Mizzbananie, In Circles

Toms shoes, aka, tiaras for my feet

2011-08-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting a pair of Toms for a little while... Banana wears them, and I learned from her that when you buy a pair of Toms, another pair of shoes is donated to a child in need. Not every 100 pairs, or even every 10 pairs. Every pair. I wanted flats, I wanted plain, I wanted Toms.. but all I could find were fakes. Nothing in my size except one lone pair in Market Mall.

They asked me if I would like to try them on for size, so that I could put another, less sparkly, pair on hold.

Well. You can guess how that ended. (ps: I had to turn the flash off so that the photo would not actually hurt your eyes when viewed.)

I totally love them.

If you

2011-07-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

Do this:

And go here.

You could have this while sitting outdoors:

And you would see part of this mountain, right in front of you. You wouldn't even have to crane your neck or sit up tall or.. move:

And I think you would agree that life is better when you get off the couch.

To celebrate 7 days of no carbs

2011-07-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

(well.. there was that one giant cookie), today for lunch I went to Thi-Thi and got myself a beautiful peppered beef vietnamese sub. Ya baby... and I washed it down with a coke.

It's been one of those super exciting days that demand carbs.

Through sad circumstances I acquired a trip to Sock Summit in the place of C-MAC. She just wasn't able to go, and asked me if I'd like to. Hell yes. Yes, I would (though I wish it wasn't in adverse circumstances). That was yesterday afternoon... sometime in the evening I discovered that my passport was missing. I spent the next bunch of hours tearing the house apart, and never did locate the passport. Today started with trip upon trip upon trip to get pictures, signatures,forms notarized, false starts, false endings... and then finally some success. A coupon at least, with a claim that possibly, even probably I will have a passport by noon tomorrow. Not a moment too soon, since the plane leaves at around 2pm.

This is my second emergency passport. In 2008, 22 hours before I was to depart to New York, Marilynnie discovered that my passport had expired. 3 hours later, I had a new one in my hand. This time will take longer because the passport is actually lost. Serious indeed.

I'm willing to bet that it's in a knitting project bag, and that I will find it this evening when I pack. I will not relocate the $250.00 it took to replace it.

Maybe it's worth it though... that passport picture really was horrible. If it weren't for a sudden downpour this morning, I would have had a chance at redemption.

So, that's my story... I'm going to Portland to knit, buy yarn for the store, meet people, eat off of food trucks, and go to a sock hop (in an 80's costume).

I think.

You're never going to believe this.

2011-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

You'll never see this again, I guarantee.

Shocked?

Amazed?

Thrilled?

Confused even?

YES. An entire wall of Addis.

I'm not even going to say the word again until next year.

2011-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Continental Divide.

2011-07-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to blog here, but I keep losing my place, deleting text... think I can create anything from this stuttering start?

I was in the Vermillion Pass on Sunday, and by complete fluke I ended up at the Continental Divide. It would have been an excellent place to go intentionally.. to share a picnic.. to have a break; but I was driving to Castle Junction to drop off Mug, realized that there was no cell service, and wondered how I was going to manage to meet up with BFML, when.. boom.. I see him passing me in the other direction. There were roadside turnouts on both sides of the road, so we both screeched to a stop and I crossed over to his side. Instant awesome destination.

The kids enjoyed being in Alberta, BC, Alberta, BC, Alberta, BC, although I hear tell that Anna nearly fell off of Alberta. I had lots of big hugs from BFML, and he was in his funny drama mode.. dancing around doing mosquito victimization impressions and being goofy. I think we benefit from a break now and again so that I can remember that the man is mostly a boy and that is one of the things I most appreciate about him.

I also saw one of my favourite mountains (who is lucky enough to have access to so many mountains that they have favourites?)... it reminded me that I hadn't been in the Rockies in a long time, and that I should take advantage of my surroundings more fully.

It was one of those crazy days full of moments... the whole day seemed like a million snapshots. Mug, asleep in the car, smelling like corndogs (ok, ewwww); dreaming about her paycheques? An elk, dead on the side of the highway, head towards the ditch. A small fire off the highway as we went West turned into a huge, dangerous valley full of acrid smoke on the trip East. Absolutely perfect light at 8:02, 8:12 and 8:30. Perfect. All of the colours of the mountains, flora, fauna were turned up to high. There was a split second when all traffic slowed to pass an emergency airlift; a helicopter thrumming above us. A field of lavender flowers. An emerald green stream. Suspicious flash as I passed through a small tunnel... will I have a speeding ticket in the mail a few days from now? Some very, very happy dogs when I arrived home, 3 hours late for their dinner schedule.

I prayed a lot when I realized (coming down the pass on 93) that the brakes were not working well, and I would not be able to do a sudden stop in the next 2 full hours. More prayer when the car started to jitter every time I drove over a hole or bump in the road. BFML will tell me that: it needs attention. Ahem. Yes, it does.

And finally, so tired when I got home that I neither knit, nor c'worded. Didn't spin. Didn't dye.

I just sat and thought about snapshots.

Tomorrow.. Knitting. I promise.

It's OVER over.

2011-07-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here you have BFML messing with his iPhone and taking a funny stampede picture of himself. I had to take a deep breath when I saw it, because I felt transported into a HeeHaw script. He's good that way, the BFML... he doesn't care what he does to his face in photos; it's all for the love of art. Or something. Perhaps it's just for fun. He makes me smile every time, but that particular photo made me laugh out loud.

But it's OVER. Stampede I mean. When I arrived at work this morning, I was was met with this big pile outside of a nearby office. I can still smell fireworks (well, not really, but you get my drift), but it's time to get.that.crap.outa.here.

I can remember working at Nova, and being so thrilled to wear jeans to work. By the middle of the week I would be wishing that I could stop dressing up as a cowgirl, and just get back to 'normal'. I think the dudes down the building from me had that same exact feeling when they arrived at 8:00 and had the place ditched out by 8:15. Cowboy hat and all.

Following you will find Mug's new normal! She worked for 11 days at the Stampede, selling corndogs and lemonade. I have to say that the corndogs were horrible (I'm glad to say that she didn't prepare them), but the lemonade was fantastic (Proud to say that she did!). Mug received a cheque for her first 3 days, and she was quite delighted. Me too. I've very proud of her. As you can see by her photo, she was very, very thrilled to discover her mother in line taking pictures of her.

I think that I'm going to try to get back on track with blogging. I miss doing it, and often imaginary-blog in my head. Since my computer crashed, I just haven't had the energy to make a new situation work. So.. let's see how it goes.

Soon I'll talk about knitting, and then everything will get back to normal!

It's official!

2011-04-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

I've left The Knitting Room to spend the next month working on The Loop!

Yarn and accessories are starting to arrive, the painting is almost done, and we're starting to work on a logo and graphics. We hope for a grand opening near May 1, but starting this Thursday we'll be hosting knit nights! It'll be a jobsite, but we'll be there knitting.

See you there!

Ps: In my wisdom, I forgot to include the address! You can find The Loop at 1978 Kensington Road NW, in Calgary. Our phone number is 403-457-3020 (and should be hooked up tomorrow afternoon)

To answer a few questions...

If you are hoping to see anything beyond an empty green room, you'll probably be better off waiting a little while! There are no retail products (or even shelving) on site at present. If you'd like to knit in the midst of chaos and dirt, well come on down! You'll be welcome after 5pm. We currently have about 10 chairs.

Thanks Nestor

2010-10-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

I had a plan to put birdhouses on the top of our uncut fence posts. BFML and I found one on a geocaching trip a few years ago. We found another at a garage sale (I think... to be honest I can't remember how it got on my desk, where it has resided for a number of years).

Recently I bought a handmade birdhouse from Nestor. He makes them himself, and what I love about them is that they are so natural.. So here are mine. Finally installed, thanks to a little inspiration from Nestor's handiwork.

Flat out

2010-10-03T23:29:00.001-07:00

In order of importance, as perceived by Spike.

Me and Them discuss contract knitting

2010-09-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

by Gale.

Hair mask

2010-09-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Did you hear about the time I had banana head? I heard that mashed banana was a good hair mask, so I tried it. Short on details, I left it in my hair too long and was picking hunks of banana, and banana seeds out of my hair for some time. Kim cut my hair during the banana days, and the quote is: Well. (pause) That's a first.

So tonight I invented a concoction of my own, involving mayo, an egg yolk, honey and some apple cider vinegar.

Pray for me.

The Aeolian is cruising towards the finish line. I'm on the last chart. I really love it.

Oh duh

2010-09-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

It just struck me that I could put more than one bead on a crochet hook at a time, and therefore speed up the process of inserting them.

I've been knitting the Aeolian, and so far, so good. It requires approximately 2250 beads; the discovery was significant.

The Columbia from AK

Some BFL/Silk that I'm spinning. 4 oz down, 4 to go.

Red garter stitch

2010-09-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

I dreamed of it last night... a simple piece of red garter stitch that was so beautiful that I remembered the dream this morning. A piece that you might imagine came from the needles of the marvelous Mr. Flood. That kind of.. simple.

It'll stick in my head until I spin something suitable, until I can come up with the right pattern, until I can turn the dream into reality. Or, until something else catches my attention.

And in that mode, Sherri, Tracy and her blackandredness, AnneK, have been helping me out with another dream; this time some simple, white lace. The longest time ago Sherri have me a partial bag of Columbia fiber from one of Tracy's sheep. I didn't know how to clean fleece, and had no idea how to use raw fiber, so it sat around for the longest time. Eventually I thought.. gosh, what a great piece to start with. Small bag.. nothing to lose.

Pfft.

It washed up sparkling white, and after being carded into the crudest rolag, spun into the most precious little skein of light fingering yarn.

I've been wishing and wishing that I could do some more; thinner, for a shawl.

Initially Tracy let me take all I wanted from a large bag of Columbia, but unfortunately the colour wasn't quite right (tho the yarn will be beautiful one day) I asked AnneK if she had any to spare. Affirmative! She brought a nice big bag of locks to the store on my birthday. Since then I've given it all a good wash and it's dried and ready to go. Tonight I pulled the locks apart and flick carded them.. then spun. I've got a really fine, white single that's looking fantastic on the bobbin. It's going to be perfect.

And simple.

In 15 minutes

2010-09-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'll turn 53 for the second time. I really, really loved the first time; especially when the kinds commented on my ability to subtract 1957 from 2009. Turns out it's a number ending with a 2. Imagine my surprise!

Tomorrow is also TKR's knit night, so I'm hoping to see lots of people and have plenty of laughs. While knitting.

I hope your 0909 is as fun.

Why it's good to toss your stash

2010-09-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Because you find stuff.

Like a sweater's worth of yarn I had forgotten I had.

Jacinda's Tibetan spindle.

The Girasol.

Edlyn's Clapotis that Jocelyn fixed for me. (Thank you Joce.. it looks great!). It's about 2/3rd's complete.

THE SECOND SKEIN OF SILK KOIGU FROM NEW YORK!!!! yayyyyy!

A skein of handspun Optim that I had been looking for, given up on, and passed it's sibling along to Dida.

A big fat Addi Turbo.

The labels for the cashmere I dyed for Marilynnie.

A piece of fabric that I promised to Bess.

I also organized all of my yarn and fiber, and it's all in good shape with no surprises. Honestly, that's the best part of all.

ok.. I've got some stuff for sale

2010-09-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

Prices do not include shipping. Heavier items such as the wheel and the fabric cannot be shipped. Email me at spinknit@me.com if you see something you'd like, or you have further questions.

A Rubbermaid container full of soap making materials. Dyes, fragrances, essential oils, molds, a book, etc. $15.00

Here's an interesting story.... A few years ago I had the honour of purchasing the estate of one of the Lethbridge Spinner & Weaver guild founders. One of the things included was this bag of vintage handspun. It's a big bag, the yarn is sound, and some of it is labelled with handwritten notes such as: Carded by Donna. :) $25.00

Anybody still have a VHS machine? Here's an Ashford how to spin instructional tape. Buy something else, and I'll throw it in if you ask for it.

A small bag of Suri and a bit of tinsel. Buy something else and I'll throw it in if you ask.

Kid Merino, hand dyed locks. $5.00 each.

Some Rose Llama from Saskatchewan, hand dyed rose to.. well, rose it up. $7.50 SOLD

A Yak sample. $5.00 SOLD

Miscellaneous bags of hand dyed BFL. $10.00 each.

This is a whole lot of scoured and drum carded Shetland. I bought a small fleece from Linda Wendelboe at Olds (you know she rocks!). You have have this and the balance of the unscoured fleece for $25.00

This fabric is 100% silk, 6 yards, and the colour is golden not taupe

This is a large Rubbermaid container full of yards and yards of fabric. At one time I was doing some costuming, and this fabric is from that period. There are maybe one or two small pieces, and the balance is yards and yards and yards per piece. There are silks, upholstery fabric, cottons, muslins, etc... Spectacular! $200.00 for the works, which is approximately what I paid for the silk alone.

Here's the wheel I mentioned the other day. It's an Indian Princess Style with a massive bobbin; mostly used for spinning art yarn. The wheel is rustic, but spins just fine. Speaking of fine, I put some tension on the bobbin, and I was shocked to find that I could spin quite a fine yarn with it. So.. It's up to you what your final result is. $75.00

Loads of bags of pretty marbles and polished river stones. The very second you buy this, I'll remember what I was going to do with them. $15.00 for all of them.

A mixed bag of fun stuff to spin art yarn (or.. for crafts!). Ribbons, flowers, buttons, crochet thread, giant paperclips, novelty yarn, a cute little bird... too much to mention. Everything for $15.00

A large bag containing many, many balls of handspun singles. Wool is not identified. Also included is a back, two fronts and a part of a sleeve for a partially knitted men's cabled sweater. An intermediate to advanced knitter would easily be able to complete this garment. All for $30

Arse 1000

2010-09-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Ok, it's actually the ARS 1000, but who am I to spoil a good joke.

That's the name of the seat on my brand new bike.

After hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of kilometers logged on my hyrid (including that effityeffpigdog 28km mountain at the end of day one of the Ride to Conquer Cancer), I felt that I had earned a road bike. The issue was finding one that fit a person with my lack of altitude. I was really, really wishing for a Giant Defy Advanced 3 (2?, 1?), but there were no x-smalls to be found and no date when I might be expect one to arrive. I tried a Cannondale Synapse, and a Cervelo S1. The problem there was the customer service at Bow Cycle. I know they're busy, but damn... their expectation was that I pay them for a bike that was uncomfortable to ride, and then they would make the changes that they felt would make the bike fit me. I was told that their techs didn't have the time to waste 5 hours making changes to a bike I hadn't purchased just so that it would fit me. Alright Bow Cycle.... see ya. Then I went to Calgary Cycle, and in three visits, I was able to get someone to acknowledge me once, and he was just too busy to help me (that's fair.. it happens). Then there was Cyclepath. I didn't bother going because IK and Mr. IK tried to buy a road and a mountain bike, but weren't able to get acknowledged by the staff. (Their money went to Bike Bros., who have absolutely fantastic customer service)

Meanwhile, I was losing sleep over the issue. I'll bet you're thinking that I'm just a tiny bit crazy overall; cuz really.. wasn't there a cruiser hanging from the living room wall? A TREK mountain bike in the shed? And, don't forget Mildred (she's my favorite; I must admit it). And don't I have a perfectly good Cannondale Quick Fem 4?

So here's the thing. August is really tough for me. I go some shade of crazy every August as I try to get through the anniversary of my son's death. Each and every year I am focused on something, trying to dampen the pain, and this year was entitled THE YEAR I HAD TO HAVE A NEW ROAD BIKE. (or I might die)

Finally, finally.. I walked into Speed Theory and there it was. A 2010 Argon18 Krypton in white, black and red. Full carbon. Light. Fast. From a Canadian company. Extra Small.

(And Bow Cycle? The guy at Speed Theory did make the changes he thought would be necessary. He watched me ride. He made adjustments. He spent some time with me. In exchange I gave him a lot of money)

I can't afford to pay attention, but I have my bike. And yes, it did help. She helped me climb the 2010 anniversary of losing my beloved HC. That's worth something.

Beth Durden

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

When I joined Ravelry, the very first person to friend me was Beth Durden. I had no clue who she was, or why she friended me.. and I decided not to ask. The only reason I didn't delete her was because she was a student of midwifery, and that is something I find fascinating.

Ok... she's also a spinner & knitter. Bonus points .

So.. it seems that Beth has taken on a 2 year mission. One of the things she has asked for is care packages and encouraging notes. I think I'm going to drop Beth a card every now and then, and perhaps knit a baby hat or two.

I'm asking you to do the same.

I have copied the following from her blog profile:

What it's all about:

~*Beth Durden*~
Vancouver, WA, United States
I'm a student midwife who is living in Davao City, Philippines for 2 years to learn and work in a birth center that serves women living in poverty in and around Davao City. My mission and calling is to reduce maternal and infant risk, protect and defend the dignity of women, by demonstrating Christ's love, compassion, and mercy in action. I am interested in coming alongside indigenous midwives in developing countries in order to glean from their wisdom while also empowering and equipping them with skills to better serve the women in their communities. I hope to be a part of starting birth centers in resource poor areas to help fight needless maternal/infant mortality and morbidity, and to help give moms and babies the love and care that they deserve. I hope to become a CPM by 2012, then intern in a fistula hospital in Africa to learn how to repair obstetric fistula. This blog is about my journey into this calling.

View my complete profile

My address in the Philippines:
Want to send care packages or encouraging notes? I heart you.

Beth Durden
c/o Mercy Maternity Center
P.O Box 81227
Davao City 8000
Philippines

The school I attend:
Newlife International School of Midwifery

You go, Beth Durden. The world needs more like you. I'm going to think about mercy in action for a long while.

(hey knitters... could you pass this link along? i believe our community can do something spectacular for her)

It's that time again...

2010-08-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fund raising... (any missing pictures will be updated tomorrow)

I have to offer (all prices in Candian dollars, and do not include shipping):

4+ lbs of cormo hogget #840 fleece, 2009, from Sue of US Cormo Farm. Paid $110.00 US shipped, and will sell for $75.00. I washed and carded a small handful, and it is awesome, as always. Click on link and scroll down to see a photo of the (up to) 4.75" staple.

Indian Princess type spinning wheel for spinning art yarn. Complete with one massive bobbin. This wheel is quite rustic, but functional. $75.00, but must be a local sale.

Strauch Finest chain driven drum carder. Used once (for real! I carded some shetland and i'm still spinning it), and all parts are included except the original box. $600.00 CDN. I cannot ship. This is a fantastic deal!

2 skeins of Noro Aurora, in colourway 6A. One has had the label removed and some yarn wound off, and back on again. Both for $15.00

3 skeins of Ornaghifilati 'Gong', in colourway 988-76079. Mercerized cotton, sport weight. $10.00

2 skeins of Crystal Palace Kid Merino, 240yds/25gm. Colour: Nightlights. $7.50

2 skeins of Artyarns Ultramerino4, fingering weight. Colourway 101. $15

From the 2008 Year of Lace:

December 2008 kit, including the Snowdrop Shawl pattern by Nancy Bush, and a cake of natural merino lace yarn. We had just got an electric ball winder at the shop and this skein got away from us. My scale weighs it at 206 grams. The pattern calls for 100 grams, so you have an extra shawl there. $50.00

June 2008 kit, including the Berry Blue-tiful Summer Stole pattern by Joan Schrouder, and 100 grams of Lorna's Laces 'Helen's Lace' in the colour Berry Blue-tiful. $50.00

You may know that I worked at Make One during the year of lace; I just wanted to let you know that I was one of the first people who joined the year of lace; quite some time before I started working there. I don't want you to think that I got these packages for free and I'm taking advantage.

2009 CycleOps Fluid Trainer. Used a half dozen times. It's great.. just not my deal. Paid $400, will take $300 including a climbing block.

Fiber meets puppy

2010-08-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

I bought this from Pigeonroof Studios on Etsy. It's a BFL (my favorite...)/Silk blend. Not my usual choice of colours, but really pretty I thought.

I spun just more than half of it, and left the balance of the fiber on the arm of the couch while I went out to do an errand. (Would you have guessed that it would spin up blue? Me neither)

It was roughly in the shape of a ball.

When I came back, I found this:

And here is the guilty party. Any attempt to resist his powers would be fruitless.

(I managed to spin most of the fiber.. it ended well)

Here's a prezzie for you

2010-06-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

A random stripe generator.

Who knew?

Me and IK

2010-06-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

We rocked it!

YO, universe!

2010-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

BFML reminded me there's a compressor in the basement... So Mildred the Voyageur's back tire is fully inflated. However, at this particular moment in time I cannot locate my newly tiara'ed helmet.

Just as well I would imagine.

(we had a wonderful ride together to the locksmith's, where i acquired new truck & house keys. everything went well and mildred and i are one with each other. you will note in the picture that there is a mr. potato head on the steps as well as a pooper scooper. chez R, ever so elegant)

The princess wave in action

2010-06-23T22:36:00.001-07:00

There's me.. somewhere on the Ride for Dad that BFML and I enjoyed taking part in last weekend.

I wasn't quite in full wave, but the hand was on it's way up, I'm quite sure.

This is how it went

2010-06-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd ride the Voyageur to the train station; stopping on my way to fully inflate the tires. I had even gone to Calgary Transit's web page to find out the rules and regulations, and voila!... I'm good to go.

Until realizing that air is coming out and not going in to the tube and that I now have a completely flat back tire. Sooooo... I walked the bike home (cursing the gas station for not putting up a sign), and looked for my small hand pump. (Note to readers: never buy one of those things, they are about 95% useless).

Found it, and noticed that the tube stem is not diagonal. After a sweat inducing round of pumping it has been determined that the tube does not accept air as is, so I put the bike away and decided that I'd walk to the train station with BFML. He had a few things to do before he left that took me from the cusp of enough time, to not enough time.

The dog pooped by my desk, and the cat puked by the front step.

Driving.

What I'd miss if I had a Kindle, which I don't.

2010-06-23T06:55:00.001-07:00

Sharing.

Correna and I have been reading about Queens. We've been passing books back and forth and been having a ball with the entire thing; Marilynn kicked in a book or two for us to share.

Come to think of it, I pass almost all soft cover books along when I'm done. I often buy used books.. What happens to that whole quaint, wonderful industry (could you even call it that?) if we all had Kindles?

I dunno how I feel about it. Still want one though, but that's greed speaking. Have you seen the 6" version?

Some news about knitting?

2010-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

I got this, and I started knitting it out of Tiziano Red.

When it's finished I think I'll call it the Sandra Tiziano shawl.

There are 3 stitches that are garter but should be stockinette. I'm not mad enough to rip back an entire repeat and fix the stitches. I think a Tiziano is allowed to be a little tiny bit glitchy. So far it doesn't have any heels.

Epic fail, and at last, success

2010-06-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

I wish somebody had been in the shop when I discovered what I had done to this sock; I nearly fell over from shock/laughing. Gordana had been sitting with me for a little while as I knit this, and she didn't notice it either.

Instead of knitting the toe, I knitted another heel. I could not believe my eyes...

And along that same line, here are two pictures of the Mugwump at her grade 9 grad dinner/dance.

She's smiling. What a beautiful sight.

In which my model is retired

2010-06-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

I often have Mug model my knitted garments because.. well, she's photogenic and I think every picture of her is beautiful.

I was just checking my flckr account and was absolutely, positive gobsmacked to find that not one but two freaks favorited her picture because they seem to have fetishes regarding bundled or scarved girls. She was wearing a helmet liner that I knitted for bike riding in the cold weather.

Serves the f'ers right.. I'm going to delete her picture and insert one of ME wearing it. I think that will put their fires out.

Grrr.

BC is for a couple of things

2010-05-31T21:31:00.001-07:00

For Victoria, BC. I'm leaving tomorrow after work to hold my mother's hand for a little while.

On June 2, she's getting rid of BC.

I don't suppose it's terribly fair to have to deal with this shit when you're 75 and you're alone. So cancer? This isn't the first time I've held her hand when she faced her terrors and had you removed from her body. I hope it's the last. Honestly, I do.

Reunion video clips

2010-05-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

It started when I was reading The Enchanting Juno's blog and there was mention of soldiers returning home to their pets. Youtube doesn't seem to want to play embedded videos at the moment, so I went directly to the site and did a search for something like 'reunite soldiers dogs'. Well.. there just isn't enough tissue in the world.

Because I haven't made anybody cry in a long while, check this out (well, if Youtube has regained it's sanity).

The Year of Estonian/Orenburg lace is turning into...

2010-05-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

The year of the sock. The year of fundraising. The year of cycling. The year of knitting socks to fundraise for cycling.

In happy news, there is SOME progress on the lace front. I was able to find a copy of Galina's book from Shuttleworks, and so around the time of the Olympics I spent many, many hours working on the Eastern Star shawl. I think i have 5" or so completed (scoff if you may, that's one crapload of knitting we're talking about there); and tragically I dropped a stitch that ran allllll the way back to where the lace joins the shawl. On that note, the whole project went into the time out basket, and it resides there still.

OK, so I bought an Orenburg shawl from Galina. I admit it. It's fabulous and I love it, and I just saved myself a year of knitting. (It's everything I dreamed it would be and more)

My Estonian shawl (the Miralda) is almost complete, but I ran out of handspun just inches before the cast off. Not a huge problem (thank God), Correna had 4oz. of Bison that she bought from the same vendor as I had, so I have been spinning that to finish the shawl with. I thought I'd DO THE RIGHT THING (cuz I love her) and spin the whole 4oz and return her down in the form of yarn. So.. I need some extra time with that.

(an old picture.. it's almost done now)

As far as lace goes, I did knit Amy's new bolero pattern 'Watershed', and it's quite lovely. I chose the wrong yarn for the project, and the garment doesn't drape the way it ought to. My fault entirely.

Ohhhhh, and socks. I've been contract knitting them left, right and centre. Also, Martha donated a whole basket full that she'd knitted, so a bunch of the money I raised for the Ride to Conquer Cancer happened on account of socks. Currently I'm knitting a pair of yellow ones that I can wear during the ride. At least I hope so, they're DK weight, and maybe a little thick for the job. We'll see. I also have a pair of Casbah socks in blue on the needles, and finished a pair of Silk Garden 211 socks for Donna's birthday.

They're everywhere, they're everywhere.

What else? Hmmmmm... I knitted a Wool Leaves for a shop display. It's kinda cool, and will make a nice lap blanket when I bring it home.

Oh! Over a weekend retreat I knitted a version of Kourtney's "Mistaken" shawl. I absolutely adore it! You can knit it for yourself by downloading her free Ravelry pattern. (I actually knit the green one shown, but the picture is Kourtney's)

Lots of other stuff happening at the moment. My mom is having surgery on June 1 for breast cancer, so I'm going to fly to Victoria for 2 days. Nini turns 3 on June 4th. I have the MS Ride on June 12/13, the Ride for Dad on June 19th and the Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 26/27. It isn't even June yet, and somehow it seems like the summer is half over. To my utter shock, I barely have any more time to train for the rides. Damned blizzards.

The puppy turned one! He's so amazing, and cute, and funny, and sweet, and talented, and did I say funny?

Speaking of SHOCK, it would appear that I'm not going to have anything suitable completed to put into Stampede. I love a rosette, I have to say.

This has not been the year of taking good photographs, so I'll post this as is, and hope that I can fill it in with images at a later time instead of just.not.blogging.cuz.i.have.no.pictures.

If she wasn't blonde

2010-03-07T16:01:00.001-08:00

and she wasn't... you know... Marilyn Monroe; she'd be lucky enough to have a hair style kinda like mine. Except I put mine behind my ears.

Adam says this is the coolest guy in the world

2010-03-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

And I believe him.

I wish I had known about this type of fun before I was so wimpy that I wrote a blog post when I needed to put a (bacon shaped) bandaid on my elbow. And knee. Don't forget about the knee.

FTU = AOTK

2010-03-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, about 6 years ago, I rode Mug's new bike home from school for her. I didn't realize that the brakes might need to be adjusted; when I barely touched them, I did a spectacular endo directly in front of two people I knew well. I swear, that was the worst part. Well, that and my elbow. I took off a major hunk of it, and I must say.. healing up a body part that is constantly bending is not a fast or easy proposition.

So this brings us to this very day. Spring fever abounds, and there were absolutely loads of people out riding today. I was really excited because after picking up some shoes from MEC, we went to see the Bike Bros in Cochrane to retrieve my Cannondale. I wanted to upgrade my bike somewhat, and had new grips installed, switched to a clipless pedal system and also switched tires from commuter to slicks. Graham told me that the tire switch lightened the bike by 2 (rotational) lbs. After we got home I put the bike up on the fluid trainer and practiced clipping and unclipping my shoes to the bike.

Goes like this (on the trainer): Pedal. See imaginary stop sign. Unclip right foot. Apply brakes. Slightly steer towards right foot and lower unclipped foot to the ground. Raise left, clipped foot somewhat. Step down with same foot, creating motion; meanwhile clip right foot.

I had read quite a few clipless pedal threads on Team Estrogen, and asked my friend Jen for her input and suggestions. It was difficult and frustrating at first, but after a while things improved. I decided to take my show on the road.

Would have been really excellent if my natural motion was to step down with the right foot when I stop. Turns out that I'm a left foot stopper.

Same elbow. Matching knee. That's my bike seat you see above... I didn't love it in the first place, so no biggie. No broken bones, just some missing skin, lots of aches and pains and a butt shiner. I learned something important:

Failure to unclip = Ass over tea kettle.

I'd talk about knitting, but everything I knitted on the Orenburg today needs to be frogged because I somehow missed a rest row, so I'm zigging when I should be zagging.

Failure to purl =

Well, you know.

Vintage celebrity passport photos

2010-02-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

On the off chance you have some time to waste today.

It's so funny how much things have changed. Take your glasses off. Don't smile. Your forehead is too shiny.

or...

You three over there, smile.

The answer is:

2010-02-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

Alright Mrs. Tiano, we have a little story for you.

Marilynnie is going to walk across England (no kidding, she really is). She's in training right now, and she is looking into buying some good, sturdy hiking boots this weekend. Every morning she is going to strap those boots on, and she's going to walk about 15 miles across England. She'll be taking her lunch with her. Also her very awesome husband Doug (who is going to heaven for sure). And a bunch of other hikers.

So we asked her what we thought you'd ask her.

And we all burst out laughing because we knew darned well what you'd say. It's hard to have you so far away, that is for sure.

Men

2010-02-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today I received a HUGE black and white calendar of naked men with their silly parts covered by Wollemeise. I'll let you guess which Wollemeisian was responsible.

and THEN, Jocelyn posted this on Facebook:

I love the horse part... I laugh every time I replay it.

Just in case you're interested in filming; the ad was completed in one take, and here's a video on how that was accomplished.

Flowers and chocolates and more

2010-02-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

The big weekend started off well... Apache, with steller aim, dropped his dog toy into my coffee; therefore teaching me that it's a dumb idea to put the cup down on the floor beside my feet.

Mug received a dozen red roses, and a heart shaped box of chocolates.. her first. Seems like a milestone.

BFML and I went to the Friends Church with his marvelous sister and her amazing husband. Afterwards we went to Lina's and ate everything in the store that wasn't nailed down. Awesome.

Otherwise, I've been watching the Olympics from morning until night for 3 days, during which I've completed the 10th border repeat of my first Orenburg lace project (The Eastern Star Gossamer Shawl). There have been some ups and downs... let me tell you, a dropped stitch is darned near the end of the world. The first one cost me 15 rows of knitting before I could get a clear pickup. It came this.close to being frogged. Knitting in 2/64 weight cashmere is akin to knitting with 2 human hairs, and let me tell you, it is challenging on nerves, patience and the eyeballs.

And, polar opposite... I've been working on Wool Leaves, by Jared Flood. It's knitted with 2 strands of Cascade Eco, and couldn't be further away from the Eastern Star project. Quick, fluffy, warm, and easy... it'll be a great store sample. I'm knitting it somewhat longer than the pattern calls for, so instead of a bulky baby blanket, it'll be a wrap of some sort.

And now I'm tired.

This too shall pass

2010-02-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm going to continued to post links until the end of time.... but THIS one is the best one ever. EVER. I dare you not to love it.

PS: Kim cut my hair off today, and I really think it looks fantastic. I'm so happy and grateful. I haven't had short hair since Dida was about 3. So ya.. it was time.

Sleepy lamb

2010-02-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

Stuff

2010-02-06T22:40:00.001-08:00

I'm wondering why there is a woman asleep on Jann Arden's kitchen island. I know it's true, because I saw the picture on twitter. Apparently she' a diva, so maybe diva's get to do that sort of thing. Also, did you know that Jann dresses her dog in outfits? Very cute dog, I must say.

I have a giant magnet on my hip. Opera is hoping that it helps my sciatica. I am hoping the same damned thing, exactly. I made an empty threat regarding bodily functions and said magnet, and she told me that i WOULD be purchasing it.

I watched 'Whip It' tonight, by accident. Real roller derby is way better, but more dangerous. Just ask Mug. Also, check out the bruise on Jaime's elbow. Biggest.bruise.ever.

I had a spicy chicken sandwich at Wendy's earlier, and somehow they forgot the spicy.

Today I completed the minimum fundraising for the 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer. I'm really, really, really excited.

I've been a bit worried about my friend Linda, because I haven't heard from her in a long while.

I have two hand carved knitting needles in my possession that are so cool you'll want to pee your pants. A complete stranger came in and asked me to create a silent auction for them, and to donate the money to charity. I was gob smacked. Pictures and info to follow.

I wanted to tell somebody something, but I can't remember the something, so I'm going to forget the entire scenario.

I've been knitting a new Jared Flood pattern, Wool Leaves, for the last day or so, and I must say... doubled Cascade Eco is the way to go with every project on the planet. It's giant lace. Do purchase this pattern if you'd like to create a real quick lace blanket; baby sized.

BFML's movie is on... The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. I haven't seen it (or BFML) on TV before, so I'll leave the rest of the stuff for another day.

In case you need to cheer up a 10 year old boy.

2010-02-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

You rhyme things with fog.

Start with bog fog, and end with something like: Slog, the green frog, wearing togs while sitting on a log, said 'grog' in the bog fog. I'm quite certain there was a dog that may or may not have been agog, writing his blog.

So. That's how you do it.

Also, burping helps.

It is completely impossible to cheer up a 14 year old girl, and you are crazy if you try. I'm just sayin.

(As an aside, I have never seen so much fog, for so many days, in this province before. It's like living on the island again)

Just one more

2010-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Ukraine has talent, 2009 winner. A spectacular piece of art and theater; the story of a romance and family and war (at least that is what I see).

I am thrilled to announce that the Tinkmeister frogged my Miralda back a dozen rows or so to discover that I had knitted an extra stitch into the back of a dreaded nupp, thereby throwing half of the shawl off wack. I haven't picked it up again, but I will soon. I've got so many Orenburg shawls in my head that I'm a bit frozen.

This morning I finished knitting a knee warmer.. loads of ribbing, but I thought it would be great. Turns out I hate the damned thing, and I'm sure it'll hit the frog pond. Don't know if it was the yarn, the pattern, the leg it was supposed to fit, or the knitter; but it was a fail.

I've got two pairs of socks happening.. Both have one finished, both are roundy rounds. One pair is nearly finished; the problem being that I keep losing the project bag (that would be the one containing Signature Needle Arts DPNs).. and it is, in fact, lost again. The other is a pair that I'm knitting for myself from yarn that Mandie dyed. Love.them. I've been knitting them on the train, to and from work.

Just a quick note to say that if you're looking for a copy of Gossamer Webs, Shuttleworks still has some at a very reasonable price. When I realized that I absolutely had to have one but it was out of print, I sent Cal a quick email... victory! I knitted the little test shawl and learned so many new things within that tiny little project; it was amazing.

I've been spinning like crazy.. finished the Qiviut (but sadly there are some plying issues with it, and I'm quite sure I'm going to have to do some repair work before I knit with it). I bought some silk from Hedgehog Fibers, and I was really disappointed with the dyeing, so that's sitting in a bag waiting for a re-think (the exterior was spectacular.. utterly spectacular; but the inside wasn't dyed at all)... Also got some SW BFL from Pigeonroof Studios. I've never used SW BFL before, so I was looking forward to giving it a whirl. The fiber had loads of kemp in it, so it was slightly disappointing. The good news is that the vendor had temporarily switched distributors and didn't realize the fiber was of lesser quality, and she offered to refund my money. I like the customer service! Right now I'm spinning Sweet Georgia BFL (sorry Jacinda, my girl, I promise I'll mail you yours soon), and it's a nice as ever.

I was in a brief but fierce race to knit the Knitting Pure and Simple Summer Open Cardigan before Aunty Tink or Munchie finished theirs. Again with the victory. I still haven't wet finished it, but I will.

Loads of stuff on the needles, including a fuschia version of the Camelot coat, some Noro Retro fingerless gloves, and the Wollemeise Glows gloves (I have 4" Knitpicks dpns now, so the fingers are a little less excruciating).

I've been feeling really awful since the I had the hinie in the fall; finally went to the doctor and he's put me on some fierce antibiotics for the respiratory system, and Tamiflu as well. I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired...

Substitution link

2010-01-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

And it will be the last link for a while... you must be bored.

Here's my issue; people often come in to the store wanting to use a yarn of a completely different gauge. let's say it's thinner. Clearly they're going to need to knit a bigger size, and they'll need more yarn (due to the change in both stitch and row gauge). How do I do the calculation?

Turns out it's harder than I thought. I was hoping it would be something like: multiply by X-2 (X being something easy, like.. my shoe size). I think in general I'm just going to have to let the calculation be the responsibility of the customer; because I'm just not willing to make an error that would leave them without enough yarn, and nor do I have the time to do a complete and accurate calculation.

Better yet, I suggest that everyone knit Evelyn A. Clark patterns. Often she includes yardage for multiple weights.

Japanese Stitch Dictionaries

2010-01-23T22:07:00.001-08:00

Here they are! Loads... Scroll down.

If yarn was made of gerbils

2010-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

A ravelry thread that is close to my heart.

Gauge converter

2010-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Thought this might be useful... found it thanks to Adventuregurl's project page on Ravelry.

Cool! Now, does anybody have anything relating to yardage changes after a gauge change? That one blows my mind.

Fascinating

2010-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Laurel Roth.

Click on 'Work' to enjoy what I consider true artistry. I especially love that Laurel often incorporates wood and fiber into her pieces.

Seriously, I am

2010-01-13T22:49:00.000-08:00

Riding, that is.

I was so so so so happy the other night when I came home because the mountain bike doesn't have a fender, and I was mud from here to there. I felt all.. well, hard core.

The feeling was completely null and void as I took the train to work the next day because I heard there was a skim of ice on the roads. I am telling myself that a measley 40 minutes of walking (all tolled) is better than driving.

In other news... I seem to have lost my signature arts dpns, which were last seen in a bag with 1.5 Hand Maiden, hand dyed, hand knitted socks. For charity, no less. I know they were in my bike pack, and after that, I have no idea. They'll show up, I'm quite sure.

The Miralda is in time out because I don't have the nerve to frog her yet. I might ask Aunty Tink to do that, because she's good that way. The last time I asked her to help me with lace she resorted to drink, and the shawl actually whupped her. The first one ever, if I remember correctly.

I don't know how I have the nerve (because I have about 10 things on needles that I can name off the top of my head), but I cast on a cute little sweater tonight that I plan to be wearing by next Wednesday. Me and Aunty Tink think we're going to get ours done before Munchie, purely due to the size of our girls compared to her girls. I didn't get much done tonight, but I believe I will be wearing that sweater on Wednesday...

It's good to be goal oriented.

I'm back.

2010-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

This morning when I woke up the news lady said that it was plus 5 degrees outside. Now that, my friend, is biking weather. I got a used mountain bike off of craigslist, and it has big knobby tires and, well.. it weighs about 6 thousand pounds (OK, maybe not exactly that much). I figured it could keep it on the road on ice, snow and slush.

Mostly, I was correct.

The bike path was really excellent for a while, and I thought to myself that I could have easily ridden my road bike. In time though, the path was covered in packed snow, and I was busy congratulating myself on my excellent choice of vehicles.

That was before the slush.

Excuse me, but CRAP that's a tough slog... At some points I was trying to make it through up to 4" of slush and ice and frozen tracks. Next time I'm taking myself back to HOME ROAD and, traffic or not, it has to be better than what I rode through today. We'll see.

The good part? I saw geese, I smelled the river (most of it is still open) and trees and one person's breakfast joint. I breathed fresh air, and although I'm not in as good condition as I was 2 months ago (we'll call that PRE-HINIE), I got that 6 gazillion lb. bike up hill and dale, and I arrived at work without falling.

Win.

In other win-ish news, I spent a few nights over the weekend working on the Miralda triangular shawl. I'm mid-way through the diamond charts (which means I have knit 6 quadrillion nupps). The yarn is Bison, handspun on Donna's Rose and is absolutely perfect for the project. Gosh it's soft.. and beautiful. This is the year of Estonian/Orenburg lace, afterall, and it's about time I got serious about it.

Last week I finshed spinning the Qivuit and I have about a thousand yards (I estimate). My plan is to knit an Orenburg shawl (ie: no nupps), and I have what I think is the perfect pattern. We'll see...

I've been juggling Fleece Artist merino socks with fingerless gloves for Jim... there's all kinds of knitting going on these days.

My 1st anniversary with TKR was Jan 5th; gosh time flies.

Life is productive.

Happy in Paraguay

2009-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Do you know of Post Secret?

2009-12-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my secret. I believe that what I love most will go. Because of that belief I ruin relationships through fear.

Please don't tell me that I'm wrong. Just know that this was my secret.

Spin, spin, spin

2009-12-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Besides my work day, that's about the sum total of my accomplishments yesterday. I spent a few hours spinning Shetland, and I think that it will be a really nice addition to my year of Estonia/Orenburg lace knitting. We'll see. So far it's looking like a 2 ply lace, but a bit neppy and noilly due to second cuts. I think it will be good in the long run.

I didn't ride yesterday.. as I was about to leave I heard 'chances of snow flurries', and rejigged my plans. Instead of snow flurries there was a quick, fierce blizzard, and now the roads and sidewalks are in pretty poor condition for a safe ride home from work. I think I'm going to have to use my fluid trainer for the next couple of months. I had to laugh tho.. on the way home, as I was stopped at a light, I saw a young man, sans helmet, lights or even any warm clothes, riding home on his unicycle.

He is the winner.

The do nothing weekend

2009-11-29T22:27:00.000-08:00

Fail.

Instead we discovered that Banana's 13th birthday party wasn't next Saturday, it was THIS Saturday, at the very same time that BFML was scheduled to be at a hockey game with BGA, and a fund raising bingo directly afterwards. Did I mention that the Banana had invited approximately 10 girls? After a great deal of house cleaning and schedule shuffling we indeed held a birthday sleepover, serving gourmet hot dogs with home made chili, and numerous other toppings; strawberry cheesecake to follow. There were movies, there was much loudness, there was very little sleep.

Simultaneously all three dogs came down with something horrendous. Rox very nearly ended up at the emergency vet clinic, but by 5am she stabilized. Chicken broth and rice for the bunch of them today. We're reconsidering raw feeding in general. I don't believe her constitution can handle any surprises. Could it have been an extreme case of stress? That many teenage girls can be the last straw for a human, let alone a skittish dog.

Somehow, in the middle of that, I spun a good portion of the shetland that I washed, and Correna and I picked and carded. It's a nice light grey to charcoal... kind of an uneven lace weight, as the fiber was peppered with second cuts. I tell ya.. a little bit goes a long way (by the way, this isn't one of Tracy's shetlands).

I've been knitting on a little red hat that I found in Piecework. I like it, tho I suspect it's about 10 sizes too big. I'm also working on a Cowichan sweater and hat set. It's the first and the last that I'll ever knit... just not my bag. The sleeves are left to do, and.. well, 6 million ends need to be dealt with.

We did a little Christmas shopping; I'm pretty well done with Mug, Dida and Katerina. Otherwise I'm making progress.

The dogs are fighting... that's a good sign.

Think the back roads and pathways are clear enough for a bike ride tomorrow? We'll see.

Hi Christine!

2009-11-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

I would love to talk with you regarding LQT. You can write me at: spinknit at me dot com. Only.. well, you know.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I'm at work right now because I can't get home

2009-11-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't get home before my head explodes from frustration. At the moment I can't actually get out of the parkinglot because the road in front of it appears to be glare ice. I had a plan B, but the guy on the radio just told me I was smoking something funny if I thought I was driving home that way.

Does the universe not know that it's pizza night? Geez.

So, now I'm going to explode your head by saying that last night the two tea cosy silent auctions ended, and I am thrilled beyond reason to announce that our two cosies sold for $300.00. My donation page isn't updated completely, but I believe I'm approximately 60-something percent done on my goal. My plan is to keep fund raising and to send my results to IK.. cuz we're a team.

Right now I have a hand woven Noro scarf to sell; several pairs of socks and mitts that Martha knit, a pair of socks for Trisha, sock blockers, stitch markers raffle tickets... Kayla designed the most beautiful shawl and she's going to let me sell the pattern.

I just don't know what to say. I'm so proud and thrilled and blessed and touched. I know so many good, giving people. I'm grateful.

Cancer? The knitters/weavers are after you. Look out.

This is a list

2009-11-23T21:45:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be sad when I have to start riding in the light again. BFML bought me a new headlight, and it rocks the free world. I can see so clearly... I could actually read a discarded chocolate bar wrapper on the pathway. I could see what was a hole, and what was a bump, what was a rock and what was a leaf. I could see a ninja well before I was near her (her.. I knew it was a woman). She was walking away from me.

I have a new route, and it's calm; peaceful. I have more lights, everywhere. My Dollybird gave me wind pants, and fleece pants to go under them. She also gave me a wicking shirt, all of which I wore today. I was warm.

My new route gently runs downhill, so I get to cruise for approximately 15 blocks.

I stopped listening to my iPod, because it messes up the quiet.

I smell... leaves burning. Chicken dinners. A joint. The river. Coffee.

I see... the river in darkness, smoother and satiny. The interior of houses at dinner time. A dog with a florescent collar. The park, in pitch dark.

There are... no more skateboarders. Hardly any pedestrians. No black dogs on long leashes. No more rollerbladers. Not many cyclists. I'm almost never passed. I almost never have to pass.

There was no wind on the way home. Not even a breeze.

I thought the night was going to be my worst case scenario. With a little planning and a few changes, it turned into something really special... like that one rainy day that I rode through. Such a pleasant surprise.

Today a number of miracles happened to me.

Rose and Correna helped me at the shop. I was buried alive in yarn that had arrived, I needed to prepare/execute three orders, and the store was jam packed. With their help almost everything was handled.

I saw JSmoothie and Fiona. That was such an unexpected pleasure. Fiona isn't a toddler any more, that's for sure.

There's a middle miracle that isn't my story - so I'm dispensing with details. A friend, Leanne, became an answer to prayer.. she came with information, contacts and support. I don't have words to address how much it meant to me, and how much I needed her today.

When I got home today, BFML met me at the door to let me know that Genetics had called. I've been approved for genetic research regarding Long QT Syndrome. My DNA leaves for Italy this week. We'll hear something in 6 months to a year; to me that sounds fast, I've been waiting 7 years so far.

Sweet Jennifer donated to my Ride to Conquer Cancer fund.

And I safely road home in the dark.

There was lasagna.

There was knitting.

Life, since I started stalking DonnaJ

2009-11-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

I dunno.. you meet somebody and you know that they're somebody special.. and even at my age, you wonder if you're cool enough to be her friend. You hope you are.

There she is; funny, talented, interesting, and having reached SABLE (stash accumulated beyond life expectancy), laughingly shares that her yarn room had an avalanche. Damn, that room was amazing, even with the avalanche. If someone shut you in there, you'd starve to death before you ever tried the door to see if it was, in fact, locked. That same day several of us sat outside in her yard and spun yarn (I was working on the Bison for the Miralda shawl), drank iced coffees, ate fresh shortcake.. it was some kind of heaven.

Donna has a wheel collection, and she was kind enough to lend me her Majacraft Rose. I never gave it back (is that stealing?). She donated two (not one, but two) Tsock Tsarina kits to benefit the potluck fundraiser that Bellie threw for us. I was lucky enough to score both of them, through luck, the grace of God, and $40. I KNOW that I am going to turn the Golden West sock kit into a first place ribbon at Stampede. Watch me!

OK, so there was this purple mohair shawl that Donna knit for Sandra and Amy when the store first opened (Sandra told us how Donna used to come and basically taught her about the finer aspects of yarn). When I was managing the store, I used to wear the shawl around my hips, like a skirt, because my thighs were always freezing (go figure). Lately I've been thinking a lot about that shawl, and I asked Bess if I could buy it off of her. She told me I could have it (even though it is so pretty, and is a lovely store sample). I don't know how I'm going to repay her for such kindness, but I have GOT to tell you... today i wore that shawl all day long, and I just feel so great that it's mine.

Might just sleep with it. I haven't decided.

I'm not against the Mo.

Helmet liner

2009-11-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

The helmet liner pattern can be found here. I knit mine without the ear flaps, but otherwise it was unaltered.

Click through all of the patterns if you have the time. They really are great.

Frijoles

2009-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

We're having fajitas tonight, and I remembered to soak beans for frijoles. When we were in Mexico in the spring we were served plenty of them, that is a fact. Most of the kids (and a few of the adults) weren't all that enamored, but I love the stuff. Correna, Gordana and I have been to a Latin grocery store a number of times lately, and I've got a sizable collection of dried beans of every sort. Tonight? White Cranberry.

I'm all over the place with knitting these days. I've knitted 2.5 pairs of socks to raise money for my ride, I repaired a vintage Cowichan sweater, I started on a pair of Tsock Tsarina socks (Daughter of the Regiment) only to discover that the pattern has errata, and the error would be exactly in the part that I've completed. I'm excited about the socks, so I'll let them rest for a while, and start again. I learned 3 new ways to cast-on toe-up socks (they aren't my style, I must admit), and finally settled on Judy's Magic Cast-On. Beautiful. Through the power of prayer and $40.00 I also have another Tsock Tsarina kit; that being the Golden West tsocks. I thought I'd work on them during the Year of Estonian/Orenburg Lace Knitting.. you know; for a little change of pace.

Today I'm knitting on a little Damson shoulder shawl in Pagewood Farm Cashmere sock yarn (Alyeska, colour: 14-Ireland) that I bought at Purl SoHo when we went to Rhinebeck last year. This will be the yarn's 5th project so far. I have to say, it frogs well and still looks great. I'm hoping that this project is a keeper and I can once and for all say goodbye to the skein.

I am STILL not feeling well, and that's the reason for the Damson. My hands ache too much to knit socks.. so we're settling for something soft and easy.

My next project? Longies for one of the darling R's.

After the beans, and after a sock, but before the Damson sees the light of day.

(note: 11pm. Beans are done. Supper is a distant memory. Failbean)

Correction

2009-11-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

ACV does not cure insomnia or neurotic poodles.

ACV cures all.

2009-11-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

At least that's what they say.

You may or may not know that I went poo-free several months ago. My friend Jocelyn was giving it a try because it's believed, in some circles, that if you kick the shampoo, your curly hair will be curlier. After about 3 months of it, I have to say that it is, in fact, true. Some people wash their hair using a paste of baking soda, and then rinse with a little apple cider vinegar (henceforth referred to as acv) and water. I tried that, but it wasn't particularly successful for me, so I switched to washing my hair with a really super cheap conditioner. The trick is to find one with out any word in the ingredient list that ends with 'cone'. Cone free. Then rinse with the acv/warm water, followed by clear water. My hair is quite curly to begin with, but I was finding it frizzy. Now it's curlier, less frizzy, but I have to wash it more often (that could be due to cycling/helmet head tho.. I'm not sure). Several times I've gone back to shampoo, but after one wash I always remember why I switched in the first place, and out comes the Rexall conditioner bottle.

(Yes, I know it's midnight.. I can't sleep, so I'm talking vinegar here)

Ok, recently I've been suffering (and suffering in the truest sense of the word) from extreme body pain. Could be one of about 20,000 reasons, but I'm attributing it to the (ahem) flu. I thought I had it kicked, but damn.. it's back again. I tried Tylinol, I tried Motrin, I even tried T3's (even tho I'm allergic to them.. it was a last resort). I had hot baths. I tried to ride it out. I tried to stop whining about it, but to no avail.

While reading threads on a (wait for it...) cycling forum or two, I found a whole lot of information on joint/muscle pain relieved via a daily shot of acv. Apparently it solves acid reflux to boot. Some claim their appetites were dampened while on the acv regime, and one person even mentioned that if applied with a q-tip daily for months and months, that toenail fungus will clear up.

Seriously, it sounds too good to be true, but I was thinking that it's worth a try. What the heck?

So the BFML and I took a trip down to Community Health and picked up a gallon of non-filtered, non-pasturized acv. I mostly take it mixed with a little unpasturized honey and a big glass of water (then I rinse my mouth, because I don't want the acid erosion on my teeth); sometimes if I'm in a hurry I just throw back a shot glass and be done with it... but that's not for the wimpy amoung us. My girl Natasha says that it is disgusting mixed with V-8, so let's believe her, and skip that combo.

I still have muscle pain/aches, but I'm not done with the flu (effing thing). I do think that my heart burn is better and I haven't had any acid reflux at all. Must acid cure acid? Dunno.

I'm not admitting to any wonky toenails.

There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar has any medicinal properties. While the folksy anecdotes from those who claim to have benefited from apple cider vinegar tonics may be amusing to read, they are simply that -- anecdotes. Luckily, I'm into anecdotes.

Gotta say tho, if you are in my vicinity and you suddenly feel like ordering fish and chips or eating pickles, I apologize.

As an aside, tomorrow morning some of the fire damage repairs begin. Roofers are coming, and also the door/wall guy. Should be a tough day for the BFML and the pups, but gosh, we'll be glad to see some of the work done. There's a draft in the living room like you wouldn't believe. If you you take the rag out of the hole, you can peep outside. Not a good quality for the winter months.

In the dark

2009-11-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Knitters, I apologize in advance. Stay tuned for a forthcoming knitting related post.

These last few days I've been getting back on the bike after a round of flu. My strength is sapped and my time/speed sucks, but I'm moving again. However, things have changed.

What I have loved during this spring/summer of cycling has been experiencing the seasons again. Spring was so lovely, with ducklings wandering across the path, leaves budding... I could smell green grass and moving water. As summer approached there was a new thing to revel in every day, though some parts were infuriating (three times large black dogs nearly removed chunks of me), others kept me motivated day after day (the cyclist who, as he passed me, said: good pace. I was a new commuter then, struggling along with my heavy cruiser).

Suddenly it was fall. There was a morning where, deep into thought, I suddenly snapped into the moment and was completely disoriented. Leaves had fallen, and in that second I couldn't recognize my surroundings. It was the strangest feeling, and I was almost afraid for a second or two. Everything was different.. instead of smelling sweet green things, now the scent of dry leaves and smoke became common.

The time changed, and I realized that I had to rethink the whole commute. Parts of me are now too cold, so I knitted a helmet liner that would cover my chin, neck and upper chest. My tights are no longer sufficient, so I tried riding in jeans (fail), and now I'm considering some kind of wind pant to put over the tights. I have the right jacket, the right gloves; I've changed from riding in sneakers to wearing ankle boots.

It's dark. Doesn't sound like much, but I'm telling you, riding in the dark is a whole new ball of wax, a completely new skill set (which I currently don't possess).

HOME ROAD became impossible [for me] to [safely] navigate downhill... The first dark evening nearly scared me to death as I flew down the hill unable to clearly see the pavement, cars whizzing by my left elbow - stupid driver trying to rush out of a driveway before I crashed into the side of his car. Never again will I repeat that, so over the last few days I've been trying new routes. Last night I hit pay dirt, and found a combination of side-streets that were quiet, lit and.. all gently downhill. It was amazing. I coasted approximately 15 blocks before I had to put my foot to the peddle. After dozens of rides in raging winds, dozens more slogging up HOME ROAD, I feel like I've earned that free-ride. Problem solved.

Lighting also became an issue that isn't completely solved. I had purchased a really sweet headlight and thought that it was all I needed. Grossly incorrect. It really is quite effective at letting me be seen by those approaching, but that's about all it does well. I couldn't be seen from the side or from the rear, and more importantly I couldn't see where I was going. Curves suddenly appeared. Ninjas on the path (unlit walkers & runners wearing black clothing.. can't see them until the last moment, and it's difficult to perceive if they are approaching or retreating).. leaves or rocks? Potholes or raised pavement?

After a great deal of research and a trip to MEC I decided that I was going to 'go circus'. Now only a blind person could miss me. I currently have the same headlight, but BFML ordered me a serious replacement (I noticed last night that approximately 3 out of 4 riders have replaced their headlight with something much brighter). I have a flashing red light on the back of my bike, and another on my backpack. We installed some sparkling wheel lights that make me visible from the side, and also.. well, make me happy. It's like Christmas tree lights on my bike. I have a flashing white light on my helmet to top things off. I kind of love that one because it makes street signs light up/flash. My jacket, helmet and ankles are plastered with reflectors. All circus, all the time.

So, there I was, last night.. riding along the pathway through Shouldice park when I noticed that the tops of trees had lights skimming along them, to and fro. It struck me that I had a bicycle behind me on the path, and that the rider had a helmet lamp.

The rider never passed me.

I.Win.

Did you ever read Ayn Rand?

2009-10-20T23:42:00.001-07:00

I did, and apparently now reading her is super cool, because she's back in. ahem.

If you haven't, you ought to..

I need to ask you why (why Lord, why?) haven't I ever tried Estonian lace before? I'm crazy in love with the project so far; tho I'm currently in a spot that could create severe catastrophic boneheaded aunty tink-sized fixoramas. Or not. The handspun Bison is just exactly right. Unless someone offers me the moon for it (to put towards my ride), I might just keep this one.

At the same time I'm knitting some socks for a TKR customer in support of my 2010 ride to conquer cancer. I'm 1/2 way done the second sock, which hasn't been such a big problem, since the recipient has size two feet. This totally and absolutely is restitution for the size 9 somethings that I had to knit for sock wars. Universe? We're even now. I acknowledge that.

Today I was going to ride my bike, but I couldn't locate my helmet (in the truck after the huge windstorm rescue). Friday for sure.

Also, today I met a new little person, named the lovely Miss E. If my ovaries weren't petrified, I think they'd be twinging.. gosh, she is beautiful in every way. Congratulations to her family (including me, a self appointed great-auntie).

I saw Judi Blue Eyes at the store, and I just can't put my joy into words; I missed her very much.. Also, Nancy L came in and had a visit. She didn't know that I am at the Knitting Room these days, so it was a nice re-connection.

Knitting? The Miralda, the second Camelot, many socks, and two secret Christmas type things. Soon? Another tea cosy for the KAL... and ok, a 'pretty thing' cowl or two.

Spinning? I'm going to card punis and actually try to spin Qivuit on Donna's wheel. I think that after spinning all that Bison, that I might have a handle on it. We'll see.

Now? So going to bed. Sleep well, all.

I'm knitting Estonian lace...

2009-10-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

with my own handspun bison. I think I might be short, but Opera is going to share her stash so that I get the shawl finished.

There was a point in my life when I thought that Estonia was the end of everything good (don't ask.. it's a long, boring story), and here I am, with a warm, beautiful shawl in my lap and I'm all.. yayyyy Estonia.

Camera battery is dead, but what I've accomplished deserves a good photo. Perhaps the shop will share some good light tomorrow and I'll have something to post.

It's warmed up, and I think I'll be able to ride tomorrow.

And.. here's my Mugwump. Posted because she's so beautiful.

The fun theory

2009-10-11T23:34:00.001-07:00

I've been knitting like a crazy woman (knit a sock and half a cowl today) to sell to raise money for the 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer, and... well, I managed to put together a Thanksgiving dinner (thanks in whole to BFML, who did the grocery shopping). It all came together.

Things I'm thankful for? We have a roof over our heads, and we really shouldn't have one at this moment. Mug didn't have a stroke, and she is being good about patching her eye, and taking her pills. The puppy is a joy to have around. I am raising money for a really good cause. I have a job. I have lots to look forward to, and some really great options. My life is absolutely full of amazing, loving people. I could not be more blessed.

And it's a 3 day weekend. I have a stash.

Enough said.

It would be a good idea to have a tissue at the ready

2009-10-07T08:03:00.001-07:00

Heartwarming.. and sniffle-inducing.

HoHoHo

2009-10-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

I Christmas shopped today; last year I started in July, so I'm behind. I still feel pleasure at the fact that progress is made that didn't involve parking issues and long lines and jostling.

As well, I bought the ingredients for Vietnamese soup... which needs to get started right away.

It's possible I am working on Camelot #2 (in a darker colour), and if that were true then it's likely that back panel #1 is almost done.

A trip to the Children's Hospital

2009-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

For me!

At long last it looks like the Long QT Syndrome genetic testing will begin in earnest. We met with the geneticists at the hospital yesterday and my blood is now on its way to having DNA extracted. All that is left to do is wait... first on financial approval from the hospital (which is fairly sure), and then probably 6 to 12 months more, while the people in Italy study our files and my blood. They tell us that if there is a gene issue that there's a 70% chance that they can identify that... well, that's a 70% better chance than we've ever had. My hope is that before Nini is a teenager, they'll be able to draw her blood and rule out LQT on the spot. Dida has never had symptoms, but that doesn't rule her out as a carrier.

As as an update... it didn't take the universe long to whack me in the head about the wind comment. Yesterday's ride home was near impossible; the wind was so fierce. As I was coming down HOME ROAD it was a direct headwind that slowed the bike down to a crawl.. without brakes I was just creeping down. The ride along the river was against a crosswind that wanted to push the bike over; trees were whipping around me and generally it was an hour of a special kind of hell.

Barely even knit last night. By 9:30 I was in bed.

Sometimes a person should just shut the heck up.

Dear HOME ROAD

2009-09-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

Dear friggen unrelenting, summer-long headwind/crosswind:

Thank you. You made me strong and able. I'm sorry to have dissed you so bad all summer long, when in reality you were the greatest free training program available.

Bring it on (oh, please don't make me regret this).

Regards,
Annie

ps: I'm knitting Casbah socks to raise money for my Ride to Conquer Cancer. One pair is almost finished, and I have an order for a second. Nice, nice socks, I must say. I was knitting on the second sock on Saturday night, at Roller Derby, when a strapping young woman came flying into our faces and in fact, pasted Mug to the bleachers. Everyone lived through it, but it was scary for a while. Besides that? Super.Fun. Don't miss Roller Derby if you have a chance.

And totally unrelated:

Natalie Dee rocks. Plain and simple. You should buy her stuff.

Bath time for Apache

2009-09-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

He's still small enough to bathe in the sink, but not for long. He's having extreme fun at this moment, as you can clearly see.

Here he is doing his impression of a whirling dervish. Roxy thinks he has gone crazy. I know this because she told me.

Here you have the cutest dog in the world. Tell me I'm wrong.

Crashed.

Two hours from now, after he's woken from his nap and gone outside for a pee (where he will dig, and roll in dirt), he'll look almost exactly like he did before we started. And that's ok.

Martinis and knitting

2009-09-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

May lead to a long life?

PSA

2009-09-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Queens of the fiber cannot dye mushroom shades. So any of you tangled darts out there, don't be trying to trick me into doing that on account of me trying to raise cash for cancer.

That is all.

Did you see this in Knitting Daily?

2009-09-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

A YouTube video on how to stretch silk cocoons, and then how to knit with them. To be honest, I wouldn't tug like that if I was going to knit, I would use the same technique as I do to spin, but I'd probably start with 4 or five layers instead of trying for one.

Up until the moment I saw this video I honestly believed that hankies were prepared in a way that did not kill the pupa. Processing. Processing. Processing.

Not even for money

2009-09-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

That's all I have to say... tho I can see the logic in it if you needed a fingering weight lace, or planned on making yourself some silk socks (says the woman with a cone of white Zephyr).

Video is in Russian, but the words aren't necessary as far as I can tell.

If i had a camera in my hand

2009-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today's picture would have been a little puppy with an entire mouthful of Qivuit. It was cuter than it was shocking; which was very. very. very.

So.. no pictures, but some news. On Sunday I will be doing my first training ride for the 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer. I'm signed up and ready to go. What held me back was not knowing what percentage of funds raised would benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The answer is 100%. Overhead is covered by a $50.00, non-tax deductible, fee paid by all participants.

I will be riding for myself, Mette, and Tracey 'Trak' Hooper.

If you receive a product in exchange for your donation, you will not receive a tax receipt, but if you donate through my forthcoming Alberta Cancer Foundation website, you will.

I'm warning you in advance that I'm going to be having sales.. my stash is up for grabs. I've got some really great dyeing ideas (yo.. mojo.. glad to see you back). I'm gonna be knitting for hire. I'll have some auctions.

I'm going to raise at least $2,500.00 CDN, and I'm going to be crossing that finish line next year. But not alone. You'll have pushed me all along those 200 kilometers.

(quietly humming 'wind beneath my wings')

2010, year of the nupp, year of Estonian, year of Orenburg

2009-09-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Year of crazy?

Of late I've been spinning Bison and Qiviut like a crazy woman, getting ready for 2010. I have almost all of the Bison in singles at the moment, and I plan on plying it with silk (which is not yet purchased.. I don't think I'll spin it).

I've spun miles of cobweb singles from the Qiviut, but I've barely touched it, overall. I have about 80 grams left to do.. the plan is to do 10 grams every day or so, but that hardly explains why it took me a year to do the first 30 grams.

After trials on my new Holly Tabachek Tibetan, on the Golding from Marilynn, and on the Cascade Tiger, I've decided to go with the Golding. It's a bit heavier than I'd like for the fiber, but the results are less fuzzy than with the Tabachek, and faster than the Tiger. My plan is to have all of those two fibers done and ready by the end of this year. As well, I washed about 50% of a Shetland fleece, ran it through the Pat Green Triple Picker, and then carded it on the Strauch Finest. The triple picker made a massive difference in the carding, and it ended up to be a joy to do. I might ply the Shetland singles with a Cashmerino cobweb single that I brought in from Colourmart (Haven't shopped there yet? Why the heck not?)

So it goes. At least that's the plan.

I'm not discussing the Cormo. Talk about your fly in the ointment.

I've barely written all summer

2009-09-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

However, there has been lots going on; lots of knitting and spinning and birthdays and house fires, and fleece judging and work stuff and ... well, everything under the sun. I've got loads of photos to share, so in time I hope to catch up.

A gazillion to get you started.

Apache

2009-09-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

This little guy has been growing like a weed, and now he looks like this:

We're really doing well together, and he's an absolute treasure. This latest picture of him was taken after he had a dig and a roll in the garden. It is impossible to keep him clean these days.

Everything he does is adorable, so I'll spare you all of the details.

Camelot

2009-09-13T19:42:00.001-07:00

I finished the Camelot recently, and I love it so much that I'm considering knitting another. For your viewing enjoyment, here's Mug.. erm... mugging.

Navajo plying

2009-08-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

This morning I found a really great Youtube video of Sara Anderson Navajo plying. Awesome. Relaxed.

Dear Butterfly,

2009-08-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dear bird, dear star.

If you came to me today, that would be good.

Mommy

Turkish Delight

2009-08-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

Calorie free, and just as yummy...

A long time ago I wrote to the Jenkins' and asked for a spalted tamarind Turkish Delight spindle, only to find out that there was no more raw material to make one. Sigh...

Out of the blue, I received a note from Wanda Jenkins saying that they were able to make one more, and that it was ready for me, if I still wanted it.

Hell yes.

What I want to share with you is the amazing customer service that you can expect from the Jenkins'. When the spindle arrived, it was wrapped and re-wrapped in tissue paper, hand dyed silk hankies, and some undyed fiber to try. There was a hand written note from Wanda, wishing me joy in my spinning. Honestly, a perfect little spindle, in the wood that I dreamed of, was simply an aside compared to the love and kindness that went into the package.

This the kind of business I want to send my money too.

One thing, should you have the good sense to purchase a Turkish Delight, know that if you drop it the shaft will be tapped into the blades of the spindle. After a few drops it is quite difficult to remove, and there is a chance that the shaft could break during the process. If you drop your spindle as you spin, take a second and give the shaft a quick twist to make sure it remains untrapped.

The year of Estonian/Orenburg Lace

2009-08-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd talk about it, even though putting the intention out into the universe makes me wonder if I've bitten off more than I can chew.

You may know that I've been collecting some Qivuit and that I've been spinning it on a tiny drop spindle (on and off for more than a year). I also have about 5 ounces of Bison that I've been spinning on Donna's Rose. So, here is the plan.

In 2010 I'm going to use the Bison to knit something from Nancy Bush's Knitted Lace of Estonia; most likely Miralda's Triangular Shawl. If that goes well, then I'm going to use all of the Qivuit to make a more difficult, and larger piece. I haven't decided on a pattern yet, but I've been doing some research on Galena Khmeleva's work. (fyi.. If you Google 'Galena Khmeleva Estonian Lace', the 5th entry is a blog post by Aunty Tink. I kid you not)

I am wondering what the difference is between Orenburg and Estonian lace, if anything. Chime in Aunty Tink.

So there you have it. No finished objects for me in 2010, that is for certain. If you were hoping for socks, it's looking poor.

What makes you happy?

2009-08-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

This morning, after BFML and the dogs went downstairs, I laid in bed for nearly an hour watching Youtube videos.. Found the ones shown above. Happy. For sure.

Post a comment, won't you? Tell me what makes you happy.

Blocked swatch

2009-08-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Just sayin.

Japanese knitting patterns

2009-08-06T12:42:00.001-07:00

Having mentioned that I am the blessed recipient of a Let's Knit Series pattern book, I thought I'd also share a link where you can download a document to help with translating Japanese patterns (and buy a few too!).. just in case you'd like to jump on the bandwagon with me. Keeping in mind that 2010 is the year of Estonian Lace knitting (aka: the year of no fo's)... we'll have to shoehorn this teeny tiny endeavor into the schedule. Doable.

Some eye candy for your enjoyment.

A random act of charm

2009-08-05T19:37:00.001-07:00

.. and kindness ..

My friend's mom traveled to Japan some time ago, and she asked me if there was anything I would like.

I now own a beautiful Japanese pattern book. I'm totally thrilled.

And thankful.

Geoache link

2009-08-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a video that explains a little about geocaching. It's a really great way to spend some time outdoors, and I love the treasure hunting aspect (tho, I rarely keep anything.. I just like the hunt). The kids are over it right now, but BFML and I are not. We are team 6Rabitts.

Some photos I had previously promised:

Strangest thing, this. We were caching, and I told BFML that I thought the cache might be close to a house I did a LOT LOT LOT of work in when I was still doing floors. It was one of those jobs that you just don't forget.. house is closing in on mansion status, lady was nasty, I was accidentally locked out of the house with no jacket, no keys, and it's.. hmmm.. about 40 below zero at the time... and finally, it is the very last place in the world where I still experienced feeling in the tip of my left index finger. It was on that job that I smashed the finger and wrecked it forever. It was just weird to be there, by that bad memory house.. I was remembering everything and I looked up; there, hanging from barbed wire - surrounding a municipal waterworks gadget - was a rubber fishing lure. Just the weirdest thing, overall.

Just in case you think I don't knit any longer, here is the Girasole I'm working on. It's in a light worsted alpaca, and I think it's gonna be gorgeous. It's sitting on the dashboard of the truck while we were out geocaching.

Crazy, huh? We found piles and piles and piles of hail in the grass by a weigh station near Calgary. You don't expect to hold ice in your hand in August, that's for sure; unless it came out of your beer cooler perhaps... but in the grass?

And finally,

A gratuitous puppy photo, and one beautiful eye (if you don't mind me taking credit for one of my loveliest creations).

A little geocaching video from earlier today

2009-08-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

Gazillion pictures to follow.

Take that, Home Road

2009-07-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

I beat it.

Kinda... I blew a shift and that stopped me dead in my tracks. But instead of walking the rest of the way up, I got back on the bike, and I rode to the top.

YYYYYaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy. Home Road? You don't get all caps any more.

Me and the BF have really been enjoying the Tour de France, and I was sad to see it end last night. During the tour, I knitted a lot on the Glow gloves; the first one is close to needing fingers. I also spun a couple hundred grams of BFL and Merino/Silk.. and I cast on for the Girasole. I'm about 1/2 way through Chart C, and it's looking good.

Did I mention that I whupped Home Road? Big.Silly.Grin.

Ride to Conquer Cancer

2009-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

I think I can do it. I think I will.

tell me...

2009-07-21T23:04:00.001-07:00

Do you have any idea why I have more energy in the afternoon than I do in the morning? I cannot figure it out. I eat my breakfast, I am hydrated, but I cannot get up that hill at 9am. However, at 2:00.. tired and hot-hot-hot, it seemed like it was within reach.

How does this work?

The only thing I could think of was that it might be my BP meds.. so I switched to taking them at night. No difference.

Frustrating. So here's an awwwwwww for us all.

My Glow gloves are coming along nicely; I am just starting the second chart. Also, I've been spinning quite a bit, and finished 100 grams of Fleece Artist Wool/Silk. It's a very manly colourway, so I'm thinking it might be socks for the BF.

Tonight I flick carded and spun a little bit of Shetland that we got while we were at Olds. One lock went so far that I'm currently in fear regarding spinning a whole fleece. I want to knit some Orenburg this year, and I'd love to do it with my own handspun. We'll see.

BFML comes home tomorrow. I'm glad.

For Mandie,

2009-07-19T21:14:00.001-07:00

With love.

Glows

2009-07-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight I bought the pattern AND the Wollmeise necessary to knit these gloves (in Clementine). I'm really excited about them; haven't felt like this over a project in a long time. I think they are going to be gorgeous.

Its very very good to know someone who collects Wollmeise, and is willing to part with some of it now and then.

A little video of Patches

2009-07-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

He's so cute, he doesn't need supportive text.

My command of the English language is poor.

Oh.. a quick mention of cycling. After a two week rest, I thought I'd be in deep trouble today if I rode. In the morning BFML, Mug and I went to Bow Cycle to have my bike adjusted, and he noticed that my tires were under pressure... said that it should make the bike more efficient when the pressure was correct.

Didn't make ME more efficient; I forgot my gloves and my helmet (huh? how dumb is that?).

Anyway, just a note to say that I made some progress on HOME ROAD. I got another 1/2 block further.. I'm soooooo close to the top of the hill now. I really believe I'm going to make it, even if making it is thanks to a lighter bike, more inflated tires...

The saga continues

2009-07-15T15:14:00.001-07:00

Opera, lovely as ever, had made some phone calls in which she tried to get us involved in the wool show at the Stampede. We knew somebody, who knew somebody, who was looking for people to man the Alberta Lamb Producers booth for a few shifts over Stampede. The connection was good (same people were managing the wool show)... and Opera offered our services in any way they felt useful; mentioning, of course, that we are aiming to apprentice as Wool Judges, and we'd Scribe, we'd Steward, we'd Shadow, or shovel poop if need be. We were accepted as booth warmers for 3 shifts, starting Thursday morning at 8:30am.

We're calling that a win/win situation, as our feet would be firmly in the door, and we'd be able to make new contacts.

On Tuesday the phone rang, and we were advised that we'd been promoted to Wool Judges for the show, as someone had dropped out. We were also advised that confidence would be a very good thing.

I was jumping up and down at the time, so I'm not sure if I sounded as confident as I had intended.

Opera didn't initially take it well, but I have to say the girl warms up to an idea, given enough time.

We spent 2 days studying the sheep that we expected in the show. We made up some excellent spreadsheets. Opera talked to our Wool Judging teacher and got a little inside information on what to expect. Everything is good. Apparently he (Morris, that is) had been contacted about our skills, and advised that we were up to the job. If Morris believes in us, then we do too.

Me and BFML went to the SAIT Bookstore and bought O and me lab coats, and other geeky tools that are helpful when judging wool. Opera made us binders full of info on the sheep we were to expect. We both calmed down. We received supportive emails. We hung with our peeps and expressed.. hmmm... confidence.

On Thursday morning we went to the Stampede grounds and received our official gate admissions for the week, and headed to the Ag building. We were immediately whisked away for a free Stampede Breakfast upstairs in some fancy-dancy room. I have to say that I was feeling quite important at that point. Also confident.

Eventually we made our way downstairs into the ring where we'd only days before watched sheep shearing. The central part was thick with sawdust, and there were perhaps 6 tables of fleeces on display - around 40, total. We had a good look around, made some decisions regarding redistributing the classes, and got at it. First we went around the tables and inspected the yearlings (just to make sure that no full sized fleece had been placed there in error). Then we took a second tour, this time applying micron and yield estimates. We didn't have scribes, nor stewards, but we did have time constraints. We had figured that we had between 2 and 3 minutes per fleece, all in.. which I'm sure, according to Morris, is about 1 minute and 30 seconds more that we needed. By trip three (where all other criteria are judged), we were both feeling:

CONFIDENT.

For real. You forget the seats surrounding the ring. You forget everything but what is in front of you. Fleece. (You do remember Morris though. "Are you finished yet?")

It was all quite interesting really. When we took our first tour around, we had identified a fleece in a particular category that certainly appeared to be a winner. We were both anxious to know if our m/y estimates, combined with all of the other subjective and objective criteria would combine to show this fleece as the winner of its category. By the end of judging, it had not only been declared the winner of its class, but as grand champion as well. It really underlined to me that I could trust our judgment and that we absolutely knew what we were doing.

After we were completely done with the judging, we were taken upstairs for lunch (two free meals in one day! Yayyy!), and we did all of the calculations for the show. Once everything was signed, sealed, and delivered both of us felt a little like we'd been hit by a truck. I was completely and absolutely spent.

The rest of our Stampede was fun; we did two partial days at the booth, we visited Ron at the Buffalo Gold booth (and were given bags of bison fleece to spin). The Sheep Breeders tried to steal us from the Lamb Producers (they were unsuccessful). We spun a lot, answered plenty of questions (O most of all, she's the smart one).. and we laughed our heads off. Thanks to BFML who ferried us back and forth day in and day out.

Today? The Sheep Breeders Association called to say that the two champion fleeces had been auctioned on Monday morning, and the purchaser had donated the fleece to O and me. We've decided to send out samples to Olds to be analyzed to back up our micron estimates. We can confirm yields ourselves by washing the fleece.

That kind of stuff builds confidence. Yes it does.

Rhinebeck? Prepare to hear from us.

(ps: I won two ribbons at Stampede. One for knitting/Western Theme, and one for spinning. It was all very exciting!)

Yesterday.. (or, not so much)

2009-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

I wrote this post a week ago yesterday, and didn't publish it... So, here's some old news.

Opera, Mug, BFML and I were up and out of our houses at the crack of dawn, in order to get into the Stampede grounds by 9am.. cuz it was family day, and it's free if you get there fast enough. We made it with 3 minutes to spare, and saved ourselves a big bunch of money.

The plan was to attend a sheep related event at 10am, however the shearing schedule was re-arranged, so the first event wasn't until noon. We landed up watching a sheep dog and a blacksmithing competition, and they were both fascinating. The dogs are purely amazing and clearly smarter than the two we have here at the house (don't mention that to them though, we don't want any embarrassed pups). Twice during the sheep dog competition the ewes turned on the dogs, pawed the ground, and refused to budge. In both cases the ewes were victorious. I was quite shocked!

We eventually got to see shearing, but not until 3pm.. gosh it was a long day. BFML put up with the whole entire thing until that point, and made a break for freedom. Opera and I watched it all, and learned that you don't have to be fast to be a winning shearer; you have to be GOOD. The more second cuts, and missed spots, the more points against you.

Just before we went home, we turned back and spoke with the head of the Sheep Breeder's Association and left her with our names and numbers. It would lead to a pretty exciting Stampede for me and for Opera.

More to follow.

Just in case you're bored, here's some super cute puppies.