Thursday and I haven’t done one of the BTT questions in a couple weeks….
Do you get on a roll when you read, so that one book leads to the next, which leads to the next, and so on and so on?
I don’t so much mean something like reading a series from beginning
to end, but, say, a string of books that all take place in Paris. Or
that have anthropologists as the main character. Or were written in the
same year. Something like that… Something that strings them together in
your head, and yet, otherwise could be different genres, different
authors…
I DO get on rolls and sometimes find it interesting the way my brain connects one book to the next, how, as I’m reading one book, there’ll be another in the back of my head, waving its hand, saying, "Me next! Pick me!" Even when it seems completely unlike the book I’ve got open in front of me–sometimes the connection is obvious, like Victorian mysteries, or something like that–but sometimes, the only apparent connection is something only my subconscious knows.
The only drawback to getting on a roll with the book-selection thing? When it finally comes to an end, I feel totally bereft and "bookless," because I have such a hard time finding whatever I want to read next!
Banished
Posted on November 28th, 2007
Yep, Autumn Rose is still banished to her knitting bag … at least for the time being.
Cate and I, in fact, just threw a mutual temper tantrum over our neckline woes … different issues, but still … particularly frustrating because the rest of the sweater is done.
My weird gauge issues, I dealt with with aplomb. The math I happily reworked. I cheerily redrew the entire chart. And yet now, at the end, the final step … grrr!
Can you hear me stamping my foot in frustration?
In my heart, I know that what I need to do is to rip out the neckband a second time (argh), adjust the no-longer-fake-seams at the front shoulders to make further adjustments to the line of the sweater, and then redo the neckband for a third time. And yet….
Really, I just hate having to redo things. And having to redo it twice?? So unfair. (Mumble, grumble, stupid gauge, changing as the sweater moved along, stupid, stupid, mumble.)
On the plus side, at least my zephyr-lace shawl is getting worked on.
It looks lovely, but yeah, I’m really pretty tired of Zephyr yarn. I
love the look, I love the colors, I love the feel of it, but I just
don’t love working with it. I’m actually shortening this shawl and once
it’s done, the plan, at least, is not to use Zephyr ever again . . .
although, I do still have some in my stash….
Oh, and today’s health update? I felt reasonably on the way to well yesterday, but woke up with a sore throat again this morning (sigh). Kind of dragged through the morning but am feeling more like myself tonight. Apparently, this is a cold that’s going around–several people I know (or know of) have it and can’t quite seem to shake it. It could be worse, I suppose. A sore throat’s still better than a drippy nose.
Pie
Posted on November 26th, 2007
Well, at least there’s something cheery about this dreary, wet Monday–4 oz of Falkland fiber in color "Pie for Everyone," inspired by peach, pumpkin, blueberry, pecan, and all the other pies that people seem to love in November.
In knitting news, I have, sadly, very little to show you. I haven’t touched Autumn Rose in a week because I need to decide whether I can fix it or if I need to tear out the neckband (again) and I just haven’t had the mental stamina for it.
I haven’t worked on my lace in the last few nights either because, well, I’m just a little bored with it (or, maybe more than a little), and again . . . no mental stamina.
I HAVE worked on my socks, which are now officially socks, even if they’re not finished socks. They do, however, have a complete foot, a heel, and about an inch and a half of the leg, which means that they’re nearing completion at some point or other.
I haven’t spun anything, either, since I finished plying my STR "Carbon" yarn. That, incidentally, is still languishing safely on its bobbin while I try to decide how to get it off . . . because, again, there’s that mental stamina problem.
On the plus side, I am feeling marginally better. My throat’s not as sore and I’m not quite so tired, even if I am still feeling a little light-headed. But I felt well enough to cancel the doctor’s appointment I had made–I called on Friday when I felt lousy and today was the earliest they could have fit me in, but since there are signs of improvement, I’d rather save the money at this point, you know?
But, the biggest plus?
This smiling face which can brighten the dreariest of Mondays. (And, trust me, behind the squeaky sneaker, his face is definitely smiling.)
And now, speaking of pie, I think I hear the pumpkin pie in the fridge calling my name….
W.W.J.A.D.?
Posted on November 24th, 2007
What Would Jane Austen Do?
Well, now, whenever I need to ask myself that question . . . well, I don’t have to. I can ask her directly!
Because, look! A Jane Austen Action Figure all my very own. It’s every little girl’s dream.
She comes with a quill pen in her hand, a writing desk, and a copy of Pride & Prejudice (which would be my first choice to travel with, too.)
How cool is that, huh?
It’s lucky she came today, or I would have had almost nothing to post about tonight. I was very lazy today. I made a pumpkin pie, but that was about it. We usually do two pumpkin pies, but there wasn’t room in the refrigerator for three pies, so I only baked one pumpkin the other day, along with the cranberry-apple, and baked the second one today, as soon as the pie plate was empty. But, otherwise? Sitting on the couch with Chappy and a book. Not very productive, but at least it was relaxing!
Digesting
Posted on November 23rd, 2007
Here’s just a very quick recap of my day:
- 2:40. Woke up coughing, which made my still-sore throat even more sore, so I went downstairs to get some Robitussin, in hopes that it would help. (It did.)
- 8:30. Woke up, had a bowl of oatmeal and a small piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast. (The pie is traditional for me for the day after Thanksgiving. What can I say?)
- 10:05. Got a call from the office because they were having trouble with the phone system. The office was officially closed today, but the customer-service department was open, but since the phone system was on "holiday" mode, no calls were coming through.
- 10:15. Drove over to the office to fix the phone system, but for variety, brought Chappy along with me. Which was great because he got to meet some of my co-workers and get fussed over. It was, however, also bad because he got sick in the car (sigh).
- 11:30. A little naplet on the couch.
- 12:15. Drove into town for a haircut–trying another new person (since my "real" stylist disappeared months ago). My verdict, so far? Okay, I guess, but I don’t think she’s as experienced with curly hair as I was told that she was.
- 1:30. Made a leftover-turkey sandwich for lunch. (Gosh, I’m sure I was the only person doing that today.)
- 2:08. Another little naplet.
- 3:15. Drove to the movies with the parents to see Enchanted, which was charming, and sweet, hitting an impressive balance between traditional Disney fairy tales and the gentle mocking of traditional Disney fairy tales. The draconic, King Kongish ending, though? Well, no movie is perfect . . . but this was entirely enjoyable.
- 6:25. Stopped at Wendy’s on the way home to get supper
- 7:00. Took my shower and then finally got a chance to sit down with a nice, soothing cup of tea. (I did mention that my throat hurts, right?)
- 8:00. Instead of knitting while watching television, I just curled up with my book. Far too tired to do anything else.
Although, for the record, I DID knit at the movies, although I stopped midway through when I dropped two stitches. And I called and got a doctor’s appointment on Monday morning because my Mommy says she’s worried about me (grin). And, my poor little Chappy? Apparently so, SO tired today. He’s been very quiet … not counting the pleased-to-meet-you greetings at the office … and of course, there was that getting sick in the car thing. Hopefully he’ll be more like his usual self tomorrow, once all that tryptophan is out of his system.
I hope you all have a good weekend!
Winner
Posted on November 20th, 2007
And the winner (thanks to a nifty random number generator) is …
So, Lori . . . please email me your address, and let me know whether you’d like some yarn or whether you’d like a calendar!
Pre-Tired
Posted on November 20th, 2007
Phew!
Look at that massive bobbin of yarn. It’s huge. And I can’t believe how many nights it took me to finish plying this–a week’s worth of treadling. I started plying it a week ago yesterday, took one night off, but otherwise, averaged an
hour or so a sitting. I’ve never had a bobbin that took THIS long to ply (grin).
Now, seriously, I have to figure out how to get it off the bobbin.
I talked about my options the other day, and I even pulled out my Majacraft skein winder, but . . . three rotations in and it was causing trouble. Obviously, there’s no way I would get all of this would off properly. I can’t face trying to do this on my horizontal swift/skeiner because my shoulder aches just thinking about it (and still, trying to keep it level so everything winds on properly is HARD). And the niddy noddy? Even if my shoulder and I were up to this many yards of rotations (shudder), I don’t think I’d be able to get it all to fit anyway.
Um. As much as I want to fondle this properly, it might be sitting on the bobbin for a while.
Oh, but I’m very proud of myself as to how even I got my three bobbins of singles. One ran out, and the other two are reasonably close to the end AND, even better, look like they have about equal amounts of singles left, so I’m going to ply them together one of these days on a spindle, just to see how they look.
Now, I’ve got a bad headache, my shoulder is stiff, I’m starting to wheeze a little from whatever’s going on in my sinuses, and I’m still so, so tired . . . and I can tell you already that tomorrow’s going to be a busy day. Crazy at work, I already know, but also, I have to come home and bathe Chappy, bake at least two pies, finish making my cranberry-apple sauce, cook Chappy’s food, and somewhere in there, collapse in preparation of a busy, but hopefully Thank-Ful Thanksgiving.
In other words, I really need to go lie down, or something. (grin).
Autumn Wonderland
Posted on November 19th, 2007
The song carols about a Winter wonderland, of course, but when you mix the two seasons together … well, it might be confusing, but awfully pretty.
Of course, my favorite picture of the day didn’t involve the juxtaposition of pretty, autumn leaves with fluffy white snow.
No. This was my favorite picture of the day:
My very happy little boy when I let him into the backyard during my lunch break. I stood on the deck and threw snowballs for him to chase. Well, some for him to chase, and some for him to catch. Doesn’t he look cute and happy with the snow on his nose?
It’s just a shame I had to head back to the office, because all that snow is gone now. It’s gray and raining and altogether blah, but . . . it sure was pretty, driving this morning!
Lazy
Posted on November 18th, 2007
Well, at least I did SOMETHING today.
These are the Fresh Cranberry-Oatmeal cookies from Coconut & Lime. They sounded so good but I didn’t want to take the time to make individual cookies, but then I thought about my nifty Baker’s Edge pan and, well . . . perfect. And yummy, too! Almost halfway gone already.
I also assembled a pie for Thanksgiving, which is now in the freezer, preparatory to actually baking it on Wednesday. I didn’t want to have to do all the work on Wednesday after I get home from the office–mixing a pumpkin pie is easy, but anything involving fruit-slicing and top crusts requires a little more energy. So that one’s ready, just . . . chilling.
Other than that, though? I really didn’t do much at all today. Like yesterday, I spent a lot of it sitting on my chair in the window with Chappy, trying to concentrate on keeping my eyelids open. The weirdest part is that I’m trying to remember if I was really this tired all last week but just didn’t realize it because I didn’t have the chance to sit and be lazy. I’m forgiving my slothfulness, though, because I obviously NEED it. (Right?)
This means, of course, that I did not address my Autumn Rose issues today. Nor did I tackle my pile of mending. Or vacuum my room–although I did wave a duster around at least a little. I didn’t get anything done for Dad, either. In fact, except for a quick e-mail check this morning, I didn’t turn my computer on all day . . . and that’s a rare, rare thing!
The other surprise of the weekend? With Autumn Rose being so obstinate, look who finally made it out of my knitting bag? For the first time in weeks! Yep, my Japanese (nameless) shawl. I spread half the stitches out along the needle and crunched the others into the corner so you could kind of get an idea of how she looks. I’ve finished three repeats of the main chart so far, and think I’m only going to do four, not five of them, because I don’t want the shawl getting too big. (And, well, sure, that means that it’ll be done faster . . . which, at this point, is a good thing for this poor, neglected knitting.)
Also on the plus side? I’ve gotten some reading done this weekend. I’ve been
addressing Dorothy Dunnett so far this month, and as of Thursday had
only finished FOUR books the entire month. Unheard of for me. You’ve
seen my reading lists . . . for me to have only read four books in half a month is just, just . . . wrong!
I can’t believe tomorrow’s Monday already. At least it’s a short week, this week, for the U.S. Thanksgiving on Thursday. I’m already looking forward to a nap….
Satur(yawn)day
Posted on November 17th, 2007
Let’s see….
Knitting-wise, Autumn Rose’s neckband is still being difficult. As you can see, turning the fake-seams into real seams took care of a lot of the shaping problem. The neckline looks like a normal shape, it fits reasonably well (although the underarm is a little lower than it should be, thanks to that wonky gauge of mine), but everything should be happy . . . The sweat should be done, even . . . right?
Well, not so much. Because the added bulk of the real seams–in addition to the bulk from the steek–is wreaking havoc on the one, specific spot at the neckband near the front shoulder. 
It’s hard to see in the picture, but when you look along the surface, there’s what looks like a weirdly-gathered "bump" right at the seam on both sides. Everything else looks fine, but this? Um, no . . .
So, I’ve been stalling. I’m either going to need to seam this spot further to make it lie flat (kind of like a dart), or I’m going to have to rip out the entire neckband (again) and re-seam that front seam to take in more of the bulk. Except, of course, that that means I’ll have move of the bulk IN the seam, so the problem might still be there anyway. Unless I machine-stitch (or really thoroughly back-stitch) the seam and then cut the seam allowance to get rid of the excess bulk. Which is a little intimidating.
And, really, I entirely admit that I do NOT want to have to knit this neckband a third time. So . . . stalling.
So far as spinning goes, I’m plugging away at plying my STR singles, but it’s taking forever (grin). 9.25 ounces of three-ply at something like 28 wpi. I’ve spent about four hours treadling away at this stuff and, while it’s looking just lovely, I still have a long way to go.
Of course, last night, I had to break the yarn and when one of the plies somehow got completely out of whack with its buddies. (I mean, really, I even had to put my book down and use BOTH hands to try to fix things.) So now my lovely bobbin has a knot in the middle of it . . . sigh. 
And that did, of course, slow down the process for about 10 minutes.
Still, though, look how much more I still have on my bobbins.
I don’t think I’m ever going to get this done. And the thought of trying to wind off that much yardage is starting to intimidate me, too. I’ve said it before, but my Majacraft skeiner sometimes behaves well and sometimes behaves very, very badly. My 3-ply is kind of over-plied at this point . . . which is to say, it definitely twists on itself right now, but it hasn’t been washed and whacked and abused yet, and I rather like the way it looks (although it’s not as soft as I suppose it could have been). But the point is that if the skeining process doesn’t go smoothly, this yarn, at this stage, is going to badly . . . and I mean badly . . . tangle. So I’m a little worried about that yarn-skeiner thing.
For the record, using my niddy-noddy is NOT an option. Because, one, the yardage is going to require a LOT of turns and, two, my right shoulder is still sore from the shingles and has already informed me that it is NOT willing to wind yarn around a niddy-noddy for that long! And the horizontal swift/skeiner from Knitting Notions is a little unwieldy for winding such large quantities, too . . . and just as hard on the shoulder from all the reaching to turn it (not to mention trying to keep it level, which is harder than it should be).
Oh, and I think I’ve decided that the sniffly thing playing with my sinuses is a light cold–it’s followed the normal course a cold would follow for me, and while I’ve felt mostly okay, I’m just a little more tired than usual … and more tired than I was last week with the Shingles rash, and I couldn’t see how that would be making me more tired as the rash heals. And, allergies, of course, wouldn’t be making me tired at all. The plus side, though, is that as colds go, it’s a very light one. I don’t feel miserable, and my nose is past the drippy stage, so I don’t feel that cranky. Today, though, since I didn’t have to go to work, I spent most of it on the couch with Chappy and even dozed off into three, little naplets … nothing as real as a full-blown nap, but still more than I usually do. I’ve never been a big one for naps–when I was little, Mom could tell when I was legitimately sick and when I was exagerrating to get out of school by whether or not I napped. So, if I nodded off three times today when I’m not even feeling that sick? Yeah, it’s got to be a cold.
Besides, there are two other symptoms that sound a litte weird. One, my hair isn’t as curly as usual, and that only happens right after I’ve colored it or when I’m sick. And two, each morning when I’ve woken up, Chappy has intently sniffed at my breath, which he only does when I’m sick and congested. He doesn’t do that when I’ve got allergy issues, unless they evolve into an infection or some kind of serious, lung issue. In fact, if I’d been smarter . . . two weekends ago, as the Shingles rash was starting to rear its ugly head, Chappy was sniffing at my breath even though I felt mostly fine at that point and didn’t have a visible rash. I even joked to Mom that since he was, maybe I should call the doctor, but what would I tell him? My dog thought I was sick? Then, two days later, I had the rash and I still waited a couple more days before calling the doctor and I really should have called sooner . . . So . . . Chappy’s been keeping close tabs on the way my lungs smell this week, like a good, caring, little boy. Yeah, it’s got to be a cold.
Two Dolls
Posted on November 16th, 2007
Two little dolls. (Well, four, really.)
The one on the left is my mother when she was little, with a doll almost as big as she is. The one on the right is her mother, my grandmother, at close to the same age, with her doll.
Aren’t they adorable?
Let’s take a closer look at those faces, shall we?
So, so cute! They don’t really look that much alike–Mom looks more like her Dad–but with faces this cute, who cares?
Is it just me, or does my Mom look like she’s thinking about getting into trouble? Or just thinking, “This doll is huge and she’s MINE.” And look at the big, pretty ribbon Grandma’s wearing. You can tell that she just felt so, so pretty for this picture. Just … awwww!
You can see where I got my coloring from, huh? Thanks for the blond hair, Grandma! I mean, sure, it got darker as I got older, but it was fun being blonde while it lasted.
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Calendars
Posted on November 14th, 2007
Well, see what I got? My very own Chappysmom calendar PLUS a Chappysmom mug. (Because, well, I had to.) How cool is that?
Speaking of calendars–don’t forget–tomorrow, November 15th is the last day you can enter into my Calendar Contest! There are a LOT fewer entries than there were last year–less than 20, which means 100 of you possible entrants just decided I wasn’t worth the trouble this year.
But, come on . . . I got SHINGLES FOR MY BIRTHDAY, for heaven’s sake, and I’ve hardly complained at all. All I want is a chance to see your November calendar pictures (sniffle). That’s not too much to ask, is it? I’d even extend the deadline if I thought it would really help . . . Come on, folks! Not a single beefcake picture in the bunch this year, so far….
Now, I’ve been spinning. Or, technically, plying the last couple of nights. It doesn’t look like much, but that’s more than two hours’ worth of treadling, and I’m nowhere near the halfway point.
The colors are pretty lousy, too, I should tell you, but then, it’s gray and cloudy and wet and, well, no natural light was available for the taking of this photo. And, I’ll admit to being too lazy to move the wheel closer to the light because I didn’t want to bother having to move the lazy kate, too. Sorry. I’m tired.
I posted the other day about having a sore throat and wondering if I was catching a cold. I don’t think that I did, but my sinuses are NOT happy right now. I don’t know if this is allergies or a side-effect to the Shingles, but while I don’t feel sick, I don’t feel entirely well, either. And, I don’t know, is this a normal thing with Shingles? I couldn’t find anything online that mentioned these kinds of symptoms at the END of the rash. And, speaking of the rash, it’s healing, but today, my shoulder is sore. Only, I can’t quite tell if that’s because of the after-effects of Shingles or because I’ve done so much plying the last couple days.
In other words, I have no idea how I feel, so I just kind of shrug when well-meaning people ask me.
Now, if only I could get Autumn Rose’s neckband to cooperate….
Come on, folks, show me your calendars!
Bobbing Along
Posted on November 12th, 2007
So, when I finished bobbin #2 all of two weeks ago, remember how worried I was that it would take me three months to finish bobbin #3? (Because bobbin #1 took me one month, bobbin #2 took me two, and extrapolating was making me queasy.)
Well, it turns out, it just takes a week.
Technically, eight days. I started the bobbin last Saturday morning. (Remember Mom’s action shot?) I finished it last night just before bedtime, but my feeling is that if I start something on one weekend and finish it on the next, that counts as one week. Period.
The important thing is that they’re done!
This means that now I can finally play with the Plying Head I bought for my Little Gem in August. It’s questionable as to whether all 9-point-whatever ounces will fit on that one bobbin, but it’s going to be fun finding out. And, really, that bobbin is HUGE. (Remember?) I can tell you, though, that it’s already easier to treadle than the plying head on my Lendrum.
I just really wish that Woollee Winder made a plying-size flyer for the Majacraft. I hate having to stop to move the guide while I’m plying.
It’s hard to see the yarn in that picture, of course, but I’ll tell you that I love the way it looks . . . although it’s possible I’m putting a little too much twist in. It’s not going to be a springy yarn, that’s for sure, but it’s certainly going to wear well (grin).
Speaking of spinning? Oh. Wow. You must look at this spinning wheel made of GLASS. Oh, my.
I just want to say for the record that so far–except for all that spinning fun on Saturday–I am NOT enjoying 41 at all. Kind of like all the roadblocks Chappy hit when he turned five, so far, 41 is just not settling in smoothly. The shingles. Scary, scary money issues. And today, I feel like I’m getting a cold. Don’t ask me how this is possible–I’m on anti-viral medication, for heaven’s sake–but I’ve got that swollen, congested feeling in my throat. I’m just hoping that it’s allergies and that it will feel more normal tomorrow. I woke up feeling like this and I THINK that I would have been feeling sicker by now if it were actually a cold, but this clogged-throat feeling isn’t enjoyable. (Though it’s better than the shingles.)
Necking
Posted on November 11th, 2007
It’s been a week now since I cut the steek in my Autumn Rose. . . are you wondering how the neckband is coming along?
Well . . . here it is.
Um, yes, I do know that it looks like two tiny balls of yarn.
Yes, I am aware that two balls of yarn are not, in fact, the same thing as a neckband.
The thing is that they were a neckband until Friday night when they reverted . . . with a little help from me.
See, here’s the thing. You know how I mentioned last week that the neckline was rather large, but that I was hoping the neckband would be able to rein things in? Yeah, well, not nearly enough or in anything remotely like an attractive way. The poor sweater looked just . . . weird. It had an odd, pouchy, gatherered-looking pucker at the sides of the neck and the tops of the sleeves just looked STRANGE.
As in, even after I’d removed the odd neckband and it was back to looking the way it did on Sunday after cutting the steek . . . when I showed the sweater to the group of knitters at the spinning party yesterday, the poor thing was met with a resounding, shocked silence. (Really, it wasn’t pretty. The poor sweater sobbed all night long.)
Obviously, I can’t leave things like that.
So, here’s what I’m doing. Since for reasons beyond comprehension, my gauge changed as I worked my way up the sweater, it’s too big. However, along where the raglan "seam" would be, there’s a faux-seam stitch purled on every row. I had considered ignoring that and just knitting every stitch, but am now very glad I didn’t.
Because I’m going to turn the faux-seam into a real one. I’m going to stitch about an inch’s seam allowance along each line of purl stitches (which make a very nice fold-line), thus taking in the extra fabric and getting the size back to at least the correct ballpark . . . or in the same state, at least.
In this picture, you can see the line of little safety pin/stitch markers that I marked my new seam with. I pinned each of the four seams, tried the sweater on (inside out), made a few more adjustments, re-pinned, and then sewed a line of running-stitch basting along each seam. Already, things look much, much better.
Tonight, I’ll pick up the neckband stitches and then try this on again and see how it looks. If all is well, I’ll knit the neckband and then go back and re-sew my seams with a firmer stitch, like a back-stitch. If it still looks strange, I’ll readust my new, real seams accordingly. But when it’s done and the seams are back-stitched, at that point, I’ll decide what I want to do with the seam allowances on the inside. If they seem too bulky, I’ll run a line of machine-stitching along the hand-stitching and then trim the seams. I’m hoping that won’t be necessary, though. Because, one, I don’t want to have to dig out my sewing machine again, and two, I have a feeling that all those loose ends would make the sweater itchier to wear than the smooth lines of knitting.
I won’t be able to judge that for a while, though. While the rash on my shoulder is (thankfully) starting to heal, the skin there is pretty sensitive–I’m being very, very careful what kind of sweaters I’m wearing on top of my t-shirts. Just trying on the Shetland wool sweater earlier was, um, uncomfortably itchy on my right shoulder. I’m not going to be able to make an impartial decision on this subject until my skin is completely back to normal (grin).
Surprise Party?
Posted on November 10th, 2007
Well, today’s party was a success (even if Ina, Dorre and Kristy couldn’t make it–through no fault of mine, I swear) . . . there was still a surprise.
Liz was here! She drove up yesterday and was here for at least most of the party before blowing us off to go to another party in Manhattan this evening…. (No, really, I’m kidding. Although, technically, that WAS why she left, but it was with regrets.) Here’s a picture of her and Chappy waiting for the first guests to arrive. I love the, "Aren’t they ever going to get here?" expression on both their faces.
Risa and Jessica on their drool-worthy almost-matching Schacht Matchless wheels. (Gosh, those wheels are pretty.)
Liz giving Kim a plying lesson.
Kim’s first, plied yarn!
Chappy looked like he was thinking of giving spinning a try, but when he stretched his legs out, he couldn’t quite reach the treadles.
So, since by that time, Chappy was tired (all those happy, energetic greetings take a lot out of a dog, you know), so he curled up UNDER his pillow on the chair in the window for a real, serious nap.
Boy, oh boy, did he ever look cute.
Did I mention that we had a sock yarn grab bag? Kim and I didn’t want to ask people (or have them feel obliged) to bring us presents, but we wanted something fun, so . . . every person brought one (or two, depending on size) skeins of sock yarn and we put them all into a basket and then picked. Everybody got to bring home something new, which is always good, huh?
All in all? Lots of fun. But I think Chappy’s got the right idea. I’m exhausted. But happy! Even if all my guests are gone now . . . still, I suppose falling asleep in front of everybody would have been rude, huh?
Oh, and the shingles? Starting to feel better. Some of the little blisters are starting to dry up, and the pain part feels a little "deeper," not so much on the surface–since this virus travels along the nerves, I’m counting this as a good thing, like it’s subsiding back down the nerve endings. It’s just a pity, now, that my throat’s so tired from all that talking….
Jinx
Posted on November 9th, 2007
So, really, it’s peculiarly appropriate that I would get shingles this week. I mean, of course, my birthday was on Tuesday, so that added some extra fun to the day, but otherwise, well, there’s this weekend.
I have to give you a little history, first. Birthday parties and I just don’t get along. While there were a couple of parties when I was a kid that were reasonably successful, I have a history of having birthday celebrations where things go drastically wrong. If I just limit myself to a family celebration, with cake, and maybe a friend over for dinner, things are fine. But anything more tempts fate.
You want examples? Here are just a few:
1. I forget which birthday it was, but I’m guessing 7th because I was in first grade. I actually missed my party altogether. As in, the party went on without me. We had tickets for everyone to go to see a show (Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, I forget which) at the Papermill Playhouse, but I got sick. We couldn’t let the tickets go to waste, of course, so everybody except Mom and me went while we stayed home. To make it up to me, Mom later got tickets for just to two of us to go to one of their other fairy tale productions . . . which had the added fun of my having hurt my foot so that my mother had to carry me from the parking lot. (She really is a good Mom, you know.)
2. My ninth birthday happened the day before we moved out of our old house, and Mom didn’t let me open my presents. Oh, I was allowed to unwrap them, but I couldn’t take the shrink-wrap off things like my Mickey Mouse Desk Set because she had to pack them for the movers . . . And the party that year? Successful enough, I suppose, considering all the guests were classmates I’d only just met, but . . . the party was in December. In one of the only photos, you can see the Christmas stockings hanging in the background.
3. Then there was the memorable party my freshman year in high school. Of my guests, two came down with a bug that was going around and had to cancel. My best friend (!) actually forgot it was my birthday and had agreed to babysit for a neighbor and so could only come for about an hour. One friend had color guard practice after school and was going to be late (understandable). And then . . . by this time, of course, my Mother and sister were feeling really sorry for me . . . the phone rang. The one friend who had been coming for the entire party? Um, well, she got hit by a car when one backed into her as she rode by on her bike. I distinctly remember the conversation. "What? Oh my God. Is she okay? Oh, I’m so glad! And of course I understand that she can’t come!" All while Mom and Patty stood there, wringing their hands and I tried not to laugh in the poor father’s ear because, really, you’ve got to admit, a CAR? Fate was working overtime that day, I thought.
4. My 21st birthday, of course, I alluded to the other day. I had had a penpal in Germany since my junior year in high school and when I was in London for the semester four years later, it seemed the perfect time to physically meet. I’d sent him the dates I could come and got to the airport and onto the correct train (challenging since I don’t speak more than a few words of German) on Friday, arriving in Trier around 4:30. And then waited. And waited. But he never showed up. I found directions to the Tourist Information center and lugged my suitcase down the hill and showed up mere minutes before they closed at 6:00. The woman was very helpful and found a hotel for me and even called to make sure they had a room . . . but she couldn’t tell me (or find on the map) my penpal’s street. Well, fine. It was late, I was tired. I trudged over to the hotel–more like a hostel/B&B, really–and figured I’d figure things out in the morning when there was daylight.
The morning of my birthday . . . which was rainy, by the way . . . I first tried to find his street, but couldn’t. Neither could the new person at the tourist information center, and he didn’t appear to have a phone. I mean, he might have, but it was probably in the name of one of his flatmates. So . . . I went to the post office and mailed him a postcard telling him where I was staying and that I’d be at the Porta Nigra at specific times. I know, this is a bare step above using a carrier pigeon, but what else could I do? Meanwhile, my camera gasped out its last breath, my Walkman died (probably playing "Nobody’s Side" from Chess too many times), and I couldn’t find a single thing in English to read. The highlight of the day was visiting the house Karl Marx was born in, which might have been more interesting if more of the exhibits had been in English. I saw the old Roman ruins (in the rain). I had dinner at McDonalds . . . by myself. It was just a wonderful day–but memorable!
To fill out the story, the next day while eating breakfast, the man who ran the inn came over and asked (in German) "Do you have a friend named Gerhard?" (Luckily those words sound enough like English, I was able to interpret.) Apparently, he got my postcard late on Saturday and left a letter in the door addressed to me, with a hand-drawn map to where his flat was . . . literally right around the corner, on one of the four corners around the famed, "Porta Nigra" (which makes the fact that the tourist information people couldn’t find it all the more interesting). I tossed a mental coin because, really, all I wanted to do was LEAVE at that point, but decided I could spare him an hour before shaking the dust from my heels. Hey, at least he helped carry my suitcase back up the hill to the train station. I rode back to Frankfurt, trying to talk to a woman from Luxembourg who spoke French, German and a smattering of English and who hadn’t slept in three days. There were such storms that day, all the flights were delayed, but I managed to get on an earlier flight that left only half an hour after my original flight was supposed to take off. I struggled my way back to my own flat in London and, just as I staggered in the door, the phone rang . . . It was Mom, asking brightly, "How was your weekend with Gerhard?"
The reason for all these lengthy anecdotes? Well, Kim and I had decided months ago to throw ourselves a combined spinning/birthday party tomorrow, with some of our favorite NJ Spinners: Ina, Risa, Jessica, Dorre. Kristy (who knits but doesn’t spin–yet) was going to come but had to cancel.
Which, of course, is probably WHY I’ve got shingles. I thought it would be safe. I haven’t tried to do anything special since that year in college when one friend ended up on crutches with a bad knee that morning. I’ve been happy just doing quiet, family celebrations. But–this wasn’t just for ME, it was for Kim, too. And really, it’s more of an excuse to get the spinners together than a real birthday party. But apparently my jinx didn’t see it this way.
I’m just glad nobody’s been hit by a car. (Knock on wood.)
Magnanimous
Posted on November 9th, 2007
There’s a story behind this picture. It’s of my mother and my older sister when she was just a baby. A sweet, lovely picture (I suppose).
But, see, the thing is, I’ve never liked it.
In fact, when I was little, I used to grab it off the table where Mom kept it and tear it into pieces. Not just once, but repeatedly. (You’d think Mom would have thought to move it to a safer location.) I don’t know why, exactly, because I don’t specifically remember doing this–it might have been the fun of tearing it, the sound it made, or . . . as family tradition goes . . . it was just that I was jealous because it was a picture of Mom and Patty but not ME.
I’ve made amends, though. A couple of years ago, I brought the original, damaged photo to a photo store and had them restore it and then gave 8×10″ copies to Mom and Patty.
All in all, I think that was awfully magnanimous of me. I mean, after all, it’s not like I ever LIKED the picture….
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Shingles Are for Houses
Posted on November 8th, 2007
Remember, a couple days ago, when I mentioned having a rash?
Turns out, it’s shingles. Lucky me!
Now I know I’m technically older than I was on Monday, but . . . according to the documentation, most cases are in older people. As in (depending on what you’re reading) 50 or 65 or older. The word "elderly" is frequently used. Um. I’m 41 years 2 days old. I am NOT old! (Although, Mom said when I mentioned this that I’ve "always been an old soul.")
Really, this is a birthday present I would just have soon forgone. (Sigh). Reading about it is a little worrying, too, since all the articles talk about extreme pain, sometimes needing nerve blocks, which in some cases doesn’t go away for a year or more . . . um, I didn’t need to know that. Really, it feels more like sunburn, although it hurts more today than it did yesterday with some twinges like the way newly-healed skin can pull, but with a little burning… (ahem). Anyway, I’m now on an anti-viral medicine which hopefully will help.
For those of you who don’t know, Shingles is a nasty trick the chicken pox virus plays–after you’ve had the chicken pox, usually as a child, the virus lays dormant in your nerves, until, for whatever reason, usually a compromised immune system (which I wasn’t aware I had, except for the asthma), it reactivates and travels along one of the main nerve "lines" and erupts into this blistery rash. (And, please note that I did not show you a graphic picture of the way
my shoulder looks right now. I didn’t want to offend anybody’s
sensibilities.) You cannot pass shingles on to anybody else, but it IS remotely possible that a person with shingles could infect someone who has never had the chicken pox with chicken pox. Go figure.
Now, in happier news, did you see the lovely "review" of my calendar that Amy posted? Wasn’t that nice of her? I’m so glad she liked it! And don’t forget, you can get one, too. I added some Chappy shirts into the shop, too . . .
Not So Delusional
Posted on November 6th, 2007
Well, apparently Mom wasn’t imagining things.
There WAS a bag at Rhinebeck!
A bag of pretty, green fiber, to be exact. 16 ounces of merino. Apparently my sneaky little boy gave his grandma a commission to pick me up something for my birthday. Tricky little boy!
And, gosh, I don’t know HOW I completely missed the fact that she was carrying that bag around all day long.
I got some nifty wooden Knitpicks Options interchangeable needles, too. They really ARE as colorful as they look. I haven’t, of course, tried them yet, but they certainly are eye-catching, and if they work as well as the nickel Options, they’re going to be lovely.
Otherwise, Mom and I went to Short Hills mall this morning and browsed around. It started off rainy this morning, but the sky was already clearing when we left, which definitely made it a nicer day. We even got Chappy out for a walk in the afternoon, which he definitely appreciated.
The truly shocking part? My Mom baked me cupcakes. Mom almost never bakes. She was feeling guilty about my making my own cake, though, (even though I do every year because it’s my favorite cake) so I had said that she should provide some kind of cake or cupcakes for tonight. My favorite bakery closed a year or so ago, though, and while we stopped at a bakery or two today but didn’t see anything we liked the looks of. So, we bought a box of cake mix (something I never use), and she made me cupcakes, like a Mommy should do. Isn’t that sweet?
Buttons, as you can see, really enjoyed them. She’s been enjoying her 40th birthday. I can’t believe my little girl’s so grown up.
Now, if only the odd tender/itchy rash on my shoulder would go away…
And lastly, see the cute card Chappy gave me?
Natal
Posted on November 6th, 2007
Okay, this is it. Today is my birthday. (That’s 41 years of age, if anyone other than me is keeping count.)
It’s not the only birthday in the neighborhood, either. Go wish Vicky, Beth, Laura, and Icyshard a happy birthday, too.
Then, head over here to hear an . . . um . . . interesting happy birthday song….
I’ve reminisced (with photos) on other years, so you don’t really need to hear all that again, right?
The plans for the day? I’m taking the day off from work, hoping it doesn’t rain, and going shopping with Mom at Short Hills mall, which, for whatever reason, seems to be a birthday tradition for the two of us.
I hope you all have a good day!
And, don’t forget the Calendar Contest, either! I haven’t gotten nearly the responses I’d gotten by this time last year . . . only five entries as of writing this post. . . . Come on, folks–this is your chance to win a calendar or some sock yarn! Make an old woman happy . . . (grin)
Now, today seems the perfect time to do this meme that I came across over here yesterday:
The idea is to tell what I was doing 10 years ago, 20 years ago,
and 30 years ago. She added 40 to this meme, so I played along with that, too. Feel free
to join in and do this one as well, if you’re interested.
10 years ago: 1997. 31 years old. I had just finished taking swimming lessons for the first time in my life, and had a friend teach me to drive a stick shift (which I haven’t done since).
20 years ago. 1987. 21 years old. I was in London for the semester in college, my Junior year. And my actual, 21st birthday? I spent that actual day all alone in Trier Germany, being stood up by a no-show pen-pal, while my camera broke, the batteries in my walkman died, and I couldn’t find a thing in English to read, and ended up having supper at McDonalds. Well, it was memorable!
30 years ago. 1977. 11 years old. Um . . . fifth grade. Chances are we were listening to the 1776 soundtrack in school. Honestly, I’ve got nothing…
40 years ago. 1967. 1 year old. That was obviously a big day, being my first birthday and all, but I have to tell you, I don’t remember much of it. I did, however, get my all-time-favorite doll, Buttons, that birthday. You can see her in this picture with little-bitty me. And in the 1999 pictures in this post. She spends her time in the guest room these days, but she’s still very much loved.
(St)Eek!
Posted on November 4th, 2007
First, check out this site, Free Rice, found here. It’s a vocabulary test, where, for every correct answer, they’ll donate 10 grains of rice to help end world hunger. I donated 1000 grains before I got tired. Since they started a month ago, they’ve donated 680,991,930 grains of rice . . . not bad, huh?
Now, on to the steek:
I cast off my Autumn Rose last night.
Using the instructions from Eunny’s excellent series on steeks, I crocheted up one side of the to-be-cut steek stitch in a nice, contrasting yarn.
Then, back up the other side, so that there was a row of single-crochet on either side of where I was going to cut.
Then . . . (gulp)
I cut the steek apart. (With no paparazzi present.)
Which puts me right here….
All very exciting, no? (And, no, I did not require any alcohol either before or after the cutting to steady my nerves.)
The problem? I tried it on and . . . while, of course, there’s no neckband yet, this is big. Huge, even. Even after I recalculated all my charts to account for a different row gauge and different stitch gauges . . . It’s indecently low, for one thing. (Thank heaven I moved the bottom of the neck UP!) And hanging-off-the-shoulders wide at the top. And, I wouldn’t think it was possible, but I think my gauge loosened even MORE toward the top of the sweater . . . don’t ask me how, for I’ve no idea.
Now, I know that adding in the neckband will help . . . it will help fill in the neckband and it will help give some real shape and structure to it. And I can make it a little wider than the pattern calls for to fill in even more space, but . . . the pattern, for one thing, has you switch to smaller needles to give it a little extra tightness, but I’m already down to knitting on US size 1 needles, so there’s not very far I can go.
So . . . the next step is picking up the neckband stitches and . . . seeing what happens. I might see what I can do about decreasing stitches in the ribbing itself to provide some shape. (Definitely, if it’s more than an inch wide, I’ll need to.) And maybe it’s not as bad as it seems because I’ve never knitted a neckline like this before. Maybe the extreme sagging from un-bordered stockinette stitch is entirely normal at this stage, I don’t know. But . . . I’ll admit I’m worried.
Although . . . as always, the sweater still looks absolutely gorgeous. It’s just, really, a question of whether it’s going to be, um, wearable . . . (sigh)
As if risking horizontal stripes wasn’t daring enough.
After this is over, though? I really, really need to see what I can do to getting my own personal knitting gauge under control. It’s one thing to be a relaxed knitter, and needing, say, to drop a needle size to get gauge is no big deal. But these gauge issues of mine? Really absurd lately, and I’ve no idea WHY (grin).
Part One
Posted on November 3rd, 2007
Is this a desperate face, or what?
This is Chappy waiting for his piece of birthday cake and thinking, "Put the camera down and say ‘okay’ already!"
My actual birthday isn’t until Tuesday, of course, but today was the day the family came down to celebrate. I made pot roast (I really do make good pot roast), scalloped potatoes, sauteed brussels sprouts-and-walnuts and, of course the cake.
The extra-nice part? My niece is staying an extra night, so when her parents and brother left a little while ago . . . she stayed with us. Which is great but felt just a little weird for all of us (grin). Tomorrow morning, she’ll be leaving to go to another family birthday celebration–that of Kaitlyn, who turned a year old on November 1st. I nicely rescheduled my birthday dinner to today so that there wouldn’t be a conflict tomorrow . . . because, well, a first birthday is a big deal and her uncle and family should be there, right?
I’m not really in the mood to any more baking at the moment, and we do have plenty of cake left, but still . . . I’m sensing a pan of brownies in my near future, because my sister (and family) gave me aBaker’s Edge Brownie Edge Pan. Such a cool pan–every piece is a edge piece, and there are a lot more corners, too. Mmmm….
It’s been a fun day, despite Mom having a cold. Actually, she seems like she’s mostly fighting it off but she’s feeling less than perfectly healthy. You know how it goes–even when you’re fighting a winning battle, it still takes resources and energy. I’m feeling stuffier than usual, myself, but my allergies have been bothering me all week, so I’m not sure about the reason. To play it safe, though, I sucked on a Cold Eeze a little while ago and will take some extra vitamin C later . . . and maybe even some Elderberry Syrup (just for you, Norma!) . . . because, if nothing else, who wants to be sick on her birthday?
Oh, and in between flurries of activity in the kitchen, I started spinning bobbin #3. Here’s an action shot, courtesy of Mom.
All in all? Nice day. My nephew is getting his cast off in a couple of days and can’t wait. (His appointment is on Wednesday, but he’s trying to convince his Mom to get an earlier appointment on Monday because he is SO tired of wearing that cast and not being able to DO things!
Meanwhile, Chappy is so, so tired . . . in a good way!
Who’s Got the Button?
Posted on November 2nd, 2007
My issue of Interweave Knits came yesterday and I must say, I’m impressed. They had a "classic" theme for this issue, so there’s nothing too trendy or too weird, but it’s got some very nice designs. That cover sweater, for example. In fact, there are a couple in there that could be candidates for that Sublime yarn I bought in July. I mean, of course, the gauge from the label doesn’t fit, but when does my gauge EVER fit?
Because, you know, I’m going to be looking for a new sweater to knit some time soon, because I’m almost to the top of my Autumn Rose. As in, four more rows from casting off the body. There’ll still be the steek to cut and the neckband to knit, but . . . almost done.
I know, I’m impressed, too.
My magazine is sitting on top of the skirt I wore yesterday. A lovely little, button-up-the-front, A-line, plaid skirt that I bought last month, back when it was still too warm to wear a wool skirt. Finally, finally, it was its chance to get out of the closet (along with the cute boots I bought in August). So, I put it on, wore it to the office and . . . half an hour later, I spotted the lowest button on the floor in the hallway. Okay, these things happen, but jeez, it had been out of the closet for all of two hours. Luckily, I keep a sewing kit in my desk a couple minutes later, it was fixed. I went about my day, and when I came home at lunch, Mom and I took Chappy for a walk. Halfway around the block, I glanced down . . . the second lowest button was gone. Oooookay . . . We turned around and headed back to retrace our route. By sheer chance, I spotted the almost-black button on the black street surrounded by leaves. (In fact, look at that picture again . . . can you see the button?) I would have had time to sew it on before heading back to the office, but somehow, I didn’t feel like taking the chance.
I changed into a different skirt before going back to work. If the next button-up had fallen off, things would have gotten . . . unprofessional, you know? I have the feeling I should tighten all the buttons before wearing it again, don’t you?
Now, it’s Friday and Chappy is a very happy boy tonight–my niece is visiting, and he just LOVES having extra people here! In fact, tomorrow, we’ll have a full house because my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew will all be coming, too, for some birthday cake (which I baked for myself after work). I’m looking forward to it! But, I don’t know, I think Chappy might be even happier than I when they get here….
Calendar Girl 2
Posted on November 1st, 2007
Remember last year? When I threw myself a virtual party and asked all of you to show me your November calendar pictures? Made it a contest?
Well, guess what. I’m doing it again!
Show me a picture of your November Calendar, and leave me a link in this post, and you’ll be eligible to win a Chappysmom Knitting/Fiber calendar of your very own! (Or, if you’d prefer, some lovely, luscious sock yarn.)
I had 120 entries last year. Let’s see if we can top that this year, huh? Just like last year, this gives you the opportunity to give me a birthday present (which, of course, you’re all eager to do) that doesn’t cost you a thing and yet makes me very, very happy. How easy is that?
Like last year, we’ll make the deadline November 15th. And, again, you must leave me a comment on THIS post to be eligible.
(And, hey, why wait? Don’t you know somebody who would love a Chappysmom Knitting/Fiber calendar as a gift? In fact, there might be extra credit for next year’s contest if you’ve got one…)
To get the ball rolling, here are pictures of my November calendars this year:
In sequence, that’s the Peanuts’ calendar I got for Chappy for Christmas last year (he does so love Snoopy) that we have in the bedroom, my annual Peter Simon Martha’s Vineyard calendar that I use at the office at work, the calendar I made for myself last year (and which therefore has a picture of my birthday cake from last year) and lives in the bathroom, and the calendar I made for Mom and which, again because it’s my birthday, has a picture of ME. (Because, really, isn’t that what a Mom would want?)
Books Read in October
Posted on November 1st, 2007
Here’s what I read in October.
1. THIRTEENTH HOUSE by Sharon Shinn (423 p.) Second in the “Twelve Houses” series–a very “standard” kind of fantasy book, but more character-driven than most. Kira is a shape-shifter, and when her father asks her to go, disguised as her sister, on tour with the reclusive princess, she does happily . . . but as they travel, she finds herself attracted to the newly-appointed regent, a married man.
2. INSPIRED FAIR ISLE KNITS by Fiona Ellis (132 p.) Acompletely disappointing knitting book–so bad, I actually returned it. You can read more about my opinion here.
3. DARK MOON DEFENDER by Sharon Shinn (435 p.) Third in the “Twelve Houses” series. Justin, one of the King’s Riders, working undercover, falls in love with a novice at the convent.
4. BLUE SWORD by Robin McKinley (248 p.) Classic YA fantasy book. Young Harry moves to the “Outland” when her father dies, but one night is kidnapped by the Damarian king and soon learns the ways of the desert.
5. MIRABILE by Janet Kagan (278 p.) An interesting sci-fi book, taking place on another world settled by people from earth who brought genetically-altered seeds and embryos with them. Genetically-altered in such a way that the genetic codes are . . . layered, so that you never know what might come out of any given crop. Very interesting, indeed!
6. BELLWETHER by Connie Willis (247 p.) An absolute favorite of mine. Sandra Foster studies the sources of fads while dealing with all sorts of frustrations at her work at HiTek labs, mostly because of the complete ineptitude of the company assistant, Flip . . . it’s hilarious. I love this book….
7. DEEP SECRET by Diana Wynne Jones (375 p.) So, suppose that earth is just one dimension of a series, and that there are Magids who help make sure things work the way they’re supposed to. Now suppose there’s an empire that’s falling apart, just as the world’s youngest magid needs to pick a replacement . . . throw in a fantasy convention in a truly bizarre hotel, a dead mentor haunting a car, and missing heirs, mix well….
8. OD MAGIC by Patricia McKillip (315 p.) Brenden Vetch comes to the king’s city to become gardener at Od’s school of magic. This is a lovely, gentle, sweet kind of book.
9. BROKEN FOR YOU by Stephanie Kallos (368 p.) This is such a nice book. When Margaret learns that she has a fatal brain tumor, instead of going for treatment, she opens her house up to a boarder, Wanda Schultz. But there are secrets and mysteries here–Margaret’s house is filled with relics her father left her–valuable pieces stolen from the Jews sent to the Nazi concentration camp. Wanda is trying to find the boyfriend who left her, not knowing that he was not the person who sent