A Really Big Post

It’s here!  I cannot really believe it, but it is in fact here.  Most of my information is transferred – thanks to my Oldest DS – we had a slight problem with getting my Favorites over – but no big deal – the documents, photo’s and all my important stuff is on the new Red Wonder aka Ruby.   It is big!  What the heck was I thinking when I ordered a 17 inch screen – probably photo’s and movies, but I need a table to work on it for sure!  I’m still slowly adding software – of course, running Vista, which seems cool, but isn’t necessarily backwards compatible with all the software I currently have, may create some gliches.  But that’s ok.  It is super nice and I’m having a great time learning the in’s and out’s of Vista so far.  Norton, on the other hand, has reminded me what a pain in the ass it is.  A huge amount of folks are still waiting for their laptops and some explanations from Dell – you can still check out that long story at their blog,  Direct2Dell.  I hope Dell starts shipping more units out as quickly as they can. 

Ha!  You thought there wasn’t any knitting!  Fooled ya.  Fooled me too.  What the heck is that?  How did that happen?  I cannot be responsible for starting another project in my waiting for the DHL truck to arrive – this was beyond my control and strickly theraputic for the nerves.  I was totally expecting the courier to hand me a box that when jingle, jangle.  Nothing against DHL, just going with what seems to be my perverse sense of normalcy.   Anywho – you may recognize the beginnings of the Hemlock Ring  Blanket beautifully adapted by Jared.  I had quite a few skeins of this charcoly/plummy wool yarn in my stash – I don’t know who’s yarn it is, but it could be Bartlet Yarns.  It is very wooly, sheepy and I’m hoping the wooly/sheepiness turns into a wooly/softness that yarn like this is known to do.  Of course, I could have washed a swatch, but this is me we’re talking about here.  Swatch?  Wash?  Bah!

 

To cap off yesterdays nail-biting wait, then exciting delivery – this is what happened to our pool.  I heard a funny “pop” sound sometime yesterday afternoon – but since both boys were in there rooms playing games – I thought the sound originated from them.  Not so much.  We had a blow out folks.  And I can tell you, however upset we could have gotten over this?  We were sooooooo thankful that the whole pull didn’t collapse and flood our backyard.  To the left of the pool is our HOUSE, which is about 2 feet away from the pool itself.   Where the photo is taken from is the New PATIO.  There is a window in the foundation that goes to our basement.  If the pool had collapsed all that water would have definitely ended up going into the basement and possibly taking out the new patio we just finished.  So, sad as the loss of the pool may be, we could have lost soooooooo much more and DH and I are just so very thankful that it turned out this way.  If your pool is going to break – this would be the way to do it.  So DH and DS’s rigged up some hoses and started draining the water to a safer location.  Of course, DH is already starting to say we don’t need another pool, lets just a get a hot tub.  But I really liked our little pool.  I’m a bit sad to see it go.  We thought we would have to sand down those rust spots – thankfully we didn’t do it before the birthday party, because I think any pressure on those spots would have resulted in someone actually getting hurt when it gave way!  So you see, this isn’t as bad as it looks. 

One last thing – do me a big ole favor and head on over to Hand Eye Crafts Blog today – Vote for Mike Rowe – and whomever else you think is hottness for The Knitters Hunk Contest.  Today is Mike Rowe Day – so cast your vote.  For Mike Rowe of course!  Thankyouverymuch!!!

Dudes!

I’m getting a Dell!!!

It has shipped.  It has a tracking number.  It weighs 16 pounds.  It needs a signature.

My faith is restored.  

Dudes!!!

Winding Down The Days

The second rose to bloom on the gift my oldest gave me.  I think it’s neat that there were two rose blooms – one for each of our sons.  This one still has some rain in it from the storms we had last night.  Yes.  More Thunderstorms – violent ones at that.  We keep saying how we’ve never seen storms this frequent and this severe in a long time.  Constant lightning for hours and hours.  Then the storms just errupts over us – wicked winds, hail, debris everywhere.  It’s like the summer is going out with a bang.

This is the last week of my Summer Vacation from School.  Yes.  I shall return September 4th.  Sigh.  It’s been a really nice summer.  Very busy.  But I’ve really enjoyed it.  I promised myself that we would do our best to enjoy whatever we did this summer and I think we’ve succeeded.  And I really did get to do pretty much everything I had planned.  Most importantly, I got to spend time with the people that matter most to me -family and friends alike -   and how can anytime spent like that be bad?  Our oldest is heading back for his sophmore year of college this coming weekend – Just when we get used to having him around – he’s gone back to school.  Our youngest is heading into his sophmore year of highschool.  I’m glad we were able to spend vacation time with them this year – they just change so quickly.  And all that other cliche stuff you can say about your children getting older.  It’s funny.  I don’t think I’m busier because I have kids – I just know that when they are around, I want to be with them, so I’m busier being WITH my kids.  And as long as they want to be around us, too, well – time well spent!  As for the things I didn’t get to do this summer – well, so much good was had, I can’t really spend any time with regrets.  Honestly, I’m thankful for the days, the time off, the mostly decent weather.  Summer is such a busy time for everyone – I’m glad I was able to enjoy it without worrying about the things I didn’t get to do!  And the socks – let’s not forget the socks!!!  I’m just starting the second sock of the eighth pair – !!!  And DH has conceded to let me knit him the Cobblestone Pullover(links aren’t working for me right now, sorry!)  from the latest Interweave knits!!!  I’m so exited, I bugged the heck outta him about color choice yesterday.  Plus – my youngest has also decided that I may knit him a Wallaby!!!  And his color choice was much quicker.  I’m going to be making a significant Cascade purchase soon.  Of course – I do have several sweater’s worth of Cascade in my stash – do you think either one of them would have liked the colors?  Nope.  That’s ok.  I plan on knitting a Cobblestone for myself when all that “other” knitting is done. 

This week will prove to be hectic – but I plan to enjoy the heck out of my last week of Summer Vacation!

I Saw The Sun

My oldest son gifted me with two wonderful Rose’s for my Birthday this year.  One of them is  blooming – and it’s a bright spot in an otherwise dreary weather week.  I swear I’ve seen the Sun today- for less than 5 minutes, but it did make an appearance.  Thankfully, I’ve got this pretty Rose to chase the dreary away!

The seventh pair of socks is finished.  And onto the eighth.  One more full week before we head back to school – I feel a little meh about it.  I’m always surprised at how fast the summer goes by.  And this summer really sped.  Maybe it was because last summer was such a bummer of a summer (ha!), but we really tried to enjoy this one to the fullest.  I think we succeeded! 

The Dell Debacle continues.  I fully expect at the very least a phone call next Tuesday, informing me that my computer is yet “backordered” again.  At which time I will exercise my right to cancel the order.  I’ve already been out and about, choosing an alternative.  It is a shame really.  I’m just replacing my personal PC.  What about all the school and college kids heading off without their new computers?  What about all the parents who ordered early – we’re talking June – in order to have the kids set up for September and still, they are waiting.  And today, I received yet another email advertisement from Dell, spouting the wonderfulness that is their Back-to-School Sale!!!!  What nerve!  You would think at the very least they would match their advertising efforts to their production efforts at this point and stop Pissing people off.  I’ve even had the pleasure of taking a customer satisfaction survey from the idiots!  Let me tell you, that survey had very few “satisfied” bullets marked.  You may ask why I haven’t just cancelled my order?  I’ve heard horror stories about the cancellation process and at this point, I will let Dell initiate that process to avoid having to bang my head against the brick wall.  Forget about calling their “Customer Circus” lines, too.  I’ve spoken to only two people so far that actually know anything. And I have a phone call into my Friend there and hopefully he will have something to tell me Sunday when he returns to his office.    Needless to say, I’m very disappointed in the whole process and would clearly be thrilled if in fact it shipped out next Tuesday, but I really think we are in for a major backorder this time.  I read on the blog this morning that one person ordered their computer 7/26 and have now been backordered till October.  So, I’m not holding out much hope.  I just hope Dell gets their act together for all those customers willing to stick it out with them.  I would have been willing if a little honesty was forthcoming from the company – but too many excuses, too many run arounds, to too many people. 

Well, since this is a knitting blog and not a Dell blog – I will get another pair of sock finished before school starts and I will start in on the CPH once the weather cools off again – I hear we are going to get into the 90’s tomorrow.  And today is muggy enough for me to believe it!

Have a Great Weekend!

Six Pack

Oh, I know.  The hit’s that title will generate.  But I’m thinking those searching for beer will be more disappointed than I will that they landed here.

My Summer Six Pack of Socks.  And because I cannot stop. 

The seventh.  Oh, I started this one this morning.  What is wrong with me?  I cannot stop knitting the socks.  I feel a need for more socks.  Am I sock nesting?  Is it the cold weather we’ve had recently?  Why can’t I put that energy into, say, a sweater?  I could easily have finished CPH this week.  But instead.  I am thinking I will finish this seventh pair and cast on for an 8th.  Summer isn’t over yet.  And I’m thinking I want to make this my summer accomplishment as far as knitting goes.  A wardrobe of socks for the fall and winter.  I’m actually going to be ahead of the game here, folks.  Never happened before.  Nope.  Not to me. My left thumb is a little bit, shall we say, stiff?  But really.  It has no reason to be.  It’s not even my working knitting hand.  And it’s not like I haven’t been doing anything else today either – I baked cookies.  Made a few phone calls.  Alright.  I mostly knit.  But i did take breaks.  Honest.  It’s just such a dreary day.  Three dreary days in a row.  I could tell you that if I had my new computer – I probably wouldn’t have gotten this much knitting done.  But we are in week three of a “backorder”.  Or shall I say, week three of I was supposed to be playing with my new computer, but instead, I’m rebooting this bastid at least 5 times a day.  And will the new computer ship when it’s supposed to – on or before the 28th?  I don’t think so.  Of course it won’t.  It won’t be here in time for me to shove this one in a bag and give it to my oldest, so he can do what he does to computers and play with it back at college.  Nope.  It’s going to come the day after he starts classes.  Then I’ll have to give it to the hubster to truck on down to him.  But this is not earth shattering.  This is just my normal.  And that’s ok. 

ETA:  If you are waiting for your Dell order – and yes, I’m using their name, they deserve all the backlash they’re getting right now – check out their blog.    You’re certainly not alone in this situation – it’s astounding the amount of Dell’s customer’s who have been given the same ship date – August 28th. 

I’m thinking ahead to fall/winter knitting.  And I know I will want another cardy – good thing CPH is on the second sleeve.  I can start finishing that puppy up.  And then, scoop – it’s getting frogged.  I decided I’m not a varigated LARGE sweater type person.  And this is varigated.  And I’m, well, large.  Not good.  So that basically leaves the two shawls on the needles and one scarf.  Wow.  I’m at a loss for WIP’s.  So Kauni could very well be the next cardy on the needles after CPH.  Wow.  I didn’t think I’d get to that this soon.  A little unexpected, but I really have decided that if things aren’t working for me or if I’m absolutely not going to love them when they are done – back to the yarn pile they go! 

Those flippin weather people are still saying it’s going to be warm tomorrow – I’ve got jeans on, the windows are shut, and I’m sleeping with a blanket on at night.  I’m even thinking I should get up and put on a sweater right now.  I still think it’s one of the few jobs you can have, screw up daily, and still have a job the next day. 

Back to the sock………

Please go Nominate him now for The Knitter’s Hunk………….I don’t care who else you pick, just include Mike in your three.  I cannot properly place my nominations, because I am not fickle and I only could vote for Mike Rowe.  (this is said to impress you know who….Mike Rowe)  My husband totally knows about my, um, thing for Mike, but I’ve put up for years with his thing for Heather Locklear…………nuff said?

ETA:  I’ve just been notified that my MikeRoweCubed  is in!!! (moniker and acceptance of nomination courtesy of Handeyecrafts) Thank you!!!!

I had planned todays post around the five and half pairs of socks that I have completed this summer – impressive, yes?  I know!  I’m just saying.  I’m proud of me.  How bout you?   My mission to get rid of all the skanky socks in my sock drawer is really coming along.  But the photo’s were blurry, the camera was dying – it was not working out.  So you have Mike’s Photo, which, take my word for it.  Way better than a photo of my socks.

We are on Day three of the rainy season.  In New Jersey.  I bet you didn’t know we had a rainy season.  In New Jersey.  Neither did I.  But after the beautiful weather we had on Saturday, which I ordered specifically for my DH’s 50th Birthday Party, I guess it came with a price.  I’m so very sorry if you missed the party, and are now paying the price by putting up with the rain.  But it was so worth it. My Sissy and her DH came up for the day, we had lot’s of friends and  Too much food.  Lot’s of Fun.  Fireworks.  Birthday Cake.  Food.  Fun.  Did I mention there was food?  Because I can throw another whole party with the amount of food we still have.  And people did eat – we were cooking most of the afternoon, so there was lot’s of eating.  But still, there is the food.  I’m actually making a pot of sauce and meatballs tonight – because as I said, there is still food.  And so I must make more. 

Silver Swan

eta:  added new, better photo

My latest and I think my favorite Swan Design.  I’ve combined two of my original designs, and come up with this Graceful Version.  I really like her, I hope you do too!  Thanks for all your inquiries – there are some already available in the shop, and this one will be in shortly.  Details:  Sterling Silver, 2.5 x 2.5 and will be priced at 32.00 plus shipping, which is 3.00 for US and Canada. I do ship Everywhere Else, but those costs are determined on desitnation. 

 Josephine Top – at last!

Here she is, finished.  I’ve worn her twice so far, and let me tell you, I love this top!  If you were hesitant about it  – don’t be.   It was a great knit, beautifully written pattern and the finishing is just perfect for it.  It’s so feminine and comfy – really – I think it is my most favorite top that I’ve knit. 

Deets:  Josephine Top from Interweave Knits, by Deborah Newton,  Summer 2007

Yarn:  Karabella Vintage Cotton – just wonderful to knit with and a gorgeous sheen to it.

Started:  May,2007

Finished: August 2007

Needles:  I dropped down a needle size to get gauge, to a US 4 for the Body and US 3 for the smaller needle size.  I don’t usually have to do this, but I’m glad I swatched and measured because it would have been totally HUGE if I didn’t.  It fits perfectly. 

Tie:  I deviated from the tie they called for – I beaded some of the yarn with some bronze, brown beads and made a simple crocheted chain.  That’s it.  It really sets off the yarn and adds a special touch to the top. 

Blocking:  I didn’t.  I lightly steamed the whole thing as the pattern called for.  I’m usually a dunk and block knitter, but in this case, steaming worked out perfectly.  It really lined up the stitches and made everything snap into shape. 

Finished one plain sock, cast on for it’s mate.  Collected a lot of odds and end balls of sock yarn to try out that crocheted Granny Square thing that’s going around the blogs right now – I’m liking it, and since I crochet pretty fast, I can see this working up quick even in sock yarn.  Like I needed another project, absolutely. 

It was a great weekend – beautiful weather, motorcycling, my favorite burger place, scoring a great bathing suit, and lazying around in the pool.  I’ll have a hard time topping that.

I’m a Lucky Knitter

I’ll be the first to admit I have wonderful friends.  Wonderful, Knitting Friends.  Who know just what knitterly gifts to bestow upon you for your Birthday. 

I had a wonderful afternoon yesterday.  Jeanne worked her summer hours, and we headed out to a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel, and then to a new-to-me yarn store – A Yarn for All Seasons.  On the way over to lunch, I got to open up my gifts from Jeanne……

 

Gorgeous Sock yarn, (so my colors!!!)  A book I’ve been coveting from her, and wonderful Knitters Cream – smells heavenly.  The yarn store was nice and just happened to be having an awesome sale – my purchases are below – I would definitely go back there again.  We headed back to Jeanne’s house, where we had some tea and knitting -Thanks so much Jeanne!  I had the best afternoon and I’m a very lucky girl, indeed!

 I’m almost done with a sock that I’ve been dallying around with – and now, I need to finish because as you can see….

I’ve got more luscious sock yarn in Queue!!  Above is my selection, thanks to Rox’s Gift certificate from Karen’s Heavenly Creations - wonderful colors.  I just love this yarn. 

And my loverly Duet Sock yarn (A Swell Yarn Shop) from Laurie, with the neat little skein of sock/heel yarn – I can’t wait to start on these socks!!!

Oops – that is the yarn I gave ME for my birthday – From Wooly Wonka Fiber  In Buckwheat Honey – it’s for the Bee Fields Shawl and I really couldn’t think of a better color to be making the shawl with – a definite departure for me and the colors I usually choose, but hey – you gotta branch out sometime!

Sockotta and needles from A Yarn for all Seasons – I’m loving the Sockotta for the summer sock knitting and these colors are just so nice. 

And this little fellow just happened to need to come home with me too!  I really couldn’t have asked for a better fiber-wonderful Birthday – Thanks everyone!!!

I’ve also been reading – I did finish Twilight and I have to say, this is a neat book.  I really enjoyed reading it, it really wasn’t too Young Adult  – no more so than other YA books that us grown ups are reading now-a-days.  I’m just starting the second in the series and really enjoying it also. 

Still waiting on the new computer – after a phone call on the day it was supposed to ship – and being informed that the new ship date is August 28th, I fear I will be living with the constant crashing computer that I have now.  Not to mention DH’s computer for his weather station is fried from the Bad storms we had last week.  Sigh.  As is his cell phone. Double Sigh.  Good thing I had my old cell phone ready for him to take over. 

It is a beautiful day today – DH is talking motorcycle ride and I just don’t see how you can stay indoors on a nice day like today – so catch ya later!!

Swan Song

The Swan Collection, Inspired by Melanie Gibbons Mystery Stole 3, Swan Lake.

In the Shop Now.  I will be making more, and there are 4 styles of Swan’s in this collection.  The Copper, Nickel Silver and Nugold are priced at $22.00 plus shipping.  The Sterling Silver will be up in the shop soon, also, but priced slightly higher.  And as I said yesterday, the design is still evolving.  There are so many little curves and angles that could change the look of the Swans, and I’m having a lot of fun playing. 

What a LOT of Noise!

Oy.  Last night 0r should I say this morning.  Three Thunderstorms.  The first one woke me up at 1:45 – it was bad, but not that bad.  The second one?  3:15.  Constant lightning and thunder.  DH was up.  He said – “I haven’t seen a storm like this in years”  Then he said the word “rotation”.  That’s when I got dressed.  Yep.  Put the old clothes on.  Didn’t want to be caught in the ole nightgown in case of an emergency.  Grabbed the cell phone.  We lost power more times than I could count, but it always came back.  There was soooooo much rain, we had a good inch floating across the patio, which we thought would wash away the grass we just planted.  Surprisingly, it hung in there.  One sheperds hook is down and kinda melted into the ground from all the water/sand that washed over it.  DH ran out on a call around 3:40 – the river was flooding and when he came back he said there was a good FOOT of water at the end of our road. A foot!!  Of water!!!  We’ve never seen that.  Then just a little before 5 am, another smaller storm came through.  What a night.  I slept in till just before 9, but DH has got to be dragging.  It’s beautiful and sunny out right now.  Yeesh.  I did catch the end of the morning news and it looks like parts of Brooklyn may have indeed seen a tornado?  Anyone?