Knitting on a Bus

Tongue boy!

2011-11-17T03:27:00.001-05:00

Tongue boy!, a photo by ajastoy on Flickr.

Tongue boy!

Knitpicks Wish List contest

2011-11-15T15:35:00.002-05:00

Got nothing to lose except for trying!

Click on the title link above to see my wish list.

:)

My Review

2011-10-30T00:40:00.001-04:00

Originally submitted at Bob's Red Mill

Double the use from this product!

By Nancy the Knitter/Spinner/Weaver from Centereach, NY on 10/29/2011

Pros: Unique

Best Uses: Efficient, Cooking, Gift, Great for yarn

Describe Yourself: Simple Tastes, Health Conscious, Foodie

Now I dont have this yet, but I am about to order it! I can see how this would be a boon for stirring up things in a pot without worrying about any damage (think of Teflon coated or Stainless steel cookware). This will not mar those surfaces. And for double duty,,, if your into crafts such as knitting or spinning (yes I am serious here) this product also doubles as a perfect Nostepinne,, which is used to handwind yarn into a yarncake,, which is easier to use than winding it into a ball. I hadnt realized these were sold here,,, but I am sold! Now I could wind my yarn and then make my breakfast too! Outstanding!

I am going to tell all of my Oatmeal loving Knitting friends about this product!

(legalese)

Jetta and his ball.

2011-10-09T13:59:00.001-04:00

Jetta and his ball., a photo by ajastoy on Flickr.

Jetta and his ball. He just loves it to death!

About time.

2011-05-01T23:26:00.003-04:00

I know I have been very absent. But this is one thing I want to share. My opinion only, naturally. But glad to do it and I must say,,, very, very, very overdue.

Rhinebeck!!!

2010-10-12T22:07:00.004-04:00

Ok,, its been months, literally. Life intervenes,, what can I say. Only one word matters now.

Rhinebeck!!!

I'm leaving tomorrow, right after work. My reservation was made many, many months ago. Car rental was done and have it since the weekend (Hatchback too,, plenty of room for stash, etc,, maybe an alpaca or two!).

Now to pack. Clothes were set aside,, carry-on was made available since I came back from vacation to Hawaii and California last month. New digital camera,, check. Flip Camcorder,, check. Monstrous Ikea shopping bag,, check! Trying to keep it really light this time and still debating on taking my wheel. I really want to but the Matchless is soooo heavy! I do have a new Turkish spindle that I got on Etsy,,, that happens to be empty. And my shawl from last year that I didnt finish. Just the last bind off row being done. Guess whats going to block in my hotel room? I think the only knitting I will bring will be the cowl I was working on. Number one reason being I know where it is. Plus it's small, which is a plus!

#1 on my shopping list?? I cant say, lol. Its an accessory of sorts,,, I just want to grab one before anyone else,, or risk the chance of not scoring one. It'll be a secret for a little bit longer!

I'm taking 2 workshops this year. Thursday is "Weave a Rattan Knitting Basket". Friday is "Weave your own trim on an Inkle loom". I got the supplies I needed for that one from a superb store while in California,, Village,Spin,Weave. I wish we had an all in one store like that on here on Long Island! With a seperate room dedicated just for spinning wheels!

I do want to see Dave at Merlin Tree,, if he sells the 2nd treadle as a kitfor the Hitchiker. I need that! And go to Golding of course!

And on that note,, I have to pack up my mini-inkle loom that I bought and the supplies,,, and get the rest of the doodads!

Oh did I say I have a special guest traveling with me this time? I've Dizzy the Sheep from Dizzysheep.com. It worked out beautifully that his stop with me was this week for Rhinebeck.

So if you see what appears to be a madwoman running around the fairgrounds,,Or at the Holiday Inn Holidome,,,, looking for photo ops with a foamboard flat sheep,,,,,, Thats me!!

It might not be Knitting but.... Check The Manual (Transmission): Stick Shift Cars Going Away

2010-02-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've been personally driving a stick shift since about 1997. It can be tiring on a long commute (even after driving a bus all day long) BUT due to that I can personally attest to the savings in fuel comsumption. That alone means a hell of a lot!

Check The Manual (Transmission): Stick Shift Cars Going Away

Snow Dog!!

2009-12-20T22:09:00.000-05:00

Blizzard of 2009

RHINEBECK!

2009-10-16T11:23:00.002-04:00

Its been awhile since last post. Busy with work and all, sigh.

BUT I am here right now in Kingston NY,,, getting ready for a workshop that I won! It snowed last night on the way in on the Thruway,, but its all gone right now. Weather is crisp and beautiful. I sure hope it stays that way.

For anyone going to the Ravelry Party Saturday night,,, it'll be real easy to spot me,,, I'm prepared,,,, just look for a short squat person wearing a NYCTA jacket with buses on the back of it. That's me!

Now to leave off with an actual finished object

Ishbel.

2 Things................

2009-08-18T21:00:00.001-04:00

#1 I iz hotz!!!!

#2 As of this Thursday I IZ BAK TOO WURK!!!!

Just because its cute...

2009-08-13T23:49:00.001-04:00

and I'm attracted to anything stupid or cute. Case in point, ex-husband,,,,,really really really stupid. But I digress.

The Agony and the Ectasy...

2009-08-12T23:41:00.002-04:00

Or I cant believe I actually put this onto my blog....

So much for Weaving Wednesday!

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!

2009-08-05T01:17:00.004-04:00

I just won a contest! For Rhinebeck!!! A workshop!!!! Woo Hoo! This is where I posted at,,,,,

This is what I saw just about 10 minutes ago!

I emailed them just before,,,,, Geesh this is turning into a good Birthday week for once.

I also got my 12 dent heddle delivered today....which is good. Only problem is that I was supposed to receive 2 of them. I can take this type of bad with the good!

Ok it's late. I don't know why the links didn't work. I'm tired and I'll fix it tomorrow.

Yay me! LOL!

Why not?

2009-08-04T23:22:00.000-04:00

People have their Tabby Tuesday? Call this Canine Tuesday for me!

Ta Da..............................

2009-08-03T17:11:00.002-04:00

Alright then. Delivered Wednesday,, all set up finally by Friday. Actually started on it Saturday night,, finished last night. My first scarf made for a forgotten acrylic blend worsted, using the 8 dent heddle on my Kromski Harp. Sorry about pic quality, again, thru my cell phone.

Its a bit over 50" long, havent actually measured yet.

Hemstitching and fringe,, which was a hoot to make!

An idea of what it looks like, hanging on my newly installed front entrance door, lol.

ETA I finished up the other sides hemstitching and fringing earlier today!

Yay,, I wove!!!

As I was weaving Saturday night, hubby came over to me and said "your actually doing it?" Men!!

Next up. What to decide on for ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WEAVING WEDNESDAY!!!

First sample

2009-08-01T20:04:00.003-04:00

Ok my warp slipped. I guess I have to fine tune my loom a bit. And buy some butcher paper in a roll, or something like that. Will waxed paper work? Tinfoil? Your supposed to let the paper feed as you roll the warp up to create even tension on the warp as it winds onto the back bar. Mine wasnt,,, but I tried the best I could considering it was peg warped rather that warping board the warp. As I first went to forward the warp to continue weaving,, guess what slipped. LOL,, case of live and learn!

Anyway, I'm sure this will straighten out in the long run,,, and if I'm using the right terminology,, here's the tabby so far.

Crooked yet even at the same time!

Can you believe......

2009-08-01T01:41:00.002-04:00

2 days after I receive delivery I finely get my loom going? I decided to warp from the peg,, cause I only wanted a short warp anyway. I definitely will try the warping board on the loom,, it was too much a PITA,,,, and you need a 2nd person to help out. Hubby wasnt the greatest of help either!

Here it is to start. More pics to follow once cell phone charges up again, lol.

Drum roll please,,,,,,

2009-07-29T19:06:00.002-04:00

MMmm,,, I guess as long as I keep up with this blog somewhat,, I can start a catagory called,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

WEAVING WEDNESDAY'S

Whatcha think??

Now to open the boxes up,,, put it all together,, and read again, for the umpteenth time on "How to warp a loom".

I think that if I survive this,,,,,from what I'm told,,, the rest will be smooth sailing!!

Then once that's done,, time to price warpage/warppage? on cones. And hubby thought I didnt have to buy any more yarn.

The early Birthday present!

2009-07-24T12:02:00.002-04:00

This is real fast and short and sweet.

I ordered the Kromski Harp last night. The 24" wide one,, I didnt want to feel overwhelmed in the long run! With the stand. With the double heddle kit. It comes with a 10 dent heddle,, I also ordered a 12 and 2-8 dent heddles, and 2-12" shuttles.

I figured with the money that was saved by not getting the 32" wide loom and not getting the carry-bag at the moment I was able to get the other stuff.

I really want to make a dent in my stash, be it wool, or acrylic at this rate, lol.

I called to double check on the order,, other than the 12 dent reed,,, its coming Tuesday!

My stomach hurts,, I am so nervous about this!

The new toy. For the moment.

2009-07-22T19:14:00.004-04:00

So it isnt enough that I have trouble completing what I start when it comes to knitting. I'll get it done, but when I spin, it'll take me forever to fill up a bobbin and ply it up. Crocheting,,, geesh,, I haven't done it in ages. Tatting,,, I'm still playing around with here and there. Can we say I definitely get enough fiber in my diet??

But NO, it isnt enough. Well at least I'm testing out the waters this time.

Meet,,,,, let's call her Bella,,the Beka Rigid Heddle Loom. She's a HUGE 10 incher, lmao. She came pre-warped, with one shuttle with above yarn attached. Thats a 4 inch Heddle on it and it also comes with a 10 inch Heddle. I can't think of the dent size at the moment,,, but the manufacturer does make 2 other dent sizes for both of these widths. And shuttles. And pick-up sticks. What was great tho,, it sells for about 60 bucks. I did a search online and found a site called www.simplykidstoys.com,,,the damage??? $44.44 with free shipping. Can we say sold?

This is direct from the Beka website, and here's the link for it.

Ok I dont know why the link isnt working but the website is www.bekainc.com

" Our BEGINNER'S WEAVING LOOM is perfect for the young and the young-at-heart. An excellent loom for the beginning weaver, it also performs well as a portable loom for more experienced weavers. This loom features Beka rigid heddles which provide the weaver with an easy and reliable method of weaving. Both simple and complex techniques may be done with this loom. Made of hard maple, our BEGINNER'S WEAVING LOOM comes fully assembled with a pre-warped heddle. A basic project is started on the loom, ready for weaving. Our instructions move through the rest of the project, then go step-by-step through planning and starting another project. Enough yarn is included so the weaver can get started as soon as the loom is out of its box. Weave projects up to 10" wide X 3 yards long. The assembled loom comes with one shuttle. The started project uses a 4" wide heddle for a narrow band of fabric. A 10" wide heddle is included. Weight 4 lbs. Adult Assembly Required."

I dont know what type of assembly,,, I pulled it out of the box and started to weave, lol.

I've gotten this much done,, its really simple. I'm more afraid of when this is used up and I have to warp it. At least it is small enough,,,, I shouldn't be having any fits or anything like that! So with the above I guess I'm making a strap of some sort! At least with the 10" Heddle,,, I should be able to make placemats,, tablerunners (it can weave up to 9 feet in length!). It can be a really good way to stashbust! Even if I use plain acrylic yarn, which I have plenty of still,,, I'll figure something out.

Sorry about the fuzzy close-up. Them's the breaks with cellphone photography, lol.

Short of this, dealing with the weather, between the rain and the humidity that is doing me in today. Luckily,,, that we haven't really sweltered yet! Had Dr's appt with the Cardiologist,, went ok. At least I wasn't told that I'm doing anything terribly wrong,, so next visit is in 5 months, which is a very good sign for me.

The interesting thing was that on the way home,, I had stopped at a mall that has a Panera's and a Borders. I went to Border's first,, and for the first time,,,(havent even seen this in Barnes and Nobles) Interweaves Handwoven magazine. So of course I bought it. But I behaved,, not like other times,, where I feel I can be the sole support of Borders. So there I was in Panera's, with my Cobb salad and unsweetened iced tea,, perusing. Luckily in this issue, there is 1 single pattern (in cashmere no less) for a Rigid Heddle loom,, so I have to sit with mag and loom and see if I can possibly figure out what the hell they are talking about!

So I have to see if I get the hang of this quickly,, and how much I like it, cause hubby did tell me that he'll get me the RHL that I want for my B-day! And added I cant buy anymore yarn.

I had to explain to him about warping yarns/threads on cones. He he he...I still can be so evil!

The other interesting thing this week. We picked up a discounted bed for Jetta again. From Tuesday Morning,,, it was a bit small, but thick and cushy and for the price it was a steal. I put it out yesterday in the livingroom for Jetta. He comes over,, inspects,, sniffs,, sniffs some more. Then Smoochie showed up.

Minor dogfight ensues,,,,,

Look who won.

Of course I had to add this.

2009-07-10T12:47:00.002-04:00

It explains and shows up front and personal!

It sounds reallllly intriguing,,,,,BUT

2009-07-10T12:44:00.001-04:00

Most Emailed Photos on Yahoo News
Originally uploaded by The Heart Attack Grill

I dont think I'll be eating here anytime soon!

Alive and kicking

2009-07-02T18:01:00.001-04:00

smooch1
Originally uploaded by ajastoy

Have I used that title already? Details,,, real quick. I was working. As of 6/1/2009 I'm restricted again with now work,, due to being way to sweet, sigh. Dog sitting, knitting and spinning ensue along with treadmill walking inbetween all the above listed activities.

Playing with Weavettes,, and did I mention that I am contemplating buying a loom now?

Jetta learns a new trick.

2009-04-19T11:26:00.004-04:00

See the innocent looking one on the left,,,,, Well let me tell you, he's not so innocent.

It all started yesterday morning. Hubby was taking care of some things in Brooklyn. Son was going to his job. Peace and quiet in the morning or so I thought.

I had fed the dogs, gotten some laundry together to do, and getting ready to run a few errands after I was going to hop into the shower fast. So I decided, let me take the dogs out to do their thing before this. Right before I was going to take them, Jetta was going ballistic, barking away, joined by Smoochie,,, with no sign of letting up. I peek thru my door. Dont see anything. I was going to let the dogs out on the deck but son and hubby hadnt closed the front gate. So I get myself out without the dogs, go to the gate, bolt it. Walk back to the door,,,, and I cant get in.

Jetta is a supreme jumper. He lets us know when he has to do out by sitting by the front door, barking,, and then starts to jump straight up in the air at the door.

He locked the door!

What are the odds?

Well good thing for nice weather as I was in a tank and leggings and sandals. Without keys, cellphone or anything. Do we have a spare key outside somewhere. NO.

House across the street is being built, some workers there,, so I begged one of the guys to let me use his cell to call hubby. Voicemail. I leave a message. I wait an hour. Nada.

I walk to one neighbor to the left of us,,, no one is home, sigh.

I wait another 15 minutes, and decided to try my other neighbor, the one we really dont talk to anymore.

She was home thankfully, let me use her phone. Got hubby who then said "get the keys form your son". How did I know that was coming.

Long and short of it, Neighbor took me to son's job, I got the key, she dropped me off, and I finally got in the house.

Never a boring day here!

Other than that a Knitpicks order I was waiting for arrived on Friday,, with my yarn to start Decimal from Knitty! I got the Shine sport in Serrano, and from casting on, what a pleasure to work with that yarn! Made up for being locked out, lol.

I've been kidnapped on hubbys birthday!!!

2009-03-06T23:12:00.006-05:00

By hubby (sort of). Actually, I worked last week Sunday to get of today. Hubby had something planned and wouldnt really tell me what, just that we were going away for 2 nights.

Anyway,,,, we are up and out early this morning. We're on the highway,,,,driving to JFK,,,,,, and as we get to the Jetblue Terminal,,, he informs me that we are flying to spend the next 2 days in Portland, Maine.

Why??? He says he likes his lobster's fresh.

I wont argue with that, lol.

PS on another really good note,,,,, there are 4 yarn shops in the general area to where we are staying,,, really close. Two of them happen to be 1) the Maine extension store of Seaport Yarns, and 2) (be still my heart!!!) Tess' Designer Yarns. Gorgeous stuff in this one, that I saw first hand when I went to MDSW Festival back in 2007.

Am I happy that I am here, eating lobster and seafood and about to go yarn shopping??

HELL YEAH!!!

What snow does to pups!

2009-03-01T22:35:00.001-05:00

Falling numbers

2009-02-04T12:31:00.002-05:00

This is a hit and run literally today, since I've not much time for anything on the weekends. Another 3.8 down! Total so far 12 pounds. Have to redo ticker cause I can't remember my pin, LOL.

Knitting and spinning-wise, not much done and what was done is slow going, sigh.

I am a victim, however, of Ipod Touch wi fi yarn shopping, thanks to WWW.Dizzysheep.com! I need fiberholics anonymous!

First post of 2009

2009-01-24T20:25:00.006-05:00

Firstly, I hope everyone has had a happy and a healthy New Years.

Secondly, I'm tired. Am I ever anything but while working? Its going,, but hard going at the same time. I'm on whats called the List. The List means that I am an extra body. I can find out what work I have the night before,, or be listed for a report time which means I come in at said set time,,, and literally sit around waiting to see if I get called for work. Only thing is,, where I fall into the list, I'm an early AM person. On average I have to be at work at/around 6 am. Which means leave my home 2 hours before I'm due to make sure I make it.

If I dont get any work,,,which has happened only twice since I came back, I sit around for 8 hours then go home. But I've been getting work. Senior work which is good, cause for the most part it pays. It also means I come in early and dont get to leave/finish work till 7-8 pm or later. But my knitting/spinning has greatly suffered. Even on days where I might end up having a huge lunch break (4-7 hours depending) I might knock off a few rows of whatever it is I'm working on, then I fall asleep face first into it (yes I am watching out for the needles!).

So my days have been going like this. Get to work anywhere from 5-7 am depending, finish anywhere from 6-8 pm on average, meet hubby in Brooklyn,, we leave to go home. An hour to 1 1/2 hours later we might be walking in the door around 9-10 pm. If I'm up for an hour,,, thats alot. Then the cycle begins again at around 3:30 in the morning.

Sigh, I miss the Tuesday nights with my knitting group. I miss my monthly Spinning Guild meetings. But I do realize as exhausted as I now am again,, how lucky I am that I was able to get back to work,, with all that is going on nowadays.

Ok that was enough bitching. Good news now at least.

I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. As of weigh in today, I'm down a total of 8.2 pounds. I'm not starving with this program,, some of the Weight Watcher bars have been a godsend, lol. That and the Pro-Portion restaurant that is right next door to the Weight Watcher's center that I go to. All their food is portioned and with points listed. Its actually delicious and I havent cooked at all these last 2 weekends. I cant remember the last time I did anything lowfat! It truly has been totally dealable so far. I'll see how it goes and keep track of my losses on here somewhere. Time for ticker hunting.

Well time to hunt up some dinner,, I still have half of my points left for today. Think there's some fat-free popcorn in my future tonight with a DVD!

To absent family and friends

2008-12-29T12:33:00.002-05:00

Its been a tough time, these past few weeks. I returned to work,, which no one in my family was really expecting. It only made things harder in the long run.

My Father-in-law, Joseph, lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma yesterday.

Thankfully his suffering is over.

Joseph Ami
1930 - 2008

Picture was taken at the end of last May after we had gotten the pups.

Miss ya Joe.

A Surprise! (or how my day was made today)

2008-11-25T00:23:00.005-05:00

I know, I know,,,, I'm not minding my blog again. I've lots to catch-up on, but this I had to post.

Now I know many of us post comments on other's blogs. Some of us post constantly,, some a comment here and a comment there. I have done both at different times on different blogs.

So today, thru the updated blogs section on Ravelry,, I check out the blogs,,, and the Yarn Harlot has her's updated. A post more about painting and renovating one of her daughter's bedrooms more than anything else. And done very very nicely too,, hence my comment on her blog of "Wanna come and do my house next?".

It's not that often that (or ever actually) that I get an email response back from a Worldwide reknown Knitting Diva.

Stephanie kindly responded back,,,,"Would your feelings be hurt if I said I would rather go lie down in the road?" Hell, Stephanie can tell me where to go and how,, and I think I'd take it as a compliment!!

It's not my fault,, really it isnt!!

2008-10-31T15:47:00.001-04:00

Here I havent even had the chance to post about Rhinebeck,,,, and my life starts to crumble, due to this!

Better late than never!

2008-10-26T23:07:00.001-04:00

No-raffle Ravelry winners
Originally uploaded by deva_sarasvati

Talk about late! I am still recovering from Rhinebeck. Dont know if its a bug, the time of year or what, but I've been exhausted this whole week! Rhinebeck was a blast, met tons of new friends and old ones. As usual it was too short a weekend!

Not too many pics of me,, unless peeps want to send them to me. This one is from the Ravelry Party Saturday night with the yarn I won in the raffle giveaway along with another Raveler whose name I dont know. Pretty cool yarn, pretty cool part, pretty cool people that night!

Also did I mention that Boddingtons Ale is really really divine?

RHINEBECK!!!

2008-10-17T02:49:00.003-04:00

Need I say more? Hubby did a number and didnt want to come. I'm on my own for the weekend! I am stoked, packed and ready and going to bed after this post. I made sure my brand new sock bag, my "Dumpling" was done and felted,, its drying right now.

Just some embellishments to do that will have to be done once I'm back home.

I've got 3 other ladies that are going to be sharing my room with me,, so more money for shopping, if there is anything special that catches my eye! Like the possibility of splitting a fleece with Necia!

I'm hoping to get up there at a reasonable time to maybe either use the pool, jacuzzi or sauna. All this to get prepped to hook up with other Ravelers at the Holiday Inn,,,who are waiting for me to break out the Box O'Wine. Dont ask, lol.

My laptop is coming,, and camera, so if anything good is photographed, and I'm coherent enough after the Ravelry party Saturday night, I'll try to post. Otherwise its waiting till I'm home.

So if your up there and see me wearing my purple Clapotis, while holding my dumpling above (which is prob gonna have Rav buttons on it), dont be a stranger, come say HI!

The ultimate sellout..................Sigh.

2008-10-02T21:09:00.004-04:00

Now back in the day,,, starting about 30 years ago (as I really date myself now), there was once a band that I loved called "The Sex Pistols".

Now short of all the tragic and fatal circumstances of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen,,, well Johnny Lydon/Rotten was simply one of a kind.

Does this mean we all truly sell out in one form or another,,,in the end?

Johnny the way I best remember him!

Johnny now,,,,,, cute but at the same time, so very sad!

You be the judge!

Saving the best (I think) for the last.

Sid at his best!

Some actual fiber content.

2008-10-02T13:37:00.006-04:00

I was really disgusted that I hadnt finished the bobbin that was sitting on my wheel for a bit. I finished this up actually at the last guild meeting. I wanted to keep it as a single,,, so here it is.

Merino/Tencel blend, bought from The Sheep Shed (not the one that everyone gets their fiber from either, this is from www.sheepshed.net) from Rhinebeck last Oct and from Ct Sheep and Wool, last March.

If I did my math right (I'm really tired right now) I should have approx 672 yds. The only thing I havent done yet is the WPI.

I do so like how this came out.

Any suggestions on a pattern with this yardage for this variagated yarn?

Daily Puppy

2008-09-29T19:58:00.001-04:00

Daily Puppygreat free widgetsWidgetbox

And for good measure.....

2008-09-19T11:29:00.002-04:00

AAAAArrrrrrr!!!!!

2008-09-19T11:29:00.001-04:00

My pirate name is:

Bloody Jenny Flint

Every pirate lives for something different. For some, it's the open sea. For others (the masochists), it's the food. For you, it's definitely the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Why not?

2008-08-18T16:56:00.000-04:00

A real pair finally!

2008-08-17T13:08:00.003-04:00

Just dont mind the puffy feet!

The shame of this was,, I finished the 2nd sock at around 3 am, 8/15. Went to a knit night at a local yarn shop, dug out my crocs and my croc maryjanes,,,,,couldnt get either of them on my feet due to the swelling. Sigh,,,but at least I have a pair made, to wear around the house if nothing else!

Cant I get just one break?

2008-08-01T12:18:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning at 8 am. Not that unusual for the most part. Except that,, this time I was woken up to the terrible raucous sound of my air conditoner falling out of the window, 2 floors down!

Sigh.............

I think this is only the start of a terrible leading into my birthday week.

Guess I'll be spending the day at Starbucks a bit later to escape the heat for sure.

Poor doggies.

Smoochie's First Swim!

2008-07-30T01:12:00.003-04:00

Again this is thru my digital camera, which has no sound, sigh. This was sooooo cute,, I really had no choice but to post it!

Mr. Big (Ears)!

2008-07-15T15:07:00.002-04:00

This I knew....

2008-07-09T00:33:00.002-04:00

Saw this on Rosi's blog,, and had to take it. Somehow,, the results do not surprise me one bit!

As a 1930s wife, I am
Poor

Take the test!

And now for something completely different!

2008-06-26T23:28:00.003-04:00

Yup it happened again. Dont know where my charger is for my digital camera batteries. Which means I'll have to take some crappy pics with my camera phone. So there will be some knitting and spinning content to follow. Just bear with me.

And in the meantime,,,since I seem to be good at finding the odd and the macabre. It is the summer,, and it is racing season,, so without further ado,,,,,,,

How about you?

2008-06-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

Annual Occasion Countdown Clock

2008-06-13T20:35:00.001-04:00

Annual Occasion Countdown Clockgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

I is Tired!

2008-06-11T23:29:00.002-04:00

Busy day today. Off to Brooklyn to meet with a lawyer to inquire on what I might need to do to pursue things on my behalf. So up early,,, only to find that Jetta pooped his crate, sigh. Bad puppy!! After hubby and I quickly hosed/bathed him and then dried him down,, we were on our way to Brooklyn at around 10 am. Met up with a friend,, made it to our appt. After that, went to lunch with friend and then dropped friend off. After that,,, decided to inquire about pension info and had to go downton Brooklyn. Picked up another friend who also had an appt downtown and gave him a ride. Went to pension section,,,, zipped thru, got info,, and had time to kill.

We had decided since we were in Brooklyn,, to take both our Dad's out today for Father's Day. Josh was off on vacation this week and really didnt relish the possibility of driving in traffic on Sunday back and forth. Not the day before he was due back to work anyway,, which I dont blame him one bit. Soooo,,,, due to our location downtown,,,, and the fact I was lucky the thought of Brooklyn General (which I had never been too) popped into my mind,,, and that I have the internet on my phone,,,,,, I quickly got the addy up,, and sweetly asked said hubby if we could possibly pass by there. Good thing for a really nice day, and not a heatwave like the past few,,, and that we had the time to kill, lol.

It was a really cute little store! And I was super duper good! I bought not one bit of yarn!!! I looked of course, but held fast. Instead,, I was checking out the sparkle/angelina/firestar stuff along with their spinning fibers. I figured,, I have so much yarn. I have so much fiber. I have my drumcarder that I have yet to really play with,, but I have nothing interesting to add to any of my fibers to add in. That changed today,,, while still being really good! I bought 3 colors of 1/2 ounce each, and one color in 1 ounce. I was all set,, but still looking around the store, and perusing thru their books when I saw it. And called hubby over just to show him, since it was a book that he had promised to get me for my birthday last summer and hadnt. The Alden Amos Big Book of Spinning. He walked over, asked how much from the saleswoman that was helping and talking spinning to me,,, and the next thing I knew,, he grabs the book and my little bags of sparkley stuff and off he goes to the register! Do I have this man trained or what???

On an exit note,,,,, he's paying,, I'm now looking at the front of the store,,, and I spotted another item I had wanted. Its a tote/project thingie that my friend Jo,, from my Saturday knitting group has,,, and its always caught my eye. And it caught my eye in Brooklyn General, lol. I grabbed that one for myself and at a good price too,, it was about $8 less than the places I've checked online. So a bargin for me yet,, which isnt too shabby. This is what I got. http://www.bagsmith.com/site/caboodle1.asp

I have to brush up on my html,,, mind is too fried right now to do it up right,,, sigh.

Anyway, so after this,,, we hightail it back to our old end of Brooklyn,, get my FIL, and meet my dad at the restaurant. I will say I do miss Roll -n-Roaster! And I behaved,, a grilled chicken sandwich and some sweet potato fries and unsweetened iced tea. Yummy tho. So we eat, hang out,,,then say our goodbyes to my dad, as we go to drop my FIL back home and hightail it on the highway back home to our place. When all was said and done it was still pushing 9 pm.

Like I said a long day!

Way too funny.

2008-06-07T23:30:00.002-04:00

For the moment,, this has me amused. I've got news to post, and not good news either, sigh, but for the moment,,, let me keep my good mood.

http://lolinator.com/lol/www.knittingonabus.blogspot.com/

This was found via a link from another blog and it was just too cute not to put up!

PS My new name is now Nelly Hairballz

She Barked!!!

2008-06-02T16:57:00.004-04:00

The vicious Chihuahua that beats up the German Shepherd dog that's 7 times her size has spoken!

I do have to add,, that big red "toy" in the background is indeed a dog chewie toy.

My husband had a few comments for it when I brought it home!

Yay! It worked. Sound such as it is!

2008-05-16T15:04:00.004-04:00

Ok,, go figure, I have tons of trouble with my video off of my digital camera,,, til Youtube,, and then while playing with my camera phone, I cant view vids I send to my email, but Youtube again comes to the rescue. Image quality I have to figure out on the phone,, but at least there is sound. So one of these days you get to hear Smoochy (Yeah I think I settle with that over Smooshy) and Jetta barking!

I'm at the tail end of Smoochy's sweater, if you'll forgive the pun!

In the meantime,,,,,

I definitely have to get used to videoing with my phone,, sorry about quality.

Ok I think I got it now,,,,, PUPPIES,, REDUX

2008-05-13T23:16:00.003-04:00

In its full format,,,I present,,,,Smooshy (or Smoochy) and Jetta!

Tamara,,,, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

One and only bad thing,, no sounds,,, and Jetta started barking yesterday!

PUPPIES!!

2008-05-13T15:04:00.008-04:00

Or at least about 10 secs worth of puppies, lol. Using photobucket,, it really limits the amount you can put in, as I just found out. Original vid was almost 2 minutes long. A shame,,, you have to see the 2 of them attempting to kill each other. Smooshy (I think its sticking) stands her ground tho and gives it back to Jetta. She is the older one after all.

Think this is the only way I can do it right now. Click on PUPPIES in the header and it comes up that way. Why I havent a clue but it does.

Happy Belated Mother's Day!!

2008-05-12T01:30:00.003-04:00

I'm tired. Yes, I have been buying yarn on the cheap. Yes I'm going back and forth betweein knitting a zillion projects, spinning and running to knitting meetups in the area. That between dr's appt for the job that they cant seem to schedule right, etc etc (in other words, traveling to the city for nothing). So still not working, still not receiving any compensation at all for almost 3 months, and yes I still did not hit Lotto or Megamillions. Sigh. One of these days tho.

On the other hand,,, its been a very busy past 2 days here. So busy that I cant even keep straight in my head what I did want to blog about. This is the reason why. My 2 day early Mother's Day presents.

I will post later if I'm able (if they let me, that is), with some better photo's. I've got to upload the ones from my camera, this one is just from the cameraphone.

I am tired. We've got the size range covered now. From the smallest-Chihuahua, to pretty large - a really big boned German Shepard pup. Lets just say I dont mind cleaning up after the Chi. LOL.

We've named the German Shepard pup Jetta (as in one of the many we own) and I do have to say,, I like that name for the pup better than Schultz. Hubby already said I should name my Chi Klink,, so much for the Hogan's Hero's influence, sigh.

I cant think of a name that I really like for my Chi. I was thinking,, of Smooshy or Baby, only because thats what I have been calling her. First I thought, Charo,, or Maya but they arent working either. I'll keep at it tho. She is the sweetest little pup,, just 7 months old. She know's what she wants too. Just to sit on top of my boobs and curl up. She does make for a really cozy neckwarmer, I do have to admit, lol.

Anyway,, off to bed now. Very tired from the past 2 days of getting used to the pups training me again. Just walked Jetta a few minutes ago and at least he did pee outside,,,,, for now.

Swoon!

2008-04-02T00:55:00.001-04:00

I cant help it. I have always loved Beaker!

My week so far......

2008-03-30T00:07:00.002-04:00

I really do have to catch up,,, on projects, little completed things, etc etc.

Life really does get too much in the way sometimes,,,,, I am just too damn tired.

Not looking forward to my stress test coming up Monday either,,, I know its probably not going to go well,, sigh, so much for getting into shape.

In the meantime,,,I'll be doing this I think,,,,,

Frustration Relief

HAPPY EASTER ALL!

2008-03-23T18:00:00.004-04:00

And a happy day in general for those that dont celebrate!

Firstly

Secondly

Lastly

I do so know how this bunny feels right about now, lol.

Happy Holidays all!

Dont kill the messenger,,,,,,,,,,,,

2008-03-17T14:08:00.002-04:00

I saw this on another blog, and it was soooooo stupid, and soooooooo cute,, how could I not list it here?

A JOKE

What is the difference between a Governor's wife and a hooker?

Now I know

That I will

Be ducking

Because of

This one

For a

Very very

Very very

Long time

To come!

Okay,,,, the not quite longly awaited for answer to the question.

One is a Spitzer,,, and the other is a Swallower!

BA DA BUM

Mine,,,, ALL MINE!!!!!!

2008-02-26T19:15:00.005-05:00

Please just call me by my new name. Daffy,,, for more than one reason!

This is me at the moment,,,, the next hour,, the whole night! Deciding to do this has plum tuckered me out, seriously. I do not think I am cooking dinner tonite,, would take too much effort after deciding to do what I did.

The title above is clickable and will explain all once you see whats there.

Tamara is somewhere shaking her head,, I know it. Necia too! Girls just throw those meds at me and keep them coming! I'm gonna need it after doing this.

Sock patterns anyone,, magic loopable preferably?

V is for Valentine's Day.

2008-02-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

How fitting. I spent most of today trying to reach a woman that works at my cardiologist's office,, trying to find out if she had the Dr fill out the one itty bitty sheet of paper that I needed for my medical re-check for tomorrow. After calling her several times, and being told "she's in with the dr's right now", "I'll have her call you back as soon as she's available", etc etc. I dont get a call back. At all. Instead I tried calling one last time after 5pm, thinking I would get the Dr's service. Nope, I got the person I needed. Who then proceeded to tell me that the Dr had my paper, doesnt know if he filled it out. Or better yet, if he didnt, she doesnt know if he'll be in the actual office tomorrow. My chest actually hurts today. Nothing like November mind you,, but still an annoying "thingie" feeling. Not that I expect to be put back to full duty as of tomorrow (yeah right), but it would have been nice to have what I needed especially when hubby made sure the paper was in the Dr's office last Tuesday.

So Between this nonsense, and just thinking of today. Heartwise at least,,,knowing my heart is not 100% of what it should be. That it will never ever be whole again. Thats me in a nutshell,, I'm damaged goods. Guess I'll live to see another V-day. I have too. I have way too many bills to pay, sigh.

But this past week was a good week for knitting. Had my usual meetup with the ladies at Starbucks on Saturday. Sunday, I was invited with a few others, to another knitting friend's place for a few hours! So the weekend at least was sheer knitting heaven as far as I was concerned.

After the Superbowl last week,,,and my El Capitan,,, I knew I was going to make another one. Which I did last week Thursday and Friday! Saturday just had to make the little cross strip for the brim and sew the buttons and ends in,, I was wearing it Saturday night!

Hat is comfy,, but definitely had more give that the first one I made. I think I have to tighten it up somehow.

I love this tho. When button searching,, I knew I wanted a silver toned one this time for this color hat. What did I find?

These!

Is this the funkiest little button you ever saw? On Sunday, when I wore the hat,,,I was asked "Did I weld quarters onto the buttons on the hat?". I thought it was hysterical, but hey,, it makes the cap different, thats for sure!

Anyway for that Sunday I wanted to bring something different to work and knit on. I had just gotten some Cascade 220 on sale and had 2 skeins of a muted heathered purple color,,, and since I am such a glutton for punishment, I decided to attempt the Forest Canopy Shawl yet again. I gave my homespun a rest,, since I have to frog it anyway. Karen (Cooknknit) was there Sunday,, and gave me some help. I just dont know what it is everytime I attempt lace. I fuck it up. It can be the most simple pattern and I screw it up. Well I had a bad moment or two (or three, lol) that Karen fixed up for me, and then I gave it a break for the rest of the night.

The following day (or so), I had been talking to Tamara (of Beancast fame!) about this, and she seem shocked that I wasnt following the charts for the pattern. I mean its an 8 row lace pattern,, of which WS rows are purls. So you figure how badly could I have messed up 4 rows? Apparently,,,enough, lol. And this is with writing out the pattern onto index cards (4 pattern rows-4 index cards). I am somehow Lace Dsylexic. Sigh. I decide to bite the bullet and give the chart a shot. I mean we're not talking a zillion stitches,,, or a zillion rows. I couldnt screw up anymore than I had already right?

I had to post this one slightly larger. Its lace! Simple pattern but its Lace! Again thank you Karen and Tamara for helping me out, even if it seemed like not much on your end. I'm not letting this go to my head of course (no "Wings of the Moth" for me just yet!), but the fact its working and doing what its supposed to. Or that I am doing what I am supposed too! Guess its gonna be charts for me for now on!

Seeing this and how it is working out, is all my poor little heart needs at this point to feel good. And do a good pitter patter!

So I'm going to go sip my glass of red wine now,, get my stuff ready for medical tomorrow. Either they put me back to work restricted (with no work at my depot) or (hopefully???) I might be home for at least another month? I'm keeping my fingers crossed, lol, hubby is off next week. Plus I've got my guild meeting on Wednesday!

Either way, next post might involve some drumcarding. Details to follow!

Vid of the week or Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T01:13:00.003-05:00

For those in the supreme throws of love!

Pelvic Power Lifting?

Never mind me,, and I worry about doing Kegels? Knitting content to follow shortly, lol.

PS,, after posting I just had to watch this over one or two more times. My head wont stop hurting from the laughing I've been doing!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! SEND CHOCOLATE!

*NEWSFLASH*

The American's were at it too! (snicker)

The Little Creature that could!

2008-02-06T22:02:00.000-05:00

Or I guess you could call this that. I was checking out mail at one point this afternoon,,, as I was in and out of the house running errand all day. I glance out the bay window where my comp is and I see the big fat racoon, just lumbering by, climbing up the step of my back deck, and then going down the stairs of what used to be the pool.

I was in shock,, since I do know all too well that racoons are nocturnal. And that if you see one during the day,, to stay clear away, as it is a sign that it might be sick or infected with rabies. Did I stay away? Well I gave it a minute, grabbed my cell phone (camera batteries where dead, damnit) and slipped out my sliders to the back to see where the little bastard went.

Now I was just curious,, I dont want them hurt or trapped or anything like that, but there's been a family of these critters that just love climbing up to my bedroom balcony,,,, onto my roof, running around like their doing their little racoon Indy 500 over my head. That and how those itty bitty paws can be so destructive,, as the siding to the back of the cottage behind my house will attest too. I wont even begin to say how damn loud they are when the weather is nice enough to have our bedroom windows open,, to have them screeching and chattering away when your trying to sleep.

Anyway again I digress. Here's the pic of the ungrateful bastard, lol. I apologize for the blurryness and this was as close up as I could get with my PDA. You can see its little ringed tail,, and on the right side you can just about make out its head.

Ah, nature!

How I spent my Superbowl Sunday!

2008-02-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

Well here it is, and I know I'm running late with this but "GO GIANTS!!!"

Anyway, how I spent the day. Woke late, hubby in a foul mood due to waking late and feeling like the day was wasted. I knew better,,,lol,, and I know when to stay out of his way! Got breakfast, came home,, went online onto Ravelry to see what I could possibly make next! I had a skein of yarn that I bought at a sale that Three Black Sheep out by me had had. It was a a natural colored skein of a bulky wool and something fiber. Maybe some mohair, cause believe me it is fuzzy enough. For $2 you dont complain, you just grab it and pay for it and run out of the door like a madwoman, lol. Well,, I had checked out my queue again, and went back to check Rosi G's "El Capitan" cap. Ok I figured I'd give it a shot. Printed the pattern out,,, grabbed my yarn, needles and current knitting bag, packed with it's tschokas and flew out of the house for some peace and quiet at Starbucks. I think I should be paying them some rent, with all the time I've been spending there, lol.

Well, I go get my venti decaf skinny mocha, extra mocha, light whip (a mouthful I know!) grab my usual seat (the comfy armchair), and just take in the laidback music,, sipping my drink,, casting on my stitches. Did a long tail cast-on,, which is fine. Except that I didnt leave a long enough end. So rip it out cast on again. 2nd times the charm. I do the first few rows, the first cable row,, and even tho I was getting gauge across the hat,, I wasnt quite sure I was going to get it lengthwise. Instead of doing 7 rows in pattern, I decided to do 5. At this point I decided to go home and relax in front of the TV with either cable or a DVD, and just veg out.

The game was coming on,, my son actually wanted to watch it, and I was really interested in checking out the commercials more than anything,,,lol,, so we watched.
Even as I was knitting away, before the end of the first quarter,, can we say I was hooked?

And so the game went,,, and my knitting. By the end of the game, I had two things to be happy about. The Giants won,, and I basically finished the hat part of El Capitan.

It may not be much to some knitters out there but this was the fastest thing I knit, even with a bulky yarn. Maybe I should watch more football? Oh damn, I have to wait till next fall now! LOL. Well in tooting my own horn, hat part done during the Superbowl,,, yesterday night I did the brim and brim strip and wove everything in. I knew I should have run to a store yesterday to see about buttons! That I did today and sewed them on the minute I got home. I think I could have sewn them a tad closer together, but live and learn!

So here is "El Capitan"!! Thank you Rosi for such a great quick knit!

PS it made for a very nice warm cap! It was chilly in the house as I was typing this,,,so I've been wearing it to keep warm!

PPS thats my son wearing it, acting as a model for once,,, who took one look at the cap and said "No way Ma,, you didnt make that, you bought it!"

Drumroll please,,,,,,With actual knitting content!

2008-02-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, so after some 7-8 yrs of off and on knitting,,, potchkering here and there,,,starting projects (socks 3 times already) and never finishing them, save for the one lone sock from last summer I can proudly present to you.

MY FIRST PAIR OF COMPLETED SOCKS!!!!

Are we still standing? Did anyone keel over from the immense meaning of that one said statement?

PROOF YOU WANT??? PROOF YOU WILL GET!!!

Ok lets forget now that they are in 2 different colors. Forget that they were done for a small child (my niece Kylie, who is 4 years old and begged me to make her some socks!). I dont give a flying fuck at this point! THEY ARE DONE! TWO AT THE SAME TIME!

Gawd help me,, lol I think I'm gonna have another heart attack from this one miniscule event, lmao!

Ok advice now,, this done and out of the way. I am going to attempt to make a pair of socks for me alone. Toying with the idea of Monkeysocks, since I've never attempted anything other than stockinette. I also have a beautiful skeins of ,,,Sea Wool in Hercules,,, some Lorna's Laces 3 different colors worth! 2 loverly skeins of Araucania Ranco and of course, my Schaffer Anne.

Any advice offered will be graciously considered!

I had to do it,,,

2008-01-30T23:33:00.001-05:00

So just smack me now!

Now just remember, you have to go in order.

1- The Lord of the Rings

The ORIGINAL Lord Of The Rings In 5 Seconds - For more amazing video clips, click here

Which was followed by,,,,

2- The Two Towers

The Two Towers In 5 Seconds - Amazing videos are here

Followed by last but not least by,,,,,

3- The Return of the King

Return Of The King In 5 Seconds - The best bloopers are a click away

Ok Spinn, you asked for it, you got it!

Please forgive me!

2008-01-23T14:22:00.000-05:00

I really really really could not resist this. And no it is not the latest bag I've bought to use as a knitting bag.

The video url did not work but this link should. Ok Now I got it up and running.

Click ME

Too many projects on the needles at the same time now I tell ya! The brain is officially shot!

Ok just to keep up with things....

2008-01-20T02:24:00.001-05:00

Just to show of the mentally stimulating side of me.

The ORIGINAL Amadeus In 5 Seconds - The funniest bloopers are right here

I just had to do this. Really.

Next week - The Lord of the Rings for People with really really really short attention spans.

What have I been up to lately?

2008-01-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Talk about a loaded question. Let's see, to start I've been home. Most of the people I know online know what the deal is but I'll try to make a short recap.

Other than a few little nonsense posts, with the exception of about a 3 week period in November, I've been home. Pre-November,,,, Home from work due to elevated sugar levels. Home due to no work. And so that went til November. Went back to work,, on my merry way for the next 3 weeks just about until one week after Thanksgiving. November 29th will be remembered as the big one.

That morning started as any other working day for me. up at 0430am,, out the door about 0510am,,, hubby driving,,, me resting, when 5 minutes or so into our commute,, it starts. Not heartburn,, but a major uncomfortableness, smack dead center of my chest. Like an elephant sitting on a half dollar piece over that area. No sharp pain at all. I was thinking "could this be a heart attack?" Nah,, how could it be? I'm only 46 years old. Do I think of what my dr had said about I have the unholy trinity?
I smoke,,, for years. I'm overweight. And most importantly, I have type 2 diabetes? Still denying that it could be a heart attack I just tell hubby I'm getting scared. At this point where about 1/2 way thru our commute. He asks "do I want to go to a hospital?" I just tell him,, I dont know, I'm scared. The uncomfortableness of the situation was going on for about an hour total when we hit his workplace first. He called in sick on my behalf,, but couldnt do the same for himself due to time constraints pertaining to reporting for work. So here is how the next 5 days basically went.

THURSDAY
I go to my sis's house, hubby does his mornings work, meets me after calling our cardiologist, get the service, service says the office will call asap.

We go to the cardi's office, who after 40 mins or so and some tests, sends me across the street to the Hosp for further tests.

Pending those further tests results,, I'm told I've had a minor heart attack, get transported to NYC to another hospital by Life support Ambulance (I wasnt that bad at all,, but what the hell I didnt make these arrangements after all). After testing at the 2nd hospital,, I'm told an angiogram is going to be done Friday the next day. I'm made as comfortable as can be in CCU. I was also one of the healthiest persons in there at that time.

FRIDAY
Angiogram is scheduled for the morning,, then I'm told in the late afternoon. Sure prey on my nerves some more. I'm told I'm Hypertensive now. Wouldnt you be if you had the blood pressure cuff from Hell attached to your right arm and it goes off every 10-15 minutes trying to cut your limb off by air pressure alone? (PS I had more black and blues and bruises on my right arm from that godamn pressure cuff than all the IV's and stuff that were loaded in my arms.) So nerves are really getting to me as I try to keep my compusure prior to the angiogram.

Angio finally gets done,, I met the surgeon all of 5 minutes maybe,, prior to the procedure,, and 2 mins after when I was brought back to my room. Dr states to me how I had 2 blockages,, 1- 95%, 2-75% closed so 2 stents were put in. At least I'm not quite bionic yet. I'm told I'm going into the general population next day (reg room).

SATURDAY
I'm transferred to a regular room, with some sort of a view of rooftops.One good thing, its a 2 patient room and I've got it for myself for the time being. This hospital has the worst food I've ever tasted. Forget that I'm now on a low salt, low sugar, low/no fat diet. Can we say food sucks to eat? No fiber either, and that wasnt my doing. No fresh veggies, no salad on the side. Plus being diabetic I really got a kick of one meal of fish (good), peas (??? way to starchy plus they gave way too much)and then the 2 huge boiled white potato's they gave me (WTF???) They had me on insulin while in the hospital and they were commenting on how my sugar levels were high? Gee,, wonder why?

Short of the food fiasco,, family came, hubby came of course. Made calls to some friends, of which I got calls back from the majority of them. But did my son come on Saturday to see me? Nope,, he had a wrestling match from school. Was my pressure higher after finding this out? Whatcha think? I tried to remain as calm as I could and ended up napping and knitting alot, whether people were there or not.

SUNDAY
Wake up at about 4am,, couldnt sleep. Its snowing,,, looks pretty as it comes down all sparkly. A light coat is on the rooftops that I can see making the city look all clean and pure for the moment. The day is a repeat of yesterday, with the exception that my son actually came to see me. Still upset over that. Karen (Cooknknit) came to vist and graced me with being the first to see her "Here there be Dragons" shawl. Gorgeous! All I can say about it. Perhaps one day I'll get something 1% close to what that looks like done! Hospital people come and go. Nutritionist,, Chaplain (what the hell!) Magazine lady, lol. There's talk I'm being released on Monday. I'm hoping.

MONDAY
Yup I'm released today,, after lunch tho (which still sucked!). I am now loaded with an arsenal of nutritional info,,, meds,,,ordered to take it easy, real easy for at least 10 days. No driving,, no baths (what I wouldnt have done to just sit and soak in my bath at home to relax), no stress. I dont know about the stress part.

So here its been close to 2 months since the heart attack. Trying to do the right things. Everybody telling me do what I have to do for myself to get better and healthier. Sigh try to do that and not think of bills. Thats the sad part,, when this happened, I ran out of sick time, had a total of 7 days to get paid for, and once that was gone,, NADA. Paperwork put in for my disability insurance, which I'm sure will take forever to get my first payment. Filled out paperwork at the job for some sort of compensation,, that I was told dont hold my breath to recieve until its approved. That can take months.

This at least is all of the bad stuff thats been happening. I'm not dead thank heavens,,its dealable in its own way. It could have been much much worse!

testing a vid

2008-01-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

Hmmm this is weird. I tried to embed this months ago and it didnt work. I tried tonight for the hell of it and it seemed to work. Oh well.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-11T23:42:00.000-05:00

Click me!

I promise I'll catch up this week! I promise I'll catch up this week!

Happy Birthday to me! And I finished a sock,,,, finally!

2007-08-06T17:45:00.000-04:00

Yup thats right. Its my birthday today. 46 years on this earth. And its been a quiet on too, pretty much. Off from work for my birthday (contractual, lol), a guiet breakfast out. Some fireplace junk shopping in preparation of the possible cold winter ahead. A birthday iced coffee of course! Dinner out and nothing short of time to relax today and tonite! The way a birthday should be!

Now on to the sock (sock = one of two pair,,, a second one about to be started).

Still, this in itself was a herculean effort on my part, lol. I've attempted socks two times prior. Got to the toe decreases and then lost the socks, sigh. So with the fact I've finished one complete sock,,,,,I am just so full of myself right now!

I used Colinette Jitterbug in the Mardi Gras colorway,,, 1 skein is enough for a pair so we shall see. The only thing, when I made and finished the toe, I used a 3 needle bindoff,,, when I now see I should have used the Kitchner bindoff. Still its a sock. Its my sock,,, that I made. Its all mine!

Other knitting has been a shawl I have started. In stockinette using Tweedledum (Patons?, I have to check),,,Its progressing slowly but nicely!

Work has been exhausting. It really is easier in one sense,, doing express driving. On the other hand there is one thing,,, traffic. And plenty of it. I've incurred more overtime for coming back to the depot late due to traffic than I have the past 3 years of driving. We'll see how nice my next paycheck looks.

Friday was my 19A medical,,,, a federally mandated one. I passed and now my med re-check is slated for 9/27 which gives me time to get my butt in gear for it. For this medical I had to report after my run in the morning. I got into the depot late, hightailed it to the train to go to downtown Brooklyn. Got to medical about 1120am,,, they started tests about 2:00pm, cut me loose at 4:50pm,,, and when I called my depot to let them know,,, I was informed I had to go back to the city, get my bus and do some other work. So,,, in a nutshell my working day started at about 7am and ended 9:15pm. Lets just say I passed out once I got home from work at 1130pm!

TMI CONTENT! Dont worry no pictures!

And the wonderful present I gave myself for my bday! A boil! Not just an ordinary boil, a really stupendous birthday boil, sigh. Can we say hard boiled egg sized?

Inside of my leg in the crease of the thigh,, BIG SIGH, lucky lucky me. I think I'm calling in sick,,, my best friend through the day has been a big ole hot wet compress!

So I guess casting on for the 2nd sock is in order,, I'll have time to work on it.

Playing catch-up

2007-06-28T19:42:00.000-04:00

Its been my usual hectic couple of weeks. Try to get this on a roll.

I was bored last week, so I decided to break out the Dremel that I bought for myself and I made myself a Hackle! It worked,, but I think I have to relocate the combs to the short side,,,C clamps gave me a tough time. Picture trying to use the Hackle while the comb points are pointed to your tummy.

Again feet thrown in for comparison.

About 2 weeks ago, I went over to Kelly's house to hang and spin. I brought along my other bag of handpainted wool that I bought from The Drafting Zone (no web addy that I can find just yet!)

Kelly and I were making like dueling Spinners, lol,, or at least for a bit.

And when all was said and done,, I had this much done on my bobbin! Looks totally different, doesnt it?

And as it was getting dark,, what ferocious creature was this, with eyes glowing in the semi-darkness?

Why it is one of Kelly's Kitty's of course.

Since I have no pets of my own at the moment I have to live gratuitously through others pets!

Now this I love,,, the last week of June I was out sick. Mainly due to the fact my car hadnt started of Monday of that week, and there was no way I was gonna make it to work on time. And that did get me sick,,, to my stomach,,sigh. So I called in sick to work and had to stay out for 3 days just so I wouldnt get into trouble! Best part was getting myself my dr's note, and clearing myself to go back to work on Thursday,,till I called Wed nite to double check on something, and the Dispatcher tells me "Your still out sick". Dispatcher in the afternoon hadnt put me back to full duty,, sigh. So it was an extra day out for me,,, I should have made it the whole week. So much for Transit Authority policy.

But it did give me time to try and relax,, and cruise thru Etsy the whole week! Then I bought this!

Isnt it just the cutest little sock project bag you ever saw! AND it was half the price of the Goknit pouch. I got this little gem for only $10! I snapped this up from Deltafine Designs and boy is she speedy! I ordered this on a Tuesday, and I received it on Thursday! Happy shopping there!

It is just really perfect for holding my sock stuff! Its holding a wound ball of Colinette Jitterbug in the Mardi Gras colorway,, with my double points in my double point needle holder that I bought from Autumn House Farms.

Color of the fabric is just oh so pretty!

I have some more pics to post, will try to get it up later tonite or during the week. Its been a wild 2-3 weeks. Summer schedule started last week and I am now doing a straight express bus route! I cant even believe that I am doing this. Best part is,, it aint so bad!

I do one morning trip from Staten Island starting at 7:08am into Manhattan via New Jersey (and the Lincoln Tunnel). Very interesting taking a 45 ft long, 11 ft high bus thru a tunnel with traffic. Once that is done and I pull into the Manhattan Depot, around 9:30am,, I dont do my afternoon trips (2 trips out of lower Manhattan to Staten Island with a total of going back and forth 3 times thru the Battery Tunnel) till 3:10,, so I actually have time to myself for once. When that is done I pull into my depot at around 7:15pm. Makes for a really long day, given that I'm up at around 4am,,, and come home around 9-9:30pm,(commuting with hubby for the summer so I have to wait for him to finish at 8pm). But I get to see the Son from hell,, who by the way, failed English and is in summer school till the beginning of August, sigh.

The only thing thats really sad right now is about my FIL. We found out about 3 weeks ago that he's been diagnosed with a blood cancer. Its not leukemia or Hodgkins lymphoma, which are treatable, depending what form it is. It called Multiple Myeloma,, and there is no cure. I wont get into the specifics of it. Lets just say it hasnt been an easy 3 weeks, especially for hubby,,, and it doesnt look like its going to get any better any time soon.

The only thing that makes things a bit easier to deal with is that I got my Ravelry invite last week. I like to lose myself checking out all the patterns and yarns. It does much for stress reduction!

Ciao for now!

Spinning SP 2 is here!

2007-06-12T01:19:00.003-04:00

And I cant get over my very own Fibergodmother that I've received! She's Spinningforajastoy on the Knittyboards. And Wow! Spinning SP just started last week Monday and I came home tonite to find package #2 waiting for me!

Firstly,, the first package! It arrived last Thursday. In it was a note (that I forgot to take a pic of)

and this,,

Cashmere Top! It is so soft,, I've been petting it on a daily basis!

Next is this,,

Bamboo Top! The color came out much brighter due to the flash,,,but this too is soooo incredibly soft and silky!

Next up.

Beautiful white Mulberry Silk!

And last but not least,,

Mohair! Straight and unadulterated!

Hows all this for Fiber Crack. Dumbfounded I tell ya! I am simply dumbfounded!

Then tonight. My son let me know when I spoke to him earlier in the day that a package arrived for me. I had placed an order for something but that wasnt coming till the end of this week so I was puzzled. Flew home as fast as I could, thru the rain,, with standing still in 40 minutes worth of traffic,,, and upon arriving home and after racing to the bathroom (a girl has to do what a girl has to do you know!)I checked my package out.

North Carolina? Completely befuddled. My SP had stated that she sent out another little package but I had no idea I would get anything this quick!

I tore into it, thank heavens for strategically placed exacto knives! This is what was inside!

and the closeup!

Isnt it beautiful! Black Lipped Mother of Pearl! And it sure as hell beats the spice jar top and an old CD to use as a Diz. I think I have to try making the DIY Hackle this weekend to really put this gorgeous Diz to the test!

Thank you Spinningforajastoy! After this weekend alone, with my hormonally volatile son turning 15 years old Sunday, and putting me thru a weekend of hell, you've just knocked me on my butt with this surprise.

Its been a rough past week thats for sure. Too much to get into now. I am just exhausted! Friday was the lead in tho. Nothing like being on your bus in traffic trying to negotiate and it taking over an 1.5 hours to move 6 blocks! But it had its own little story, for the good in it. That'll be the next post.

So I leave now with showing off my Spinning SP goodies, and my finally washed and skeined yarn that I spun up and showed off on the noddy in my last post. My 470 yards of goodness!

Its sooo pretty!

Skeined up and ready to go!

A better closeup!

Its Done! First handpainted fiber spun up!

2007-05-28T22:54:00.000-04:00

Well this is it,, the last day of vacation. Everything went well all week til Saturday. It was my niece's first birthday party,, family and I were all set to run into Brooklyn for it. We ran to the the Starbucks drive thru for some iced coffee's for the ride in (boy was it hot that day!). As we pulled into the order area,, hubby shut the car off so the Starbucks person could hear the order, rather than over our diesel car running. Place order, hubby goes to start the car. Nothing. Nada. Not even a click. Starter troubles. Hubby was not amused. We got the car over to a parking space, son picked up our iced coffees from the window, hubby proceeded to walk home to get our other car to push/start up mine. For people that dont know,, even with a dead starter,, in a stick shift car,,,, give it a nice push start while its in gear and it starts up.

Thats what hubby did but not before son and I were cooking in/out of the car in the Starbucks parking lot. At least I got some color. Just very sorry I missed my niece's party,, :( Happy Birthday Bryn!

So hubby did what all handy hubby's do,, he worked on the car Saturday,, he worked on the car Sunday,,,, and discovered it was a wire that came off on the starter,,,, he did a quick fix for now. I hope it holds.

Other than that, went to our friends next door yesterday for a BBQ and sort of repaid the favor,, by bringing a ton of food today back over to their house, and we BBQ'ed again. Just dont want to go back to work tomorrow! 10 days is not enough to be off! I want to just be able to enjoy this weather on my front or back porch,,,knitting and spinning and listening to all the birds around me. Retirement wont be here soon enough, sigh.

Talking about spinning,,,, I FINISHED! The Bobbin was done Saturday nite, guess it pays to be aggravated over car troubles,,, I just lost myself in my spinning to not think about it. And once that was done,,, I started navajo plying it yesterday,, till 4 am this morning, lol. Once I was up for good this morning, I worked on it off and on in about 3 sessions till it was done.

Here's my pics!

I tried so hard to get it all on the bobbin. I had to stop when it overflowed, and a strand started to get stuck in the gear of my Woolee Winder. This was all that was left on the orginal bobbin of singles on the right. So so close, lol.

Lesson learned tho,,,Must use Lendrum Plying head rather than Woolee Winder.

On the niddy noddy. This is on my large niddy now, 72" one wrap around (I am very tired right about now), so 235 wraps,, I have 470 yds of yarn? Like I said I am tired,, but happy if my math (which always sucked) is correct.

I had a few breaks here and there (talk about having a heart attack!)which I spit joined,,,I am very happy with the results tho.

Of course due to the flash it comes off much brighter. Must take a pic of it in the sunlight once it is all washed up!

I also have to do the WPI to see what it comes out to. I basically spun this nice and even this time,, but I do have some slightly thicker areas in it, not much tho.

I think most of it comes close to fingering weight. Slowly but surely,, slowly but surely.

Now the really hard part. What the hell do I make with it? Suggestions please!

Ciao for now!

Vacation!

2007-05-23T22:12:00.000-04:00

Number 1,,, this is gonna be picture heavy,,, but not annoying as in those photobucket slide shows I had up prior.

I AM ON VACATION!!! No 4 words have ever sounded better than that right now. Only problem is I have to wait 4 1/2 more months to the last of this years vacation time,, but thats for 2 weeks and Rhinebeck falls in the middle!

So, lets see. I started off with having hubbys friend come in from Florida last week Thursday. He came up because he filed,,, as we did,(hubby and I)for the MTA Bridge and Tunnel Officer test, that was given on Sat, 5/19. I had taken the test a few years ago,, passed with flying colors,, (was 260 on a list of over 7 thousand test takers), But, sigh, when it came to the physical,, I didnt make it. It seems that at the time when I was called (2nd group to get called off of that test list), they had decided to change the physical. In a nutshell, they turned my physical into a real physical. But knowing what they want now,, I'm giving it a 2nd shot. If appt. and hired it'll mean the difference of working at least 17 yrs till I can retire (current bus job) or working 5 years on the Bridge and tunnel job and retiring. A no brainer really. I dont mind actually driving the bus itself, but if I can do this and get the hell out and retire?

Saturday

Anyway, the way it worked out,, Hubby had to take the test in Bklyn, same location as me. Only one thing,, he had the 10am test,, I was taking the 3:30 test. Friend had to take it also at 3:30,, but his testing site was in the Bronx,,,oh well.

So I went prepared. comfy shoes,, spindle and knitting. 2 knitting projects as a matter of fact. I took my sock that I am STILL working on, and I brought my sea silk,,,and the newest Interweave Knits! I wanted to make the Montego Bay Scarf by Amy Singer. I had the yarn,, the right size needles,,,and now the pattern so I was off!

And heres what I had once I was home. Again I'm a slow knitter, and bamboo needles are a bitch with sea silk!

Love the shimmer tho of the yarn!

So I spent about 4 hours in my car, parked by a pump, waiting for hubby to finish taking his test. Spindled, knit on the scarf,,, spindled some more, read the magazine,,, read my Yarn Harlot book,,, knit of the socks,,, spindled again,,, and so on and so on. Once hubby was out we went for a bit since I had time to kill prior to my test. We were on the Brooklyn/Queens border at Jamaica Ave,,, and found a McD's not to far from the HS were we took the test. Then I realized it,, and saw it.

Ok I cheated here,,, thats a pic that hubby sent via cell when he was doing OT one day, even tho it did rain lightly when I was there. I wanted to take a pic and totally forgot!

I said to myself I would look. I said to myself, no yarn,, maybe some notions instead. Again, yeah right,,, never happens. But I did not buy any wool. So it was ok, right?

Here's what I bought

This is Lily Cotton Elite,,, I've visions of making a Tomato, from "No Sheep for You"
At $1.99 a skein why not. I bought a bunch in these colors,, bright yes,,, worst case scenario,, lots of dishclothes!

Then I bought

Bernat Sox yarn! Ok, ok, its acrylic. I had never seen this before and at 99 cents a skein,, why not? Of course 2 needed for socks,, soooo,,,,,,lol.

After shopping, back to the school to take my test. Hot and tiring. I had a seat in a classroom next to a blackboard with chalk powder all over. Did I mention that my allergies were killing me? Claritin and all? Anyway, the actual test started at 4:30, 85 question. I can say only 2-3 question total threw me off, and because it was at the end of the question sheet and I was tired! But I got out of there 90 minutes later. I'm always fast at taking multiple choice tests. I feel it went very well, but we'll see once I get my card back on scoring. That'll take awhile.

Afterwards,,, we were going to meet hubby's friend in Chinatown in the city at Wo Hops. Wo Hops has been around forever and seems like its been that long since I was there. As we worked our way towards either the Manhattan or Williamsburg Bridge, I asked hubby "Can we take the Williamsburg"? Why? Errr,,, the Yarn Tree is down a block away, and I thought if we can stop, can I run in for a minute. As hubby moaned and groaned about my ever growing fiber stash supply,, he drove towards the Williamsburg Bridge. Alas,, I guess possibly due to the rain,,, the gates were down. Drats!

We made our way over to Chinatown,,,, had to wait about 90 minutes more till his friend worked his way down to us,,,,and then we proceeded to stuff our faces. Let me tell you,, for any of you that might read this,,, if and when in NYC, and you decided to go to Chinatown, do Wo Hops....at 17 Mott Street. The downstairs Wo Hops, not the upstairs one. The upstairs one,,,lol, is strictly for tourists. We real NY'ers always go to the downstairs one!

So after gorging ourselves, we worked our way home back to Long Island. This covered my Saturday.

Sunday

Friend has to leave to return to Florida. Oh did I mention that he arrived/left thru LaGuardia? When Islip/McArthur Airport is so much closer. Dumbass. But it worked out to my advantage in the long run.

We brought him,, dropped him off at his terminal. Hubby decided since once again we were soooo close to NYC, that he felt like going for a late lunch at Katz's. On the way over once again,, I hinted at Yarn Tree, hee hee. He took me there and gates were up!

Only problem was, we had to wait. We got there at 2:50, and Linda was walking the dog till 3:15. Hubby was being really really good about all this.

Linda came, opened up,, and I looked. I wanted some undyed fiber to possibly play with, along with some Kool-aid. So I got these.

Thats 8 oz of Shetland on the left,, and 1 lb of Targhee on the right. Wheeee!!!!

This I couldnt resist. so I bought 2- 2 oz(I think) bags.

Wensleydale locks! All Linda had was this color and a grey,,,I cant believe how long the locks are! Gonna have fun with my Flick brush! Nicest surprise was, when I was about to pay,,, hubby came over and took it from there. Tells Linda "When we retire, she'll (me) have enough fiber that she'll keep busy and leave me alone". Hey whatever works!

Katz's is a Deli,,,, as in the deli where Meg Ryan did her famous "Orgasm" scene in "When Harry met Sally". Delish pastrami sandwiches there. BUT we were not there for the pastrami. We were there for the Knubblewurst (sp). Think sort of like a Knockwurst, nice and fat, with the taste of a really crispy grilled kosher hot dog. Starts out as a big ring sausage, and they cut it up in chunks to grill. Nothing like it. And one of the cheapest hearty eats you can get in the Lower East Side! You get a steckel of knubblewurst on 2 slices of rye bread, with or without sauerkraut for $4.85! Just cant be beat. Wash that down with a Dr. Brown Diet Cherry soda (as I did, lol) and your set. Of course we had to get some crispy fries and a knish too!

Pics compliments of Cell phone once again

It was so good we brought some more knubblewurst sandwiches home for dinner that night! And also bought some whole knubblewurst to bring home to cook for Memorial day. YUM!

Monday

It was a lazy day. Son was in school,, so no aggravation for a few hours, lol. We took to a ride in the car,, it was soooo beautiful and sunny out. Panera's again for a late breakfast of bagels and cafe mocha's. We went to Sayville to windowshop. It worked for awhile (us just windowshop?). We went to one gourmet shop and hubby splurged on some pieces of Godiva chocolates for me and him (Key Lime chocolates are to die for!). Thankfully,, Rumplestiltskin is closed on Mondays. Checking out the stores on Main Street, I found the one kitchen item that I've been looking for. My salad spinner. My double duty little toy for when I want my salad greens all crispy but dry,, AND my toy to dry out amounts of fiber!

I needed it for this!

The fleece that Kelly (Licraftgal) and I picked up and split from Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. It was only about 2.5 lbs that we ended up with each,,, but it gives me the time to see if I like to process my own fiber. I'm not 100% sure,, but I think it was sheared from a Lincoln lamb.

Here's the fiber taking its nice hot bath! (blobby looking, isnt it?)

In this!

Then I let it rest to dry after it was spun to death in the salad spinner.

I then attempted to card it up, using my handcarders.

Now they look like rolags,, and the fiber is nice and sproingy springy. But for a cheap fleece and not really looking where I grabbed a chunk of it from, I think there were alot of short cuts, and maybe 2nd cuts in it. I havent attempted to spin it up yet. Lets say that short of the actual waiting time on the soaking,,,at least its doable in small amounts.

Tuesday

My new bedroom set is here, my new bedroom set is here!

I got the call from the furniture store on Monday too that they'd be delivering nice and early. We were going to be the first delivery (now thats a first for me!)and to expect delivery between 7:30-9:30 am. The delivery guys arrived at 7:15! Good thing I was already dressed! And I was finally able to use my bedset that I've been holding off on!

Here it is.

My bedroom started off last like this.

Now it looks like a real bedroom!

View of bed

Closeup from the front,,, I love the way the wood looks!

My dresser

Our two nightstands (of course!)

Hubby's dresser

And the one thing I always wanted,,, my armoire! Finally a place to hide my TV,,PLUS MORE FIBER AND YARN!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!! You notice how I already have a knitting basket/carrier in the lower left corner of it, right?

And closed up of course!

So now I am at the half way mark of my vacation. Short of my house really being ripped up now, due to the above,, and attempting to straighten it all out, its been quiet today thankfully.

Quiet enough that I could just about finish up that bobbin on Elvis. I've 2 more strips of the handyed left. Debating on attempting to fit that on too, or just use another bobbin to finish it totally. Either way it looks like I'm getting ready to Navajo on Thursday! I want this skein done up now!

So there you have it so far. At least I've gotten knitting, spinning, fiber processing and shopping in here this week. At least for once, its all been for me and what I've wanted to do. Now thats a vacation!

Now to take care of this writers cramp, lol.

About Mother's Day (A Day Late, Naturally!)

2007-05-15T01:09:00.000-04:00

A real fast entry today. Mother's Day was a nice quiet day, for once! Woke up, showered. Hubby said we were going to go out for a bite, where did I want to go. For once I didnt want anything fancy,, so I decided we'd go to Panera's. It was empty in there, peoplewise and food, actually breadwise. Wanted a bagel,, there were none to be found. So I guess I made it brunch for myself. Got a grilled salmon salad,, that has the most delicious Meyer Lemon vinigrette dressing on it with a cafe mocah (in one of their huge oversized mugs). Son had given me 2 cute cards and a pave heart on a silver chain. Very pretty! I still have to take a pic of the necklace. Hubby told me he was making dinner (him make dinner???) and that he got desert. Below is the desert. Man! Can I say this is one of the most chocolatiest cakes I have ever had? A buttercream/whipped cream combo filling inside,, dark chocolate flakes on top with cocoa powder. Rich, Rich, Rich!

The actual dinner I didnt even have time to snap. Seems he brought home ready to eat stuff from a store in Brooklyn,, but god it was good. He got chicken kiev,,,, and some lamb stuffed dolmas,,, and for another nights dinner, chicken rolls stuffed with spinach. We picked up some rice from chinese takeout, so as not to do any cooking at all! All he had to do was too nuke it,, I was leary about that, but did it come out wonderful! Cutting into it, all that lovely butter inside just oozed out onto the rice! Chicken was so moist and tasty! In the words of Rachael Ray, YUM-O!!

Besides my Mother's Day dinner,, he bought me these lovely tulips. Color is more peach,, but hey thats flash photography for ya!

A closeup of the flowers!

During the day, once we were home and before dinner,,, I spent time with my E.L. (Evil Lendrum or the E.L. for short). My friend Margie next door, came over after Soprano's,,,,to rave to me about some of the cake that I sent over,, and we hung out watching TV and talking, while I was spinning till about 1:30am! I'll say I got my spinning time in yesterday to make up for the whole week!

This is the handpainted roving that I picked up at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival,,, I couldnt wait to start working on it. I think I'm close to half a bobbin already. What do you think?

A better close up!

I cant wait till its done so I can Navaho it and see what I end up with!

I think I can say it was a pretty productive day/night!

Maryland Sheep and Wool (or Search, Shop and Destroy)

2007-05-13T00:43:00.000-04:00

They say picture is worth a thousand words. Well here is my story. Kelly (Licraftgal) and I had a fabulous time! It all started out with leaving her house once I got home from work and grabbed my stuff to go to hers, at 2:30 am! Much of the nite going was quiet, no traffic, and incident free! We arrived at the fairgrounds around 7-7:30am, and were able to walk right in. Once in, we proceeded to The Fold, where we were shocked to find out we were the 2nd and 3rd persons there! But not for long, Artsygal, Turtlegirl and Trillian from Knitty showed up moments later. If it werent for Turtlegirl's turtle backpack,,,,lol.

So we walked, we looked, we bought, and then bought some more.

And bought some more,, and nibbled here and there!

This isnt even counting the extra bobbin I got for my Woolee Winder, or the bag of undyed Coopworth roving that I forgot to put a pic of up. And my copy of Teach yourself visually Handspinning. Plus my MDSW Fest souvenirs too! Or the enormous gigantic Chocolate Eclairs that Kelly and I dragged home from the fair for our families. Or the fleece we bought for a total of $8.00 that we split in half just to have something "Raw" to play with. Hmmm,, that one line doesnt sound very good, does it?

Coming home was interesting. We followed the mapquest directions exactly and I guess it was the long way,, we ended up going home thru Philadelphia! I guess we took the scenic route!

Now these next items I got from Thursday till now. Reciving my books and Skeinwinder (which I still have to put together) made my day. That day I didnt make it to work. My car started doing things cars shouldnt do while on the highway,,such as losing brakes. Not a good thing, and I was simply not in a good mood after waiting 3 hours for a flatbed to bring me back home (Thank you AAA premium service!). Once home, Mr. UPS man showed up about 20 minutes later bringing me my goodies. Made the day more bearable for me, thats for sure! That mesh drying rack,, what a find! Double duty here,,,, a rack for drying sweaters and such AND think of all the fiber I can dye, fleece I can wash,, and yarn I can dye and easily dry on this gizmo! Thank you Wal-Mart!!!

PS this last photo set,,, I just realized you can play with the controls at the bottom or just shut the sound off if you'd like!

Finally 2 things, lol. I actually put some length on my Jitterbug sock!

Last week, at the Festival,, I had this much done.

Now I have this much done! Slowly but surely, I just might finish a sock yet!

The second thing,, my verticals got installed today,,, in under 30 minutes too! My livingroom is starting to look like a livingroom. Now to just clean it up and put all the fiber related items in my spare room and to start working on that!

My double sliders at rear of living room.

And my double window at the front of it.

So this is it for the moment. One more work week to go and I'm off for one more week. It cant come fast enough!

Lastly,, to all the Mommies out there in the world and Blogland, Happy Mother's Day.

Mom, I love you and miss you, especially on Mother's Day for the past 24 years. I will not forget a single thing you've taught or shown me. As I knit or crochet, you are as much alive as when you first taught me!

The Road Trip of Dreams! Maryland Sheep and Wool!

2007-05-04T01:32:00.000-04:00

Ok. Going to do this really fast. I still have to pack. Right now! Now I know its Friday already,,, but afterwork,,, rushing home to run to Kelly's house to leave on our trip to Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival! I am so excited!

Got my shopping list ready (sort of),,, and visions of fleeces and fiber are dancing thru my head. Got my digital camera batteries charging away.

Check back Monday night for the updates!

Wheeeee! Spinning toys! Spinning fiber! Sheepies,,,, bunnies! And as Kelly put it,, Fried Twinkies! (should be interesting,, I've never eaten a Twinkie before in my life!)

See Y'all on Monday!

A New Skein, this time with actual yardage!

2007-04-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

Well I sure ended up taking my time doing it, but I finally finished up that one bobbin of merino that I was working on.

Once the bobbin was just about full (I probably could have gotten more on it but I was getting antsy), I Navahoe plied it and then I niddied it into a skein:

A slighly better closeup:

Washed it up,, waiting in anticipation for it to dry!

And here is my brand new little bundle of pinkness!

Done with Bountiful's Merino in the Holly Berry colorway.

I went and dug out my WPI gauge. I'm getting 15 WPI, so I guess I'm in the middle between fingering and sport weight. I'm just glad it worked out so nice and even, tho I was hoping for more yardage.

Edited*** Karen was so kind to point out that I hadnt posted about the actual yardage,,, ACK how'd I forget that? OFFICIAL YARDAGE LINE = I got 264 yards in my skein!

So now that I have some actually nice yarn,, this is the best skein I've made yet, what to make with it? Now for anyone that does know me,,, and knowing that I am by no means normal, it'll have to be something different. I think I will make THIS with my yarn. Am I evil? Yes, just a tad.

Anyways,,, once my bobbin was fiberless,,, and I did have all this week practically to myself, I just simply had to do it. And I'm glad I did it! What did I do? I ran and quickly installed my brand spanking new Woolee Winder,, that was waiting so patiently for me to finish that bobbin! To that I added one of the Ugly Batts that I ordered from Abi. And after about 5 minutes of effortless spinning I got this!

A slightly better close up:

The funny part about this, as I was playing with it,, Hubby decided to do something about a branch that was hanging over part of our driveway. It was a dead branch. Did I mention that this dead branch hanging over, also hung over the power cable connection to our house?

It happened at sundown, hard to tell from cell pic, but thats him, in the tree (top center), after the deed was done. Time of incident, approximately 7:30pm. Time when the power company came, estimated damage, corrected damage, approximately 9:30-10:00pm. What was I doing at this point, with nothing but a battery powered radio, and dozens of tea light candles all over my livingroom? Spinning of course! Since I didnt have to worry about any hooks to change,,, and I was working with the ugly batt instead of a really finely prepared fiber,, I just went with it. It even got to the point where I was spinning with my eyes closed since I was paying more attention to my drafting by feel more than anything else. Looks like it worked!

So what else have I been doing this week? Not that much really. Went to AC Moore's trying to score another one of those tiered baskets,, but they were out. Did I leave empty handed, try as I might? NO!! I am a total sucker for bags for knitting, no matter what they look like. This was the only one I saw, I had a 50% coupon,,,and I'm on vacation! Enough reason for me!

May I present the newest bag!

10 pockets of glory,,, and plenty of center stash room!

I also went to Borders by me. I wanted to get the Yarn Harlot's new book. Which I did, and scored another book to go with it. Ever since Karen had shown me this book one of the first times we got together to knit I have wanted it. But you know the deal when you dont write things down, you forget. So when I saw it on the knitting bookshelf, Lucy Neatby's "Cool Socks, Warm Feet" I snatched it.

Other exciting thing (for me at least)! I got new bedroom carpeting yesterday! From about 1 1/2 years ago, when we had rain for almost a straight 2 weeks,, we had a leak under our roof, down the window frame onto my bedroom carpeting. Hubby tore the affected area up,,, which left almost 1/3 of the bedroom without carpet. Well I took care of that 2 days ago. Called one of the shop at home services,,, picked what I wanted, and did the dirty deed by signing my name by the "X". The installers did a great job and my bedroom looks great! Now just to get everything put back into place and start going thru tons to throw away! Dont mind the mismatched furniture either,,, that is being rectified within the next month. A girl has to do what a girl has to do you know!

The Before pic (really the in process, but I forgot to take that pic)

And the "After" pic

Finally,,, there really hasnt been all that much knitting going on. A row here and there. I still havent finished that one single row past the cast on for "Birch", but I'll get there. I did finally remember to take a pic of that one sole finished "Cigar" glove from Knitty. I'll end off with that!

I'll smoke a cigar for Hubby once I actually finish making the mate for this one!

Till next time!

Llama Llama Ding Dong!!!

2007-04-22T23:49:00.000-04:00

Today was it! And it was such a beautiful day for it, or anything actually. My girlfriend Margie was coming with me to check out the Llama Shearing at Rumpelstiltskin Yarns. I was also meeting up with Kelly after she was done teaching a knitting class at Village Knitter.

We were going to meet up with Kelly around 2:30 and had gotten there around 1:30. So we stopped in the shop so I can say hi to Angela (the owner) and to Tabbethia (who was shearing her Llamas and is also one of the spinning instructors at the store) and take a fast look around the shop to drool some more! After that, we killed some time window shopping in some of the lovely shops that are on Main Street in Sayville.

We got back to the shop at 2:30, hooked up with Kelly, and it was just in time for Tabbethia to do her next shearing demonstration. It was at this point that I realized the horror of it! I had forgotten to bring my digital camera with me, and so did Margie! Again, thankfully, tho not the best,, my cell phone camera had to make do.

Shots of who was about to get their spring haircuts!

Llama #1

I think this Llama's name is Double Take, but not sure.

And Llama #2

I cant remember this guy's name at all!

But boy were they just ever the cuties!

Here's Tabbethia in action!

And Tabbethia, if by chance you see this,, sorry I got your butt!

After that shearing episode was over, Angela and Tabbethia took a pose for my Cell!

Angela on the left, Tabbethia on the right.

One of the more cool things to happen by this was when I inquired of Tabbethia about the clippings,, she had said she wasn't going to use them,, 2nd cuts and all. I asked if I could take some and she handed me a plastic bag and told me to help myself. I figured I can play with it with my carders and all. Another woman there,,, all I remember is her name is Ellen,, is involved with the Spinning Study Group of Long Island. We had gotten to talking and she was telling me that the wool might be dusty,, but that I can spin it just like that. Just that I have to worry about washing it once the yarn is all done up! Nothing like a good experiment! Thank you Ellen!

So here's what I grabbed, lol.

Toe of sneaker included for the size comparison,,, it is a rather large clump of fibers that I scooped up,,, thats only the top of it!

And here's a slightly better closeup.

Note all the yummy natural colors from just this one Llama!

After the shearing, Kelly, Margie and I hit Main Street together. We decided to go for a bite and hit a few stores along the way to the diner. Went into one gourmet shop that I've been to before were I bought some Peach Salsa (sounded yummy) and discovered that they had Scharffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate! So I splurged on one bar. Splurged is right,, that one bar set me back almost $6.00! I'm going to have to hide it from Hubby and Son!

Speaking again of splurges,, of course I just couldn't get out of Rumpelstiltskins without making a purchase. What caught my eye this time? Here it is.

Colinette Jitterbug strikes again! This time in the Mardi Gras colorway.

Of course colors are brighter due to flash on my digital (once I was home of course), but arent they awesome?

Closeup time once more!

So again, a really beautiful day spent outside. With friends. With food. With Llama's, and with more fiber and yarn! With more than a week left of my vacation! What more can a girl ask for?

Nothing like finding a great buy!

2007-04-21T22:09:00.000-04:00

Nope nothing like it. I've searched online for one of those tiered basket racks. You know the type you might see in some yarn stores,,,filled with delicious yarns?

Well after trying on Ebay, Craiglist, stores online, specialty basket sites,,I come up with nada! The closest I actually found one was thru JC Penny,, but that one was rectangular and while it was on sale,, was close to $50!

Well I guess it pays to sign up for sale notices from Joanns, Michaels, and AC Moore. In a sale that started last Sunday,,,I checked out the sale flyer,,,,, and I saw it!!! It was exactly what I was looking for!

It looks so pretty!

And it was listed as a sale item for only $26.88. A 50" 3 tier basket stand. And its mine, finally! So I finally had the chance to put it together today. 5 minutes, 4 screws and 6 pieces later it was done!

Only thing I didn't like about it, and it's real easy to overlook, is that the liner part is coconut fiber. I guess it's meant more for use as a planter than for yarn. A quick fix tho. Had a few bandana's, which so far are lining the 2 top baskets.

Sooo,,, as I try to get my spare room in order since I'm off this week (vacation? whats a vacation?) I at least have this nice little knick knack to stick in the corner of the room for when its done. For now its next to hubby's recliner,, so he has something to throw a nasty gaze at.

PS So far I've been good this week, I didnt buy any yarn,,,, yet. Someone grant me the strength when I go to Rumpelstiltskins in Sayville tomorrow for the Llama shearing, lol.

More Fibery toys!

2007-04-15T23:25:00.000-04:00

Ok where do I start again? I'll just get work over with real fast. The new schedule (otherwise known as the "Pick" started a week ago Sunday, Which for me meant Monday. I'm working later now, by an hour and a half but it seems to be working out nicely so far. Show up for work at around 1:30,, pull out a bus and play school bus at one of the local High Schools making just that one trip towards the ferry (so far so good, not even a half full bus, the majority actually pays), and its an actual relaxing ride for the most part. Then back to my depot, kill 45 minutes, do 2 round trips on the line between Staten Island and Brooklyn. Again not to bad at all so far. After that pull in again for lunch, which consists of 51 minutes, lol. Get another bus, do another line for only 1 round trip, go back to the depot and dash the hell out of there for home. What is nice is I have to get thru this week then I'm off on vacation the following week. I cant wait,, spinning and knitting time!

In the time being, the past week,,,, fibery things abounded into my home!

First up, an order I placed with Red Needle Yarns which unfortunately is going out of business in Savannah, GA. The one good thing, they are supposed to open up sometime this summer out here somewhere along the South Shore of Long Island this summer. Good luck on the move Mickey!

This is what I ordered:

Cascade 220 in these 3 shades, 3 skeins of each. Fiber Trends felted clogs here I come!

Then this:

Kid Silk Haze, 2 skeins of the green (cant remember the name right now) and 3 skeins of Dewberry. Dewberry is destined to become Birch. It had better become Birch. I want Birch! Nuff said!

So I ran to Rumpelstiltskin Yarns to get the right size Addi to make Birch! And I started the lace cast on for it. Here that is, lol.

While at Rumpelstiltskins,, I was talking to Angela, the owner,,, and showed off to her my brand new Moosie Spindle that I got from the Bosworth's.

Its a beauty!

A better pic of the shaft, its made of Bocote wood.

It weighs 33 grams/1.17 oz. and it spins beautifully and long just as any Bozzie should! Angela thought it was just lovely! Funny part was, I was asking Angela if by chance she would be getting any other fiber in,,, any exotics,,, she just pointed to one corner of her shop and asked me if I had checked the rack. Rack? There was another rack? I ran to the rack,,, the beautiful rack of fiber. Different colored Alpaca's,,,, some merino/silk mixes,,,then I saw them. Cashmere,,,, and Camel fiber. All packed into little 2 oz parcels. I really hadnt planned on buying fiber, what with Maryland sheep and wool coming up. I did the lesser of 2 evils. Her Cashmere was 20 and change for 2 oz,, the Camel was 10 and change. My Moosie begged to be fed. Whats a girl to do??? So 2 bags of this Camel fiber came home with me along with my above pictured Addi Circ.

Hee hee hee

More fiber goodies!

That Blog contest that I won? I received the yarn on Friday! Thank you again Melissa! Heres the pic!

And on Thursday I received my order that I placed with Knitpicks

The 2 skeins on either side is Memories, Hawaii on the left, Redwood Forest on the right,,,in the center is 3 skeins of Shadow I ordered in Sunset Heather. So Pretty! I also ordered some Knitty SP8 things that I had been waiting to order,,,, Shhhhhhh,,, its a secret!

Lastly,,, besides casting on for Birch,,, I'm attempting a quick knit baby sweater in a cotton blend for my niece Bryn's Birthday. I've got till May 25th to get it done. Will I? Trying my best. Started the back last night.

Well time to turn in sort of early for once,, things to do before commuting to work tomorrow morning. My Moosie is whining to be fed before bed too! Soooooo off to start my feeding of Camel to my Moosie. Whatcha think of the name Bullwinkle?

Stay dry this wet and windy night,,, till next time!

Happy Holidays to all, and I won something!

2007-04-08T15:08:00.000-04:00

First and foremost, Happy Easter to all,,, AND a Belated Happy Passover to all (its ok to throw all those rock hard macaroons at me now!).

Its a quiet weekend. I like quiet. Been bumming around the house. Spinning yesterday, trying to get my bobbin finished thats on EL (short for Elvis OR Evil Lendrum, lol) JUST so I can put my New Woolee Winder on! I'm using the Holly berry Merino that I received from Lois and its working up oh so nice and thin!

I actually won something! I found out today via email. I had entered a blog contest given by Melissa. She currently has a pattern for free at knitpicks! Here it is Queen of Diamonds gloves.

What I won:
1- A skein of Knitpicks Gloss in Dusk,, same as in the glove pattern PLUS a bonus!
2- The bonus is a skein of Online Euro Yarns in the color Cool 64-793 Sock yarn
This yarn reminds me of Trekking. I cant wait to get it! Thank you Melissa!

Now is some real quiet time. I'm getting ready to try and complete spinning up that bobbin. This is what I have so far!

So tonite is all planned. Spinning,,,relaxing,,, maybe a glass of wine,,,a roast beef to get thrown in the oven for an easy dinner tonite,,,and Soprano's.

The way every Sunday should be!

What being bored gets you.

2007-04-08T15:01:00.000-04:00

Dont know if this will work. It does on Myspace. Well here goes.

Hmmmm it doesnt seem to, sigh. I'll work on it.

Final weeks of the extremely busy month, weeks 4 and 5

2007-04-02T02:20:00.000-04:00

In a nutshell, week 2 of my graffitti detail was slowing driving me insane! All I knew was my recheck again was for 3/28,,, my numbers were high on my glucose meter, and if I had to do the same thing again, of course I would.But it was taking all that I had to make it thru my whole day.

So last weekend, as I'm in the supermarket, fate intervenes again. Only I seem to find the really odd quirky things. And this was. I dont care if its because Easter is coming up but here is a Lamb made out of butter.

This pic should show it a bit better, again cell camera, so sorry for quality.

No I did not buy this. I know its a miracle! (right before Passover/Easter too!). I also had my blood drawn for the test to bring. Now that was the miracle yet to happen. Boy was I ever keeping my fingers crossed!

Anyway, with week 2 down of graffitti,,, and my recheck on 3/28,, Monday and Tuesday flew by! I had my paperwork to be downtown Brooklyn at Med for 10am. I was there on time. I had called my Dr prior. Results hadnt come in as of yet. I was told to call the lab itself,, of which I did, and they cant release results to me. Call back the Dr. They tell me they still dont have it. Call back the lab who told me it was faxed at exactly 10:58. Call the Dr back, and the ditzy receptionist tells me call in an hour. I was glad I brought my Cigar glove that I was working on from Knitty with me,,,, I actually finished it (but forgot to take a pic-thats tomorrow). After an hour,,, the nurse at Med tells me,, "Oh,, your results just came in,, and looking pretty good too!" Can we say SHOCK loud enough? I wasnt expecting my numbers to fall much at all the way my meter readings were going. So in a months time I went from a 10.0 to an 8.5 I CAN DRIVE! I DONT HAVE TO BE RESTRICED! I DONT HAVE TO DO THAT GOD DAMN GRAFFITTI!!!!!

The million ton weight was finally lifted from my shoulders. And my first thought about going back to my regular schedule? I can get more sleep now! So I was sent on my way back to MY depot,,,, and was told "OK, report your regular time tomorrow morning". Believe me it was the best drive home I had that night!

So I worked my usual run and route on Thursday. A few of my reg passengers were there and commented that they missed me. I hope they meant it cause it was nice to hear it. Best part was,,, hubby didnt tell me anything about mail that day. He usually tells me when I have something.

I walk into my house that night,, feeling smug that I'm back on MY job. What do I see when I walk through the door?

This

Not one,, but 3 boxes! All with different addresses, lol.

The big box on the bottom I cant talk about right now,,, I sort of told someone I picked up a little present. Details to follow on that one. The middle package,,,,, I couldnt believe it came already!

My Woolee Winder! Hot damn that was pretty fast too, only about a months wait if that?

Last but not least. My 2nd SP8 package. My new SP Package is here, My new SP Package is here! Think of Steve Martin in the Jerk,,, thats how insane I was acting.

Here are all the lovely presents my own beloved Ajastoysstalker got for me!

At the top is a skein of KnitPicks Bare Merino/Silk in Fingering weight (I have been so wanting to Dye something!). To the right of that, in white is a giftee of merino/tussah fiber mix for me to play and spin with! Right next to that is a bag of hand-dyed purpley wool fiber goodness to spin also! Once I get done petting them a bit! Below that are beautiful stitch markers that Ajastoysstalker made for me by her very own self! Those items are sitting ontop of a KnitPicks Chartkeeper. Yay,,,, no more torn and tattered patterns for me,, where I start knitting on the wrong line. On the left side, the 2 bottles,, the large is Pecan Passion body lotion, the small a trifecta by itself. Its a shampoo/bubblebath/bodygel in one,, in the same Pecan Passion scent. And oh my, it smells literally, good enough to eat! Lastly,,,, the book,,, lol. Ajastoysstalker knows that I am desperately trying to work on hubby, that if we get a dog,, that it should be of course a Chihuahua! He's already commented to the point of "I guess when we get a dog, its gonna end up being a Chi". LOL,, he is not gonna win this one if I can help it!

Here's a close up of those beautiful stitch markers. Aren't they pretty,, she told me she made them from natural Jasper!

So I am glad to say at last, that it was an awful month,, but this week alone,, starting with my medical un-restriction,,, has definitely been worth it!

Plus I give many many thanks to my SP Ajastoysstalker aka Shiara aka Jess, lol,,,(did I guess right?), who really really made my day after feeling so cruddy for so long!

Been a busy month, week 3 of 4

2007-04-02T01:30:00.000-04:00

Ok to continue where I left off. Week 1, was assaulted on my bus. Week 2 got medically restricted and couldnt drive due to too high sugar levels at medical, (I still like to think that I was just too sweet for the job, lol).

Now Week 3,,, my life as a bus graffitti remover (for the time being).

The only (sort of) good thing is that I'm actually able to commute with hubby to and from work. so for at least the next 2 weeks this is how my schedule was.

4:30 am - up with the alarm and hubby
5:00-5:15 am - out the door and in the car (hubby drives, I try to sleep in car)
7:00 am - hubby arrives at his depot in Brooklyn, I awake, take over and then drive myself to my depot,, have at least 30 mins to kill,, get extremely strong coffee, try to wake up.
8:00 am - my work day starts
4:00 pm - my work day ends
at which point I drive to hubby's depot, park in the parking lot and crash in the car till he's done.
7:00 pm - He's done,, gets in car and we drive home,, I sleep some more
8:30-9:00 pm We arrive home (pending any stops,, food, fuel etc etc)

At this point I literally get my shit together for the next day,,, pack my breakfast and lunch (low carb of course), get my clothes in order (thank god no uniform, tshirts and the like). By the time I'm done guess what? I've got my 2nd wind! I try to go to bed by 11pm latest but the last time I remember looking at the clock it usually says 1-2am. So shake stir and repeat for 2 whole weeks! Can we say tired?

On the first day, I went to see a superintendant that used to work in my depot. Very nice man. Who explains to me that besides removing any graffitti I might see on the bus, that it is also my job to clean the front windshields and the dash areas. I just know I'm not gonna like what I'm supposed to be doing. But I'll do it.

And so it went,, about 20 buses a day on average,,,trying not to get the same ones I had done prior in that given week. The first week was the hardest.

This is what I was dealing with on a daily basis,,,my little view of the world

And so I cleaned.... and wiped,,,, my fingers were getting so raw. NYC Buses are simply filthy!
This is what I was killing my hands on,, the control area. Its a bit of a dark pic but the garages arent that brightly lit all over.

And this type of panel was the easy one to clean up. Some of the older style of buses, have more, they are packed more closely together. Can anyone say that I have more respect for the regular bus cleaners that are supposed to do this,, if they do do this?

At least I got the front dashes nice and clean. Hey you can see them shine. Trust me they didnt do that before I got to them.

All I know is after the first week,, I was so knocked out. My left leg hurt. My ankle hurt from all the walking. That weekend I decided to treat myself,, cause at least I was still getting my paycheck. And what good is money if you cant spend some on yourself?

I went and took a ride to visit Angela at Rumplestiltskin Yarns in Sayville on that Saturday. We chatted a bit,, and told her I was there to buy something,,,,, so I started looking. I look too damn much. Here's what I snagged!

Malabrigo anyone? It is soooo sooo lucious! Color is Loro barranquero #176

Then I saw this, and knew I had to have it!

Colinette Jitterbug in Jewel #54

Then of course I had to buy something new for my Lendrum. This is what I bought.

Angela's husband, who's name I didnt quite get,, was busy spinning away on an Ashford Traveler,, and when I inquired about this roving, he just gushed on and on about it. It practically spins itself,,, spins like butter,, etc etc. OK, OK,, I'm sold,, I'm an easy pushover! And at $6.00 for a 4 ounce bag,, well :) At least I felt so much better for getting thru the week after I bought all this!

Basically the 2nd week of me doing the graffitti nonsense went the same. Tiring,,and well more tiring. Every night once I was home, there was no time for knitting,, nor spinning. I was a very unhappy crafty person with no time to do any crafting.

Busy last month, Week 2 of 4

2007-04-02T01:05:00.000-04:00

Week 2

So here I was about to go to my medical and knowing I was going to get restricted due to my sugar levels, and that was not a thing I could do about it.

And so it went,, saw the Dr. Gave my labwork. I was immediately restricted to driving but not in passenger service. I didnt have too many options with this verdict. I was pretty sure by all the drivers with better seniority than me that I have been seeing in the depot,, that I would get no work. The only thing that made me feel any better when I left medical was what I saw in a teachers supply/bookstore that is located right next to the building where medical division is in. I was looking in the window and saw this....

Yes for the price of whatever it cost you can have your very own silkworm city! Everything included but the silkworms. For that you get a certificate to mail, and voila,,, your silkworms arrive by mail. I thought it was a bit hysterical at the time, shaking my head as I was staring at it. And no,,, I am not about to go and try silkworm farming. I havent even used not nary a one of the silk hankies I bought last summer! But it was the levity of the situation at the moment that at least made me smile over this. Again, sorry for the poor pic quality,, but cell phone camera's again, come in handy!

Anyway, to finish this all off,, I went back to my depot with my dreaded restricted paperwork,,,, just to be sent home. No work,,,, as I assumed. Time to use my sick time of which I had all of 8 days left till May 1 (thats when I get my quota for the year). So I went home.

Next Morning (Thursday), I woke early to call the union to see if there was any scheduled work. I was told none,, they didnt expect anything to be available till the work assignment was done the next week following. I get depressed. I watch TV. Food network to be exact,,, just what a person who cant eat needs to see. I knit. I spindle a bit. I get bored. Later that afternoon, phone rings. One of the union reps. "Nancy,, come in tomorrow for the 8x4 shift,,,your the cleaner for the day". No problem,,, they have something for me to do,, I'll do it. Paycheck means all.

So I go in the next morning, and I'm told to clean the womens bathroom, and only the bathroom. That took me all of 30 minutes to do if that. I was told by the cleaner who is up in the depot normally,,, just do what you have to do, look busy if anyone is around, and always carry your broom. Didnt have to tell me twice. But it is just as hard work trying to look busy when your doing absolutely nothing! And so the day went. Not long before my shift is over,, I get called to the Union, that they have work for me for the next 2 weeks.

I get to go to the other depot on Staten Island,,,doing an 8 to 4 shift, weekends off, to do graffitti removal from the interior of the buses for 2 weeks. I know its work but oh joy!

To be continued

PS Did I ever say I hate to clean?

Busy past month, Week 1 of 4

2007-04-01T02:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, here we go. Talk about catching up. Here are the facts, hopefully in chronological order to the best of my poor beseiged memory.

When we last left off,,, I had been assaulted on my bus,, and was about to go to my rescheduled (due to said assault) medical recheck.

Here's the facts M'aam,,, nothing but the facts. On February 28th,,, on my last full trip of the night I was headed towards the Staten Island Ferry. Now all I had to do was make that trip to make it for the 9pm ferry boat,, pick up the "boat people" and leave, arrive by 9:19pm at the corner of my depot where I get off and another driver takes over. Too simple for that to happen of course. Approx 8:45, with 10 mins to make it to the ferry,, I make a stop. People get on. People get off. About the close the bus doors when I hear "Hey Miss" and I turn to look. Oh, did I mention that it had snowed 2 days prior and everything that was lying around was frozen ice? As I turn to look,, there are 4-5 teenagers, that decided to use me as a target, throwing said chunks of ice at me. I put my arm up and turned my head at the same time closing the bus front door, but a nice sized chunk of ice got me at the corner of my left eye, just under my eyeglasses.

So I hit the button on my radio,, awaiting the Command Center to contact me back. Of course the "youths" fled. Sigh,,, 2 out of my 20 or so passengers actually came up to me to see if I was ok. Then the cops came,,, then one of the dispatchers came,, then superintendants,, and finally the ambulance. It took almost 2 hours of paperwork, witness statements, etc etc, till I was brought by choice to the hospital. Only because of being diabetic,,,, and I felt great pressure at that area of my eye. No bruising,,,,just major swelling, but enough for me to worry.

Here is what I looked like.

And this is the size of one of the chunks that got me.

Pictures suck,,, but thank goodness for cell phone cameras!

Out of the hospital at 4am,, back to the depot to do more paperwork, sigh,, it never ends. Then advised by a union rep to go see a comp dr. By the time I found one, was seen by one,,, had more paperwork filled out for comp,, and completed all the other necessary/un-necessary nonsense at the depot and finally left to go home it was 2pm - the next day. I finally arrived home around 4pm,,, and was off of work for that day and the next (both ER and comp dr's felt 2 days was the most I needed, and it fell into my days off). So by Monday I was back at work after signing waiver forms, etc etc that I was fit to work. So I spent my weekend taking it easy,, knitting and spinning,, and generally doing nada.

Next post,,, The Medical recheck and some knitting/spinning content.

Tomorrow is the dreaded day!

2007-03-07T00:29:00.000-05:00

My medical recheck that is. I just got home about an hour ago and I'm exhausted. Tomorrow will be worse, sigh. Go to medical to get knocked down and restricted due to my sugar levels. I hope there is some work at the depot, but it really doesnt look like it.

So,,I will post more tomorrow concerning this. And the recent happenings of my very very busy week.

Here's a teaser.

I was assaulted on my bus last week Wednesday,, how you like them apples?

The Evil Spinstress possibly assimilates her first soul!

2007-02-25T23:13:00.000-05:00

Doing much better today than I was yesterday. Hubby had his OT again, and Child from Hell had requested if it was ok that he goes with Hubby so he can see his old friends where we used to live. Request granted! In a heartbeat! It meant total peace and quiet for me and other than trying to straighten up I was having company!

Kelly (LIcraftgal) was coming over to hang out. Other than last week while I was deathly coughing my lungs up, we had gotten together over the past few weekends to schmooze and knit and discuss spinning. Kelly is in the process of deciding what wheel she was going to purchase. I've been practically begging her to come over and at least give my Lendrum a spin (oh the bane of bad puns!).

Kelly arrived and I gave her the tour of the royal mansion, lol, and we settled ourselves in my livingroom. So we did schmooze,, we nibbled,,we got serious and started talking fiber. She had brought her spindle but I told her,,, do my wheel.

And so it began...........

Kelly looks nice and comfy with a Lendrum, doesnt she, as my evil sinister plan comes into play. Look how comfortable she is, look at how nice her roving is being spun with ease. My 2nd skein, the skein of destruction, stands guard,, on the snack tray, making sure that she doesnt miss a step in her treadling. Yes we have yarn being made here. Easily, and surely. Kelly comments how comfortable she is at my evil wheel. How the height is right. How her legs are comfy. The Lendrum has wrought its power over Kelly methinks.

And possibly the Lendrum has won. Possibly. We talked about different wheels, how she is/was partial to the Kromski Minstral. Then I struck my final blow, lol. Discussing how if she were to get the Lendrum DT complete,, she'd have the wheel, with reg flyer, and fast flyer, a plying flyer with bobbin, 4 reg bobbins,, and a tensioned lazy kate too! We spoke about how the wheels were made. The Lendrum, of course, is solid Maple. I love my Ashford Joy too, but all in all,, its fancy plywood (excuse me, MDF - at a higher cost, why I dont know) But I now love my Lendrum above and beyond all others!

So that was how the afternoon went. We cruised on my computer looking and drooling (well maybe not drooling) at fibers and handyed and kettledyed rovings. Talked about purchasing fiber at one site and splitting the cost for natural merino and blends that we can Kool-aid dye ourselves (Kelly has done it, I so far have not).

I cant wait for Kelly to get her wheel, whichever model she does decide on. Its just great having a spinning buddy that is nearby!

After she left to return home, I dug out the Merino that I got with my wheel that Lois at Bountiful sent me. Last nite I had started some of the fiber. I continued at it. Relaxed is not the word I would use to describe how I felt! The silence was sweet. Hubby and son werent due home till around 9:30pm. So there I was enjoying myself,, with my hot cup of coffee,, nibbling on cheese,, with total control over the TV for once! It got even better once I realized it was starting to snow, so I got the fireplace going. Nothing like spinning in front of a roaring fireplace I tell ya!

So in the comfort of my home, enjoying the serenity of it all, I've this to show for the moment. PS if Tamara is reading this,, this is the Holly Berry! :)

Sigh,, too bad tomorrow is Monday and I have to go to work,,, and drive thru possible snow and ice to do it. But I digress,, my Evil Lendrum is now calling to me, singing its diabolical song to me. "Make more yarn,,, spin me some more". Must go, cannot keep Master waiting.

The bad things dont stop happening.

2007-02-25T03:39:00.000-05:00

Well from being out sick last week, and running to my Dr.,, one thing I had done was get my bloodwork done. With my job since I'm diabetic,, I have a recheck medical every 6 months. I've been going thru this since I was appointed and hired for 7 years now. The past 2 years have been good, I've passed my medical, even if at times I was just squeaking by. Job needs my results for whats called an A1C Glycolated Hemoglobin test. It shows how well my control has been for my diabetes over the past 3 month period. I guess I simply wasnt as good as I should have been,,,sigh. I am one full point over what my job will accept to allow me to drive. My medical recheck is this coming Friday,, and I know I will be restricted after I show up. And there isnt much restricted work,,, and it goes by order of seniority,, of which I have some, but probably not enough, even with 7 years on the job. If there is no work,, then I get to use my sick time of which I have 8 days left. After that I go without pay, which I really cant afford. So now is the big full steam ahead playdates with my treadmill. Which I havent been doing for months. At all! Yeah I know, I've no one to blame but myself. I know exactly what I should be doing and when,,, but as I say way too often on here,, I am just so dead tired due to the job and commuting. Who the hell wants to do anything at all when you have your 2 days off?

I'll deal with it. I always have and try to make the best of it and become the superwoman of exercise. Whatever it takes to get my levels down. So far hubby is being cool about this too. He knows I'm aggravated and depressed over this,, but he's trying to take up the slack by doing OT. He's doing it all weekend.

Had some pics,,,, thanks to my cell phone,,,,one cool one after the dr, when I was waiting for hubby to drive me home. The sunset. An eerie one,, but cool nevertheless.

And while I was sick, I made Caloriemetry (sp). You can see how simply awful I look by my eyes alone,,, but I did feel really good making this. I had a skein of Manos that I bought about 2 weeks ago fron The Yarn Girl on Staten Island. A really fast and easy knit if I say so myself!

Then next up is the cell phone pic I took of that 2nd skein I made,,,, holding it in my hand gives a better perspective of it.

This I had to post. One day last week, think it was Wednesday, my bus stop request system wasnt working (what else is new with things not working on buses?). But this one,,,a prior driver had,, and had placed strategically all over the bus, signs stating the bells didnt work. In the front, the rear and several along the length on each side.

Here's the front of the bus.

And here's the rear of the bus.

Of course I get all the passengers that either 1) Can't read, 2) or are just plain ignorant,,OR oblivious to what is going on around them. So whatcha think happens?

"Lady,,,you missed my stop"
Me- You didnt let me know.
"I rang the bell."
Me-Did you see the signs?
"Your bell doesnt work, it didnt ring"
Me-I know, did you see the signs?
"But your supposed to stop at the bus stop"
Me-Yes, when someone lets me know that they want the stop.
"But you didnt stop!"
Me-Sigh!

To which I gave my classic answer.

Me- If I were a Psychic, I wouldnt be driving this bus and I'd be making a lot more money.

They were not amused,,, but then again neither was I.

Icky stuff and yummy stuff!

2007-02-21T02:45:00.000-05:00

I'll do the yummy stuff first! Since my child from hell is off this week from school,, after calling him earlier to get the mail and asking him if I got anything,, I got his usual answer. Nope Mom,, you got nothing. Well,,, after an exhausting drive home,,, I got this! My first package from my SP!

I couldn't wait to tear into it. Talk about being psyched!

First thing I opened was this adorable little Valentines box!

Filled with a bunch of decadent looking Chocolates! Since I am watching my carbs for pending medical,,, I'll probably have one each nite starting tomorrow nite.

Here are all the lovely things my SP surprised me with!

Starting from the left a Mudslide Lip Balm (think like the Bonne Belle ones), I simply love these things! And its funny I just picked one up in Hersheys Chocolate flavor too (cant have enough lip balm while driving a bus, I'll tell ya!) To the right of the lip balm is a heart shaped tin of Sugar Free mints. Love the tin. Says Shut up and Kiss me on it. Hysterical! Above that is a packet of Bigelow Lemon Body Cream,,,and the top is an assortment of teas! Theres Tazo Chai (love Chai), Pickwick Berry tea (Mmmm berries) and Chamomile tea (That I need very much to soothe my frazzled nerves after driving - or dealing with the HELLCHILD!!!) To the right of the Shut up and Kiss me mints is a very large tube of Bath and Bodyworks Freesia body cream. Now my SP def has me pegged,, Freesia's are my most favorite flower! Cant wait to try it in about 15 mins! Now to the right of the Freesia is a truly lovely very Valentiney skein of Artyarns Ultramerino 6 in colorway 115,,, you cant get anymore closer to Valentine colors than that! And its soooo soft,,, I am simply loving it and petting it to death! All this followed by a very lovely letter from my SP telling me the Chocolates are Sugar Free,, and that more fibery fun is yet to come!

Hmmmmmm perhaps I will have one of those chocolates to nibble on as I sit in my bed,,, playing touchy feely with my skein. Oh yes,, for those that want to know. Yes I am a Yarn Pervert!

Now the Icky stuff!

For the past few days I have been sick as a dog with a very nice bout of Bronchitis. Went sick last Thursday,after I had driven all the way and paid the toll to get to work. I was able to see my Dr. in Brooklyn prior to going home,, so with the help of antibiotics and heavy duty cough suppressent pills AND thanks to the holiday I've been home resting for 5 days. But the damage was already done. I have been coughing so badly all last week,,,now not that my throat hurt at all, it didnt, but I've no VOICE! I am officially squeaking! Gave me plenty of time to spin and knit. And watch TV. And DVD's. And drink lots and lots and lots of tea! I made Calorimetry from Knitty,, but forgot to take a pic so that will follow. Came out nice tho. All done up in Manos in a blueish/teal color. But I did spin,, and spinning I did, lol.

I went from this

to this

to this!

I had the 2 bobbins of singles which I Navahoe Plyed,, and I think it came out much better than my first skein that I Navahoed, which is here

Tho I really like the colors better on this first skein. Its some of the massive shipment of the superwash that I ordered,, that I carded with my dog brushes and spun up. Actually my 2nd attempt on my Lendrum (LOVE LOVE LOVE MY LENDRUM!!!)

So short of this,, I am back to work as of yesterday, lol. Thank god there isnt school,, its been sort of light and I hope it stays that way the rest of the week!

Oh I also received prior to the weekend my bag for my Lendrum,, and still have my credit to deal with due to its delivery mishap,, I see handcarders in my future. That and the possibility of a hackle set that I just found online yesterday at a really awesome price! If I keep going like this, hubby might have to move me to the cottage out back (not that I wouldnt mind that!)

A short one, fights with Nun, etc etc

2007-02-06T01:36:00.000-05:00

Hmmm , this will be short and sweet. No pics to post right now due to son taking all the batteries,, and not telling anyone naturally. So on shopping list,, Batteries!

Been busy the past 3 weekends. SP8 shopping and browsing (why is it when I shop for someone else I have to buy for myself too!) Been hooking up With Kelly (Licraftgal), hit some craft/yarn stores,,, hung out at Panera bread and knitted (or at least she knitted, lol). Went to The Village Knitter in Bablyon to go to a Superbowl Charity knitting event yesterday. You bring the needles or crochet hooks, they supply the yarns for making Chemo caps for charity. Got there later than I liked but nice turnout,, very cute cozy store,, and everyone was friendly, chatty,, and knitting/crocheting up a storm!

Biggest news,, My Lendrum came!

It came Thursday,, a day later than it should have,, and due to UPS error, I'm getting credit at Bountifulspinweave.com,,, where it was purchased. And thanks to me,,,for finally playing Saturday night with my dog brushes,,,,,I LOVE CARDING!!! So,,, I think I know what the credit is going towards too!

Lets see what else,,,, between last week and today alone at work. I am beginning to hate school kids. And Nuns,, (or possibly make-believe Nuns). In a nutshell,, concerning the kids. These are literally snot nosed bratty know it alls, who are probably told by their parents "Just take the bus home,, dont worry if you dont have any money to pay,, the bus driver cant throw you off",, well I dont,, but I ask where are their school bus passes, and,,,"Dont you have any change to throw in the fare box?" Of course they dont. Who doesnt know a single teenager that doesnt have some change on them? Of course I let them on,, ask them for something to put in, but guess what? THEY HAVE NO GOD DAMN MONEY AT ALL! Amazing isnt it? Designer jeans,, Ipods,, the newest latest cellphone, with gps capabilities,, internet surfing,, DVD players (yup they bring them on the bus too!) but ANY change whatsoever? NOPE. Plus on top of that I get cursed out, threatened just for asking. In the long run its no skin off my nose. As the bosses that run the job have been saying since I was hired,, and keep saying. "Dont worry about it" "Let them on, its not worth the hassle", "The agency has more money than they know what to do with since the advent of Metrocards in 1995. How is that you say? Easy,,, say you buy your Metrocard,, whether its a pay per ride,, or a weekly or montly Metrocard. You pay upfront,,, say its the monthly card. Say you dont use it for about 3 weeks because your old one is still current. You have paid your money,, not using the product for that period of time all the while MTA has your money sitting in their banks earning interest. Now I'm bad in math but thats a no brainer. But the general public (now I'm not knocking them) doesnt give a thought to this.

Still they will cry, rant and rave when 2007 comes to an end,, and with the entrance of 2008,, the inevitable fare hikes will it,,, as they promised. We'll see,, time will tell.

Now on to the Nun. This is a doozy.

Last Thursday,, its my last trip. I do the 9pm trip out of the SI ferry. It should be an uneventful trip due to the fact that if I leave on time,, 19 minutes later I'm due to be at the stop across from my depot, where my relief driver gets on, I get off and drop my paperwork off and hightail it out of there to head home to LI. Of course things never turn out that way. Something almost always happens on the last trip of the night.

Its a packed bus,,, I mean sardine can packed. I'm about to leave when I see one more person in my sideview mirror running up the ramp towards my bus, schlepping a gigantic rolling luggage thingy. I open the doors and its a Nun. In a blue habit, complete with rosary beads and the works. She takes about 3 mins trying to lug her bag on behind her,, pushing the passenger up front all the while. Someone kindly sat up and gave her a seat right across from me. She then attempts to put in a single ride ticket (exactly as the name applies, not a transfer,, and single use no transfer ticket), which was already used as stated by my farebox. All I did was tell her that it wasnt good, that it was a used ticket. Well,, I'm by no means a prude, but did my jaw drop by what happened next! She whaled out on me with a string of profanity and then some! Telling me where to go,,, what I can do to myself and so on and so on. The whole bus became so quiet you could hear a proverbial pin drop. I then said to her "your supposed to pay your fare". She then threw at me, "What do you want me to do then" with much disdain in her voice as if she were testing me. Nothing I could do,, I did what the job wanted me to do, which was to tell her what the fare was. I shrugged my shoulders and that was it.

If I were catholic I bet she would have tried to excommunicate me! I cant beleive for the life of me that she was a real Nun. I told one driver what happened, once I was back at the depot and I've been getting tortured since. Really big mistake that I should not have done. Drivers see me at the depot or in passing on the bus and they make the sign of the cross as they pass me now. Good thing I have a sense of humor. I think I'll make a paper sign available that reads "In God we trust, All others pay cash" just in case she ever gets on my bus again.

And short of the freezing cold we are experiencing now,, I think its gonna be a hellava long week!

This one is just for my Stalker ;)

2007-01-24T02:49:00.000-05:00

Ok Ajastoysstalker,,,, how do you like this?

SP8 IS HERE! SP8 IS HERE!

2007-01-23T00:18:00.000-05:00

Ok,, now I know its been awhile,, my poor little blog was probably wondering where the hell was I. Well life has its little tricks at keeping you busy. Things like work,,, orney teenage children, holidays.

First I have to introduce the teenager from hell,,,, here he is in all his glory. An innocent little package till he hit 14 years old, then WHAM. The past 2 months in a nutshell. This pic is post hair cut,,,, pre haircut, I might as well have posted a pic of a mop cause thats what he looked like. We had a deal,, pass everything in school, and the hair stays. Fail just one class,,, well the proof is in the pic. Lets see what else went on,, lying,, the washing of a Tux (that one is just way too long to post here even), pierced his ear without permission (or a properly sterilized needle), general "I'll do it tom Mom" whines, of which nothing ever got done. Then there was last week. Wednesday as I get ready to drive away to go to work (the first half of my almost 150 mile a day commute I might add), I get a cell call. Hubby? Nope. Family or friends? Nope. School Nurse? Yup. The problem? He decided, while at lunch in the school cafeteria to stick a safety pin just under the right side of his lip. School security saw him with the pin sticking out of his face. Sigh,, will they ever learn? I thought after the ear piercing that that was it. So I call in to work, only to be listed as AWOL,,, pick him up from school, make a visit to the urgent care doctor and then a visit to the local pharmacy to pick up antibiotic pills and cream for his face. Again the pic above is from New Years nite, but due to his breakout,,,, the hole, which is healing thankfully,, looks like one of his pimples. Ironic no?

On other old old news,,, from Thanksgiving (since I have to play catchup). This is the turkey I made the Saturday after,, since Hubby worked,, I was supposed to work. Nothing like traveling for 3 hours thru holiday traffic,, get to work 23 mins late,, wait an hour to see if there is any other work,, be told to go home at loss of that days pay and losing the holiday to bank (so theoretically I lost 2 days pay that day), and THEN spend almost 4 hours trying to get home.

Now this poor turkey might look pitiful,, but let me tell you something. This was the most juciest, tastiest turkey that I have ever made. I had bought a roasting oven from Wal-mart on Black Friday for $14.00. What a buy! What a turkey! Getting my hands on that roaster made my misadventure of trying to get to work on Thanksgiving worthwhile! At times it doesnt take much to make me spring back from being in a sorrowful state!

This is the turkey 24 hours before, brining .

At least my dining room table looked so nice, if not sparse! Dont mind the mess in the background!

On my Solace shawl,,,, I did the edging,,, started the chart for the lace pattern and got stuck,,, the stitch count wasnt working out,, soooo, I think its going to be back to the drawing board with that.

So actually not too much knitting going on the past few weeks. I've been working out on my Joy,, and busy with my spindles. Oh and have new additions to my spindle family too! These were received about 2 weeks ago. Arent they beauties?

What they are sitting in is an old pipe stand that I picked up at a cute shlocky shop when hubby and I were driving around on the North Fork, coming home from a wine tasting. It was a great find for displaying some of my spindles for under $10. Cant beat that!

Now what good would it do to have all my spindles and my wheel and not have a great buy on fiber to use on them? I present you my ebay stashbuster buy of superwash merino to keep me busy spinning for ,,,,,,, should I say a good long time? This is 16 lbs of fibery goodness all spread out on my dining room table. I should also add I bought a 1/2 lb of Bamboo also that I forgot to add to this!

Now for the 2 importants bits of news that I have to add . #1 is that I'm still awaiting my Anniversary present from hubby of my new wheel! He ordered for me the Lendrum double treadle complete set! I cant wait! We ordered it from Bountiful,,, and when I last checked with them I was told they expected delivery between last week and this week. So hopefully I should be getting it withing 2 weeks (maybe? hoping?). I'm just itching to spin on it!

#2 - SP8 STARTED!!!! And I have my very own stalker,,, my SP is Ajastoysstalker, lol. And she has what I really want,,, a chihuahua. Maybe I'll be mailed one? Hmmmmm. Well if she does send me any handknitted Chi sweaters,, as she stated in an email to me,, lol,,, perhaps I can convince hubby? I did my own stalking a bit,, and might have a clue to who she is,, but not quite totally sure yet. Besides SP8 just started,, I want to have fun with this!

I've also started stalking my SP, but I wont say who she is. At least not yet!

My First KAL, Goings on and a Recipe!

2006-11-12T02:05:00.000-05:00

I am just so excited! I'm not even sure how I came across the blog,, with all my internet cruising and all, but I found the loveliest shawl/stole pattern on http://pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/. The Pattern is called Solace,,, and I fell in love with it at first glance of the pic. Why? I dont know. Maybe because it calls for using a worsted/aran weight yarn? Because the lace pattern looks simple, really simple to do? Either way, I can picture myself wearing it,, on all those chilly nites in my house on my couch. Good enough of a reason to knit it for me, if I ever saw one!

I wanted to spin on my wheel tonite,,, I really hadnt had a chance to do much spinning, or knitting for the matter this past week. Just way too tired from work and traveling. So I get my Joy,,, and "GASP" the little plastic piece that attaches the treadle to the crank broke off! Hubby came to the rescue and did fix the wheel,,, but while he was playing, I broke out my double points and started to work on "Fetching" from Knitty. It is coming along nicely at my slow leisurely pace! I'm on the 3rd cable round, so for me thats an accomplishment, in between watching tv, watching over hubby not to do more damage to my wheel, and dealing with DS who is really becoming a total hemorrhoidal pain in the butt.

I have been spinning on my spindle,, in bed, prior to going to sleep. Got a bit done the past few nites,,, but nothing to shout about. Its the Merino/Tencel blend that I'm spinning on my Golding. So nice!

I broke the yarn diet again, twice in the past week. Most recent was yesterday, Prior to work I ran to "The Yarn Girl" on Staten Island, and picked up 2 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky in black, and the Holiday issue of Interweave Knits. It figures, I went in there to get another cable needle, she was out,, and I still walk out with a bag (and purpley Yarn Girl pens!).

I did get half of a handwarmer done, after Fetching I'll cast on for the 2nd one. I really do like the way the thumbhole came out. I did it in a 7 stitch buttonhole (I think). Gives it a nice finished look.

The not so recent was last week. I decided I wanted to make a Clapotis for me finally. WEBS was having a sale (sort of) on Artyarns Supermerino, and they had a colorway I liked (#105). So an order later of 9 skeins,,,, I am really such a sucker. Only thing is,, I get an email from them on Mon or Tues I think,,, that the color I wanted is out of stock and is on backorder. They expect delivery in about 3 weeks!

Lets see what else. I did do a swap with a friend and got the Knitpicks Knitting bag set. Very cool. Now I need to order the chart keeper from them, and maybe then,, for the moment,,, I will be complete. Till something else comes along that is.

Tomorrow I think I will make another set of stitch markers,, since they whip up so fast. I've the cutest little dice beads,,, and I want to have something cute to use for when the Supermerino comes in and I can start my Clap.

It should be an easy day for me, short of doing housework and laundry. I've already got dinner halfway done for tomorrow,, thanks to my crock pot. Beef stew ready to go and get plugged in for tomorrow. Thank god for the almighty Crock! Throw the food in and forget it for 5-8 hours. This is going to be about the third time I've made it in the past month, its really that good.

As a matter of fact,, here's the recipe.

Beef Stew

Serves 6

3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 small can of tomato paste
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound medium onions (about 2), cut into 1-inch chunks
1 pound (about 6) small white or red new potatoes, well scrubbed, halved if large
1 pound carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves

To cook slowly, place beef in a 5-quart slow cooker. Distribute tomato paste, vinegar, and flour over beef; season generously with salt and pepper. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover slow cooker; cook on high until beef is fork-tender, about 5 hours (or cook on low heat 8 hours).

I'll tell you, I had never made a beef stew before using either tomato paste or balsamic vinegar, but it works like magic! One taste and you'll see!

Hmmm, maybe I should post one recipe a week on here.

OK here goes,,, next week,,, Super easy almost Sugar Free New York Cheesecake (the type that will sink like a stone, its so dense!)

More pics from Sheep and Wool

2006-10-24T03:11:00.000-04:00

Well I finally got around to posting some of the other pics from Rhinebeck. Blogger hasnt been to nice to me when it comes to posting pics,,, but now since I have the HTML down (finally) to put it in direct, NO MORE PROBLEMS!!

OK, now this guy up is a Jacob sheep. Very easy for me to remember since they look like Mutant Ninja Sheep with the 4 horns and all. Due to their color variations, I do know that if and when I decide to get an actual fleece (I'm not that brave yet), I want it to be one of these guys!

He was being so photogenic for me.

I havent a clue what this breed was, or the next two pictures. I had written them down for reference,,,but the paper, alas, got lost between all the bags I was schlepping home.

This one was a cutie too! I love their black little faces,,, and to think how nice this ones long greyish/silver locks must be once prepared into roving!

These 2 guys were sort of snubbing me. I guess they had their fill of having their pictures taken. Either that or the smell of Lamb Kebabs,, Lamb Chili,, and all sorts of lamb goodies, wafting in the wind, were making them real unsociable.

Now this was one of the guys I was begging my hubby to buy for me. Trying to convince him of the double duty that would be done by mowing our very large backyard (which needs it BTW), and supplying me with fiber each and every Spring to play with. This Alpaca was sooooo incredibly soft. Very nervous too, to a degree I imagine, by all the humming he/she was doing. I think it looked just adorable with its bandana on!

Hubby who thought he was being cute by giving me this special hand signal,, while I was begging for above Alpaca. Guess he felt his bag carrying duties were over for the day. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we are at VanCalcar Acres, Weaselrina on the left, Alerievay in the center (looking very nice in her newly knitted Ram's Horn Jacket) and Mikomiao on the right. Defendedtoclick was there with her sock kits that she designed for Vancalcar. This was at the Knitty meetup that was scheduled. So many knittyheads there! Lisa,, sorry I didnt get a chance to snap a pic of you or your sock kits! (Smacking myself with a wet noodle now!)
Labean (l.) and Cooknknit (r.) Two lovely ladies striking a pose. To think I had to breakup a conversation that was going on just to snap the pic!

And finally,,, I had completed my one Pedicure Sock just prior to Sheep and Wool that was taking me forever to complete while working (lunch hour isnt really an hour) and if I was lucky I knocked off maybe a row then,, and a few rows once I got home, if I wasnt too exhausted.

But the really amazing thing? I cast on for the second one really late last Thursday nite.

AND I finished the damn thing last nite! Just in time for my manicure and pedicure today! It was funny too, when I went to the nail salon. The women there and my regular manicurist were making such a fuss over them. I mean I just used yarn that I had lying around. There were warm tho,, except for my toes, lol.

Here's the gratuitous foot shot of my fat feet for any foot fetishists out there. Enjoy!

At least my Tat thats sticking thru a bit still looks good colorwise. Not bad for being 6 years old!

Only thing new going on now is that I ran into Big Lots by me yesterday,, Hubby and I had wanted to check what was in there. The had some yarn,,, Bernats Galaxy...at $1 a skein, so I bought 2 each of 2 colors. Checked it out better today (content and all) not much of it but it has mohair and alpaca in it and was oh so soft. Soooooo,,,, I ran back today and bought about 30 more skeins in the 2 colors I had already and one other color. Think I'll make a simple block style throw to keep me warm at night when I'm knitting away in front of my fireplace. My livingroom set is really comfy,, but its leather and can be a bit chilly (as I am finding out) as the weather turns cooler.

So here I sit now,,forlorn and depressed. I have to go back to work tomorrow after being off for two whole weeks. I did so enjoy the knitting and spinning and spindling that I've been doing the past week. Only thing left to do now is look forward to Friday!

Wheee, I'm spinning away or "The Spoils of War"

2006-10-24T01:59:00.000-04:00

Well I survived Rhinebeck,,, plus still have money leftover to boot! Amazing! Naturally the air was cool and crisp! The views with the trees changing were amazing! Hubby and I arrived at our motel a bit later than expected, due to traffic,, but all in all it wasnt too bad of a trip. We went out to dinner to an amazing little place called the Hoffman Inn Tavern, built circa 1711. Beautiful ambience, great food, and even better dirty vodka martini's.

First up is the software I picked up!

The bag in front is 100% wool roving, bag on right is wool with wool thrums and silk thrums mixed in. The last 2 bags on left are 100% Alpaca, and the teal bag is an Alpaca/Merino mix!

Skeins in back are all half pounders! Left skein a Merino/Mohair mix, 2 next to that one are 100% Merino. Last 2 are Corriedale! The bright colored one are 3 roving strips I bought of a Merino/Tencel mix. And of course I finally picked up a Spinners Companion for reference!

Next up is the hardware!
On the left baby camel with tussah silk, followed by 2 Bosworth spindles, and a Golding spindle. Above that 3 Dbl pt needle holder, 2-7", 1-5". Above that 2 of the 3 bobbins I picked up for my Joy, and to the right of them,, a Nancy's Knitknack knitting pouch (which was the only spur of the moment purchase that I actually made) with a container of Wood Beams to keep all my spindles in prime and glowing condition. I met Sheila Bosworth, who is a little gem all on her own, and a very helpful lady. I also ran into The Shizzknit (Maria) from the Knittyboards,,,who enabled me to purchase my 2 Bozzies,,, and put my name on the waiting list for a Moosie,,, when they are made next year!

This was other fiber that I bought that I didnt place in the groups above.

I couldnt wait to play with my new toys,,, first I went from this,,,,,

To this,,, This is the Merino/Tussah mix that I bought.

Then this,,,,,,

To this... This is a 100% wool,, actually I'm not sure what type this one was. No tag on it,, just a knitted swatch sample, which looked so scrumptious, that I had to buy it. A full pound of it too!

Oh, and that felted bag I was making on the Knify Knitter loom to use as a Spindle bag at Rhinebeck? Got it done the night before we left,, except for the felting. Hubby was not amused that we could not leave till I threw it in the wash and the cycle was done. Luckily too that I had this tall ceramic container for spaghetti,, lol,, it was used for blocking while it dried the whole day Friday,,,, but it was put into good use Saturday,,,,, held my fiber (in a ziplock) with the spindle on top of it,, with plenty of room to hold a couple of packs of cigs at the bottom, with space left over!!! Strap was a bit too long, but a knot in it took care of that. Colors came out very nice, tho the pic isnt the greatest,, you can see how it came out and the size as compared to my handy reclining chair!

RHINEBECK IS 2 DAYS AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

Oh, and I just cant wait! I've my shopping list .

Its broken down into two lists. #1 - Hardware,, such as spindles, bobbins and such.

#2 - Software,,, Fiber, fiber, and more fiber!!!

I sort of got sidetracked again (when do I not get sidetracked?), and I decided to make a pair of handwarmers. I dont think the first one will be ready in time,,, but I am attempting.

I am also attempting, of all things a Moebius Scarf. I cast on extra stitches that what the pattern I found calls for,,, and boy are things squishy tight on my circulars. Simple pattern tho, one row Knit, one row Purl. I can see how its coming out now. The half twist is very defined on it. Again, an experiment in the process.

I am bringing both the scarf and the handwarmer(s) with me to Rhinebeck, to work on tomorrow nite and at the festival (in between spinning hopefully!).

The other big project, well maybe not so big, but one that I am trying to get done tonite if possible, is a loom knit bag that I am furiously knitting up (the one thing I'm quick on) into a spindle bag. I had bought 2 skeins of Patons Classic Merino,, in a variagated colorway, that if all goes well, should get into the washing machine tonite! Either way I have a backup bag for my spindle that isnt quite as pretty,,, but it does the job.

Either way,, I'm so excited about Saturday! Planning to meet up for a bit with some of the folks from the Knittyboard,, including one woman who so to speak is in my neck of the woods. Cant wait to meet her,, or her socks and sock kits (Kudo's Lisa).

So,,,, with all this going on this weekend, I still have one more week before I go back to work! Cleaning of the house is on the agenda - I took it really easy all this week, but between the cleaning,,, all that spinning I can do with all the new toys I'll be buying myself!

Now if I can only convince Hubby to buy me an Alpaca! :)

Can one person ever have enough?

2006-10-15T17:41:00.001-04:00

Well I ran to Michael's for there yarn sale. Went to really get a book and one or two skeins of yarn,,, but,,, that never happens. I did get a book and had a coupon for 40% off, which is good,,,, but I ended up walking out of the store with 4 shopping bags of which was 99% Woolease,,with a few balls of other yarn that was on sale. My time off is turning into a Yarn Vacation if nothing else!

I was checking out blogs online, knitting of course and came across this . Can we say their face recognition program has a lot to be desired? I thought for sure Roseanne would have been one of the photos popping up.

I should only hope to look more like these women!

Another pic I wanted to show was what I am not driving for the next TWO WEEKS!!! This means so much to me right now. With being on the job for almost 6 full years, this is the first time I've been able to take 2 weeks off in a row. So with that I am saving.

1. 3 hours a day traveling time, to and from work,,, for a total of 21 hours a week,, 42 hours for the 2 weeks I'm off.

2. 75 miles traveling one way, 150 miles a day, 750 miles a week,, grand total 1500 miles that I dont have to drive for 2 weeks. And thats without the daily driving I do on my bus normally every single day.

Oh, and my bus. For those not in the know, here's a pic of what I normally drive. Btw,,, I can park and back up this baby better and easier than I can my little VW.

The amazing thing is all the other drivers out there. You would think they would be somewhat wary around a vehicle thats 40 feet long, and weighs about 8 tons empty. But no,,, I get people making right turns from the left side of my bus, passengers getting out and walking in front of my bus as I proceed to leave a bus stop. I mean, do people really have that little common sense? I guess in today's "Me" world,,, they really dont.