Friday, April 6th

I had drawn out land masses, thought four sheets of graph paper would be enough. Figured out where the tectonic plates would be located and which way the faults would pull/slide. Afterwards, I did the math. With a diameter of 4000 miles (about the size of Mars), each square works out to be 177,462 miles. That total make my head hurt. I've decided to one use one sheet, leaving the rest of the world to be explored at a later date. I'll need to remove the lakes and rivers I have the original map, put down the tectonic plates and mountains. Then put the lakes and rivers back.

Knitting hasn't quite stalled, but it's going slow. Maybe because I'm putting more work into world building. Are you sick of reading about it yet?

I got home and M called from Fuzz, another person wants to learn sock knitting. I'm good with that, it will help pay for my sweater.


And now for something completely different (from Curlerchik Knits):

You Are A Romantic Realist

You tend to be grounded when it comes to romance. Sure, you can fall hard... but only for someone you've gotten to know. And once you're in love, you can be a total romantic goofball... But you'd never admit it to your friends!

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

Thursday, April 5th

Another day, another chance to knit. So knit I will today. Instead of playing poker in the car, I'll be working on a Bookwyrm. This has nothing to do with the fact the PDA's battery most likely won't last the whole day. Okay, so I was wrong, I played power.

I did find the soft copy of the world builder guide. Brought it to work, so I don't have a huge book on my desk so the uninformed won't be asking what I'm doing.

Second day without soda. Grilltech said, now he doesn't have to make my Ginger Ale. That sucks! I didn't think this whole process through very well. Can I make the exception to the rule for homemade Ginger Ale? Why did I give up soda? Because I don't need the calories.

I didn't fill the gas tank last night, I should have. Now I'm paranoid about will I have enough gas to make it down the hill to fill the tank?

By 0915 this morning I was tired of reading blogs, so I started reading the world builder. Nice. Reading up on how to place tectonic plates and mountain ranges. Earth quakes are coming.

Dumbass thing of the day: Don't really have anything.
Good thing of the day: Remembered to pull out pork chops this morning.

Wednesday, April 4th

It hates me. I'll be right in the middle of trying to do something; the #@&% database will suddenly lose connection, and dump me out. What I was working on, will be gone and I'll need to start over. On the plus side, well there is no plus side right now. In fact, the whole #@&% database seems to be down.

This is my first morning without soda. I made some tea, but it's not hitting the spot. I maybe a bit whiny this today, the rest of this week or longer. I'm also having a hard time staying awake this morning. Think it has something to do with the lack of caffeine?

Okay, so the world building book I thought was the right one, isn't. I have a soft copy of the book, which is older, that has different information. I hope we still have the soft copy.



Here is the EOP heel. It's a pain in the ass to make, but looks great.



Here is a back view. Looks pretty neat.


Now please excuse me, I have to go jump Grilltech.

Dumbass thing of the day: Put in four events, in the wrong week.
Good thing of the day: Knitting and coffee tonight!

Tuesday, April 3rd

It doesn't do any good to make a menu, then forget to pull stuff out of the freezer for the next night's dinner. Either we're having leftovers - spaghetti and stir fry - or we're going out. I'll need to remember to pull pork chops for tomorrow.

I did remember to bring the knitting today. It may save my sanity. I just wish I could know while waiting for the database to move. Yes, yes, no point in whining about what I can't have. I have time to work on other projects instead. I should have brought my graph paper. I want to get three more sheets filled to use as a world. I should pull out the world builder book to help. Yes, yes, I have tools that I should be using. Remember, knowledge is only half the battle, the other half is using the knowledge.

No real knitting news. I haven't picked up Dad's sleeve. It turns out the inseam of his arm is 23 inches. I'll be knitting forever. Bookwrym has two pattern repeats completed. I should pull the pictures off the camera, so you guys can see what I'm talking about.

Dumbass thing of the day: I forgot to call the youngest to pull out burger for dinner.

Good thing of the day: Grilltech said we can go out for dinner.

Monday, April 2nd

Busy weekend. Friday night, we did the Eldest's birthday dinner. I think Grilltech makes the best sandwhiches ever. Anyway, after dinner, we made toffee. Yes, I did make her do the work. I would stir once in a while, but she did the bulk. Boy, did that batch turn out well. She's also decided she wants the cookbook the recipe is in when I get tired of it. The book is falling apart, wonder how much it would be to rebind it. Today my right elbow is sore, I think it's from all the stirring I did. I wonder if it will get me out of cooking for the next week.

Oh crap I forgot to put the menu together. Spaghetti tonight, just need to pull it out. Something with burger on Tuesday, a taco mix. Pork chops on Wednesday. I'll need to root through the freezer for the rest of the week. I picked up some sausages on Saturday with the intention making breakfast Sunday. Turns out I froze them, so I'll need to remember to pull them out

We had steaks on Saturday night. Once again, very tasty. We had the E brood over. After dinner, I made more toffee, because I had a bunch of left over stuff, this batch didn't turn out as well. A slight burnt flavor, but it didn't stop it from being eaten. We played a new Zombie game. Not as fun, did have to use some strategy, I ended up tying for the win. Us women have to stay together.

Sunday's dinner was the left over steaks, the E's didn't take home. We picked up some vegs and made a stir fry. It turned out really well for being thrown together. There is a little left over for Grilltech's breakfast on Wednesday. I should grab a bite to see how the flavors melded before he snarf’s it.

Good news, I did get my map drawn out. I'll need to make copies so I can bleed all over them. Next up, start placing cities and figuring out terrain. I'm so happy I play Civ, I can use the game worlds as a template of sorts. Yes, I know, I have all these tools at my finger tips, but I'm lazy - er, had no graph paper. I'll also need to pick up a good eraser. Now that the kids are out of school, I don't have those supplies kicking around the house.

I think they pushed an update out to my system. My Excel macro's aren't working, I'm having to get a copy of the spreadsheet. Then rerun the report and keep hitting continue until the report is completed. Not really bad, just overly annoying. About 0815 this morning, I decided it was break time. I go to grab my knitting. Guess what?! It's not there. GRRRRR While loading my bucket this morning I forgot to pull the knitting out of the knitting bucket. I'm happy I have my PDA, so I can play poker.

Did not sleep well last night, was tossing and turning something fierce and the cats didn't help. Uggy is using us as highways trying to get one of us to pet her at 0200. It didn't help, almost got her tossed off the bed. Fran kept getting kicked during the night. She doesn't like to be kicked, so she attacks back. Grilltech gets the brunt of the attacks, because she likes his side of the bed better for some reason. I think it's because he doesn't kick as hard as I do.

I can feel the crazy bubbling up. I passed a lady today and only got a quick glance at her sweater. Now I want to hunt her down so I can get a closer look. (I have the image of Sabrina pouncing and holding her down while I look at her sweater. Sabrina says I'm not fat, just big boned.) At first glance it looks to be cabled, the second look you can see the YO's causing the curves. I haven't seen her since; otherwise I would flag her down and ask to look.

Dumbass thing of the day: I'm running the report for next Saturday, not last Saturday. On the plus side, I caught before I went out of this week and into last week.

And now for something completely different:

Take the quiz at dicepool.com

Friday, March 30

Yesterday was a nice day, once I got out of the datamine. I waited in the car for Grilltech the normal 1.25 hours, wearing the tank top. My lily white arm is now a nice shade of pink. I can't believe I'm sun burnt. Its way to early in the season to start burning. Or I need to start parking in the shade.

Went out to dinner with my parents last night. A place right down the street from our house, that once upon a time used to be a Dairy Queen. (If the Dairy Queen married the Burger King, would they have Tufu Prince?) It was a lot of fun. We shared a plate of samplers, it was really filling.

Tonight after work, we need to run to the store and pick up stuff for tonight's dinner. Peppers, onions, steaks, bread and stuff to make toffee. The eldest called last night and wanted to know the recipe, at 1830. I wasn't about to read her the directions over the phone. So we'll make a batch after dinner. Should I make her stir the 30 minutes, considering she's 6 months pregnant? (I am the meanest mommy in the world...)

Today about 0830 this morning, D comes to my desk and announces we're going to lunch. Ahh, okay. I go put my frozen back in the freezer, so I don't have to bring lunch on Monday. We end up going to a Mexican place, right now the street from work. Yes, I know that's what we had for dinner last night, but it's close. We get there, order lunch, and bitch about work. In our family, it's not a meal until I dribble down the front of my shirt. Yip at lunch, rice went onto the shirt. But that's not the worse part. I thought I spilled refried beans on my shirt. I check. Nope, nothing there. Get back to work, and my cleavage starts itching. Not thinking, I scratch and ewww I find where the beans went. Right down my shirt. Not sure which is better. On the shirt or down it.

Happy B-Day Eldest

WOW! My new computer came in on Monday. Grilltech spent several frustrating hours trying to get XP to load on the system. Only to find out XP will never load on the system. Something about the harddrive won't work with XP. I didn't ask for clarification. Tuesday, after Vista was reloaded on the system, I spent a couple of minutes playing - er setting up - and trying to get used to the new look. While I was at work yesterday, he loaded Civ 4 onto the new system. I came home, ate dinner, and by 1630, I was playing Civ. I was in heaven. Do you know elephants, sheep, deer and the rest of the animals move? I didn't. On my old system, I would play on a tiny world and eight hours later I would be waiting long periods of "prime knitting" time. Or the game with would freeze and I would reboot with many sighs. But last night? I played a whole game in four hours, with eight - EIGHT! - different civs on a - get this - large world. Did I get any knitting done? NO!! I've finally saw the opening credits as well, very pretty. Did I do much other then play? I did get my mail set up and my post completed. So, yes it was a good night. I still have more to do, but I can hear Civ calling me. It's lure is stronger then the bed monster. Do I love my new system? Heck yeah! 21 inch wide screen monitor sure makes things pretty and sharp. On the down side, it will cut into my turn based knitting.

Am I still Princess Abbey? Yes. Using what little self control I have not to scream at my co-workers. IM's fly across the screen, I sigh instead of screaming, and read what they say. It might be important after all, might have to cancel all the overtime I just put in. No, I'm not bitter.

Today 20 years ago, my eldest daughter was born. Tomorrow we're having homemade Philly Cheese Steak sandwhiches. Hmmm

Wednesday, March 28

The week is half over. Where did it go? Not that I'm complaining mind you, I want the week to be over. The youngest has been off to the soon-to-be in-laws house, since Sunday. Something about being able to ride a horse. I never did tell her the story of my horse riding. It was June of 1988, I know because it the accident happened right after the Eldest was born. I was visiting my parents who lived in Pollock, Idaho. It's a remote location, about 30 miles from McCall, Idaho*. In the middle of the trip, is a fun little canyon called Goose Creek. A windy little two lane road - back when I was a teenager - I had no problem hitting it at 50 MPH. Now that I'm older, well honestly I still take it a bit fast - not that I've been up there in a while. Anyway in 1988, I'm visiting the parents. Dad has the horse saddled, and I agree to take a ride. Next thing I remember, I'm waking up someplace in the middle of Goose Creek Canyon in an ambulance. I don't remember anything except starting the horse ride and waking up in the hospital. Six stitches later and one nasty concussion, I was back at the parent's house being woken up every couple of hours to make sure I would wake up.

Years later, Dad told me, he was so very frightened to see the horse come back without it's rider. It took them a couple of minutes to even find me. He said, the girth of the saddle came loose, allowing the saddle to start sliding off. One side was all scuffed up, so I must have taken the horse with me when I went down. Don't know, to this day 20 years later, I can't remember. I'm told it's normal for memory loss to happen with head injuries. I have a nice scar on the left side of my head, buried deep in my hair, a keepsake of my horse ride. I haven't been on a horse since. The parents got rid of the horse not long afterwards and I don't know of anyone who has one. I seriously hope the Youngest has better luck with horses then I did.

Yeah, I'm a dumb ass. Ran the report for the wrong date, 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back. I can't even knit, while waiting for the report to run. The second Bookwyrm as been started, completed the ribbing, started the pattern. I hope this sock won't seem to drag on. (Dragon, HA! I slay me.)

I can feel the impatience welling up. I just want to scream at the stupid database, hurry the up! The sad part is it's carrying over into other areas. Traffic, as Ms. Knitingale said, only we know how to drive. It doesn't help that here in the Metropolis, construction season has started. it seems every major road close to where I work is under construction. In the morning it's not so bad because there are only a handful of cars, but going home? It's busy as hell.

* If you put the zoom to half way, you can see where Pollock is on the map. McCall is the closest location with a hospital. Isn't that scary?

Tuesday, March 27

I can't tell if it's depression or just a head cold. Depression, you don't want to do anything and have mood swings. Head cold, you don't want to do anything, mood swings and as an added bonus, a running nose. Who knows, maybe I have a mix of the two.

On Friday, I went to a not-so LYS and picked up a set of Addi's. I'm sitting at 14.5 inches of the first sleeve and need to get to 22.75. I'm wondering if that is the outside total length, not the inside. I'll need to call Dad to find out. I just couldn't take one more round of the body. Yeah, like the sleeve is that much better.

Did I mention I finished the first Bookwyrm? I left it down at the shop, so they could entice other customers into purchasing more yarn. The only pictures I have are of the half completed sock. I just haven't posted them yet. (See above.)

Monday, March 26

I had a really nice three day weekend. My shiny new dishwasher was installed by 10:00 on Friday. It's very quite and is very roomy. I was able to put the crock pot into it with no problem. Saturday I taught a sock class, one student. She's excited to learn socks. Her friend asked her why would you want to learn socks, when you can buy them. I pointed to the Bookwyrm and said, where can you buy that? She gets it, the friend doesn't.

Grilltech went to a Brewing party. It's like a stitch and bitch, but instead of knitting, they show off their home brews. Instead of petting, there is drinking. And people go home with full carboy*. (I had carbway, after he rolled his eyes and tuted at me, I was informed it's a "CAR-boy". Whatever...)

Thursday, March 22

Happy Friday! Or in Grilltech's case, Wednesday. (I am soo evil.) I'm 8 rounds away from finishing the gusset, then toe here I come. (I worked on the sock last night.) Clingy One was there also, she had stopped working on her sock because there was problems. She had to rip back, then just ripped it all out and started over. Best idea she had. Of course I had to mess with her - see above. Anyway, she's about half way through ripping out, I gasp and tell her "Not like that!" She gets a panicked look on her face, I laughed and told her, "I'm messing with you." Thankfully, the Youngest was there and she starts telling her stories of how I mess with her. So she laughed and thought it was good she was accepted into the tribe.

I need to get my map drawn out. Not having it is hampering my history progress. I know, get it done and stop bitching about it right? On the plus side, I did get the name of the country I'd forgotten. On the down side, I've forgotten what I was going to say about it. I'm sure it will come back to me, at some point.

Vernal Equinox

Today is the first day of spring. I love it. The trees have exploded into colors. The fairy circle has sprouted in the front lawn, much to Grilltech's dismay. He's not allowed to mow it over until the flowers are done blooming. We have the same conversation every year for four years now. It would be easier to dig them up and transplant them to a different location, but Lawn Boy hasn't shown up yet. (Carrie: your Lawn Boy sounds scary!) Tonight's dinner is grilled steaks with green salad. Yummy!

And did I mention it must be spring? Fran (the TP killer) - who was 'tutored on the 16th - must be feeling better. She killed another roll of TP. Don't know what she has against the stuff, but it must DIE! She's also been rushing the door to get outside. So far it hasn't happened yet, but its only a matter of time if she keeps it up.

Worked on Dad's sweater last night, did I mention long-ass boring part? The only excitement is finding a split stitch about 10 rounds back and fixing it. I've turned the heel on the Bookwyrm. Will pick up the gusset tonight and get started on the trek to the toe. I'm having a hard time knitting, not sure why. Maybe I'm not excited about what I'm working on.

Oh yes, fun times at the datamine. You thought I was joking when I said, Put the OT on, take the OT off. Make it pretty. Only do people who have an "e" in their name, unless it's a new moon, then everyone except females get it. If it's a Leap Year, then everyone above the age of 23 will get a free meal, but have to work 12 extra hours a week in order to earn their "free meal". Orders came down today, take it off for the rest of the week. This was after I spent two hours putting it in. Job security is the chant going through my head and the fact that tomorrow is Friday. (Well, it is for me...)

Tuesday, March 20

I worked on Dad's sweater last night. Polished off one skein and added another, yet another long-ass body to knit. I still haven't started the sleeves. I'm sure, those will just fly once I get them started.

I went back and did word counts for the blogs, my total is much higher now. I'm stuck with my history, only because I haven't drawn out the world map. Because I can't find my graph paper notebook. Grilltech says, I gave it to one of the kids, but I can't see that happening. I think Grilltech stole it! I'll need to pick up another one when we make a trip to the store and an AAA battery! And I won't mention I've forgotten the name of the one of the countries.

Did I mention yesterday I'm sore? We did some yard work, mostly raking on Sunday. Monday my legs had lodged a formal complaint about the abuse they received. Today, they're still protesting. The National Guard maybe called in to settle the issue. Next Sunday, the whole process may start again because we have flower beds to work on. I think we need a lawn boy named Raul at our house. *snap, snap* Lawn boy, weed the flower beds. Oh Lawn boy, get me another drink.

Word total: 396

Monday, March 19

The extra day of the weekend just made it all the harder to come back to work on Monday. On the plus side, I didn't forget any of my passwords.


I finished Cassie's baby sweater on Saturday morning. Finished the hat on Saturday evening.











Picked up the cute buttons on Sunday and sewed them on. Took the set over and saw the baby last night. Very cute. Two weeks old, six pounds and 19 inches long.











You can see Fran's shaved tummy. She wasn't moving real well for a couple of days. When we visited the baby, we also visited Fran's mom, Crystal. She's very pregnant and enjoyed being petted. We walked out the door; shut the screen door and Crystal ran into it. She wanted to go home with us. Poor kitty.

Didn't do much in the way of writing this weekend. I completed a total 134 of words. I'm not sure how many pages 36,000 words are. (A bunch?) Anyway, I've decided 36,000 is way to lofty for a novice. My goal is 18,000, half the number in three months is reasonable to me. As I tell knitting students, you can do anything, you just have to believe you can. Even a novice can knit a cabled sweater - but will the sweater fit well or look nice? Reasonable is my goal.

Caution - 300 SPOILER!! Stop reading if you haven't seen the movie yet and don't want to learn anything.

OMG!! Nothing hunkier then men with ripped abs running around in little clothing. Nice, very nice. Nothing better then awesome fight scenes. Yes, I'm an action girl through and through. Had to suspend reality at times, but the eye candy made up for it.

Great lines:

"Sparta only sent 300 soldiers?"

Buff Spartan King pointing at wimpy looking man: "You what do you do?" Him: "I'm a potter."

Points to another man: "And you?" Him: "I'm a blacksmith*."

Buff Spartan King turns to whiny other King: "I've brought more soldiers then you did." (Yes!!)

* A blacksmith fighting on the front lines? I don't think so!

Thursday, March 15

Yesterday's word count 224, which is better then I expected. Still not counting the blogging.

Went and knitted last night, worked on Dad's sweater instead of Cassie's baby sweater. I wanted something which was a no brainer. Clingy One was there, showing off the gifts her friend sent her. Socks^3, there are several patterns she wants to knit. She's just amazed at what can be done with socks.

Today was a busy day at work. When is it not busy? Put the OT on, take the OT off. Make it pretty. Only do people who have an "e" in their name, unless it's a new moon, then everyone except females get it. If it's a Leap Year, then everyone above the age of 23 will get a free meal, but have to work 12 extra hours a week in order to earn their "free meal". Crikes, shoot me now.

I took Friday off, Fran is going to the vet to get 'tutored. :)

Wednesday, 14

Yesterday's word count is 325, but that isn't including the blog. I really should include the blog writing, because it is writing. I've decided my goal is 18,000 in three months. Since I'm a person who really hasn't done much in the way of writing, I’ll be using this as a learning experience.

I've started the heel on the Bookwyrms. I'm thinking of doing an Eye of Partridge heel, but not sure it will visible in the variegates. I went with the EOP, it's not showing up overly well - it stays.

It was busy work day. Not much time to write.

Tuesday, March 13

Last night I watched Digging for the Truth about the Pharaoh’s of Egypt. The host is a pretty boy and may even know something about archaeology; it's a rehash of stuff that has been covered by different shows. Once in a while, Digging covers something not mentioned by the other shows. Its the little details which draw me to the show. Okay, it doesn't hurt that Josh is an Indiana Jones Wanna-be.

Finished the sleeve of Cassie's baby sweater. I didn't like how it was turning out, so I ripped back and added ribbing. I didn't decrease the number of stitches, so the opening looks a bit funny. One more sleeve to do and then I'm almost completed.

I am a dumbass, pure and simple. We created a menu, shopped to the menu. Last night, I preped tonights dinner. Even put it in the crock pot and turned it on. I put it on high, by the time we got home tonight, it was a burnt. Dinner for two nights is toast. I'll need to take a look and see what I can shift around for Thursday's dinner.

Monday, March 12

Cassie's baby sweater is mostly done. (They come out at night, mostly.) The enterlac design I wanted to do, wouldn't work, so it's just a plain sweater. I have another idea bouncing around my head, so once the second sleeve is completed and a couple of more rows of garter added to the bottom of the sweater to keep it from rolling. The sweater will be done.

We went to dinner with the E's on Saturday night. They were late, if they hadn't shown up when they did, we was leaving. (15 minute rule.) Funny thing was, another couple was standing out there saying, "I think we're being stood up." We turned to them and said, "D?" Yeah. We chatted for a few seconds, looked at the time, said 15 minutes is all they get, and they pulled in the lot. We stayed until 2030, we went and bought shirts and I think they went to Walmart. D kept looking at me and asking, what should we do next. The plan was to go play miniature golf, but the place was closed. I just shrugged and said, "not my gathering, what are we doing?" Not very nice, but true. After we finished feasting, I pulled out my knitting and worked a few rounds - more then a few, about 3/4 of an inch.

Next weekend we're going to go see 300! I kept trying to get Grilltech to take me early, but he refused. I'm sure if I would have pulled into the theater parking lot, he would have came also. Sunday, we went to Costco (or as well call it, the 200 dollar store) because I wanted to buy meat. Our freezer is packed full. I think we're done shopping for the next month. We even made a menu. (Even planned for a couple of Don't-feel-like-making-that meals.) I'm hoping proper planning will cut back on the eating out because neither of us know what we have on hand.

Grilltech made some Root beer for my parents. They'll be coming down for the Eldest's birthday in two weeks, so it will be ready for them. He's storing it in the kitchen so "in case they explode, the clean up will be easy." I'm glad he's thinking ahead, but explode?

I signed up for the Write-A-Go-Go. 36,000 words in three months. The writing doesn't have to be amazing, just out of my head and onto paper. I wonder if blogging can count towards my total.

Friday, March 9

It's been a late day. Last night I decided to put new music on my PDA. Picked out songs, added a patch - stupid time change - started my sync and went to bed. This morning, the computer still shows everything which needs to be moved to the PDA. And I mean EVERYTHING. AHHH, a long ass day, with no tunes, I don't think so! I start the sync again and only get about half of the music I really wanted. We didn't leave the house until 0500 and Grilltech has to be there in 15 minutes. It's a 20 minute drive across town, he was late. I didn't get into the building until about 0530, which made me late. Today is going to be a wonderful day.

Today is the official start of the weekend. Dad's sweater will go on hold and I'll start working on Cassie's baby sweater. I have a row to rip back, some math to do, and then I'll be off knitting. The goal is to have the sweater finished this weekend.

I've mentioned before, we got to bed pretty early at chez Tech. We only have one phone located in the family room. I'm woken up by what I think is the phone ringing. I look at the big red clock and it reads 0014. I'm about to close my eyes and drift back into the dreams of it being Saturday; when the phone rings again. I race out to answer it, when I get there the caller hung up. I check caller ID and it's the Youngest. She calls again, her car won't start "its making a clicking noise". Grilltech gets up to go get her - remember we have to be up in 2.5 hours - today she won't have a car and will have to walk to school. We live on the edge here. Currently he's off to see if a jump will fix the problem. Otherwise the car will sit at her work.

Tonight it's pulled pork and beer for dinner. You can see what it looks like on Grilltech's blog. He BBQed the pork and brewed the beer. I have it rough, I know. I still have to decide what we're doing this weekend for dinner. Hmm steaks.

Thursday, March 8

Remember this? I know it's been a while since any progress has been made.















It's now become this. I ripped back and just kept knitting in blue. Progress is a good thing. I haven't started the sleeves, which could be a problem once I reach the end stage of the body. I suppose I could set the body aside and start them. Doesn't really matter does it?

Yesterday I had been reading the Knitting in the Old Way, the book talked about the different mounts of knitting. There is the Western, which has the right leg leading and the Eastern which has the left leg leading. Last night, I keep hearing a "skreetch" (with plastic needles no less) and I look over, Clingy is knitting through the front loop, but throwing her yarn over the other way, which twisted her stitches. Her knitting was tight, because she's trying to knit Western with an Eastern setup. It was neat that I knew, anyway, she's back to knitting western style will be a fast knitter once she picks up conifidence.

I'm going to kick out Cassie's baby sweater this weekend. Will write up the pattern for the class the following week and knit the shop display model.

I'm excited, 300 starts on Friday. I want to see this one badly. Don't think we'll go opening weekend, maybe the next one.

Rae, I haven't been blowing you off, honestly! The Eldest will be 20 this year and the Youngest turned 18 in December.

Wednesday, March 7

Spent two hours at the doc in the box Monday night, I have a sinus infection. Didn't make it to karate, but did get some quality sock time in. While the meds make my face feel better, my stomach is taking a beating.

On the drive to work Tuesday morning, saw a herd of white tail deer. They were heading east from between houses across the road, into the graveyard. I woke Grilltech, but he wasn't as impressed. Or he just wanted to sleep.

Today, I didn't bring my knitting to work. I've been in a knitting slump, not really excited. Instead, I brought Knitting in the Old Way, to read. I'm learning quite a bit about history. Still haven't cast on for anything - knitting slump - but it's getting me excited. I think I'm going to rip back on Dad's sweater and just knit it in blue, instead of the stranded. I think that's just one more thing off my back.

Time to go home. I'll be at knitting tonight, with the clingy one.

Monday, March 5

It was a slow weekend. Saturday, went and hung out at Fuzz. Did a little knitting on Grilltech's Bookwyrm. Now it's changing from an owl into a sidewinder, the scale effect is working I'd say. The eldest and her husband came over for dinner, so did the E family. Grilltech cooked the steaks, he says he burned one side of some of them, but the one I had was fine. Didn't feel too much like knitting, while at Fuzz. Did do several rounds, then called it. I tried the double trudle wheel, which I decided I liked. Told them to order it for me, they won't get it ordered until today. Now I'm having second thoughts, I think I would rather just buy then make. I know how and with time I'll get better, but oppurtunity costs. The time I use spinning, is time I don't have towards knitting. I'm still thinking on it, I have about five hours before it comes down to the wire. I've decided not to get the wheel. Grilltech said, wouldn't it be easier to buy 300 bucks with of yarn. Why yes it would be. Not that I'm going to spend that much right now.

Took the Eldest to Barnes and Noble to pick up part of her birthday present. I have Knitting on the Edge which she really likes. So we go and I pick up Knitting over the Edge for her. She's all bummed, becuase it's not the same book. I had to point
out, if she gets that book, we have twice as many edging to choose from and she can still borrow my book. She was happy with that thought.

Sunday I did laundry. I also napped for 1.5 hours. By the time we went to bed, my face was hurting badly. I'll be taking a trip to the doc in the box today. It's starting again this morning. (Is it bad when I'm fanastizing about picking up my knitting and doing a few rounds while waiting for the fraggin' hour glass to go away?) We went and picked out a new dishwasher. It will be about a week before it will be delivered. We've offered the old one to a friend; but haven't heard if she wants it or not.

I made chicken soup for dinner, Sunday night. I think we're starting to get low on soup stock, so Grilltech will need to start smoking whole chickens. Funny thing, the Eldest wouldn't eat half of the stuff we cooked for her while she lived at home. We cook the same things and it's the best thing in the world, now. Guess she's learning it's not as easy as she thought.

Friday, March 2nd

Started the post for Thursday, but never got around to posting it. So I'll just build on it, on second thought, it was only two lines. I'll start fresh.

The white car when to the mechanic, so I'm carless this weekend*. Hopefully we'll get a phone call at some point today with an estimate. I'm praying the POS thing won't cost more then 1200. Hey, a girl can dream can't she?

We had cheesecake at work on Thursday. The King showed up, and by 14:00, the pan was empty. Eagle Eye - one of the managers - wandered by and mentioned coconut cheesecake, which was in a drawer out of the way. All I could think, who told him? Gave Eagle Eye a piece, "make it bigger and I'll share with Comeback Kid." Don't know if it happened or not, but three members of the cube had two pieces and I wasn't one of them! (I'm so proud of me.)

I went to pull out socks for me this morning, all I had was one Forsetta pair. Didn't feel like wearing them, so I dug through Grilltech's drawer and found his Black Dragon socks. He looks at me and says, "You can't wear those, they're made especially to fit me." They're very warm and comfy; I should pull out the black silk and a pair for me. Well, not Black Dragons - they would fight with the Lavender ones or mate... hey maybe I should and have a bunch of socks just appear in my drawer. (Refer back to a girl can dream....)

I've made it up to chapter four (or is it five) in Knitting in the Old Way. I'm wondering how many skeins of sock yarn I would need to make a sweater. Guessimate six, Do the math in my head: 6 x 16 = 96. Bucks for a sweater?! Size one needles, I'd be knitting how long? Six or seven months? Am I insane? Hmm I have a bunch of odds and ends in the stash, and Julie's Cheating at color theory.

* The mechanic just called, only 400 to fix the POS! And we might even get it back today! Happy. Happy! Joy. Joy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Writers Unblock Tool: A wife is committing adultery with a pouch of garlic and salt.


Yesterday's:
"You shouldn't be here." I whispered.

"I'll go if you tell me to." Marshall said, taking a step closer.

I stepped back

The smile on his face darkened. "Don't make me chase you, little one."

The use of his pet name for me brought tears to my cheeks, unable to face him any longer I turned away.

"Come now, your husband is out for the night,” Marshall ran his hands over my shoulders and down my arms.

Marshall pulled me closer knowing, I wouldn't resist his touch.

Today's:
I strolled in the garden at twilight, flowers perfumed the night. Seth would be gone most of the night, leaving me alone again. I wandered in the deepening darkness, trying to forget my husband who would gamble the night away then be with me. The path led to a bench, where Marshall sat waiting for me. I stopped in astonishment.

"Marshall, you shouldn't.." Was all I was able to get out before Marshall engulfed me in his embrace.

His lips crushed against mine. My hands went to his shoulders to pull him closer. His touch made me forget everything, including time. His kisses traveled from my lips, to my check and down my neck. The warm summer was cool on my skin, bringing me to my senses. With all my might, I shoved Marshall away from me, and broke his spell.

"No." It was all I could say, with him standing so close. I stepped back, so my head could clear.

Marshall's eyes seemingly glowed amber. I gasped and took another step back. My hand went to the pouch at my side.

"Don't make me chase you, Little One." His voice was silky, sounding the way he used to.

"I told you." My voice trembled. "We're through."

His smile was fierce, as if he could hear the lie in my voice.

"No." This time, I was firm. "You shouldn't be here." I turned to leave.

"Then why did you come looking for me?" His voice caressed me.

"I didn't. After two weeks, I thought you would quit coming." The memory of me telling him, we were finished cut like a knife. I pulled out the glass vial filled with a paste of garlic and salt. The talismonger promised it would help.

Marshall's laugh was light. "Come with me, leave this place and be mine forever." This time his hands were on my shoulders.

I could feel Marshall's hot breath on my neck. The vial shattered as it fell from my limp hand. The reek of garlic filled the air.

Wednesday, February 28

Most of this was written on Tuesday, and sent home, it bounced because of a power failure knocked out our mail server. Neither Grilltech or I was home to bring up the server again, so mail was bouncing back for who knows how long. Grilltech is now finding all mail is bouncing and he's trying to fix it.

I didn't make it to karate Monday night. One part super sleepy, one part super embarrassed to be the largest person there. The regular group of fifteen isn't too bad, but when there are 900 strangers, I don't deal well.

I didn't do any knitting last night; I did read Knitting in the Old Way. Still in the in first chapter, it covers some history. It’s nice to know where we've been, so we know where we're going.

I was in bed by 20:00 last night, asleep by 20:30. Woke up at 01:00 and couldn't get back to sleep until about 02:30. Great, only 1:15 before we have to drag our sorry butts out of bed to go to work. Today should be one long ass day.

I’ve completed about eight rounds on Grilltech's BookWyrm Socks. (Bookwyrms are the scholarly ones of the dragon family. Since I think the colors remind me of an owl, the socks have a new name.) Not sure the scale pattern is all that visible through the colors, but it's also very short at this point in time.

Grilltech pulled the pork Monday night. It was the one of the best he's done. I think the steaks need to be pulled out for this weekend. Course I have no clue as to what tonight's dinner will be. The youngest and I went to the store and picked up stuff from the Deli. Grilltech wasn't hungry, so he ate half of mine.

It was another knitless night. I also didn't spin anything and the wheel goes back today. Not sure what's going on. I'm coming home from work just so exhusted all I want to do is crawl into bed. I believe I even stayed up to 20:15 last night. On the plus side, I didn't wake up until I hit snooze this morning.

I made a coconut cheesecake last night. Today is the King's birthday and I needed a reason to make a cheesecake. Not that Grilltech thinks I need a reason, he's always happy to have cheesecake.

I'm debating if I should rip out Icuras. I haven't really touched it in a while. I'm not overly happy with how it's turning out. (Not that I have much done on it.) I've not really knit lace and knitting with thread, isn't making me happy. I think Cassie's baby sweater will be dusted off soon as I finish Grilltech's mitts. She's due in March and I need to get going on that. So much work knitting along with the Eldest.

Writer's Unblock Tool Snippet: Describe a poker player down on his luck with a roomful of fools.

Hayden studied the group while he sipped his wine. Dorrian's floppy lace cuffs where stained red because most of the time when he drew his hand back the lace ended up in his cup. Tess' giggling was beginning to get on his last nerve, but he would smile back at her because of the large purse of gold she usually carried. Calden puffed on his cigar while telling a lewd story to Tess. Alton effiecently shuffled the deck then begun dealing the cards.

Tess would arrange her hand, with each new card causing numberous switching. Alton would pick up the cards one at a time, after they all had been dealt out and squint at them before putting them into his hand one at a time in the same order. Dorrian's lace kept getting in the way and had be flipped back, inconvenience was the price of being fashionable. Calden puffed smoke towards his cards, a sign he didn't like them. Hayden picked up his card, only after the last one had been dealt.

Monday, February 26

Finished the Broad Street Mittens on Saturday. Big hint, knit the flap first and on round four (or three) of the knit six, do a K2tog. It saved time and the seam is barely visible.

Sunday was spent knitting and spinning. I kept trying to get the Mohair to spin, it wouldn't work. I was getting frustrated so I walked away. Came back to try it again, still not able to get it to start spinning. So I moved over to the raw wool, figuring it would be easier. No, still not able to get the lead. Finally I look down and say, what happens if I ease the tension? Sure enough, I'm off and spinning. I finished off the dark wool and then went back to the gray Mohair. Still have a bit to do and the wheel goes back on Wednesday.

I started on Grilltech's half finger mitts. I'm using the homespun. There are a couple of spots I'm worried about, because it was spun about the size of thread. I'm thinking I'll duplicate stitch over the spots so I won't worry about them breaking.

The database is having a temper tantrum again this morning. Thankfully, I got the weekend reports completed before the crash. Now I just have to figure out if I'll be able to get today's reports completed.

I've decided I'm going to make another pair of dragon socks from the Tofutsies Owl colors. It should be a very interesting coloring pattern. I'll post pictures soon as there is enough to show. Right now it's just a first row and a cuff.

Friday, February 23

Here at the datamine it's like running with scissors, it's all well and good, until someone looses an eye. You get a momentum going; everything is fine, until you trip. Doesn't matter why you trip, stumbling over your own feet or someone else pushing you, it hurts. Cubemate PK is out today. No big deal, I'm doing her reports as well as mine. Early this morning, I was told to use a different remote desktop, being the good little corporate drone I am, I do. About three hours later work comes to a screeching halt. Turns out the remote desktop was pointed to a test database. Everything I had done in that remote system was dead. I want the three hours of my life back.

Sock student called me back. She’s not feeling well at all. She’s been in and out of the hospital for the past two days. Sounds pretty serious, hope she gets better.

No real progress onto the owl sock or mitt.

Wednesday, February 21

I'm feeling way better, even better then yesterday. Now Grilltech has it.

Yesterday was a comedy of errors. I had about five lines wrote for the post and never got around to posting it. I did get the homespun balled, just need to finish the other mitt before I start Grilltech's. I didn't make it to spinning class, so I'll go tonight. The nice thing about Fuzz being my LYS, they're flexible.

I did make it to knitting last night. I remembered to put the tape measure in my Crown Royal bag* and put the pattern under it, so I wouldn't forget it. (What I didn't remember: money, cell phone, and needles.) I place my order, go to pull out my wallet and it's not there. I check for my phone, because I live right down the street and Grilltech can come bring me money. Nope, no phone. Red-faced, I 'splain I need to borrow their phone so I can have money brought because I'm a dumbass. Thankfully, I've been going there enough they semi-know me and are okay with waiting.

Grilltech has had the same cell phone number forever. I don't remember it because I put it in my cell phone and just press the #2 and it dials. I dial a number, I hope is correct and some strange guy answers. (Good thing it was a guy, because I'd be up in arms if a female had answered.) "Uhh, Grill?" "Nope, wrong number." Crappy! I think hard before I dial again. This time I was lucky and got the number right. Grilltech was sweet enough to come bail me out; with the 100 bill he earned by re-loading an OS for my Aunt. The clerk was asking for change from the other till. I was worried they wouldn't be able to break it and neither of us have a bank card. Thankfully they had enough, so I was able to have my coca. I picked a good table and waited for the others to show up.

I go to start the mitt, and I don't have any needles. At this point, I should have realized it was time to go home. But I figured I would stay a bit and see if anyone would show up, I did have my PDA so I wasn't completely bored. About a minute later, S showed up. (Remember S, the one who had to have the gauntlet pattern?) She had a question about the thumb gusset. 'It will be too long.' So, just use 11 stitches, instead of 13. You can do that, its allowed, honest. (The knitting police won't show up and haul your ass off to jail. Tactfully, I only thought the last part.) Sock student never shows up and S is really worried because student is having a hard time at this point in her life. So, I run home, because I only live less then five minutes away. Call her, turns out she's feeling really crappy and won't be able to make it. I'll call her today and see how she's doing.

* Classy, I know.

Tuesday, February 20

Not much in the way of knitting, just me whining. Thanks for the well wishes. Hope to be better by the end of the week.

I shouldn't have came back to work, it's just that simple. I can't think of anything worse then being beat on for crap that isn't my fault. X and Y wasn't done, of course they weren't, there wasn't any follow through on the part of the leader. So just shoot me now. Or I'll just cry at my desk again.

I made the sock student cry. I didn't mean to. Honest! She's working the gusset. She says, "I can't get this." (Repeatedly) I finally look over at her and tell her, "You need to stop saying that. You are what you say. If you keep saying 'I can't', then you never will. You can say, 'I don't understand, this is hard, I need more clarification', but you can't say, 'I can't'." She left the room in tears. (She was having a bad week and I didn't help much.) So when I see her on Wednesday, I'll need to make sure to tell her, I wasn't beating on her.

Shh, don't tell Amy, but I finished the first of Broad Street Mittens. For the second one, I'm knitting the flap first using a provisional cast on. Later while knitting the mitten, it will be easier to k2tog and keep going. Picking up those 30 stitches is a pain in the ass and they aren't straight. I didn't feel up to re-inventing the wheel.

I've started a pair of socks for Grilltech. I casted on 26, 26, 30, should be 80 right? Yeah, it's not. So I have to rip back the first row for those two fragging stitches. Or I suppose I can just knit the two together at the last four stitches. I'm going to opt for the ripping back. I was thinking I should knit this pair toe up, just because. Oh wait. What's the rule? Don't drink and drive, don't lend money to family, and don't try to deviate from the normal while sick.

Thursday, February 15

Outside in the real world, it rained most of the day. It is possible that it has rained all day, but I wouldn't know. I've only glimpsed the outside world when I would walk by windows on my way to and from the break room. A lovely day to spend it curled up knitting on the couch with cats and chocolate. Instead I'm stuck in the datamine, working my fingers to the bone and wishing I was dead. No, I'm not sore still from working out, but I think I've got the flu. The datamine is nothing more then a breeding ground for dangerous and toxic diseases. And I've been infected. I've been using drugs the runny nose at bay, but the fuzzy headedness is still there. Someone please, just shoot me. In the head, none of that knee crap.

Wednesday, Feruary 14

As some of you may know, I live in the thriving metropolis of Boise. It's great, we have stores and restaurants which stay open later then 20:00! Shocking, I know. For those of you who don't, a lot of the smaller towns around the state have laws on the books stating all businesses and sidewalks will be rolled up precisely at 20:00. Those towns that don't follow the mandated time have their roads taken away from them. Don't believe me? Maybe you should read this or this or even this one*.

Boise is growing by leaps and bounds, hence the use of thriving. Within the next few years we might even break 200 thousand people. While we have the luxury of being able to go to the store at 02:00, the down side people freak out of the slightest animal sighting. It's not unusual to have a news story from the west end of town of a cougar being spotted. People freak out, "why wasn't we warned?" Hello, you're living on the boundary of their territory. More then once I've watched raccoons cross the roads in the middle of town. In fact, I drove home and not even a block away from the house a family of raccoons was crossing the road. I ran into the house and told Grilltech who said, "Raccoons, right." (You know the tone.)

One morning, Grilltech is coming out of the shower; the sun is barely clearing the hills. Peaches in the bedroom window and goes on high alert. She’s hissing and batting the window. Grilltech comes around the bed and looks out. Without his glasses on, all he sees is a grey blob and he can’t figure out how a dog got into the backyard. He grabs his glasses and is shocked to realize it’s a raccoon. Since he is a quick minded guy, he grabbed the camera to get proof he wasn’t lying about seeing one. “Raccoons, right.” (Our backyard.)

One crisp fall morning (and by morning I mean 04:30), I was driving to work while Grilltech slept. (We work together and he likes to catch a few more minutes of sleep, while I drive.) I'm coming up on the bridge which crosses the connector, and out pop four white tail deer. I do the girly high pitch squeal** "Look! Look! Look!" Grilltech is shocked out of sleep, halfway expecting to be in the middle of a car crash or something equally devastating. He looked at the deer, grunted something that sounded like "neat" and went back to sleep. Later that morning, it's on the news, some idiot in the general area of where the deer had been with a gun scaring the straights.

Weeks later we're in the house, it's dark and Peaches goes on high alert. She starts growling and hissing at the back door, doing everything she can to help protect the house. Grilltech asks me to open the door and scare away the cat that is annoying his cat. I go flip on the dining room light, and in the dim light I can see four raccoons on the steps next to the door. Once the raccoons realized they had an audience, off they trundled.

For a thriving city, we’re got quite a few critters running around.

And happy VD to everyone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* I couldn't find the one about the Dam breaking and cutting Atlanta, ID off from the rest of the state. Guess my Googlefu wasn't strong enough.

** You know the one, it sounds like someone is taking screw driver and driving it into your skull, over and over until you want to throttle the person making that noise to get them to stop.

Tuesday, February 13

Can I just die? Grilltech says no, I'm just being whiny*. I spent an hour remembering how to beat people up. I only stayed an hour, which is a 100% more then I'd done in months! I figure if I stay an hour the rest of this week and 1.5 next week for the following, then in three weeks I'll be able to stay the whole two hours. So tonight the plan is to spin for a while then do weights**.

Also, let me clarify about pattern knitting. Pattern knitting is a good thing. We all have to start someplace. It's like learning to cook. Step by step following of the recipe is a must. Now? Hmmm, only have 1/4 cup of milk? I can just add water. I like the flavor of garlic, add more than the 1 teaspoon called for. Must add red pepper flakes, because I want the youngest to think it's spicy. It's the idea of "I can't design". The knitter who was asking for the fingerless mitt pattern, wasn't a new knitter. It was someone who spins, dyes, and knits. (Perfect a trifecta.)

Anyway both Amy and Samurai Knitter asked about learning to knit. I remember there were times when Granny would come live with us. She was a big crafter. I learned to embroidery from her and crochet. I used to make doll clothes. Barbie would wear such fashionable clothes as a granny square dress, similar to the TP cover, only more functional. Granny also knitted, but for some reason I never asked to learn, it may have been because didn’t see her doing it. I remember I was thirteen and wanted to learn. So I got a book and started knitting. I did about four or five rows before showing the step-monster, who said, so. I never picked up it again. I think maybe Granny wasn't living with us at that point, my memories are a bit fuzzy***.

About the year 2000, I decided I wanted to knit. Don't remember why, just decided I was going to learn. Picked up a book and was off knitting. For about the first year I made scarves. Long-ass scarves, the youngest can wear it and wrap it around her neck once with room to spare and both sides still reached the floor. (She's 5'11".) I decided I wanted to do more. So I picked socks. I picked up a pattern book and started. Couldn't figure out the pattern, went to the LYS and she said, I had missed a step. She also pointed out "there was something strange about my knitting." My first sock was twisted, because I was knitting though the backloops. Grilltech wore out the first pair of maroon footies I made for him and was pissed when I threw them away because of all the holes.

I signed up for a knitting class. The teacher said, "You know how to knit, you don't belong here." She was right, but I was looking for pattern reading more then "learning to knit." One of the key points of the sock class I teach how to read a pattern, not just the tribal knowledge of making socks. Granted, there some parts of the teaching that isn't written. Anyway I made a teddy bear sweater, because if I can make a small one then the large one isn't that much different. Made Grilltech a sweater, the sleeves are about six to eight inches longer then his hands. Once again, he wears it all the time. Since that point, I take sweaters I like, modify them and call it good. Can I design a sweater? You betcha. I've got one in the design book right now. Don't think I'll ever make it because wool is high maintance****.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* No he's not even remotely saying anything like you're being whiny. Instead he's very considerate and offers to rub my back. And he's ALL MINE!!

** Yes, I am a glutton and not just for punishment.

*** That's like saying, Keith Moon and Steven Tyler used to be drug users.

**** This from the woman who has taken up spinning? Yeah, right.

Monday, February 12

I went down to the LYS on Saturday, because my slow sock student was going to come knit and needed help with the heel. I took my current project, the fingerless mitts. Everyone like them, and two people wanted me to knit them a pair. As if! One lady liked the pattern so much, she wanted it. I couldn't figure out why she couldn't look at the mitt and make up her own. So I gave it to her. It's the same thing with the sock design class. People want to pay me to teach them how to design something? Are you kidding me? Maybe it’s the engineer in me. (Granted I'm a software engineer and I haven't used the degree, but that's beside the point isn't it?) Pick a pattern, do the math and knit. Not that tough. I was talking to Grilltech, who pointed out; some people have to knit to a pattern. Exactly to the pattern. I must not be one of them.


I've finished the last of the white wool. It's still on the bobin, but here is my first try. I've got a black raw wool almost on a full bobin. Grilltech is going to get a pair of fingerless mitts out of the black.


This was the sky before a storm came through before Grilltech started grilling dinner. Hmm


Here is the view from our porch. The neighbor on the left used to have four cars parked in front of his house. We think he called the cops to have the other neighbors ticketed and he ended up with a couple of tickets himself. Now all the cars are now gone. Makes it easier to drive down the street.

Saturday, February 10

Last night, I sat down and spun. I was able to spin! It wasn't overly spun like the first time I sat down. I have half a bobin full of spun yarn. (It even looks like yarn!) I was talking to M, she was very happy for me, because I've picked up a new skill. Remember, with any new skill it will be hard at first. I'll get to spin more tonight and I'm looking forward to it.

The evil white one was thumped a couple of times last night. "No, don't play with the wheel." "No, don't eat the wool." "No, don't play with the yarn."

I'm working on my bitchiness. I don't want to be one of those people. You know the ones, they stand around at the water cooler (or next to the door and smoke), have a pepetucual scowl, and bitch about everything. "Oh PUL-ease, did you see how they tried to bribe us with coffee." While violently making eye contact anyone dumb enough to be in the same general area.

Anyway, here at the datamine, we have to use a database. (Yes, it does work that way.) In Wednesday's meeting, it was mandated, "you WILL use this work around to do your job." The problem? The work around is crap. It's just as slow. It's on a remote system, so the graphics are giving me a headache. It's hard to read in some screens. I've changed the background colors, which does help a little. Where is the line between being whiny - it's just as slow; and legitimate complaints - it's hard to read; I'm getting headaches.

Thursday, February 8

Okay, it's been a few days. Not much in the way of excitement has been going on. Plus overall depression just sucks.

Yesterday, I took my first spinning lesson. (Death Grip! Release the death grip.) Over spun, have thick and thin parts, more thick than thin. I got to bring the wheel home, so I can practice with it. Didn't get to practice once I got home.

We had to run to the store. Out of lunches, plus we picked up dinner. I was 30 minutes late to knitting. One of the girls from sock class came. We're sitting there and told her, "release the death grip". She's a tense knitter, one of the side effects of being new.

I added ten pounds to the weights I've been lifting. It really makes me shaky while lifting. I think I'll keep it there for two weeks then add five more. Because I don't have enough in the way of punishments.

And now for something completely different:

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% General American English

20% Yankee

15% Upper Midwestern

10% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Tuesday, February 6

I've finished the heel on my second sock. I've finished the hand of my new glove. I need to measure before I bind off, otherwise I'll be guessing. Need to work the thumb, then glove one will be completed. Love the Noro Silk Garden. I'm wondering if Noro is made from Sari silk, not that it really matters. Grilltech decided he wants a pair of long fingerless gloves, because the pair he has isn't long enough. I've got a ball of green wool sitting on my desk and he'll get a pair.

Amy Lane mentioned she has a pattern for fingerless gloves she wants to try. (I'm guessing its that pair or maybe this pair, I could be wrong... it doesn't happen often, but it does happen.) The pair I'll be making after I finish my sock are going to be pretty close, I just make it up as I go. Why? Because as I knitter I can do anything!

Monday, February 5

I'm having quite the day. The database was moving along at the speed of stalagmites. I'm just so happy to be here. I'm just crabby, crabby, CRABBY. (You may call me Princess Abby, and all my loyal subjects may shake in fear.)

I'm wearing my new Opal socks today. My feet are nice and toasty warm. My hands are freezing! I pulled out my angora/silk half-finger gloves. While my hands are nice and warm, my finger tips are ice cold. I'm thinking I need to create just the opposite. Fingertips, kinda like gloves, but only meant to go onto the tips of the fingers. Only problem I can see is, they'd be easily lost and look incredibly stupid.

I've started another pair of fingerless gloves. I'm making them from Noro Silk Garden. These things are going to be very pretty. I didn't feel like working on the crab socks, so I started a new project. I'm going to hell for having too many (four) projects in the works.

Oh yah, the thank you notes are done!!

Thursday, February 1

Went and knitted with C last night. It's always good to get out of the house. Might even show up at the Thursday night meeting.

Finished the Opal sock. I can't wear them yet, the first one is on display at Fuzz. I'll pick it up on Saturday. I've started the second sock of the (crab) Tofutsies. Grilltech is a bit bummed it doesn't come in manly colors. Maybe it does, but I didn't see them. I've got the ladies looking for some black, yellow, green, and red wool blends so I can remake him the bio-hazard and radiation socks.

I haven't done anything to Dad's sweater yet. I'm teaching it a lesson. Yea, that's what I'm doing.

Blogger is having fits today. I keep trying to go to my normal reading sites and I keep getting an error message. At first I thought it was people who had not switched over to the new blogger. Then Grilltech told me, mine wasn't coming up either. (GRR) I'm on the new blogger. It was up for a while, but still having problems.

Wednesday, January 31

I'm going to have to rip Dad's sweater back and add about 40 more stitches to compensate for the Fair Isle. (I'm hoping 40 is enough, hmm maybe 60.) That means more math. But hey, want it to turn out correctly.

I've finished the gusset on my Opal sock. Now it's the home stretch for the toe. I'll be able to wear new socks by the end of the week.

And now for something completely different:

I am Elrond

A stern yet benevolent organizer who often knows best, your wits are keenly fixed on aiding efforts you deem worthy.

Now at this last we must take a hard road, a road unforseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril to Mordor.

Monday, January 29

Dad's sweater is quickly becoming the knit project from hell. DP's didn't work well for knitting the sleeve with the pattern in it. So I tried the ML method, it was okay, but the cabling is much too stiff. Go buy another set, not the set I wanted, but another set*. Still no luck, but keep struggling along. Notice a mistake in the knitting, set the sleeve aside. Play a game of Civ4, pick back up the knitting and rip it back. Cast on the correct number of stitches and start working on the body. Sometimes its just easier to know when to give up the fight. The body is coming along smashingly**.

While I was at the store, I picked up two skeins of Noro, wool/silk blend. (Shhh, don't tell Grilltech, he wasn't paying attention. Maybe he was and just chose to ignore the purchase.) I'm thinking of making a pair of fingerless mitts. I picked up two, because I don't know how much I'll need.

I did work on Icuras. I'm now up to row 32. No where near the end or even the middle at this point, but each row does help. I'm almost completed with the gusset on the Opal sock. I want to hurry up and finish them so I can get started on something else. Worked with the eldest on the baby sweater. She's started the increases for the sleeves. I was going along with the pattern, but with my difference in numbers, it wasn't working correctly. I'll need to get the correct numbers and do my math.

Quick breakdown: 123 is 100%

Front: 20 or 16%
Sleeve: 23 or 19%
Back: 37 or 30%

The database here at the datamine is dangerously slow. I'm thinking it's going to crash on me again***.

* The other set is on order. I'll be getting a phone call when they come in.
** Smashingly? Is that a legal word?
*** Notice the AGAIN part. It booted me out completely at one point.

Friday, January 26

Dinner was okay last night, it was just us and the parental units. The place was packed. We got there about 17:30, started eating about ten minutes later. I was ready to gnaw on the lead based paint at that point. We finished and chatted. Checked the time and it was close to 19:00. It was time for us to leave. They stayed because others were on their way in.

Cleared it with Dad, about the snow flakes going up the sleeves. (Are they going to be on the bottom or the top? Hmm top, but if you want them on the bottom.... Top is fine.) Now I'm seriously thinking about adding them on the bottom also just to be a brat. Course that means having to add them to the body of the sweater, so they are lined up... I'll need to think on that. Don't want to add too much work here. Now I've just need to figure out the body pattern. I'm thinking diamonds. I'm thinking squares. I'm thinking I'll just stop while I'm ahead.

Today Granny would have been 90. It has been a year since she's passed. I still miss going and knitting with her. We would talk and she would ohh and ahh the lastest project.

Thursday, January 25

I'm really starting to to feel human again. Might even get this posted out. Today is Dad's B-day. He's OLD. :) I've got the gauge for his sweater. I've got the pattern I'm going to put into his the sleeves. (Still trying to wrap my head around how I'm going to do it. Knit it flat, then join? Knit in the round, with white stitches every fourth stitch?) Anyway, tonight we're going out to dinner to celebrate.

It's almost the end of the month and I still haven't done the thank you notes. I refuse to talk about the Christmas cards (addressed, just waiting for stamps) still waiting on the mantle to be sent out. Maybe if I get the thank you notes completed, I can mail them both. I just hope next year is better.

Anyway, I'm 10 rows away from completing the heel flap on my Opal sock. Should have the heel turned and gusset completed today. Icuras is still sitting on my desk, every once in a while flashing it's pattern at me. It's vain efforts trying to draw me back into knitting it. I've completed a whole 20 rows, how can it be so hard to work on? Maybe it has something to do with I'm knitting with something smaller then dental floss. On the plus side, the needles are size three.

Monday, January 22

Saturday's sock knitting class was confusing. I have two students who have made socks in the past, but wanted to take the class to see if they could learn anything new. Okay. Third student has been knitting maybe a month. I would like to stress the maybe. She's going to struggle through out this three week class. I just hope she makes it.

The eldest did come over and work on her baby sweater. We're up to row 20 (or is that 21?) of the yoke. She said, I get the pattern. I can do this, but you have to stay with me. I think most people feel that way. She also borrowed my Knitting on the Edge book. I'd forgotten I had it.

Grilltech did some pork chops on Saturday night. They were awful. (The pork chops about was 2 inches thick, just didn't grill well at all.) Which is okay, because my roasted potatoes were way to hot. Only added about three passes, but they were WARM! Sunday's dinner more then made up for Saturday's. Grilltech made grilled chicken, slathered in BBQ sauce. I made a tomato, onion, cucumber salad with green olives and feta cheese. Even the picky one (the youngest) thought it was great and wanted to hog the whole bowl.

My February spinning class has been paid for. Looking forward to the class. I have some roving I need to spin. Don't have a clue as what I'll be making with it, but something will happen with it.


Dad is coming to town today. (The big city, Bois Angeles, as he calls it.) I need to get a cuff measurement so I can get the started on his birthday present. I'm thinking I want to do a fair isle snow flake type of thing. Not sure I want to do the collar or around the bottom. The bottom would be more unique; collars are all over the place. Not to mention, I'll be using acrylic, because wool is too hard to deal with, IE you mean special washing?! I think I'm going to need to pick up a set of size eight circulars. Ooh a reason to spend money.

I picked up the materials to start on N's gloves. I picked up two skeins, I'm sure she's going to freak out at the cost of materials. On the plus side, I don't have to make fingerless gloves for her, just mittens. I have a person who wants a pair of the fingerless gloves with the cap on them. I really should make his pair and be done with it. I think I will once I finish the Opal sock.

Friday, January 18

Yesterday the first Opal sock was finished. I was at work, so of course the second one was started. While I was knitting, three people come bother me. How do you keep track of all the color changes? It's the way the yarn is dyed. Last night, the eldest's husband asked the same thing. I told him, I have LOTS of ends to weave in. He got this incredulous look on his face. I had to laugh and tell him the truth.

The eldest has figured out she can knit. She's been working on a scarf, which looks pretty good. She was wearing a pink sweater that she wants another one just like it, only with a hood. I looked at her and said, we'll start you out with a baby sweater then move you up to the adult sizes. So I dug out a baby pattern and sat and knitted row for row with her. Hers is a white sweater, while mine is a variegated one that will deviate quite dramatically from hers when the yoke is completed.

She wants to hurry up and complete this project so she can start another, so she's coming over on Saturday to work on it. I have sock class that day, when I get done working with socks, I'm going to be working on a sweater. Good deal. I should write down my steps so when I do the sweater class, I'll have them written down. (Sounds like a very good plan, think I'll follow it?)

Data mine can be very frustrating at times. Bust my butt to complete a project, only to be told the next day. Remove 1/5th of what you've done. (ACKK!!) The only thing that makes me feel remotely better is the fact, I was warned something it might happen.

I think both girls would like one of these corsets. Since neither of the girls wear anything I knit for them, I don't won't bother making them one...

Thursday, January 18

Looked through the book for different kinds of toes, didn't have time to write down the pattern before we had to leave for Grilltech's appointment. Decided to go with a wedge toe instead, exciting I know. Grilltech feels slightly better today, a good thing. Anyway, I moved the Opal sock to DP's. They're going just fine.

I worked out last night. Even had enough energy to work on Icuras - one row - I'll get there, Rome wasn't built in a day. On the down side of working out, I want to eat more. Which defeats the purpose. (sigh)

I'm going to have a sock class this weekend. I'll get a pair of socks knitted up for Grilltech because he's wearing them out. I've got some blue wool/acrylic blend, which will be a bit longer lasting.

Lost power at the data mine today. The computer's still worked. So work continued.

Wednesday, January 17

Went home yesterday after a trip to Hyde Park. I had a Mexican Hot Chocolate and Grilltech had a Keith Richards at Java. (I would put a link to them, but no web site.) Then we wandered over to 10,000 Villages. Nice little shop. They have stuff from all over the country and they're all paid a working wage. could spend quite a few $$ there. While at the shop, I picked up a hat. Grilltech asked where it was from. I looked, Peru. He said, bet it's made from Alpaca, then wouldn't go near that side of the store.

No real knitting news. I did some weight lifting last night. I was so tired by the time I sat down to knit, I wanted to work on something I didn't have to think about knitting. Icuras sat and looked pathetic while the new sock grew by about half an inch.

My Opal sock is coming up to the toe. I still haven't researched a new toe to try. I'll need to get it done tonight; otherwise I'll be doing a wedge toe. I have come to the conclusion; I prefer double points to magic loop. I've done two pairs on ML and I started the sample sock on DP, I like the sample one better. Go figure.

Grilltech and the youngest took the car to the mechanic. Hopefully it won't cost a lot of $$ get the leaking radiator fixed. And have the fuel filter looked at as well. I think the next car we get will be new. What will the neighbors think?

Tuesday, January 16

It was a good weekend. On Monday I went down and spent a couple hours at Fuzz. Since I didn't bring my knitting, I just sat and chatted. After a while, I was going to leave and come back with knitting. They sat me down with some Tofutsies and had me get started knitting a display sock for the store. Love this yarn, will buy some for me. It's soft! I keep looking at the pattern trying to figure it out until I realized, I like it. (Of course I do, its in shades of purples.)

The day was interesting here at the data mine. I went forward in time to ensure vacations are lined up. Then I started attendance. Only to figure out I was in the wrong week. Thankfully I caught it, because it would have caused a problem if I hadn't. PK (Phonekiller) is trying to get her paycheck straightened out. We all know, don't mess with money.

Who says we don't have fun at the mines? I'm working away, and I hear a bee. Instinctively I flinch away, closing my eyes, I'm deathly afraid of bees. My mind going a mile a minute, kicks in and I thinking, it's winter and freaking cold, where did this bee come from? Why is closing my eyes going to help? Is it the youngling thought of "I can't see it, it's not there" thing? Turns out Griller was unzipping his bag and scared the hell out of me. I had to tell him and laugh at the whole thing.

Sunday, January 14

Finished Grilltech’s sweater, this morning. Yesterday while I was working my 29 inch Inox needle broke! WTF?! A bunch of the stitches went into the void. Luckily I was sitting at my desk with a bag of needles right next to me, so I could reach up and get another size six. I was able to get all the stitches onto the new needle and the sweater was finished. After I tacked the collar down, Grilltech took pictures of the blob. Figured the sweater would look good in the freshly fallen snow.



Overall view of the blob.



Close up of the cabling on the decreases. Not really impressed how they look laying flat, but when worn, it makes the sweater pop.

Friday, January 12

Had Grilltech try the green blob on last night. It fit pretty good although, he didn't care for all the cleavage showing. (I'm only 1/4th of the way through the decreases.) When I offered to try it on, he hugged the sweater tightly and said "MINE!" I tried to logically point out, the sweater wasn't done yet, and I would need to have it back to finish knitting it. He just glared at me and kept petting the blob. I had to distract him with a shiny thumb drive tossed into the corner in order to get him to drop the sweater. When I got it back, it was all slimily with "...is it done yets?" and "Hurry up, I wanna wear it!" Do you know how hard it is to get is-it-done-yet slime off? (It never really comes out.)

I have to put the sweater on the black hole of a desk, to keep him away from the blob. Thankfully, Grilltech doesn’t touch the desk for fear of having to deal with finances. (Sadly it doesn't work the same way with cats, they LOVE finances. I have to hide the credit card from Uggy, other wise the house would be full of Despair calendars and catnip.) Grilltech doesn't bother me, while I'm working on the blob, because I have sharp pointy needles.

My sock is coming along. The gusset is completed, now starting the trek to the toes. Guess that means I'd better research my different toe today or tomorrow. will get some knitting done tonight, we're going out to dinner. Went and talked to M - one of the co-owners of Fuzz - no sock class tomorrow. Bummer, no $$ coming in. Bonus, more time to work other projects.

Thursday, January 11

I think Ms. Knitingale's Evil-Minded Son of a Bitch storm hit us. There have been several reports of snow this morning. When we drove into work I could see the moon through the clouds and the roads were clear. Several people mentioned snow then they called in. When Grilltech came in from first break he said, there was half an inch. When Griller – not to be confused with GrillTECH - came into work, he said, two inches. I haven't seen this mythical "snow", so I deny all reports and think its darn cold out there.

I was outbid on the Sage Cashmere, which really doesn't break my heart. I have already purchased yarn I'm not sure what I'll be making with. I just wanted it. So once Grill's sweater is done, I'll start knitting for me. I must say, the cabling on his sweater isn't turning out as great as I pictured it in my head. I think I have the decreases too close to the cables. Live and learn.

I'm trying to decide if I want to work on the shawl or the top. I haven't knitted a swatch yet, so shawl it is, but I'll need to do the swatch as a fall back for when I get tired of lace knitting. Or I guess I could knit more socks.

The callous on my ring finger is getting smaller. I've started holding my yarn differently so it's impacting the way I'm holding my needles. On the down side, my left arm is a bit sore. I can't tell if it's sore because I'm leaning on my left elbow while at work or if it's from knitting.

Tuesday, January 9

I am dead tired today. Just could not get to sleep last night. It was well past 22:00 before I finally fell asleep. My second computer is acting up. Not letting me log on. Stupid machine. I would kick it, but it wouldn't do any good. Instead I had to reboot the thing. I guess I did kick it... HA

Did some research for the shawl I want to knit. Decided to go with Icarus from Interweave Summer 2006. I'll type up the pattern and get started on it once I finish with Grilltech's sweater. I showed him the decreases, he rolled his eyes and grunted in my direction. (I'm sure he'll deny the charge, but who's telling this story?)

I won the copper cashmere yarn from e-Bay. Then I went and bid on some sage. (The youngest likes green and so does the eldest.) Will I knit them a shawl or something? I'm still thinking on that.

I've also decided I should up date the list of blogs I read. I have quite a few. Funny thing, Grilltech has more knitting blogs then BBQing blogs. Isn't that a bit strange?

Monday, January 8

It was a good weekend. On Saturday night, I was thinking it was Sunday. Grilltech set me straight, no alarm setting. Sunday night sleep was heavy and not very refreshing. Strange Battle Star Galactica dreams, after spending the day watching season 2.5, is it any wonder?

Grilltech's sweater is coming right along. I'm now doing the Raglan decreases. Instead of having boring Stockinette, I've gone with cabling. (First cable to front, second cable to the back.) Only have two cables so far, but it seems pretty neat looking. It also helps with the counting decreases.

I didn't so any research on the different heel or toe for the current sock. Guess the heel is going to be a Dutch heel. (It's not quite the same as a Dutch Cowboy.) I still have time to do a different toe, so I'll need to drag out the books and research.

The Samurai Knitter wanted to see where I knit. I have three set places. I can only show pictures of two, because there is a "no camera" policy at work. I could take a picture of the building, but if you've seen one square brick building, you've seen them all.


First spot is my desk. I'll play turn based games and knit. Notice the green blob on the keyboard? That's Grilltech's sweater. It's getting close.


Notice the Granny Square blanket on my chair? That is the youngest's project. She's making us a throw to sit and be warm. See Uggy? She's my cat. She'll tolerate Grilltech and the kids, but I'm her favorite human.


Second spot is where I knit and watch TV. Mostly knit, I'd rather listen to music, then watch TV.


See these skeins of yarn? They belong to the youngest's project. And I keep picking up about one inch trimmings of yarn from around the house.

Friday, January 5

I've started the heel on my sock. Should be up to the gusset here soon. Then I'll have a sock done in no time. I'm thinking about trying a different type of toe. Wedge toes are easy, but they are a bit of a bore after a while.

While here at work, I've had a picture of me knocking over my cup of soda all morning. I haven't done it, but the thought just won't go away. So I've moved it to a place where it's a bit safer, just in case. Managed to make it through the day without spilling anything. Yah me!

Grilltech has a nasty cold he's thoughtfully trying to give to me. So far, I've just been a bit sneezy and eye watery. Today my chest feels as if someone has me in a bear hug. I'm not having a lot of fun. I think I'll make Grilltech work overtime on Saturday to get even with him.*

I've got a top pattern kicking around my head. I have some silk/linen yarn I purchased off e-Bay ages ago. I need to knit a swatch, so I can get my gauge. Then I'll be good to go. Just have to finish up Grilltech's sweater. The one problem with this yarn is, it's very slick. Can't really do YO's with it, but I wonder how cabling will look in it.

* He has to work overtime anyway, I just get to schedule it.

Thursday, January 4

The youngest and I went to the dentist yesterday. It was a quick visit for me. The youngest on the other hand... She gets to go back in two weeks because she's not taking care of her teeth. We had lunch then went to Linen and Things. She picked up a coca maker. A way better model then the one I have, because hers comes apart. SMART! From there we went to Michael's Bridal. The dress she wants is BEAUTI-ful, just a bit costly. We went to JoAnn's and had her look through the patterns. She found one she really likes (Scroll down to the vogue Designer 2810). I think we'll be back to make it for 1/3 the cost of the dress she wanted. Don't get me wrong, having what you like is AWESOME, but paying that much for a dress only to be worn once is just wrong.

Not much to take pictures of knitting wise. Still working on the leg on my sock. Grilltech's sweater is no where near long enough. I keep holding it up and saying, it's a sweater right? He's not going for it.

I'm having an urge to clean off the stuffed (dusty) animals from the shelf above my desk. I'm thinking my knitting stuff would fit up there, well just the books. I would need to get some holders for the magazines. I think it's a good project for the up coming three day holiday.

On the drive into work this morning I did see a meteor. It was a quick flash, but it was there. I'm amazed I could see anything with all the light pollution here in the thriving metropolis.

Tuesday, January 2

Happy day back to work for non-federal employees. It looks like a busy day here at the data mine. I would say salt, but that would imply physical labor. Those who know me, know I avoid physical labor like smart people avoid... Well I can't think of anything snappy to put here, so I'll just stop now.

Been working on Grilltech's sweater. I've completed one skein of yarn for the body. Only two more to go or 24 inches, which ever comes first.

New Eve Night was a lot of fun. We had the adult E's over for New Year's. We played Marriage Material. When you lost a "honey-do", it was required to take a drink. It was a lot of fun. After five games, we switched to House on Haunted Hill. (or is that Haunted House on the Hill or is that Betrayal at Haunted House...) The heroes won a game and the traitor won one. It was a lot of fun.

We played computer games yesterday. I think I was involved for an hour. Then I went to the store and lost my spot. The E's left about 15:30 and B left about 17:00. Grilltech made some hotdogs for dinner and we was in bed by 19:30. We are such party animals.