Linky and just a little note

Okay - go here to see the sweetest seasonal stitch markers ever.

I am doing well - have finished my socks for me and have recuperated from flooding hell as my bro's and parents arrived to help with the front yard, shed and porch roof.
The renovations are scheduled to be done this year sometime....but primer has been put up.
We've already had snowstorms and negative Celsius weather and the drive home that took an hour, so we are well into the winter weather - however it is not yet winter and most of the snow is melting (come on snow melt).
I hope to return to regularly scheduled blogging with pictures after I buy myself a camera that works...

Hot Cocoa Swap Topic #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
No. I knit whatever and am just happy to have something on the needles.
My knitting is my way of just escaping everything.

It's my birthday, I can...

...boss my gurlz if I want to. It's really hard to be mean on your birthday. Especially when you are threatening no treats or anything and there are 10 people expected for the day. We got through that though.

...drink coffee my way. I love coffee, it tastes so good. I brew dark roast usually, with a 3:1 ratio of flavoured coffee. I mean sometimes I put 100% flavoured in, but most of the time, just one scoop of that flavoured coffee mellows it to a nice rich drink. This method has even been expounded upon in one of my favourite fun novels. To Die For, by Linda Howard. in the first chapters, the heroine, Blair Mallory (fluff name) is recounting the whole witness a murder, deal with cops and then to distract herself, makes coffee. I make it her way - to fool the men in the world, and I swear by the salt on top. My mom made some a couple weeks ago and it was kind of bleagh (imagine Snoopy saying that) and when I ran the steps, that's what she didn't do. She thought that cause I had a new coffeemaker, it wasn't necessary. Silly mom. Anyways, back to the book, read it when it was a new release and then returned it to the library and went on with my life. Every now and then parts of the story would flip in my head and I would sort of laugh and try to remember the title or author. I had it right, but because it was one of those mass market paperbacks (and before I discovered the wonders of amazon and chapters online) I couldn't find it. Until she released the sequel, Drop Dead Gorgeous. These are funny wow and actually give me hope that one day I could stick with someone long enough to meet that forever thing. Long story short, bought the second one and then, after searching a number of bookstores, went online and bought the first book. For a light read, these are recommended.

...knit a little? please? I did get a chance to knit a bit. Not much though. There were 7 adults and 6 kids. But, considering we are all related, one is pregnant and one wants to be, (and one really doesn't want to be, but for some reason people think she will do the insane thing and get that way) and there were 6 kids, only a couple bumps and bruises and only one almost heart attack for me. Showed off my knitting a bit, my socks are nicer than SIL's mothers (beautiful Pat, but like mine better. Here, look for yourself. 3 from 1/

Aren't they pretty? There are 3 pairs of things going on there. A Saartje's bootie for a friend's little one - second one is there (all 4 rows of it); toddler socks for little gurl and the Cinderella socks for big gurl. I'm hoping there is enough yarn to make a pair of socks for my niece too. They are all in Skinny Duet,Cowgirl, from Angela at A Swell Yarn Shop. This was already knit up twice in socks for me, but the yarn is just too fine for me to make socks for me out of (I like a nice tight knit and that would require like 80 sts - not my idea of fun) The blue bag in the back is my knitting bag (pretty much the only one, if we don't count my briefcase style bag for projects). Cost me $2 and wish I had picked up a couple to put projects in - just a makeup bag.

...cook if I want to. Today's afternoon meal consisted of roast beef (me), mashed potatoes (me), apple cider ham(me), applesauce(me), salad (SIL), carrot cake(mom), apple pie (M&Ms) and fingerfood leftovers(SIL). It was great. However, I have had 3 parties in 3 days and my fridge is overflowing. This is wrong, it should be empty of all foods. Bonus is no shopping required for another week or so. Taking all extra non-healthy foods to work to distribute among the needy.

...get totally awesome presents. My baby sis works for Tiffany & Co. She sent me this gorgeous pendant, with chain, all done up in the pretty bag and box with a bow and leather jewellery bag. I took it off to photograph, but that is not uploading (as evidenced by the lack of photo above). My gurlz bought me fleecy warm pj pants with dutch tea towels and a new red saute pan with lid from the parents and dinner on Saturday from the biggest bro and SIL (they also helped with the dishes). Big gurl gave me a bag of treasures, with and I love you Mom card. I think she took it back though, cause they were her treasures. I have been strong, and not bought me anything. I'm a member of the SSTC and when you make 3 things from one set of skeins, those skeins don't disappear. It's the thought that counts... right?

...screw up my knitting. Someone told me that wine and lace knitting do not mix. This was proved to me on Friday night, when, after the rest departed I picked up Guinevere and began knitting. Figured I could get 10 rows done and be almost ready for the pattern change. Screwed up on the 2nd pattern repeat of the first row. In my wine induced state (two small glasses with dinner) I figured I would fix it on the way back. Because when you are out one stitch and discover it 3 repeats later and then just end off correctly, it will be easy to fix..right? It took me 15 minutes to determine I had Knit 3 together as opposed to 2, thus moving everything over 1 stitch was required- YO and SSK, K2tog. I put it away and went to bed (where I frogged the fetchings - they will never fit the way I want, knit the way they are, therefore out they came). Last night, I sat down and fixed the stole - circular using for the project, and a 2.5 mm addi - to tink back 2 rows (3 in some spots). So I will not drink and knit lace. Maybe some crocheting or straight stockinette, but no drinking. The stole was fixed back to were it should have been (still 14 rows of this repeat) and then I worked on Saartje. One is all finished - but the finishing. The other is cast on - and I learned my lesson on that one too - I used stitch markers this time. Smart move, stupid. Then I went to bed as I was tired and promptly cast on a Dashing for me. They will be long enough, the yarn was already waiting and it's not getting any warmer out there.

...let my brothers and father plan a fix up outside the house. My little brother took measurements, wrote down dimensions and a list of materials for them to find and I'm hoping the weather stays good enough for me to get 1) new front steps -I've been really good; 2) new roof with eaves on front porch - I'll be even better; 3) new floor and roof on death trap shed - I'll watch your children and bake you goodies; and 4) fix up back porch issues - you can sleep and eat for free if it takes more than 1 day. On top of that, I'm guessing it was too cold in the bathroom for the little bro to ... so he caulked all the way around the window and the room is already warmer (and if you sit in there with the door closed for too long, you won't feel any pain). I've only asked 3 or 4 times for someone to help me with it and was almost to the point of trying myself. Thanks little brother. big bro levelled the washer on Friday night

...talk to a MALE person without getting pregnant or dating them or... scenario: phone rings, I ask someone to get it as I am finding paper towels and stuff for caulking bro, and then mom gives phone to me with statement it's a man and the number is. I take phone and say hello and then Hi David, thank you.......... goodbye. Then I look at mom and SIL (younger bro wife) and say that was big gurl's GRANDPA, but if you think I should keep it in the family no worries, and.... I don't understand why they think (and you are in there too Mel) that I am going to get involved with a guy just like that and be pregnant again. Twice in 5 years is not a habit. Perhaps once a year for 5 years or ... I think guys are great, but most of the good ones are married or related to me in some way, shape or form. If I blush, hang up and then give some stupid story, maybe I'm interested, but even then - the little gurl just about ggave me a heart attack - WHY would I want another???????????????

...almost cry when my baby gurl scares me almost to death. Scenario: adults chatting and eating as children play in various rooms and up and down the stairs. Glance over and note that little gurl is reaching for light switch - hmm interesting, but someone said something and then... glance again and fly across the room to grab her off of the stool which has one side on the top of the stairs and the other in mid air. Stare down these stairs at the boots, door frame and small snow shovel that sweet child may have hit. Control heaving stomach, beg someone to remove stool and sit and snuggle little gurl for a moment. Regain normal heart an breathing rhythm. Try to control nightmares, as am wide awake. MUST STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!!

...give a prize away - to Birdee (my sp11) Will be shopping for something special for her(again), and there is something I want to try out for each of the contestants. Basically, like me you don't really have something just for your stitch markers. And fingering/sock weight is the winner but it sounds like we are all in love with the specialty dyes and yarns out there today. Thanks ladies!!

Ho Hum Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone. It has been a little ho hum in that at 3:30 pm, I decided to take my last hour of work and organize the new files I received in the last 2 weeks or so. Figured there were about 5 or 6 that needed data entry done and then 'date organizing' (FIFO). Imagine my shock at 4:15 pm when I was still not done and there were ones that I didn't remember receiving. As Debbie, Carol and others keep telling me - We've never had this many complex requests or quite so much activity. In fact, Debbie won't even take the job back. She doesn't want it, cause all the files are nasty lately. Oh well. Have redone the heel on the Cinderella socks for big gurl and am progressing on little gurlz'. Unfortunately for the little one, the Cinderella pattern is much more interesting so that sock gets worked on more.
My last SP11 package and my Harvest Sock Swap package have been mailed. Feel like should have put just one more thing in or maybe two...
My weekend list is still there. I haven't done any of those things. Secret project and church books need to be done tomorrow night as I am out of time.
Stupid construction generator noise maker thing. It starts every morning right around 7:00 am but is usually off when we get home. It is still going. I wonder if they forgot to turn it off, or if because it is so cold, we are going to be hearing it 24/7 now. Need to file a complaint.
Won't be going to knit night tonight (cause it's over already) but also cause the gurlz have been really out of sorts lately (take turns little in morning, big at night). Hope its just the crazy weather.
If you want to see real buffalo, they are running around free in the wilds between Welland and Stevensville/Niagara Falls. My mom called me and they are from ZOOZ. A bear got loose from there this summer too. I'm not really concerned. Buffalo are going to do what - eat my leaves?
the bear was captured and returned long time ago already.

If you haven't already, enter my contest.

Saturday's to do list and a Contest

So, my to do list for Saturday was long and well, impossible for little old me. Here are the details:
1.Do the laundry -I did 6 loads yesterday (ran out of hanging room) 3 loads this morning, and there are still 2 (plus the clothes from yesterday and today) to do yet. However I put away all of my dry clothing from yesterday and the clothes from the gurlz are folded for putting in the drawer. We won't speak of the loads that came out of the dryer and are warming my floor.
2. Clean the storage portion of the basement - well, I was able to move a few things, but unfortunately, there were not enough hours in the day (and too many other things on the list)
3. Clean the kitchen - the kitchen was done for about an hour - stove even moved and cleaned inside and behind. I've given up on the dishes. The gurlz had two bite brownies (homemade) and the floor was a mess again (also the reason the dishes are in the negatives again)
4. Finish those church books. whatever - I still have 6 days before my self imposed deadline
5. Play with the gurlz - I did a little and let them outside on their own. They weren't asking me and I really didn't sit down that long to knit.
6. Knit a little - I finished Hint 4 for SoTS and am almost ready to turn the heel on big gurlz sock and have started the leg on little gurlz.
7. Finish boxing up my SP11 package and my Harvest Sock Swap package. Uhm, as soon as I am done here. That will be done (minus the homemade item that didn't quite work) C'est la vie.
8. Go to a friend's for demonstration and some wine and cheese. This was done. I enjoyed myself, but realize that I can't do that too often as I am tired in the morning and the gurlz are well rested. Also, the big gurl told me the boys just wanted to play on the computer -even when they were awake and I don't like that. Perhaps from now on just one of them at a time and no computer, even for videos until the gurlz are in bed.
9. Refix the front steps - This is going to require completely new steps as I looked at them this morning and it's like the wood is just evaporating /rotting from day to day. Oh, the name of the saw is a Circular Saw. (no i didn't remember, I saw one in the flyer.
10. I have to rewrite the secret project and get it emailed off - WHATEVER.

Not on the list - clean the living room and computer room and move construction materials until time for use, the bathroom, bake favourite brownies and for today - just have a restful day (with church at 10:00 am and then straight down to drop big gurl at Christmas party with Grandma and little gurl for afternoon with Daddy and then home, to do nothing I didn't want too (fold laundry on bed, hand some others up, feed myself, knit lots) and then little gurl came home and over to Grandma's for dinner and then home put gurlz to bed.

I had it in mind to do some groceries (sans gurlz) and maybe some Christmas shopping or clothes for me, but I didn't. I'm glad I didn't. Besides, there is always tomorrow for all that stuff.

The Contest
Nothing crazy, and you have until 12:01 am, December 2nd to do this but it may be the 3rd before you actually hear who won.
How does your craft (knitting crochet etc) make you feel? Do different stages stress you out? How about finishing?
WHAT - she's getting older and crazy!!!
Let me explain. I recently re-taught one of my best friends to knit. It stresses her out, yet she is enjoying what she is doing. She's hit the point where she knows it doesn't matter if it is perfect or not, but still she wants it to be just so.
For myself, I don't get stressed about it, unless, it is for someone else (example: single sock that is for someone else and she will make the mate) with knowledge and you want it to be right and fair and of they are 6 and just really really want one or your ultra finicky mother (not that she is bad, just sees all the negatives and...)
If I am not happy with it, I frog it (firestarter inch up the leg and 1st I love Gansey), set it aside for frogging(hat for nephew which is just wrong) or just set it aside(Mom's second pair of socks). With regards to the finishing - there is the little gurlz baby sweater all pieces knitted and ready to go - since August of 2005 - she's 2 years and almost 2 months.
If i feel myself getting stressed about something (without reason - no deadline etc - can you tell I may not participate in sock swap again) I either walk away from it or finish it all up. I've learned to walk away cause I will have to redo it anyways.
Your answer can be simple or long, but let me know.










Just Kidding.

REAL CONTEST: tell me your favourite yarn weight and if you have/use stitch markers, how you store them.

(told you it would be easy)
Affectionately,
the Brat

Coffee Talk: Topic One

When did you first start drinking coffee? (tasted as I child and still recall making my Dad and his accountant Instant that stood their hair on end)
What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began

Honestly - I was about 20 and working as a waitress/hostess/banquet server. I needed a pick me up some mornings (cause at that age you while away the evening hours after work dancing and drinking non coffee). I can even recall my first year at university (prior to this) telling someone that coffee was disgusting and I would never become a drinker of it and why is there only 'coffee hour' and not hot chocolate or tea... But at work, it was the only 'free' hot drink and when you are there greeting people as the door opens and closes, you kind of start. It was not about the caffeine because I had a very low tolerance and I usually had decaf, but it was about the flavour. I got to the point, when I knew that the pot was off and new brewing was required. Then I had one of Starbucks specialty coffees and it was all over. Also, if we were out for dinner with others, I would order the flavoured dessert coffee, and suddenly I was a coffee drinker.

I have proven to myself a number of times that I can do without the caffeine(stopping cold turkey or drinking decaf, but I always miss my coffee and tea just doesn't do it for me anymore.

Happy November 1st and I won!!!!!

It is a great day whooeee. Okay it was hohum nasty female issues day until about 5 minutes ago, when I found out I won on the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. First of all I love coffee and then there is this great swap starting today and then I go over read the stuff and there is my name as a WINNER!!!
November is going to be awesome!!!!
plus those church books have left the building and there are only 2 little details must finish up for them!!!
The dishes can wait, the laundry can wait and life will go on!!! I won!!

Please be advised that I am super excited and not poking at anyone who may not have won.

Doh!!!

OHHHHH - Jacque of This Kitten Knits is having a contest - go there and leave a comment then post about it on your blog. see what happens when you occasionally blog!!!!!

Knitting, contests, drinking and Brown Sheep anyone

I've been knitting quite diligently, however just have not the energy to download or upload the pics. Will do soon.
Go here for a cool contest, but even better, some new inspiration to drink!!!
Need to drink more water!!!

Does anyone have some matching skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece they can sell/loan/destash or trade me? I really want to make the big gurl, the Monica tank from Knitty but am finding no yarn that will do. Or - if you know a store that sells it and has it in stock right now, I would appreciate the help. Of if you have made it with something else, let me know. The Berocco Cotton Twist just seems to much for a little gurl.