SP Question of the Week

SP 12 Question of the Week #5

Where is favorite place to go on vacation/holiday?

I have two.  San Fransisco is my all time favorite place to go for vacation that I have been to.  So much culture, diversity, art, and sushi!!!!  I love everything from The Peir to the Business District to Chinatown!!  The second place I love to go is closer to me (only about a 4.5 hour drive.)  Virginia Beach is a place I’ve been going since I was a little kid.  It calls to me for some reason, and it’s close enough to go for a weekend or longer!

Where is one place that you would like to go?

JAPAN!!!!  Mainly Kyoto, because of the temples, the forests, and the geisha.  I want to go and just relax, to take in ‘Old Japan’.  Sure, I’d love to visit Tokyo sometime, but Kyoto is high on my list.

Whoo hooo …. Tina, Steve and Katie will be here tomorrow (well, the wee hours of Saturday morning!)  I’m so excited, and I can’t wait to see them.  I just have to make it through one more night at work tonight and clean the house tomorrow, then I’ll be set.

Goodbye LYS

I was so sad to find out last week that Frog Eye Fiber Emporium is going out of business.  Not for lack of sales or anything though.  Sue, the owner, wants to focus on spinning and weaving, so she’s shifting things towards teaching classes than running the store.  Today was my first chance to hit the Going Out of Business sale, but I’m really glad that I did.  She was almost all picked over for sock yarn, and barely had any Noro left at all.  But seeing as I was already getting 40% for the sale, and then throw in my usual discount … I went straight for the Blue Sky Alpaca.  Now, the picture below is most of what I came away with, but there are some things that are for swap packages, so I can’t show those.

There is Blue Sky Hand-dyed worsted in a really brilliant red (contrary to the photo), Blue Sky Alpaca Melange in a lucious purple, and Rowan Felted Tweed DK in a deep blue.  I also nabbed the last needle sizer and the last set of Brittany cables (one can never have too many.)

Frog Eye Spoils

So tomorrow night I have to go back to work, but the next two days can’t go quick enough!!!  Tina, Steve, and Katie will be here on Friday night, Sunday is the bridal shower, and then the Bridal party get together on Sunday evening!!!  I can’t wait to see everyone!!!

4th of July and photos

We had a great 4th of July here!  Lots of food (I mean … TONS!), beer, family, friends, and fireworks.  What more can you ask for?

Here’s one of my Mom and me that I took, so beware of the Extreme Closeup.  And yes, I know … we do look alike.  Better her than my Dad. LOL

Mom and Me

Next up are John and my Dad.  Why I always capture these two in the same photo, I’ll never know.

John and Dad

This is Rebeca, one of my co-workers.  I’m very picky about who I hang out with from work.  Most people that work there … well, I guess the whole adage is true.  If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. I’ve just always been very different from most of the people I work with.  Rebecca … she’s top notch.  She’s friendly, kind, sincere, and FANTASTIC at her job.  One of the best CNAs we have there.  And I caught a picture of “The Drill Sargent” cuttin’ loose!

Rebecca

Last, but never ever least, is Karen and Corey.  They were both having a great time, and no party is complete without them!

Karen and Corey

I have two great updates to share tonight!!!  ONE … John got another raise.  He received his performance appraisal and then a couple weeks ago had another company thing and now he’s got a total raise of 8.5% for the year!!!!  Much better than where I work; they are stingy and don’t do more than 3%.  TWO … Katie, Tina, and Steve are going to try to come in on Friday night instead of Saturday!!!  I am so happy and I can’t wait to see them!!!  I’m so excited about having my bridal shower AND having my whole bridal party here!

Well, tomorrow I’m going to go yarn shopping again, but this time for my two swap pals.  Of course, I’ll probably find something for myself as well.  I always do.

Manic Monday

Later tonight I’m going to post some pictures from the 4th of July.  But since I just got home from work, this one is a shorty.

Manic Mondays # 124

Who would you like to see on a new banknote (dollar bill, etc.)?

John F. Kennedy.  I can’t really think of anyone else in the last 75 years, political or presidential wise, that should have his own currency.  And I’m really tired … so if, for some reason, he is on one, just ignore me.

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?

A cow … in India.  Or a fat and pampered orange house cat.

If you owned your own restaurant, what would you call it?

The Pelican’s Nest.  It would be a seafood restaurant, for sure!

Friday Fill-In

Friday Fill-Ins #79

1. Holidays in the summer are so much fun because, like any holiday, I love to have friends and family over.

2. Tuna steaks are my favorite things to grill.

3. My thoughts are that I am way too awake for 6am.

4. Trying to get some good progress done on attempt #2 of Glee is what I’m most looking forward to this weekend!

5. My favorite book so far this summer is all of the Dresden File series.  My favorite books from the series so far though, is Proven Guilty.

6. Some relaxing music, a hot cuppa (tea) and some toast with butter and strawberry jam is the best way to begin a day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a 4th of July BBQ, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to get the house a little more organized before next weekend, but I have to work, so I guess I’m going to do that on Tuesday!

FO -Better Late Than Never

Contrary to popular belief, I do knit things all the way through.  I’ve just been working on some top secret stuff lately, and I hate not being able to post pictures.

Well … I finally have a photo that I can post.  Lillian, the wonderful lady I am spoiling for SP12, finally received her first package!!!  I was so worried that it got lost in the mail.  And she figured me out, since she’s also in the Summer of Yarn Love swap, but we’re both okay with knowing each other’s identities for the two secret swaps.  But she still doesn’t know who is spoiling her for the Summer of Yarn Love swap … so I still have a leg up.

Onto the photo.  I made her Spirogyra, from Knitty.  The yarn is Khorma DK (alpaca/merino) in Burnt Orange.  And not only do they fit her, but she loves them!  Now, I forgot to take a picture before shipping them, so she graciously took one for me.

Spirogyra

So right now, I’m up way to early.  I think I’m going to go back to bed for a bit.  But I woke up with the insane craving for Oreos and milk.  I shouldn’t drink milk … makes my tummy all crazy … but my goodness, it tasted SO good.

SP Question of the Week

SP12 Question of the Week #4

• What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”?

There are a couple yarns that I can think of, but the big one would be some Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk.  Any color … but their soft blue is very pretty.

• What yarn do you never want to be without?

Cascade 220, hands down.  You can felt with it, make house socks, make a hat … pretty much anything.  It’s my favorite yarn and I could not imagine my stash without at least 4 skeins of it!

So, the other night at work I did something that I’ve been pondering but putting off.  I ripped out all of my progress on Glee.  The more I worked on it, the more I knew that something wasn’t right with it.  I’d rather rip out 50% of a WIP than have an FO that looks like crap and doesn’t fit me.  I’m spot on about gauge, but I know that something is a miss, so I think I’m going to drop down a size.  I’d rather stretch it a wee bit than have it be super mega huge!  The One Row scarf is almost half way done, and I really need to block those two knitted birthday presents this week!!!

Tomorrow we’re having a little 4th of July BBQ, with my parents and some really good friends.  I’m praying it won’t rain, because we can see the local fireworks quite well from out back yard!!!!  I should have photos to post sometime tomorrow night or this coming week (I’m working the weekend!)

One week until my NY gals and Emy will be in town !!!!  I can’t wait to see you all!!!

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #123

What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sounds of the Peepers (frogs) outside at night, when the lights are off and I’m the only one awake, standing on our back porch.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Anytime someone is grinding their teeth, mainly in their sleep.  ARG - it’s like nails on a chalk board!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I’ve always wanted to be a mortician!  I started out for that, but realized I was really go working with the living, but I still want to give it a shot.

What profession would you NOT like to do?

President of the United States, or any other political role.

It Just Keeps Coming

I must be doing something right in the Universe …. I received another SP12 package from my pal on Saturday!

There is a skein of Fleece Artist sock yarn in a beautiful pink/purple color, a cute card with a little charm, the softest cotton fabric I have ever felt in my life (I want to felt a bag just so I can line it with this!), a cute little coaster that you can shape and bend, and some chocolate lip gloss (yummy!)  Thanks so much Secret Pal … I love it!  Sadly, my pal has yet to receive my package … but it’s going to Canada and sometimes the USPS can be really slow!

This weekend has been a ‘be lazy and do nothing’ weekend.  Last week was my long week at work, so Saturday I basically caught up on sleep.  Today, I did the same thing, save for a bit of reading.  When my body tells me to rest and sleep, I obey.  It’s a lesson I’ve learned not the fight.  I have some body aches and a killer headache right now, and I’ve been hacking up some junk all day.  There is something upper respiratory going around at work, so I’m on the sleep a lot/hot tea regiment so I can go back to work tomorrow night.  When ever I have stress in my life, my body shuts down.  I don’t know why …. one time my doctor told me that I have chronic fatigue syndrome as a result of a bad batch of Mono/Epstein Barr that I had in high school (three months worth of Mono - not good.)  So I’ve been taking it extra easy this weekend.

Ah … knitting progress!!!  I actually have photos to share!!

I’m about twelve rows away from joining in the round on Glee.  Looking at it, I’m a bit worried that the sleeve openings are going to be too big, but I’m sure that I can come up with something to fix that if it is the case.  I’ve been taking my time with this, mainly because it’s a lot of knit and purl … over and over and over again.

Next up, I’ve started some Christmas knitting!  Yes, go ahead a say it … SHE’S CRAZY!!!!  This is going to be for my Dad.  It’s The Yarn Harlot’s One Row Scarf … in mmmmMalabrigo!

I really love this pattern, and I’m going to make another one (or maybe two!)  It’s a great simple pattern that brings wonderful results.

In wedding news … the wedding Website is up.  You can check it out HERE.

Only THIRTEEN more days until my Bridal Shower!!!!  I can’t wait to see Emy, Tina, Katie, and Steve!!!  I miss my NY friends so much, so to have them down here - even for the weekend - is making me all a flutter!!!  Emy has been working hard on her knitting too!  She made her man, Matt, a scarf, has learned to purl, and is ready to start on a hat!!!  I’m so proud!!!  Tina is bringing her wheel, and I’m anxious to see what Katie is working on as well.  It’s so hard when most of your close friends live 6 or more hours away (an ocean in Emy’s case), but to have them all together in on spot … I can’t wait!

Okay … I’m going to reserve my energy and lay back down, probably finishing my book tonight too.  Have a great week everyone!

Friday Fill Ins

Friday Fill-In #78

1. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated in the grandest fashion!  Lots of homemade food, cake, friends, and of course … presents!

2. Autumn is my favorite season because I love the cool weather and being able to wear sweaters again!

3. I feel my best when I’ve had at least 10 hours of sleep and can spend the next day relaxing with John and/or knitting.

4. Sushi is my favorite food!

5. First impressions are very important.  Not what you look like, but how you carry yourself and behave.  It’s just something most people never forget.

6. The best piece of advice I ever received was being able to laugh at yourself, no matter what, and especially in the hardest of times.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to reading and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in, knitting, and doing a whole lotta nothing and Sunday, I want to sleep in again and maybe get some things done around the house!

I’m making great progress on Glee and a scarf for my Dad, so I am hoping this weekend to have photos of my knitting progress!