There wasn't one particular event/person that made this quote seem especially relevant today, but I saw it and it just seemed perfect.
Anyway, have a good Monday. 😊
Showing posts with label Monday-Memes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday-Memes. Show all posts
12 June 2023
18 October 2021
Don't Know, Don't Care
True - of all the things that never show up when you wish they would, Monday always shows up, even when you wish it wouldn't!
I realized yesterday as I was packing my lunch for today that I had not posted at all last week. And much as the title of this post says, I don't know why, and I don't really care, because it appears that everyone was able to carry on nonetheless. Good job, everyone!
I really don't have a lot to report anyway, to be honest. I've been busy being busy but not doing anything that "shows" so to speak. Oh wait, I did clean up the house this past Saturday, so if you showed up within an hour after that happened, you might have noticed. After that, well let's just say that *I* knew it happened ...
I did enjoy seeing everyone's posts about Rhinebeck on Instagram. It's so funny, because you look at a photo, and you think to yourself, "Oh look, it's ___ and they ran into ___" like you actually know these people in real life! It just amuses me that there are so many people that I feel like I would recognize if I saw them in person. Anyway, it looked like there was lots of good knitwear to see, and that for the most part, the weather cooperated, which is always nice. I for one always look forward to Kristy Glass' annual video about The Rhinebeck Sweater, so I'll be on the lookout for that in the next couple of weeks.
My LYS, Loop, had a Fall Festival over the weekend for those who didn't/couldn't attend Rhinebeck, and I had plans to go, but decided not to after all. I saw some photos they and others posted showing some of the goodies available, and decided to stay home because they just looked way too tempting, and I do not currently actually have disposable income that I can use for such wooly wonderfulness. So I decided to not even tempt myself.
And, well, that's really all there is to say about things at the moment. Not much exciting happening around here. I am nearly finished with a gift project that I'll show you soon (here's a sneak peek), and I owe you an FO post about a pair of socks. I'm trying to concentrate on the couple of things I want to do for gifts before I get too carried away on myself, but I think I'll be able to do so without too much trouble.
I'm thrilled that fall weather has arrived - I was beginning to be really bummed out that it was staying so warm for so long. But now it feels that way it's supposed to for the middle of October. Though it was pretty windy today walking to work - when I left the house, my hair was at least kind of organized on my head - but by the time I arrived at work, it had this kind of vibe:
Anyway, have a good week, and I'll check in again soon.
12 December 2017
A Day Late But Not a Dollar Short
Fortunately, Kathy doesn't charge us to participate in her weekly Q&A, which is near its end. (Stay tuned for her next endeavor!) So even though I'm a day late, I can still enjoy taking part without getting myself in trouble. :-)
1. Have your knit a Christmas ornament or Hanukkah things?
Yes I have. I knit this Advent wreath garland of mittens and hats a few years back:
And even longer ago, I knit this Yule Woodsman, who hangs on our tree every year.
2. Have you seen a shooting star this year?
I have never seen a shooting star in my life!
3. What's your preference: cuckoo clock, digital clock, grandfather clock or a face with hands?
I like grandfather clocks, but wouldn't have room for one if I had it. My overall preference is a clock with a face and hands.
4. Do you prefer Chex Mix for cereal or snack mix?
Since I never liked it as cereal, but enjoy snack mix, that's my choice here.
5. Is your milk expiration date before or after 12/25?
We just bought a new container of milk yesterday - the expiration date is 12/26.
6. Name a bird you'd love to see in the wild?
Let's see, there are not any I *wouldn't* like to see. But I wish I could have seen Carolina parakeets before they became extinct.
7. What is the last color you knit with?
A deep red, on my Holly Berry Socks.
8. Do you know anyone who believes in the Big Red Guy?
I do! With all of my heart! And there are some small kiddos in the family that I know believe in him also.
9. Do you have any solar decorations?
Nope.
10. Mrs. Claus is knitting something for you - what is it?
A yoked sweater with reindeer! :-)
What about you? Feel free to participate, or to even include answers in the comments.
23 January 2017
OK One of These Questions Was Actually Disturbing ...
Kathy has a set of questions for us today - but in a little bit of a switch, she has questions contributed by others, which is a whole 'nother set of fun. So I decided to play along.
What fear have you conquered?
Hmm. I guess in a sense, public speaking. I still hate doing it, but can manage to accomplish it without making myself sick, while also being fairly coherent.
What's your favorite spicy food?
Oh I love spicy food! What comes to mind immediately are Thai Drunken Noodles. If they are on a menu, I'll always order them.
What's a color you never wear?
Yellow. With my coloring, it's not pretty. Too bad, because I think a soft yellow is such a pretty color. If I do wear it at all, it's as an accessory, and always away from my face.
When sock knitters want a bigger needle project, what do you knit?
Usually hats. The needles are bigger, but not big enough to be painful.
When did you last read Shakespeare?
Probably about ten years ago, before a trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. I've watched Shakespeare more recently, in the series "The Hollow Crown," which we enjoy.
Are you gregarious or solitary?
Solitary. Though I can become gregarious with my family and close friends when the mood strikes.
What is your favorite cookie recipe and why?
I'd have to say basic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. Because I nearly always have the ingredients on hand for one or the other of them.
Do you dip your PB and J in milk?
This is the one I find disturbing. NO. I cannot even fathom thinking to do this! (This one is from Kathy's husband, and ... wow.)
Do you feel you are becoming a better knitter or have your skills leveled off?
I think I'm becoming a better knitter, albeit slowly, and in specific ways. There are still a lot of things I don't quite "get" and/or that I need to work on in order to broaden my horizons.
When's the last time you broke a needle?
About two years ago, a tiny sock needle I was using broke when I was trying maneuver stitches in a SSK. Fortnuately, only a bit broke off, so The Tim sanded down the broken end and I can still use it.
What about you? Do any of these questions speak to you? Let me know in the comments, or play along!
What fear have you conquered?
Hmm. I guess in a sense, public speaking. I still hate doing it, but can manage to accomplish it without making myself sick, while also being fairly coherent.
What's your favorite spicy food?
Oh I love spicy food! What comes to mind immediately are Thai Drunken Noodles. If they are on a menu, I'll always order them.
What's a color you never wear?
Yellow. With my coloring, it's not pretty. Too bad, because I think a soft yellow is such a pretty color. If I do wear it at all, it's as an accessory, and always away from my face.
When sock knitters want a bigger needle project, what do you knit?
Usually hats. The needles are bigger, but not big enough to be painful.
When did you last read Shakespeare?
Probably about ten years ago, before a trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. I've watched Shakespeare more recently, in the series "The Hollow Crown," which we enjoy.
Are you gregarious or solitary?
Solitary. Though I can become gregarious with my family and close friends when the mood strikes.
What is your favorite cookie recipe and why?
I'd have to say basic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. Because I nearly always have the ingredients on hand for one or the other of them.
Do you dip your PB and J in milk?
This is the one I find disturbing. NO. I cannot even fathom thinking to do this! (This one is from Kathy's husband, and ... wow.)
Do you feel you are becoming a better knitter or have your skills leveled off?
I think I'm becoming a better knitter, albeit slowly, and in specific ways. There are still a lot of things I don't quite "get" and/or that I need to work on in order to broaden my horizons.
When's the last time you broke a needle?
About two years ago, a tiny sock needle I was using broke when I was trying maneuver stitches in a SSK. Fortnuately, only a bit broke off, so The Tim sanded down the broken end and I can still use it.
What about you? Do any of these questions speak to you? Let me know in the comments, or play along!
26 December 2016
2016 Year End Q's and A's
Hello all - I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day, and continue to enjoy Christmastime. Ours was great, and you will be forced to hear/see more about it, but for now I wanted to play along with Kathy's end of the year Questions and Answers - on the actual day they are posted!
Name your best FO of 2016.
I would have to say the Vacation Socks I knit for The Tim during our New England vacation in September. I knit them at what for me was record time, and though he saw them as I worked on them, he had no idea they were for him. I love the way they turned out, and seeing them reminds me of a wonderful part of what was a difficult year.
Ask someone in your family to name something you've knit for them.
Well, right now there is just The Tim right here, and said, "Socks!" (Those above to be specific.)
Did you get any yarn gifts this holiday?
No, I didn't. But Santa did bring me a copy of Knitting from the North, which I am really excited to have! More than a few of the patterns are things I'd like to try.
Did your pets get any gifts?
Oh yeah! They did very well this year, with treats and some catnip toys. They also got new food bowls which to them is probably the equivalent to a kid getting underwear ... :-)
What is a great tip or idea you got this year?
I have to say that I am most proud of my Harry's Hundred idea. I was, and continue to be both humbled and happy that so many things were knit and donated as part of the project. Of course, my mother's 100th birthday anniversary will be in 2018, so maybe I should do something in her honor as well ... I have a whole year to think of a catchy name. ;-)
(I didn't mean to sound braggy, I'm just excited it all was a success!)
How did you surprise yourself in 2016?
I surprised myself at how well I managed to hold it together this year. It was one of the most challenging years I can remember, and though precarious, I did better than I thought I would or could. I hope at the end of next year I can say the same.
Name a favorite book you read in 2016.
My favorite book this year was A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. As a matter of fact, it's one of the few books I have added to my list of favorite books ever. I can actually see myself reading it again sometime.
What is the latest you stayed up in 2016?
Well, I'm guessing this means stayed up for a reason other than not being able to sleep, so that's how I'm gonna answer. The first Saturday evening in December, we had a small dinner party, and it was a lot of fun, but by the time everyone left, I cleaned up, and had a chance to settle myself, it was ~ 2:30 p.m. I'm 99% sure I never stayed up that late on purpose even when I was younger!
Name a play, show, or concert you went to in 2016.
This is one of the first years in my life I didn't make it to any of the above. However, I did go to two books talks at the Free Library of Philadelphia: one by Anne Lamott, and one by Alan Cumming. They were both amazing, funny, and really enjoyable in their separate ways. And since we each gave event tickets to one another for Christmas gifts, we'll apparently be making up for missing plays, shows, or concerts in 2017 ...
Name a new drink, dessert, or dish you found in 2016.
My favorite new dish that comes to mind is the recipe for Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta (shared here). It's relatively simple, and just so yummy!
What about you? How did your 2016 do, according to these questions? Feel free to share in the comments, or write your own post - I enjoy reading everyone else's as much as I enjoy writing my own.
Thanks to Kathy for a fun year of these Q & A posts - I for one hope they continue!
Name your best FO of 2016.
I would have to say the Vacation Socks I knit for The Tim during our New England vacation in September. I knit them at what for me was record time, and though he saw them as I worked on them, he had no idea they were for him. I love the way they turned out, and seeing them reminds me of a wonderful part of what was a difficult year.
Ask someone in your family to name something you've knit for them.
Well, right now there is just The Tim right here, and said, "Socks!" (Those above to be specific.)
Did you get any yarn gifts this holiday?
No, I didn't. But Santa did bring me a copy of Knitting from the North, which I am really excited to have! More than a few of the patterns are things I'd like to try.
Did your pets get any gifts?
Oh yeah! They did very well this year, with treats and some catnip toys. They also got new food bowls which to them is probably the equivalent to a kid getting underwear ... :-)
What is a great tip or idea you got this year?
I have to say that I am most proud of my Harry's Hundred idea. I was, and continue to be both humbled and happy that so many things were knit and donated as part of the project. Of course, my mother's 100th birthday anniversary will be in 2018, so maybe I should do something in her honor as well ... I have a whole year to think of a catchy name. ;-)
(I didn't mean to sound braggy, I'm just excited it all was a success!)
How did you surprise yourself in 2016?
I surprised myself at how well I managed to hold it together this year. It was one of the most challenging years I can remember, and though precarious, I did better than I thought I would or could. I hope at the end of next year I can say the same.
Name a favorite book you read in 2016.
My favorite book this year was A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. As a matter of fact, it's one of the few books I have added to my list of favorite books ever. I can actually see myself reading it again sometime.
What is the latest you stayed up in 2016?
Well, I'm guessing this means stayed up for a reason other than not being able to sleep, so that's how I'm gonna answer. The first Saturday evening in December, we had a small dinner party, and it was a lot of fun, but by the time everyone left, I cleaned up, and had a chance to settle myself, it was ~ 2:30 p.m. I'm 99% sure I never stayed up that late on purpose even when I was younger!
Name a play, show, or concert you went to in 2016.
This is one of the first years in my life I didn't make it to any of the above. However, I did go to two books talks at the Free Library of Philadelphia: one by Anne Lamott, and one by Alan Cumming. They were both amazing, funny, and really enjoyable in their separate ways. And since we each gave event tickets to one another for Christmas gifts, we'll apparently be making up for missing plays, shows, or concerts in 2017 ...
Name a new drink, dessert, or dish you found in 2016.
My favorite new dish that comes to mind is the recipe for Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta (shared here). It's relatively simple, and just so yummy!
What about you? How did your 2016 do, according to these questions? Feel free to share in the comments, or write your own post - I enjoy reading everyone else's as much as I enjoy writing my own.
Thanks to Kathy for a fun year of these Q & A posts - I for one hope they continue!
14 December 2016
Monday Questions. Wednesday Answers.
This week brings us another bunch of good questions from Kathy, so I'm going to play along.
BUT - before we get to that, I wanted to share a couple of links.
I know this is lambswool, and I know it is handknit. I'm also sure it's probably worth every penny (pound, rather), but I would like to know WHO can afford it??? But I see this, and tell myself I REALLY need to get moving on making one with yarn from my stash, as I love these kinds of blankets. Maybe 2017 will be the year ...
And then, for your Christmastime pleasure, here are a few cute ornaments to knit, courtesy of Kate, and they are freebies, so it's a win-win!
OK, on to the business at hand ...
1. Have you ever knit a Christmas ornament?
Yes. I made this a few years back, and want to make more!
And, a few years ago, I knit an Advent Calendar garland, which is a Christmas decoration, if not technically an ornament.
2. Have you ever knit with sparkle yarn?
Not so far, though I have two skeins of sock yarn with stellina in them, so somewhat sparkly knitting is in my future.
3. Did you buy yarn while travelling this year?
Yes! I bought a skein in Mystic Seaport, CT during our New England vacation, and a skein in two different places on two different trips to Baltimore.
4. When's the last time you wore something you knit?
Today. I wore my Silk Kerchief, which is one of my fave accessories when it's cold.
5. Do you remember your dreams?
Sometimes. Usually when they are extremely weird or disturbing.
6. What's the one thing you don't want to run out of?
Spiritually, Christmas cheer. Practically, tea.
7. Deep dish or thin pizza?
Thin-ish. Not real paper thin. The Tim makes a perfect crust. If you are in Chicago though, real deep-dish pizza is mighty tasty.
8. Name a favorite holiday Christmas CD, or album for us oldies.
Kathy herself already mentioned the James Taylor one, so I have two that I'll mention: Just in Time for Christmas, by Nancy LaMott,
and, Christmas with the Cambridge Singers.
9. How do you remind yourself a candle has been lit?
Whenever I have a candle lit, I'm right there. If I leave the room, I automatically blow it out and make sure it's out. Having lived through two house fires, I'm very conscious of it.
10. What's the ring tone on your phone?
I don't have a cell phone, so it's whatever came with the phone we have ...
OK, that's it for today - have a good one!
P.S. to any commenters: Blogger seems to have stopped sending me e-mails of comments, so I can respond. I don't know how or why this happened, but I promise I'm not ignoring you! Hopefully it can be resolved soon. (Is anyone else having this problem, by the way?)
05 December 2016
December Q&A Hooray!
Kathy has some good holiday season questions for us this week in her quora, so I thought I'd share my answers. 'Cause, you know, I'd just hate to deprive you ... ;-)
*Can you knit something by heart?
I can knit basic socks by heart, and now, I'm 99% sure I could knit both the Turn A Square Hat and Portfolio Scarf by heart! Though who knows in 6 months, they may be part of the mists in my mind.
*Would you like some yarn for Christmas?
Let's just say I wouldn't be upset. But it's not like I'm currently wishing for any particular yarn, and hoping against hope that someone gifts me with it.
*Did you shovel any snow this December?
No. We've had lots of rain instead of snow.
*Can you make a bow for a package or a gift?
Yes. I love wrapping presents and making bows. They aren't very elaborate, but they are bows ...
*Do you buy used books or new?
Hm. Frankly, I don't buy a lot of books at all, other than maybe the occasional knitting book. Then it's a mix of the two. Most of the time, I'll borrow books from the library.
*Have you seen a living Nativity?
No, and to be honest, I'd really only be interested in the animals anyway.
*Have you ever received home-baked cookies in the mail?
Just the other day, as a matter of fact! A co-worker from long ago, who was originally trained as a pastry chef, has sent us Christmas cookies ever since she moved out of town. We enjoy them, but I'm always a little bit surprised/flummoxxed, since though we were co-workers, we were never particularly close, and she is truly one of the strangest people I have ever met. Having said that, we love getting the package of cookies!
*When was the last time your toes froze and your nose was red?
I honestly can't remember the last time my toes froze. And my nose is always red in cold weather, regardless of temperature or how I'm dressed.
*Did you know that Christmas and Hanukkah are intertwined this year?
Yes, I did. I always check, since I am intrigued every year to find out the dates for Hanukkah.
*Do you love to get a Christmas card?
Yes I do! It's actually part of the reason I started my little holiday project, which has been extended through tomorrow, December 6. (So far we have a small but enthusiastic group.) I love to get mail in the first place, and Christmas and holiday cards make me feel even happier!
Though admittedly, I do not want to see this happen - I told The Tim, I hope Jack the kitten doesn't find a selfie stick somewhere ... ;-)
*Can you knit something by heart?
I can knit basic socks by heart, and now, I'm 99% sure I could knit both the Turn A Square Hat and Portfolio Scarf by heart! Though who knows in 6 months, they may be part of the mists in my mind.
*Would you like some yarn for Christmas?
Let's just say I wouldn't be upset. But it's not like I'm currently wishing for any particular yarn, and hoping against hope that someone gifts me with it.
*Did you shovel any snow this December?
No. We've had lots of rain instead of snow.
*Can you make a bow for a package or a gift?
Yes. I love wrapping presents and making bows. They aren't very elaborate, but they are bows ...
*Do you buy used books or new?
Hm. Frankly, I don't buy a lot of books at all, other than maybe the occasional knitting book. Then it's a mix of the two. Most of the time, I'll borrow books from the library.
*Have you seen a living Nativity?
No, and to be honest, I'd really only be interested in the animals anyway.
*Have you ever received home-baked cookies in the mail?
Just the other day, as a matter of fact! A co-worker from long ago, who was originally trained as a pastry chef, has sent us Christmas cookies ever since she moved out of town. We enjoy them, but I'm always a little bit surprised/flummoxxed, since though we were co-workers, we were never particularly close, and she is truly one of the strangest people I have ever met. Having said that, we love getting the package of cookies!
*When was the last time your toes froze and your nose was red?
I honestly can't remember the last time my toes froze. And my nose is always red in cold weather, regardless of temperature or how I'm dressed.
*Did you know that Christmas and Hanukkah are intertwined this year?
Yes, I did. I always check, since I am intrigued every year to find out the dates for Hanukkah.
*Do you love to get a Christmas card?
Yes I do! It's actually part of the reason I started my little holiday project, which has been extended through tomorrow, December 6. (So far we have a small but enthusiastic group.) I love to get mail in the first place, and Christmas and holiday cards make me feel even happier!
Though admittedly, I do not want to see this happen - I told The Tim, I hope Jack the kitten doesn't find a selfie stick somewhere ... ;-)
22 November 2016
Kathy's Thanksgiving Week Questions
Kathy wants to know the following:
*So it got cold here! What's the silver lining for you and the cold?
For me the silver lining IS the cold! I love cold weather, and winter, and snow (NOT ICE) and getting dark early, and the coziness it makes me feel. I am serious when I say I get reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer.
*Did you have an AHA! moment while knitting this weekend?
No, because I didn't do any knitting this weekend. (Shocking I know.) We were out of town, and I knew we would busy going various places. Plus, everyone I was with was someone who would be a recipient of what I am currently knitting, so I didn't even want to try.
I did however, have a AHA! moment last night, when I realized I actually did have some black yarn left that I could use for one of the gift hats I'm knitting. I had put it somewhere other than usual and forgotten. I am really happy about it, because I had a specific color combo in mind that required black, and didn't want to have to buy yarn, so I was trying to talk myself out of it.
*Have you begun your holiday Thanksgiving prep or baking?
The Tim does most of our Thanksgiving meal and baking prep. My biggest contribution is making the stuffing, which I will do tomorrow night, and then on Thursday, making the stuffed celery that we always have. He nearly always works during the evenings this week, so he has time for the baking and can do any prep shopping leading up to the big day when the stores are less crowded.
*Have you stepped out of your fashion comfort zone lately?
Not really. I usually do that when I am going someplace or to some event that is very special. There really hasn't been any of that going on.
*Did I thank anyone this weekend?
Lots of people! Everyone in my family who went out of their way to make The Tim's birthday extra special. Also, I visited a yarn store, and thanked the woman there for showing me the local yarns. And waitresses, etc. I'm kind of a serial thanker, I guess.
*Do you knit when your family visits?
I do when we are not running around and/or if I am not in the process of knitting something for the person or persons visiting.
*Has your cat caught a mouse in the house?
As far as I know, we've never had a mouse in our house, though I'm sure there are some in the walls, as I hear it now and then. They all like to kill bugs though.
*Are you buying any Thanksgiving components?
Ingredients, yes. Components, no.
*Are your hands cold?
Nearly all the time. I apparently have poor circulation. But fingerless gloves make a big difference, and I almost always have a hot drink going and can hold that from time to time to help, so most of the time, it's not a big problem.
Play along if you like - it's fun!
P.S. I am DYING for some stuffing - it's all I can think about this week!!
*So it got cold here! What's the silver lining for you and the cold?
For me the silver lining IS the cold! I love cold weather, and winter, and snow (NOT ICE) and getting dark early, and the coziness it makes me feel. I am serious when I say I get reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer.
*Did you have an AHA! moment while knitting this weekend?
No, because I didn't do any knitting this weekend. (Shocking I know.) We were out of town, and I knew we would busy going various places. Plus, everyone I was with was someone who would be a recipient of what I am currently knitting, so I didn't even want to try.
I did however, have a AHA! moment last night, when I realized I actually did have some black yarn left that I could use for one of the gift hats I'm knitting. I had put it somewhere other than usual and forgotten. I am really happy about it, because I had a specific color combo in mind that required black, and didn't want to have to buy yarn, so I was trying to talk myself out of it.
*Have you begun your holiday Thanksgiving prep or baking?
The Tim does most of our Thanksgiving meal and baking prep. My biggest contribution is making the stuffing, which I will do tomorrow night, and then on Thursday, making the stuffed celery that we always have. He nearly always works during the evenings this week, so he has time for the baking and can do any prep shopping leading up to the big day when the stores are less crowded.
*Have you stepped out of your fashion comfort zone lately?
Not really. I usually do that when I am going someplace or to some event that is very special. There really hasn't been any of that going on.
*Did I thank anyone this weekend?
Lots of people! Everyone in my family who went out of their way to make The Tim's birthday extra special. Also, I visited a yarn store, and thanked the woman there for showing me the local yarns. And waitresses, etc. I'm kind of a serial thanker, I guess.
*Do you knit when your family visits?
I do when we are not running around and/or if I am not in the process of knitting something for the person or persons visiting.
*Has your cat caught a mouse in the house?
As far as I know, we've never had a mouse in our house, though I'm sure there are some in the walls, as I hear it now and then. They all like to kill bugs though.
*Are you buying any Thanksgiving components?
Ingredients, yes. Components, no.
*Are your hands cold?
Nearly all the time. I apparently have poor circulation. But fingerless gloves make a big difference, and I almost always have a hot drink going and can hold that from time to time to help, so most of the time, it's not a big problem.
Play along if you like - it's fun!
**********
P.S. I am DYING for some stuffing - it's all I can think about this week!!
15 November 2016
Monday Questions, Tuesday Answers
For the last few weeks, as a result of one thing or another, I haven't had a chance to post any answers to Kathy's Monday Quora. When I do, I enjoy it. So even though today is Tuesday, I'm posting my responses to her Monday queries. :-)
-- Have you ever petted an angora bunny?
Yes, a few times when I've gone to Maryland Sheep and Wool. (I pretty much pet whatever animal I can when I'm there!)
-- Do you have any novelty yarn in your stash?
Not anymore. I used to have quite a bit, but either used it up or gave it away.
-- I'm maintaining my weight but I have to admit I still have to have: Creamer in my coffee and sugar. Is there something you simply can't give up on in your food life?
Cheese. It's why I'm a vegetarian and not a vegan.
-- Do you swim during the winter months?
Nope, I don't have access to any indoor pools.
-- What are you having for dinner tonight?
Since The Tim is working, and I'm on my own, I will probably heat up some soup and have that with some oyster crackers and iced tea.
-- Are you a Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopper?
Sometimes, but I don't use either day to do it all. If I do go out on Black Friday, I go early in the morning, and shop in Center City Philadelphia. It's pleasant, and since most people go to one of the malls, it's not crazy crowded.
-- Did you cast on this weekend?
I cast on a hat on Friday evening, and finished it Sunday evening!
-- Did you see the supermoon?
Yep. So cool!
-- Would you like to recommend a movie (must be entertaining and light)?
We just recently re-watched one of our favorite movies, "Waiting for Guffman." It's completely ridiculous. It's a Christopher Guest movie, so if you've seen any of his others and enjoyed them (another fave of ours "Best In Show"), you'll probably like this one. :-)
I'm still trying to figure out the problems I'm having with trying to comment on other people's blogs. It seems to be the ones that require you to "Select profile," which, come to think of it, I don't remember being there before. Anyway, I've tried several things with no success, so hopefully The Tim can help me work on it more sometime when he is home. In the meantime, it's so frustrating, and driving me crazy! Sometimes I feel like technology exists to make my life more difficult, rather than easier ...
-- Have you ever petted an angora bunny?
Yes, a few times when I've gone to Maryland Sheep and Wool. (I pretty much pet whatever animal I can when I'm there!)
-- Do you have any novelty yarn in your stash?
Not anymore. I used to have quite a bit, but either used it up or gave it away.
-- I'm maintaining my weight but I have to admit I still have to have: Creamer in my coffee and sugar. Is there something you simply can't give up on in your food life?
Cheese. It's why I'm a vegetarian and not a vegan.
-- Do you swim during the winter months?
Nope, I don't have access to any indoor pools.
-- What are you having for dinner tonight?
Since The Tim is working, and I'm on my own, I will probably heat up some soup and have that with some oyster crackers and iced tea.
-- Are you a Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopper?
Sometimes, but I don't use either day to do it all. If I do go out on Black Friday, I go early in the morning, and shop in Center City Philadelphia. It's pleasant, and since most people go to one of the malls, it's not crazy crowded.
-- Did you cast on this weekend?
I cast on a hat on Friday evening, and finished it Sunday evening!
-- Did you see the supermoon?
Yep. So cool!
-- Would you like to recommend a movie (must be entertaining and light)?
We just recently re-watched one of our favorite movies, "Waiting for Guffman." It's completely ridiculous. It's a Christopher Guest movie, so if you've seen any of his others and enjoyed them (another fave of ours "Best In Show"), you'll probably like this one. :-)
I'm still trying to figure out the problems I'm having with trying to comment on other people's blogs. It seems to be the ones that require you to "Select profile," which, come to think of it, I don't remember being there before. Anyway, I've tried several things with no success, so hopefully The Tim can help me work on it more sometime when he is home. In the meantime, it's so frustrating, and driving me crazy! Sometimes I feel like technology exists to make my life more difficult, rather than easier ...
24 October 2016
Kathy's World Series Q & A
Kathy is thrilled that the Chicago Cubs have made it to the World Series - and frankly, so am I! To be honest, I have nothing against the Cleveland Indians, but Chicago is one of the places I have lived - both as a child and then for a couple of years once The Tim finished grad school. So I have a "home" connection to Chicago, and I hope I haven't just jinxed things for them. ;-)
So anyway, let's answer this week's queries.
-- What is your favorite fabric to wear?
I have to say flannel in cold weather, and cotton in warmer weather. They are comfort fabrics to me.
-- Who woke you up this morning?
My bladder. I woke up ten minutes before the alarm, having to use the bathroom. This is actually surprising, because 99% of the time it is some combination of the felines in the family ... and a lot earlier. (ugh)
-- Last time you had to turn off the announcers and turn on the radio for a sports event.
A few years ago, when I was watching a Phillies game. Usually though, I leave the TV and rant. Pleasant, no?
-- Last food item you ate?
I had a slice of leftover pizza for dinner.
-- Last item you had knit regrets about?
My Multnomah Shawl. I screwed it up when I got to the lacy border, but didn't realize it until well into it. So every once in a while, I rip back a few rows, hoping that when I get to the last row before the border, that a) I'll realize it, and b) I can "get" it when I try to knit the border again. It's really too bad, because I had zoomed through the shawl, loved knitting it, and couldn't wait to wear it. Grrrrr.
-- Last time a family member said to you, "When are you going to finish that thing?"
Never.
-- Are you still working on a New Year's resolution?
I don't make resolutions, really, I just try to decide on some goals and intentions. But I am continuing to work on one in particular, because I got sidetracked over the summer. I'm doing OK with it, so I'm glad about that.
-- Last great amateur photo you saw?
My niece Liz took a photo of her son Zach and another niece's daughter Penn this past weekend when they were all together for my brother-in-law's birthday. It's both adorable and beautifully composed.
-- Do you know someone who is an organ recipient or donor?
Yes. A former neighbor had a kidney transplant a few years back. And both The Tim and I have marked ourselves as organ donors.
So anyway, let's answer this week's queries.
-- What is your favorite fabric to wear?
I have to say flannel in cold weather, and cotton in warmer weather. They are comfort fabrics to me.
-- Who woke you up this morning?
My bladder. I woke up ten minutes before the alarm, having to use the bathroom. This is actually surprising, because 99% of the time it is some combination of the felines in the family ... and a lot earlier. (ugh)
-- Last time you had to turn off the announcers and turn on the radio for a sports event.
A few years ago, when I was watching a Phillies game. Usually though, I leave the TV and rant. Pleasant, no?
-- Last food item you ate?
I had a slice of leftover pizza for dinner.
-- Last item you had knit regrets about?
My Multnomah Shawl. I screwed it up when I got to the lacy border, but didn't realize it until well into it. So every once in a while, I rip back a few rows, hoping that when I get to the last row before the border, that a) I'll realize it, and b) I can "get" it when I try to knit the border again. It's really too bad, because I had zoomed through the shawl, loved knitting it, and couldn't wait to wear it. Grrrrr.
-- Last time a family member said to you, "When are you going to finish that thing?"
Never.
-- Are you still working on a New Year's resolution?
I don't make resolutions, really, I just try to decide on some goals and intentions. But I am continuing to work on one in particular, because I got sidetracked over the summer. I'm doing OK with it, so I'm glad about that.
-- Last great amateur photo you saw?
My niece Liz took a photo of her son Zach and another niece's daughter Penn this past weekend when they were all together for my brother-in-law's birthday. It's both adorable and beautifully composed.
-- Do you know someone who is an organ recipient or donor?
Yes. A former neighbor had a kidney transplant a few years back. And both The Tim and I have marked ourselves as organ donors.
04 October 2016
Kathy's Inquiring Mind
Kathy's latest set of questions are especially fun, in my opinion. And since the post I was planning to write has to be put off for at least another day until I can get my pictures straightened out, I figured I'd share my answers with you.
Because I'd hate for you to go any longer without hearing from me, you know? :-)
*Which did you last wear - flannel shirt or sweatshirt?
I don't actually own any flannel shirts (though I have lots of flannel pajamas), and I have lots of sweatshirts. And though I haven't pulled them out yet for this year, the last time the weather called for it, I wore a sweatshirt.
*Which chart is easier for you to read - fairisle or cables?
I have to agree with Dee on this one - I think fairisle is easier to read, but cables are easier to do. I'm not all that good at charts overall though, to be honest ...
*Do you prefer a turtleneck or a cowl neck?
Turtleneck. I have one sweater with a cowl neck, but find it uncomfortable if I'm wearing a coat.
*Have you been on a ghost walk? Where?
Nope. But during the time I worked at Eastern State Penitentiary, I spent some time around groups that would come looking for ghosts. And many co-workers claimed to have seen ghosts.
*What is the bulk of your stash - sock? worsted? bulky?
Sock yarn for sure! I have some worsted, and a little bit of bulky, but most of my stash is sock/fingering weight yarn. I have a serious issue saying no to sock yarn ...
*Have you tried acupuncture? Would you?
No and yes. I know lots of people that it has helped considerably.
*Have you eaten Halloween candy yet this year?
Yes. The Tim brought home a bag of candy with the little individual packets inside, and I had a couple. (It wasn't my favorite kind of candy, or trust me, I would have had more!)
*Have you seen Christmas decorations yet?
No I haven't. But I also have not been out to any stores for at least a month, so they may very well be covered in decorations and I just have not seen them. Having said that, I'm good at completely ignoring them until I'm good and ready to enjoy them ... you know, after Thanksgiving.
*What's your charity of choice to donate to?
I try to spread my $$ across several of the shelters here, where we have adopted animals. Then each year in December, I make an extra special donation to one of them, taking turns so that each gets soimething. And I also usually donate to a couple of charities that my great-nieces/nephews are doing fundraising activities for - last year, my great-nephew Zach did a jump rope fundraiser for the childrens' section at Johns Hopkins Hospital and I donated to that.
*You are at the apple orchard - do you buy: apples? donuts? cider?
Yes. :-)
(Though since I haven't been to the orchard yet this year, I am planning my weekly treat for tomorrow to be an apple cider donut from Wawa. Sooooooo GOOD! Plus, I love Wawa.)
27 September 2016
Q's, A's, Fall
I haven't gotten myself together for a few weeks to do Kathy's Q&A, but this time I was determined to participate. Good thing too, 'cause most are questions I can actually answer without spending time pondering and then giving up. (Does anyone else overthink everything? It's always been an issue for me.)
*Do you work better in groups or alone?
ALONE! I absolutely cannot stand group projects. Mainly because I am somewhat OCD, and get annoyed that not everyone is putting the same amount of effort into things.
*Butter or margarine?
Butter. We don't eat a whole lot in our house, so it lasts a while, thereby making it not quite as expensive as if we slathered it on everything.
*For a day: no phone or no computer?
No phone. I could live my life happily if I never ever had to talk on the phone again.
*Gym shoes: wear them out, or replace regularly?
I replace mine regularly. Since I have foot problems, I suffer if they get too worn out.
*More likely to find in your couch cushions: money or needles?
Neither. I am most likely to find crumbs (The Tim is a messy snacker), or shedded kitty claws.
*What kind of knitting hurts your hands/arms/fingers?
Knitting with stiff cotton for too long, and also knitting with large needles. I've done a couple of projects with larger needles (US 15 or 17) and though they have been fine, they took a long time to finish, due to the fact that they made my hands hurt.
*How do you feel when someone asks you to knit for them? Delighted? Burdened?
Other than The Tim, who will occasionally mention something specific, I've never had anyone else ask. I guess it would depend on who it was asking, and what they wanted. I'm more than happy to knit stuff for family.
*I choose my patterns based on: the designer? the difficulty? the ability to use stash on hand?
Well, I guess it depends. Sometimes if I really love something, and it's a technique or item I haven't tried before, I'll give it a whirl. But I guess most of the time, it's designer or difficulty. I do like certain designers more than others, and 99% of the time, I want to feel confident that I can knit the pattern. If I have stash that I can use, that's icing on the cake.
*I store my yarn in: plastic bags? project bags? bins and pots and pans?
I have one of those cubby things from Target with cloth bins and I add mothballs. WIPs are in project bags.
*Last company you called customer service?
I can't remember. I did e-mail customer service a few weeks ago at Madewell, after I went into the store for something and two salespeople went above and beyond to help me. I try to report good service as much as awful service.
*****
It seems that fall has arrived around here. Though this week is supposed to be rainy, it's also supposed to be cool, which is fine with me. The only down side for me is that I seem to be catching a cold - gah! But at least I can cozy in a sweater or blanket to make myself feel better. :-)
17 August 2016
It's Wednesday and I Meant To Do This Yesterday
But our modem died, so we had no Internet at home. I was home all day due to a medical appt smack-dab in the middle, that made going to work not worth the effort. Anyway, I'm on a break here at work, doing my best on my tablet to post this, so if it is wonky, you'll know why ...
Onward to Kathy's weekly questions.
1. When was the last time you saw a butterfly?
About ten minutes ago, when I actually saw about 20. We have a butterfly exhibit at work, and I had to deliver something to someone who works there.
But, as far as outside in the wild, I saw one a week or so ago on my walk home from work.
2. Why on earth is this shoe on top of the station wagon? It appears to be tied there.
Maybe it belongs to an amputee who just washed it and doesn't have a clothes dryer?
3. Do you prefer a cardigan with buttons or a zipper? (Assuming you don't have to put the buttons or zipper in ...)
Buttons. If you wear a sweater unbuttoned, I think it looks better than one that is unzipped. And I usually don't button my cardigan sweaters, since most of the time I wear them over another layer.
4. When was the last time you wished you didn't have so many ends to weave in?
A few years back, I made a fairisle vest for The Tim, and though it turned out really well, weaving in those ends took nearly as long as knitting it (or at least it felt that way).
5. When was the last time someone asked you "Did you knit that" (this includes relatives who have seen you don articles of clothing that perhaps begged the question)?
Probably last winter. I haven't worn many knitted things this summer (handknit or otherwise).
6. When was the last time you spilled a drink?
Sunday morning I spilled the last of my cup of tea on myself when I picked it up carelessly thinking it was already empty. It wasn't.
7. Are you a fan of Dot&Bo house decor (they are the new Pottery Barn in my book)?
Never heard of them. Probably a good thing, since at the moment funds are extremely low.
8. When was the last time you floated in a tube on a river or a lake, jet skied or water skied?
Never. I love to be near water, and will go in if it's not deep. But I don't know how to swim, so I'm not very adventurous.
9. If you could knit with anyone today, who would it be? (not fair to say me, that's a given ... lol)
Dug the Doodle Dog. He used to always keep me company when I knitted.
If you mean a person who knits, I'd have to say my friend Andrea who I worked with at Rosie's - we knitted together there when we had a chance, and would always have a hilarious time. I still see her from time to time, but never for a very long time.
OK, back to work. We are supposed to have our new modem today, so hopefully I will be back sooner rather than later. Keep cool everyone!
Onward to Kathy's weekly questions.
1. When was the last time you saw a butterfly?
About ten minutes ago, when I actually saw about 20. We have a butterfly exhibit at work, and I had to deliver something to someone who works there.
But, as far as outside in the wild, I saw one a week or so ago on my walk home from work.
2. Why on earth is this shoe on top of the station wagon? It appears to be tied there.
Maybe it belongs to an amputee who just washed it and doesn't have a clothes dryer?
3. Do you prefer a cardigan with buttons or a zipper? (Assuming you don't have to put the buttons or zipper in ...)
Buttons. If you wear a sweater unbuttoned, I think it looks better than one that is unzipped. And I usually don't button my cardigan sweaters, since most of the time I wear them over another layer.
4. When was the last time you wished you didn't have so many ends to weave in?
A few years back, I made a fairisle vest for The Tim, and though it turned out really well, weaving in those ends took nearly as long as knitting it (or at least it felt that way).
5. When was the last time someone asked you "Did you knit that" (this includes relatives who have seen you don articles of clothing that perhaps begged the question)?
Probably last winter. I haven't worn many knitted things this summer (handknit or otherwise).
6. When was the last time you spilled a drink?
Sunday morning I spilled the last of my cup of tea on myself when I picked it up carelessly thinking it was already empty. It wasn't.
7. Are you a fan of Dot&Bo house decor (they are the new Pottery Barn in my book)?
Never heard of them. Probably a good thing, since at the moment funds are extremely low.
8. When was the last time you floated in a tube on a river or a lake, jet skied or water skied?
Never. I love to be near water, and will go in if it's not deep. But I don't know how to swim, so I'm not very adventurous.
9. If you could knit with anyone today, who would it be? (not fair to say me, that's a given ... lol)
Dug the Doodle Dog. He used to always keep me company when I knitted.
If you mean a person who knits, I'd have to say my friend Andrea who I worked with at Rosie's - we knitted together there when we had a chance, and would always have a hilarious time. I still see her from time to time, but never for a very long time.
***
OK, back to work. We are supposed to have our new modem today, so hopefully I will be back sooner rather than later. Keep cool everyone!
26 July 2016
Short and Sweet Q &A
Ugh. To quote my mother, "It's hotter than Billy be d*mned." I don't know who Billy was, or why he was in that situation, but that's just how hot it is. For Ten on Tuesday, Carole wanted to know 10 ways to keep cool in the heat. I'm not participating this week, because the heat and the humidity make me so incredibly miserable and cranky that all ten of my answers are GO BACK TO WINTER.
But, as usual, Kathy has some questions that just cry out to be answered. There are just a few this week, but I still wanted to play along. :-)
1. You are getting yarn in the mail today as a gift. Tell us about it.
Well, if it is a gift, it is most likely sock yarn. But the best gifts are also surprises, so that's all I can tell you ...
2. You are knitting poolside. What are you ordering from the cabana boy.
A margarita. That also means I'll have to stop knitting though, if I don't want to tear it out and re-knit it later!
3. You are asked to give a 5 minute presentation about any aspect of knitting at all. What is your topic?
Why/when I use double-pointed-needles.
4. You can ask a knitter to finish any of your WIPs. Which one is it?
I would have to decide between my Custom Fit sweater or a shawl I have on the needles. Mistakes were found in both after I'd knitted way beyond said mistakes, and I have lost the will to pull out and/or re-knit after that, at least for now.
5. You take good care of your hands. Are your nails short or long?
I try to take good care of my hands, as they are one of the first things I notice about a person. My nails are short, and currently painted turquoise. :-)
Join along in the comments, if not on your own blog, and let us know what your answers are to these questions. It's fun!
Try to keep cool, everyone.
But, as usual, Kathy has some questions that just cry out to be answered. There are just a few this week, but I still wanted to play along. :-)
1. You are getting yarn in the mail today as a gift. Tell us about it.
Well, if it is a gift, it is most likely sock yarn. But the best gifts are also surprises, so that's all I can tell you ...
2. You are knitting poolside. What are you ordering from the cabana boy.
A margarita. That also means I'll have to stop knitting though, if I don't want to tear it out and re-knit it later!
3. You are asked to give a 5 minute presentation about any aspect of knitting at all. What is your topic?
Why/when I use double-pointed-needles.
4. You can ask a knitter to finish any of your WIPs. Which one is it?
I would have to decide between my Custom Fit sweater or a shawl I have on the needles. Mistakes were found in both after I'd knitted way beyond said mistakes, and I have lost the will to pull out and/or re-knit after that, at least for now.
5. You take good care of your hands. Are your nails short or long?
I try to take good care of my hands, as they are one of the first things I notice about a person. My nails are short, and currently painted turquoise. :-)
Join along in the comments, if not on your own blog, and let us know what your answers are to these questions. It's fun!
Try to keep cool, everyone.
12 July 2016
Q's. A's. Tuesday.
I'm not doing the Ten on Tuesday this week, because I was not a kid who went to camp. My parents couldn't afford it, and to be honest, I wasn't interested anyway. I spent enough time around other kids during the school year - summer was *my* time, with my books and my animals. :-)
But Kathy has her weekly list of questions, so why not answer them today?
After a long day of knitting, would you rather: a) soak in a hot tub, b) have a massage, c) have a manicure.
I seldom knit for really long periods of time, but even so, I like to soak in the tub, especially in a bubble bath! I don't do it often, so it feels extremely decadent.
Many of us are sock knitters. Have you ever put rubber dots on the sock bottoms for slippage?
Nope. I've never really given it much thought either, I have to admit ...
When was your last pedi?
I treated myself to a professional pedicure about three weeks ago. I was thinking about giving myself one this past weekend, but my low-energy-existence meant that it just never happened.
Are you waiting for anything to bloom in your garden?
My garden consists of only a few plants in pots this year, and they are all blooming or have bloomed. We are waiting for The Tim's deck garden to bloom though. So far, the lettuces, argula, and herbs have been happy, but we're waiting on the other stuff. A couple of the cucumber plants in particular look like something will happen Any.Day.Now.
Do you own anything at all, anything, solar powered?
Nope. We had some deck lights a few years back that were supposed to be solar powered, but they were a bust. *We're* not even solar powered!
So many [Chicago] Cubs are in the All-Star lineup this year ... will you watch the home run contest of the game? Both? Neither?
I always watch the game (well, if it runs late I usually miss the end), but I almost always forget about the home run contest, and miss it altogether.
Finally, your name for winter yarns were all amazingly awesome. Let's try again. Name a Midsummer yarn colorway.
Vanilla Custard (that perfect vanilla color, not quite white, not really yellow)
Titania's Twilight (light blue and light gray variegated, with flecks of stellina)
As usual, that was fun! Except now I really want a vanilla custard cone ... :-)
But Kathy has her weekly list of questions, so why not answer them today?
After a long day of knitting, would you rather: a) soak in a hot tub, b) have a massage, c) have a manicure.
I seldom knit for really long periods of time, but even so, I like to soak in the tub, especially in a bubble bath! I don't do it often, so it feels extremely decadent.
Many of us are sock knitters. Have you ever put rubber dots on the sock bottoms for slippage?
Nope. I've never really given it much thought either, I have to admit ...
When was your last pedi?
I treated myself to a professional pedicure about three weeks ago. I was thinking about giving myself one this past weekend, but my low-energy-existence meant that it just never happened.
Are you waiting for anything to bloom in your garden?
My garden consists of only a few plants in pots this year, and they are all blooming or have bloomed. We are waiting for The Tim's deck garden to bloom though. So far, the lettuces, argula, and herbs have been happy, but we're waiting on the other stuff. A couple of the cucumber plants in particular look like something will happen Any.Day.Now.
Do you own anything at all, anything, solar powered?
Nope. We had some deck lights a few years back that were supposed to be solar powered, but they were a bust. *We're* not even solar powered!
So many [Chicago] Cubs are in the All-Star lineup this year ... will you watch the home run contest of the game? Both? Neither?
I always watch the game (well, if it runs late I usually miss the end), but I almost always forget about the home run contest, and miss it altogether.
Finally, your name for winter yarns were all amazingly awesome. Let's try again. Name a Midsummer yarn colorway.
Vanilla Custard (that perfect vanilla color, not quite white, not really yellow)
Titania's Twilight (light blue and light gray variegated, with flecks of stellina)
As usual, that was fun! Except now I really want a vanilla custard cone ... :-)
06 July 2016
A Sincere Thank You and Q&A
Hello all - well, here we are a week later. Before anything else, I want to say the most sincere Thank You that I can to everyone for their comments, prayers, thoughts, sympathy, and support after my post about Dug. It made such a difference to me, and I know that Dug is pleased to think so many people thought to comment. I tried to respond to each comment, but fairly often I can't see the e-mail addresses of commenters, and so cannot respond to some people individually. So if you did not get a personal note from me, please do not feel that I didn't appreciate your kindness - I just didn't know how else to get in touch. (Does anyone know how to make e-mail addresses appear so that you can respond? I have never been able to figure out why some show and some do not.)
So - THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. I really felt comfort knowing you cared so very much. We are still kind of in shock, but as all of you know, life goes on no matter what, and some things have to be done regardless of what else has or has not happened. All of us are doing our best to adjust, some days are harder than others, as I'm sure many of you know.
Since I am here anyway, and am trying to find things to make me smile, I decided I would also use this post to answer Kathy's weekly questions. This week, her topic is Christmas in July (does that mean it will cool down?? If only ...)
1. We all have our Christmas movie favorites. Do you have a summer movie you watch over and over?
I usually watch at least part of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with Jimmy Cagney on/around the 4th of July. It's so cornball, and we always watched it growing up. I think I might be able to recite it.
2. How's your Holiday 2016 knitting coming along?
I'm only slightly behind, but the things I am planning to knit as gifts are pretty quick knits, so I'm hoping to have a couple more completed by the end of the month. So far, I have one hat out of 3 completed, and 1/2 of a shawlette completed out of 4 I hope to make.
3. I have more time to read in summer than around the winter holidays. What have you read lately?
I recently finished the third installment of the Maisie Dobbs stories, which was interesting. But my favorite book that I finished most recently was A Man Called Ove. I listened to the audiobook, and it has become one of my favorite books of all time.
4. Is there anything better than an iced Christmas cookie?
I seldom have iced Christmas cookies ... but during the summer, nothing beats a gelati from Rita's. Nothing!
5. Have you knit a gnome?
No, but I have a couple of little ones knitted and then felted by someone else that I've bought at Maryland Sheep and Wool a couple of different times. One is just a cutie, and one is a Santa gnome.
6. Are you more excited about your Christmas tree or your summer garden?
I've been fixing up our garden, and it's really nice. The Tim has a deck garden where he is growing veggies and herbs. They are great. But nothing is better than a Christmas tree!
7. You've just created your favorite winter colorway. What do you call it?
Santa's Stripes
Rudolph's Red
Snowy Evening Walk in the Woods
8. Someone is secretly knitting you a Christmas gift. What do you wish it to be?
Christmas themed/colored socks or fairisle mittens.
9. If you need snow for the perfect Christmas, what do you need for the perfect 4th of July?
Temperatures during the day in the upper 70s, sunny with no humidity, and a cool, clear evening.
10. Let's make the last one yes or no; are you knitting in the air conditioning today?
At home, no because our house doesn't have a/c. But I do have to go to a dr's appt, and they will have a/c. So yes and no. ;-)
What about you?
Thank you again everyone. For every single thing.
So - THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. I really felt comfort knowing you cared so very much. We are still kind of in shock, but as all of you know, life goes on no matter what, and some things have to be done regardless of what else has or has not happened. All of us are doing our best to adjust, some days are harder than others, as I'm sure many of you know.
*****
Since I am here anyway, and am trying to find things to make me smile, I decided I would also use this post to answer Kathy's weekly questions. This week, her topic is Christmas in July (does that mean it will cool down?? If only ...)
1. We all have our Christmas movie favorites. Do you have a summer movie you watch over and over?
I usually watch at least part of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with Jimmy Cagney on/around the 4th of July. It's so cornball, and we always watched it growing up. I think I might be able to recite it.
2. How's your Holiday 2016 knitting coming along?
I'm only slightly behind, but the things I am planning to knit as gifts are pretty quick knits, so I'm hoping to have a couple more completed by the end of the month. So far, I have one hat out of 3 completed, and 1/2 of a shawlette completed out of 4 I hope to make.
3. I have more time to read in summer than around the winter holidays. What have you read lately?
I recently finished the third installment of the Maisie Dobbs stories, which was interesting. But my favorite book that I finished most recently was A Man Called Ove. I listened to the audiobook, and it has become one of my favorite books of all time.
4. Is there anything better than an iced Christmas cookie?
I seldom have iced Christmas cookies ... but during the summer, nothing beats a gelati from Rita's. Nothing!
5. Have you knit a gnome?
No, but I have a couple of little ones knitted and then felted by someone else that I've bought at Maryland Sheep and Wool a couple of different times. One is just a cutie, and one is a Santa gnome.
6. Are you more excited about your Christmas tree or your summer garden?
I've been fixing up our garden, and it's really nice. The Tim has a deck garden where he is growing veggies and herbs. They are great. But nothing is better than a Christmas tree!
7. You've just created your favorite winter colorway. What do you call it?
Santa's Stripes
Rudolph's Red
Snowy Evening Walk in the Woods
8. Someone is secretly knitting you a Christmas gift. What do you wish it to be?
Christmas themed/colored socks or fairisle mittens.
9. If you need snow for the perfect Christmas, what do you need for the perfect 4th of July?
Temperatures during the day in the upper 70s, sunny with no humidity, and a cool, clear evening.
10. Let's make the last one yes or no; are you knitting in the air conditioning today?
At home, no because our house doesn't have a/c. But I do have to go to a dr's appt, and they will have a/c. So yes and no. ;-)
What about you?
*****
Thank you again everyone. For every single thing.
21 June 2016
Birds, Bugs, and Boxes of Water
Those are just a few of the topics that Kathy is asking about this week. I decided to post this today, since I'm not participating in Ten on Tuesday this week. Carole wanted us to list 10 Things To Do While Listening to an Audiobook, and to be honest, I only listen when I am working on a basic knitting project (no charts, counting, etc.) or when I'm wide awake and can't get to sleep easily. So that was not gonna happen, you know?
So - onward to see what I have to say about the following questions.
1. My neighbor's trumpet vine is in bloom. What's your preference? Hummingbirds or butterflies?
I like hummingbirds, but I see more butterflies, so I'm going with that.
2. What's your preference - boxed water or bottled water?
I am one of the few people I know who drink tap water. Even if for some reason I have bottled water, I'll generally refill it from the tap. I have a container that I fill up and put in the fridge.
Every time I think of boxed water, I think of an episode of the show "Difficult People," where boxed water played a part in the overall story. It's a stupid show, about a couple of annoying and annoyed New Yorkers, and they are terrible people. I think it's hilarious. As I said to a friend, maybe I identify with them sometimes?
3. For next to your skin softness, do you prefer angora, cashmere, alpaca, or acrylic?
I'm not overly picky. I hate anything itchy or too hairy. And to be perfectly honest, the absolute softest sweater I have is a really old acrylic sweater. So go figure.
4. Do you prefer an alcoholic drink before, during, or after dinner?
Depends on the drink. I enjoy wine anytime. I enjoy mimosas or bloody Marys with brunch. But most mixed drinks I prefer after dinner (or very much before). So ... yes? ;-)
5. What cuts into your knitting time more, others in your home or your wanderings on the Internet?
Most of the time I'm on my own, so it's usually the Internet black hole.
6. Would you rather have a snowstorm as in a blizzard, or a heat wave with violent thunderstorms?
Snowstorm/blizzard. I like thunderstorms, but despise heat waves. Summer and I are seldom on good speaking terms, whereas winter and I are best friends.
7. You just won an all expenses paid trip to a Fiber Festival. Would you go alone or try to bring a knit pal along?
I would ask only certain people if they wanted to come along, and if they could not, I'd happily go on my own. For instance, when I've gone to MD Sheep and Wool in the past, it's been nice to have someone to go around with for at least part of the day. But I also like to walk around on my own. A few years back, I was with someone who stuck to me like glue the whole day and I was miserable.
Hm. I didn't mean for my answers to sound so contrary ... I'm actually pretty easygoing, but I guess when you ask me for specific answers, I have a lot to say! :-)
So - onward to see what I have to say about the following questions.
1. My neighbor's trumpet vine is in bloom. What's your preference? Hummingbirds or butterflies?
I like hummingbirds, but I see more butterflies, so I'm going with that.
2. What's your preference - boxed water or bottled water?
I am one of the few people I know who drink tap water. Even if for some reason I have bottled water, I'll generally refill it from the tap. I have a container that I fill up and put in the fridge.
Every time I think of boxed water, I think of an episode of the show "Difficult People," where boxed water played a part in the overall story. It's a stupid show, about a couple of annoying and annoyed New Yorkers, and they are terrible people. I think it's hilarious. As I said to a friend, maybe I identify with them sometimes?
3. For next to your skin softness, do you prefer angora, cashmere, alpaca, or acrylic?
I'm not overly picky. I hate anything itchy or too hairy. And to be perfectly honest, the absolute softest sweater I have is a really old acrylic sweater. So go figure.
4. Do you prefer an alcoholic drink before, during, or after dinner?
Depends on the drink. I enjoy wine anytime. I enjoy mimosas or bloody Marys with brunch. But most mixed drinks I prefer after dinner (or very much before). So ... yes? ;-)
5. What cuts into your knitting time more, others in your home or your wanderings on the Internet?
Most of the time I'm on my own, so it's usually the Internet black hole.
6. Would you rather have a snowstorm as in a blizzard, or a heat wave with violent thunderstorms?
Snowstorm/blizzard. I like thunderstorms, but despise heat waves. Summer and I are seldom on good speaking terms, whereas winter and I are best friends.
7. You just won an all expenses paid trip to a Fiber Festival. Would you go alone or try to bring a knit pal along?
I would ask only certain people if they wanted to come along, and if they could not, I'd happily go on my own. For instance, when I've gone to MD Sheep and Wool in the past, it's been nice to have someone to go around with for at least part of the day. But I also like to walk around on my own. A few years back, I was with someone who stuck to me like glue the whole day and I was miserable.
Hm. I didn't mean for my answers to sound so contrary ... I'm actually pretty easygoing, but I guess when you ask me for specific answers, I have a lot to say! :-)
09 June 2016
Remembering to Meme
Sadly, the title of this post made me chuckle for about five minutes. "Sadly" because it is real proof that it doesn't take much to entertain me.
But I digress.
Kathy had some good questions for us this week, and I decided I should play along. :-)
1. Do you prefer: frozen custard; hardpack ice cream; soft serve ice cream; shaved ice; or, shaved desserts?
I would not say no to any of them. However, my very most fave in the summer is a Rita's Water Ice Gelati.
But I digress.
Kathy had some good questions for us this week, and I decided I should play along. :-)
1. Do you prefer: frozen custard; hardpack ice cream; soft serve ice cream; shaved ice; or, shaved desserts?
I would not say no to any of them. However, my very most fave in the summer is a Rita's Water Ice Gelati.
It consists of a layer of water ice, then a layer of frozen custard, then water ice, then frozen custard ...
2. Of all of the colors of the rainbow, which is your favorite?
Indigo. I have accepted the fact that I am ridiculously drawn to blues.
3. How do you keep your sock needles together?
Because I have strong OCD tendencies, they are kept in their original packaging, or in a fabric roll that I have, or held together with rubber bands.
4. If you could run through a shop and pull as much of ONE yarn as you could carry, what would it be?
Hm. Either sock yarn or rustic, tweedy yarns. The colors/shades would matter more than the brand.
5. Are you over shawls?
No, I really like them. It takes me forever to finish them, so I only have a few. Maybe that is why I'm not tired of them.
6. Do your peonies open with or without ants?
I don't have a peony bush, so I guess they don't open at all for me ...
7. Want to share your favorite books as a child?
To be honest, I didn't read many kids' books as a child. My parents didn't buy them, and I just read what was around the house. But one year for Christmas, I did get Black Beauty and Little Women from a family friend, and I loved them (still do!).
8. Is it nothing but boring to you to knit stockinette?
I don't think I would enjoy only ever knitting stockinette, but I don't mind it as one of the choices. I especially appreciate stockinette projects when I want to watch something on TV.
9. Are you more likely to get up early in summer or winter?
There's really no difference to me. I get up early all of the time, and there may be a difference of a half an hour one way or the other, if that.
10. If you are disappointed with the way a yarn is pooling up, do you: a) carry on, b) mix it with a complimentary color, c) overdye it, d) give it away?
I've never given this a lot of thought, so I guess I just carry on! Once I start knitting, I have to really hate the project or the yarn to intervene at all.
And now, I would love to have a Rita's gelati, and wear a shawl while enjoying it ... :-)
31 May 2016
Kathy Has Q's, I Have A's
Hello all - I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. Ours was different than planned, but really nice and relaxing. Poor The Tim ended the weekend with a full-blown cold, but that was the only bad part.
Today, Kathy has lots of Yes or No questions. Let's see what I have to say.
Will you be watching the Summer Olympics?
The short answer: Yes. I always can think of reasons not to, or reasons to rail about how it's no longer about amateur sports. Then I am in front of the TV the whole time screaming for the athletes I like to WIN. So I've finally just accepted the fact that I will be watching anyway. :-)
Is school out yet in your neighborhood?
Nope. Though I think most schools will be finished for the year by the end of next week.
Did you go to summer camp?
No. We moved around a lot, and I really had no interest. Plus, most of the summer camps cost to attend, and my parents wouldn't have been able to afford it even if I had been anxious to go.
Do you display your needles?
A few. I have an old pasta tin that holds some of the straight needles I have that are pretty. But for the most part, my needles are put away out of sight of feline family members.
Have you been on Ravelry this week?
Yes, just this morning. But I'll admit there are weeks that I don't look at it at all.
Do you walk outside at night?
Yes. For one thing, on the nights that The Tim is working, it's my responsibility to take Dug for his evening walk. Admittedly, I would not want to walk around at 2 a.m. (not just in my own neighborhood, but anywhere!), but there are usually a lot of people around outside, at least until about 10 p.m, and especially in the summertime.
Do you think in metric?
Nope. I understand the concept of a 2-liter bottle, but that's about it. I always remember one of my second-grade teachers telling us that by the time we grew up, we would be a) using the metric system exclusively, b) living in a completely paperless society, and c) speaking Esperanto. Go figure.
Do you want a swap?
I've enjoyed swaps in the past, and have fortunately never been unlucky. But I do tend to get freaked out with the deadlines and requirements, so I haven't participated in one for a long time.
Are you afraid of mosquito borne illness?
No. I mean, I'm not saying I don't think it could ever happen, but I'm pretty conscientious about spraying on/spreading on mosquito repellent, since I am apparently a 5-star meal in the Mosquitoland Zagat Guide to Good Eating. I despise mosquitoes.
Have you knit a Christmas or Holiday gift for 2016 yet?
I've completed one thing, and have started another. I hope to make some more things, but have planned very basic, simple knitting, and only for some of my nieces and their partners who appreciate it.
What about you? Are you planning to watch the Olympics with a 2-liter soda, while speaking Esperanto to those around you?
Today, Kathy has lots of Yes or No questions. Let's see what I have to say.
Will you be watching the Summer Olympics?
The short answer: Yes. I always can think of reasons not to, or reasons to rail about how it's no longer about amateur sports. Then I am in front of the TV the whole time screaming for the athletes I like to WIN. So I've finally just accepted the fact that I will be watching anyway. :-)
Is school out yet in your neighborhood?
Nope. Though I think most schools will be finished for the year by the end of next week.
Did you go to summer camp?
No. We moved around a lot, and I really had no interest. Plus, most of the summer camps cost to attend, and my parents wouldn't have been able to afford it even if I had been anxious to go.
Do you display your needles?
A few. I have an old pasta tin that holds some of the straight needles I have that are pretty. But for the most part, my needles are put away out of sight of feline family members.
Have you been on Ravelry this week?
Yes, just this morning. But I'll admit there are weeks that I don't look at it at all.
Do you walk outside at night?
Yes. For one thing, on the nights that The Tim is working, it's my responsibility to take Dug for his evening walk. Admittedly, I would not want to walk around at 2 a.m. (not just in my own neighborhood, but anywhere!), but there are usually a lot of people around outside, at least until about 10 p.m, and especially in the summertime.
Do you think in metric?
Nope. I understand the concept of a 2-liter bottle, but that's about it. I always remember one of my second-grade teachers telling us that by the time we grew up, we would be a) using the metric system exclusively, b) living in a completely paperless society, and c) speaking Esperanto. Go figure.
Do you want a swap?
I've enjoyed swaps in the past, and have fortunately never been unlucky. But I do tend to get freaked out with the deadlines and requirements, so I haven't participated in one for a long time.
Are you afraid of mosquito borne illness?
No. I mean, I'm not saying I don't think it could ever happen, but I'm pretty conscientious about spraying on/spreading on mosquito repellent, since I am apparently a 5-star meal in the Mosquitoland Zagat Guide to Good Eating. I despise mosquitoes.
Have you knit a Christmas or Holiday gift for 2016 yet?
I've completed one thing, and have started another. I hope to make some more things, but have planned very basic, simple knitting, and only for some of my nieces and their partners who appreciate it.
What about you? Are you planning to watch the Olympics with a 2-liter soda, while speaking Esperanto to those around you?
17 May 2016
Mixed Bag Meme
Kathy's meme this week was truly a mixed bag. Which makes it all the more fun. Here are my answers, since I enjoy playing long so much (and frankly, was not in the mood to do a Ten on Tuesday with today's topic).
Are you surprised I'm knitting lace with Big Yarn?
Yes and no. I know lace can give Kathy fits, but I also know from personal experience that knitting a lace pattern with big yarn can be a whole 'nother story. The only lace project I ever knit and finished successfully was with bulky yarn.
What's your favorite toenail polish color for summer?
I almost always go for reds and pinks. Last summer when I splurged on a pedicure, they had a bottle of Essie Watermelon color and it it just seemed so summery. I may splurge this year and buy a bottle for myself, you never know.
What do you do with an odd leftover knitted sock?
I can't say this has ever come up. However, on occasion when a store-bought pair of socks has one sock that dies, I have been known to take the other and make it into a catnip toy for the kitlets.
Have you ever had lice?
No, thank God!
Have you ever had a tick?
See above. But I am very conscientious with how I dress when I go into areas where they might be, and also spray repellent all over me, and check thoroughly when I get home. So clearly I am aware that it could happen.
Are you afraid of needles?
Nope. My life would be extremely difficult and terrifying if I were!
Knitting: Who are some of you favorite pattern makers?
Oh wow, there are so many. I shall name the first three that come to mind: Kate Davies, Thea Colman (Baby Cocktails), and Hunter Hammersen. (They are the ones on my Ravelry page I have most recently perused.)
*****
In other news that I must brag about, my sister and brother-in-law recently received the very first Clean Energy Award from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for their work on the First State Capitol. My brother-in-law's law firm bought the building a few years ago for their offices, and as part of the renovations, it is now completely solar-powered, while remaining a historical landmark. They are not just two of my favorite people (in the middle in this photo), but they are two people who walk the walk, so to speak. I'm really proud of them!
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