That about sums it up

You fit in with: Spiritualism Your ideals are mostly spiritual, but in an individualistic way. While spirituality is very important in your life, organized religion itself may not be for you. It is best for you to seek these things on your own terms. 60% spiritual. 60% reason-oriented.

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

I have the apt. to myself tonight - David and the boys left for a camping trip - they will be back in time to drive me to the airport on Sunday. So tonight I am surfing the net, watching the Devils (Boo) and trying to decide what knitting projects to take on the trip. Tomorrow I have to wash all my clothes, pack, get a haircut, go to Target to see if I can find this (- it's cold in Chicago and I new a new coat in a neutral color to go with all the great scarves and shawls I have made or received in swaps and exchanges. ) I also have to wash and pack my mothers stuff for her stay at the respite center.

I hope I like my haircut, I usually wear it very short, but I am trying to let it grow out a little - unfortunately I have fine, but curly hair - so as it grows it grows out instead of down and I look like a qtip. Well we will see - if it looks good I will post - if not, you won't see me gracing the pages of this blog anytime soon.

So last night, David and I went for a romantic anniversary dinner at our (his) favorite restaurant - you may have heard of it - Chez Sizzler. We go there for almost every anniversary - he is such a romantic!

I will have my laptop on my trip so I should be able to post while I am away - I will let you know if I find any really cool yarn shops

Later................

Weird dreams and anniversaries

I am feeling a little hungover today - no not from drinking (that could be a good thing) from the migraine I had for the last 2 days - since going off the pill I get less headaches that are less intense, but last longer - not a happy tradeoff (I know TMI - sorry) So anyway last night - feeling nauseous and dizzy I laid on the sofa and watched TV (David was out) I watched the end of Queen of the Damned (eh), Veronica Mars (good) and Invasion (very good!) then took 2 Tylenol PM and went to bed, where I tossed and turned and had strange dreams of Evil Alien Dolphins sucking the lives out the locals and turning them into Pod People, except they were all listening to indy rock, so maybe they were iPOD people and dancing at the home coming party.

Needless to say I did not get much rest.

Anniversaries! Yes today is David and my 12th anniversary - this day always makes me a little sad because on our first date (Oct 27, 1993) we snuck up to the top of the WTC (his friend was as PA cop and let us in) and watched the city beneath us under a brilliant October moon. It was magical and it is now gone.

I also realized that Oct 8 (besides being John Lennon's birthday) was my 2nd Blogiversary! I can't believe I have been doing this for 2 years already - I should have soooo many more finished objects - I am a slacker.

I leave you with my current favorite picture of me and my honey in Utah:

I love the orange-y-ness of this picture.

SP Goodies & a FO!

When I got home from work on Monday this was waiting for me:
The reveal pkg from my Crochetville SP Megan. I am amazed at all the wonderful things she sent me - can you see the knitpicks yarn in my favorite color, the wool of the andes in natural so I can try my hand at cool aid dying, the gorgeous key hole scarf - the yarn is sooo soft and I love the color! - note cards with patterns, tea (in my favorite pumpkin spice & gingerbread) coffee (I love coffee)and note pads!!!! So much good stuff - thank you Megan!!!!

I wound the cascade 220 last night and finished the last few rows on my stole - here is a picture pre-blocking:
and blocking:
the wrong side is facing up, but I think it looks pretty good!

My socks on two needles: this is the test I did to see if I could do it. I am not sure I am doing it right - is the inside ( the purl side) supposed to be facing me when I work that needle? Does this mean I have to use patterns written for this technique or adapt regular sock patterns to work this way? Does that make any sense at all?!

Look what I found: Black Cat Peeps!!!! I bought every package the store had (only 3) I love these!

And lastly, everything has a price:

My blog is worth $13,548.96.
How much is your blog worth?

Any Buyers?

Who stole my weekend?

I can't believe it is Sunday night already - where did the weekend go? It started ok - David & the boys went to boy scouts and I had the sofa and TV to myself. Nothing like curling up on the sofa with hot cider, my knitting and the Rangers on the tube (yeah I know they lost, but it was a good game and they came very close, if it wasn't for DiPietro we woulda won dat game).

Saturday though was not a relaxing stay at home day - I had to take my mother to the Doctor in the morning then drop her at the day care center, so I could drive Robert to Brooklyn Tech so he could take the H S entrance exam. It was cold and wet and there was so much traffic over by S Portland St - I had to let the poor kid out of the car at Fulton St, and make him walk the rest of the way or he would never have gotten there on time. Then I ran around Brooklyn getting my errands done and finally ended up double parked on DeKalb with all the other parents waiting for the test to end. At least I got to work on my FBS while waiting - I got quite a bit done, the test didn't let out till almost 4pm.

It was too late for me to get back to Ridgewood and pick up my mother so David had to go get her and bring her back to our place - I brought Robert home got him changed into his scout uniform and he and David left to set up for the Troop Annual Pasta dinner. I don't quite understand how this happens, but they make a ton on money at this event - it is $8 per person for unlimited baked ziti and/or ziti with broccoli and garlic - the food is eatable but not really anything special, but the always get over 100 people to show up - this year there was close to 200 tickets sold. I even won a small Liz Claiborne purse in the raffle. I brought my mother - I thought she would like a night out and my brother really needed a free day which is why I had her on Saturday.

Today I had a fun day with my friend Marilyn, we went to Panera Bread for lunch - it wasn't bad - I had a yummy Moroccan Tomato Lentil soup and half a sandwich. Then we went to MGM Shoes - WOW I saw a pair of Kenneth Cole pumps I could've killed for - unfortunately killing some one wouldn't have given me any money to buy them so I had to leave them, but it was hard really hard.

Tonight I am going to watch bad TV and work some more on my FBS. The additional skein of Cascade 220 I ordered to finish the stole I started in Utah has shipped so I am hopping it will come tomorrow so I can finish it and take it to Chicago with me.

You CAN teach and old dog new tricks

Last night I taught myself how to knit socks on 2 circular needles. I have been wanting to try this for a long time - cause I really don't like knitting with DPN's - I am really uncoordinated and I always drop at least one needle. I followed the online directions I found here and used my size 5 circles and some woolease I had hanging around. Figured it would be easier to try on these than size 2's and sock yarn. Finally it clicked in my head and I was knitting!! I am going to pick up 2 pair of size 1's this weekend and try this pattern first cause the Mirabella are knit toe up and I am not ready to try that on 2 circ's yet (not even sure it can be done) I have the lovely Lorna's Laces I bought on vacation - I even wound the first skein last night and worked some more on my FBS.

I had lots of free time - David had to go to Jeff's school last night - it was HS night and representatives from various NYC HS were there. Jeff is most interested in Brooklyn Tech - His brother Robert is taking the exam this weekend. Since Jeff is in a special ed class he can take the test in November. Mind you the child is in S.E. because he refuses to pay attention and do what he is told. He is the only child I ever met who does his home work but doesn't hand it in - I mean WTF!? Why do it and not hand it in. Academically he scores very high, but he is and always has been a discipline problem. I am hoping that growing up and going to HS will teach both of them to be more responsible.

I also made a big pot of White Beans with Sausage and Escarole. This is one of the recipes I contributed to the Knit Blogger's Cook Book. I can't wait to get my copy! I have always fantasized about writing a cook book - this is probably the closest I will ever come.

Progress report

So here is a picture of the FBS in the handspun angora/alpaca yarn:


I have finished 2 more pattern repeats since I took this picture and still have about 1/2 of the first skein left so I think it will be a nice size when it is finished. I can't tell you how soft this yarn is - I think I spend more time stroking it than knitting it. I am loving it, even if if looks like a large brown hairball. I have never knit with angora before, when it is done, can I just block it the same way I do wool? Usually I soak the piece in Eucalan for a little while, gently squeeze out the excess water then pin it to within an inch of it's life.

I wound the alpaca I picked up at Rhinebeck last night - 600 yards is a lot of yarn - I really need a ball winder. I think I am going to make the Spiral Nebula out of it. The simple styling will work well with the yarn and it will make for an easy to knit piece that I can carry around with me.

I also caved and joined cause I really want hand knit socks and the only way I am going to get some is if I sit down and actually finish a pair! I think I am going to make these. That way I can do lace and socks at the same time.

In other news - David has decided to retire! June 30 will be the last day he works - though with all the vacation day and chart days and what not his actual last day with the NYPD is in October. He hasn't decided what he will do after that. I can't picture him as anything but a cop - he looks like a cop, he walks like a cop and he talks like a cop - I have a hard time thinking of him with a real job!

Things haven't changed much with my mother. I have contacted the nursing home I want to place her in - I am just waiting to hear back from them. I am still taking her to day care every morning. It is starting to take a toll on me - I hate getting up in the mornings and going over there - everyday is just a little harder then the one before. I pray I can get this all settled before the holidays - I don't know what I will do when the bad weather hits - it was hard enough getting her out in the rain - she will never make it in snow and ice.

She will be staying at the Respite Center while I am in IL. Thanks to everyone for the feedback on yarn shops in Deerfield. I even have made dinner plans with another knitter in the area - I love meeting other knitters, it is fun to spend time with people who share your obsessions.

Well my lunch is over - back to work for me....

Needs, we all have needs

Yes I am a sheep - here is my version of the meme that is going around:

Colette needs...
...more surgery?
...to see her through her sacred journey
...Cats
...to know what is on D52 that Payroll uses.
...people who see a land free from the destruction of pollution
...a lot of consideration
...some perspective
...to be sucking on a lemon or something (my favorite)
...to be the core of their being.

Gee I thought I just needed more room for all the yarn I just bought.

Booty Call

Ok I had some tea (Adagio opus pouchong with just a pinch of pumpkin spice - my current fave home brew) some soup and a shot of niquil then spent most of the afternoon watching Japanese soap operas and Helen of Troy on PBS( - The one thing I think I would miss more than anything else if I moved out of NYC would be all the foreign TV channels - I love subtitles!)now I am ready to play show and tell on my Rhinebeck score.

First up this is the bootie bag from the Yarn Tree:
organic cotton and lots of stash hide, I mean holding capacity, as you can see as I pull out
600 yards of Alpaca sport from a Twist of Alpaca in a black/grey/beige blend - I'm thinking lacy wrap maybe - next we have
a Bellini Shawl kit from Morehouse Farm in a fiery red/orange and olive green mix - there was actually of few more things I wanted from them, but I was too tired to go back and get more - no biggy though - I can hit Union Square one Wednesday and pick up anything else I want. I also picked up these I won a contest on Norma's blog once and she sent me this soap - it was love at first whiff. I bought a few for me and to send to my SP's. I also picked up this Unikite pendant - I love unikite and was looking for a large piece to work with - it
it will look good
with the Bellini Shawl too.
And finally - the best - my splurge -

Harmony, gee I really love you
and I want to love you forever
and dream of never, never
leaving harmony

1000 yards of Brooks Farms Harmony.
I have a specific idea in mind for this yarn - I actually went looking for a soft, beautiful, shiny yarn and I found true love in this mohair, wool and silk blend.

There, not too much, but what there is - is choice!

The road less taken....

(there is a reason for this, but I am getting ahead of myself) This is my photo essay on the joys of sheep and wool - Ode to Rhinebeck.

I noticed that since it HAD FINALLY STOPPED RAINING I could see some autumn color on the pretty tree across the street from my at. I snapped this as I headed out to The Yarn Tree to meet the bus at 5:45 Saturday morning

I actually find a parking spot on S 4th Street & Driggs so I had time to have coffee and a chocolate donut before getting on the bus. We made one stop in Manhattan to pick up the rest of our group at HABU Textiles. Then we were on our way.

Do you wanna know why certain roads are less traveled? ( See the title does have relevance to my tale) Because a big ass bus can't get go down it without getting stuck! That's why - See:

This is our BAB that has gouged a big whole in the road and is now stuck and can not move.

And these are my follow travelers standing in the most dangerous intersection in Bedford NY (The Police and Fireman both told us this) trying to make the bus lighter and easier to move - it didn't work.

Here are the Police and the FD and more police

How many Men does it take to move a stuck bus? More than you see here 'cause we had to get more from the next town and they came with a BIGGER tow truck:
got down under the bus attached the chain and we were back on our way!

Sunshine in Rhinebeck:

Angora bunnies:

Much walking and shopping the ensued. I was a good girl - I stuck to my budget and did not go crazy. I looked at every vendor, stroked all the lovely yarns, petted angora bunnies, ogled all the decadent fibers and generally had an awesome time. Unfortunately my P!M!S!(thanks mamacate) had progressed to M!S! - back ache, aching legs & breasts, narcolepsy - the usual unpleasant side effects - so I was very tired and achy and ready to go back to the bus by 4:00pm. The bus was leaving at 5 so I spent the remander of time petting my new yarns and sharing oohs and ahhs with everyone else showing off thier finds as they came back to the bus.

As we were leaving these appeared in the sky not 1 but 2 rainbows - how cool is that? On the ride home Linda - the owner of the Yarn Tree - had a raffle with prizes for everyone on the trip - I won a bag of handspun natural wool that will be great for hats or felting. Last picture the night sky as we drove home - I tried to get a picture of the full moon but it is hidden behind a cloud. All in all it was a grand experience. I didn't meet up with any bloggers I knew, although I did see Norma and Nathania as I was heading out trying to find size 7 bamboo circulars, from what I overheard of their conversation - they were as hot tired and "crowded" out as I was, so I didn't stop and say hello - I just wanted to go sit and veg on the bus by then myself.

I will post pictures of the cool goodie bag from the Yarn Tree and the yarns I picked up from Brooks Farm, A Twist of Alpaca, Moorehouse Farms, my other purchases and the yarn I won later - its time to make more coffee and rest. David is home sick and I think he has passed his evil germs my way - I am cold and achy and stuffed up myself today.

The sun will come out tomorrow.......

Or at least on Saturday (sorta). Rhinebeck might not be a total wash out after all. Sunday doesn't look much better. Sigh - I will just have to make sure my wool stays dry. Now where did I put my duck boots?

water water everywhere

It has been raining steadily here since late last night - the parkway was flooded on my way to work this morning and coming home ( I was smart this time though - I avoided the parkway all together and took Hillside Ave all the way home - lots of lights but no floods) I have been cold and wet all day, so by the time I got home tonight I wanted something warm and comforting for dinner. After checking the pantry I came up with something yummy -

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 can pumpkin
1 can coconut milk
1 can chicken broth
1 tsp - 1 tbls curry powder (depends on what kind you have and how strong you like the flavor.
Salt & pepper to taste

Mix everything in a sauce pan till hot - adjust seasonings to your taste.

This was really good - warm, spicy & creamy - it really hit the spot. Since I didn't have any naan or chutney, I ate mine with a slice of apple pie mixed with some tikka masala powder. Yum Yum.

Guess what? My knitpicks order arrived LOOK:



Aren't they pretty? Those are definitely my favorite colors - all I need is to add some greens and purples and it would be perfect.

I have been jealously looking at so many hand knit socks on peoples blogs - I know I would love hand knit socks - I just can't seem to get myself to knit any.

Well I am going to go play with my yarn and work on my FBS..................

FBS Redux

Yes I decided to cast on the FBS in the angora/alpaca handspun from MS&W- I bought this yarn specifically to make this shawl, so last night while watching NCIS and Supernatural I wound the skein and started knitting. I love this pattern - once I figured out what I was doing on the first one I made, the pattern became clear and the knitting easy. I like the way it looks - see:



The yarn is soo light and bunny soft - it is a pleasure to handle. Since I only have 4 oz, I think I will end up with a scarf rather then a shawl but it will be a lovely accent over a blouse or jacket.

I'll admit I was a little lazy in choosing this pattern - all the other skeins of yarn I have are in over 1000 yard range and I didn't feel like winding that much yarn last night.

I am still waiting for my knitpicks order to show up - it only shipped on Friday so I know I have at least a week more to wait, but I am anxiously awaiting this in Redwood forest. I am in love with this sweater and want it now

Feeling better now

So I stopped cursing and ordered another skein of yarn - I think I may even add a pattern repeat since the stole seems a little shorter than I would like - I will have to see.

My dilemma now is what to cast on next? I have the lovely buttercream yarn from Red Bird - or the fabulous lace wt from Mystical creations the peach not the creamy one. I also have this gorgeous alpaca/angora I picked up at MS&W you can't really tell the color in that picture - it is sort of a brown/black/charcoal heathery color. I am thinking of making another Flower Basket Shawl out of it since I only have 4 oz.

Now that the weather has gotten colder I am wearing more of my hand knits to work. One of my account managers said to me today that he wouldn't recognize me without one of my scarf/shawls on. Today I am wearing this one:


Can I tell you how much I love this yarn? Mountain Colors Weavers Wool - it is no soft and warm and the colors are amazing - I am definitely going to look for some more of this at Rhinebeck this weekend - that is if we don't get washed away getting there.

I also have the 3 skeins of Shepherds Socks I bought in Utah - that would make a lovely shawl too.

Decisions, decisions...........................

too upset for a title

I ran out of cascade 220 color 9429 with just 7 rows left - that includes the 6 rows of garterstich that edge it - can you say F&*k?

Think Pink

Your Hair Should Be Pink

Hyper, insane, and a boatload of fun.You're a traveling party that everyone loves to follow.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

This is really funny, cause once a long time ago my hair was pink - bright fushia pink - I loved it!!

Flotsom & Jetsom

I hadn't realized how long it had been since last I blogged. A few times I tried to get in but blogger kept giving me an attitude, so I just stopped trying.

Let's see - what is going on? Work is busy right now - We are getting a complete computer system upgrade and all the Field Assistants are being trained as power users - sort on local system support - and we are being trained first. I am leaving the 30 for a week in Chicago - if anyone can recommend a good LYS in the Chicago/Lake Forest/Niles area - I would appreciate it. Especially if they are open late - training is supposed to run from 8 - 5 every day. I am flying out on Sunday evening so I doubt I will be able to do any shopping that night.

There is nothing on TV tonight - Friday is my Sci Fi Channel night but Stargate and Atlantis are in reruns and I don't like any of the new shows that are on. So far I am not overly impressed with this new season. There are only a few shows I am hooked on:

Bones - David Boreanez is still hot -- even without fangs and a leather coat.
Supernatural - great show! delicious chills and good story writing love this show
Invasion - boy am I hooked on this one - really clever and well done and the story keeps you guessing about what is going to happen next and what is up with the different characters.
The Night Stalker - I like this one - guess you can tell I like spooky TV - I am watching this I/o CSI cause I figure it probably won't last and I can catch CSI in reruns.

Thank goodness Hockey is back!!!!! I love to sit and knit and scream at the TV while watching a game. I have been a Ranger fan since I was 10 years old and my girlfriend Kathy and her dad got me hooked on the sport and the Rangers. I was really disappointed with the loss last night - but if you take that many stupid penalties you are going to lose more often than not - they were lucky Wednesday night against Boston. Tonight I am watching the Devils/Flyers - can you hope both teams lose?

I frogged the elann shrug - I totally misread a section of the pattern and screwed up royally - I am not too upset though the new pattern on their site is a much better fit for my more ample endowments. I am going to start over after I finish my green stole.

I think I am going to use the tencel/cotton yarn I bought for the Mediterranean
Lace shawl from AGOL - I really like the shaping on this shawl and think this yarn would work beautifully for this.

One more week till Rhinebeck!!!! I am really glad it was not this weekend - this weather sucks! I hope everything is dry and cool next weekend. I would love to meet up with any bloggers who are going to be there on Saturday. Mind you I do not need anymore yarn - I am being pushed out of my apt by the ever increasing stash! AND I just ordered a bunch of yarn from Knitpicks - I had one skein each of autumn alpaca cloud and maple leaf shimmer and wanted more to make a larger shawl out of each and since I needed a few more things to get to $30 and free shipping, I also ordered 4 redwood forest shadow and the Sweet Mary Jane cardigan pattern.

I plan to stay in all weekend and knit - the boys are in Fla this week, so it is just David and I and since we are mostly broke ( and I am saving what money I do have for next week) this will be a stay at home weekend. Hopefully the weather will finally cool off and I can enjoy the knits I have made or received from my SP's this past year.

Don't have any pictures to liven up this post - nothing really worth taking - I will post the stole when it is done and the yarn when it arrives.

Later..........