CRACK....

ing under the stress and strain of renovations. Seriously. My work life right now is fabulous - nothing piled up excessively - I spent most of the last few days cleaning up filing and helping out my partner in non-resident taxation. He has a fun job in that anyone who comes to the Niagara Region to work (perform) and is a non-resident and doesn't want to pay us taxes (15%) has to apply to him for a waiver. He's seen paperwork on them all, and I got a chance to play with some of it and in fact make decisions. If only the granting of a waiver could be done with a free ticket exchange to some of my favourite artists - speaking of artists, I bought a new CD today. My Hot Cocoa Swap partner stated she really enjoys Feist and I heard this song from her the other day (1234). Since the Grammy's recently happened (I think) there was a compilation CD out, so I bought it. It has that song and a bunch I don't know and then a whole bunch I enjoy. That was fun. Even more fun though - I bought myself a new mattress set - FINALLY - bought one with my own hard earned money (err credit). ALL for MEEEEEE!!! And it was on for like 50+% off because it is the floor model and then she took another $50 off because there was a 'mark' on the cover - like I'm not going to put sheets on it???? Thank you so much Josie!!! It even comes with a bonus offer - which I am rethinking - I don't have an ipod so why get something with a docking station - I am going to ask for the sweet 'iron look headboard' or the top quality pillows instead. (I went to Sears, cause big gurl was complaining her snow pants were too tight and I did pick some up, but she doesn't want to try them on)
And then I went over to the new LYS in the area - I'm sorry Jack for messing this up, but I know it is at J&J's Florist and I think it was called Rose's fine yarns. (there is the yarn shoppe, a flower shoppe, antique shoppe, gift shoppe - thank goodness I was on time constraint, or I woulh have had to return the mattress set). Anywyas, I needed 5mm dpn and I have already checked Zellers, Walmart and Michaels - they don't have what I want. The lovely yarn store assistant was very helpful and we had picked some sweet bamboo ones and then we were debating the attributes of fine yarns (uhm Noro Silk Garden and Kureyon) and bam - right there - one set of 5 mm dpns in lovely Rosewood. I put the bamboo back - price difference was negligible (put me in a happy place - right up there with the lovely mattress set). I also picked up some lovely Noro Silk Garden - they had two different ones so I bought one of each for my Lizard Ridge. The colours of the Kureyon they had was just awesome and it was difficult not to buy some, but I haven't even knit with it yet. I also picked up a skein of Sprinkles by King Cole - but I just realized the coat that needs a scarf is pink, not purple. Well, I will make a doll blanket or something with it. lovely stuff. Then I get home...
Wait a minute - why am I cracking (or was)?
I called Keith on Thursday afternoon to get an idea of where he was with the primer and ceiling- and he informed me that the new ceiling was cracking - I mean SHIT (sorry) that's why we ripped everything down in the first place. We debated the need to do items and before I went to sleep it was determined that he would rip down the tape and mud and redo it with better stuff.
Then when I came home, I noticed our condensing bucket was off kilter and ... there was water under the neat stack/layering of various furniture pieces that don't have a home right now. So, I can't wash laundry, cause the washer is buried, can't fold laundry cause it is inaccessible, and there is furniture in my stairwell (not cause it is wet, but cause I couldn't handle the bedroom - previous post - and moved stuff around and out and...)
So I destressed with shopping, Keith and his dad worked on the ceiling (and cleaned up alot of the floor and dirt that was around) and now I am going to try to resist the siren call of the yarn - oh yes and my Malabrigo destash purchase from Aija of zer0 markers arrived with two lovely little stitch markers - they look like pearl earrrings!!
I could cast on for sister's blanket (who so carefully mailed me a cheque to help pay for the yarn, advised me when to deposit it and then promptly forgot that she wrote the cheque until she got an overdraft notice), for Lizard Ridge block 2, for a sweet washcloth, a baby blanket, knit the 2nd Cinderella, the SoTS i or ii...
No, I will go look at the destash site, my yahoo account and then go to bed.
I hope.
Happy Friday

Finally

..on Thursday I went to work and there was lots of it.
...at about 4:00 pm today I figured out what I do there and did it (JK - but felt pretty dumb some times).
..I have half my dishes done - the other half, well I came over to turn the computer on and forgot to go do them. I should go right now and ...
...my Yarn Pirate Booty club arrived. Killer Bees is the yarn and there were TWO yarn pirate circular needles - size 2.25 and 2.75; 2 sizes I did not have in circs. HOORAY
..I found the little something for my SP11 pal and ordered it (may have mentioned that already). It arrived today - less than five days. Shop at the Sweet Sheep for speedy delivery Robyn's Nest is also fast, just didn't have this item.
...I am on the homes stretch of the harvest sock - I have learned my lesson and will try it in the recommended yarn (provided I have it) first from now on.
...worked on big gurl's socks and am halfway through the gusset increases.
...Friday, and I have a 3 day weekend due to remembrance day. Of course, there is still lots to do.
Only thing left to do ... figure the camera out again.

100 posts - and some rules for me

This would have happened a lot sooner if I didn't have to go to work or parent or pay bills or sleep or eat or anything.
It's an interesting point in my life. (my computer is reading 4:56 pm and I just put the gurlz to bed and dinner was over and hour ago and - guess we are on Alberta time?)

What has been happening?
Thursday night, I turned off the computer to go to sleep and remembered the parcel that was in the mail. Because we had company coming for dinner, I just carried everything inside and started dinner. Did I wait until morning to open it? NOPE
Thank you SP. I have Scarf Style from Interweave Press. 3, maybe 7 projects picked out already. There is some gorgeous Knit Pick - just a minute must go find it and feel/I mean properly describe it for you.
ah hem: It is Knit Picks Shimmer, 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Silk, in Turquoise Splendor. Gorgeous light to dark turquoise all in 2 skeins. I'm thinking perhaps a Scarf Style pattern or there are a couple cute ones in the Holiday Gifts by Interweave Knits. Glad I only picked up one as I see my pal picked one up for herself. You should see the bear in it - OI is it ever cute.
AH hem. Yes yes, back to the treasures from my SP. A gorgeous (handmade?) bracelet in gold and red hues. loverly!!!! Cookie Cutters in pumpkin and bat shapes (with stencil guides for decorating) which found themselves put to excellent use Saturday morning, when I realized the cake from Thursday was at the house we visited on Friday and not available for the company coming that morning. So I quick baked some cookies. (note - the dough for these cookies was patiently chilling out in the freezer since around April 29th, when it was found to be unnecessary for big gurlz birthday). There was some delightful Lindt Milk Chocolate for me (still is about half - what control) and Kinder Eggs for the gurlz (also still one each somewhere, however have not actually seen them so they may be no more).
Thank you so much my SP! You've really made me feel special.
And then..
On Friday, it was very foggy and gray on the way to work. I was feeling a little bit gray myself, until I saw the slice of a rainbow in the sky. In the midst of the gray and heavy clouds, there was just an inch sized slice of rainbow (bigger likely up close, but in my world it covered about and inch). Lifted me out of the doldrums a little.
I have knitted a little. The stole is at row 130 - I have to check now...no it is 143 - so I think it goes to 168 - 24 more rows. Not bad - I plan to get at least 10? done tonight.
Big gurl's socks are both cast on, but there is a bit of a design element issue as when i use provisional cast on, sometimes it creates "live loops" and sometimes just an edge to knit into. The first sock had the latter - and it looks like a seam line - lovely. The second has the former and it also looks lovely. one is ready to begin the gusset and the other is about an inch away. What to do ? I'm bettin I frog the first and go for the invisible seam (problem is it's all in the way I pick up my first row of loops into the chain and I never remember which is which. These socks may be returning to time out.
I finished my first ever pair of Fetchings (knitty) and I am disappointed. I have small hands so I only picked up one ball of the yarn and it was enough to make them , however I (for my personal brain wellbeing) need another inch of cable at the fingers. However I have about a yard of yarn left. But - the store where big gurl left her sweater The Needle Emporium has that colour (if not the dye lot) and I have to go back there sometime.
Mom's first sock is done and the second is waiting for the needle that the big gurls socks are on. (they are on two circs as I catch the second (or maybe the first) up to the other and then I will just use the extra long circ to do both at once).
I threw out the vest UFO from some time ago. I would have frogged but it was not froggable and kept catching and pulling. The yarn may turn into something from Scarf Style as I have enough.
The baby blanket and sweater that was supposed to be for little gurl are (hopefully) going to be completed for grandchild #10 for my parents (NO - NOT ME). The kids already going to get shafted as there is a big brother and sister involved. The Moeibus head scarf is progressing in inches - slow going as it it just a 2 by 2 rib with icord edging. Not the most exciting of works.
Big Gurl's quilt - well, I have to clean my room up again in order to work on it and there are a couple of other things pressing in too.
My Harvest Sock Swap - Love the I love Gansey pattern. however feeling a little meh about the colour as it is more oceanic than harvestic and so... however, maybe I could include some autumnal yarn in the package. I had brought a deep red that was kind of apple harvesty, however the yarn doesn't knit well (for me) to the pattern, so it is not suitable.
Anything else on the needles - not yet, but need to make a chapeau for the little gurl as she does not have a mommy made one and the big gurl could use a poncho with a little more warmth to it. This may be sewn rather than knitted.
What did I do today?
I went to a Craft show and sale. Wow, there is some lovely stuff out there. The one display of handknits was gorgeous - I felt guilty for not buying anything, but the one thing that really bowled me over was not my size. I got some construction paper and felt cutouts - fairytale for the paper and Christmas for the felt. Hopefully a good rainy day filler. A pair of earrings for Mom (I think) and some delightful dip mix that was just delicious.
Then I made some more awesome tomato sauce (from Finny Knits) and here we are.
What needs to be done?
1. The church books - organize and bind them up with a pretty bow for the new guy. Should be doing it now, however i have this thing about working on Sundays.
2. Clean house - not the sweep and dust but the throw things out and give away and organize.
3. Finish hint 2 and 3 of the stole.
4. Get that I love Gansey sock figured out. If the current one on the needles is not going to work, put it aside and try one of the other yarns. Denise shouldn't have to wait forever.
5. Fix up the bathroom, front wall, front yard and get the air conditioner out of the window... I may have to take a day or two off of work in order to really get at it.
6. Buy the new mattress and dishwasher. Just do it.
7. Stop spending money on yarn until next year. (only exception would be - tee hee already - the yarn for the Fetchings and if buying any for SP or swap pals and the Robyn's Nest month by month kits) and.... Okay - I solemnly swear to try really really really really really hard to use stash yarn (oh also doesn't count Lucky Lurker Club - already paid for; and Yarn Pirate - that is the sock club).
8. Make the Christmas gifts this year. (or use stuff purchased over the last 20 years to create gift packages or crafts for others to do).
9. Be a better more patient mother to my beautiful gurlz.

Well, I had best get busy cause there are a lot of things to be done.
may just pop over to a couple of favourite shops - I mean the yarn moratorium doesn't start until tomorrow ... right?

edited to add - I don't have the patience to figure out my camera right now. I have promised my Harvest Swap pal some pics of the yarn and socks, so I have to do it this week, but the pics are just not coming along. i promise lots of pics once I get everything back to normal.
I did figure out my screen so I don't have to scroll sideways through the blogs in order to read.
Baby Steps for me when it comes to technology.

Weekly Posts Only?

I did not know I was becoming a once a week blogger. I have composed posts on my way to work and while cooking dinner or just before nodding off to sleep, but have not posted them. Unusual for me. And a little silly.
What has been going on for the week? Well, on Thursday I made it to work ... just and left an hour later to go home and crawl into bed - I woke up completely some 4 hours later. Since I was so rested, I took the gurlz to the local park where there is a splash pad and pool and swings and slide. They had a picnic supper and I had a nice cup of tea. I knitted on the Duet sock. The little gurl took a header in the wading pool - we had lots of rain and it was a good inch deeper than the last time she was in it, so she couldn't swim/crawl in it. Felt like the worst mother ever, until I realized I was holding her, and I was fully dressed and soaking wet.
The Duet Sock is going pretty well. The ball I was using is out of yarn (due to previous frogging of first pair), so I am going to do the after thought heel now - sort of strange name when I planned well in advance for it. I want to try the heel before I finish the rest just in case things go, well awry. I have a couple references for it and will try.
I completed one of Mom's socks, complete with end weaving in. I started the 2nd on Friday night, but frogged it on Sunday night as there was a pull in the yarn at the cuff and that was not a good thing.
There was little time for knitting this weekend as my Mom came down with two of my nephews, J and R. J is 3.5 years and R is a month younger than little gurl. The four kids played wonderfully together and Mom and I smoothed out the sewer line ridge in the front yard. Sounds like it was easy - well the poor man across the street loaned us a wheel barrow, digging shovel and hard rake to help us out. We also laid a temporary sidewalk so I don't have mud trails through the house. Of course the gurlz still go down the stairs and walk right through the dirt. That took all told, about 4.5 hours on Saturday, then there was grocery shopping and homemade spaghetti sauce - we were house watching for a co worker and she told me to pick the tomatoes. So I did. The sauce was delicious, but runny. I signed on that evening to peruse some blogs and doesn't Finny have the best recipe? So today I picked up some more tomatoes, garlic (as the previous purchase of such was returned to the store - there's something wrong with some of these products from China), fresh basil, zucchini, peppers and will likely try this recipe ... some day this week. I also baked a quick cake (mix) and iced it up for Sunday with the kids and Mom as it is her birthday tomorrow.
Funny thing about my Mom. She thanked me for having her, when she worked almost all day - little rest. Why - she said she would have lazed around at her home if she didn't. She needed to get away. It was a great weekend - even with diva big gurl prancing around in a princess costume all day Sunday.
Allergy hell is still here, but it may be turning into a slight infection/cold as the boys had colds this weekend and I know the little gurl is fighting it.
2 to 1 odds that we stay home tomorrow.
Last night I put aside everything I wanted to do and tackled the church paperwork. I got through it all before I went to bed about 4 hours. Would have been less if I a) neatly stacked things when I was finished entering them; b) didn't overtype one donation schedule and have a large panic session while I thought I had lost it in the midst of reconciling that month; c) talk on the phone to Mom, Mel and the Chair of Church Council, who happened to be calling about that very thing; d) take an occasional break to surf the web.
Good thing I did - we would have run out of money next month, well out of the day to day account anyways. I will have to remedy that (in my spare time, ya know).
So I went down to bed, but as always after that many numbers, needed to wind down, so I pulled out Monica, which the big gurl has been waiting for since I first saw it. I had a the seed stitch edge, in the round done. I no longer do as it was very loose knit and holey knits are not that attractive on 6 year olds. So it has been frogged and I will have to try a smaller needle - maybe 3.5 mm. Will gauge this one though!
On an aside, I did discover a partial source of my nausea last week. I bought more coffee, the same I had just finished, a lovely dark roast and prepared it as I had the previous pot. The previous coffee was a blend of dark and light, so more grounds could be used. I tempered it on Saturday with 3 as opposed to 4 scoops and now life is okay - provided I don't overdose on painkillers. I had a killer pinched nerve on Thursday so before leaving for work I popped a couple of painkillers. 2. On Saturday afternoon, when the major labour was done, both Mom and I grabbed one, to help prevent that extreme achy muscle stuff the day after a job well done. We grabbed 1, because they were extra strength and it is 1 every 4 or so hours not 2. I had overdosed, hence the long sleep on Thurs, coupled with coffee nausea, possibly a slight bug and of course allergy hell.
I feel like I am talking with a snubbed node voide. Today was a little better, but I need to take all my drugs to keep going. Picked up some more today - should last me to the end of September.
Well that was about all I have to say. I am also going to get some pictures on for tomorrow. Both FOs and WIPs. Oh and I have to post for SP11 too. yikes, it's like work around here.

Vacation is ended?

Well, both the gurlz are home safe and now it is get back into the proper swing of things before school starts on September 4th. This is Grade 1 and that means Mummy has to be on the ball about things like snacks (2) drinks (2) and a healthy lunch that the picky one will eat. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Let's just say - that if I make it through September, without forgetting or worse sending her with peanut butter or some other forbidden food, I will have accomplished much.
I found a delightful yarn store in Grimsby called Stitch and she carries some beautiful stuff. May have to go back there if the LYS that is closing doesn't have the right sized needles. Never 2nd guess yourself about needles. If you don't think you have them, buy them. I bought yarn and got the coordinating pattern (for free cause of Stitch n Pitch) and came home ready to start on the socks for my Mom. Well I don't have dpns in the right size nor a circ. She even had the shorter ones that I realize I need after just about stabbing myself with the 8 inch ones on my wrist warmers. Have any of you knit with Super Soxx? I have a 3 inch cuff going and have still not hit my second bout of yellow. Very frustrating as this was the main purchasing purpose!!!
I bought lunch at Ikea today and that was it. How you ask ? well there is the money issue - it's all invested in yarn right now (muahahaha) and they just didn't have what I was looking for. And the little gurl screamed everytime I put her in the stroller or shopping cart.
We are having some strong winds here - my work out capris are on the neighbours shed roof - they were the only casualties, but not sure how will get back. It's a job for another day.
I am loving my clothesline - holds 2 loads easily (I'm not one to show my skivvies on the line - they have their own drying rack). But since I usually have 4 loads, I may have to put a second one up - just need more line, a cincher and a tall ladder. no biggee (hahahah)
I should sleep now as I am laughing a little too much for this post.
nighty night!
Oh yes - in the mail today came my post assessment review letter from the income tax department - Other Deductions. I knew they would write, they are so reliable. Now I have to compose a letter, find the reference I used for the claim and photocopy all the pertinent documents. In my spare time of course. Have to love the tax department!

Friday

It's Friday. That great last day of the work week (for the majority of the population). I went into work for 8:30 am - walked in with some yummy eye candy, but still haven't figured out if he's just flirting or hitting on me. I never could tell. At break/lunch I ran down to the LYS that is closing for a circular needle for the Squatty #2. Came back with the circ, Manos Del Uruguay Malabrigo in lovely purple, and the last four skeins of baby alpaca in pale pink/purple - 2 of each. yum!
Left work early because the big gurl was doing School Age Idol for daycare. It was... cute but scary. 5, 6, 7, 8 year olds gyrating like the rock stars. To quote the big gurl - I have sparklies on because that's what rock stars do. Worth leaving work early for, but still disturbing - slow down my big gurl, you don't want to grow up too fast!!!
We went to Mel's for dinner and Kris joined us. It was fun, a little wine, some pizza - Mango Chicken mmmmmmmm, and some Treatza Pizza - and the guy behind the counter - I could have taken him home with me. Very nice.

Can I rant a moment?
What is the matter with drivers today? This afternoon, I turned a corner and well, there was a dump truck in front of me, so I drove about 40 km per hour. I have this dislike of hitting trucks and my gurl was in the car and well, safety? The lady behind me honks on the horn (presumable because I am driving too slow) and follows on my tail. Almost wanted her to rear end me when I had to go from 40 km to 0 because of the red light that made the dump truck stop. She then proceeded to DRIVE BEHIND the same dump truck once we had a second lane. And she was in a hurry why???? did I accidentally get between her and the love of her life? I don't know, but if the big gurl hadn't been in the car, I may have succumbed to road rage.
Then, lets talk about people who don't know the rules of the road. On the way to dinner tonight, I was detoured through a construction zone (Dairy Queen was halfway in between). I pulled up to the red flashing stop lights, stopped, waited 3 seconds and my turn ... and was forced to wait while 3 different drivers drove straight through the light without stopping. Now, to give them credit, I craned my neck to verify that all the lights were flashing RED and they did not have an orange flasher. They were definitely all red. Thank you the gentleman who, before my horn honked (split second) stopped and allowed me to take my belated turn. As I stated to my friends. A cop could make a killing at that light - enough to buy his own Tim Horton's franchise. I admit that I am not a perfect driver, but these people did not even see the lights.
Rant completed.
I am going to bed now, as am almost to toe of socks and this is not a good time of night to knit them. Ragan has beat me by finishing hers first, but I still have to work and she has a little time before school starts again. Of a positive note, Mel tried the finished one on and it fit her perfectly. I think that is all the inspiration I need to finish them now!!!
Have a great week-end. I am off to drop the big gurl at Oma and Opa's for a whole week. Wednesday is stitch n pitch AND the Yarn Harlot is going!!! Wow!!
I'm just hoping poor Kris will be able to handle all the fibrey/yarny goodness, being a non-knitter and all that.

Funny Gurlz

On Friday, I was pleasantly knitting and trying to escape the heat, when the phone rang. A friend had invited us for dinner previously but I had forgotten and thus not gone. Since the gurlz were still up and there were other gurlz there, we went. A great time was had by all. Take a peek at these future stars in action.

Or not. I have no clue how to put a video on here and am not into downloading vids of my gurlz to Youtube or google. So they will remain unpublished. They are so beautiful. Here is a pic of them with one of their new friends. There is a fourth gurl who is all of 2 weeks older than my little gurl. The dark haired beauty is a year younger than my big gurl. But size and age doesn't matter! I met the mom when we were both only a little over 4 months pregnant. Hadn't seen her since then.

Back to knitting on the hell socks. I am not liking them - even though I love them. Must complete one of the pairs so I can cast on something else!!!

TGIF!!!!

hurray it's Friday, freaky Friday no work tomorrow yadeedoda!!

but there is the baking for Diane's birthday and I promised breakfast and .... the housework and the paperwork and the

BUT

It's Friday

HURRAH!!!!!