July 22, 2008 - I'm Back!
Don't know how much more relaxed I could get while I was away. Did a lot of knitting (almost got through chart #1 on Icarus), have joined Tomato in the round and it should be fast sailing from here on out on that one, and am almost finished with Skittle sock #1. Did quite a bit of drop spindling for me too.
Dyed some wool with little Grace and showed her how to spin on a drop spindle. She (with her mom's help) plans to spin it up so she can crochet with it. Go Gracie! Did quite a bit of reading too-something I need to more of-I miss being able to totally lose myself in a book.
Went to Yellowstone Park again and saw other things I didn't see the first time. It's a beautiful place. I will try to have my pics of knitting up but if you're so inclined, you can check out our pictures here.
Good to be back home! Picked up Bella from the vets yesterday. She had her teeth cleaned and a bath too! She's looking good, except for the fact they had to pull 3 teeth (front ones), vet says it is probably due to some issues that started way back when she was a gypsy traveller. But she feels much better and we're so glad to have her back with us. She's our little love monkey! Thinking come September that we'll adopt another rescue Basset. It seems strange to have only one dog and Bella loves to play with other dogs.
That's all for now. I have lots of in-progress stuff to show soon!
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July 11, 2008 - Going Dark(er)
I mean really, how much more can I NOT be blogging? It's just been difficult to find the mojo to write about things lately.
But, we're heading off to Montana for a few days - a working vacation, and we hope to get some things all neatened up. Not to worry, there will be knitting, spinning and some teaching too!
Knits to take: Tomato, Icarus, and handspun toe-up socks
Spinning: Merino and my laceweight drop spindle
Teaching: I will be helping little Miss G learn how to drop spindle. I bought 4 ounces of white roving and we're going to dye up some of it with kool-aid and then spin it! She's very excited and I am too! She's 7 years old and you're never too young to be brought to the dark side.
There will be pictures, I promise. But for now, I go home to start packing. Tomorrow, some friends are coming over for spinning and hanging, then we're off to the West.
Bye!
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July 10, 2008 - What I Did on My Wednesday
Worked from home. Took the kids to: a - the eye dr. for copies of their eyeglass scrips; then, b - to the one hour place to get them done. Nope, gonna take more than an hour - kids can take themselves back tomorrow to pick up eyeglasses. While at the eye doc's place, a man came in demanding a refund because he didn't like his contact lenses. Nevermind he wouldn't keep them in his eyes long enough, he wanted a FULL refund - exam and all. When that wasn't delivered, he left - proclaiming he was coming back to chop their a**es up. Yeah. Someone forgot their meds.
But that was okay. Because tonight, I saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Steve Winwood opened for them. In this one night of music, I spanned close to 40 years of music and memories - it was AWESOME. Winwood played "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." That alone was worth the ticket. I used to sit outside my brother's room, listening to him play his Traffic albums. I had to be quiet because if he knew I was out there, he would turn it off. Good times.
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July 1, 2008 - Oh, Hi
This blogging thing has me stumped. Too many things going on to really get up the energy to do much with this here monkey on my back.
I have been knitting and spinning. FInished up my beautiful blue alpaca top dear Claudia gifted me with from SAFF 2006. I have enough for a wonderfully squishy, soft scarf. Yum. (Pics to come I promise.) I have also joined Ms. Flawful fibers in her quest for 4" squares. Check it here. Her hubby is in Iraq and she wants to send him an afghan, and has asked for help. I have lots of small skeins of natural colored handspun that is perfect for this. I have gotten one done and hope to send a few more.
We did receive some excellent news last week, #1 finally got his acceptance letter from Georgia State U. When he called me at work, I went wOOt!, then I started crying and embarassed the hell out of him. It's kind of like he's going to school again for the first time. Only this time, it's for four years instead of 13 (including kindergarten). And, he finally got a job. I feel like he's coming together, slowly but surely.
Bear with me for a while please. I have many issues I'm dealing with on an emotional and hormonal level right now, so I'm not sure how frequently I'll be posting. Don't leave me - I'll be scared. Honestly? I'm thinking it may be a good idea to put me into a deep sleep for about a year til "the change" finishes. Then I'll be raring to go!
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June 25, 2008 - As I sit here
This has been a week of rollercoaster emotions for me. I'll talk about the others on another day.
Claudia lost her dearest this week. I had the pleasure of meeting Irwin and being able to spend an evening in his company. What I remember are several things. His sharp intellect and his gentle soul. In spite of his being an intensely private person, he opened his home to several of us and made us all feel welcomed. No one would ever doubt his love for his beautiful wife and I know it's that love that will hold her on the rough road ahead for her.
I feel thankful for being able to have met him.
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June 23, 2008 - A Tale of Woe
The weekend started with promise, but promptly turned into a huge pile of woecakes. Got glutened Friday night, which in turn also triggered my IC symptoms to kick in. This created a Hockeymom capable of hugging the sofa whilst either: a: sleeping or b: crying in pain. Tiny little ninjas kicking my midsection all weekend.
I'm better now, still sore but hoping to get some pictures taken of the finished ugly socks. Also, maybe take a pic of my finished alpaca yarn I spun up. Hope Hope Hope.
I leave you with this: Hydrocodone and lace knittitng? Not. So. Much.
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June 20, 2008 - An attempt at diversion
I was tagged by Ms.Claudia to do a meme. In light of the fact that I don't have any pics to show, this is a good diversion. I did finish my mom's Ugly socks last night at Knitch and will take pics this weekend.
Here we go. The Rules: Rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 5 people and posts their names. Then the player goes to each of the “named” people’s blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. If you’ve been tagged, you do the same, letting the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer. Your answer, of course, is the answer to the following questions.
1. What was I doing 10 years ago? 1998? Working in our new company, being a mom to an 8 yo and 6 yo. Trying to keep from going insane or driving my family insane.
2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today? Billing; A/R; A/P; practice piano, and spin on the wheel for 15 minutes.
3. Snacks I enjoy: Since my diagnosis with Celiac, I've become attached to Cheddar NutThins and Stax Potato chips. Occasionally, a Hershey bar, but not much.
4. Places I’ve lived: Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; Decatur, GA; Lithia Springs, GA; Nashville, TN; and where I'm at now.
5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Take care of my parents and both my in-laws; set up a trust fund for future grandchildren; pay off the house; retire and live the life of a bohemian hausfrau - knitting, spinning, gardening and doing anything else that struck my fancy!
I tag anyone who wants to do this - please leave me a comment and let me know you did it so I can check it out!
Happy Saturday!
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June 16, 2008 - Pictures! I got technology!
Okay, I actually remembered to take pictures. Behold, the beautiful stuff:
I have 2 skeins of Malabrigo Lace, 2 skeins of JL Salvia fingering weight, the patterns, the seeds for sunflowers, the awesome magnets, some wonderful lavender spray (take THAT teenagers!), and my lovely, awesome gnomelings. They go into my flower pots!
Thank you again Wendy!
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June 16, 2008 - Oh, yeah I forgot to tell you
We went to see The Cure last night. I was expecting a good show, but I had NO CLUE they were that good. I've loved this band for many years, but didn't expect the energy they put out. They played for 3 hours and that included 3 encores! Looking at Robert Smith through binoculars, I had the sudden thought that he and Elizabeth Taylor must have been separated at birth. But, someone already had that thought! I haven't danced that much in ages!
Next week, HD and I are going to see Eddie Izzard. As if that wasn't enough, we're also going to hook up with the lovely ladies - EvilScienceChick and Little Miss Drama Pants! Sexy comedy (yes, he is sexy) and a blogger hook-up! Woot!
Hopefully when I get home tonight, I can take pictures of the lovely box of goodies I received from my Favorite Color Swap Angel, Wendy! There's Malabrigo lace, there's Merino fingering weight, there's gnomelings for my garden, magnets and other cool stuff! The colors are glorious and they make me so happy. I was feeling so forlorn if y'all remember, but Wendy made me feel the swap love! Thank you Wendy!
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June 13, 2008 - Tomorrow is WWKIP Day
I will be able to possibly knit in private, but can't go anywhere for the sole purpose of knitting. It's Father's Day weekend, so that tends to occupy most of my time. To all of you who do make it out, have fun, be safe, drink lots of water (hotter than Hades out there) and other tasty beverages. I'll toast to your successful knitting tonight! Every few Fridays at my office we do a "Beer :30." Tonight is it. Margaritas rule!
The Zappa Plays Zappa show was awesome. All of a sudden, I was 18 again, listening to "Joe's Garage." Dweezil did his daddy proud. The joy the ensemble showed while playing was infectious.
Melissa and I have challenged each other to a "creative fest." We both need to clean up our respective studios, and spin/draw/practice piano. I'm feeling rather cut off from my fiber homies, and she has the same feelings about her art. We are taking baby steps. She wants me to post a "before" pic of the studio but I'm not too sure about that. The world might not be ready for my shame.
I have finished spinning up the beautiful blue Alpaca Claudia gifted me from SAFF 2006. I just need to ply up the last bobbin, wash and set the twist! Then, I'll need to pick a pattern for it. I'll post a pic this weekend. I think I'll work on the Lorna's Laces Roving next. There's a lot there and it needs to get spun up. I washed up a pound plus of Polypay and thought I felted the first batch. I have been able to tease it open and card a good bit so far, so it's not a lost batch! Yay! So white, so pure. When I spin that up, it will be indigo dyed.
I've been mostly knitting on the ugly sock. My mom is having big foot issues right now (tendonitis and Morton's neuromas), so she needs her feet hugged ASAP!
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June 11, 2008 - What I did on my Summer vacation part 1
The only memory I have of New York is when I was 20 and travelling with my then boyfriend. It was one night, we fought the entire time and it was miserable. I'm glad I gave it a second chance.
We arrived Thursday pm and went straight to Carnegie Hall. The awards ceremony took place in Stern Hall and it was beyond breathtaking. One of the award givers blew a note on a harmonica and said she has now played Carnegie Hall. Cute. There were over 100,000 submissions of art and writing and his work was one of 650 chosen. Here's the young man, on stage with his peers:
 Yup, he's the one on the far right, ready to get the hell off that stage.
Here's the piece he did that won him the recognition:
 He took a photo of his shoes while he was sitting, then did a charcoal drawing of the photo. I knew him when he was just a baby in the womb......sniff. He's got talent for sure!
While we were in New York, I was lucky to be able to meet up with The Queen of the Snow Cows. Seriously cool lady. We were able to walk around MoMA and chat for quite a while before she had to leave to go back to work.
 She's the tall svelte one on the right.
We have a web page set up with our pics from the trip, so please feel free to visit. I did a fair bit of knitting on the ugly sock #2 and am on the heel now.
I will leave you a picture that to me epitomizes the spirit of New York:
Tomorrow, I will post pics of the really cool gift the Queen gave to me. And, I had an angel in the swap (the one where I was burned) and she sent me some awesome presents! Woot! And, we're going to see Zappa Plays Zappa at the Variety! FUN.
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June 9, 2008 - So much!
There is so much to write about and I have some wonderful pictures. But, I want to be able to take my time and do this wonderful trip to New York City justice.
Bear with me, k?
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June 5, 2008 - We're outta here!
On our way to NYC to watch a dear young friend of the family receive a Scholastic Achievement award at Carnegie Hall. Returning on Saturday. We've known him since birth, he's now 19 and we're all proud of him!
While we're there, going to do my damnedest to make a blogger hook-up happen!
See you on the flip side!
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June 2, 2008 - So, like, I had these plans?
And they were to take pics of all the wonderful projects I have OTN; however, all I have time for is to show you the pics of the one FO I have.
I present Hypoteneuse: Ignore the ends. They're getting woven in, tonight.
 This angle meant to show you the amazing texture of the cashmere, wool and silk. Instead, it shows what a crappy photographer I am.
 Squooshy, very squooshy, yet drapey too. Still shows off my crappy photography skills.
I have cast on for Tomato and Icarus. Because I'm fickle. I will show pictures of them in progress some day. Getting ever closer to finishing the MDK Log Cabin blanket AKA Blanket o' Doom (TM). And working on the second sock of the Ugly socks. I also want to cast on for 3 other shawls and two more sweaters. I'm THIS close to spinning up the last of the alpaca top Bavgirl gave me, oh maybe 1.5 years ago? I'm barely holding on to my self-control here.
Carry on with your week.
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May 29, 2008 - Milestone Merry-Go Round
Today, another milestone was reached. #2 is now the proud owner of his very own driver's license. Be afraid, be very very afraid.
Good times people. Good times.
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May 28, 2008 - Meet Mabel
Mabel is the sheep I have adopted for 08-09 season. She is a corriedale and she is beautiful! I got official notice yesterday:
Check out where Mabel lives. Sounds like a cool place, eh?
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May 27, 2008 - Mission Accomplished!
As of 6:30 pm on Friday, #1 has officially graduated from high school. And, with honors nonetheless. Of course, he didn't tell us - we found out when we were reading the program. May I present to you, son #1:
and the gratuitous parental shot:
And, sons together:
Gotta love these boys - all three of them! And, I swear I had no intention of dressing all matchy-matchy, it just happened. It did. Shut up.
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May 20, 2008 - Proof
Here's proof that I do knit! Ugly sock #1 is done! It's meant to be a short sock, and when #2 is done, this pair will go to my Mom. She asked me nice like.
Here is the heel:
Specs:
Yarn: Knitpicks Parade
Needles: #2 DPN's
Toe-up - Magic Cast On; Heel - Fleegle
I have found the heel for me. I love the fit and the no-holes way of it all.
This will probably the last post til after Friday. Son #1 walks in his graduation ceremony at 5 and the drinking starts at 7:00. We're having a party on Saturday to celebrate and then another party on Monday for family birthdays/Memorial Day. I may post on Sunday if I'm coherent.
Happy rest of the week!
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May 16, 2008 - Coming Home
Thank you all so much for your good thoughts for my Dad. The surgery took 5 hours instead of the 2-4 they promised, but he has no more leg pain! I talked with him last night and his voice sounds so much lighter than it has in months.
He's coming home this morning - told my Mom to call him at 10 when my sister gets to their house, but he started calling her at 7:45 am to ask when she was coming. He will have some back pain at the incision site, but all other pain is history.
This weekend we have a graduation and more housework to do in order to prepare for #1's graduation next week. The thought of him graduating makes me excited and my stomach hurt all at the same time. He was just born! Head full of fuzzy hair and huge brown eyes. Now, he's STILL got a head full of hair (not so fuzzy) and big brown eyes. Things change but they don't. I'm not sure I'm ready for all this.
In knitting news, I am on repeat #12 of 14 for Hypoteneuse, so there'll be no trouble making the May 26th deadline for my sisters' gift. I'm on the cuff of ugly sock #1, will bind off soon and begin sock #2. Mom's already claimed them. I should never knit around her.
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May 13, 2008 - A Simple Request
I'll be out of pocket tomorrow. I'm taking my Mom and Dad to the hospital early (leaving my house at 5:30 ayem). Dad is having sugery - a lumbar laminectomy and bone fusion. His quality of life has been sucky lately, so we're hoping this can alleviate a lot of the pain he's been having. While this is not one of your more complicated surgeries, my Dad is 79 and it's always a little scary going under the knife.
If you're so inclined, would you mind sending good thoughts his way?
Thanks!
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and, she spins too!
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