A Full Week

Nancy Bush



Our guild was very lucky to have Nancy Bush as our guest lecturer this month. I only wish I could have taken off work in order to attend the classes she was teaching while she was in the area. The main topic, in keeping with her latest book, was knitted lace of Estonia. She has beautiful photos of Estonia as part of her presentation - makes one want to run out and buy a plane ticket immediately.

Knitting

Another Noro scarf is done - with the exception of weaving in the ends...



and, unfortunately, there are many of them.


(Click to enlarge and check out the bottom of the photo.)

I've got to find similar yarn that is not Noro for more of these scarves. It is extremely frustrating to pay that much per skein and have knots in them. It is now my experience that if the skein does not have a knot/knots in it, it's by sheer luck - rather like winning the knitters' lottery.

Work on Girasole continues - I am up to chart F, after which is Chart G and then the border. Right now, it looks like a beret for a giant and, as you can imagine, it is difficult to take a decent photo.





A row feels like it takes forever - which could be attributed to the fact that there are 640 stitches on the needles. After not knitting much for the past week, I got quite a bit done last night while watching Enchanted April and A Tree Grows In Brooklyn - such wonderful films. It's getting heavy to hold at this point, but I'm still enjoying it. We'll see if my enjoyment of this project continues through the end. What I'm not looking forward to is the blocking of it. Any suggestions on how to handle such a large piece of knitting when blocking?

Warm Ewe Up Swap

I received my first package this past week from my swap partner. Thanks, partner!

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #4

What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year?

Even though the 14th falls on a Saturday this year, we have no fixed plans. I imagine it will be one of three scenarios: (1) either I or both of us may be working; (2) perhaps we'll go to the movies; or (3) have dinner and movies at home.

We've never been ones to celebrate February 14th. I really hate how everything is more expensive. (The same can be said for New Year's Eve.) I don't see the point for DH to pay $50 for a dozen roses that 2 weeks earlier cost $10. I also don't see the point (especially in this economy) of heading out to an over-crowded restaurant where the kitchen and wait staff are overloaded and mediocrity is nearly assured.

There's also something in me that balks at the idea that others/tradition can dictate that I must be romantic on a specific day of the year. To me, Valentine's Day is any other day when DH brings home flowers for no reason - or does some other unexpected romantic act.

Last of the great romantics, aren't we?

Not Your Average Bedtime Reading

I forget where I saw this - but the rules are:

Grab the book nearest you. Right now! Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST!

Turn to page 56.

Find the fifth sentence.

Post that sentence in your own blog, along with these instructions, or post that sentence as a comment on this post.

Here's mine - try not to fall asleep.

In counties having a population of at least 100,000 but not more than 500,000, the county board may create a circuit court commissioner position to supervise the office of probate court commissioner and to assist in probate matters.

The spine-tingling page-turner this quote is from is the Wisconsin Statutes and Annotations 2007-2008, Volume 5, Chapters 707 to 995, Appendix, Supreme Court Rules, Index. The specific citation would be sec. 757.68(4m), Wis. Stats.

Imagine reading books like this all day - makes one think a root canal or an IRS audit might be more pleasant alternative.

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #3

What is your favorite way to keep warm when it's snowing outside?

I've enjoyed reading the responses of the other swap participants. They talk about the baking they would do, the making of homemade soup. As I read them, I'm picturing Martha Stewart-type perfection and organization - which is a good thing.

Just not what one would find here at the Haus.

My favorite kind of day is an adult snow day - one where the snow comes on a workday - and is large enough of a storm that I am forced by road conditions to stay at home. It's a Pajama Day where no work is done - neither professional work nor housework. The cell phone is ignored as much as possible. If nothing more interesting has been recorded on TV and we're between Netflix deliveries, then the BBC Pride and Prejudice DVDs are watched. (Oh, Colin Firth - how I do love your Mr. Darcy!)

If I'm feeling domestic, oatmeal is made for breakfast or lunch or dinner (I can't be the only one who likes to eat breakfast items for other meals) - and not the instant kind. And, of course, one must have walnuts and cinnamon thrown into the oatmeal.

Any baking that happens around here comes after the tube of Pillsbury dough is popped open or a can of soup is heated up. If I'm feeling particularly adventurous a comfort food casserole gets made. Ah, Tater Tot Casserole - nectar of the northern gods. All comfort food recipes must include inordinate amounts of carbohydrates and some type of cream soup, preferably cream of mushroom. The cooking of any casserole assumes, however, that one has all ingredients on hand. (In pajamas all day, no showering, etc., means no venturing out to the grocery store.)

Of course, the cats take turns napping in my lap and I'm able to knit so much that my fingers are sore the next day.

I love Adult Snow Days.

But the best way to keep warm? Don't go outside.

(Before The) Weekend Update

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words



This is what my life has been like this week - shut up in the office until late with take-out dinner - then getting home about midnight - or later. Sigh.

Secret Pal 13
My Secret Pal sent a marvelous treat this week. (My pal has impeccable timing.) "I Love Ginger Cookies" from kaikai yumyum. (Click on the link if you want mouthwatering temptation.)







Knitting
At my place of employment we have a crafting group that meets at noon each Wednesday - most of the group are knitters, but there are some who make jewelry, work on cross stitch, etc. I made it to this week's gathering so I actually have daylight pictures of Girasole (although keep in mind the photos are taken in my office under flourescent lighting).





I am almost finished with skein #4 and have decided to one more repeat of Chart E than the pattern calls for. I've only got charts F and G to finish, then the edging. I believe I've got enough yarn (6 skeins left) to support that decision.

Weather

The frost has left wonderful patterns on our back porch windows. (Click on the photos to get the full effect.)