The postman knocked thrice.....

And I opened the door to......



Part two of gifts from Wierdling!  I told her the box was like one of those little clown cars, where suprises just keep coming!
There were these great needle holders

stitch markers that are so cool they could be earrings (I'm almost reluctant to use them, 
they are so pretty)
a big K magnet
lip gloss (all of them didn't make the picture because two of 'em are in my purse)
a lipstick holder (I've always meant to buy one of those)
pretty pretty sock yarn complete with needles (yea!!!!)
 lovely bracelets (the woman is scary, they match a necklace and earring set 
my sister gave me a couple of years ago)

thank you cards
shopping list pad
wonderful note cards (one of the girls almost looks like me ;-)

gardenia air freshener (I love gardenias!!!)
cute tissues (they go in the purse too)
ribbon
there is this bracelet, that I think is a stitch counter, am I right?

and.........
the complete Lime and Violet on CD, a pretty and whimsical spinner thingy (I haven't had one of those in years, 
takes me back and makes me smile, love the peachy color), and the answer to the cascade 220 question - a Noni purse pattern!!!!  I am
making the one on the right, love that pattern!

She also introduced me to the novels of JD Robb (for that I won't thank her, I now have another series to begin collecting - I finished the book the next day and I am off to begin purchasing the rest of the series)  She and I have very similar tastes in booksso she knows what I like.
Thanks so much!!!  You made my week!

the post, um, person, brings goodies!

I have goodies from my pal.  Also, my pal's cover was totally blown by her sister *giggle, giggle*.  Thanks Wierdling!!!!!
I love the flip gloss (wearing it now, yum, strawberry).  Ya know, I really gotta say, get out of my head would you!!!!  How did you know that I have been searching for lip balms, lip glosses and lip sticks for the last few weeks?  
That totally sexy bit of green and red loveliness is a Lantern Moon needle holder,  lovin' it!
There is also licorice.  Already had two pieces and working on a third.
There is a cute little snail plant buddy, who will soon find a home.  Hmmmmm, the orchid or the spider plant, decisions, decisions........
There's a bright orange pencil case, a pair of beautiful butterfly bookmarks, and........Cascade 220 in black and a marvelous shade of pink.  Beautiful.   She says there is another package, and I think she said it's the rest of the yarn.   Thank you soo much, I love it all!!


On the knitting front, I bit the bullet, pulled out the size 2's and started a pair of toe ups. I started them using the magic cast-on, and I am knitting using two circs.  It's actually not that hard and with toe up it seems like I am making progress.  Don't know why I was so hesitant.
I'm not really following a pattern, just generic toe up sock instructions I found on knitty.com, 
and I am using a lace pattern I found in the 365 stitich a day calendar, it's a january leaf lace 
pattern.   More to come, especially when the next package arrives from Wierdling :-)

Totally stole this from Katie, looked like fun. Had no idea I had done so much, looks like a lot when you put it this way!

Bold for stuff you’ve done,
italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and
normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan/Blanket (baby)
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn - um......
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down - um, why?
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater (about 10 so far)
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting - what's this?
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Toy/doll clothing - did this as a kid
Knitting with circular needles - always do!
Knitting with your own handspun yarn - someday.....
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street) - not likely!
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit (maybe)  - do 12 year olds count?
Bobbles
Knitting for a living - sure, but would have to speed up first :-)
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking - don't know what that is
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets - NO!........ although.......... I might make those cute little felted fish in knitters stash for my cat.....
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair - not likely
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

7 facts about me

I've been tagged by Sabine!

"Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog."

1)  I love Japanese anime.  I am currently watching Speed Grapher, which I purchased on i-tunes.

2)  I love to read.

3)  I adore Chocolate cake.

4)  I don't have children, but I would have liked to have had one.

5)  I like to paint my toenails red.

6)  Sometimes I sketch.  I have taken art classes, but not recently.

7)  I hate lima beans.

I tag Shelby,  Katie, Tendai, Imani, Kelly and anyone else who reads this

no knittin', just sittin'

i haven't done any knitting this week, just sitting and frogging, and starting.  I did reach the chick with the knitty pattern and there wasnt' a problem with the pattern or what I was doing, it is supposed to be that small!!!  I guess I need to pay more attention.  this bag is going to the niece, but I will finish it.  
Cozy is still sitting there, awaiting more work, still at about 6 inches.  Just 70 more to go!!
No other new projects on the needles, but I am dying to make some toe up socks.  I just realized the other day that I have several pairs of capris that I wear to work, and I have to wear socks (because it's the dress code).  No one says they have to be plain socks, so fun socks here I come!
Just need a pattern and the guts to do it.  I usually make thick slipper socks for people, so there isn't a problem with them.  they knit quick and easy, but these may take longer.  

hmmmmmmm

This is from some movie I probably won't see, but it looked pretty cool.  

depressed

*sigh*  I think I'm depressed.  It started when I planned to ...... actually, it started years ago, but the reason I am blue now isn't a reason, there are many - but at this point it's because I wanted to go to sheep and wool, but I have to work sunday to take inventory.  To add to this, lights are lighting up in my car, and that ain't good.  I totally screwed up my finanaces by making crazy purchases (shopping therapy is not a good thing), and now I probably need major work on the car.  At least my expense check from working at the new store came so that will help with the car.  Now to ice the cake (hey, what do you expect from a baker) my sister has been planning this trip to New York for all of us since Christmas, it's her gift to us.  Well, since my car started smoking today (overheated in the drive through at the kfc, very embarrasing) I think I should probably drive to the nearest repair shop in the am, instead of driving 45 miles to her house to sign on to the rental car, and then spending money that should go for car repairs on museums and meals in the big apple.  But I feel guilty because now they won't go since I won't be driving.  I wanted to go, and I was kinda excited about going, but now I just want to veg and be depressed, and clean my apartment, and get my car fixed, and put my shelves that fell off the wall back up.  And maybe go for a walk in the morning.  I think I also didn't want to drive.  We were going up for the day, and since she doesn't like to drive at night, Iwould end up driving from New York to Baltimore at probably 9:00 at night after getting up at 5am.  Doesn't that sound like fun.  NOT!!  It's not like they can't go on their own, it's just none of them like to drive on the highway (I don't mind it) and none of them like to drive at night (or have poor night vision).  I guess all of this is so I could say to myself "you know what you have to do, and what you need to do.  don't beat yourself up because something came up and you can't fall in with someone else's plan.  it's not your fault and stuff happens.  be nice to yourself and go knit something.  have another sip of iced tea."
Okay, I don't feel better.
oh well.

Oooooooooooooohhhhh!

I just got my package from the Birthday Contest and I am sooooooo happy!  The yarn colors are as phenomenal as expected *sigh*  It's soft and dreamy.  And she included a little something extra for my birthday.  I have a little sock!!  I was lusting after these little mini sock blockers and now I have two, and one has a sock on it!!!!  Wonderful, I love it.  Thank you!!!

On the knitting front, I went shopping and bought the hemp for my cocktail monkey purse.  This is one project where the actual knitting stuff will cost way less than the decorations.  The hemp was 2 bucks off so it cost only $5.  Talk about a budget item.  I plan to start on it tonight, while I think about what to make with my new yarn............now where did I put that copy of "one skein".................
 

another exchange

Okay, following in the footsteps of many of my fellow sp participants, I decided to take part in another exchange.  I have joined the International Tote Exchange.  I get to make a purse for someone and send it off to them.  This will be so cool!

I am really getting into the purse thing.  I made several for Christmas gifts and I plan to make a few more this month (one for me and one for one of my team members).  I fell in love with the cocktail monkey purse and have found all of the materials for it except the Hollywood Ostrich Fringe.  Well, actually I did find it on ebay, but I don't like any of the colors and I don't think they go with the monkeys.  

Here are my questionaire answers:
1. Name and blogger handle: Kathy
2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://breadandcirculars.blogspot.com/
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like natural fibers and most colors. I'm not particularly fond of browns, oranges, or pea greens but if it really works in the pattern, it could be cool. My favorite colors are blues, purples, teal, and red. I prefer shoulder straps, I don't do well with clutch purses as I like to have my hands free.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? casual
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the USA or international? either is fine.
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I like big bags that can handle stuff (not huge). I am currently in love with a little ammo/first aid bag I bought at the army surplus store. I'm really open to pretty much anything and I love seeing what other people do. I don't spin, though Iwould like to learn. I don't dye, but I love to see what others have made. I love to cook and I am a firm believer in the healing power of chocolate (the other food group).

treats por moi!

i won a contest!  It was the birthday contest at bockstock knits.  I am now gleefully awaiting my new skein of Wollmeise worsted weight yarn in the Drachenblut colorway.  I went to the site to take a look at the colors, 'cause I had never heard of it, and now I 
am really drooling.  Yum, it looks delish!!!!!!!!  The blues, the reds..... *sigh*  And it was my birthday!!

on the current knitting front, i frogged all 7 inches of cozy and started again.  I am using my nice new sheep notebook to keep notes in.  I was going to use my nice kniting journal from Sabine, but I think I will put the finished notes in the Sabine journal and the work in progress notes in the sheep journal.  The sheep notebook can weather my purse better (since my purse contains the ipod, camera, ring o keys from hell and the bulky won't close wallet).  

on the bulky wallet front, my assistant from hell (actually, she's from China) gave me the cutest little silk wallet.  So delicate.  Only to be used on special ocassions, not for the daily pounding my wallet gets.  It was my birthday saturday (I think I mentioned that already :-).  The team turned off the lights and sang to me, complete with cake and candle.  I got birthday wishes from the entire store all day.  It was very special.  

I also recieved the neatest e-card from my pal.  she seems to always know how to make me smile.  Today is cherry cheesecake day!  Thanks Schascle!

And to top it off, the wedding cake went fairly well.  she wanted a simple cake, for a renaissance style wedding.  Um, she didn't ask for the bows, but we thought it was naked.  I hope she wasn't mad.  I guess I'll hear about that later if she was.

In 1965 (the year you were born)

Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara calls for a nationwide network of bomb shelters Former leader of the Black Muslims, Malcolm X, is shot and killed in New York City To protest voting rights discrimination, civil rights demonstrators begin a march for Selma to Montgomery with federal troop protection The first commercial satellite, Early Bird, is launched into space by Nasa to transmit telephone and television signals Voting Rights Act is signed into law Riots by young blacks in the Watts area of Los Angeles begin, causing $200 million in damage Hurricane Betsy claims 75 lives in southern Florida and Louisiana United States President Lyndon Johnson proclaims his "Great Society" during his State of the Union address Dr. Dre, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Downey Jr., Shania Twain, Moby, and Ben Stiller are born Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series Green Bay Packers win the NFL championship Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup The Sound of Music, starring Julie Andrews, is the top grossing film Dune by Frank Herbert is published The Beatles' Rubber Soul is released "Satisfaction" by Rolling Stones is a top hit The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing songs from their new album Help! Sony introduces the Betamax, a home video tape recorder Nearly all of NBC's programs are now broadcast in color I Dream of Jeannie premieres

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Thank You!!!!!

I just went down to the mailbox and guess what I found?  A package from my Secret Pal!  
She is such a loon!!  I love her.  She sent me sheep!!!  Absolutely adorable sheep, I love it!!  I opened it and it made me laugh, I'm still smiling.
I have note cards, a memo book, note pad (I need one for my grocery lists - how did she know), note book, magnet and a little sheep-on-a-string that is going to like it's new home (hanging from the mirror in my car :-)
Thank you so much, you really brightened my day!

quiz!!!!

The Poo Quiz: What Kind of Poo Are You? Your Result: Totally Not Interested In Poo Or is that just a stance you're taking for the effect? I'll bet you just want your friends to think you're too COOL for poo. Don't you? Are you strong enough to turn that cynical gaze inwards, my hipster friend?
The Perfect Little Poo-Poo
Reluctant to Poo
The Mystery Poo
The Never-Ending Poo
Fecal Urgency
The Poo Quiz: What Kind of Poo Are You? Create MySpace Quizzes

back from purgatory!

finished helping in ohio.  very glad to be home.  must go pickup kitty!  only good thing about cleveland was i found a new paranormal author, c e murphy.  i bought Urban Shaman and enjoyed it immensely.  off to find the newest book in a few weeks, reviews for the second book were not too good, but the excerpt from the third one looked good.  
on the knitting front, finished another 8 rows of cozy, but somehow ended up with the correct number of stitches but a stitch shy on the pattern.  to frog or not to frog *sigh*
darn lace patterns *mumble, mumble, riiiiiiip*

when will i learn......

when will I learn not to offer that invitation to baby brother to spend the night at my apartment.  he comes in late.  wants to talk.  wants to go out to breakfast the next morning.  none of which would be that much of a problem on it's own, but i am sitting here at 11:57pm, waiting for him.  he said he would be here at 11ish.  i guess i should have asked which time zone.  did i mention i have to get up at 5:30ish to get to work at 7am?  did i mention i told him this, twice?????????!!!!!!!!!  next time, i am not answering his call.  sheesh!  last time he stayed, i had an accident trying to find a store so he could buy a charger.  this was the morning after he said he would be in by 10 and showed up at 1am.  he doesn't have a key, and i don't have a spare (it's one of those do not copy security thingys).  anyway, it is now 12 and he is sol.  I am off to bed.  
I leave you with my latest cake.

we added balloons to hang off the side of the basket, and the customer had winnie the pooh figures to sit on top of the basket.  very challenging to create, since all we had was a 2 inch square picture to use, and we had only an hour to make it.  3 tiers of cake, two flavors of cake, and a lot of all natural food colors and chocolate ganache.

puzzle fun!

I got a puzzle from my pal!  How did she know I love puzzles?????

Okay, now I've heard it.

Mom emailed me telling me that my brother-in-law's truck had been robbed in B'more.  Someone used a sawzall to remove his catalytic converter.  Apparently this is a big thing in B'more, they even have a Catalytic Converter Task Force in the police department.  The parts are supposedly worth quite a bit.  It cost them $500 to have the damage repaired and they didn't want to call the insurance company because their rates would go up.  This ties with the day I went outside and found the rear tire had been removed from my car, and my car left on a jack.  This is just plain sad.

On a much lighter note, I heard from my sp10 spoiler and my first suprise is on the way!!!  I am now a proud subscriber to Adorn Magazine, the cafty girl's guide to embellishing life.  I found some cool beading info on the web site, and a neat cropped jacket pattern that I think my sister would like.  I can't wait to get my first issue.  
Thanks Pal!!!! 

Check off the the ones you've seen and bold the ones you recommend!

( ) As Good As It Gets
( ) Good Will Hunting
(X) The Sixth Sense
( ) Home Alone
(X) Jaws
(X) Men In Black
(X) Men In Black 2
( ) Cast Away
(X) Mrs. Doubtfire
(X) Ghost
( ) A Beautiful Mind
(X) Jurassic Park
( ) Passion of the Christ
(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
(X) The Exorcist
( ) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
( ) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( X) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( X) 50 First Dates
( ) The Princess Diaries
(X ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
(X ) Scary Movie
( X) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
(X) Harry Potter 4
(X ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
(X) Finding Nemo
() Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
(X ) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
()Butterfly Effect
() 13 Going on 30
(X) I, Robot
() Robots
(X ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
()Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
(X ) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X)Meet the Fockers
( )Eight Crazy Nights
() Joe Dirt
(X) King Kong
() A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(X ) Halloween
(X ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
(X ) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
(X ) From Hell
(X) Hellboy
() Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
() The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
(X) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
(X ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
() Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X ) Sixteen Candles
(X) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask
(X ) Son Of The Mask
(X ) Bad Boys
(X ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
(X) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
(X) Bourne Identity
(X) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(X) Predator I
(X ) Predator II
(X ) The Fog
() Ice Age
() Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
(X) Independence Day
(X ) Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
(X ) Christine
(X) E.T.
(X) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
() Maid in Manhattan
(X) War of the Worlds
(X ) Rush Hour
(X ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(X) She’s All That - the Fatboy Slim dance is so worth it!
(X) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(X ) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
(X ) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
(X) X3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
(X ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects( ) Elf
(X) Highlander
() Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
(X ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X ) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
(X) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
() Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
(X ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
(X ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
(X ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
(X ) Army of Darkness
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
(X ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix: Reloaded
(X) The Matrix: Revolutions
(X ) Animatrix
(X ) Evil Dead
(X ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(X ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

I found this on yosemites knitting addiction and thought I would put if up, just to see how many of these I have seen.  I think my tastes run to more of the classics.  Where's High Noon, Top Hat, Singing in the Rain, Rebecca?  Now those I have seen :-)

cozy in ruby!

okay, finally a knitting picture.  this is cozy, started in silk/wool (50/50).  i love the color.  don't know why i have recently fallen in love with red, in the past my favorite was always blue, but now i am into the shades of red (although i still remain true to my blues!).  haven't made much progress because i haven't been knitting much lately.  i did buy a few things for knitting though.

Knit Socks was an impulse buy because i really want to learn more about socks.
i also bought Lace Style because I saw on someone else's blog that there is a lskal and i thought i might like to participate.  of course the book is now hiding from me, probably because i resisted it's lure and didn't go to the yarn shop today in search of yarn for my next project.
still no luck on the button front for my teal fantine.  and no picture either.  
but here's a picture of a cake i made for a customer!
her daughter's favorite color is yellow, and she wanted her to have a very yellow cake.

sqwoosh, sqwoosh, sqwoosh

i really need to refill the cat fountain :-)
 I spent 3 days at one of our dc area stores in preparation for our national leadership meeting.  They had a guy from the princeton store come in and he literally spent the whole day making cupcakes.  They were adorable!!!!  I wish I had pictures of his panda cupcakes, they were so cool!

I'm currently drinking 2 Brothers Big Tattoo Rhinehessen.  Oh, yum!  Not too sweet, not too dry, yummy and it went well with my beer batter dipped fried catfish. *sigh*  

I don't yet have pictures of anything of interest with my new camera, in the knitting arena, but I do have pictures of Ashleigh.  She is such a sweetie.  She is currently hiding under the papasan chair.  This is her in her condo.


On the knitting front, I probably mentioned I finished Fantine (from french girl knits), both sweaters.  The purple (wine?) sweater has longer sleaves and was a 
longer version of the sweater for my niece.  The ....... teal(?) sweater was made to pattern for me.  I like it, a lot, but I need buttons for both.  The yarn for mine is so bulky, I think I need a big and delicate, but slightly gaudy, silver button.  Ten's probably needs something smaller and nice.  I have a Celtic pattern button that may work.

My new pattern is Cozy, from the knitty site.  I was going to try Clapotis, but I chickened out.  I know it's not more complicated than the pattern I chose, but somehow it seems that way.  
My yarn is the lovely ruby red silk/wool blend I bought at Sarah's Yarns.  I love it, it's soft and comfy.  This is going to become a spring/fall staple for me, when I finish it.  I have already frogged it 3 times.  This pattern definitely calls for a row counter and stitch markers :-)

Well, with wine in hand, I am off to knit.

toys!!!

Well, it's charging now and I so want to play.  What is it you ask?  Why, it's my new digital camera, of course.  I just recieved my new Canon PowerShot SD700 6mp digital camera.  I love Canon (my dad had one).  This is my third one, second digital.  I still use the 35mm on occassion, but the digital I tend to keep handy (like in my purse for pics at work).  Actually, it's my third digital, the first one I lost at BWI airport on my way to Vegas.
This one is soooo little!!!!  And so light!  I think I'm in love *sigh*  I think I'll make a little felted case for it (yea, knitting project!!)
Can't wait to take pictures with it.  And now I have just two hours to wait while the battery charges, and then I can go out and hit the yarn shop.  I want to make a sweater for someone, probably my neice again, and maybe the nephew.   
I finally called Springwater and no needles yet.  Last time I special order from them.  It's just a set of dpns in size 17.  It's not like I asked them to be hand carved and embedded with gems.  That would have taken less time.  It's been 2 months!!!!!  I have already finished the project I wanted them for.  I wonder if I can get my money back?

surrounded by strong, intelligent, independent women

What a lovely way to spend a sunday afternoon.  I had afternoon tea today with my friend K and several friends of hers.  She didn't think I would make it, I have blown her off so often in the past.  too tired, too depressed, too whatever.  Well, she called me as Iwas just about to fall asleep. I had totally forgotten this afternoon's shindig; I am so glad she called, and so glad I went.  The company was lovely.  There were 7 of us, two pots of tea, a plate of finger sandwiches, fruit with dip, cheeses (a gift to K from her husband's trip to Paris) and a variety of sweets (lots of chocolate, of course).   We talked of our jobs, hobbies, the children in our lives, trips taken and any other topic that came to mind.  I had met all of the other women except for one, one more to add to the circle of people K has introduced me to.  K is such a wonderful person.  She radiates such caring, peace and love.  She is very giving of her heart, her time, her spirit.  What a great friend.  

That's her on the left.  She probably wouldn't like this picture :-)

Anyway, I have to work tonight.  Actually tomorrow morning, since I have to be there at 3 am.  I think I'll go in at 4.  Cleaning is so not happening right now, too tired.  Why are the exterminators coming tomorrow *sigh*

sp 10 Questions & answers

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love natural fibers, hate most acrylics.  Call me a yarn snob, I admit it.  I realy love mohair, alpaca and silk blends.  

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Currently my needles are stored in anything I can find to put them in.  I have cloth holder that hangs from a bookcase, and I have started putting the dpns in ziplocs, 'cause I keep sitting on them :-).

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I started knitting years ago.  I mostly taught myself, but I did take a beginners class at a yarn shop.  

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, I will supply the address later.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I love gardenias.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I love good chocolate, caramel, and twizzlers.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I would love to learn to spin, but haven't gotten the courage to take a class yet.  I sometimes make beaded jewelry.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

My music tastes vary, I pretty much like everything except Kenny G.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like vibrant colors, jewel tones more than pastels.  

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

No kids, no significant other, one cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I don't wear ponchos, but I love scarves, hats, gloves, wrist warmers and shawls.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like scarves because they are so quick, sweaters because they will be worn so much, and thick wooly socks because they are such a comfort item.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I am finishing "Fantine" from French Girl Knits, in the middle of a second one, and at the start of a pair of Snicket Socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I love handmade gifts!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I prefer circs to straight.  Bamboo to plastic.  I have a love/hate relationship with my Addi Turbos.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No on both counts, although I have been eyeing both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Well, it's now up to three years.  still haven't finished that darn sweater.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.  My birthday is pretty cool too :-)

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Teapots and teas.  

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription to Interweave Knits that I received as a gift from my rockin sp Sabine.  I'm always drooling over books, but nothing comes to mind right now.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I would like to learn to spin and dye my own fibers.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I have knit socks, usually the wooly walk around the house type.  

23. When is your birthday?

 April 21st, Taureans rule!!!

no blogging for the last couple of weeks.  very lame of me, i know.  
and now i once again have had a liquid and electronics accident.  
I spilled vitawater on my digital camera.  *sigh*
last time it was diet pepsi and my ipod, which i had replaced, but now it's my camera.
i really need to stop this :-)
 

EE 11

I needed pictures, so I am putting in these.
These are from my first ee (estrogen event).  I am really looking forward to the next one.  I have never been to michigan (I think that's where we are going, I'm just following Kelly's orders :-)
The last picture is a view of the hill I am standing on in picture 3 from the bottom.  I can't believe I walked all the way up there.  Kelly said I was very quiet.  I told her I had two choices, I could breath or I could talk, but not both.

owwwwwww!

I feel like I am falling apart *snatching up a chocolate truffle*
I mean, my thumb hurts, been sore for a while *opening box and munching on another 
truffle* Now my leg hurts!  What is this, I feel like I am falling apart!  *eyes box, thinking 
"should I?"*   Could it be my diet?  Is there something wrong with eating chocolate chip 
cookies for lunch and truffles for dinner with a diet coke chaser *where did I put that soda 
anyway???*
Oh well.

My needles haven't arrived at springwater yet.  I called the store yesterday and they said, 
nothing comes in a week.  Hmf!  Well, we'll see about that.  I have already paid for
those needles or else I would have canceled the order.  I found a site that sells needles.  I ordered 3 sets: size 19 double points, size 19 circulars and size 17 double points.  They said they would send it in two days, lets see if these take two weeks to arrive (somehow, I doubt it).

I am really in love with this Fantine pattern and I intend to make it lots.  I am going to make one for big sis for her birthday and probably one for middle sis for mother's day.  And maybe one for mom.  It is such an easy pattern, I have to see how it does with the lambs pride bulky.  That would mean size 13 or so needles.  Which seems strange because that yarn doesn't seem as thick as the stuff I am using.  Whatever, a swatch will answer that question right quick.   
On a totally different note, I called another yarn shop and asked for the 17 dpns.  they tried to talk me into a smaller 16 inch long set of circulars, most likely Addi Turbos.  I am now very much anti Addi Turbos (in anything larger than a size 10).  One of my size 17 Addis broke!!!!! midproject.  The darn tube just slipped right off the needle end and I can't get it back on.  Of course, no one takes needles back so I just lost $24.  @%^*  and more importantly, I can't finish the second sweater until I finish the first!!!!!  Which is why I am getting the size 19 needles, because I think the blue sky is too heavy for the size 17s, and I think the gauge will be fine.  
Anyway, this is more than long enough.  Still needs pics!

shoppin' with the kiddies!

Had the neice and nephew last weekend.  We had a blast, even though the boy didn't find
the video game he wanted.  Got lots of stuff at REI for the neice's trip to Canada.  Snow
boarding pants, glove liners, gaiter.  Spent like 250 on the kid, told her it was her Christmas,
birthday and Christmas gift.  Like I'm not going to get her a birthday present, hah!
They did my laundry, 7 loads of it, and washed my dishes, and cleaned my bathroom.  For
pay, of course (whole foods rates of 10 bucks an hour, with slight deductions for the repeated reminders to finish their tasks).  It was lovely to have the company (and the labor).  I really need to be more social, but I am not sure how to work it in my schedule (and commit to it).  I have tried the local snb, but sometimes some of the folk there seem a little snooty.  I went for a while, but then I stopped.  I tried going back one day last year, but the feel wasn't right.  I am kinda shy (hard to believe sometimes) and so it takes a lot for me to get into conversations with people and to make friends.  

*sigh*

I am sitting here, waiting for springwater fiber to call and inform me my knitting 
needles have  arrived.  Until that time, I am stuck, sleeveless, in Fantine.
Of course, I could work on my snicket socks......oh, yea, those are in the bag too........
hmmmm.........I think, snicket socks it is!  
Still no cable, so no pics.

okay, i'm late

gotta go to work right now, but first I need to thank my pal Sabine, who totally rocks!!!! 
I recieved my last package and it was all yarn, the most beautiful, softest, fatest yarn, 
I totally love it.  I took pictures, which I will share later (need to find the darn cable 
for the camera), but for now I wanted to say Sabine is awesome!!!!
Thanks Sabine!
 

doan wanna go to work, wanna knit!!!

Okay, I have to go to work.  Work sucks right now, but that's okay.  
Actually it doesn't suck, there are just numerous challenges that need to be met.
And I have started Fantine, it's a French Girl pattern I picked up at Stitch DC.  I went to the Chevy Chase location, which I think I like better than the Cap Hill location, even though it is very tiny.  I am now kinda stuck on the short row shaping thing.  Never done it and I think I am going to have to break down and go to a shop for advice.  Oh, well.  It's a beautiful color though, found a wonderful wine shade.  Also, I think I am going to make it in several colors, to use up that yarn I bought on sale.  Stash reduction, yea!!!!!  Plus it knits quick, bulky yarn on size 17 needles.  I would be finished by now, except for the short row shaping.

Happy Birthday Daddy

 Today you would have been 72.  
I still miss you.  
I hear a song and think of you.  I hear that laugh of yours.  I hear you sing.  I hear you give that funny call you used to give when you heard a song you really liked, or when you just felt really good.  When I hear Moody's Mood, I can see you grab Mom and begin to sing as you danced her around the kitchen, while she shrieked with laughter.
I think of you when I watch a movie, and I wonder what you would say about it.  I think of you when I watch your favorite movies, and I remember lying across your bed as you sat in your favorite chair, and I remember the conversations, and the silence of sharing. 
I remember the hugs.  I remember the games.  
I remember the things you taught me and the fun we had in the teaching.  The darkroom you built.  The pictures we took.  The time shared developing them.  The 3 hour drives in search of good ice cream.  The time you took me to see a horror movie and I had nightmares for weeks. The fun of the drive-in, where we watched so many movies and we all laughed, or screamed, and just enjoyed.  How every outing was an adventure.  How you made the little things special.  You showed us the world and encouraged us to think.  
You taught me to enjoy things, how often I now forget to do that.  
For these things I thank you.
I love you.  
And I miss you.
Happy Birthday.

*sigh*

I admit it, I'm just a big ole kid.  I want one, I want it now!!!!  I want a wii!!!  *sigh* But unfortunately, I don't know where to find one.  And I am not paying $400 to $900 for a system that lists for only $250!  Those people are nuts.  I guess I'll just save my money until January, when they ship out more.  I hate waiting *sigh*

The pictures wouldn't come up before, but here they are now!!

 

to open, or not to open..........what, are you crazy!!!!

I recieved an email from my sp just yesterday, informing me that she had sent me 
a package.  She said it would arrive next week.  
Well, wonder of wonders the post office put me out of my misery and send it early!  
Yea!!!!!!

I looked at it for a moment and then opened it.  I admired the pretty Christmas wrap and 
thought  "I should probably wait for Christmas to open this".  I opened the card and
read that the theme for my gifts was "hand made".  At that point I thought "Wait?  Forget that!" and I ripped into each small pack.  

I admired the lavender bubble bath, and thought thankful thoughts about Sabine for writting 
the english translation on the back.  Way cool!  Can't wait to get into that one.  I loooooove lavender.

I gleefully felt the bigger pack and after ripping it open (very neatly, my father would be proud) 
donned my beautiful new wrist warmers.  Love the sparkle and the color!  Kitty loves them too!

I love the delicate and beautiful hand made stitch markers.  How did she know I was thinking of 
making some?  The cat liked them too.  They are now safely put away, out of kitty reach.

My favorite was the book.  Didn't take exact pictures of it, but I will.  She made me a knitting journal, complete with patterns, advice, and important notes on yarn, needles, sizing and yarn estimates.  She put a lot of work into it, and I am almost hesitant to use it, it's so wonderful!  But use it I shall, and I will think of her everytime.  She even included one of her own sock patterns!!!!  I am definitely going to make those!  And use my new stitch markers to keep track!
There is also a hat pattern and clapotis, with room for notes!!  I make copies of patterns and then loose them.  This is the perfect little book to put in the patterns I use and my notes.  Wonderful *sigh*

Sabine, thank you sooooo much!  It's a wonderful gift and you totally rock!!!!!!
 

day 1 - Peppermint Tea

Today I started my Advent Calendar, the one I recieved from my sp.  
Yes, I know it's late, but I claim illness fogged my brain.  It was sitting right next to my
computer, but it didn't register that the first was time to start! I've never done an Advent
event before.  This just puts me in the spirit of the holiday in a different way.  With working in retail, I tend to focus on the whole sales aspect of it, not the meditative thankful aspects of it.
It's nice to be reminded to sit back and take a bit of a break.  
So I just opened it and welcomed the aroma of peppermint.  Yummm.
Thanks Sabine! 

On the needles:
Well, the red and charcoal bag is done, but for the felting.  Now that means I am 6 knitted 
projects, and one check (niece needs cash for school trip to Canada, hope she knows this means
no present, or that this is her present) down, just 4 more to go.  I think the Balloon Bag will be
too big for the younger niece, so I am making her the larger of these.  It should be just small enough for a gameboy, a couple of games and a lip balm.  That should be perfect.  so far it's not
too big and I should be able to finish it today.  Way cool!  Pics to follow.  I still need to find little patterns for things like caps and beanies.  Just two more projects and my goal of finishing
knitted gifts for the bulk of the family will be reached!
Yea!!!!

WoooHooooo!

 Hey, I won the contest!!!!!!  I actually won something!  Shelby emailed me that I won the drawing for her contest.  Don't know what it is yet, can't wait to see.

10 inches and growing!!!!

ya know, somehow that doesn't sound right :-)
but here in all it's growing glory is Imani's purse.


And here is one for one of the little girls.



The other is a deeper purple.

Now I must say thanks to my sp who sent me the cutest get well card.  I really appreciated it
and it made me feel so much better!  Thanks Sabine!  She actually sent me several cards.  I really like them all!

And because I needed a picture of something relaxing, this is my eldest sister (the one we call the Little General) with my nephew, learning to juggle at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.  What is it about kids and jackets?  My nephew refuses to wear one and I usually have to carry and extra along 'cause I know he will eventually get cold *sigh*  Fortunately on this occassion I had a sweatshirt his sister had left at my house (and what is it about kids not understanding the phrase "get all your things together before your mother gets here to pick you up"?)

whine, whine, whine

well, i came home early today. i went to work and stayed for an hour, before i just told everyone isabel was in charge and left. i have a fever, or what passes for a fever for me, and i am tired. my temp is 96. which in a properly hydrated person is probably about a hundred plus. so i am sitting here feeling crappy and listening to my new favorite song, Anna Molly by incubus (see below) and trying to find tickets on line for the show. I think I am going to bed. waaaaaaaah, i feel sick. whine, whine, whine............
at least i have knitting! got the yarn for the coco bag. will start on that when i wake from my nap.

Incubus!!!!!!!!

I know my neighbors must be tired of this by now. After all, it's 12am and I have listened to this song like 6 times. I love this song!!!!! Okay, 'nuff said.

Incubus - Anna Molly

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happy, happy, joy, joy!

Incubus is playing the 9:30 Club and they have a new album!!!!  yea!!  
the tickets aren't on sale yet.  boooooo!!!  neither is the album.  hisss, boooo!!! 
I feel better today!  yea!!!!!!
just finished watching Aeon Flux.  ya know, i actually liked this movie.  it wasn't too bad.  
going to bed now.  still very sleepy.

2:30am, 2 hours and counting

it's been a rough week.  the store was jamming, i missed my sales target, my team 
basically fell apart at the seams on wednesday morning/tuesday night.  
gotta have a planning session with the new assistants.  folks just don't seem to 
understand volume, or initiative.  i mean, don't get me wrong, they are all good people, but why would someone during thanksgiving week, when the traditional items are pumpkin and apple
pie, make only 60 lbs of pumpkin pie filling (makes about 35 pies) and bake only 70 apple pies
(we had 65 special orders).  my assitant didn't check a darn thing *sigh*.  it's not their fault.
 i gave them too much credit.  in the future, i need to assume nothing.  

anyway.  this week i had over 15 hours of overtime in just 4 days.  i am exhausted.  still.  even after having a day off.  i realized today that i had consumed only 2 cups of water in 3 days, and
not taken my allergy meds, again.  i felt sooooo sick today.  i came home from work and fell
asleep for about 4 hours.  then i woke up and ate some ham.  bad move.  i spent the next 3
hours experiencing the worst nausea.  then the usual end result of a bad bout of nausea
occurred and i spent the next hour just lying there, on the sofa.  i really need to take better care
of myself *sigh*  i drank some water and had a nice warm roll with butter.  i feel better, but i
am still concerned.  ya never know.  i also had a nice cup of ginger raspberry tea.  that probably
did the trick.  yes, i know, you really wanted to hear all about this :-)  the roll was courtesy of
my 12 year old nephew (the one in the picture from about 3 posts ago).  he loves to help cook.  
he made the rolls all by himself, with just some hints from his mom and a few questions for his baker auntie.  they were quite good.

on the knitting front.  i am working on the pattern i chose for my sister, but she wants one to match her hat.  the charcoal and beige will be for my other sister i think.  the other one will get
the coco purse.

my awesomely awesome pal!

My pal Sabine informed me i have a gift in the mail.  She is giving me a year subscription to Interweave Knits!  She knows I love the magazine.  She may not know I haunt the website, drooling and downloading free patterns.  She doesn't know that I was seconds away from buying the winter issue, and I was only prevented from doing so because the chicks who entered the book room at Springwater before me purchased the last copy (darn it , but no worries now!)
Thank you Sabine!!  You rock!

New on my itunes list: Jacues Loussier Trio, Bach: The Brandenburgs
New on the needles: The balloon purse
New on the bookshelf: Folk Bags
Madness in the store.
it's four days before thanksgiving and the store is in full gear.  endcaps being built and cases being moved.  i'm being told there is a definite difference in the department when i am there.  that's nice.  sales are higher when i am there, which is good to know.  i'm off today, but going in to check on the team and to make pie fillings.  my goal is to fill two containers, one with pumpkin and the other with pecan.  i also need to make pizza dough 'cause if promised my pie packing crew pizza.  they are going to be 
packing about four hundred pies tomorrow night.  as many as i can get baked and cooled in 6 hours.  all fruit pies.
we are going to really get hit with the pumpkin pies.  the washington post has voted our pumpkin pie the best in DC.  great news and it means awesome sales.  lovin' it, lovin' it, lovin' it.  it's so exciting being back in the store.
on the knitting front, i found a pattern for a bag for imani.  it's a pattern i wanted to make for her before and forgot about it as soon as i found it.  i'm wondering if I should do it in the original black and white or in charcoal and red, to match her hat and gloves..........

tired, tired, tired.  and sick too.  actually it's my allergies.  i fell asleep on the sofa and woke up with cat in my face.  she wanted food (fell asleep without feeding her last night) and felt i needed to fix that asap.  unfortunatly as well as neglecting to feed her, i neglected to take my allergy meds, as a result, big headache.  a headache that lasted all day and just seemed to get worse.  so, now i am home and ready to sleep.  but i think i will knit first.
i'm going to start on the girls purses tonight.  i couldn't find a shade of purple to match what i have, so i think it's off to springwater to look for another skein tomorrow.  i need a skein of cascade quatro in purple.  also, i bought some mission falls cotton which i will use to make bath stuff.  still haven't found the pattern i wanted, so i will use the patterns i found.  they are in OneSkein

beautiful isn't he.  this is my nephew.  he is the subject of one of my projects.  he wants a hat in red black green and gold, 
something big enough to cover his locs.  the hats we found at hot topic weren't big enough.  
need to  look for a pattern for him. 

this is the last time......

......I am going to attempt to post today.  
I tried about an hour ago, for the 4th time and the 
browser stopped responding.  
I have defragged and I think I am going to bed.  Watching Inuyasha 
first though!  Anyway, found the perfect purse for 2 little girls and here it is! 

noooooooooooooooo!!!!!

this is the third time i have started a post.  
the last one was excellent and had lots of pictures in it!!!  i lost them both.  totally bummed.  i need a cup of tea *sigh*

mmmmmmmm.........

It's 8:30am and time for breakfast.  
I decided to start the day with my favorite food group, just a little piece.  
So now I must once again say Sabine you rock!!!!!!  
Thank you so much for the chocolates.  They are a great way to start my day :-) 

Dude, what is up with this????!!!!!!

 Okay, for the second week in a row I am finding assorted bees staggering around my apartment.  I have never before had a problem with bees in the house, and I know, they are looking for a warm place to hang, but dude, how are they getting in?????  I do not like bees.  I like honey.  I like flowers.  I do not like bees.  Especially not in my apartment, crawling around on the floor where I am about to step!!!!!  Last summer it was ants.  Now it's bees.  I need a new apartment *sigh*

Sigh

Hey, I just discovered the Compose mode.  Well, how do you like that.  How long have I been doing this :-)

Anyway, I am currently slacking on the project front.  I went shopping and purchased a nice sock yarn for my pal and some nifty cotton for myself.  It's actually not for me because I plan to use it for Christmas gifts for others.  I plan to turn it into a soap sack, face cloth and something else trio that I found a pattern for.  Of course, I don't know where the pattern is (I hope it's not in some book I found in the bookstore and didn't purchase) but I will look for it later.  I'm listening to podcasts, Pointy Sticks to be exact.  Saving Cast-On for later.
Well, now that I have figured out how to post links, here is the link to Sarah's Yarns that I tried to post last time.

I'm feeling a little discombobulated.  It was my first day at my new store and I spent the day working the counter, thus none of my plans for the day could be implemented or even considered.  I wanted to reset the floor, get some new products started, check employee files, get my email transfered and up and running.  Alas, I spent the day asking "whole or sliced" and cutting up bread *sigh*  Tomorrow I am an extra body, so I should be able to set my plans in motion.  New products, more products, files, attendance sheets........  Plus I will be on time.  I have two alarm clocks (I don't sleep that heavy, I just don't want to get up) and both had issues this morning.  The first one I forgot to adjust for daylight savings, so it went off at 3am instead of 4am.  The second one I adjusted the time on, but it was set to snooze for some reason and it never went off.  I don't understand this clock.  So instead of arriving for my first day of work on time, relaxed, breakfasted and with a nice cup of tea in hand, I arrived harried, hungry, and 30 minutes late.  
Fortunately I don't have to sign in yet :-)

Back to projects.
I am still working on the red scarf for my sister-in-law.  I haven't touched the red aran sweater for me.  I haven't finished middle sisters gloves.  I haven't started big brothers scarf, or purchased yarn for it (I think he gets red, just like his wife).
I feel the clock ticking away, like some portent of doom, marking the hours until Christmas eve when I look up to find that I don't have presents for most of my faimily and have to rush out to Borders before they close to buy gift cards (again)......... although........ the Home Depot cards did seem to be pretty popular last year...........
On the project plus side, the shawl is for Mom and it's safely zip-loc'd away, as is baby brothers scarf.  I have decided to use my new silk/wool blend to make Cozy from Knitty (fall '04) for myself.

I think this needs a picture, so I present scenes from the Seattle public library.

I got way cool Treats!!!

My wonderful package just arrived from my pal in Germany! I love it, love it, love it. She sent mohair yarn which I will use to make a yummy scarf for myself.
There's Weleda oils in great frangrances. oooooh and the chocolates. Absolutely divine! White chocolate shells surrounding strawberry cream chocolate filling. The bag had more than in the picture but I opened the package while driving to a friends house and she and her husband decided they had to open the chocolates for me :-) And the advent calandar, can't wait until December to try my teas. It's going to be a long wait, but good things come to those who wait. She also enclosed a wonderful card describing my treats and an adorable scarf pattern. And she's not a secret anymore sooooooo thank you Sabine! You rock!

New Yarn!

Let me just take a moment to sing the praises of Sarah's Yarns. I ordered some in a bit of a fit of spending frenzy (though I controlled myself and bought only one cone) and it just arrived!!!!! I had forgotten I had purchased the ruby red and was suprised to open the box and find red and not purple (must be old age, and the fact that I kept changing the color). Now, I was impressed by the prices (which I think are pretty reasonable) and the speedy delivery (gotta love ups) but most of all by the inclusion of sample cards for the yarns!!! She charges for them on the site, but she sent the whole shebang!! I had issues with the colors displayed on the computer. Some of them were so pale, I couldn't really decide if I liked them or not. Having samples of the yarn in my hot little hands is wonderful! I thank the goddess of podcasts, Brenda Dayne for mentioning her.
I also want to thank my secret pal! She sent me the most wonderful e-card. I liked it so much I sent one to my spoilee. She said she is sending my first package. I am veeeeeery excited about that!
Will post pics later of the yarn and the scarf.

Yippieeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Done, done, done, done, done!!!!! Not too shabby for my first lace project ever, hmmmmm?!? I feel very proud of myself. I can see the mistakes (and yes, I did straighten the blocking), but I think that means I should keep it instead of giving it away :-)
lovin' it, lovin' it, lovin' it!
I even love the fact that I am sleeping on the sofa because my bed is covered with pins and my room smells like wet wool :-)





And here's the picture of the postcard from my pal! It looks like such beautiful place. Just up my vacation alley, history and beauty in one package. Ahhhhh.......

Postcards from Bavaria!

My pal sent me a postcard from her vacation! I was so suprised and tickled to receive it. I stuck it in my purse and promptly forgot it was there, then opened my purse and it made me smile all over again. I'll scan it and post it when I can find the wires to my scanner :-) Thank you so much! You brightened my day.
((Hugs))

Oooooooh, contest!

Okay, here are my answers to the questions on Shelby's blog!

List your favorite:

Actor -Denzel Washington (talent and eyecandy, yum!) or Cary Grant *sigh*
Actress - Ingrid Bergman
Animal - Cats, I love my kitty
Band - Incubus
Book - Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series
Bubble Bath - EO Lavender or Lemon Verbena shower gel
Candy - Strawberry Twizzlers
Color - deep blue.....or ruby red.......or purple
Drink- Sage Margarita (If you haven't had one, try it, you'll thank me)
Flower - Sunflowers, or roses
Food - Curries (Thai, Jamaican, whatever, just gimmie curry!)
Lip Balm - Aubrey's organic
Lotion - Origin's Ginger body Souffle, smooth and creamy and the smell is divine!
Movie - A Few Dollars More (gotta love Clint!)
Place- New Orleans
Song - Thoughtless by Korn for when I feel like the world done did me wrong, Audrey by Dave Brubeck for when I need to chill, Hangin' on the Telephone by Blondie for when I need to not chill
TV Show - CSI
Yarn- I don't think I have a favorite, I like em all. I do like the feel and the movement of the Debbie Bliss Silk/Alpaca blend I bought, but anything you put alpaca in I will find extremely drool-worthy
Vacation Spot - London, it's all about the architecture, the gardens, the history, wow

no knitting today

so far no new project in the works. I took a shot at starting SIL's scarf, but I need to work it better, came out way too wide and I am not sure how I want to do it. Gonna try to get rid of some of my stash. *sigh*
Plan to shop tomorrow to send my first treat to my secret pal. Very excited.

Ravenclaw???!!!

more questions!

Found these on Shelby's site. Thought I would give them a whirl.

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
In the living room, on the couch in front of the tv.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
I would paint, but I would have to take some classes first :-)

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Asia, especially Japan. I have a fantasy about touring the Nintendo hq.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I wanted to be a doctor, or a paramedic. Nope, I am a baker.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Chocolate, chocolate with brownies, chocolate with caramel, chocolate with fudge, chocolate with..... are we seeing a pattern here?

I've created a monster.....

....only in a good way. My mom, who had been moaning about crocheting, computers, knitting and basically showing signs of extreme boredom, is now on her third cap for Caps to the Capital. She is way excited about it. I'm loving it. Even if I am slacking and haven't made anything yet :-)

one down!

finally done with J's scarf. simple, but i think he will like it. next up, sister-in-law's scarf and finishing the shawl. Just one more skein for the shawl and I will be done. Just need to complete 2 more pattern repeats and the border, then blocking and voila! Done!

there's good, and there's not so good.....

Finished G's socks! Yea!!!!!! Didn't take pictures. Booooooo! Oh well, I finished them in the middle of the bakery team leader meeting and gave them to her during the appreciations section. She loved them. I called them promotion socks. They were actually "thanks for being my friend, congratulations on 7 years clean and sober, congrats on the promotion, and you are such a sweetie" socks. I went with her to her anniversary meeting and she suprised me by asking me to give her her 7 year medallion. Now, I have never been to a meeting before so I wasn't sure what to expect, besides lots of people going up and sharing their addiction stories. It was quite heart rending, and funny, and a little inspiring. It's amazing to hear what people can do to themselves and how they can overcome it and be stronger for the experience. I was honored to be there, and so proud of her. She cried during her talk. I almost cried too.

Other news, I feel like crap today. Actually it was earlier today, I feel better now and almost want to go out of the house. I think I will leave the house, in search of the skein of yarn I need to finish my shawl. Also, I think it will be warmer in the car than it is in my apartment. The heater keeps blowing out my surge protector so I have to keep it on low, and the building hasn't turned on the heat yet, though they have had the plumbers/heating unit repair dudes out. They should be coming by to bleed the radiators soon. One of the drawbacks of this lovely old building. According to my sound machine, it's 67.5 degrees in here. Have I mentioned I don't like cold and to me that is cold?

Well, I do have to leave today in search of food. I don't have any and I need some to feed my symptoms (maybe a slight cold, maybe i just need to take my allergy meds). I think a nice chicken stew (maybe some coq au vin) would be nice. Mmmmmm, and I have a nice loaf of ciabatta that would go perfectly with it.

Memories of a warmer time. Courtyard of Place d'Armes hotel in New Orleans, LA July 2006. 90 degrees in the shade. Bliss.

Hey, I'm a flower! and one I have never heard of at that.

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

Now for the bread part!

Just occurred to me there is no bread in bread and circulars, just circulars news so here is some bread for a change of pace.

Wahhhhhhh!!!!

I can't get my button to work. I think I'll go to work now *sigh*
I did get my heel right though (yea!!!). I made it up my own variation on a short row heel. Looks good though. Will photograph when I finish it.

dye-ing for change

I am applying for a new postition at a new store. I took a good look in the mirror at my locs and decided that it was time to go for more color, less grey, so now I am a brunette! I do this periodically. There's a nice natural hair dye at the store that I like to use, made from vegetable extracts and amomonia free.


I also am about 1/2 done with baby brothers scarf. I went into a yarn shop and looked for a nice soft yarn in a neutral color other than black. All he wears is black. Mom suggested he needed a bright color, I wanted something he would wear. His wife will probably steal it from him, but hopefully he will get to wear it and if she "borrows" it, I will feel it is a complement, she's very picky. It's 100% Baby Alpaca Chunky in a soft, sorta pearly grey. Love it. I would keep it myself. Need to find a nice something for big bro Greg next. I have a yarn for his wife, a beautiful ruby red silk and something soft. Did I mention these already? Oh, well.
Anyway, after watching the news today, and getting another parking ticket, I needed to veg and knit today. Tomorrow it's an on the road day. Gotta start with probably a trip to silver spring, a meeting at what will hopefully be my new store, and then on to the places I am scheduled to visit tomorrow. It's going to be a very long day. I think I'll reward myself with a nice trip to the yarn store while I am there :-)

What Kind of Muppet am I?

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

secret pal 9 questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I am a very tactile person, I like anything soft (alpaca, silk, blends, mohair, soft wooly stuff). Don't like scratchy. Don't really like eyelash (too fuzzy) or acrylics (I admit it, I'm a yarn snob).

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I use a small plastic storage container for notions (like that word), crochet hooks and small circulars, a tall tin can for the needles that won't fit in my needle holder, and a "circular solution" hangable holder (which is currently overflowing so I need something else, but can't figure out what).

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I picked up my first needles in probably 1988? At about the same time I took a class at a lys. I have been knitting off and on (mostly off) since then. Have become much more dilligent in the last 4 years.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I am terrified of the words advanced and intermediate. I call myself an advanced beginner because there is so much I have to learn. I have made socks, scarves (I made my first scarf last year), mittens, gloves, working on a lace shawl and on a sweater with 6 (yes, 6) stitch patterns 4 of which are cables (and I wonder why I keep putting it down, sheesh!)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Um, no.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) hmmmmmm........I love gardenias, lavender, and any of the Archipelago candle scents (especially their bergamot scents, yummm).

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes!!! Favorite candies are those little pseudo-strawberry thingys with the jelly filling that come wrapped in the strawberry printed wrappers, butterscotch hard candies, and any good chocolate (especially truffles).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Right now none. I have tried beads (made some nice earrings and bracelets for folks) and may return to that. I would like to learn to spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My computer can play mp3s. I love most music, not a real big country fan. I like rock, r&b, classical, jazz (the old stuff mostly, of the new I hate Kenny G). I guess there is a category of coffee house? I like that.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love red, blue, purple. I like jewel tones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am single, no kids, one cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I don't wear ponchos, but I love scarves, hats, mittens, shawls, head scarves (no cotton 'cause it dries out my hair) are a must for me (gotta keep the locs tamed :-) Currently trying to figure out how to make a 40's style hair restraint of some kind. Bought some black silk and looking for patterns.


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I don't really have one. Right now I like making big, fluffy socks for wandering around the house, but I also love sweaters.

13. What are you knitting right now? Meadow Flowers Shawl from Knitter's Stash, gloves from the OneSkein book, broken rib scarf, socks, the sweater I have been working on off and on for the last 2+ years (there's a picture somewhere in the past posts), and a 2nd scarf from the vogue bulky hats and scarves book.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Love 'em, but very rarely get them *sniffle, sniffle*

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer circs (dpns for small stuff) and I usually use bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, winder is on my mental wish-list.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 and a half years *sigh* My plan is to finish it by spring.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, I think.

19. Is there anything that you collect? I love teapots, I have 8 right now.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I don't have any magazine subscriptions, although I am thinking of subscribing to Interweave. And right now the only books I am drooling over are Arctic Lace and Knitting Nature. I have been eyeing the Denise needles and I would love to have more Addie Turbos (insert Brenda Dayne's turbo sound here). Baby Alpaca in any guage or bold color is really high on my list of drool-worthy items.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I do want to learn more about lace.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I am newly addicted to socks. I will admit I am scared of size 1 needles and the fine yarn (do I have the patience????) so I do big and fuzzy.
Foot measurements? 10 inches long (stop laughing, I know I have big feet :-) and 10 inches around the instep.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) April 21st. Taureans rule!!!!!