Back in Service

Son has been trying to change our style of internet service so we can have phone and the internet at the same time. He started four days ago but it is not fully set-up as yet. He assured me this morning that I could still use the internet as dial up. I very quickly told him that was what I had been trying to do but everything came back as "Server Not Found". He very nicely sat down and got it adjusted so I am very pleased to get internet today even if the phone doesn't work at the same time.

I have been knitting. Have more than doubled what was in the picture of the scarf. There even has been progress on some socks of which there are about 4 pairs on the needles. Will take a picture when they look more presentable.

I have also done something good for myself. Yesterday I went to the Boys and Girls Club, took a tour, and signed up to join the Horton Street Seniors' Center that meet in the facilities. With a brand new Olympic sized swimming pool warmed to 84F and half the previous pool at 94F, I am really looking forward to getting back in the water. There is a new program starting Tuesday called Joint Fit that meets in the heated pool. My registration is complete, my payment made, and my swimming bag almost ready. Just need to add a towel and my gym shoes as you have to have them for some areas so they may as well always be in my bag. As an added benefit for the days when I don't have a car ride, for 50cents a trip more, their bus will take me door to door instead of my having to use 3 city buses. I have to admit that was a big incentive. The overall total cost will be about half that of the Y, which is a nice thing, and there are more services and activities to take part in. Maybe next year I will take up shuffelboard although I really doubt it.

Now have the book that I had mentioned earlier. Know that I copied the pattern from it and couldn't even find that but DDA came through and sent me a copy of the book and another one involving embroidery. For the knitting book - A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton The heroine, Kelly Flynn, has a knitting store with cafe beside her house. I like that set-up already. Kelly has been getting involved in the Fiber Art community of Fort Connor, Colorado, and with ranchers and miners in the community. Her introduction came in the previous books called Needled to Death and Knit One, Kill Two. In many ways I thought of the book as a knitting Nancy Drew as, although it was entertaining for a knitter, there was no deep character development or suspense. Enjoyable, light reading.
Would I buy it - maybe
Would I check the library - yes
Would I look for other books by her - yes

The other book is the latest in Monica Ferris' Needlecraft mystery series. Here the main character is Betsy Devonshire, a "full-time needlework shop owner and part-time sleuth". This should make good reading while I have supper tonight. Son at work so I'll head off to make an omelet for myself now.

Scarf

Finished knitting the small ball I had wound for the ISE and realized that it would never be long enough and each row was taking way too long. Just too stuborn though as I did another few rows while I debated what I could do.

Finally acknowledged the trust and, using the 2nd and larger ball I had wound, I started the scarf again using larger needles. It is going much faster and will surely be a much longer scarf.

On the left is 6 hours knitting on the new needles and on the right about 60 hours knitting on the smaller needles. Will leave the one on the needles until I need the yarn as don't want to wind it again. Seemed to drop it too often. I really hated chasing it.

Went for my yearly eye exam this morning. Next year I hope to remember to make it for a day David is off or someone is about to drive me. The office is not too far from home but I am certainly not comfortable driving it after the drops in my eyes. At least this year they didn't seem to bother my stomach. Only a slight change in my eyes so don't need to have my glasses changed.

I had thought my sister would be around but she had to leave too early to help. She is off to New York City for 5 days with a daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters so it should be fun. Going to Ground Zero and some Broadway shows and a sightseeing tour is what I would like.

Now off to get some scarf knitting done.

Books

I hand wanted to post about the 3 books I read last weekend but found I threw out the info about one so that one will have to wait. Just to keep you curious it was a murder mystery with knitting.

I got handed 2 books and told I could read them but NOT take them home. Thought it best to choose one so, based on the brief writeup and author's name, I chose "Trouble". All I could say when finished was where was the author's first one (Sunstroke) as this one was a fascinating read. It is told by a young man who rushes to the aid of a young woman and all the trouble she causes him. There were a few spots where my interest seem to lag but this may not be the final draft and the moments were so brief. They were noticeable only because the rest of the book held my interest so very much. I probably shouldn't have but made it a one night read. The author is Jesse Kellerman and, with noted writers as parents, he can definitely stand on his own. And yes, his first book has been requested.
Would I buy it - Yes
Would I look for other books by him - Yes

The second book I read was totally different. It is "The Knitting Circle" by Ann Hood. To quote from the back of the cover, "After the sudden loss of her only child, Mary Baxter joins a knitting circle in Providence, Rhode Island, as a way to fill the empty hours and lonely days, not knowing that it will change her life." The book explains how she came to join the group and the women she met and the new techniques that she learns from each. The new techniques are not fully explained so don't expect to use this as a knitting instructive book. The introductions to several of the women seemed very contrived. She talks about making certain projects for Christmas but there is no indication if they were given, how they were received, and all that "stuff" important to a knitter. Apparently the book will be out in January 2007 and will cost $32.95 Canadian.
Would I buy it - No.
Would I borrow it from the library or a friend - Yes.
Would I look for other books by her (has 7 + short-story collection) - Maybe

Right now I am reading "Arthritis RX" by Vijay Vad, M.D. Agree with what I have read so far but not really into it. This has been the week of new shows and I am working hard on my scarf so reading can wait. Right now, it is a windy, rainy afternoon and time for supper so I am off to get some soup my son made Friday, read some blogs and then to knit.

Thank You

Have to start with a great big thank you to my One Skein Secret Pal. For the final gift, I received this gorgeous scarf. Thank you so very much, Pat.

The pattern is adapted from the last issue of Vogue Knitting to make it a scarf size and it is suri alpaca. Perfect width and length for under my dress coat. Right now it is sitting around my shoulders as the house is a bit chilly but not enough to turn the heat on. This is soooooooo much nicer.


In the first two months I received these two skeins. The first was from the Snow Leopard Trust and is Handspun Camel Wool, made in Mongolia. There is 150 to 200 yrs of bulky yarn that is surprisingly soft. Thinking about fingerless gloves for it.
The other yarn is Misti Alpaca, 100% baby Alpaca worsted 4ply. Have some cream in the same weight so thought they would make a gorgeous patterned tam or hat. The colors don't show too well but, trust me, they are perfect colors for me.

Have 4 pairs of socks half done so want to get a least two of them off the needles before I start the projects for me.

(Must find out how to make lists down the side to I can list the projects and my progress on them.)

Did enjoy this exchange and the lovely gifts sent me so I am doing the International Scarf as noted in a previous post. Scarf is going well but very slowly. I may have to change the yarn and pattern choosen if it doesn't progress faster.

On the weekend, I worked on another project so that I could use my DDA's washing machine and felt it. Got the purse knit from the kit I received as a door prize. Changed the top a bit because I did not want the full cord closing so now there are two short cords to hold the sides pleated and the slit hand hold. Going to put some plastic canvas in to keep the bottom flat and then it will be ready for use. Very pleased on how the colors worked out and how the felting went. Would I felt something again - definitely yes. Would I buy 3 balls of Noro for felting - doubt that very much due strictly because of the cost.

One thing I forgot to mention about Humber Nursery was the cute Weather Station they had outside. Thought it was nice with DGDA. (Also have to learn now to make the picture go bigger when you click on it -- HELP, Lee) The idea if the sign is that if the rock hanging beside the word Entrance is wet, then it is raining, if it has snow on it, then it is snowing, etc.

Had a marvelous lobster dinner with some adjustments. The company sent the extra 2 lobsters ordered but did not send the two free ones and the pound of shrimp that were on the gift voucher. Hopefully they arrived Monday but I haven't heard yet who got to eat them. DGSA has decided he likes lobster. The first time they were in the house he was only 3 or so and he named them. It took some fast talking as to why he couldn't play with them the next day. This time he named them Tasty and Delicious and was quite willing to dig in to eat them.

Trip home Monday morning went well after I dropped DGDA at school. Mom had an appointment at 9 so rather than leave real early that morning, she had headed over Sunday night. Only drawback on the trip is that I couldn't knit in the car.

This is getting very long so next time I will tell you about the books I read.

Child sitting

Got a call from DDA that she needed a babysitter for Friday. School has just started but the teachers need a Professional Development Day for paperwork, adjust class size, etc. Wasn't sure I was up to coming but hadn't been out of the house since Saturday evening so decided that was part of the reason I didn't want to move. Very glad I decided to come.

DGDA has been a pleasure to be with today. She wanted a pj day but settled for just the morning. Out shopping this afternoon and got her a good start on her Halloween costume. We couldn't find a nice tea shop nearby so settled on Licks for a hamburg for me and hot dog for her. It has been several years since I have had one at the store so it was a nice change. DGDA also received a coupon for an ice cream cone so she thinks that was quite a bonus since it will mean another trip there.

We also went to Humber Nursery which is huge. In one back corner is a butterfly area so it was very interesting to see the various plants and butterflies. Right next to it were their ponds with Koi and goldfish. We could also buy fish food which turned out to be the best 25 cents I've spent in a long time. The fish were very eager to be fed and there was a great deal of splashing and jumping going on. Naturally I had forgotten to take my camera but did take some outside the building just before we left.

Last night we had chicken which DGDA was not thrilled about so tonight she got her piazza. A small cheese just for her, pepperoni medium for DGSA (the grandson is 14), and a large perogi piazza for the adults. Worked out well. (just realized the time - writing this as if it is Friday night but see that it is after 2 a.m. Saturday.)

Since there are several things going on this weekend, and a craft fair also nearby, and someone is needed to get DGDA to school Monday morning, I guess I better get some sleep tonight and will probably stay over until Monday morning. Especially since there is lobster and shrimp on the menu for Saturday night.

Fall is Here

No, I haven't seen a lot of leaves that have changed color. While the weather has cooled off a bit, there isn't that feel of autumn but I know that Fall has come.

The K-W Knitters' Fair was held on Saturday and, for me, marks the change of seasons. I had planned to post when I got home but the sensory overload did me in.

Imagine a large ballroom with 7 lengths of displays. Displays of finished items, yarn, patterns, yarn, books, yarn, notions, spinning wheels and spindles, and 1 lone booth with the loveliest sweetgrass woven baskets. The stores ranged in size and products from Herschner's to a local alpaca producer. The colors! The patterns! And the people! Focused, busy, numerous, polite and some wearing their own creations. I very much enjoy the people watching.

Had a very nice time and even won a door prize for the first time ever although I have been going for several years. The prize consists of 3 balls of Noro and the pattern for a lovely felted purse in a plastic project bag. The lady from Sheep Strings (sorry I didn't get her name) had included the brown shades as a nice neutral choice for a door prize. When I went over to thank her for donating a door prize, she asked if I wanted to change the colors. (I guess she could tell I wasn't a brown purse person since I was carrying a nice white, large lamb purse wearing a red hat.) Such nice service and when I get to Huntsville I most certainly will be stopping in. The picture of the shop alone is enough to lure me in.


Had ordered 2 balls of Noro in a color called Silver Thaw from Knitwerks so made arrangements to pick it up at the show. Sylvia has such lovely yarn on sale and in her shop that I couldn't resist. This is the first Noro I had ever bought so did well with Noro this weekend. Now to decide on a special project for the the 440 meters.


Also bought some Hand Maiden yarn that I have only fondled before. The purple and blues are the colors my ISC3 Getter says that she wants. Since I like my scarfs reversible, I think a nice 10" wide scarf using all the yarn in a fairly open lace pattern would look very nice and meet all requirements. The yarn is 55% silk and 45% Cashmere so the feel and sheen is outstanding. Made in Canada which makes it extremely nice and appropriate for a secret pal in the United States.

Since today is the 5th anniversary of THE 9-11, I am going to start working on it now. There was such an impact at that time that has never fully been resolved nor healed. I very much doubt that it will be in my lifetime. With a lot of sorrow in my heart for those who died and their families and friends who daily must face the lost, and with a growing hope for the future, maybe I can work the feelings into the scarf to make it even more special. It seems like such a small effort but the world is only going to be changed as individual members of the world make changes. Things like taking responsibility for our actions, considering other people, and acting as we want others to act does create changes. There also has to be much more than the fine promises made in the wake of and on the anniversary of tragedies like 9-11 and Katrina.

Mambocat's entry for today helped me to recall what I was doing in 2001. Now I am off to make my memories for the 5 year anniversary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

One day of the year I did not want child #3 born. Any guesses as to what day she chose?

Babies teeth usually come in as both bottom and then both top. Not hers - opposing bottom than top.

Tired beyond belief, she would NOT have a nap in her bed. Left alone in the bedroom after a major triumph on my side, she fell asleep - on the floor.

Deciding her trike had to be upstairs NOW so nobody could touch it, she tried carrying it up 2 flights of stairs. She now has a permanent bump in the middle of her forehead from when she fell and banged herself.

The only description of her would be that she was herself.

She has grown into an exceptional woman who has been with the same man since she was 14, is raising two lovely children, is a hard working employee in book sales, is a caring and supportive friend, is a very nice person to be with -- I could go on and on.

Have tried several times these past few days to talk on the phone with her but she has been busy with hockey (son) and friends. Will try again shortly but think the world should know about her first.

Thought DDA might appreciate this picture of her daughter all lite up special for her birthday.....


So, dear DDA, have a great day, some time for yourself, some great food cooked for you and a fantastic year ahead.

ISC3

Have heard from the person who recieved my name for the scarf exchange and have sent a message to the person to whom I am to send a scarf.

Pal Getting likes the same colors that I do so it makes that part much easier. Saturday is the K-W Knitters' Fair with over 40 vendors selling knitting realated items ONLY. Think I will be able to find something suitable? Might take some looking but that is the fun of going. Can easily justify buying more yarn as my stash yarn in those colours were bought for specific projects that I will get done. And I do NOT need any comments about when that might be.

Next week I'll decide on the width and pattern for the scarf. Have no need of any additional patterns as I am determined to use one I already have. Feeling quite proud also as have indexed all the Barbara Walker Treasuries and indicated some patterns I thought would be nice in scarfs. I will also be working on a scarf for a friend moving to Calgary. She helped pick out the yarn but I am choosing the stitch pattern.

On another subject, have the camera all setup now so here are some for your viewing pleasure (and my practise)

View out my front window of my garden and the hail. When we moved in there was a very small patch of grass which I have now turned into all plants. Much more fun to care for and don't have to wait for someone else to cut the grass.

Below are the socks my sister ended up with for her birthday. The have a zigzag pattern up the back for wearing with clogs. Good thing I like the other 3 choices of yarn I had given her.

Red Hats

The first Wednesday of each month there are a few ladies who get together for supper out. Dressed in our finest red and purple, we enjoy the company and try restaurants we may not be too familiar with. We have also gone shopping and to the theatre. The evening out is something I really look forward to. One of the ladies turns 83 this month and one has just retired so we have different histories and backgrounds but really enjoy each others company. How nice it is to be able to celebrate just being who we are, laughing together and doing something different.

And since there were birthdays this month, there had to be gifts. Although both birthday persons enjoyed their gifts (a red pail filled with red gifts), I think I had even more fun putting it together. Shopping meant I had to visit several dollar stores to get the assortment I wanted. Maybe next year I'll look for purple items! But before then I'll have to think of something red for Christmas. Actually, that should be much easier. Now really though, what do you get an 83 year old who has 8 children and numerous grand and great-grand children and enough bead craft supplies that she figures on living to 110 to use it up? I get the fun of shopping in any event! How great is that.

Have now put my camera on the charger so will be able to use it shortly. Still have to wait for my son to connect it to the computer. Did get pictures yesterday before the battery decided it needed a rest. Had a very heavy thunderstorm with pea sized hail. For a short time there, the road in front of our house was entirely covered with water but it drained fairly quickly. Gorgeous sunny, warm day today.

Hands

We all take our hands for granted and never really closely notice them. I've used mine in all the expected practical and prosaic ways that can be expected from a "normal" life. My work required a lot of typing and, by choice, at home I have done a lot of knitting.

This weekend I did take particular notice of my hands, however. There was a very simple knot in my knitting caused by the yarn looping around a length of yarn and becoming tight. Nothing real drastic or complicated or newsworthy. The fact is it took me several minutes to unloop the yarn because I could not get a good grip with my thumb and finger. Was very discouraged by the fact especially since the one finger is no longer straight due to artritic nodes in the joint. I am just going to have to hope that knitting and increasing the typing I do will help keep them nimble for a long, long time.

I must admit that this past month I haven't had the occasionaly pain that I would often get. Since I would often use the tip of my finger to help push a knitting needle through, there have been times when I have had to switch projects or stop for awhile due to the pain in my misshapened finger. But not this month! Have been using the cream Topricin that Galina Khmeleva recommended during a recent workshop. And I must also say that the company gives excellent service. I ordered some of their arthritis pills Thursday afternoon on the web and they were in my mailbox the next day. (Just did a search on Google to get to the web site.) Will be interesting to see if these pills work as well as the cream.

Well, enough typing for now and will take a break for some knitting.

Happy Birthday

Today is my sister's birthday. She is not close by so we can celebrate it together but I am thinking of her a lot. A present was sent with her to open today so I hope she enjoys it. Her and The Man are camping at a music festival. (Not that I think that is much fun today as it is raining where I am and expected to rain where she is but hopefully the music and people are worth it all.)

Like most sisters, we have had our share of bickering and differences but I know she has always been there for me and would do almost anything for me. An example - when she bought her new truck and trailer, she considered how I would be able to get in and around in them. Even tested out the washroom. Now that is consideration.

Sis has a great sense of humour, a real devotion to her family and friends, is a good cook, enjoys crafts, reads even more than I do, enjoys boat and raft and water ski rides, and is always willing to try something new.

Wishing her many, many more years and new experiences.






(Isn't this much better than my singing for you?)

Celebration

Wasn't able to make it to Mepknit's party last night but apparently it went very well. Even the president of the company stopped by to wish her well. She has plans for a two week holiday and then will start volunteering and doing much more.

Today we went to Port Huron for a day out. The border crossing guards liked the fact that we were having a celebration of her first day of retirement. Did the things you should do -- sat by the water to have a leisurely lunch AND dessert. Isn't that the plan?

Now to have an early evening.