A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing

wasted space

2012-01-24T00:28:00.000-06:00

I have been extremely depressed since Friday. It started before that, but definitely increased on Friday. I don't care to get dressed, leave the house, just do that bare minimum to get by. I appear too responsible to totally let go of everything. Unsure if that is good or bad. I hate this feeling, but I'm just too tired to fight it. My thoughts are very negative. I believe I learned last week in class that I have an Avoidant Personality, and there really is no cure for personality disorders. I guess that means this is my battle until I die. Wow, that sounds fun. I hope nobody reads this. I'm such a downer. Night all.

Neglect

2010-12-20T19:53:00.000-06:00

I have been neglectful of my blog. I apologize blog. Today my wish is that Panera will not change their Chicken Noodle Soup that they serve. It is the bomb, and I will lose my mind if I cannot have it at least three times a week. Please, please, please Panera do not change my comfort food.

Friday Night Cheeseburger

2010-08-06T10:47:00.001-06:00

Friday Night Cheeseburger
Originally uploaded by LenDog64

This looks absolutely delicious - and inspires an attempt at recreating!

Life Through The Lens Giveaway

2010-05-21T20:37:00.001-06:00

Lovely photos - check it out.

http://www.girleffect.org/

2009-12-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

http://www.girleffect.org/

Triangle Edged Baby Blanket with hat

2009-11-01T11:49:00.004-06:00

I think I've gone from being a process knitter to a product knitter of late. Ummmm wonder what that says about me? Composed using Paton's Baby Bamboo.

My first attempt at HDR

2009-10-10T10:38:00.001-06:00

My first attempt at HDR
Originally uploaded by jreid69

We got a New Dog

2009-04-14T22:43:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T07:25:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

pond surfing

2008-06-17T12:07:00.000-06:00

Trying something new with my phone. We'll see how it goes. Yehow.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

TP

2008-06-12T11:17:00.001-06:00

What I have learned in my latest travels is that the farther north you go the worse the toilet paper is, practically nonexsistent. By Newfoundland you could read through it. By the North Pole I figure you'll probably be down to using your hand. Looking forward to getting back to real toilet paper!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Aaaahhhhh

2008-06-12T10:34:00.001-06:00

I swear New York is the size of Texas. Will we ever get out of this state. I might be getting a bit antsy to get out of this seat.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

multi-tasking in the truck

2008-06-12T09:58:00.000-06:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lily Chin's Convertible Coat

2008-06-12T05:54:00.000-06:00

Well I'm working as fast as I can but so far I've only gotten through one ball of my Paton's that I chose for this project. I DID SWATCH and obtained stitch gauge but not row gauge which so far does not appear to be a big deal, at this point, since she instructs to knit in inches and not rows.
We're up and moving early this morning - passing near Utica, NY.
I am so sad for the Boy Scouts and their families. To date I've never been put through a situation of worry like that for my children. I am blessed.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Test tes test

2008-06-11T12:37:00.001-06:00

Can you see this picture of Bosten?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

How I feel about Blogger

2008-06-07T08:03:00.002-06:00

I HATE BLOGGER! It is the hardest online blog service I've used. I have a Xanga, a Myspace, and now a Facebook, oh and a Multiply so I can see Carol's stuff. Blogger is the least user friendly. I find myself spending more and more time on Facebook - I even found the Ravelry Beta group on Facebook and several knitting groups to hook up with. I have tried to set up Mobile Blogging three times now with Blogger - I was successful for a brief time, once. I find trying to work with the html very confusing so my page never looks the way I really am trying to make it look. I could go on and on and feel like I am. I think you get the jist. So if you join Facebook - I'm on there.

Gmail - Berroco KnitBits® #239 - Swim with the Italian fish - jennifereid@gmail.com

2008-05-09T09:34:00.001-06:00

The morning commute. Too funny. I can't imagine a dog willing to ride like this let alone two.

SPRING:::SPRING:::SPRING

2008-03-10T21:20:00.002-06:00

I'm so ready for Spring, and it is here you know. I found the sure sign of it this morning.

Okay, okay, here's another one.

2008-02-26T15:29:00.002-06:00

It only took me about 2 hours to post my latest project and PHOTO on Ravelry. Mostly for practice, and I guess I needed it. I fought with Flickr forever. I wonder if Chelle knows her face shows up in the Video Guided tour in the Ravelry help section.

My Bi-annual Post

2008-02-21T17:55:00.002-06:00

I finally finished them and I really do like this yarn. So much so that I started a child's pair of socks with the leftovers. I love the softly muted colors. There, I blogged.

What I've Been Up To

2007-10-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

First I went here, to the outlet mall in Osage Beach, MO. I went with my sisters and a great time was had by all. We shopped, and shopped, and shopped, and ate, and shopped, and then drove home exhausted.

There is a new yarn shop in Osage Beach located behind Randy's ice cream place (the place with the yummy turtles). It is called The Yarn Basket - and I helped them out monitarily. Oh yes, I do my part.

Sorry no pics of the purchases, they are still loaded into my new yarn bag. If you're going, you might as well go all out.

My sister bought this magazine at the Wal-mart in Osage Beach. Yes, we stopped at all the Wal-marts too. We're rednecks, what do you expect. Anyway, I was distracted by her magazine and have spent my free time doing that which is to the left of this printing. So much fun, I'm surprising each of my sisters with one of these bracelets. I've made three, so one for me too. Of course, I've jumped in whole hog and spent the grocery money on findings, jewels, and baubles. I spent the rent money on yarn. Ok, back to work for me. Off to our first basket ball game tonight. Go, Jake!!

Finally an FO

2007-08-21T15:51:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe all that time in the car, and I didn't finish these socks until I returned home and worked hard on them for another day. This is the ToFutsies yarn. I'm not in love with it. I probably won't purchase it again unless something magical happens when you wear them. It felt rather rough as I knit with it, but the socks do not feel rough to the touch. I'm really not at all crazy about how it blobbed on the cuff on just the one sock. I took the time to line up the striping. Someone wasn't paying attention at the dying machine. Anyway, they are done and I can move on to something else. A scarf perhaps, ready for a quicky before I start something time consuming again.

Where are You on the List?

2007-08-01T14:06:00.000-06:00

Since Franklin revealed his number, I had to immediately check and see what mine was. He is considerably higher on the list than me. What's your number?

patiently awaiting your invite?

If you've added your name to the invite request list on our front page then you can use this form to check your place in line.

Found you!

You signed up on July 8, 2007
You are #15095 on the list.
7394 people are ahead of you in line.
7176 people are behind you in line.
33% of the list has been invited so far

Photo by squirrel cottage

Uh oh, I switched brand loyality

2007-07-19T07:49:00.000-06:00

Every since I began purchasing cameras I've been a Nikon girl, and assumed I always would be, but when I decided that I wanted a little point and shoot camera to carry in my purse I decided to try a Canon, and boy am I pleased. I don't know if I'm just so impressed with the pictures because my camera is so old (2001?) or if they really are that much better. I know I love the ease of use, and I specifically purchased it for the 3" LCD on the back of it which is mue awesome. Anyway, I love my new camera, and now the bad pictures are all my fault (like they weren't before).

Hoping to Dunk

2007-07-18T20:57:00.001-06:00

Jake's goal this year is to dunk in 8th grade. He's lookin' good so far, and it sure is fun to watch him strive for this goal. (Got a new camera and was trying it out on Jake - love it)

She tricked me.

2007-07-11T21:04:00.000-06:00

Don't go here if you don't want to have a good cry.

Remembering Our Friends

2007-07-11T20:27:00.000-06:00

Justice was only with us a short time (little black guy) but we learned to love him pretty quickly. He jumped off our deck one day and disappeared. A slat fell off and left enough room for him to squeeze through. I think the only person who didn't miss him was the other person in the picture. Miss Liberty. He pretty much irritated her most of the time, in fact, we think maybe she pushed him off. He was so friendly I'm sure he found a good home.

Bear Lake Utah

2007-07-10T21:41:00.001-06:00

This is where my husband would like us to go on vacation this year. We drove through on our trip to Canada last month. It is a pretty place. We'll have to see how our funds go. I have a kid purchasing a car. A kid involved in all kinds of sporting events, and college is looming on the horizon for the oldest.

No Carol, I haven't got the point. I think she is evil.

The Negative Me

2007-07-10T18:39:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago my hormones had me so wacked out I was at one of the lowest points I'd been at in a long time. Sometimes I really feel like the black sheep of the family. Anyway, I'm glad I dug my way out of that hole, and I hope to never be there again.

The Positive Me

2007-07-10T18:32:00.000-06:00

I'm glad to be back on the top of the mountain. I really enjoy the graphic arts. I've considered going back to school to get a degree in it, but my memory is so bad any more, the thought of having to be tested on anything gives me a rash.

Besides the usual traveling, etc

2007-07-08T09:58:00.000-06:00

I have been working on Faina's Scarf from Fibertrends. There are enough mistakes in it now that it will probably have to be sent to the pond and begun again. I was doing so well, what happened? I also have a pair of socks that I started at Saturday go-to-meetin' but they have languished as I worked on the screwed up scarf. We won't even mention the clogs that were begun and are now hiding behind my knitting chair (aka knitting throne).

Got my 5k in again today. I'm working so hard - it has to pay off. I think I noticed that it was harder to raise my heart rate today - could just be wishful thinking (or not - the harder it is to raise the harder I have to push myself.)

I think I'm ready to sign up for a 5k (as long as it is a run/walk). I wonder how long it would feel if I wasn't doing it on a track where I can see how far I've gone and where the finish line lays.

The cat just shit on the stairs - I gotta go. She doesn't look evil.

The Machine is Us/ing Us (Final Version)

2007-04-26T21:21:00.001-06:00

This mesmerized me. How about you?

Fun with Travel

2007-03-12T21:18:00.000-06:00

I left for Crestview, Florida on Sunday, March 4, at about 11:30 am, connected through Houston, and arrived in Pensacola without incident. I flew Continental. I had pretzels and water on both flights.

I helped our daughter, Audrey, who had bunion surgery the Friday prior to my arrival, and was to stay off her feet while I was there.

My son-in-law, Chris, returned me to Pensacola on Saturday, March 10, to catch my flight home which was to leave around 11:30 am. I tried to check-in at the Continental counter, but they finally figured out that I was ticketed to fly with Northwest. Continental had done that to me. So, I checked in at the Northwest counter and found out I would be connected through Memphis. Not thrilled, don't care for the Memphis airport, or that flight pattern. Been there, done that.

Anyway, flight was not fun and there were no pretzels - the attendant took my "to do" bag away from me before we took off stating that it had to be stowed in the overhead compartments due to where I was sitting (seat 1A), and she would return them to me once we took off. She didn't bother getting my stuff back to me until everyone had almost debarked!! Nothing to do for the whole flight. Yikes!

Had enough of a layover in Memphis to eat some lunch. It was yucky. The water was undrinkable. Went and boarded my plane. Much nicer than all the others - a great big DC-9 - fully loaded. No seats left. Departure time came and went. We sat. We sat. About 20 minutes after we should have left, the pilot comes over the intercom and tells us that unfortunately the co-pilot, not realizing that he had another flight, went home. That's right - went home. So, he needed us to get off the plane (I'm sure visions of Jet Blue were dancing in his head) because it would take at least two hours to get the co-pilot back for the flight. Okay, no problem - we'll wait two hours. We get off. As soon as we are all off - flight canceled. WHAT!!! Yep, flight canceled. A beautiful, clear blue sky - 150 people standing there with their carry-ons - canceled. We were all in a panic. They told us to scatter between four different gates and they would send agents to assist us. Well - I guess about 60 of us were put on another flight and got out of there, and I guess about 90 of us were not. I said I wanted a car so I could just drive home (it was my husband's birthday for crying out loud). Northwest will not pay for a car ma'am, so sorry. I went to a different desk. The very nice ticket agent, Renita Johnson, worked her butt off to find a way home for me, but her supervisor wouldn't agree to put my butt in a first class seat. Ummmm, thanks.

I spend two hours waiting to be issued a $79.00 voucher for a room at the Marriot, a $13.00 voucher for dinner, a $5.00 voucher for breakfast, and two $10.00 vouchers for airport food the next day - and a seat on a flight at 6:00 am the next morning that will take me to Minneapolis with a two hour layover for a flight to KC. Yippee.

I waited another hour for them to find my bag.

I waited over another hour for the Marriot shuttle to arrive.

I was told the Marriot shuttle resumed service at 5:00 am the next morning - my flight was at 6:00 am - ummm, nervous about that. Hopefully the airport won't be crowded at 5:30 am.

Room service dinner, smoked chicken wrap and water, cost $14.50 - there goes my breakfast voucher.

Made myself go to bed at 9:30 pm since I knew I was getting up at 4:00 am.

At 11:30 pm I woke up thinking I was living at the frat house. Cursing, screaming, banging by a group of young black men right in front of my door. I was so stressed by then I finally screamed for them to shut-up - then they started banging directly on my door - called security.

Finally figured out how to set the alarm clock they provided, but also set my cell phone alarm - paranoid - don't want to miss that flight!!

Cell phone goes off - alarm clock doesn't - forgot about TIME CHANGE - thank God, Verizon didn't. Jumped up in a panic - threw on my clothes, washed my face, put in my contacts, and arrived downstairs at 4:30 am to wait for the shuttle - see it pulling away as I walked out. I figured he was just off to get gas (later found out that others had been told they would start 30 minutes earlier for us - didn't tell me).

Caught the 5:00 am shuttle - slow driver - arrived at airport to loooonnnnng lines. Lines to check bags, lines to be searched, lines, lines lines. Time to try and control the panic again. Get the bag checked, get through security, luckily I only had to get to the very first gate. Run up to the announcement that it is overbooked - surprise, surprise. Would I be willing to give up my seat for a $300 voucher and a free round trip ticket --- NO.

Get on the plane - seated by a gentlemen by the name of Jimmie Johnson. Very talkative man. He ordered two gin and tonics at 6:15 am. Insisted we stick together so we could catch the KC flight together. He waited for me while I peed. So, off we trotted to the bar together. Yippee. I ordered breakfast. He tried to order a gin and tonic. The poor young man behind the bar explained to him that on Sundays they were not allowed to serve alcohol until 10:00 am and it was 9:00 am at that time. Jimmie hammers, and hammers, and hammers the guy until at about 9:40 am he pours him a double. Which Jimmie drinks and then orders another. I try to warn Jimmie that I've seen that Airline show on A&E and 9 out of 10 people who don't make it on the plane it is due to intoxication - but he drinks on. So, I count that as 6 gin and tonics since 6:15 am and it is now approaching 10:00 am. His hands are still shaking. Poor guy. Luckily, we were not assigned seats together on this flight. I got a little nervous as the flight was not full - thought he might try to sit with me, but he didn't. Of course, as soon as we arrived, he ran up to Les, pumped his hand up and down and introduced himself. Explained that he was off to retrieve his car so that he could take his grandson to the St. Patrick's Day parade. Scary.

Then we had to take my mother-in-law home who lives in Bosworth, MO and also get some food. So I finally arrived home, exhausted, a little over 24 hours later than I should have.

Gratitude: I'm grateful for the fact that I approached this trip with extreme anxiety about flying - and then had to take five plane rides - did so without opening the Xanax bottle once. That pleases me to no end. I have no words to express how grateful I am for my improved health.

I Have Been Knitting

2007-03-03T21:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, this is what I've been up to - the Brea bag from Berrocco. It is a free pattern. Quick and fun to make. Turns out nicely - if I might say so myself. I used Paton's Classic Wool and found the handles on sale at Joann's. It still needs a button - and then it is fully finished.

Okay, now I really am off to start that sock, or scarf, or sock . . . something. Tata for now.

Had to See Something Warm

2007-02-17T16:58:00.000-06:00

Two of my favorite people - my nieces.

Okay, I've been holding out

2007-02-07T13:17:00.000-06:00

Not that I have any type of powers of persuasion, but my withholding was totally me being thoughtful of you. I'm really not familiar with your financial situation, but mine is pretty much in the shitter right now, so in all fairness to you I haven't shown you something I bought a while back. I didn't want to inspire you to spend any money you don't have, like I did. Not that these purchases are some huber cool things, but I thought so when I bought them, and I'm sure there is somebody else out there that feels the same way. The suspense is killing you I'm sure, so will the photoes - they suck. I need a new camera and a lot of natural light. Unfortunately, the camera will have to wait because . . . drumroll . . . I ordered a new computer yesterday (still spending money I don't have). I made the last one work for over five years - I'm pretty impressed with myself. I think that is the longest I've gone without buying a desktop. (Laptops don't count)

Okay, blah, blah . . . here is the first purchase. I think Maenwyn will like it, and she'll probably try to guilt me into making it, but it is waaaaaay on the back burner. Not to mention the thought of stringing beads just irritates the piss out of me at the moment.

This is the swirling lizard bracelet that I purchased from Earthfaire. The beads that came with it are an irridescent blue with a lizard for the finding. I'm sure this will be beautiful when it is completed - hope I live long enough to find out.

Next I purchased Tofutsie yarn from Earthfaire. Each 100 gm ball is 50% Superwash wool, 25% Soysilk, 22.5% cotton, and 2.5% Chitin which is from shrimp and crab shells. Supposedly that last ingrediant is a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. I was very pleasantly surprised when this yarn arrived. The pictures on the website aren't the greatest. The colors are vibrant and beautiful and they included a free sock pattern with it. My colorway is called "Put Your Foot Down" 8 stitches per inch on #2 needles - according to the ballband, and I think mine stripes. Blah, blah . . . show us the picture dip.

Okay, it's in your hands now. I have no control over you. If you looked at the pictures and read the descriptions and it led you down the path of uncontrollable spending - I can not be held liable. There is only so much I can be responsible for, and I held off showing you as long as possible. There is an added disclaimer at the bottom of the page just in case you have an attorney as a brother-in-law, if you can't read/find it, it's because the font is size 1. Now go live, I mean LIVE - out loud.

Opps, don't go live quite yet. I also so this on Earthfaire's website and I think it might be a handy-dandy thing to know - I also think with the info she gives in the description I could buy all the parts myself and figure out how to do it. She also has some great ideas for its uses.

Okay, now you can go live.

I Now Know What This Is . . .

2007-02-02T16:56:00.000-06:00

. . . a torture device.

Yes, I had my very first massage today. I've always thought I was too fat to get a massage. I don't like to look at my fat, so why should anybody else have to, but for my birthday a friend of mine made an appointment for me to have a massage. I decided I needed to be more adventurous, so off I went to the masseuse. I was nervous, so maybe I missed it, but I didn't see any literature in the waiting area concerning the types of massages they provided or even if there were a variety offered. I just signed the "Lifetime Waiver" and off I went to the back room.

The young lady was very nice and had already been informed that this was my very first massage. She explained exactly how to lay on the towels, how much clothing I could take off or leave on, and the parts of my body that would be massaged. She then left me to disrobe, myself, not her. I figured in for a penny, in for a pound (pun intended), and removed all of my clothing (holy moly, my husband doesn't usually see me this naked) and situated myself on the torture device, oops I mean table.

She began by explaining that she would be manipulating my body and to just relax and let her move me - don't help. If I helped, she would remind me to relax and let her do all the work. She started with my scalp and that felt very good. I concentrated on staying relaxed and letting her manipulate my head. She then moved down to my shoulders and neck and that is when the fun ended. Hey, that hurts. It hurt so bad. She then moved on to my arms. It was excruciating. Each stroke a fire brand across my mind. Relax . . . pain, pain, pain; relax . . . excruciating pain, relax . . . try and remind yourself the pain can't last forever, but OH the pain, and she still had another arm to do. She then moved down to my legs. I'm thinking, "this surely will be better, my legs have to be tougher than my arms" but oh the pain. I tried so hard to hold still. I didn't want her to know that it hurt. I never want people to think they are hurting me, but Oh the pain. Finally, I couldn't stop two of my toes from curling each time she massaged my opposing thigh, so she asked me if my thigh was sore, nope - its not sore I say to her, but in my mind I'm screaming - aaaahhhhh the frigging pain. Then on to the second leg.

She then tells me how to turn over, which I do successfully all the while thinking Praise the Lord it is half over. Speaking of the lord, that is what this whole adventure turned into - a religious experience. I haven't prayed in years, but oh my, I was praying on that table. Praying for it to end, for it to be over, for her hands to get cramps, anything to help my prayer be answered. My mantra in my mind - Over and over, please God, let it end. Please God, let it end. Please God, let it end.

Once I was turned over she began working on my gluts, the back of my legs, and my poor, poor feet. She hurt everyone of my toes . . . twice. As my face was laying in the "face holder" I began wondering why there wasn't a bite strap installed to help me deal with the Pain. Tears began to spring into my eyes, and I wondered how many would fall to the floor before she was done. I began to think about John McCain and how truly horrible it must have been for him all those years in the Hanoi Hilton tortured, and tortured, and tortured, thinking how aweful it must have been because at least I knew this torture was going to end . . . in a frigging hour. Oh the pain.

Finally, she stops. I've heard that most people hate to get up after having their massage. They are so relaxed they just want to lay there and enjoy it. I'm pretty sure I was up and off that table and probably half way dressed before the door clicked fully shut on her departure, terrified she would remember suddenly that she had missed torturing a portion of my body and return to finish me off. I swear the only thing I have found more painful in my entire life than having a massage is laboring to have a child - but even then I had breathing techniques to help me work through the pain. This I had to pretend I was enjoying while trying to relax through the mind-boggling Pain. I'm thinking if they used massage as a tool at Gitmo - they all would talk. Next time, please - just a nice, quiet, relaxing manicure will do just fine.

So please, if anybody ever approaches you wanting to know if they should give me a massage as a gift, please, please, say no - I'd rather give birth than go through that again.

You knit WHAT?

2007-01-26T18:32:00.000-06:00

I think he looks sad - like a little, sad clown.

You Guys are a Pain in the Patooty

2007-01-25T20:33:00.000-06:00

I blame this photo on Shawna and my sister Cheryl, both whom are currently crocheting and talking about crochet. Sooo, I had to go and buy some Mosiac Twist by Yarn Bee for 50% off at the Hobby Lobby, and I have been fixated on using my Moez crochet hooks, so I got those out of storage. I then began working on this masterpiece, which I believe might turn out to be a baby blanket. I really enjoy Tunisian crochet, and it was fun to relearn it. Also, you can't tell by this picture, but this yarn is really pretty. It has a shiny matching ribbon that is twisted within the roving like super bulky yarn. Wow, what a babbling description. Oh well, I'm tired and rushed. Gotta go pick up Jake from basketball.

The snow is beautiful but . . .

2007-01-20T16:35:00.000-06:00

I needed to remember what it feels like to be warm, especially since I feel cold and crappy today. Still sniffing, hacking, and coughing, and joy of joys I feel a fever blister coming up on my lip. Yeah. Anyway, here is my warmth.

I think I'm about ready to knit some more on my sweater. That sounds like it might be a warm thing to do. Ta ta.

A Whole Week of No School

2007-01-19T23:27:00.000-06:00

The boys were getting antsy with the bad weather, and even though I felt like crap, I let them both have friends over to spend the night Thursday night. Zack and his friends LAN'd the Xbox's together and all six boys began blowing each other up in groups of three. Blood and guts fun to be had by all!!

More Info on the Clogs

2007-01-18T19:22:00.000-06:00

I used Galway to knit them up - which I already shared with some of you, and Chelle wanted to know if I put the no-skid soles on them. No, I did not. I've seen those soles, but they looked like they involved sewing, and I don't want to sew, SO I never purchased them. I decided I would try them without a no-skid sole first to see how dangerous they were. My first floor is 90% tile and some kind of Pergo type stuff, so plenty of slickness to go around. I have had no problems to date. I'm cautious when I step off of the bottom step of my stairs onto the slick floor, but other than that I just run around normally. I had already decided if I did encounter a problem I was going to put stripes of fabric paint on the bottom of the soles for no-skidiness. (I made that word up if you were wondering)

Hey did anybody look at these? Has anybody made them, or know anybody who has made them. I saw them mentioned on this blog and that is when I took a look at them. Seems she had a little trouble with the beading, but may have been her own choice of beads that blew her out of the water. I think I might like to give them a try.

I'm Trying to Inspire Carol . . .

2007-01-16T17:04:00.000-06:00

so anyone who lands here has to look at my felted clogs - on my feet no less. I really do love these clogs. They fit perfectly - not too tight - not too loose. (I even had porridge for breakfast)

Alas, my husband's did not turn out fitting his feet (his feet are just too big). So they have become Cinderella clogs.

Once again, your moment of Zen.

Yeah, They Are Done!!

2007-01-16T16:24:00.000-06:00

The upside of ice storms is plenting of knitting time - I finally finished the Spiral Socks that I thought would just whip right up since they are a worsted weight, but alas, I was wrong about that. I finally had to make a rule that I couldn't work on anything else until I got those done. Now I'm back to working on the sweater - and already getting tired of it.

If you were at Java Saturday, remember how once again my Crystal Palace circs broke without any provocation? Well yesterday, after I finished the Spiral Socks, I was jacking around doing some crochet, and I was using a Crystal Lights, or is that Crystal Brights, size M crochet hook - and while not even pulling the yarn through a loop, the hook just snapped off.

So today I have glued everything back together, but I'm unsure if that will work with the crochet hook - there may be rough edges. I prefer wood - time for new investments into crochet hooks it looks like.

Okay, as Jon Stewart likes to say, "Here is your moment of Zen." These things are really weird looking.

Our boy

2007-01-14T22:15:00.000-06:00

As some of you know, our lab Duke was attacked last Thursday through our fence, the other dogs doing a considerable amount of damage to his head. I have had to contact the owners of the two dogs that did this, each morning, for the last two days, to ask them to come get their dogs because they were once again running our fence line.

Our boy Duke is a trooper, not once complaining through all of the pain. This is the second time in four months that he has been attacked through the fence (you'd think he'd learn not to stick his head through). I don't want to create any animosity with the neighbors, but it is looking like the sheriff's department may have to deal with this if they won't take me seriously about keeping their dogs on their property.

Duke is healing and will be returning to the vet on Wednesday to have the drains removed from his head. Hopefully, this will not happen again. We just haven't had much luck with our animals since we moved to Lone Jack. In a little over a year, we have had one dog killed and another rack up $400.00 in vet bills. Ridiculous.

DirecTV Update

2006-12-18T08:33:00.000-06:00

I Won. As of December 12, 2006, they have reversed all fees and removed me from collections. Once again, my letter writing campaign has paid off. The pen IS mightier than the sword.

I Love DirecTv!!

2006-11-21T13:22:00.000-06:00

I sent this letter November 4, 2006 after patiently waiting for them to bill me a ridiculous $150.00 - I have received a lovely form letter, so I am submitting my letter again with a sticky note encouraging them to respond in another format, like not a form letter.

November 4, 2006

DirecTV, Inc.
Attn: Billing Dispute
PO Box 6550
Greenwood Village, CO 80155

Dear Sir or Madam:

A DirecTV Installer was at my home on November 26, 2005 to install three receivers and a dish, two regular receivers and one R-15 DVR receiver. The installation went without complication except that the first R-15 receiver was defective right out of the box, and he had to retrieve another one from his truck to complete installation. He got the R-15 up and running quickly even while indicating that it was the first one he had ever installed. He also indicated I needed to contact DirecTV to receive my free DVD player as advertised.

No stranger to DVRs, I quickly began perusing the menu while reading the manual. The first disheartening thing I noticed was that the 30-second skip button was not included with this receiver. When you depressed that button on the remote it just took you immediately to the end of the program. The second thing I tried to accomplish was to program my favorite channels on Custom 1, but when I asked the receiver to show me only the channels I subscribed to it could not perform that task either. I called Technical support at DirecTV describing my problems and also requesting the form to request the advertised free DVD player. I was told, by several technicians, that the receivers were so new they were still learning about them and that I should receive my form in two weeks. They indicated they would note my problems.

I waited two weeks for the DVD form, but I never received it. After repeated calls over a six week time period requesting forms from DirecTV to apply for my DVD player, forms that I never received, they finally offered me a $40.00 credit rather than the DVD player explaining that it was a very low quality player and the credit was a better offer.

While trying to obtain my DVD player and over the next several months beyond that, I would continue to try and do the above mentioned tasks on the R-15, and as the software for the R-15 was updated, those tasks were able to be accomplished. Unfortunately, by that time, the R-15 receiver's performance had so degraded with pixelation and missing whole chunks of recorded programs that on or about the third contact with technical support concerning these issues they offered to send me a new receiver. This was in June of 2006. So a new receiver was shipped to me, and six months was added to my DirecTV contract. I was not pleased with that action but decided if DirecTV provided the agreed upon service, a DVR that actually worked correctly, it shouldn't be a problem.

We received the receiver the day before we left on vacation, so the receiver was not activated until July of 2006 upon our return. The third R-15 receiver worked fine for about a month and then began having the same problems as the second receiver such as pixelation. Then it also began giving a blank screen with only audio. The receiver began locking up so that the remote wouldn't work unless you turned it off and on, then the buttons on the face of the receiver wouldn't respond. Then it began recording things that hadn't been set to record. I called technical support at the beginning of September and the technician indicated that I should reset the receiver by unplugging and plugging it back in after a space of time. I did this. It didn't help. She then indicated that I would have to "reset everything" located on the menu. The following week, after watching everything that I had recorded to that point, I performed the "reset everything". This did not fix my problems, and in fact, they became

worse. Finally on September 27, 2006, I called technical support again and while speaking with them the receiver locked up while trying to boot up and stayed in a booting loop. Alicia, the Customer Retention agent I was speaking with, had been insisting that the problem probably lay with our cables and was going to send a technician out without charge to address this issue. So, from the morning of September 27th to the afternoon of September 29th, we had no DVR. The technician arrived the morning of September 29th, and told us the unit was inoperable and that cables were not my problem. He asked if we wanted another receiver, and I indicated, just as I had to Alicia, that I did not want another R-15 receiver. I had no confidence left in that product. He left, and later that afternoon I contacted DirecTV once again, and Cathy, in Customer Retention, once again worked hard to keep me as a customer. She asked me to try something else to get the receiver working which consisted of a hard reset using a different technique, and this brought it out of the boot up loop. It also lost everything I had recorded and all of the re-customizing I had done from the last "reset everything". Cathy was amazed that the service technician had not tried this technique. Cathy also offered me a $10 monthly credit for the next year for my patience. I indicated to her that would be fine, but if this didn't fix the receiver I would be canceling my service, as having to perform a hard reset on a weekly basis pretty much defeats the whole purpose of using a DVR. She indicated that she understood.

On October 1, 2006, once again I was left sitting with a blank screen and before that was unable to access the program I began recording when I went to bed the previous evening. I called DirecTV and cancelled my service with Charity's assistance, and she then provided me with the above address, so that I could explain why I do not believe any cancellation charges will be necessary.

I've told several technicians what I think the whole problem is with the R-15, and that it all began with DirecTV not wanting to renew it's contract with Tivo, rushing to get it's own DVR out to their customers. I don't care to be a guinea pig for DirecTV. You have provided me a beyond less than acceptable product three times over the last ten months, and I have been beyond patient. I have held up my side of our contract. I have subscribed to service and paid my monthly bill in a timely manner. DirecTV has not held up its end by providing equipment that performs as described.

Yesterday, November 3, 2006, I received a bill from DirecTV stating that they had previously sent me a final bill and they had yet to receive payment. Until Yesterday, the only bill I had received (enclosed is a copy) was a bill showing that DirecTV owed me money and that it was enclosed with the bill (which it wasn't). Please note, I do not feel I owe DirecTV any fees for cancellation, as they did not provide me with the service they described, and feel free to keep the $1.68 that DirecTV owes me per their records. If that doesn't seem equitable to you, I have no problem sharing my circumstances with the Missouri State Attorney General's office and explaining how your Customer Retention Staff worked very hard to force me to use and receive below standard equipment while threatening me with cancellation charges. Feel free to contact me if you should have any questions concerning the poor quality of your equipment.

Sincerely,

Things I Need

2006-10-28T09:21:00.000-06:00

I need this and I've already named her - Oreo. I just have to convince my husband, who so far, I don't think is convinced. Isn't she sweet? I've never had a little dog. I've always been a big dog owner.

More Stash Flashing

2006-10-28T08:55:00.001-06:00

I believe I made this purchase from The Knitting Zone. I bought the black because I belong to the Socks for Soldiers group and their socks have to be black - now I just have to decide when I want to go blind knitting them.

The Shepherd sock is in a colorway named Amish. I bought it because I couldn't get the Amish off of my mind, and I am so anguished by the tragedy perpetrated upon their community. I needed to find something positive I could concentrate on while they were in my heart all the while never forgetting what happened and how elegantly and with such dignity they handled the whole ordeal.

I also bought a magnetic purse snap and a marker with a sock hanging from it. And, I have just received the new Yarn Barn catalog and surprise, surprise, there are several things in there I would like to have. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to order them or go and get them in person. ummmm.

Fun Stuff

2006-10-11T20:40:00.000-06:00

MAILS HERE!!

What could it be?

Yummy, yummy sock yarn from Simply Socks!

Here are the flavors --
I love the mail.

Leaving Comments

2006-10-10T05:36:00.000-06:00

Hey if you leave comments on my blog, and in that comment is a question, and you choose to leave your comment anonymously - I can't write back to you and answer your question. So, either leave your comment in a non-anonymous format or directly e-mail me your question. Cause, I love to answer questions!!

Another reason to choose your spouse carefully . . .

2006-10-09T07:07:00.000-06:00

and never get divorced. Turkey hunting fall 2006 - my first time!!

Pillows, Patons, and Cables

2006-10-09T07:02:00.000-06:00

One of those finished thingies that turned out great. I love this pillow, and I love this yarn, but I could love it even more. I wish the striping was patterned a bit differently - longer repeats I think is what I'm looking for, and I don't love the tannish brown they included but there isn't much of it. Wow, for a yarn I love, I sure did a lot of complaining about it. It matches my bed great. I bought more of this stuff since Michael's had it on sale last week, but I haven't finalized plans for it.

Weird Puppet Thingy

2006-10-09T06:43:00.000-06:00

I thought I better get a picture posted of this "art" before it slipped my mind. Of course, it is still hanging on the wall in the hallway where I took this picture. And considering how gung ho I have been in decorating my new home, it may hang there for a loooonnnng time.

"Art" from The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee.

New Redneck Toys

2006-09-20T17:42:00.000-06:00

This is me trying out one of the new go-karts my husband purchased for fun and adventure in the country. Okay, not really, it's my son Zack, but had ya goin' there for a minute didn't I? Unfortunately, my fat ass won't fit comfortably in the seat - another really good reason to lose weight - reason number 243 for losing weight - so I can fit comfortably in a go-kart.

The Swatch

2006-09-12T05:40:00.000-06:00

I think I'm falling in love with "the swatch." I've come to accept that it is a necessary part of my life, and (drum roll for the epiphany) I can't screw it up. I can screw up the project, but how do you screw up a swatch? So, for self-confidence, the swatch is the answer. I am even considering just going through the whole stash and swatching every skein, ball, hank of yarn that skims past my needles. Now that is a self-confidence building exercise. All of those perfect swatches.

I took Mary's advice and whipped out a small project (that I swatched) that I think turned out quite well. I was surprised to say the least. Not as surprised to find out that I can't eat or drink anything until 10:30 this morning, but surprised none the less. You ever notice that as soon as you find out that you can't eat or drink for a specific time period all you want to do is eat or drink. Well here's to cottonmouth.

Anyway, I think these will be very cute with a long sleeve jacket, peaking out the cuff. Kinda dress it up a bit.

I'm Feeling Crochity about a Swatch

2006-09-07T20:56:00.000-06:00

Okay, I swatched, and not just a little bit, but a whole swatch, layed it out, measured it. My gauge didn't match theirs, so I adjusted the number of stitches I would be using and began my next project. Knucks on knitty.com. My glove is too small. Are you supposed to measure the cast on and cast off edges? I did - is that my mistake. I can accept that my project doesn't turn out when I don't swatch or swatch poorly, but when I do a full blown swatch, measure, and adjust, and the project still turns out wrong - well then I start to get a bit pissy. So for now, I'm walkin' around like Michael Jackson (and now I know why he only wore one glove - he didn't swatch - and was too pissed to knit the second one).

Merrily Knitting Along

2006-08-31T14:43:00.000-06:00

I bought a couple balls of this and combined it with this and got this:

So many projects to choose from - so many yarns to choose from - just don't know what I'm going to do next. Maybe finishing an UFO would be a good idea. I think I know which one. Time to celebrate the completion with food - I know there is some stale cake in the kitchen. Yum, yum.

I did!!

2006-08-30T07:22:00.000-06:00

I did use the hair conditioner on the last two pair of socks that I made. It most definately works - the scratchy socks are softer - but now they are shorter and fatter then prior to washing. I'm not thrilled with having handwash only garments since there are three others in this house that do laundry - three males - shouldn't that be written on a chart somewhere that there are three males in one household that know how and also do use the laundry machines. I don't know - I've been thinking I've always wanted to send socks to Afghanistan - these would definately be warm - they may need to go to an Afghanie with cold feet.

Okay back to swatching - yes I said swatching - I'm SWATCHING for my next project. Swatch, swatch, swatch. I can to say it - not all people consider it a curse word - I just use it that way. You son of a swatch.

Watermelon Socks

2006-08-28T14:37:00.000-06:00

I have to be honest I'm very unhappy with this yarn. It is rough, scratchy and it was absolutely full of grass and sticks. I also think the pattern called for the wrong needle size. Usually a size three needle is used with a sport or baby weight yarn for socks and this yarn is definately a worsted weight - maybe even a heavy worsted. But, I do love the colors. Her dying is great - the yarn sucks. www.freshislefibers.com

2006-08-28T12:34:00.000-06:00

Socketta Disco Basketweave Socks

Disco Basketweave Socks

2006-08-28T12:16:00.000-06:00

I noted that my last progress photo for these was July 17 - and I finished them about a week and half ago. I've been woopen' some stuff out. I rinsed these in warm water and hair conditioner and they are really soft now. I was concerned since the yarn before washing was somewhat scratchy. I also finished the watermelon sock/slippers today, but I haven't got a picture of them yet. Neet to rinse them and then pose them. Okay, back to deciding what I am going to tackle next.

A Finished Object - that is LINED!!

2006-08-27T20:46:00.000-06:00

The Florida Bag from Knitpicks. It was a fun knit, and I think I have enough left over to make a striped scarf. Off to work on the watermelon socks. Didn't get a lot done today as we celebrated Jake and his cousin Blain's birthdays and the whole family was over for brats, burgers and cake. Yum, yum. Leftovers are great!!

Sick, Sick, Sick of the Heat

2006-08-09T18:23:00.000-06:00

. . . so I went shopping, from the comfort of my own bedroom - although it's not that comfortable because it is almost 80 degrees in here. Anyway, here is a flash of my purchases.

First I decided I wanted to make this:

So, then I had to buy this:

And, then of course, they have that spend $40 and get free shipping, so I have to buy more because whatever it is I want is never quite $40, so I bought this:

and this:

Now I should probably go knit something.

Dr. Seuss has Always been my Favorite Author

2006-07-29T17:22:00.000-06:00

I finished the Noni, Dr. Seuss-ish, "Elephant Foot" bag today at our knitting meeting. Don't ask me what yarn I used - because I can't remember and I can't find the ball band. I do know that I got the pattern and yarn at CC and Company in Blue Springs. Now on to the next felting project.

The Last time to be Caught

2006-07-29T17:09:00.000-06:00

Jake was very excited when he pulled this monster out of our pond Friday night (5 lb 19.5 inches). I think it may be the same one my husband caught on February 2nd of this year. But, this is the last time he will be caught - while Jake was waiting for his grandpa to show up to show him how to fillet this bad boy - the monster fish died.

When Jake was retreiving his lure from the monster fish, he not only retrieved his lure, but another huge lure that had been residing in this monster's gullet for some time. It's supposed to be a frog.

Progress Photo of that Thing I Cast On Yesterday

2006-07-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

I'm workin'.

Oh Yeah - I also cast this on today

2006-07-20T17:55:00.000-06:00

They Say The High Tomorrow is to Be 78 Degrees - Bring It On

2006-07-20T16:53:00.000-06:00

And now for some gratuitious pics of my kids coolin' off.

Contest

2006-07-20T16:50:00.000-06:00

Who can tell me which one of the above was bought today or prior to November 3, 2003? Indicate your response by stating left or right and picking the appropriate date. Aren't contests fun?

I Needed a Little Something to Lighten My Day

2006-07-20T16:05:00.000-06:00

I found this in the "Highway 50 Corridor" - Lone Jack Edition - a monthly publication covering eastern Jackson County.

"Castor Oil Cookies
This recipe is over 70 years old. Two of these cookies are equal to a dose of castor oil.

1 c sugar
1 c molasses
1 c milk
1/2 c castor oil
1/2 t salt
1 t soda
2 t ginger
flour to make dough

Mix ingrediants, using enough sifted flour to make a dough that can be rolled. Roll out, cut, and bake in quick oven.
I have never found anyone else who knew about giving castor oil in cookies. Children are fond of them."

Oh, and for those interested, the Lone Jack re-enactment of the battle of 1862 will be held on Auguest 12 and 13 at Battlefield Park. Admission is free. There is a pancake breakfast at the Baptist Church from 7 to 10 am on the 12th. Unfortunately no parade this year - not enough volunteers for the steering committee. There will be period settlers from 9 am to 6 pm. There will be military and civilian living from 9:30 am to 4 pm. At 12:45 is the wreath laying ceremony. At 4:30 there will be a pie eating contest. And, at 7 pm is the re-enactment of the battle. From 9 pm to 12 am there will be a community youth dance in the Primary School gym.

How is that for fine country living - seems pretty kicked back compared to where I just recently moved from. It is going to be a long and arduous school year for those in Grain Valley - I wish them stronger leadership in their schools than they currently have. They are going to need it.

This is What I Have Been Doing Laura

2006-07-17T07:05:00.000-06:00

I'm still working on my Basketweave socks. The most impressive thing about them is that up to this point they are matching almost exactly. I took Carolyn's instructions that she gave us as to how she matched up her sock yarn and put it into action. The idiot, anal retentive, perfectionist in me is loving this matching thing.

I also made a purchase from Mindseye Yarns . The Yarn Harlot was talking about some yarn she purchased from the above mentioned place and the fiber content intrigued me, Merino/Tencel. Sounded like it would be really soft and have a sheen to it. Well I got it.

It isn't as soft as I thought it would be (hoping for like Applelaine yarn, which I might add you still can not get a hold of), but sometimes that changes after the first washing. This is called "cranberry." I wasn't too pleased with how it was packaged (just in a priority mail envelope, no plastic around it, and our postal service ripped the envelope so at some point my yarn was hanging out and then they put tape over it) I think placing the hank of yarn in a plastic bag and then putting it in the priority envelope would be best. But, it did come very quickly. A plus.

Went to see that Pirate movie yesterday. It was good, kinda long. I have trouble sitting still for over two hours in a movie theater. And, I was hot - but who wasn't. The weather gods are extremely pissed at KC right now. I wouldn't mind not leaving my home again until next Friday if necessary.

Noted that we moved out of Grain Valley just in time - now they've done murder there. Interested to see how that all wraps up. Also noted that the Barney Fifes of Grain Valley had to call in the Murder Squad from Independence to handle their crime. They probably all fainted at the thought of having to see blood.

Still waiting on my money from the sale of my house. Gotta go now, so I can call the bank again and see if it is there yet.

Tomorrow I go get little Jake and bring him home - can't believe I missed him. Amazing.

They Call Me Jennifer

2006-07-14T07:33:00.000-06:00

I have been knitting, not a lot, but knitting. I've made two felted bags, and I have now started these socks - which I swatched (Mary's my witness) and am now making up as I go. Without a net I might add. Who can live at these speeds? Don't look down. (In case you have a need to know the yarn is Fortissima Colori 1000 Disco Socka Color color #05)

Our Little Slice of Heaven

2006-05-17T18:37:00.000-06:00

A view of our pond, or mini lake if you will, at sunset.

Still Scrappin'

2006-05-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

We are very proud of our daughter, Audrey, who left her four-month-old son to serve her country in Iraq in 2004. No small sacrifice.

Fine, How Bout a Circle

2006-05-09T05:03:00.000-06:00

It Is Still Color and Texture

2006-05-08T19:15:00.000-06:00

It just isn't yarn. I love the starkness of this piece.

Avoiding Knitting

2006-05-08T17:41:00.000-06:00

I really enjoyed creating this piece of my niece on her graduation from college last year.

I Give Up

2006-05-03T19:43:00.000-06:00

Another &*^ D*&n &*#)& sock that doesn't (*& D*&% fit. I even chose the (*^%&&^ largest sizing on the )(&%^ pattern. I only worked each (*&^^** heel three (*^&^%$$ times. If you're counting that is six *(^&** heels. I'm (*^^&** blind from working on these &*&%%& socks.

I'll be scrapbooking now - I'm done failing for a while.

Thanks Kay - Like I Don't Have Better Things To Do Than Take English Tests

2006-05-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

English Genius
You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 100% Advanced, and 86% Expert!

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go! Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it! For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 53% on Beginner
You scored higher than 32% on Intermediate
You scored higher than 68% on Advanced
You scored higher than 68% on Expert

Link: The Commonly Confused Words Test written by shortredhead78 on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

I Need to Quit Surfing

2006-04-24T13:59:00.000-06:00

I think I would like to make this afghan, but I don't want to buy the kit from Mary Maxims. I just want the pattern. I haven't been able to find just the pattern. It isn't a bad price. I'm kind of hesitant in that I placed an order with them on March 27th and it still hasn't shipped. I tried to email them about it and my email came back undeliverable. Strange.

I'm Ready to Amble on Down the Knittin' Road

2006-04-24T07:05:00.000-06:00

Praise Allah the Ambles are completed. Yesterday was spent trying them on people at the regular Sunday dinner meeting. The lucky winner? My mother. Now on to trying to decide what to do next. So many choices -- something to felt or another pair of socks? ummmm.

As usual blogger is acting up - don't know if I will get me pic uploaded or not.

Okay, I give, blogger wins. No photo. I've shrunk it down to the size of a thumbnail and tried for thirty minutes to upload it, and still no go.

Okay, trying again.

Calm down it is just more fish pictures

2006-04-19T14:13:00.000-06:00

Since finishing my Six Sense Socks, I have picked my Ambles up again. I'm enjoying them a bit more since I took the break from them. I got the swift and ballwinder down and balled up my Lorna's Laces and Socks That Rock yarn. That was the first time I had used my swift. I've had it for some time, but once I bought it, every time I purchased unwound yarn, the yarn store offered to wind it, and I let them.

My husband has been gone twenty days - I'm missing him terribly and can't wait for him to return and give me a great big hug.

Yesterday, my mother and father came for a visit just for my dad to go fishing. He caught a nice size catfish and my mother picked weeds (more energy than I have). It turned out to be ungodly hot yesterday which put a damper on the day for me.

My husband's brother Jeff had to be returned to the hospital again yesterday (they just released him on Sunday). He is suffering from Conversion Reaction due to his wife wanting a divorce. I stayed with him until midnight last night, so today I'm a bit tired. I'm hoping that Maenwyn is feeling better and had lunch and returned home!!

I received an email from Handpaint Heaven - they have possum yarn - I've never seen it or touched it, but I want some. What is wrong with me? Of course, it doesn't help that they won't be carrying it anymore - you know how that drives to people to purchase.

Ding, Fries are Done! Ding, Fries are Done!

2006-04-16T11:11:00.000-06:00

I finished my Six Sense Soxs. It took two weeks - not too bad for a patterned sock pair. I want to thank Kay for her "not" measuring technique. I really liked it, and I think if I would have measured, the socks would have been too long. Thanks Kay!!

What I'm Up To

2006-04-08T11:25:00.000-06:00

Started a new pair of socks with the six_sock_knitalong Yahoo group called Six Sense Socks. They have been fun so far, but I am stuck on the short row heel and the moderator on the group has to approve messages (I don't know if it is just mine or everybodies) and so far today she is doing that about every two to three hours. You know when I want my answers - thats right - Right Now. Hopefully Laura can help me at the meetup today because the Yahoo group isn't getting to see my questions quick enough to suit me. Obligatory pic included.

Progress on the Ambles

2006-03-27T09:40:00.000-06:00

If you belong to my knitting group you have already gotten a piece of my mind - WARNING: This mind is stupid, so use your piece sparingly.

I just figured out why my socks have been running too small. When I first started knitting socks, I started out using Crystal Palace dpns. When I wanted to try socks on two circular needles, all I could find were Addi-turbos. If I had been using my noggin, I would have realized that Crystal Palace are made in Japan but are from California, so they have US sizing on the needle shaft, but I believe the Addi-turbos are out of Germany or the Czech Republic - they have mm on the shaft. Are you seeing where my problem erupted from. I thought Addi-turbos had US sizing on the shaft, so when I was knitting with what I thought was a size 2 US - I was really knitting with a size 2 mm or size zero US. Now I know why my socks are too small all of the time. I get frustrated with the Addi-turbos. I am a tight knitter already, and they make me knit even tighter because they are so slippery, but I am also not fond of the join on the Crystal Palace bamboo circs. What is a girl to do? I prefer to knit with bamboo over metal. (just read that Skacel is releasing a new bamboo circ - right now they have sizes US 11, 13, 15, and 17 - guess I have to wait for the smaller sock sizes)

Anywho, I'm going to finish the Ambles with an increase in needle size at this point, and this pair will probably have to go to someone with a slightly smaller foot than mine. I can get them on, but it is tight.

Also, a purchase that I have recently made that I am very pleased with is the Tablemate II. I don't often purchase the "As Seen On TV" stuff, but this thing intrigued me, and now they carry it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It has six different height adjustments and three different tilt adjustments, and will slide right up to you if you are sitting on the couch or on a chair. It is also pretty darn sturdy. It is $29.99 and Bed, Bath, and Beyond usually has 20% off coupons floating around. I'm very pleased with it and am going to purchase one for my mother for her birthday. She quilts, and I think it is sturdy enough for her to do her piecework cutting on it.

Babbled enough auvoir.

Just Piddling Along

2006-03-23T14:45:00.000-06:00

I made this dishcloth doily cause I thought it was pretty. It was fun to make - the design is beautiful. Maybe I was avoiding the sweater - and feeling good about using up stash too. I'm really enjoying working with cotton lately, go figure.

And Now For More Exciting News!!

2006-03-21T09:17:00.000-06:00

My order arrived -- Socks That Rock in the colorway of Rainforest Jasper. I also received a pattern, button, bumper sticker, and emergency sock yarn in the same colorway that looks like a keychain, but it may be for repairs down the line. Personally, I like it as a keychain. The included letter also indicates that there will be some trivia and games along the way. Pretty fun stuff. Now I have to hurry and finish the jacket, so that I can start the STR.

Gratuitous Boring Sweater Picture

2006-03-21T08:53:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of the back of the jacket I am making. It is very exciting. It is a big black rectangle with some sloping on the shoulders, which you can't see, because it is curling at the top. Try to contain yourselves, you might consider not looking directly at the picture for more than three seconds at a time if you feel your heart rate increasing.
Note the change in hue mid-back -- this is where I had to change skeins. Nice. You get what you pay for. It is not near that obvious in person, without a high powered flash shining on it.

How has Knitting Improved my Crocheting Skills? . . . I have no idea, but it has.

2006-03-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

I thought the crochet gods were appeased, but they demanded another sacrifice. Once again, all of this is Chelle's fault for showing me the magazine that cradled this pattern in it loving pages. It was a lot of fun to make, and it is too cute. I will not confess what I had to do to finish this project which left me less than happy and more than a little dejected. Suffice it to say, I ran out of yarn about 4 inches before I finished the strap. And, once again, it had to do with my inability to manipulate numbers. Why must ignorance and stupidity ruin all things knitting or crochet for me? I'm really tired of it. Okay, enough whining -- here's the picture ---->

And now for something completely different. There are two things that I really want to do. I want to ride and care for horses, and I want to speak another language fluently.

My STR has shipped - I got the email today -- I'm excited.

PS: I've only been trying to upload this post for two days - I hope to be successful soon - love ya blogger.

May The Crochet Gods Now Be Appeased

2006-03-14T21:30:00.000-06:00

I finished "Beth's Little Star Afgan" that I began Sunday at our Meetup. I would like to thank Beth Parsons for such a wonderful pattern. I love the star shape and this was a lot of fun to make while jump starting my creative juices. I also used stash yarn which is always a good feeling. I had the Bernat's Cotton Tots in my stash for some time now. I have always liked the colors of that yarn but had never found a project that I felt it was right for. It worked out great in this afghan.

Hey an FO

2006-03-10T23:29:00.000-06:00

I finished something. I haven't been doing that lately. I finally found a pillow form for the chenille pillow cover I knit. I'm glad my gauge was off and my pillow form was a bit big or it wouldn't have fit this rather chubby pillow form. Anyway, I gave it to this very tired boy to model. Now I need to get this kid to bed.

I'm Outta Control

2006-03-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

Whipped up this little granny square from the new "Crochet: The Portable Crafter" book. It was fun. It looks like a cute baby afghan.

And finally . . . drumroll please

2006-03-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

The final sample is the Afghan stitch which I have always enjoyed. I didn't learn anything new doing all these samples, but they were a great refresher. I do have some issues with the description of how to do the Afghan stitch, but everything else was great, and I feel like I have a better handle on filet crochet than I ever did before. I also received two new crochet books via Amazon today (told you I was out of control) "Crochet: The Portable Crafter" and "Cool Crochet." I also received "Folk Socks" by Nancy Bush.

Happy Halloweenie!!

2006-03-09T07:13:00.000-06:00

The next to the last sample in "The Happy Hooker" book is a bat done in filet crochet. I love filet crochet, but I get tired of working with that tiny thread, so it was really fun doing this piece in worsted weight. One more sample to go, Tunisian stitch.

Amazing What You Can Get Done Waiting for an Overnight Delivery

2006-03-07T12:31:00.000-06:00

Here is the colorwork block from "The Happy Hooker." It was fun and now all that is left is the afghan stitch and filet crochet sample. I really need the FedEx guy to show up - sometimes it's 10:00 sometimes not. Oh well.

I Guess I'm Just Going to have to Stay Away From Chelle

2006-03-07T08:48:00.000-06:00

And now I've gone and ordered the following tomes: "Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs To Crochet And Wear", "The Portable Crafter: Crochet", "Folk Socks: The History and Techniques of Handknitted Footwear". My husband is going to try and derail my trips to the Java Internet Cafe if this keeps up.

Okay I better get back to crocheting or knitting or something - vacuuming really - the dust bunnies are forming a union downstairs in the dining room. If I come up missing, I'd check with them first.

The Things That Chelle Makes Me Do

2006-03-07T08:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, here is what I did last night, and it was a great refresher course since I haven't crocheted with any intensity for quite a while. I used Debbie Stoller's "The Happy Hooker" as my resource, and I'm really very pleased with this book. It is very well written. I only wish it was spiral bound so that it would lay flat, and I wouldn't have to hold it open while I try to follow her descriptions.

First I made a basic stitch sampler.

Then I made a circle sampler.

Then I made an advanced stitch sampler.

And then, I made a granny square.

Now I am to the colorwork section - I think I will make some more samples and then decide on a project.

Oh yeah, and I'm still working on the sweater, xmas stocking, socks, and bracelet. :)

Hormonal Quiet

2006-02-28T16:38:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been quiet. I've been trying to tweak the thyroid hormone, and it has messed with me greatly. Anywhooo - I'm still working on the Amble socks, but I came across a Christmas stocking while unpacking more boxes, and I had to see if I had grown enough as a knitter to finally complete it. Now that I'm working on it, I don't think it was about how much I have grown as a knitter, but that I just have the patience now to juggle a bunch of bobbins. This project will allow me to decide if bobbin juggling is something I would like to do in the future. I've made a few mistakes due to being distracted, but I consider this a learning experience, so I'm trying not to fixate on those and just keeping moving through the project. It is funny, now that I look at the leaflet, I probably picked the hardest stocking to try when I thought I was picking the easiest. Just because it doesn't have as many color changes doesn't mean you won't have a lot of bobbins. The things we learn.

And Then Last Night . . .

2006-02-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

I started a pair of socks in Bernat Hotsox, colorway looks like denim. I'm going to make the Amble socks from the Six Sox knit-a-long Yahoo group. It is a great group and they come up with some great patterns. You can also win yarn if you knit-a-long with them while meeting their time guidelines (and are picked as a winner). I did it last year and it was very enjoyable - nice group.

These leads me to a question. How wide do you like the ribbing at the top of your socks to be? This pattern calls for 2 inches of ribbing, which seems like a lot to me, but I always follow the pattern the first time I make something, thinking the designer knows better than I why it might need 2 inches of ribbing. I think I would like 1.5 inches better, for myself. For once I even remember to use a smaller needle (size 0) for the ribbing. Now I just have to remember to switch back to the 1.5s when it is time to start knitting the pattern.

If you are doing the Johari window thingy - I put my link in my sidebar - if you know me feel free to give it a visit. Stay Warm!!!