"I have never felt that anything really mattered but the satisfaction of knowing that you stood for the things in which you believed and had done the very best you could." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Tuesday Temptations

Happy Tuesday!

Just because the after-effects of the full moon are still persisting and I'm over emotional, I am linking this so that anyone that is not already singed up to receive emails from Stitch Diva Studios knows about this sale.

In an on-going effort to get myself in some semblance of shape, I now am on a quest for this and this. I think that I can find them at Target or Sun and Ski Sports. If not, I will be forced to buy them online. And I'll also need this, and this, or this so that I look good while I sweat.

Of course, I want this or this, but I bet I can find a pattern to knit that will be more flattering and will be the material that I want. Any ideas pop into anyone's mind? Please share!

While I am lusting over items...I want to get this as soon as possible. I have some of the original issues of the magazine and I still love the patterns. I have one sweater in mind that I am looking for yarn substitutes for, as the yarn called for has been discontinued for a LONG time. The issue is from Fall/Winter 1983.

That's pretty much all she wrote today. I am trying not to venture too far outside my box today. I am working hard on my socks for my SITM pal and they are my own design being made with Brown Sheep Company, Inc Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn in colorSY44. I'll post more about that later this week....and flash a picture of them too. I am working on both socks at the same time on circular needles......impressed? Don't be....

Thanks for taking a second or two from your day to wander this way...

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Update to Contest one for SITM KAL

Okay, I finally located the first two items that I made for Trouble and the Munchkin.

The first sweater that I ever made. It will be 24 years old in October....I think that it is Brunswick Yarn.....

This dress was made for the Munchkin's Second Birthday. It was my first attempt at altering a design. It was the Winter Frills dress from Kids Knits by Lesley Anne Price. I used Unger Roly Sport because it was super soft. I made countless swatches. I even located the original graphed design that I made. This was way before digital, so I can't get a picture of the Munchkin wearing it posted any time soon. Maybe when she graduates from college....

Tuesday Temptations

So Many Things to Tempt Me Out There This Week!

Wifey is three years away from being able to retire from teaching. That doesn't mean that she is Mrs. Robinson (even tho I like to think she is). She starting teaching right out of college ant the state of Texas gave her this wonderful contract that will pay her for the rest of her life when she retires. Reader's Digest version, her multiplier is 80 and she will be there in 2010! I found this while I was trolling for Temptations. I thought that I should share it.

I did a book review on this for my company newsletter. If you love chocolate, then you should get your hand on a copy of this. All I can say is, WOW! A chocophile's prayer answered!

With everyone becoming a bit more Green, I thought that this site my interest someone. Since I work in the Technology Industry, I am always on the lookout for these kinds of tidbits, so if you see one, send it my way.

For those of you with younger kids or grand kids that you might need to entertain for a few more weeks until school resumes, check this out. The Munchkin shared it with me since it is in her major at SFASU. She's going to do it as part of her final portfolio for graduation.

I was doing a Google search on knitting and stumbled upon this. Who knew? If you knew, why didn't you share? How fun to be able to call a travel agent and plan a vacation around knitting. Anyone interested?

I go here when I need inspiration for a new pattern. The daily free pattern can sometimes be just the answer.

I am so hung up on this yarn. I keep wanting every color. I will be making socks forever if I don't stay away from their site.....

I love to wear these under blazers in the fall. It looks like I have a wonderful sweater on but really it is just a tank.....

I have been dying to try this yarn, but I don't know what I want to make or which yarn I crave. Anyone have any ideas? Has anyone made/used this yarn?

I'm always on the lookout for yarn that is "home grown". I found this one that is here in Texas. Has anyone ever used their stuff?

I'm not from NY, but these yarns are and they look fun too.

When the Munchkin and Trouble are out of college and finally on their own, I want some of these, and these, and maybe this in sky or lavender.

Now that I have an eating program, I get one "cheat meal" a week. So, steak is the weapon of choice. I found this when I was trolling. I was trying to find a better chart than this one, but I had a hard time, so please overlook the fact that it is for a meat company.

While I am on a roll, I want to host one of these in the Fall/Winter. I think that I want each pair to bring their favorite wine (2 bottles) and an appetizer that goes with it. I think that would be more fun and get everyone involved. Has anyone ever hosted one of these before? If so, I would love to hear about it.

Next year I have to be in charge of the anniversary celebration. I think that I might like to sneak off to here to celebrate, or here. Good part about planning early is that I can gather hints and suggestions for about the next 13 months and then I'll have the most perfect celebration planned. The actual date will be on a Sunday, but I bet I could pull off a weekend trip and have the big dinner on the Saturday if I plan well enough in advance.

Okay...I have taken up enough of your time this week.

Thanks for taking a peek at what tempts me.....

Monday, July 23, 2007

Rant, as promised

Okay, I eluded to a rant in my first post today. Take a deep breath and hold on. I will apologize in advance for anything that I say that offends anyone that is 1. Not dealing with menopause, 2. Not dealing with Insurance, or 3. Works for Insurance.

Friday, Munchkin and I went for our annual well woman check ups. I love, let me repeat, love my OB/GYN. Dr. Paul I. Cook is one of the sweetest doctors I have ever had. He has helped me with many major female health issues and always considers himself part of my team and not the sole authority. We have always developed a plan and then openly discussed the pros and cons and worked for a solution that I can handle and that is medically sound. He knows my family history (mother with mastectomy, aunt that died of breast cancer after a double radical mastectomy, etc....) and he also knows my current family situation and loves Wifey (btw - Mafia - thanks for that term)! I also forgot to mention, he graduated from the same High School as Munchkin and Trouble.

With that foundation laid, we arrive for our appointments. For those of you with menopause issues, you will understand the next few lines. For those of you not quite there yet, be patient, your time will come. Due to my mother's cancer, I knew that I was going to have to discontinue my hormones when the prescription ran out (June 7th to be exact). Again, for the rookies, this is bad for all people involved. When you have no controlling agent, you quickly can become Jekyll and Hide. I had a list of issues/concerns and after the exam we always visit in the conference room to talk about the visit, the family, and when we can play golf together.

After our visit, he gives me three prescriptions. One is for Boniva, one is for Lexapro, and the last one is for AmBien. Now, keep in mind, I HATE taking meds. I loved the Femring because I put it in and it lasted for three months. No taking pills every night/day. Simple. Easy. After discussing my options, he gave me these for the following reasons:

The Boniva is to prevent osteoporosis. Enough said. The Lexapro is an antidepressant. When you don't have hormones, you suffer from anxiety and this will help. I'm not depressed, but I do have anxiety attacks sometimes (only two since June 7th). The AmBien is for sleeping. Another benefit of menopause is you don't sleep well.

What is the rant you ask? Okay, you asked for it. Wifey and I went to Wal-Mart to get the AmBien and the Boniva filled. We agreed that I am okay for now with my eating program and the yoga, so we will hold on the Lexapro. I drop off the prescriptions and the nice young pharmacy person tells us it will be 45 minutes. Not bad, and we had shopping to do anyway. As we wandered around getting the stuff on the list, Wifey hears my name over the intercom asking me to report to the pharmacy.

Oh yes, can you see it coming yet? I get there and I am directed to the counseling window. The Pharmacist comes to the window and first tells me that the computer is telling her that I am trying to re-fill the AmBien too soon. I get surly (irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner) and tell her that I HAVE NEVER had a prescription for AmBien and that she needs to look at the computer again. She then actually types my name in her magic machine and tells me that Humana doesn't want to cover either prescription because I am not old enough to need them. Really! They have seen my medical chart? They have been to medical school? They are keenly aware that I have had a hysterectomy? I am starting to get a bit short when Wifey steps in and asks what we can do. The Pharmacists tells us that she will have to contact Dr. Cook on Monday (07/23/2007) to get him to call the insurance and tell them why I need these medications.

Why does my doctor need to justify his work to the insurance company? If it was a prostrate problem, by God it would be fully fixed and covered. I am still seething about this. If you work in the insurance field, can you please explain the rationale behind wasting my time and the doctor's time? I realize that some people do abuse the system; however, this is an injustice to the doctor's education. of course, Dr. Cook has already called and assured me that he will get it all straightened out. I wish that everyone had an OB/GYN like him.

Back to your regularly scheduled program....

Wow....does this mean that I have to produce more?



I have been nominated by Miss Me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger.

I am touched and honored. If I understand the way that this works, I am, in turn, supposed to nominate five other women.

Here are my five:

FemiKnitMafia - The Mafia is wonderful! She rocks in so many areas. I love her Favorite Things Monday entries. Her knitting pictures are awe inspiring! She is one of my first stops always for inspiration.

Knitting Troll - I love this blog! Michelle has the biggest heart and I have loved her Friday Five for some time now. Ernie is her "baby" and I just love stories about him. This woman has a writing style that is guaranteed to make you feel something (depends on the post and the reader).

Cynical Knitting Gal - I have just recently added this one to my list, but I love how she pours her heart and soul into the atmosphere for us to see. She's "family" too, so I love to read her stuff for a younger perspective.

Empty Nest Knitter - This is an awesome Texas Lady. She has just recently gotten herself a building and a lease for a LYS in Austin, Texas! I am so stoked. Austin is only about two and a half hours from home. I will have to go and see her place as soon as she announces that it is up and running......

Luciana - This is one of my favorite sites from across the Pond. I am fascinated at her energy (she has three boys and a YS). This is a very talented woman and I always enjoy hearing from her. We share the responsibilities of the UFO KAL and that seems to help me continue to finish UFO's so that I can start new desires. Check out her site!

I have many more that I feel are deserving, but these are my must reads.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Really, I do actually knit too.....

I know, as hard as it is to believe with all the other goodness that I post about, but I have been knitting.

I have been working hard to be able to post to the UFO KAL, and this picture is proof that I finished another UFO:



This is the second sock for Wifey. They are Regia (5273) Tundra and I used the RPM pattern from Knitty. I have to locate the first one so that I can wash and block them for her. She is so excited!

I did not have a chance to get pictures of the first knitted objects taken and posted (more on that in a separate rant).

I did finish this using this color. It is soooo soft and I have worn it already. It is currently drying and will have a photo op later Monday. I will make this one again, but I will make some mods. It only took me about ten days to make it but it is too boxy and since it is cotton, it stretched. I will make it a little longer next time, add some really good elastic thread and knit them together and add some shaping along the way to make it more fitted. The yarn is so soft and it is so yummy to wear that I just can't resit.

I've also been working on Fifi for the SKC. The Calmer is great to work with but I had to frog the neck four times before I liked the cast on and the size. I'll try to get pictures up this week on the WIP.

Tired yet?

I am...

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Tuesday Temptations

Okay, so here it is....

With all the rain that Houston has had lately, I need sun soon, so if this rambles, perhaps I'm already waterlogged or in need of a sun lamp.

I need this to make Wifey and her Dad the ultimate fans.

Some day I want this (285 version) for future travel across America....

When Wifey and I are both retired, we will do this. Doesn't it look like fun?

I so want this in either color. If I could make it myself I would, so any designers that might be reading...send me the pattern....PLEASE!

And this would be a great outfit for Friday, any Friday.

I need to start looking for a dress to wear to the Munchkin's graduation. Yes, I know that it is in May of 2008, but it has to be perfect! It needs to make the Munchkin proud, the Wifey drool and carry her pepper spray, make my parents proud, and make the ex-husband see that he is even more of an idiot than most people first thought. Any ideas? Consider this my open invitation for your suggestions.

Short version this week. I will have more temptations next week, so get ready!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Guess Who's Coming To Houston?

Non other than the Yarn Harlot!

Yep! I was catching up on some of my favorites when I noticed that Stephanie had posted her new calendar of events.....She will be in Houston on September 18th! The location has not been provided, but you can bet your next paycheck that I'll be waiting and watching so that I can attend.

Outlook and my Palm(m505) are loaded and waiting for the location....

Thursday, July 12, 2007

The History of Knitting - According to Me....

Alright then, the task at hand is to tell you how and when I started knitting.

My Aunt (paternal) is only eight years older than I am. She was our appointed babysitter until I was old enough. She was "older" and "wiser" than I was. She was crocheting and using twine and such to make these amazing purses. I was eight, so she was sixteen and could drive..... and it was 1970.

She taught me all that she could about crochet until she became a senior in high school and then I was no longer "cool". Of course, like all kids, I made as many things with granny squares until I finally set crochet to the side.

When I was ten, I decided that I needed to knit, because there were so many patterns and I just loved them all. So I saved my money from cutting yards and bout my fist pair of needles, a Coats and Clark Learn to Knit booklet, and a skein of yarn from the local TG&Y store.

I made everything except the mittens and the socks because in Tennessee we didn't have weather cold enough for the yarns called for and I was not able to change the yarns. I made all blankets and baby blankets until my early twenties, when I got pregnant for the first time.

I made the giant leap into baby clothes and I never turned back. I learned to swatch and switch yarns and I been knitting ever since.

I'll post the first baby item I ever made as soon as I get it out of the cedar chest....

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

We have lost a truly great lady

It is with a heavy heart that I post this afternoon.

Lady Bird Johnson has just passed away at 4:18 PM CST at her home in Austin. Her tireless efforts to rid the roadside of billboards and plant wildflowers were not in vain.

Today, the roads in Texas are happier because she has made sure that they are filled with Blue Bonnets and countless other native wildflowers that herald the arrival of Spring each and every year.

Our house will be sad and, if possible, we will attend her memorial in the Capital Rotunda in Austin.

God Speed Lady Bird.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Tuesday Temptations

Okay, I thought that it was about time to post stuff from the birthday blow out, so this will be the Tuesday Temptation Birthday Review.

I will warn you in advance that this will be a picture heavy post......consider yourself warned!
Look at the decorations that Wifey and Munchkin put up...


Now for the treats....

I got a gift certificate to the LYS and I bought myself this, and this (2 skeins to make myself some socks).

I also got this from the Munchkin the perfume).

Remember that plea for the Smokey Quartz? Well, look what Wifey did....

She also got me this.....

For those of you that don't know what this is, it is a Pocket Dragon and they have been discontinued. I'm so sad....aren't they cute?



I also got this yarn (Rowan Calmer in Refresh) for the SKC KAL - Fifi and this yarn (Artyarns Regal Silk in Petal Pink Chocolate) for the second SKC KAL - Annie's Corset Top.

Update - I forgot that Trouble also gave me a gift card that let me purchase this, and these in size 3 (two sets), and this in size 7 for me to knit Fifi.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Sock It To Me KAL Questionnaire

1.What are your foot measurements? (Please give shoe size, length and circumference) – Shoe Size is 8 ½ to 9 depending on who makes it. Length is 9 ½”. Circumference is 8 ¾” at the widest part of the foot.
2. How long have you been knitting? How would you rate your experience? (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) –
Intermediate to Advanced depending on the WIP.
3. What is your favorite color? Your least favorite color? -
Favorite color is any and all shades of blue. Least Favorite color is olive green.
4. Do you have a favorite fiber? What type?
I love cotton, silk, bamboo, and merino. I like blends too. Pretty much I go for the color first and then look at the contents on the label.
5. Do you have any allergies to certain fibers? – None that I know of.
6. Do you have an Amazon, or other type of, wish list? (If so, provide the link.) –
My wish list would be so big that Amazon would block my privileges. At the moment, I am in love with the Sodalite and Amethyst stitch markers at Zero. They beat the traditional plastic ones hands down….
7. What techniques, if any, would you like to learn? –
I would love to learn more about seaming garments correctly/professionally. I have been sewing since I was in the fifth grade but constructing a knitted garment can sometimes not be as rewarding as the actual knitting. I would also love to get braver about creating some of my own designs. I see them but I can’t seem to take them from paper to fabric just yet.
8. Do you have a sweet tooth? What are your favorite snacks? –
I have a sweet mouth! I love candy, especially if it is chocolate. I also love the original flavors of Life Savers and the Brach’s Cinnamon Discs. Favorite snack is popcorn or pretzels.
9. What is your family situation? (Children/Husband/Pets...etc.) –
I have been happily “married” (our state doesn’t let us actually get hitched yet) to Wifey for almost ten years. I have two beautiful daughters, Trouble (23 ¾) and Munchkin (21). Both are in college. We also have two cats, Eraser and Sassy. My blog has pictures of everyone.
10. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? (Metal/Plastic/Wood) –
I have become addicted to circular needles as of late because they support sweaters and blankets better without having to make panels and assemble. I actually like all three materials, and I choose my needle based upon the yarn that I will be using for a particular project. Elizabeth Zimmermann once discussed that in her Opinionated Knitter series.
11. Besides socks, what are your favorite items to knit? –
Right now, I have become addicted to top down knitting patterns. I hate to seam and assemble and with top down there is less of a chance that I will end up with a UFO.
12. Is there a pattern, (sock or otherwise), that you are dying to try? –
I was recently going through all of my old issues of Vogue Knitting and I found a wonderful sweater knit with mohair/angora. It is ultra feminine and I would love to make it for Christmas. I need to research that yarn, because the pattern is from the Fall/Winter issue of 1985.
13. Do you like to read? What are you reading currently? –
I am a voracious reader. I will read anything and everything. My favorite genre is Dystopian Fiction. Currently, I am reading The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, a book on HTML/XHTML/CSS coding, and the Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann.
14. Do you collect music? (On an iPod or MP3 player.) – I currently have a Sony Walkman MP3 player that holds 2GB and I only have about 50MB free. Therefore, yes, I think that it can safely be said that I collect music.
15. What kind of music do you listen to? –
Everything, in moderation. I love 70’s and 80’s music the most and listen to the rest of the genres depending on mood and activity.
16. Is there anything you collect? – The list is long. I currently collect Pocket Dragons (alas, they have been discontinued), Hull Pottery, Depression and Elegant Glass, and vintage dress patterns from the 50’s.
17. What are your hobbies, aside from knitting? –
I love to garden and our backyard is a certified wildlife habitat. I also love to golf. Computers would be my next hobby most definitely. I love to build them and learn all about the programs. Just a geek at heart.
18. Are you participating in any other swaps or knit alongs? – I am a member of the Sexy Knitter Club KAL and the UFO KAL. That’s enough for now….
19. Do you have a favorite scent? – I love roses, lavender, and patchouli too.
20. When is your birthday? (You don't have to add the year if you don't want to, LOL.) – I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy! I was born on July 4th in 1962. And yes, I am quite the firecracker at times.

I just loved this quiz...

I saw this at Forbidden Knitter's site and just had to take it.....wait till Wifey sees this one. She will really laugh....

You Are 36% Girly

You are a pretty hardcore tomboy, and a very free spirit.
Gender roles be dammed, you like to do things your way.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Tuesday Temptations

Yes, it's time for another installment of the Tuesday Temptations. Short list this week, as it is my birthday week and I will have to be surprised at what the Wifey, kids, family, and friends have planned. That's another post for another day.

Without any further delay:

1. Must have a bottle of
this for my birthday!

2. I will be drinking
this and now you know more about the South....

3. I need to make
this soon.

4. Some day I might want
this for my birthday.....but only if it is CHOCOLATE!

Mostly, I'm looking forward to a day when I can sleep in, spend time with those that I love and respect, and of course, be pampered by the Wifey....

Happy Fourth!

Sunday, July 1, 2007

UFO's

Okay...along with the stash, her are some of the UFO's in their new boxes:

Busy Weekend

Okay gang...this has been a busy weekend. My birthday is this week and I have been busy helping Wifey get the place cleaned up a bit for company. We have invited fifteen (15) of our close friends and family (my younger brother and his wife...) to celebrate with us.

I thought that I would take this opportunity to "flash my stash", as I have just organized it into wonderful boxes. You can't laugh, however, because it is organized by weight and and I have lots of old stuff, as I was building the majority of it in the late 80's. Some of it is from manufacturers that are no longer around. Take a look, but don't be jealous...