Knitty Cat

1.20.09

2009-01-20T15:12:00.005-06:00

Part of my New Year's Resolution was to be more committed to this blog and I can't think of a better opportunity than on the day of President Barack Obama's Inauguration.

I went to my sister Susan's house today to watch the swearing in with her, Ken and Sophie. It felt great to be together on such a special day and here are some of my thoughts as I witness this remarkable day and record "Where I was when..."

Like so many other Americans I find it hard to come up with words that encompass all the feelings I have today. Optimism, pride, hope, inspiration -- they are all in the mix, but what stuns me the most is to see the overwhelming happiness across the country and around the world. Despite the staggering challenges we face and every reason to be afraid, people are not reacting with anger or looking to blame, they are not cynical or hopeless. Instead we have found and elected the right man at the right time -- one to make us want to be better people, to do good, to live up to the ideals that have always set America apart.

I think it is wonderful that we have freely elected our nation's first African-American president and I understand what this day signifies for that community. I also embrace the large step forward we have taken to end racial barriers. The country is different now and I love that kids will have a new role model for success and reaching your dreams. (He is making it cool to be smart!). However, I think that the public reaction to this man and his "call to arms", that we all bear responsibility and contribute to the repair of this country, far exceeds the color of his skin. Millions of people came together on the National Mall without a single incident and millions more are finding new ways to make a difference in their own home towns.

I wasn't around to hear John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech or King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and we have been sorely lacking inspirational leaders in my lifetime thus far. I think Barack Obama is going to be that kind of leader for this generation. I, for one, can't wait for him to get started. It feels so great to be proud of our President again.

Princess Gala

2008-04-26T15:22:00.011-05:00

Camille, one of Rachel's classmates, had a Princess-themed birthday party this morning and I couldn't resist a quick post. Camille's mom obviously planned the party for months and no detail was overlooked. There were all kinds of handmade goodies, including wands made from rice krispie treats and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Camille's parents were even dressed up as the Queen and Prince Charming...

They had decorated the clubhouse with sheer curtains and had tables set with special place settings and even slipcovers on the chairs...

There was a table full of dress-up items and they had a fashion show...

They decorated little hand mirrors with glitter and "gems"...

and played "Pass the Glass Slipper" for fun princess prizes.

The girls loved it. While some of us parents felt a bit inferior by comparison (lol), it was definitely the highlight social event of the season.

Zoo Day

2008-04-25T21:46:00.006-05:00

Today was the rescheduled rain date for Rachel's first school field trip. Another fun milestone. A few members of her class showed up for a fun day at the Nashville Zoo. Of course, all of the girls had a great time walking around together...

and I discovered that a few of her favorite friends will also be attending the summer session on Tuesdays & Thursdays. That will make Rachel very happy; she'll get a few more weeks with them before they all scatter to their different schools in August. We were able to get them all together for a photo in the Lorikeet Landing exhibit.

There is a little boy in one of the other Pre-K classrooms that is totally infatuated with Rachel. His name is Colin and he is convinced that he will marry Rachel when he grows up. While part of me is a bit freaked out, he is so sweet and it's cute that he looks after her so nicely. They spent a lot of the day together...

Everyone had a nice time walking around the zoo on their own and then we met up after lunch to play on the huge castle jungle gym. We were one of the last to leave and I was completely wiped out!

There is no Try

2008-04-20T12:26:00.002-05:00

We will be leaving very soon to go down to the Sommett Center for Game 6. In the immortal words of Yoda, "Do or do not. There is no try." This is it for the Predators--their backs are against the wall and it's either force Game 7 or they are out in the first round for the fourth straight year. We are still very much alive and the Preds just need to play their own game and keep putting the pressure on the Wings. More to come after the game. LET'S GO PREDS!!

Sock Update

2008-04-19T14:10:00.002-05:00

My 2 at-a-time sock project is coming along. After sorting out a little snag in the pattern I was able to finish turning the heels and I am now on to the gussett decreases. Aren't they cute? This is a fun project and I am looking forward to starting a pair for Rachel next. Thank goodness for Ravelry -- an unbelievable resource for all kinds of fibery goodness, but especially helpful for getting out of trouble. There are groups and discussion boards for virtually any topic and even a thread to contact the author of this book and ask questions. So cool.

Ellis (is an) Island

2008-04-19T12:38:00.005-05:00

They say no man is an island, but it must have felt that way to Nashville Predators goalie, Dan Ellis, last night. Ellis seemed to be the only man who came to play in Game 5 of the series against the Detroit Red Wings. Stopping all but two of Detroit's 54 shots, Ellis was impressive; but was eventually bested by an overtime breakaway shot from Johan Franzen.

The Preds lost 2-1 in a heartbreaker that could easily have gone their way. Even though they were playing without David Legwand and captain, Jason Arnott, there were just too many inexcusable mistakes and an overall lack of intensity. I don't know what else it is going to take to take to make this team seize an opportunity like the one they had last night. Following wins in Games 3 and 4 here in Nashville they should have been riding a huge wave of momentum. Radek Bonk's goal with just 43.4 seconds left in regulation tied the game 1-1, and should have been a great boost of confidence. We could have been playing tomorrow afternoon at home with a chance to take the series and send all the critics into a tailspin with one of the greatest upsets ever. If all of that isn't motivation enough, nothing ever will be. I am so frustrated.

Well, now they need to regroup, play like hell tomorrow, and go back to Detroit for Game 7 with fire in their eyes. We all know they can do it, they just need to believe it, too.

Big Bugs

2008-04-17T22:05:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post. When I got home from picking Rachel up this afternoon the garage door was covered with these huge bugs. Are the two in the top picture feeling frisky? They have been around for a week or two, but today there had to be over a dozen. Does anyone know what they are? Do I need to call an exterminator? lol They are so weird looking...I am kinda creeped out. If you have any ideas, please leave a message on the comment link below. Thanks!

Makeover

2008-04-17T13:31:00.011-05:00

I got my hair cut this morning and decided to go for a big change.

I have been doing a lot of work on myself in the last few months and am trying to become more authentic, as they say these days. I am discovering that doing things to make someone else happy may be a quick fix and can even seem admirable (putting others first feels noble), but it doesn't work in the long run. Before my wedding I grew my hair long so I could have the up-do I wanted. Doug likes longer hair too, so I kept it that way. Recently I have found myself hating it. It was hard to take care of, got in the way, and most of all, didn't reflect how I feel about myself. I wanted spunky and fun and, thanks to Tony (the best hairdresser I've ever had), I got just that:

I love it and feel about 10 years younger. I don't think I've ever really had bangs before, but I think they look good. Hopefully, I will be able to keep up the style. I might have to buy one of those flat irons, I'll see how it goes.

Also, the Predators won again last night, final score 3-2, tying the series 2-2. The Preds scored two very quick goals at the start of the game and kept the Red Wings behind the entire game, largely due to the outstanding play of goaltender, Dan Ellis, who stopped 39 shots.

The game didn't start until 8 pm and even though Rachel took an afternoon nap, she started to fade around 10.

Some other highlights from the game:

Gov. Phil Bredesen & Andrea Conte give the ceremonial puck drop.

The Pred Nation stands to salute Our Team.

The catfish thrown on the ice for good luck.

The Arena will be open tomorrow night to watch Game 5 from Detroit for free on the Megatron. It should be a lot of fun, almost like a home game, and I hope we can go down to watch. Game 6 will be back here in Nashville on Sunday afternoon.

9 Seconds

2008-04-15T12:43:00.008-05:00

Sometimes everything changes in a moment. In what could arguably be called the best game I have seen in the nine years I have been attending Preadators games, the Detroit Red Wings were defeated 5-3 in Game Three of the Playoffs last night.

The Nashville Predators were down a goal late in the third period and then, in a comeback of epic proportions, scored two goals in 9 seconds. The first, scored by Ryan Suter, tied the game at 3-3 and brought the crowd to its feet. The noise was deafening as the crowd continued to cheer and then the go-ahead goal was scored by Captain, Jason Arnott. Pandemonium erupted. Seriously, in all the games I have attended, including every Playoff game ever played on home ice, I have never heard the Arena that loud. It was crazy and we screamed until our voices gave out.

The Wings pulled Hasek, but to no avail. With just 21 seconds on the clock Martin Erat scored into the empty net and added free Taco Bell Tacos to top off a very memorable night.

As the Wings coach said in his post-game press conference, we now have a Series. Watch out Red Wings--we aren't going down without a fight.

Ed and my sister, Christine. This was the first game they made it to all season--they picked a great night!

Another Saturday Night...

2008-04-12T19:03:00.005-05:00

This will be a shorter post; I don't have a lot to talk about and I am totally exhausted. I left the house bright & early this morning to be at the Officers meeting of my Harley-Davidson Chapter. This is about the 5th year straight that I have been one of the editors of the chapter newsletter. It isn't the post glamorous of positions, but I really enjoy the creative part of designing it (the other editor does all the nagging for articles!) and I can get it done on my own time.

After the meeting I ran a few errands and then went over to Candi and Gary's (also members of the Harley Chapter) house to watch the Predators play Game Two on TV. They have an awesome flat panel that is almost as good as watching the game live.

Friends Rick and Penny and a couple of Candi's neighbors were there, too. Although the Preds lost again (final score 4-2), they played better and we had a nice time being together. Doug stayed home with Rachel and it was a treat to have a Moms Day Out. I picked up some take-out Chinese on the way home and now I am looking forward to a quiet evening and an early bedtime...

The End of Second Sock Syndrome?

2008-04-11T19:04:00.011-05:00

After the Yarn Harlot spoke Wednesday night I bought a new book I have been wanting, "2-at-a-time Socks", by Melissa Morgan Oakes.

I bought some supplies at Knaughty Knitter on Thursday and cast on the "sample sock" pattern this morning. This is a teeny pair of socks that is knit in two different colors of yarn to learn the technique and avoid some of the confusion. (I will have to repeat the process to get two pairs of socks.) The idea is to cast on for both socks onto a really long circular needle (at least 40") and then divide each set of stitches in half and pull the cable out--like Magic Loop. You work in rounds, completing both socks on each pass. I love it! After the first few rounds I stopped twisting the two balls of yarn around each other and the process became much clearer. So far, so good--hopefully the heel & gussett will go as smoothly. It will be so cool to end the problem of matching stripes, guessing if I'll have enough yarn, & keeping track of rows. Not to mention the dreaded SSS! When you cast off, BOTH socks are done! Check back on my progress.

Last night we went to the Kindergarten Open House at the elementary school Rachel will go to in August. It was fun and scary at the same time. It is really hard for me to believe that she will be in Real School in just a few short months. We got to tour the school and meet the Principal, as well as wander through all SEVEN kindergarten classrooms. Rachel loved that part and it was hard to get her to leave all the fun things to look at and do. One classroom even had an egg incubator. Neat.

Then I came home and watched the Nashville Predators play Game One of the Playoffs against the Detroit Red Wings. The Preds hung in there pretty well, but ended up losing 3-1. (The last goal was scored into an empty net.) Game Two is Saturday afternoon and I hope we can win that one. It would be great to play at home on Monday night with a tied series. Keepin' the fingers & toes crossed.

On another note, dinner conversation with Rachel was a hoot tonight. She informed us that her (imaginary) friends, Rose and Linda, were out of town. They apparently have gone to Ohio to visit their Aunt. Before they left they gave Rachel a candy bar with chocolate, honey, cake icing, blueberries and other fruit. These were pretty much her exact words--her imagination is a fine & wonderful thing.

Yarn Harlot Comes to Town

2008-04-10T08:20:00.009-05:00

Last night my friends--Barb, Sally, Eli, & Linda--went to Borders to see Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka The Yarn Harlot. Ms. Pearl-McPhee writes knitting humor books that are completely hilarious. (In case you aren't a knitter: for those of us who do knit, getting to see her in person is roughly equivalent to a visit from the President or an audience with the Pope.)

She came to promote her new book, "Things I Learned from Knitting...whether I wanted to or not". The Yarn Harlot gave a highly entertaining speech (we laughed 'til we cried) that was also very educational. Knitting is actually healthy activity, just like exercise (in a way). According to the scientific study that Stephanie cited, knitters actually go into "The Zone", just like athletes. The highly repetitive action of knitting puts the brain into Theta waves, where the most creative and positive thinking is done. No criticism, no doubts. Bliss. How cool is that?!

Here's Barb, Sally, and Eli while we waited for Stephanie to come out:

Here is a photo of Stephanie with Emily and Dana, from Threaded Bliss:

Barb showed up very early at Borders on Monday morning to make sure we all had copies of the book and to get the slips of paper that made sure we would get the book autographed. The Yarn Harlot was impressed that Barb had slip #1 and she even took a picture of her:

Mitered Squares

2008-04-06T09:08:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since I mentioned any knitting projects...

I know I have referred to the knitting group that meets at the Main Library downtown on this Blog before. It's a terrific and eclectic group and they are always bringing in really creative projects that I want to make.

Francie, in particular, seems to choose projects and colorways that make me stop whatever I am working on and go and take a closer look. She is very generous about sharing her ideas and I know she understands that imitation truly is the highest form of flattery. (heehee) Back in January she walked in with one of the most striking scarves I have ever seen wrapped around her neck and I just had to have one. She designed the scarf based on the directions for the small Mitered Square , found in the Psychedelic Squares Afghan. Francie also used the technique for knitting four squares together devised by Kay Gardiner to greatly reduce the amount of sewing up at the end. You can find directions for this here on the May 10, 2006 entry at masondixonknitting.com.

The yarn Francie used had been discontinued, so I decided to make mine out of Brown Sheep Yarn Co.'s Cotton Fleece. I bought 10 skeins at a local yarn shop, and although I easily could have included more colors, I figured ten colors in a scarf was enough. The finished scarf requires 56 squares so I still have a way to go, but these are some photos of what I have finished. I guess I'll be wearing it next winter, lol.

Mule Day

2008-04-05T19:55:00.012-05:00

In the 20 years or so that I have lived in Nashville, I had yet to make it down to Columbia for the annual Mule Day festival. I guess it's just one of those events that you don't think about until you hear it has already passed and then think "I'll make it next year."

Our Harley-Davidson Chapter planned a group ride to go down today, so it seemed that the opportunity had finally presented itself. Despite the grey skies and chill in the air, Rach and I drove down in the truck and stopped along the highway to watch the parade. Lots of riders and teams with wagons went by and Rachel had a great time waving at them all. We found our way over to the park, arriving purely by chance within moments of the motorcycle group.

We all walked in together and everyone found their yummy fair food of choice. (BBQ for Doug and I, Rachel had a corn dog.) We walked around the exhibits and did a bit of shopping for an hour or so until the bike group left for their ride back to town. Rachel and I went to see the skill driving teams which was really neat, and then went to the arena for the mule pulling contest. Mule teams in a similar weight class compete to see which team can pull the heaviest sled filled with concrete blocks. We didn't get to stay until the end, but when we left the sled weighed more than 43oo lbs. It was really impressive.

We bought some peach preserves and local honey on the way out and Rachel was sound asleep before I made it to the highway. We had a nice lasagna dinner courtesy of Stouffer's and I think it's safe to say it was a fun day for us all. I hope it isn't another 20 years before I make it back to Mule Days...

Oh, by the way, the Predators did lose to the 'Hawks last night, so we finish in 8th place and will face the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Games 3 & 4 will be played here in Nashville late next week but I'll have more on this subject when the schedule is announced. I can't wait!

The Little Team That Could!

2008-04-04T09:49:00.008-05:00

In a stunning reversal of fortune the Nashville Predators clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs late last night. The Preds were determined to keep their fate in their own hands and win their remaining regular season games, a goal they have been meeting with the tremendous play of goalie Dan Ellis.

The Preds beat the St. Louis Blues last night 3-2 in one of the most exciting and emotional games I have ever attended. With about four minutes left on the clock and the Preds leading by just one goal, a TV time out was called. The sold-out crowd rose as one in a spontaneous standing ovation to the team that had survived so much. We twirled the free t-shirts we had been given over our heads and roared for a full two and a half minutes. It was unbelievably emotional--one of those moments that defy words and that no one who was there will ever forget. While not as historically important as the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team beating the USSR for the gold medal, I found myself remembering watching that game with my family and feeling just as proud and happy and and inspired as I did that day when the "Shot Heard Round the World."

Later that night we got a little help from the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks and eliminated them from their 8th place playoff spot.

The Preds will play the Chicago Blackhawks (in their last home game) tonight in a game that has no real impact. Key Nashville players will probably not play in order to rest and prevent injury, so it will be fun to see some of the Preds who don't see much ice time get to play. If we win we could move into the 7th seed, but that would mean meeting the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round for the third straight year and that hasn't gone so well for us. While I would never suggest that the Preds should lose on purpose, but hey--if we should happen to lose I'd rather see us take our chances with the Red Wings.

Nashville is only one of 7 NHL teams to make the Playoffs four years straight, so this fan hopes that some of the bashing of this wonderful, scrappy, hard-working team can be put to rest. Go Preds!

Mac Attack

2008-03-26T19:25:00.001-05:00

Today I gave in and bought the Macintosh laptop computer I have been drooling over for months. I stopped in to the MacAuthority store on my way downtown and they happened to have a second-hand MacBook Pro with a 17" screen for a price I couldn't pass up (I had been looking at new ones). I am so happy to have a Mac again and I am amazed by all the cool things that have been added to the system since I bought my G3 in 1999.

I also can now use our wireless DSL connection anywhere in the house and that will make it so much easier to keep up with my e-mail and this Blog. There is software included to do just about anything, including iMovie, so I am looking forward to editing together my home movies and being able to watch them on DVD.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful holiday today. My sisters Susan & Christine, my brother Lou and brother-in-law Eddie all came over for an early dinner. It isn't very often that all of us make it into the same room, so it was a real treat for me to have everyone together.

We had spiral ham and lamb chops, with my mother's famous (to us) au gratin potatoes, asparagus, and all the trimmings. It was hard to pry a few colored eggs away from Rachel to make deviled eggs so here is a photo for posterity.

The Easter Bunny was good to Rachel, too. I may even be able to sneak a Peep or two for myself...

Got Snow?

2008-03-07T22:03:00.003-06:00

Rachel had a Snow Day from school today and in a departure from our usual dusting we actually got almost 4 inches of snow this morning. It was really beautiful, with a bright sunny day to go with it.

I am glad I let Rachel (and Doug) out to play right after breakfast 'cause it was all gone by 1:00 pm. (smile)

Birthdays

2008-02-07T19:18:00.001-06:00

Today is the birthday of both my sister Christine and my brother Lou, born on the same day nine years apart. How cool is that?! Lou says Christine was the best birthday present he ever got. aawww. Happy Birthdays you two--I love you!

Although it is my half-birthday I wasn't counting on a surprise like this:

I had just dropped Rachel off at school and was driving home. I turned onto our street and I guess I got distracted thinking about other things. I looked out the passenger window for a moment and when I turned my head back I was about to hit my neighbor's brick-enclosed mailbox. I hit the brakes, but it was too late and I basically drove right into it.

Both front airbags went off and although I wasn't hurt at all, I was very upset that I had been so careless and stupid. I am very grateful that Rachel wasn't in the car and that she wasn't hurt or scared. The crash was really loud and bricks flew everywhere. The damage to the Escape is pretty severe and I won't be very surprised if it can't be fixed. We'll have to see what the body shop finds and what the insurance company decides to do.

Birthday Knits

2008-01-19T20:57:00.002-06:00

We went to two birthday parties today; one for Rachel's friend Kaila, and another for my nephew, Angus. Both of them have birthdays later this week, and by coincidence both parties ended up being today. Kaila had her party at the YMCA and Angus had a Bowling Party. Rachel had a wonderful time and got to eat plenty of cake, lol.

Angus is going to turn 6, and I gave him the tunic sweater I started knitting a year ago and finally finished. He seemed to really like it and I am glad I knitted the largest size in the pattern, 'cause it still fit fine!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T09:28:00.001-06:00

Happy 2008 everyone!

As has become our tradition in the last few years, we forego the big New Year's Eve events and stay home. We make a fancy dinner (usually involving lobster or some other decadent shellfish), watch the TV broadcast from New York City, and then set off some firecrackers or fireworks if we have some.

Rachel didn't quite make it to see the ball come down in Times Square and I just had to take this sweet photo when she passed out on the couch.

Best wishes to all my friends and family for a wonderful and prosperous 2008--I love you guys!

Funny Girl

2007-12-28T21:32:00.001-06:00

Sometimes a picture really does speak a thousand words...

I'm In, I'm In!

2007-10-08T23:18:00.000-05:00

I just got my invitation to Ravelry (actually, it arrived on October 5 and I never downloaded my e-mail this weekend) and I am so excited! My screen name will be KnittyCatKnits if anyone wants to check it out. More projects and info will be coming soon. It is just as addictive as everyone says! :)

Also, Happy 21st Birthday to my niece Sophie! Pictures from last night's Birthday Extravaganza to come very soon.

Oh What a (Opening) Night!

2007-10-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

Last night Doug, Rachel and I went to the Opening Night Predators game vs. the Colorado Avalanche and I have this to say:

Preds Win!
Shutout! (Final Score 4-0)
We won a "Jersey off Our Backs" from Ortmeyer.

It was a perfect night and after 10 years--and 16,000+ fans-- I can't believe "we" (Doug's name was drawn) actually won a very large, very sweaty, game worn jersey.

Of course, it's me, and my camera died before I got pictures but I am going to try and download the photos from my cell phone.

Monday Again

2007-08-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have a few errands to run this morning and then it's Knitting at the Library day. Hooray! On the second Monday of each month there is a group that meets at the main public library in downtown Nashville. Knitters of note often attend, there are door prizes, and a good time is had by all. It's been awhile since my schedule has allowed me to attend, so I am really looking forward to it.

Doug and I have been working hard in the veggie garden, too. I need to post a photo or two, but we've been trying to come up with a foolproof way to keep our dog Pogo out of the garden. He has become obsessed with stealing the green tomatoes (I think he believes they are tennis balls) and if things keep up this way we won't harvest a ripe tomato this summer. Doug has reinforced the fencing and is building a new wood gate that I don't think he'll be able to push his way under. I tell ya, sometimes pets seem to be more trouble than they are worth. Of course, I don't really mean that. Pogo is awfully cute.

Dishcloths for Jules

2007-08-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

These are the dishcloths I made for my sister Julie. I made her some last year, in more muted tones, and they were wearing out. She requested that the new ones be in brighter colors and I think she got what she asked for. heehee

In my excitement at finshing, I sent these off without taking a picture so this photo is from her. Thanks, Jules. I'm really glad you like them.

Beat the Heat

2007-08-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

One of the advantages to this heatwave (heat index is 107 degrees today) is the fact that I feel no guilt whatsoever in staying indoors.

This morning I drove out to Murfreesboro to visit a favorite LYS, The Knaughty Knitter. Meredith has a SnB on Thursday mornings and today she was having a big sale as well. I bought 4 skeins of ArtYarns Ultramerino 8, some Berroco Suede to make a top for my sister Christine, Crytal Palace Maizy for socks, and Tatamy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns to make Rachel a sweater. Whew! Good thing I have my birthday as an excuse! lol

My friends Laurie and Sally were there, too, and it was fun to shop & knit a little. I haven't been making it out on Thursdays since school let out so it was a special treat. School starts for Rachel on the 15th, so I'm sure I'll be making it out there on a more regular basis.

I am still working on the "Polly Pocket Dress" in Rowan Denim from Miss Bea's Seaside. I'll post a photo when I get a little further along. I am almost done with the back but it doesn't look like much as yet.

Monsoon Season?

2007-08-08T13:23:00.000-05:00

It's approximately 101 degrees here in Nashville today, and with the drought most of us are wishing for the rains to come, but I just had to go ouside and take this photo of the (wool) Socks that Rock "Inside Out" sock I finished* up last night. This was the February kit from the STR Sock Club, the colorway is called Monsoon. The April & June kirs were beautiful--I need to post photos of the skeins before I get them rolled.

Now I just need to make the other one, and when this heat wave passes and the fall temps arrive I'll be cozy in my "cool" socks. Big smile for my first adult sock!

*Please disregard that end I still need to sew in!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-08-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

Today was my 41st birthday and I had a terrific day. I got wonderful voicemails and e-cards from dear friends and family--thanks everyone!

A few weeks ago I signed up to take a watercolor class from Gail McDaniel and today was the first day (a nice coincidence!). This is my first watercolor from a still life that was today's subject. I still need to add a few more details, but all in all I was pretty happy with it. It has been many years since I did any painting and it was a lot of fun to get out of the house and do something that is just for me.

Next, I had lunch with my sister Christine, my brother Lou, and BIL Eddie at Cozymel's. Rachel was still at the drop-in childcare place and it was a delicious and peaceful lunch. They gave me gardening & art supplies and these beautiful flowers.

After lunch I picked up Rachel & went to see my friends at our Tuesday afternoon knitting group. A couple of members were missing (see you soon Jinjifore & Barb!) but we had a great time together as always.

I didn't make it down to Stillwaters Cafe for the evening Meetup group since Doug and I planned to go out to Red Lobster for dinner. Dinner was delicious and I hope to make it down to see Phyllis and Co. next week.

All told, it was a wonderful birthday.

Knitting for Gifts

2007-08-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

I have been finishing up some of the WIPs I have laying around before I succumb to the urge to start something new.

Here is the baby blanket I made from Blue Sky Organic Cotton, colorway 85, for a friend who is having her first baby --a boy--in October. The pattern is adapted from natural knits for babies and moms. The finished dimensions of the blanket in the book was only 18" x 24" . I thought that seemed a bit small, so I added some stitches to the width and knitted a couple of extra repeats. It's not huge now either (approx. 24" x 27"), but I think the size is good for a stroller or car seat, or just carrying around for snuggling. The yarn is wonderful--very soft to touch and a beautiful twist of cream and silvery green.

This is another one of the Koigu beaded purses I have been making. This time in a bright tomato red for a friend who loves all things red.

While it can seem a little sad to give away so much of my knitting, I really love the idea that my time, energy and love are in every stitch --and I know that the people I give things to appreciate that.

My Little Fish

2007-07-11T19:52:00.000-05:00

I decided to enroll Rachel in some private swim lessons at the Y this summer. We took several of the group lesson series last year and we didn't make much progress. Rachel's favorite lifeguard/instructor, Beth, was back this summer and in 3 lessons Rachel was swimming underwater and could swim doggie paddle the 25-yard length of the pool. I was so impressed and actually surprised when she passed the Y's swim test to use the large water slides in the outdoor pool and earned the much-coveted green wristband. You go, girl!

Wedding Bells

2007-07-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday one of my oldest friends got married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Bicentennial Park in downtown Nashville.

They didn't start out planning a summer wedding, but when they saw the 07-07-07 date, they were sold. Ed is the son of my mother's best friend and we grew up together--at each other's homes, on summer vacations and at our older siblings' swim meets. He is almost like a younger brother & we have a lot of terrific memories. It was a lot of fun reminiscing, seeing both of his parents and making each other laugh.

Best of all-- seeing Ed and his beautiful bride, Jennifer, so happy. Some days are just good.

Happy Independence Day!

2007-07-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th! We had a great family day today--swimming, horseshoes, the cookout, watermelon, fireworks--the whole deal.

We started out only expecting my sister Susan, her husband Ken and Angus but then Doug's sister Jennifer called. They decided to forego the craziness in downtown Nashville and join us for a more laid-back holiday out here in Franklin.

Despite the mechanical failure of the gas grill, we had a lot of fun. I only wish that the 4th hadn't fallen mi-week this year and we could have gotten a long weekend...

Cousins

2007-06-02T20:12:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Sam (far left), cam home for a few days after his graduation from NYU. Despite my shock at the whole Grizzly Adams look, it was really good to see him. Sophie was home from college for the summer as well, so it was the perfect moment to grab this rare photo of Rachel with her cousins from my side of the family.

Take note of the very cool turquoise '65 Chevy pickup truck my sister Susan got for Mother's Day.

Happy Memorial Day!

2007-05-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

We have had a full and fun Memorial Day so far.

A tech from Bell South came by bright & early to fix our DSL Service (haven't had internet for the last few days), but we were back up better than ever in about 30 minutes. We had some breakfast, walked Pogo, and started the beef brisket we'll grill later for dinner.

My sister Christine, brother Lou and BIL Eddie all competed in the Memorial Day Triathalon at the Jewish Community Center this morning. I called Chris to see how they did. Lou did the swim, Chris the bike, and Ed did the run portion--and they won the relay category! I wish I could have made it out to watch again this year. (Chris & Lou were on the relay team last year, too, but with a different runner.)

We hung out and had BLTs for lunch and then Rachel asked to get out the water toys.

Doug joined in, too:

Nick's at Night

2007-05-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

We went over to our neighbor Nick's house tonight for a cookout. Doug and Nick got to talking while I was in Missouri, and this mornning we got invited to join him and some of the neighbors for dinner and a swim. Rachel loves the water and we had a hard time getting her to leave and get ready for bed. Luckily, we have the whole summer ahead and more opportunities to swim in Nick's beautiful pool.

Dinner was fantastic, too!

Birthdays in Springfield, MO

2007-05-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

I got a call last week from my friend, Sherri, who now lives in Springfield, MO. We met several years ago (when we were both single and childless) on a scuba diving trip to the Red Sea. We became close friends and we have kept in touch despite the geographical distance when Sherri moved back home. She has three little girls now and two of them, turning 5 and 2, have the same birthday, May 18. Sherri called to invite me to their party on Sunday the 20th and since school was over for Rachel, we decided to go.

We started out early Saturday morning since it's about a seven-hour drive to Springfield; but, God bless the soul who invented car DVD players, Rach and I had an easy, uneventful trip. We arrived about 2:30 pm and had enough time to let the girls play and get reaquainted (Sherri's whole family came and stayed with us last August for my 40th birthday) and then we had pizza for dinner.

We spent most of Sunday morning preparing for the party and then we had a wonderful cookout, courtesy of hubby Shane, presents and cake.

On Monday we went to the park and walked along the river that runs nearby and Emma, the oldest, had a tee-ball baseball game. It was really cute to see all those little boys and girls in all their gear, trying to bat, run and field.

On Tuesday we were hoping to go down to Branson to an amusement park, but rain was threatening so we went to the nearby zoo, which was also free with my Nashville Zoo membership, in case we had to make a run for it. The zoo there is really great. The kids loved all the baby animals, especially this baby elephant, and there are two baby giraffes expected any day now.

Wednesday was the long drive home--somehow the trip back home always seems longer. Hmmm.

42nd Fiesta!

2007-05-17T22:34:00.000-05:00

Today was Doug's 42nd Birthday and it just so happened that it coincided with the monthly meeting of our Harley-Davidson H.O.G. Chapter. In fact, this was the first "Bike Night" of the summer; when our "mostly business" off-season meetings turn into "mostly party" get-togethers. It was perfect timing and way more of a celebration than I could have put together on a Thursday night.

They had a Mexican fiesta theme with yummy food from San Antonio Taco Co. and even though they didn't get around to the pinata (Rachel was bummed) we had a really good time.

Rachel has been having a great time practicing with my digital camera and she took this picture of Senor Doug:

She is getting really good and I guess I'll be getting her a camera of her own soon.

Mother's Day, Sort Of

2007-05-13T21:14:00.000-05:00

Well, today was Mother's Day but it was basically a non-event for me. Doug is of the opinion that Mother's Day is really about his mother, not me. While I don't expect to be showered with lavish and expensive gifts, it would have been nice to get a little pampering--sleep late, breakfast in bed, maybe a card or at least a verbal, "Thanks for all you do, honey. You're a great Mom."

Although Christine & Lou called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day (thank you, guys!) I got none of those things from Doug. This is what I spent my day doing:

This area had been Doug's dumping ground for all the cut branches and trimmings from the yard--I wish I had taken a "before" picture". It was a lot of work, but now we have nice raised beds for our veggie garden and I'll be sure to post some pics as the tomatoes, etc. come along. I am going to put the herb garden in here, too, until I have the patio put in and have a good spot closer to the house.

Usually, I get Doug to take a photo of Rachel and I together, but I even forgot to do that. I am tired and just going to turn in early...

More Grandparents

2007-05-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

We hosted dinner at our house on Sunday night, but -gasp!- I guess in all the excitement I didn't take any pictures of Rachel with her Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop. It's really not like me not to remember and I wish I had some of the three of them here in the backyard. Sigh...

We had a delicious dinner last night over at Doug's sister Jennifer's house. She made a grilled beef brisket that was out-of this-world. Dinner at Jenny's is always a treat, but I took home the recipe for this one. Daniel finished moving out of his apartment and made it home a little later. We gave him an engraved valet box, which he seemed to like a lot.

Rachel with her Grandparents.

Rachel with her great-great Aunt Clara.

Graduations & Grandparents

2007-05-06T08:34:00.000-05:00

My nephew Sam and Doug's nephew Daniel both graduated from college on Saturday. Sam was at NYU, and the school is so big that he decided not to attend the graduation ceremony. My sister Susan and niece Sophie went up to visit, but we'll see him when he comes home for a few days at the end of May.

Doug's Mom & Dad drove down from PA to go to Daniel's graduation from Lee, so we'll get to visit with them for a couple of days. Last night we went out to dinner and there was a piano player and singer performing. Rachel charmed everyone by dancing in front of the stage, and then the singer sat her up on a stool and sang to her. I wish the pictures had turned out better, but it was really dark in the restaurant.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

2007-04-22T20:42:00.000-05:00

Ken gave us his tickets to the Sounds game today and we had a great time out at the ball park on a beautiful, perfect Spring afternoon. We ordered hot dogs and cherry Icees and settled into seats right above the visitors dugout on the first base line. It was really cool to see all the action up close.

A few innings into the game, the guys sitting behind us caught a foul ball and they gave it to Rachel as a souvenir. It was a really generous thing to do and she loved it, as you can see.

A good time for all--thanks, Ken!

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Game 5

2007-04-21T15:25:00.000-05:00

The Nashville Predators ended their Playoff run last night at home in a heartbreaking Game 5 loss to the Sharks. I went to the game with my brother, Lou. I sold my three seats to a friend from the Harley Chapter and we sat in Ken & Angus' seats. We were all so pumped up and fully expecting the Preds to come out on fire with something to prove. While I knew it was along shot for them to come back and win the next three games, I really thought they would win last night. I think in the other two seasons when we made the playoffs we had that "we're just happy to be here" attitude and the crowd was proud and happy despite the first round defeats. This time the mood was definitely different and everyone left disappointed and a little angry. I think everyone felt they should have done better considering their regular season record. The expectation that we would advance was definitely there and so the defeat was all the more bitter.

I do hope that there is a coolong off period and that there aren't a bunch of rash decisions like firing the whole coaching staff, which some of the radio shows are saying could happen. Barry Trotz is a good coach and I think it is wrong to lay all the problems at his feet. There were injuries, etc. that were beyond his control and throwing the baby out with the bathwater doesn't seem like the solution, to me at least.

Of course, I am a Chicagoan at heart and we know "there's always next year!"

Preds Lose at the Shark Tank

2007-04-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am going to go back and try to catch up on the last couple of weeks of posts--somehow the blog is the thing that went to the back burner with Easter, taxes, etc.

Until then, I thought I would jump on and lick my wounds a little after the pounding the Nashville Predators took against the Sharks in San Jose last night. This matchup is one of the most heated and exciting in this year's Playoffs and it's getting a lot of media attention. Even when we lose it's great hockey--tune in and support the Preds!

I was so excited to sit down at 9:00 (Rachel tucked away in bed) and watch the whole game uninterrupted. It wasn't to be however as I found, upon returning from the kitchen during a commercial, that Versus (Dish Network Ch. 151) had pulled the feed. I messed around with the TV and the DVR figuring it had to be a problem on our end, and then called my sister who is also a Dish customer. Same thing there. Instead of blacking out the programming before the game, they yanked the feed In. The. Middle. of. the. Bloody. First. Period. and I. Missed. Nashville's. Only. Goal. Doug found the game on another channel (which is why the must have stopped the coverage) but not before I got pretty ticked off.

After that the Preds were pretty much outplayed in every department, except of course when it comes to drawing penalties. We shine in the Box. The Sharks are just too strong and if we have any chance at all of surviving this series the Preds are going to have to stop wearing themselves out killing off Power Plays and save their energy for scoring goals. It is really frustrating watching the Sharks bait (no pun intended) our players and then watching them fall for it. I don't think our problems lie at the feet of Tomas Vokoun, or even Barry Trotz. I think it's an experience and self-discipline issue and the Predators are going to have to learn to keep their heads about them to survive. I hope we can pick up the next game in San Jose on Wednesday and then we are back home on Friday.

Series stands 2-1 in favor of the Sharks.

Predators Take Game #2

2007-04-14T13:38:00.000-05:00

Christine, Eddie and I went to the second Playoff game last night against San Jose. Obviously, we liked the 5-2 outcome a lot better this time and it was great to watch the game with my sister. Doug isn't as huge a fan as Christine is, and this was the first game she made it to this season, so it was very nice of Doug to stay home and babysit. We are all hoping they can take the momentum from this game into the two road games in San Jose. It's gonna be tough but we have faith that the Preds can pick up at least one of the two.

We'll be back in Nashville on the 20th for Game 5 -- Go Preds!

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Game 1

2007-04-12T10:03:00.000-05:00

Doug, Rachel and I went to Game 1 of Nashville's Quarterfinal Series against the San Jose Sharks last night. This is the third year in a row that the Nashville Predators have made the Playoffs in the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup, and the second straight year they have faced the Sharks in Round One.

The Sharks are big and physical and this has become a heated rivalry. Although we lost the first of two home games, the Preds looked good and didn't let the Sharks push them around too much. There were some big hits and the Preds seemed to send the message that they had come to play and it wasn't going to be as easy as last year. Go Preds!!

Hoppy Easter!

2007-04-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

We had a lovely day today. Rachel got up and checked out her Easter Basket--including the huge solid chocolate bunny from the Easter Bunny. Doug took Rachel to church while I finished cleaning up and prepping for dinner.

Ken brought Angus over early to play with Rachel and Susan joined us a little later for a nice dinner --ham and leg of lamb, and two kinds of cake.

The kids had fun and it was nice to get together as a family.

The Neverending Foot

2007-04-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a rough day. Some days Rachel just exhausts me, and this was a doozie.

I am posting this morning's photo of my Inside Out sock. I put it on to spare you the image of this sock at this point. :) I was able to do a little more today, but working this foot on size 0 needles is really slow...Still having fun watching this yarn do its thing, though.

Rachel has school tomorrow so I'm off to bed. Hopefully tomorrow will be more relaxing!

April Fool's

2007-04-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

I didn't play any jokes today.

In the past I have pulled some good ones on my husband, including having him completely convinced I had hit his car in the garage when I parked my SUV (I even walked into the house crying). However, it seems the universe has way of getting back at me for my very convincing acting, since shortly after one of these "jokes" 2 or 3 bad things happen to me. I am probably reading too much into the whole karma thing, but I have decided to not tempt fate and have given up "fooling".

I did enjoy the beautiful day here, though. We put up the hammock in the backyard, did a little cleaning up and odd jobs (Doug has the caulk removed out of the master bath shower--who knows how long it will take to have the caulk back in). In the afternoon I was able to join my friends for SnB at the Knaughty Knitter in Murfreesboro, where I continued to work on my Inside Out sock. I am almost to the heel and I will post a picture tomorrow when I can take one in the daylight. The SnB was wonderful, as always. The group was a little smaller than usual, but we had a lot of laughs and good conversation--and cookies & chocolate!

Dog Days

2007-03-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

I didn't get around to writing this post last weekend, but the pictures were too cute to ignore. I spent some time with BIL Ken and nephew Angus on Sunday while Doug went to the old house to do a few things before the closing. The kids had a great time playing outside, and when they brought out this huge stuffed doggie, I had to join in the fun, too. (Sometimes I just can't help myself--this dog was really cute.)

Salami Toast

2007-03-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

In the past couple of weeks Rachel has been really amusing us with Random Bits of Knowledge. Her vocabulary is great, but this is different. She makes comments and answers questions with information we had no idea she knew.

A few nights ago she came up with Doug's middle name, calling him Douglas Charles at bedtime. We have no idea where she heard it.

Yesterday as we drove home from the closing, we passed the sign that marks the beginning of the Franklin city limits. Rachel said, "We live in Franklin town." Again, I had no idea she paid any attention to me telling people where we live and that she had stored that little detail.

This morning Doug made us rye toast for breakfast. Rachel scooted into her chair with her bowl of Cheerios and announced, "That's salami toast, I want regular toast." Doug and I just looked at each other and cracked up.

If we ask her where she learns these sorts of things, she says Rose and Linda (her imaginary friends (I hope!)) tell her. She scares me sometimes...

Ding, Dong, the House is Gone!

2007-03-29T07:24:00.000-05:00

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! (doing the **happy dance**)

Yesterday we finally closed on our old house that has been on the market since late October 2005. Yup. You read that right. Almost 17 months. We had a contract with the same buyers a few weeks ago and they changed their minds and backed out. Our realtor, who only had the listing the last three months, apparently went to work trying to get a better financing package, since she was also the agent for the buyers. Suddenly, Doug got a call that we were back on for the end of March. Sandra used to live in the house right next door and we should have hired her from the start, she did a great job. But, live and learn--and celebrate! After the closing Doug, Rachel and I drove by the house one more time 'cause I wanted a picture of this:

Then we all went out for a "anything you want" dinner at Red Lobster. Yum!

Rockin' Socks

2007-03-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

In a wonderful twist of fate I was able to join the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Sock Club for 2007. My first kit arrived on Monday, with a big black binder, a pattern for Inside Out socks, dyer's notes, other info & worksheets, a cute little skein of Emergency Sock Yarn and this:

I was so excited I ballled it up without taking a picture of the unwound skein. Oops. I'll be sure to take a photo of the skein from the April kit. The colorway is called "Monsoon" and it is inspired by the forest and rain in the Pacific Northwest. Other people are complaining of camouflage overtones, but living here in TN, I totally understand. The greys and browns are lovely, but the greens are my favorite.

Since this pattern was written to allow the use of dpns, two circs, or Magic Loop, I decided to try the 2 circs. After knitting a little while with my friends over at the church on Tuesday I headed over to Threaded Bliss for some Addi Turbos.

Side note: This was going to be my first adult-sized pair of socks. I took a sock class a few weeks ago where we knitted a child's sock with size 5 dpns in worsted weight. No problem. Feeling confident a few days later, I grabbed a ball of Sockata out of my stash, grabbed my size 2 dpns and thought I'd knit a pair of socks for Doug. Now, I know there are a lot of knitters out there who love their dpns--David, if you read this, I love ya and you are still my guru, but all those little needles made me NUTS! I hated them, and I am a pretty easy-going person. I cast on about three times before I gave up. I think if I could start on circs and switch to the dpns after a couple of inches I'd be okay, but I just quit before I lost an eye...

Okay, so here I am with my beautiful, squishy yarn, new Addis, and my pattern for a toe-up cabled sock. Given the above experience with dpns, I wanted to learn to knit socks on 2 circulars. I read through the pattern a few times, called Blue Moon and spoke to the designer (they are top-notch with customer service), checked out the club member blog, got more confused, watched Knitting Help videos, and took a deep breath. Whew! Sometimes, when a pattern looks intimidating it helps me to just start. Do one step at a time and trust the pattern. So I did. Hold on to your knitting---here is my First Sock, First Toe-Up, First 2 Circs, toe:

I am so proud I think my feet aren't touching the ground and it's FUN! I know, it kinda looks like a...um, ...a mushroom. Yeah that's it, it looks like a mushroom. Check out the Yarn Harlot's blog from March 16 for more (and better) humor on this rather unusual toe. Apparently, this pattern is causing quite a stir for those who are knitting this project in public. heehee

In any case, I LOVE my sock, LOVE the yarn and how it is pooling, and mostly, I LOVE knitting socks on 2 circulars. It's like going from a manual transmission to an automatic. And with about 300 fewer "intersections"! (no ladders!) Vrooom!

Back to knitting while Rachel is in school...Check back for more pics soon!

Time Flies

2007-03-23T17:14:00.000-05:00

Wow! I was just checking up on a few of the blogs I read and realized it has been a long time since I posted. We've been busy with house organizing and spring cleaning, and spending time outside, but mostly it seems like the days just go faster and faster. Easter will be here before I know it...

We had to cancel our camping trip for Thursday and Friday. Angus got a stomach bug in the middle of Wednesday night and my sister took him home. Rachel was disappointed that we've had to reschedule, but Doug is glad he may be able to go along when we plan another trip. My BIL and I were planning to take the kids fishing and horseback riding (both for the first time!) and Doug really wanted to be there for that. So I guess things usually work out for the best. I was bummed to miss out camping in this great weather, though. Can you believe how warm it is here already?!

I have started another new knitting project--Oat Couture's "Victorian T-Shirt" for a friend's new baby girl. It is a bigger size, so it should fit later in the year. The yarn is called Gong, a sport weight cotton. It has a pretty lace border at the hem and it's been a fun small project to tote around and knit when I find myself with a few minutes to spare. The yarn splits easily, but I LOVE the celery green color. Can't wait to finish it up and mail it off to Texas!

Rachel Meets the Predators

2007-03-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

This morning Rachel & I joined my sister Susan's family--BIL Ken, my niece Sophie, and Angus--at Centennial Sportsplex for a special closed event for members of Gnash's Kids Club. We were invited to meet Gnash, watch the Predators practice, and get autographs signed. There were some long lines, but we enjoyed our Starbucks coffee and getting "Up Close & Personal" with the Preds.
It was interesting to watch the practice drills and even a little comical when all the guys got down on the ice for a stretch.

Angus, Sophie and Rachel in the stands.

Rachel and #3, Marek Zidlicky. My camera battery died before I could get shots of Ramzi Abid, Rich Peverley & Alexander Radulov. We were hoping to see some of the players the kids love like Vokoun and Tootoo--or even Peter Forsberg, but it was still pretty cool.

Spring Has Sprung!

2007-03-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

It gets me every year...I think, will winter ever end? And then--Poof! It's spring!

The daffodils have been up for awhile, but now the forsythia is blooming and the Bradford Pear trees are just starting to flower, too. I have always loved Autumn best, even as a child when it meant going back to school; and my mom always looked forward to Spring. As I've grown older and definitely less tolerant of the cold weather, I have a new perspective about why she loved it so much! Alas, I fear we are still in for another cold snap or two before the warm temps are here for good.

My knitting buddies and I met up at the downtown branch of the library on Monday and again at a church in Brentwood on Tuesday. We have such a good time together and I have really loved developing these new friendships into deeper ones. I started a new purple sweater tipped in lime green for myself. It is knitting up really fast in an extra bulky wool--2 stitches to the inch on size 17 needles. Wow! I've never used needles that make one look for a vampire to slay!

Rachel has her first soccer practice of the season today at 5:00. She played the Fall season and had a great time so I signed her up again. The YMCA tries to keep the returning players together so she is excited to see which of her friends are back. Last season we played our games at 8:00 am on Saturday (Yikes!) so we are hoping we get a little later start this time.

I went to the Preds game last night with my brother, Lou, and Beth, a good friend/ex-coworker. Sadly, the guys lost to the Red Wings 5-2. I also found out that Beth will be moving to Tampa at the end of the month. Her husband has already left to go down and settle in & I will miss another one of my friends who has moved away. Thank goodness it is so easy to stay connected these days. I am going to go ahead and post this and I will come back and add some photos after the practice.

Preds Extinguish Flames

2007-03-09T09:35:00.000-06:00

It was like Playoff hockey last night at the Nashville Arena (Gaylord is apparently pulling their naming rights). We had a wonderful time watching the Predators cruise to a 6-3 victory over Calgary. The depth of the team is terrific this year and they are playing with confidence that comes with knowing they can beat any team out there. It's great after all the years of building to this point. I can't wait for first two rounds of the Stanley Cup. :)

Rachel was the life of the party, entertaining everyone around us with her smile and celebratory dancing. People 2 rows behind us were actually leaning down to tell us how funny she is. She can be really sweet & good when she wants to be.

Rachel konks out.

In other news, I have been discharged by my physical therapist, Connie; and as long as the doctor agrees on Tuesday, I don't have to go back. Yippee! Now my Tuesday & Thursday mornings will be free again. More time while Rachel is in school to knit, work out at the Y, catch up on housework (NOT!), etc.

Also, here is a picture of the Flurries scarf in progress. I think the yarn is really pretty and I like how the stitch pattern works up on the bias all by itself.

Done!

2007-03-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of pics of the completed Koigu purse. I think it's darling. I definitely plan to make more. Well, I'm going to knit a bit on Angus' sweater and then I'm off to the grocery store...

It's Been Awhile

2007-03-05T10:05:00.001-06:00

Wow. There's been a lot going on here at home, but I've been having fun, too. I am almost done with my first beaded project and I am totally hooked.

This little purse is made from one skein of Koigu and 6mm glass beads. I am still working on the i-cord for the handle but I think I'll finish it up this morning. The pattern is from the 2007 Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar. Apart from the time involved in pre-stringing literally hundreds of beads, this is one of the most rewarding projects I've done. It's much simpler than it looks which is always a plus. I am already planning my next beaded project--a bracelet using the Kreinik braided filament. My first project on size 0 needles. Yikes!

I have finished the body and hood of Angus' sweater and just need to finish the sleeves. I have purchased some buttons and am trying to decide which ones I like the best. Feel free to comment with a vote! :)

New Digs

2007-03-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

Rachel and I went out today and bought a new bed for Pogo to keep in the den. I didn't think about where he would go when we ripped out all the wall-to-wall and put in the hardwood. "Bad mommy!", as Rachel would say. The other day I came across him sleeping on one of the front stairs--they're still carpeted. I figured he deserved better than that, so here's the new fancy-shmancy bed we chose. Pogo loves it.

Chuck E. Cheese

2007-02-23T20:35:00.000-06:00

My friend Heather also has a 4-year-old daughter, Kaila, and despite all the Chuck E. horror stories we enjoy taking the kids there. Today seemed like a good day for a get-together so it was off to Hickory Hollow.

The food is not that bad (grilled chicken ciabatta sandwich & salad bar are good) and we can sit & visit, talk, knit (me), and crochet (Heather) while the girls get rid of some energy in a safe place. They stamp our hands with a number and the kids can only leave with the matching adult.

Rachel and Kaila love it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Hearts Day! I finished one of the "Fetching" fingerless mitts last night and I am happy with it. If I make another pair for me I might add a few rows near the end. I'm not sure where on the hand they are designed to end, but they feel a little short to me. But then, my hands are a bit bigger than average I think. I also cast on Square#3 for the Lizard Ridge afghan--photo coming soon.

I am very excited to be going downtown today to see my friend David at Falcon Feather Fibers. He is teaching a sock class today and a few of the SnBers are going. Falcon Feather is run by an amazing woman named Phyllis and it is sort of a fibers-based community center. They have a gorgeous studio where they will hold workshops and classes and they work with some of the neighborhood young people. I really admire the desire to build community through artistic pursuits. I think their website is still under construction, but keep an eye out. I think Phyllis will be planning a lot of fun things to see & do down there.

And the Knits Keep On Coming

2007-02-12T09:41:00.000-06:00

I finished the Calorimetry headband the night of the 9th. Now all it needs is a cool button and it's complete!

I am also having a great time with the Fetching mitts. I love doing cables! It's really fun. Another new addiction. I've already promised a pair of these to my sister-in-law Jennifer. The yarn is really yummy, too. These are for me (a rare thing) and I can't wait to wear them!

I am still in stockinette h**l on Angus' sweater, but I'll get the two or three inches left on the body finished and then I can start the sleeves. I am making the 10-12 size and it's a lot of knitting! Baby stuff definitely goes a lot faster.

Back to Regular Programming...

2007-02-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

In between bouts of grieving for Da Bears, stressing over where to send Rachel for Pre-K and running to my physical therapy appointments for my "frozen shoulder"--I have also been knitting! Here's what's going on with the UFOs:

Found out at a SnB this week that I made a mistake in the Calorimetry pattern. I went home, completely ripped it out and started over. I am back to the midway point & here's what it looks like. I am using ArtYarns Handpaint Stripes in 100% merino, colorway 101. I don't know what they do to wool these days, but I am just amazed by the softness of this yarn. Plus, it's machine washable; a nice feature in a headband I think.

I am also continuing to work on the Lizard Ridge afghan. Here is block #2. These colors aren't as dramatic as those in the first block, but when there are more I think they will all work together. I have enough Kureyon for two more squares so check back for the next installment.

Here is a sneak peek at some upcoming projects:

First, the yarn for my Fetching fingerless mitts (free pattern on the Knitty website). It was really hard choosing a color for these, but the Cascade Cash Vero is getting rave reviews. If the pattern is as much fun as everyone says it is maybe I'll be making more and I can get one of those other colors...

This yarn is "Flurries" by Tilli Tomas. It is also 100% wool with glass beads already on it. Sheila Weinberger of Threaded Bliss designed the pattern you see here. Another beautiful yarn I can't wait to use! Thanks, Sheila! Checkout the link in the left column to see her website.
Finally, this is the Cascade 220 I purchased to make the Ayla felted mini backpack for Rachel. This pattern is also on the current Knitty pattern page. See the finished product: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTayla.html Pink & purple for Rachel, knocking out colorwork and felting for me--a match made in heaven!

Father & Daughter

2007-02-05T21:02:00.001-06:00

Father & Daughter
Originally uploaded by catherined807.

My Photo of the Day. Just wanted to share this sweet Father-Daughter moment. I love seeing Rachel & Doug together...

Yes, I know the Bears lost the Super Bowl. More on that subject when I'm done feeling sorry for myself. Sob.

Super Bowl Sunday

2007-02-04T14:28:00.000-06:00

We are about three hours from the Super Bowl Kickoff and there's still food prep to do, but I wanted to share some pics from last night. Our "first place in the NHL" Nashville Predators played the Anaheim (no longer Mighty) Ducks last night and we were there to witness the 3-o shutout. It was an exciting game--very physical with a lot of hard hits & fights.

It was Hat Night and we all enjoyed sporting our free hats.

Rachel is getting into the games more and more, joining in the fan chants and doing "Fang Fingers" (see photo) when the Preds go on the Power Play. Rachel said, "It was the best game ever!"

Tabletop Snowmen

2007-02-03T13:27:00.000-06:00

I already posted today, but Rachel just called me downstairs to see her snowmen and I thought they were so cute I couldn't resist sharing them. Gotta love those Mr. Potato Head parts.

Heehee.

Super Bowl XLI

2007-02-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

By yesterday afternoon the snow was pretty much gone. The clouds had moved on and the sky was bright blue again. One of the things I really love about Nashville after living through so many Chicago winters is that the grey skies never last very long...

Speaking of Chicago. We had a great day yesterday, but there's lots to do today to prepare for SUPER BOWL XLI. I am so excited to see Da Bears back in the Super Bowl after 21 years. I was in college back in '85 and it was such a great time. I am hoping to get out today and get a NFC Champions sweatshirt to wear tomorrow, but maybe that would jinx it! Around here it's probably like not rooting for the Saints two weeks ago, but I am just not a Peyton Manning fan. The Bears are the underdogs according to the news, but I think the Bears like it that way.

Bringin' it Home!

Check out the Bears home page here: http://www.chicagobears.com/

They have a cool countdown to kickoff clock.

SNOW!

2007-02-02T09:31:00.000-06:00

Doug and I woke up to this beautiful scene out our breakfast room windows this morning.

Doug decided to go in to work a little late and we all played in the snow. Since we picked Pogo up in Gulf Shores this past summer, we think this was his first snow.

He definitely seemed a little confused at first, but then seemed to enjoy romping around and trying to chomp on the snow.

Rachel & Doug had a big time on the sleds! Fun, fun!

We were really glad we got to spend some time playing with Rachel, because by 2:00 the snow was almost gone!

On the Needles

2007-01-30T19:33:00.000-06:00

I am currently working on a top down sweater for my nephew Angus. I am using Cascade Sierra, which is becoming one of my favorite yarns. The Pima cotton is very silky and the wool adds some give. I think it's great to work with. This is my second Knitting Pure & Simple sweater and I love working on the circulars. Actually, I love knowing I will have little or no finishing to do but get tired of endless rounds of knit stitches. Which leads to the second project I just started.

I am making the Lizard Ridge afghan (on the current Knitty pattern page http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTlizardridge.html). The blanket will be 24 squares from Noro Kureyon and involves lots of short rows and wrapped stitches. I frogged it twice, but now I believe I am doing it right. This is definitely thinking knitting for me and it's fun to switch between the two projects when I get over the other one. Hooray, I blocked the first square the other night and I love it!