So, let’s see….

We celebrated Mom’s birthday last weekend, but the subject is rather Taboo.

No, not because we can’t talk about it, but because the Hasbro game “Taboo” kind of took over. We had had a copy of the original edition from something like 1989, but when our basement was invaded by black mold 5-ish years ago, we had to get rid of it, but Mom’s been regretting it since. So, last weekend, she bought a new copy and we played it Sunday afternoon with my sister and her family. Lots of fun (and Mom and I won by 40 points to 38 which made it pretty much perfect since it was HER birthday, after all).

Then Sunday night, my best friend—who was visiting home after her mother fell and broke her hip—came over and the three of us played. We made up our own rules and just rotated the clue-giving and guessing, and oh, we laughed. I mean, really, really laughed. More than once we had to just stop the timer and pause to regain control of ourselves. Hilarity is definitely the word. (Which was particularly good for Dawn, who really needed the fun break.)

I took Mom’s actual birthday, Valentine’s Day, off from work and the two of us went up to Ridgewood to Crumbs bakery for some fresh cupcakes. (You remember, we bought some in NY when we went to Vogue Knitting Live in January.) I made supper, we all went for a walk … even the weather was perfect. I told Mom that that was Chappy’s gift to her, and that ordering perfect weather was particularly difficult this year, so he hoped she liked it.

So, remember when I told you about the cracked spinning head for my Majacraft Aura? Well, Majacraft was nice enough to send me a new one. (I do love their customer service!) The unfortunate part is that I haven’t been able to use it yet. I simply can NOT get the whorl off the original wheel to put it on this one. The little one, yes. The inner of the two whorls would come off just fine … except I can’t get the outer one off. At all. I’ve been sending emails back and forth to Glynis, and neither of us can figure out why it just won’t MOVE. The shaft spins inside the whorl, it just won’t move horizontally OFF the shaft.

As a tribute to their awesome customer service, she finally decided to send me a new whorl, which is on its way. Only, in extreme irony, she accidentally sent me a new inner whorl, not the outer.

I’m starting to think this is jinxed (grin).

Today, though, Mom and I went on a yarn crawl—something I haven’t done in ages. It was an official one, too … the first Northern NJ Yarn Crawl. There were 11 stores participating, but Mom and I just went to 5—which was plenty for one day! And tons of fun.

We started at the Stitching Bee in Chatham.

It’s a small store (especially when filled with yarn-crawlers), and since they sell needlepoint supplies, too, there were lots of canvases being displayed which makes it look like there’s no headroom (grin). The people were super nice, though, and the store is clean (which isn’t something you can say about every crowded yarn shop around).

I bought this gorgeous skein of Jitterbug yarn in the brand new “Evergreen” color. (And I’m kind of kicking myself for not getting two to make a shawl, but let’s not be greedy.)

As an extra bonus, though, they were giving away grab-bags, and look what I got! This great skein of blue Araucania sock yarn AND a pattern to go with it. That was so generous of them, so thank you!

I took a picture of the owner, but it didn’t come out very well.

Second stop was the Blue Purl in Madison, which I love. We found this little fellow waiting outside for someone, and I thought this was adorable. Chappy would have known exactly how he felt, except he was at home staring at the door.

This is one of my favorite local shops. They’re really nice, very helpful, and the store is just gorgeous with its hardwood floors and even chandeliers. It’s got the rare gift for a yarn shop of feeling spacious. (Mom took this photo, by the way.) I would have felt guiltier about not buying yarn there today if I hadn’t been there just a few weeks ago.

I was really excited to meet Ann Weaver, too, (pictured with the store owner) who was there promoting her new book, “Craft, Work, Knit.” She was wonderful—energetic and bubbly and so excited about sharing her patterns and showing off her samples. (And, seeing the samples in person made me love them even more.) She was nice enough to give me a copy of the book to review over at Knitting Scholar, and I’ll be writing up an interview with her, too—so don’t miss it.

Third stop, about which the less said the better, is Accent on Knits.

Aesthetically pleasing though it may be to arrange the inventory by color (cough), it makes it a lot harder to find things. (And I can only imagine how difficult it would be to find the yarn for a multi-colored project like a fair-isle design!) I thought the owner was unfriendly and while a couple of the sales people were nice enough, I wasn’t impressed. This was the first time I’ve been in their new location and I expect it will be the last. And the store smells of … I’m not even sure … but some strong, perfume-y scent that bothered my asthma and had me driving down 202 with the window open. I have no plans to go back to this store—even if it does have its own parking (which is a small miracle in Morristown).

At this point, we stopped at Wightman’s to get a couple doughnuts for lunch. Some frozen pies, too—including a pot pie on the recommendation of the Blue Purl owner who raved about them. I haven’t eaten a pot pie since the Swanson’s chicken pot pies Mom used to make when I was a kid, and I hated them. Ever since, anything that involves chicken gravy touching anything like pastry or biscuits, I can’t stand. Chicken stew with biscuits on the side is fine, but no gravy on the biscuits, please! But I’ll give this a try.

We went to Angelfire Studios in Basking Ridge next–a store that does yarn and pottery. This was the first time I’d been there—hadn’t even heard of it before this yarn crawl. We had trouble getting in the door, though, since it stuck so hard for a minute I thought they were closed! I was sorely tempted by some of the Spud & Chloe yarn they had, but since there weren’t as many skeins as I wanted in the color I liked, I managed to resist.

While there, I bought a raffle ticket to win this gorgeous art-y shawl. The owner’s husband was in a terrible accident last September and is still in the hospital, and they’re raffling the shawl to raise money. I hope they sold lots and lots and lots of tickets. Mom and I bumped into Kim buying some yarn and tickets for herself.

I met two more authors, too. Courtney Kelley & Kate Gagnon Osborn, who wrote Vintage Modern Knits, which I reviewed just a week ago. I didn’t know they were supposed to be there, so this was an extra treat because I was able to tell them how much I liked their book. And to see live samples, too, which makes me want to knit some of them even more!

The final stop was Down Cellar in the center of Basking Ridge. (Yes, apparently the same town as the other shop, but I don’t know how they drew that town line because they were not exactly near each other.)

This was the only shop of the day that wasn’t in a standard storefront, but in a converted house. Lovely. Great selection of yarn, friendly people, and tons of notions like bag handles and even zippers. Not to mention a sewing room upstairs. And great lighting. You all know how important lighting is when you’re trying to see yarn colors, and theirs was great.

I fell on my credit card again there and got this skein of Madeline Tosh DK yarn in “Vanilla Bean”—a deep, warm brown with hints of lavender. (The photo’s a little over-exposed, so it looks lighter than the yarn really is.)

And this, this! From their sale room because she’d overstocked on the color. Eight skeins of Rowan Felted Tweed (color 150, a really lovely red) all for 35% off. I am SO glad I went upstairs! My grand total for both yarns was $63. Woohoo!

One more “new” thing to show you—these socks. I’ve been working on them for months, because you know what a slow sock knitter I am. This was the first yarn I ever bought from the Blue Purl and I just finished them on Thursday. They are also only something like the third pair that I’ve made that were not plain stockinette stitch and I hope you like them, because I plan on going back to basic socks again pronto. I find that on size 0 needles, with sock yarn, cabling makes my hands hurt, and it’s not as mindless as I like my sock-knitting to be. I won’t say that I’ll never make a “patterned” sock again, but … it’s probably going to be a while.

Speaking of yarn purchases. Do you remember when Twist Collective had that article about the long-lost “Green Sweater” that Elizabeth Zimmermann had made for her goddaughter? That was recreated by a knitter for the sweater’s owner? (In, ironically, Stix-n-Stitches. One of the yarn shops on today’s yarn crawl that I did NOT visit.) Well, I loved it when I read about it and the pattern has apparently been available at Schoolhouse Press for a while, so I bought it a couple weeks ago. Even as a kit, the yarn and the pattern were only $36 so I really couldn’t resist.

Remember when I moved my furniture around so that the table is under the window? One of the things I wasn’t happy with was the garbage pail. It was one thing when it was behind the door, but now it looked so … ugly. Industrial metal mesh, with a plastic garbage bag, and being able to see the garbage every time I walked into the room. Ick.

So I did what every knitter would do.

I gave it a cozy. This was one of the sweaters I was never happy with, so last month I had ripped back the top, down to the underarms and re-bound it off, figuring it would work as a cowl or a shoulder shrug or something. Turns out, it’s the perfect size for my garbage pail. How about that, huh?

And with that, I’m exhausted! G’night, all!

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

Somebody made a comment the other day about “I guess that’s why you don’t make socks.” But I DO. I just don’t usually bother to photograph them.

Here’s proof, though. I finished this pair on Friday afternoon, made out of Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn–a blend of 60% superwash merino wool, 25% mohair, and 15% nylon–a practically perfect combination for sock yarn. This colorway is called “Northern Lights” and is actually a little darker than in this photograph.

The thing is, I almost always have a sock-in-progress in my purse. The problem, in terms of sock productivity, is that I don’t usually have a lot of “found” time out and about with my purse and nothing else to do. One of the beauties of having knitting with you at all times is that you’re never without something to do while waiting on lines, at a doctor’s office, while commuting, or whatever.

Except–it’s pretty rare for me to do any of those things. My commute to work is about 10 minutes by car, during which time knitting is frowned upon. I come home at lunch to walk Chappy, so no desk-side knitting while scarfing down a sandwich. I do as much shopping online as possible to avoid standing on lines, and try to avoid doctor’s offices.

So, basically, the only time my socks really get worked on is when I’m out for coffee with Mom on Saturday mornings. Or, like a week or so ago, when I don’t have anything else to knit. Or, Friday afternoon, when I knit on my sock while being amused by Mom and her friend.

I took Friday afternoon off from work, you see, because Mom’s oldest friend was coming to visit. They’ve known each other since they were 14, and I haven’t seen her in about 8 years. Even more amazing, she was coming HERE. Mom’s friend is terrified of driving, and even though she’s only about 15 miles (or less) away … the fact that she was driving ALL this way was probably a once-in-a-lifetime event. In fact, she was so afraid of getting lost, Mom met her somewhere around Parsippany so that her friend could follow her back up Rt 46 to the house. (She said when she got here that she couldn’t believe how “far out” we were, and she thought Mom was never going to get there. Um … depending on traffic and all, Parsippany’s about 15 minutes from here. Tops.)

So, I took the afternoon off so that I could enjoy spending time with Mom and her friend. They are hilarious together. I mean, of course they are. They’ve known each other forever, and tell great stories about each other. I made some tea and then just sat there with my sock while they laughed and talked and joked. It was great fun. (And really helpful for the work-on-the-sock vibe.)

I would show you one of the pictures I took while she was here, except Mom would kill me. My mother–who I adore–has always been difficult about letting us take her picture, but lately she’s gotten worse. She’s decided that she doesn’t “like her face” (whatever that means), and now really  hates having her picture taken. So, while her friend was standing, smiling nicely for the camera, Mom was being silly. She was making faces, glaring at the camera, covering her face with her hand while she laughed. Generally doing everything she could to make the pictures, well, bad. Not just the kind where I think she looks fine but she hates them, but the kind where I can’t find a decent shot in the group. Out of 3o pictures. A probably-never-going-to-happen-again event, and there’s not a decent photo of it. Sigh.

(And no, I’m not going to share any of the bad ones with you. You wouldn’t want to be responsible for my death, would you? Because I’m not kidding. She’d kill me.) (Well, figuratively, anyway. I’ll take the risk for photos that I think are good but that she doesn’t like. But these? No, I wouldn’t share them anyway.)

I CAN show you the yarn for my next pair of socks, though. This is the yarn I bought at the Blue Purl in Madison a couple months ago. (Come to think of it, why haven’t I been back yet?) The color’s name is “Orange You Glad” but it’s really more of a gold-orange than a pure orange. Kind of school-bus colored, actually. I’m trying something different with this one and am using an actual sock pattern instead of my usual plain-jane, basic stockinette socks. I’m bringing the book into work tomorrow to use the copy machine so I don’t have to try to lug the book around with me. We’ll see how this goes. Usually I prefer plain socks, but something different doesn’t sound terrible.

The only problem, of course, is my crazily-loose knitting gauge. Since my stockinette socks are usually knit on size zero needles with just 44 stitches and fit just fine, and most sock patterns have at least 56 or more stitches, it makes knitting a pattern that has a distinct pattern across half the sock a little more challenging. So, we’ll see how it goes. On the plus side, this yarn is narrower than, say, Koigu, so hopefully the gauge will be tighter and all will be well.

Hope your weekend was a good one. I can’t believe it’s May already. My heart goes out for all the people who got flooded or socked by tornadoes this weekend. And I’m immensely grateful that car bomb in Times Square fizzled. The fact that there WAS one, whether it went off or not, is kind of terrifying.

But, also? Really, really grateful that we’re Six Months removed from THIS. Our Death By Moving Van moment.

Tags: Friends, General by --Deb
3 Comments »

We had visitors yesterday–Risa, Kim, and two little monkeys! Not so little anymore, actually, since they’re learning to read. This is Kat reading me the Dr. Seuss classic “10 on Top” which, I don’t think I’d ever read before. (Yes, there ARE books I haven’t read.) I do love that magic moment when kids start reading, though it’s easy to forget how hard it is at the beginning!

I honestly don’t remember how hard I thought reading was, when I learned. I’ve told you how I remember the moment when the concept “clicked” and I remember having to learn all the words, and getting stuck from time to time, but I remember it being easy(ish). Maybe my big sister had something to do with it. I had a role model to try to emulate. And I do remember starting by half-memorizing books that Mom read to me, so that I could half-guess at what the words were because I knew the story they were telling. Kind of like how it’s easier to remember song lyrics that rhyme because you know what that line has to sound like.

Anyway, it was fun, watching/helping the two of them read from the huge pile of  books they brought along with them. Kim helped, too, and Risa looked thrilled to be able to sit and knit while I amused her children (grin). Even if that meant I didn’t get as much knitting done as I had hoped … worth it, though.

Chappy is still exhausted from all that entertaining. It’s tiring being that adorable for an audience, you know.

You’ll be pleased to know that the ottoman is helping. I’ve got Chappy using it to jump UP onto the bed, but he’s jumping down next to it. Hopefully that will come, but while the jump down is a harder landing than I’d really hope for him, it doesn’t worry me as his Mom as much as the difficulty of jumping UP. And at the moment, the ottoman is in the hallway outside my room. It’s blocking the bookcase, but I haven’t come close to tripping over it yet. Lifting it over the bed four times in the last two days got old really fast–especially since there’re no handles or anything to make the lifting easy. And while it’s not heavy, it’s awkward and I’d guess around 15-20 lbs … and I haven’t put anything into it yet!

But, speaking of kids?

I saw a brand-new baby born on the Lambcam this afternoon–new baby Grover! So cute! They only had three pregnant nanny goats this year, and named all the babies for Muppet characters. They started with boy/girl twins named Gonzo and Camilla (check out their video!). Then two twin boys, named Statler and Waldorf, and now Grover. So much cuteness they’ve got romping around that barn!

Tags: Friends, General by --Deb
7 Comments »

Chappy’s been really quiet the last couple of days.

On Thursday, he was clingy, wanting to be with one of the three of us (preferably me). He didn’t seem sick or in pain, just … quiet and clingy.

In fact, I came home from work and he was sitting on the chair next to his Grandpa, and had been there for a while. Well, okay, everybody can have a bad, clingy kind of day once in a while. Nothing to worry about.

Then, Friday morning, he woke up and seemed okay. I made and ate my breakfast, fed him, and went upstairs to get ready to leave for work, when Mom calls up, “Deb, Chappy’s having trouble with his leg again.”

You might not remember, but a year and a half ago, I got a frantic call at work from Mom because Chappy wouldn’t put any weight on his foot, and was drooling and throwing up, shaking like he was in great pain … but by the time I got home (after calling the vet and making an emergency appointment), he seemed fine. We all shrugged it off as being some weird kind of leg cramp that must have hurt a whole lot to make him throw up like that.

But then, yesterday morning, it happened again, only this time I saw it. It was definitely a leg spasm of some kind because he wouldn’t or couldn’t put his back, right leg on the floor, as well as shaking and drooling. As soon as I came downstairs, I sat next to him and he crawled into my lap and just shook and drooled while I massaged his leg. He was doing better when I left for work (though I felt AWFUL leaving him!), but he basically just slept all day yesterday, while being pretty careful about how he lay down. For the most part, he was lying down–preferably on something soft–and then more or less not moving anything more than his head.

Now, he does often have some kind of muscle kink in his back leg. When he lies down on his left side, he always stretches out the back right leg with an extra kick to get it comfortable, but he’s eight and a half years old.  A stiff muscle or joint isn’t exactly unheard of in middle-aged dogs (and humans). And I could certainly believe that he could have turned or jumped badly and twisted that in a way that hurt.

But at the same time, there was something about the way his head was shaking that seemed odd to me, more pronounced than a “I hurt” kind of quiver. It didn’t make me feel any better when I googled “dog leg spasm” when I got to the office and the first site that comes up talks about seizures … because it almost looked like it could have been a mild kind of seizure. He was awake and aware, and able to crawl into my lap as soon as I came down, but it also seemed to take a lot out of him, considering how much he slept yesterday, and how much he wanted to be with us throughout the day. He even followed me into the bathroom at one point, which he never does, but he wanted to be near me that badly.

All in all, I’m thinking I should take him to the vet for them to check his hips and legs sometime soon, huh? Poor little guy.

He was clingy today, too, though not so much–and more alert and like himself in between naps. Which was good, because he had company! Risa and the twins, who we haven’t seen since September (when they were the only bright spot on an otherwise awful day).

I actually met them at McDonalds first. (And no, Chappy was NOT happy about my leaving and I’m told he whimpered after I left.) The kids worked off lots of energy in the play area while Risa and I sat and knitted. And then a surprise–Kim joined us! That made the knitting extra fun … and almost possible to ignore how LOUD that glassed-in play area is on a crowded, rainy Saturday. Holy cow, it was loud, and after two hours I had had it, so we came back here.

This was Risa’s first visit to the new house since, just about the time I was ready to invite her over to see it, she went and sprained her foot. So, we gave her the tour, and then made some coffee (because, naturally, we hadn’t drunk enough coffee already), ate some cake, and then we all sat and watched the Toy Story movies. They sat on the couch, and Chappy curled up next to me on our chair … though he slid down and took over a little more real estate each time I got up.

The best part was that, not only was it great to see them, but I think the visit cheered Chappy up, too. If he had still been feeling like he was yesterday, I would have called to postpone, but since he was just a little clingy this morning, it seemed worth the risk, and I think he really enjoyed seeing them. He’s tired now, of course, but it seems more like a “I spent the afternoon with Mom’s friend and the monkeys and now I’m tired” kind of tired.

Speaking of tired and quiet time … I’m kind of beat myself …

Tags: Chappy, Friends by --Deb
5 Comments »

It seems to me that I haven’t shown you a picture of my sweater in a while. I’ve got the two fronts done. (They’re wider than they look, they just curl a lot from the stockinette stitch.) Now I’ve just got the back to finish. Then, two cap sleeves and the button bands.

Chappy is keeping tabs on things for me. You know how he likes to supervise.

Some random stuff for you:

I can’t get this song out of my head, In-Flight Safety’s “Model Homes.” Wistful lyrics, lovely music.

How cool are these? “Grid-It” covered with interwoven elastic straps for storing, well, anything you might usually stash in your purse or briefcase … thumb drives, phones, headphones … all the little things that get lost in corners.

You DID know that Stephanie lit the Knit Signal, didn’t you? To raise money for those poor people in Haiti?

And … if you have a few more dollars to spare?

My best friend–you’ve heard me talk about Dawn lots of times is working on her Masters Thesis Film at the American Film Institute. Like most films, though, it requires money, and to be able to make it, she needs to prove to AFI that they’ll meet the budget. So … Can you help her out? All donors get listed in the credits of the film, and donations are tax-deductible.

The film is called “Big Ol’ Crouton” and the website is right here.

Here’s what she has to say:

Dear Friends,

I’m still working on fundraising. We need to get to $30,000 by next Friday (Jan 22) in order for AFI to allow us to do this film. We are halfway there. And so I am now offering:

The Dawn Green/Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Weekend “TWO FOR ONE” Film Fundraising Special!

Anyone who donates $50 or more to our film starting today (1/14) through Jan 18 (Dawn’s birthday) will receive TWO DVDs of our film and TWO HOURS of professional Italian Lessons with Dawn. Hours are transferable, so feel free to give them away as a gift to a friend! Go to www.croutonthefilm.com to donate now!

Times are tough right now. And as you know, when things get tough the arts get cut. AFI has had to cut back on the monetary assistance they give to us, and it’s more difficult than ever for AFI students to raise the money they need to make their films. I know that it might be a really bad time for you, too. I get it. I’ve been there myself. I want you to know that anything you have to contribute is truly appreciated. And even if you can’t give a monetary contribution at this time, your words of support truly mean everything to me. If you are on Facebook, become a fan of our page “Big Ol’Crouton”. Or give me call or drop me a line!

Regardless, please check out our website (http://www.croutonthefilm.com) for details on our film. If you are able to give money, you can donate either by check or credit card. Your contribution is tax deductible. Also, your company might offer matching funds (ask me about this, I have a list of companies).

All the best, Dawn

–  Dawn Green Producer, “Big Ol’ Crouton”

I know, there are other, more urgent demands on your money right now–especially the urgent need down in Haiti. Making a film may seem unimportant. But, still … How could I help but ask? At the very least, could you help spread the word?

Tags: Friends, General, Knitting/Spinning by --Deb
2 Comments »

This is what Chappy looked like yesterday while we were waiting for my friend Dawn to come visit. I sat at our little writing desk in the front window–which give the view of a little slice of the street–and worked on my book, while Chappy sat under the desk, watching.

And watching…. and don’t think these pictures were easy to get, either! I love how he has his paws folded, patiently. And how the window sill is JUST the right height for him. Oh, and see those mirrors Mom has leaning there?

The reflection was pretty cool, too. (See him?)

And yes, Dawn did eventually arrive, and yes, we had a great visit. She approves of the new house (such a relief) and it was good to see her, as always.

Now, you’re not getting a long post because I’ve spent most of my day working on ‘year in review’ posts not only for Chappysmom, but also for Punctuality Rules and Knitting Scholar. Those kind of posts are very link-intensive and time-consuming, and doing them for three blogs?

Well, you’re just going to have to wait a little longer for a “real” post.

Tags: Chappy, Friends by --Deb
Comments Off

Okay, now my knitting needles are really empty … Well, almost.

I finished the body of my second sock last night–the one that’s been in my purse for months. This means that the only knitting I have at the moment is the need to add the two Afterthought Heels to these socks …I’ve never actually done Afterthought Heels, mind you, but I figured now was as good a time as ever. You have to try new things, right? I just need to decide if I want to do them in the same yarn, or in a contrasting color.

Oh, and figure out exactly where to put them. How DO you judge where to make the cut?

Anyway, after that, I’m done. Nothing to knit.

How scary is that?

I do have this lovely little swatch, though. I knitted it out of the yarn I bought at Rhinebeck in October, and right now it’s sitting on the ledge overlooking the living room, drying so that I can measure it, get an idea of what my gauge is, and then do whatever pattern math is necessary to then knit a Redhook out of it. (And, thanks again Kim for lending me that pattern book.)

It is a gray, wet, dreary day today, though. Freezing rain and apparently there are a LOT of accidents out there … and yet it looks so innocent!

I did something yesterday that I haven’t done in AGES, though. Months. An inconceivable length of time.

I bought some books. Mom and I went to a bookstore where I actually got a chance to browse and buy some new books.

I know, I’m practically giddy … though at the same time I feel a little guilty because, well, I should be spending money on Christmas presents (and rent), not on me, right? But then … did I mention it’s been MONTHS?? Normally I’m twitching with withdrawal after a few weeks without a bookstore fix.

My friend Cindy came over last night, too, to see the new place. She was rather later than she had said. When we first discussed her coming, she said “after 3:00,” when we got more specific, she said “about 4:00,” but she didn’t actually get here until 4:30. Though, of course, I’m glad that she showed up this time at all. (Not like the last time.) We had discussed her picking up supper, but, while she called when she got in the car, that went to voicemail, and she said not to call her back, because she didn’t have her bluetooth headset with her, so that plan went out the window. So I ended up cooking a pasta and vegetable dish with what I could find in the fridge. We had a nice visit, though, and she stayed to watch “Julie and Julia” with Mom and me, which was fun. And, she approved of the new house, which is important–not that she would dare say anything else (grin). Chappy, in particular, was thrilled to see her, and told her many times to be sure to say hello to his best friend for him–nobody gives “I’m so happy to see you!” greetings like Chappy!

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

Yep, we went to Rhinebeck today, and it was thankfully dry. Cold, only in the 40s, yes … but dry! No snow, no rain. Phew! So we got to see the horses with the silver and gold hooves.

I didn’t see as many friends as usual and, except for the (formerly) MVFF get-together, most of the people I saw were fairly local friends that I usually see at Jessica’s for her spinning get-togethers (which includes Jessica). So, I’m a little sorry I didn’t get to see some of my ‘regular’ Rhinebeck friends, but am glad I saw Jessica, Annie, Kim, Jessalu, Risa, Susan, Sarah, and the other folks. (Thanks to Mom for this pictures, which shows the number of layers I had on today. I was dressed for January, not October!) But, Norma, Sandy, Carole, Laurie, Claudia, Silvia, and all the rest of you–sorry I missed you!

Oh, and I metKnitter’s Review’s Clara Parkes, which was particularly great since I just posted an interview with her at Knitting Scholar. (Which you should read, if you haven’t yet.)

In fact, she’s standing in the backgound of this picture, watching the progress on the Big Sock.

(That would be the attempt at the world’s Biggest Sock, which I’m very excited to have had a part in.)

I’ve got the button to prove it.

And a picture of what the part I knit looked like.

Now, as to the REST of the day? Like, as in the rest of the family’s day while Mom and I were having fun with our wooly friends? More interesting stuff.

Like, my car wouldn’t start this morning. The last couple of days, the key hasn’t wanted to turn in the ignition. You know how you sometimes can’t get the key to turn until you jiggle the steering wheel, like it’s locking the ignition in place? Exactly like that. Well, Mom and I piled in the car and … nothing. I could turn the key a quarter turn and that was IT, and putting my foot on the brake had about as much “give” as an inflated rubber ball. So … we had to bring Mom’s car instead.

While we were gone, Dad called the mechanic who said the “cylinder” (don’t ask me, I don’t know more than that) was about shot and that it was probably lucky that I didn’t take it to Rhinebeck because it could “go” at any time … and, being stranded somewhere around town is one thing, being stranded 100 miles from home is another! So, Monday we need to get it over to the mechanic so he can go to Volvo to get a replacement part. … We’ll need to work out the logistics of that.

Then, also while we were gone, someone came to look at the house–in fact, a second visit, this time with both daughters and both grandmother–and if they’re getting BOTH grandmothers’ opinions, they must have liked it the first time. For the walk-through, Dad put Chappy in my car in the driveway, and those folks were leaving just as my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew arrived, so Patty got to let him out of the car, which made Chappy VERY happy, indeed!

Then, the four of them moved furniture. They took our guest room set and our ping-pong table home in the van they rented for the occasion. (Unfortunately, there was no way to get the shuffle board table out of the basement. Not without removing walls.) They also brought some of the no-longer-wanted upstairs furniture, like the old metal desk from my parents’ office, down to stash in the living room until we can get rid of it.

Because we’re trying to get rid of our living room furniture and our dining room set, but Mom’s not having any luck on Craigslist. In a pinch, we’ll donate it to the Market Street Mission, or some charity or other, but we’re hoping to get at least some money for it, to help pay for some of the pieces we need in the new house. Like a futon so guests will have someplace to sleep. Or the new television we need for the living room (since the one we have now is getting iffy and we’re just hoping it will survive the move).

Anyway, Chappy was apparently very stressed while they took that furniture out of the house, which just cements our decision that on Moving Day, he will be in the first car to head over to the new house. We’re all agreed that he will be MUCH happier being in the new (unfamiliar) house and having strangers walking in with his familiar furniture than being in his old, familiar house having them walk OUT with his stuff!

Okay–tired now! In fact, so tired, I didn’t even knit tonight.

And, yes, I DID buy some yarn … I couldn’t help myself since it’s Rhinebeck … but you’ll have to wait for tomorrow for some pictures!

How about another picture of that BIG sock??

Tags: Friends by --Deb
10 Comments »

It’s really just not been my day today.

Well, not that it’s been all bad. I took the day off from work, so I got to sleep late–that’s always good! The fact that I woke up to a rainy day isn’t really its fault, right? Chappy made me laugh right off, too. We usually save the cream cheese containers for him. I’ll put his vitamin in one and then hide it for him to find, which doesn’t usually take long because he knows all the good hiding places by now. Well, this morning, I put it on the stairs–midway between the halfway-point landing and the upstairs … and he couldn’t figure out how to reach it! All he needed to do was stand on the landing, put his front paws on the second step and take the container in his mouth, but he didn’t think of it. Instead, he ran up the stairs PAST the container and then sat at the top trying to figure out why he couldn’t reach it, three steps down. Silly dog! I finally had to help him by sitting next to him on the landing and pointing out that it was in reach. (Oh, his softie of a Grandma helped too, by moving it down a step. She was going to just give it to him, but I told her he needed to figure it out on his own.)

I planned to leave the house at 10:00, to go visit my friend Cindy (the one who had open-heart surgery last month), but ran a little late, not getting to the car until 10:15–very much not like me. I bundled up, left, took the time to fill up the gas tank (in preparation of Rhinebeck on Saturday), and headed down the highway.

I’m not sure why, exactly, but at some point, up ahead, a couple of police cars with flashing lights blocked off the traffic to let a string of cars onto the highway. At first I thought it was some kind of entourage, like the Govenor was visiting, or something … or maybe a funeral with a longer cortege than usual. I didn’t see a hearse, though–although I was a way back so didn’t have the best view. But it was interesting! Not something that happens every day. (Or, well, maybe it does, I’m just usually at work.)

My first stop, though, wasn’t actually visiting Cindy, it was my favorite apple orchard to buy some apples for her and for us. Except, I forgot to allow for the fact that lots (and lots) of schools come by for field trips to play in the orchard, and even on this rainy day, the parking lot was full of yellow school buses. Which meant that the shop was full of KIDS. Lots of kids, getting donuts, picking out candy .. largely bypassing the apples, though. I waded through with a nice smile for everyone and collected my apples, as well as a frozen apple pie and some donuts for Mom. (She loves their donuts.) (And, um, we won’t discuss the frozen pie I dropped on the floor, right?)

So, I waited on line for ages while individual kids pulled out their change purses to pay their $.95 for whatever little things they were buying, and then the cashier rang me up. She balanced my two bags of apples on the scale, rang up the pie and the donuts and then turned back to the next kid … and as I reached for the donuts she’d left on her side of the scale … one of my bags of apples plummeted to the floor. Ouch! Talk about bruised apples, some of these were cracked, they landed so hard. NOT the kind of apple you can bring home and store for a while, you know?

Anyway, I got back in the car and headed up to Cindy’s–only about 10 minutes late (which, considering the number of kids at Wightman’s was pretty efficient of me). We had a really nice visit. She’s still tired and wears out very quickly, kind of sore, but at least starting to feel better–which is good!

Her dog, Horatio, was delighted to see me, too. He is Chappy’s best friend–they’ve known each other since they were three months old, and even though it’s been about nine months since they’ve seen each other, they have one of those great “best friend” relationships where, it doesn’t matter how long the delay has been, they reconnect instantly when they see each other. I TOLD him that Chappy had wanted to come, and that he was going to be super jealous that I got to see Horatio but he didn’t, and Horatio was just so thrilled to see me and smell Chappy on my clothes … it was so sweet.

When I left there, about 1:30 … it was raining, but … with snow mixed in. In fact, by the time I got home, it actually was snowing. Wow! And it’s pretty much snowed all day long, turning spots on the grass white, even if it was too wet to really accumulate.

Naturally, though, I had to bake, because those poor, abused apples weren’t going to last for long at ALL. So I peeled and sliced all the badly-bruised ones and ended up with enough for a huge pie. Except, we all know my trials with pie crust, so I opted for an apple streusel crisp instead (once I’d dug out my cookbooks that Dad moved to the garage). I couldn’t get them all to fit in my Edge Pan, so I put the extra into a loaf pan and popped them both into the oven.

Ten minutes later … a pop followed by a nasty smell. The heating element had burst! Now, this has happened before, but … it couldn’t have lasted three more weeks??

We called our neighbor across the street to beg the use of her oven … and, wasn’t it lucky that I had the second, smaller crisp? They got to keep it as a thank you.

All in all, an interesting day.

I apologize for the lack of pictures, too. It’s been so gray and wet, it didn’t seem worth digging out my camera.

And–is anybody else worrying about the weather for Rhinebeck on Saturday? The forecast is for rain mixed with snow … brr!

Tags: Baking, Friends by --Deb
7 Comments »

I know. It looks like a swatch but, in fact, it’s the beginning of my new sweater. It starts by knitting the cabled, horizontal waistband first, and then picking up stitches for the waist and working downard, and then on the other side to work upwards toward the shoulders. Such nifty construction!

This, you’ll remember, is my Peace Fleece yarn, my first time working with it. Love the color–such a shame the sport weight doesn’t come in more of them!

Here’s something else going out in the garbage–my one and only high school Forensics trophy. (That’s Forensics as in competitive public speaking, you understand, not the icky kind with dead bodies.)

Speaking of Forensics, I was wondering the other day whatever happened to my old English teacher/Forensics coach, so I did a Google search … one that took some effort, I should tell you, but I eventually tracked her down, working at a performing arts high school in Paterson. I sent her an email asking if she was in fact the teacher I thought she was, and she was! She wrote back and we exchanged a nice couple of emails. It sounds like she’s doing really well. How cool is that? I love getting in touch with people from my past. So, hi Mrs. Neighbor!

Incidentally, my friend Cindy is doing well, post-heart-surgery. She’s home, which is huge, and seems to be doing well. Such a relief!

Unfortunately, we didn’t get the house we bid on on Saturday (sigh). Our real estate agent keeps promising us that things are going to turn around, that Mercury is in retrograde. “I know, I sound crazy, but I swear it’s true.” And the agent who was listing the house we didn’t get said he’s got a couple more “coming up” in that price range and said he’d let Gail know about them before he puts the listing up so we can get a first look, which is very nice, I think. (I mean yes, I know, that means he probably gets some commission, too, but who cares? Not me!) And there are apparently a few rentals just listed that could theoretically work, too (though so many of them won’t accept pets). So, I’m trying to keep my focus. I went back and re-read my “ad” for a new house, and still wouldn’t change a thing.

Chappy’s still confused, though. Gail came to take pictures of THIS house today, for the listing, so Mom took all sorts of things away to hide or stash in the garage (I don’t get to park in the garage anymore) to make things look extra tidy and “neutral.” I couldn’t find the soap to wash my hands at lunch!

The funny story, though? When we got our current family room furniture 9 years ago, Katy hated the ottoman. When it came, it had casters on the bottom, and the first time she jumped on it, it rolled across the room with her clinging for dear life on top. After that, she wouldn’t go near it. So we kept the ottoman to the old set also, and placed it in the living room window for someplace to watch outside.

Well, Chappy loves it, too (even if he prefers the chair with the arm to rest his chin), but this morning, Mom wanted it out of the house and started dragging it toward the garage. Only, Chappy kept jumping up on it. (“Ooh, Gram, this is a great new spot!”) Finally, Dad carried it out to go in the garbage pile. …Until Mom sat in the living room this afternoon with Chappy listlessly laying on the bare floor where the footstool had been.

Yep. It’s back in place now. I mean, we still might not have room for it in our new house (wherever that’s going to be), but there’s no reason he can’t use it NOW, right?

And, apparently, he spent most of the afternoon sitting on it, too.

I love it when Chappy wins.

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

So, this morning, I got up. Twice. At 6:49, Mom knocked on my door, thinking I was going to be late for work. Except, of course, this is Sunday and I don’t GO to work on Sundays. So I went back to bed, but didn’t really manage to get back to sleep … and since I was up until 1:15 finishing a book last night, I’ve been a little tired today.

Still, I didn’t let it slow me down! First, after eating breakfast (oatmeal with walnuts), I baked a cake. A Nut Cake from Nick Malgieri’s “How to Bake” (a great cookbook, by the way).

While I got that started, I finished a batch of granola. Like Susan (Have you voted for her yet? Time’s running out!), I make mine in batches these days, except that I (1) use a skillet for the nuts and stuff and my crockpot for the oatmeal part, and (2) I cook enough of the nuts, seeds, and coconut for TWO batches of granola, but then do the oatmeal part separately. As in, I cook 6 cups of oatmeal/honey/oil and mix it with HALF the nuts/seeds/coconut. The second half I save until the next time I need granola, and then I cook another batch of just the oatmeal/honey/oil and have a complete, second batch with a lot less work. This is convenient because it takes a lot less storage space for the nut/fruit combination (about 3-4 cups, total) than it does for an entire batch of granola (about 16 cups). So, I make half a batch, stash the other half of the nut-part, and then make the oatmeal part when I need it.

I did pretty early, too, so that I could then get my batch of yogurt started. I’ve been doing that in the crockpot, too. I heat the milk in a pot on the stove (much faster than the crockpot) while warming the empty crockpot–then pour the milk into the crock and turn it off, and let it cool down to about 105-109 degrees. Stir in about 1/4 cup of starter yogurt, cover with a warm towel, and let sit for 6-8 hours.

Then, we got the news that that house adamantly does not accept pets, which made Mom cry, and made Chappy feel guilty.

Luckily, we had a distraction!

A pair of wild monkeys.

Risa (whose picture I somehow managed NOT to take) had called on their way down to the NJ Sheep and Wool festival (or whatever it’s called), to ask if I wanted to join them, but I really couldn’t … but I suggested that, if on their way home they weren’t too tired and it wasn’t too late, maybe they could stop by and say hello.

They had so much FUN!

Especially once I pulled the flying squirrel toys out. (The look on Chappy’s face in this picture just cracks me up.)

The good news was that I had two Flying Squirrel toys. The bad news was that Chappy tends to focus on only one at a time, so Alex had to work a little harder for his attention.

But then, there was jumping…

Because who doesn’t love jumping?

Oh, and Risa got quite a kick out of this.

While the kids were jumping, Chappy was sitting right in front of me, looking up and smiling. “I’m having so much fun, Mom!” But every, single time I would lift my camera to take his picture, he would look away. I’d lower the camera, and he’d smile. I’d lift the camera, and he’d turn his head. We must have tried at least five to seven times! This was the best shot I got.

And, right now? He’s sound asleep … all that romping wore him out–in a good way!

Thanks so much for the laughs, Risa–we needed that!

So, we’re back to looking for something I can afford that’s nice, and big enough for the four of us. The really sad part is that the house we found yesterday was perfect–3/4 miles from work, lots of space, an incredible price, and so, so gorgeous with newly-finished floors, new kitchen appliances, everything. Gorgeous. It almost feels that finding anything else at all is going to feel like a letdown. So, please, don’t stop crossing those fingers for us! (Please.)

In the meantime …

At least we have cake. (Nut cake, with maple frosting–because, yes, it really is beige. And yummy!)

Tags: Baking, Chappy, Friends by --Deb
4 Comments »

First, there was granola. In this case, homemade granola. The batch I made last week was so tasty, I was inspired to make more.

Mom and I stopped at Whole Foods yesterday–and, say what you will about their prices, their coffee is actually pretty cheap. $10 for pound and a half of good coffee beans can’t be beat. So, while there for coffee, I browsed my way down the bulk goods aisle and brought home a bunch of goodies. What you see here is a combination of oats, almonds, soy nuts, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), dried cranberries, coconut, and a sprinking of flax seeds and wheat germ for good measure. Mixed together with 1/4 cup each of honey and vegetable oil and then cooked in the crockpot for about 3 hours.

Love.

What do you like in YOUR granola??

It’s pretty, too–all those golden-y shades of brown with hints of red (cranberries) and green (pepitas).

I’m really enjoying making my own granola, and have cooked some into my morning oatmeal every day for a week. Not to mention just standing there, nibbling on it. About the only fault with this recipe is that, since you need to periodically stir it in the crockpot to keep it from burning, any “clumps” get broken up, so it gets a little messy to eat with your hands. (Luckily, Chappy likes oatmeal and helps keep the kitchen floors clean.) Seriously yummy, though.

I turned the rest of last week’s granola into bread (recipe courtesy of the 5-minute Artisan bread book). I’ve only had one, tiny piece so far, but … yum! And it turns out that, much as I love cherries, I prefer my dried cherries to be baked into something. Just “straight” in a batch of granola isn’t my preference. In this bread, though? Fabulous.

Bread and granola aren’t the only things I baked this weekend, though. I put together a cake, too. I was really in the mood for carrot cake, but we didn’t have everything necessary, so … I kind of made up a recipe with pureed, baby food carrots, apple butter, brown sugar, spices and a dash of lemon juice. I have no idea (yet) how it tastes, but it looks good!

(Although, you can tell in that picture that neat frosting isn’t really one of my priorities when finishing a cake, huh? It’s all about the taste.)

Not only did Mom and I stop at the Whole Foods yesterday (a rare treat, you understand), but look who we saw at the Madison library? Yep, Jessica was giving a spinning demonstration. This was the first time I got to see her since her surgery, and it was nice to chat for a bit and watch the wide-eyed kids come up and try to figure out what on earth she was doing (grin).

Though, the wide-eyed looks she was getting were NOTHING compared to this person. Fun and playful, yes, but kind of intimidatingly weird to the small-fry, huh?

Oh, and for the record, no, I have NOT yet started knitting the Gray Cardigan I swatched for weeks ago for two reasons. One, I needed to get my shawl to certain (undefined) percentage-done before I could mentally add in another project, and Two, I’m still trying to figure out what to do with my gauge. I ordered some KnitPicks wooden needles in size 3 the other day, and will try those when they come. Because, honestly, it doesn’t matter how I hold my yarn, how I tension my fingers, how big or little I make my stitches, I just can’t seem to get my gauge under control–it is just way, way too relaxed. Sigh…

On the plus side, that’s two sunny days in a row. Even if there are still clouds up there, that’s a huge improvement.

The thunderstorm that rolled through last night even missed us, though I’m pretty sure Chappy heard it. He certainly acted like he had! The other night, he started woofing at the thunder, which I told him is NOT acceptible behavior … especially since that would probably escalate into full-blown barking at every storm which would REALLY not be acceptible! But, still … two sunny days in a row!

Hey, can you draw a giraffe?

Now, about that whole spinning thing … my Little Gem DOES seem to be sulking in the corner a bit, even if she IS getting a chance to bask in the sun. But what I really need to do? Get that quilt piled in the corner finished ASAP … while I still have a corner to stash it in!

[Read more →]

Tags: Baking, Friends by --Deb
4 Comments »

Well, today was an interesting day!

First, Mom and I drove up to the Palisades Center Mall, with my Lendrum in the back seat. Where we met up with Jane and her husband, and shortly thereafter, I no longer had a Lendrum … but she did!

Good luck together, you two! (I did take a picture of the handover, but it’s really not the best picture, so it doesn’t seem right to post it … you’ll have to take my word for it that she looked very happy.)

We walked around the mall for a bit, but left around noon and headed home. We had no sooner crossed back into New Jersey and it started to rain. No worries, though. Rain happens.

I needed something for lunch, though, and when we got home, I decided to throw together a batch of scones, because scones and tea always make a good meal, right? And while they were in the oven, I put together some meatballs, too.

The meatballs were for soup. My friend Cindy was coming for supper and had requested Weisskohl Eintopf, a German cabbage soup (which is really tasty, by the way, even though the words “cabbage soup” usually makes people cringe). I didn’t plan on making the soup until closer to supper time, but, hey, why waste the oven heat, right?

My parents went out tonight to Dad’s high school reunion–a dinner generously paid for by one of his fellow alumni. As in, this anonymous classmate paid for everything, for everyone, just like two years ago, when they had a dinner cruise around Manhattan. Isn’t that a fantastic, generous thing to do? It’s a two-parter, too, because tonight’s dinner is being followed up by a river cruise tomorrow. (Here’s hoping for decent weather.)

Anyway, so after they left, around 5:00, I went downstairs to start the soup. Cindy was due around 6:30, and while I didn’t need that much time, I’d have it out of the way. Once everything was simmering, I came back upstairs to get some posts converted, and while I was there, I saw a tweet from Susan to turn on the Lambcam

Which I did, and I got to see Erin play midwife to Sicily, as new baby lamb Colorado was born. And Erin didn’t just preside over the birth. No, she reached in and pulled the baby out. Wow! Hurray for the Lambcam that let me see it.

It was particularly handy, in fact, because it distracted me from the fact that it was past 6:30 and Cindy hadn’t arrived yet. Hmm. I was surprised  because she’s rarely ever more than ten minutes late. Chappy and I were getting hungry, too, since I was waiting for her, and he always eats after I do.

At 7:30, the phone rang. It was Cindy, mortified. She had completely forgotten! Oops!

She offered to hop in the car and come over then, but we figured it was probably better to leave well enough alone at that part. So, we hung up the phone, I put her bowl back in the cabinet and dished out some soup for me (and a meatball for Chappy).

Poor little guy, he’s been very confused tonight. And he’s still watching for his grandparents. They called at 11:00 to say they were on their way home, and he’s sitting by the door right now, watching.

Yep. It’s been an interesting day!

Tags: Family, Friends, General by --Deb
3 Comments »

Today, my sister came down to celebrate her birthday. (Which made the entire day feel like Sunday, but that’s okay! Yesterday felt like Saturday, anyway.)

We surprised her by having one of her dearest friends come, too. Just in time, too, since they’re moving to Oregon in a couple of weeks.

“You Will Always Be My Best Friend. (You Know Too Much.)”

And, she liked the shawl!

Because, um, my Fountain Pen Shawl? It was a birthday gift for her–not that she knew that! When I showed it to her a week or so ago, she said, “It’s greener than I thought” and left me worrying that it was TOO green, or that she didn’t like the color … because, well, it was going to be hers. Not that she knew it at the time–which just made it that much more fun.

Happy day!

Tags: Family, Friends by --Deb
3 Comments »

Well, we’re all tired here! So tired, I don’t even have a photo for you.

First, we had Tiffany here for the weekend (as I told you yesterday). She’s not, of course, as much work as when she was, say, four, but golly, trying to be entertaining all the time is tough, you know? (And yes, Tiffany, I’m joking.)

Seriously, it was fun having her here this weekend. I made pancakes for breakfast this morning, helped her move onto the next stage of the sweater she’s knitting, and even showed her a little drop-spindling. (Her request, I swear.) She got the hang of it really quickly!

I also put together a pot of homemade tomato sauce and some meatballs because we had company for dinner tonight. Something that happens so very rarely, it’s almost unheard of. (Family dinners don’t count, of course.) Two of my parents oldest friends came for supper, and Mom decided on spaghetti and meatballs as being perfect because of the group’s dietary requirements. I kind of took the sauce part out of her hands (because–sorry–but my homemade sauce is better), but I figure that just gave her more time to visit with her friends, right?

Chappy is beyond exhausted. Remember how I said that he was so tired from visiting my sister’s house last week that I don’t think he even remembered Monday happening at all? Because he slept so soundly through it? My guess is that that’s going to happen again tomorrow. He’s TIRED!

And, well, so am I–even if not as tired. But, tired enough, so … g’night!

Tags: Family, Friends by --Deb
1 Comment »

This is what our view looked like while eating breakfast this morning. We went to Espresso Love (to get Mom some of those blueberry scones she loves so much) and then parked the car by the harbor to eat. And, well … it was a little wet.

It’s been raining on and off all day, but we did get the woofies out for a walk. We timed it just right, in fact. We got back to the house about 11:30 at a pause between showers, and immediately grabbed leashes for those who need leashes, and went out to the trails behind the community for a walk. It wasn’t a really LONG walk, mind you, but it was something! We turned back at just the right time, though, because we hadn’t been back in the house for 10 minutes when it started to rain pretty steadily. So, phew! (Thanks to Mom for this picture because, obviously, I didn’t take this one myself.)

We went out at 1:30 (leaving Chappy home with Silas and Balou) and met up for coffee with two of my Twitter friends, Liz (@filmtruth) and Kate (@katetaylor333). (Liz’s husband, Ken, too, who doesn’t Twitter … yet … but who nicely bought us coffee. Thank you!)  The interesting twist is that Mom met Kate through some of her Carly Simon fan friends who are good friends with Kate, while Liz and I met through Twitter and it turns out that they’re mother/daughter. More of that “small world” action. I love it when events juxtapose in just that way!

I’m sorry I don’t have more MV photos for you to look at, but, well, it’s been too wet to take my good camera out and about. Not only that, but since it’s really pre-tourist season, most of the people on the island are the people who actually live and work here, and carrying around my Nikon makes me FEEL like a tourist. (Which is strange when you consider this is the first time I’ve been here that I haven’t actually stayed at a hotel or inn, but in a real house, but, whatever.) And yes, I know, carrying around my Nikon when I’m wandering around in NJ doesn’t make make feel like a tourist because I LIVE there, but then, we don’t get as many tourists in my home town as they get here, and, well, anyway … it’s wet.

Incidentally, did you see these adorable sheep cake pops at Bakerella?

Tags: Friends, General, Martha's Vineyard by --Deb
4 Comments »

Well, Jessica had a full house today! Because, not everybody fits into the picture, and two people had already left before I pulled out my camera, but here’s the view from where I was sitting (more or less). You can’t see Tina or Risa or Kim or Anne, but that’s Ina sitting right next to me with her drop spindle. But there’s Jessalu (all the way from Massachusetts!), and Sharon and Sairie … Jessica, of course, and, darn it, two other people whose names I’m blanking on. (I’m sorry; I’m tired.) Not to mention the two who’d left already.

You get the idea, though, huh? It was a full house. Lots and lots of laughter, though! And so many spinning wheels in one place. Three Ladybugs, two Lendrums, and a Kromski. (I just brought knitting with me, so no Majacrafts.) Good food, too. (My contribution was a loaf of homemade rye bread that was still warm from the oven when I arrived.)

I ended up leaving about 5:30 and would have stayed longer except that I had to get home to feed Chappy. In fact, my phone rang while I was driving home to ask if I would be back in time. He was VERY happy to see me, very suspicious about the cat scent on my knitting bag (and legs, and fingers), but eager to tell me that his grandparents, my parents, had taken him for a walk this afternoon. I think that’s a first. And, of course, his first priority was for me to feed him as quickly as possible.

Oh, and in response to a couple conversations that floated around today.

The movie with Jane Seymour that I was thinking of was “Oh Heavenly Dog“  from 1980. It starred Chevy Chase as a detective who gets killed and reincarnated as a dog–played by Benji. (You remember Benji, right?)

And then, Anne was talking about how UPS practically goes out of its way to abuse any packages marked as “Fragile,” and then I got home to read poor Julia’s (Moth Heaven’s) post … Look at her poor, beautiful, damaged Watson Wheel! Oh, the horror!

And, Mom? “The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming” (1966) was based on a novel by Nathanial Benchley, not Peter Benchley.I

Tags: Friends by --Deb
7 Comments »

You know you’re liking your swatch too much when you stop after every row to admire how pretty the colors look.

I’m not sure I’ve even got the color balance quite right here–or maybe I flattened out the orange too much–but I wanted you to be able to see the variations between the primary orange and the hints of green and brown accents.

Obviously, this is  a swatch from the Briar Rose I wound into balls the other day. (That being the yarn I bought at Rhinebeck, of course.) Even though the gauge given is 15 stitches to 4 inches/10 cm on size 10 needles, I swatched on a size 6 (because, well, it’s me). And on this, unwashed, unblocked swatch? I’m getting 17 stitches. Something tighter than the listed gauge! Isn’t that exciting?

Not that I expect it to last, of course.

I’m going to wash the swatch, of course, and remeasure. Not to mention take a long, hard look at the texture and drape of the fabric but … the mere fact that, right now, I’m getting a gauge that’s tighter than the one on the yarn label practically makes me giddy.

The plan for this yarn? I’m going to make a top-down raglan cardigan. Pretty much a plain-vanilla pattern because the colors in the yarn are beautiful enough not to need extra ornamentation.

I know what you’re thinking–why am I swatching for a new sweater when I don’t have my Harvest Cardigan done?

Well, my Harvest Cardigan is ALMOST done. I’ve got one button band finished and have started the second, but … Okay, I ordered some buttons from Etsy, and I ordered a couple different kinds, so I’ll have options. The thing is, they came in different quantities, so I want to wait to get the buttons before I calculate where–and more importantly–how many button HOLES I need. If I plowed right ahead and put in 7, you just know that I’d like the button that came in a set of 6 best. So, the second buttonband is on hold until the buttons arrive.

I need something to work on, though, and a knitted string bag can only keep me happy for so long, so … I’m planning for this Briar Rose sweater. Now that I have the swatch done, I’ll start the calculations for the cast-on. This is going to be so, so pretty.

Oh, and it’s possible I baked something else this weekend, too. This is one of the few recipes that have post-it notes next to them so I can find them again. I’ve baked this three times and it’s been a success every time.

Don’t you think it looks good?

My friend Cindy came over so we could exchange Christmas presents, and naturally I had to provide her with cake! Actually, I planned ahead and gave her her birthday present, too. We see each other so seldom these days, and her birthday is only three weeks away, it seemed more prudent to give her the gift now rather than later. (She thought this was funny, because she still hasn’t given me my birthday present from November yet, but was proud of herself for remembering my Christmas gift today! I reminded her as she was leaving that my “half-birthday” is in May …)

Anyway, it was good to see her, and Chappy was thrilled since she’s one of his very favorite people. He is now sprawled on the floor, exhausted from an afternoon of being cute and entertaining.

I hope you all have had a good weekend! Tomorrow’s going to be the start of a hard week–if only because it’s going to be the first, 5-day week I’ve had since the beginning of December. It’s going to feel endless!

Tags: Baking, Friends, Knitting/Spinning by --Deb
6 Comments »

Start with a gray, wintry day.

Add some flame. (Lots of flame.)

Gather some friends (well bundled from the cold).

Make new friends.

(Hopefully without feeling cornered. Which, at that moment, Chappy WAS.)

Maybe give some gifts. (This Martha’s Vineyard map was made by Mom, for Susan and Patrick, with a sheep made out of MVFF Cormo that I spun right about where the actual farm is … though we got lucky with that part.) And this is the only picture we got of Susan all day. I don’t know what I was thinking.

Oh, right. I was distracted by these charming faces.

This little cutie wanted nothing so much as to get a really good look at Chappy.

The little shelters looked very cozy. Which is good, because it was cold!

These sheep and goats, though, were just the youngsters of the flock–the rest of the herd were up the street on the actual farm, but we didn’t get to see them. We COULD have, but Patrick and Erin were heading up that way about 4:00, which was just about the time we were leaving … I mean, we would have loved to have stayed longer, but it was getting dark, and we didn’t know how much new snow might have been on the roads … Not much, as it turned out, but it was still an hour and a half to get back home, and headlights at night often give me a headache, and it IS the shortest day of the year!

We had a really good time, though. There were, I don’t know … 20-30 people there, and Susan had decided that having it indoors actually was a good idea after all. (Which it WAS. Because, even though that one fire gave off a lot of heat, um, you can only crowd so many people around it for so long, you know? And the house might have been small, but it was cozy!

It WAS cold. About 20 degrees, gray skies, and flurries of snow throughout the day, with another storm due tomorrow … It was unfortunate that we had that big storm yesterday, and all, but at least the storms were on the day before and the day after the party … not the day OF the party. (Because, there really is no way we would have gone in the middle of a storm … and after turning down that hill off the Taconic Parkway, I don’t think I would have liked to have tried that in a driving snow storm!)

Chappy was sweet and charming and well behaved all day. No temper tantrums. No misbehaving at all. He just wagged his tail and smiled at everyone and looked happy. (And, well, okay, he almost pulled me over into a snowbank at one point, but he was excited–snow manners are apparently different than indoor-manners, and he says I should just have let go of the leash.) He seemed to make a good impression on everyone–especially while I was sitting on the floor, eating, and he just sat in front of me, being good and patient … even if he WAS drooling on the floor. But he wasn’t begging, he wasn’t stealing, he was being good!

The only drawback to the day, so far as he’s concerned? Surprisingly, it wasn’t the 3 hours in the car. No, the only real downside was that he got a bath when we got home because he kind of smelled like a small, chocolate sheep. (Take a closer look at that picture–see all those sheep droppings he was playing in? Because, um, he does NOT get to track that onto my bed tonight!)

Anyway, it was fun, and so worth going, even if we wish we could have stayed longer … if only because there was still so much food … (grin)

Thank you for having us, Susan, Patrick, and Erin (and Harry and Logan)!

Oh, that reminds me. If you really had any doubts? Here’s proof that I DO have a father–standing with Mom and her (cough) latte (cough) from Espresso Love by our Christmas tree after we got home.

Tags: Friends by --Deb
12 Comments »

First and most important? Chappy seems much more himself today.

So–Mom and I headed down to Wightman’s Farms for apple cider for Thanksgiving, and then went to Starbucks in Bernardsville for coffee before heading home. And while we were there, we saw these lovely ladies knitting … and, obviously, we struck up a conversation. This is Karen and Kathy, both fairly newish knitters, but they knit and sell hats to raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer–isn’t that great? And so nice to make new, knitting friends, too.

We were having a nice time, and then they mentioned the reason they were there–the LYS in Bernardsville, the Knitting Lab, was closing and having a sale of up to 70% off their stock, but it didn’t open until 12:00.

You see where this is going, right? Because, yes, we followed them to the store.

And, do you know, they were having a GREAT sale. (That’s the problem with Going Out Of Business sales … the prices are great, but it means that the store isn’t going to be there long.) But, well, they WERE having a good sale, and they had Cascade 200 in that shade of green that my whole family adores, so …

Yeah, I bought a little. More like 14 skeins of it–7 of the green, 4 beige, and 3 in a gorgeous, rusty orange. Plus, on the recommendation of the owner, 4 skeins of matching kid mohair because she said when you knit it WITH the Cascade 220, it looks fabulous–and who was I to disagree? And all for $80.

I was planning on turning them into sweaters, but then I started thinking that this yarn would make a great afghan–something I keep meaning to make, but have never gotten around to doing. The main sticking point is that, well, how do you WASH a blanket made out of wool? Even if you gently spin it clean in the washing machine, it’s not like you can put it in the dryer, and who has the floor space to lay it flat to dry?

Also, while sitting and chatting at Starbucks, I finished my second sock. These were made out of Meillenweit and the colors are great, even if it was kind of “splitty” yarn to knit with. I just need to weave that last end in, and they’re ready to wear.

Also finished? The fingerless mitts I tested for Ruth. Remember last week, when I said I had run out of yarn an inch from the end of the second? Well, I went back to the first one, ripped out the ribbing, and then finished the leaf-section of the second one with the blue, and then added the coordinating brown as the ribbing on both of them. I had JUST the right amount to do the second thumb in blue–so they match, which is a great comfort. It was bugging me that they wouldn’t! And now they REALLY look like my Ingenue.

All in all, a great pattern, Ruth. I love the embossed leaf,I like the long cuff, and honestly, the fact that it almost completely hides my little finger is just because it’s so much shorter than my other fingers, not the fault of the mitt at all. (The other night, I was so chilly sitting here at the computer, that I put the one, completed one on because it was right next to the computer anyway, and then had trouble typing because my little finger kept “disappearing”! But, really, that’s ME, not the pattern.)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go start a new pair of socks to stash in my purse. Or maybe knit a swatch out of Silky Wool so that I can test the steek thing before I go any further on my sweater. I’d much rather tear back the last 20 or so rows and then turn the whole thing into a cardigan than risk the entire thing unravelling on me when I cut it! I mean, it’s not superwash wool like Kristy’s, but it’s got silk in it, so … better safe than sorry, right? Although, there’s always the machine-stitching option–and, well, again, better than having the whole thing unravel… (Although, according to this thread on Ravelry, it seems like it should be okay.)

And, Karen and Kathy? It was great meeting you!

Tags: Finished Knitting, Friends, General, Knitting/Spinning by --Deb
9 Comments »