...but it was unintentional. I didn't get my Ravelympics pictures posted here, but they are in my Ravelry notebook. I visited the finish line board to post my finishing stats, and it was locked down, and I wasn't allowed to post. I found it highly annoying, because I was just able to post Roo's stats on her board. I complained to the site about the WIPS wrestling board being closed, and I have never gotten an answer. It's probably why I haven't been on Ravelry at all lately except to update some project info. I just want my medals from Bobicus! :)
I'm in the midst of a big (for me) Halloween knitting project. I never knit for All Hallows Eve which is why it seems big. The kids are posing as Hogwarts students again this year since we moved away from all their old friends, and to keep things interesting I agreed to knit them Hogwarts scarves. Roo wants the scarf from Sorcerer's Stone, and Moose wants the one from Prisoner of Azkaban. Roo aka Victoria Ballycastle is a Ravenclaw, and Moose aka Adrian Vablatsky is a Gryffindor. I picked up all the necessary Utopia yarn at Patternworks for under $50, shipping included. That's much less than what brand new costumes would have cost!
I have found that even knitting the scarf on US size 7 needles instead of the size 8 called for in the pattern is leaving me a bit short of yarn if the kids want fringe (and they do). I've narrowed the scarf a bit by only casting on 60 stitches instead of 70, and this appears to be working for the moment. I even used Judy's magic cast-on for the end of Roo's so the cast-on edge appears to be invisible. I'll just graft the other end before attaching the fringe once I get there.
My next big, exciting knitting event is a sock design workshop with Cookie A at Nature's Yarns. I can't wait for the big day!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
A Husband's Knitting MeMe
So I was over at JessaLu's, and I lifted another meme from her blog. I couldn't resist finding out what the DCA's answers would be. I sent this to him while he was out of town for the OU-Cincy game (Go Sooners!), and he kindly sent it back before he returned home.
HG: What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
DCA: The love you put into each product.
HG: What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?
DCA: Obsessive compulsive frogging =)
HG: What is something I have knitted that you recall as being good?
DCA: An awesomely warm Sooner (Crimson and Cream colored) blanket.
HG: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
DCA: Only if you consider the raw materials alone and not what a hand crafted product of awesome quality would cost if you bought it in a finished state.
HG: Do you have any hobbies?
DCA: Yes
HG: What are your hobbies?
DCA: Record collecting
HG: So, if we compared money/time spent on hobbies, who would win?
DCA: For the past seven years, the knitting would...
HG: Do you have a stash of any kind?
DCA: Only if copious amounts of vinyl count...
HG: Has my knitting in public ever embarrassed you?
DCA: No...
HG: Can you name another knitting blog?
DCA: Scout's Swag, The Loopy Ewe...
HG: Do you mind that I want to check out yarn stores everywhere we go?
DCA: No, I even aided and abetted a stop in Old Town Alexandria not that long ago...
HG: Do you understand the importance of a swatch?
DCA: Vaguely...
HG: Do you read A Tale of Two Needles?
DCA: Yes... I even occasionally feed the Llama... (ed.'s note: check the sidebar!)
HG: Have you ever left a comment?
DCA: Yes
HG: Do you think the house would be cleaner if I didn’t knit?
DCA: No... there would likely be more scrap booking scraps around =)
HG: Is there anything else you want to say?
DCA: I Love my compulsive knitter!
Thanks, DCA, for playing along!
HG: What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
DCA: The love you put into each product.
HG: What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?
DCA: Obsessive compulsive frogging =)
HG: What is something I have knitted that you recall as being good?
DCA: An awesomely warm Sooner (Crimson and Cream colored) blanket.
HG: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
DCA: Only if you consider the raw materials alone and not what a hand crafted product of awesome quality would cost if you bought it in a finished state.
HG: Do you have any hobbies?
DCA: Yes
HG: What are your hobbies?
DCA: Record collecting
HG: So, if we compared money/time spent on hobbies, who would win?
DCA: For the past seven years, the knitting would...
HG: Do you have a stash of any kind?
DCA: Only if copious amounts of vinyl count...
HG: Has my knitting in public ever embarrassed you?
DCA: No...
HG: Can you name another knitting blog?
DCA: Scout's Swag, The Loopy Ewe...
HG: Do you mind that I want to check out yarn stores everywhere we go?
DCA: No, I even aided and abetted a stop in Old Town Alexandria not that long ago...
HG: Do you understand the importance of a swatch?
DCA: Vaguely...
HG: Do you read A Tale of Two Needles?
DCA: Yes... I even occasionally feed the Llama... (ed.'s note: check the sidebar!)
HG: Have you ever left a comment?
DCA: Yes
HG: Do you think the house would be cleaner if I didn’t knit?
DCA: No... there would likely be more scrap booking scraps around =)
HG: Is there anything else you want to say?
DCA: I Love my compulsive knitter!
Thanks, DCA, for playing along!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Summer Is Winding Down...
...and maybe I'll get better about blogging...or not... I'm just too busy over on Ravelry and Facebook.
We just got home from our summer vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. I posted a couple of albums over on Facebook to show everything we did. I also took my Loopy postcard from The Loopy Ewe along, and he has his very own album of just a sampling of the things he saw.
My main update for now is that I successfully finished my Ravelympics 2008 projects. I put the Ocean Waves Wrap, Marmee's Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl, and the DCA's blanket to bed for good. I am so glad to have them behind me so I can concentrate on just the couple of projects I have on the needles. I also managed to sneak a Do the Wave scarf in during Ravelympics.
Mom's last set of post-surgical tests came in with fabulous results. The cancer recurrence prediction test she had contained the lowest number her oncologist had ever seen! The oncologist considers Mom cancer-free for now, and she'll just be monitored every six months for the next few years to really make sure there is no recurrence. Praise God for answered prayers.
We're getting ready for school around here. It's the kids' last week of freedom. We should learn who Moose's new teachers will be on Tuesday. The Roo will get her class schedule on Friday when she goes to new student orientation. I think I'll check in with them to see what they want to do this week as a last hurrah before they head back. There was some mention earlier about living in pajamas one day this week and watching all six Star Wars movies in a row. I have a feeling I'll be in a popcorn-induced coma in a couple of days!
We just got home from our summer vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. I posted a couple of albums over on Facebook to show everything we did. I also took my Loopy postcard from The Loopy Ewe along, and he has his very own album of just a sampling of the things he saw.
My main update for now is that I successfully finished my Ravelympics 2008 projects. I put the Ocean Waves Wrap, Marmee's Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl, and the DCA's blanket to bed for good. I am so glad to have them behind me so I can concentrate on just the couple of projects I have on the needles. I also managed to sneak a Do the Wave scarf in during Ravelympics.
Mom's last set of post-surgical tests came in with fabulous results. The cancer recurrence prediction test she had contained the lowest number her oncologist had ever seen! The oncologist considers Mom cancer-free for now, and she'll just be monitored every six months for the next few years to really make sure there is no recurrence. Praise God for answered prayers.
We're getting ready for school around here. It's the kids' last week of freedom. We should learn who Moose's new teachers will be on Tuesday. The Roo will get her class schedule on Friday when she goes to new student orientation. I think I'll check in with them to see what they want to do this week as a last hurrah before they head back. There was some mention earlier about living in pajamas one day this week and watching all six Star Wars movies in a row. I have a feeling I'll be in a popcorn-induced coma in a couple of days!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I'm Addicted to Facebook...
I just signed up for an account to help keep track of all the family, and it's just like the first few days of Ravelry. You just get sucked in looking at all the features and reading about all your friends.
It doesn't help when your best friend from college is addicted to the same word games as you, and you just want to sit and play instead of doing something constructive...
It doesn't help when your best friend from college is addicted to the same word games as you, and you just want to sit and play instead of doing something constructive...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Update!
Mom had her surgery on the 15th. Everything went beautifully, and the pathology results show there is no cancer remaining. No radiation! Yippee! The next milestone is the last test result on Aug. 14 which will indicate her likelihood of recurrence and her need for preventive chemotherapy. We're praying for a super-low number, which the doctors think is very likely.
To God be the glory!
To God be the glory!
Monday, June 30, 2008
June was...
hellish, in a word. For example,
I finished a bunch of projects, and all the details are over on Ravelry. I just lost track of what got started and finished during the month.
The summer can only get better from here!
- we lost power for 36 hours, including my entire birthday,
- my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,
- I had to spend 10 days in Florida caring for my completely bedridden grandmother, and
- I spent way too much time away from the DCA and kids.
I finished a bunch of projects, and all the details are over on Ravelry. I just lost track of what got started and finished during the month.
The summer can only get better from here!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Sock Is Sad
Anyone who knows me also knows that I don't go anywhere without my current sock project. I'm a Yarn Harlot disciple in this respect. Unfortunately, the sock was not allowed to accompany me on my latest adventure yesterday because all large handbags were banned when I went to...wait for it...the White House!*
It’s National Military Family Appreciation Month, and this Friday (May 9th) is Military Spouse Day. In honor of the event, military spouses from around the country received invitations to the White House to hear President Bush speak about military families and to honor six volunteers who have done great works on behalf of military members and their families. Go read the President’s remarks.
I rode in to work with the DCA yesterday, and his mom came over to make sure the kids made it on to the school bus. When we got to his office, we found out that one of the ladies who works for the admiral was also going. She and some other wives from the Navy Yard were riding in a van provided by the Commandant of Naval District Washington, so she invited me to ride along with them so the DCA wouldn’t have to leave work to drop me off.
We rode in the van from the base over to the Southeast Entrance to the White House grounds. We had to stand in line for quite a while so the Secret Service could check IDs, and we weren’t allowed to take in any large bags, suitcases, or backpacks. We were allowed to have small camera cases and clutch-type purses only. After we made it through the first gate, we had to go through metal detectors, get scanned with the wand if we “beeped”, and have our little bags searched. It was kind of like going to the airport!
Once inside, we found they had set up a buffet breakfast on the South Lawn for all 1100 of us. There was fresh fruit with a light caramel sauce, ham empanadas with cheese sauce, at least 8 different types of handmade pastries, and biscuits with blueberry jam. They were also serving fresh-squeezed OJ, cranberry juice, and coffee. There were lots of picnic tables with red checkered tablecloths all over the lawn. We weren’t able to get seats because we were some of the last to arrive, but while we stood to eat, we had a fabulous view of the south side of the White House (the curvy side), and we could see all the way down to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.
Because we didn’t have a table, we scooted up close to the stage area on one side near the guard rope. We were told we could stay there as long as we weren’t blocking the view of the people seated at the tables. We got an even better view of the White House from this angle, and we could see the podium where the President was supposed to speak and to introduce the volunteers.
The Marine Corps Band played while we waited and in between the speakers. The first person to speak was the Secretary of Defense, and he welcomed us and thanked us for coming out. Then singer-songwriter Phil Vassar sang the National Anthem. Shortly after 10 a.m., the President began his address. When he had finished, he and the volunteers moved to a special picnic table near the stage we were standing by to watch Vassar sing 3 more songs--Love Is A Beautiful Thing (in honor of Jenna Bush’s wedding this Saturday), I’m Alright (in which he required audience participation), and American Child. After the singing, President Bush greeted the people along the roped off edge of the stage, and I got to shake his hand! (My one brush with fame!)
As we were getting ready to leave, someone announced over the loudspeaker that we were invited to tour the White House starting in the East Garden. This was a big surprise, because my emails about the event said there would be no tour. We entered the White House from the garden and walked down the Ground Floor Corridor that had artwork, a portrait of Hillary Clinton as First Lady, some of the White House china patterns, the Library, and the Vermeil Room. We couldn’t go in the rooms, but I could see a picture of Jacqueline Kennedy through the door of the Vermeil Room. We only walked about halfway down the corridor before we went upstairs. On the First Floor, we saw the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room. We exited through the Entrance Hall of the north side of the White House (the flat side) onto Pennsylvania Avenue before we rode in the van back to the Navy Yard.
If you want to see what I saw, go to the White House tour web site. It’s a photo tour of the White House that includes a lot of history I didn't know! We apparently were very blessed today because someone said these rooms are no longer on the regular tour of the White House.
It was definitely worth the lost sock knitting time!
*My tatting is incredibly thrilled though, because it got to ride along in the tiny bag I was using as a camera case. It is now the happiest purple doily on the planet!
It’s National Military Family Appreciation Month, and this Friday (May 9th) is Military Spouse Day. In honor of the event, military spouses from around the country received invitations to the White House to hear President Bush speak about military families and to honor six volunteers who have done great works on behalf of military members and their families. Go read the President’s remarks.
I rode in to work with the DCA yesterday, and his mom came over to make sure the kids made it on to the school bus. When we got to his office, we found out that one of the ladies who works for the admiral was also going. She and some other wives from the Navy Yard were riding in a van provided by the Commandant of Naval District Washington, so she invited me to ride along with them so the DCA wouldn’t have to leave work to drop me off.
We rode in the van from the base over to the Southeast Entrance to the White House grounds. We had to stand in line for quite a while so the Secret Service could check IDs, and we weren’t allowed to take in any large bags, suitcases, or backpacks. We were allowed to have small camera cases and clutch-type purses only. After we made it through the first gate, we had to go through metal detectors, get scanned with the wand if we “beeped”, and have our little bags searched. It was kind of like going to the airport!
Once inside, we found they had set up a buffet breakfast on the South Lawn for all 1100 of us. There was fresh fruit with a light caramel sauce, ham empanadas with cheese sauce, at least 8 different types of handmade pastries, and biscuits with blueberry jam. They were also serving fresh-squeezed OJ, cranberry juice, and coffee. There were lots of picnic tables with red checkered tablecloths all over the lawn. We weren’t able to get seats because we were some of the last to arrive, but while we stood to eat, we had a fabulous view of the south side of the White House (the curvy side), and we could see all the way down to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.
Because we didn’t have a table, we scooted up close to the stage area on one side near the guard rope. We were told we could stay there as long as we weren’t blocking the view of the people seated at the tables. We got an even better view of the White House from this angle, and we could see the podium where the President was supposed to speak and to introduce the volunteers.
The Marine Corps Band played while we waited and in between the speakers. The first person to speak was the Secretary of Defense, and he welcomed us and thanked us for coming out. Then singer-songwriter Phil Vassar sang the National Anthem. Shortly after 10 a.m., the President began his address. When he had finished, he and the volunteers moved to a special picnic table near the stage we were standing by to watch Vassar sing 3 more songs--Love Is A Beautiful Thing (in honor of Jenna Bush’s wedding this Saturday), I’m Alright (in which he required audience participation), and American Child. After the singing, President Bush greeted the people along the roped off edge of the stage, and I got to shake his hand! (My one brush with fame!)
As we were getting ready to leave, someone announced over the loudspeaker that we were invited to tour the White House starting in the East Garden. This was a big surprise, because my emails about the event said there would be no tour. We entered the White House from the garden and walked down the Ground Floor Corridor that had artwork, a portrait of Hillary Clinton as First Lady, some of the White House china patterns, the Library, and the Vermeil Room. We couldn’t go in the rooms, but I could see a picture of Jacqueline Kennedy through the door of the Vermeil Room. We only walked about halfway down the corridor before we went upstairs. On the First Floor, we saw the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room. We exited through the Entrance Hall of the north side of the White House (the flat side) onto Pennsylvania Avenue before we rode in the van back to the Navy Yard.
If you want to see what I saw, go to the White House tour web site. It’s a photo tour of the White House that includes a lot of history I didn't know! We apparently were very blessed today because someone said these rooms are no longer on the regular tour of the White House.
It was definitely worth the lost sock knitting time!
*My tatting is incredibly thrilled though, because it got to ride along in the tiny bag I was using as a camera case. It is now the happiest purple doily on the planet!
Distracted by Ravelry
Another addict is born! I've been spending most of my time over there when I'm not knitting instead of updating my blog like I should. So here's my latest...
I finally finished the crocheted baby blanket and turned it in. It's about time that I started racking up those volunteer hours again!
All of the log cabin blanket squares are finished, and their ends are all sewed in. I even sewed them into four strips of six squares each. That's when I got anxious. I need to sew the strips together, but I'm afraid I won't get the seams to line up correctly. I just need to "suck up and deal" as we used to say in NROTC and get on with the process.
I finished the Summer of Love lace socks after I had to rip them back to the cuff and re-finish them. I hate running out of yarn at the last minute. They look great, and they even have a tiny bit of room to allow for the inevitable shrinkage of being run through the washer on a cold, delicate cycle.
I'm in the middle of the DCA's pair of Jacobean socks. I'm over halfway done with the second sock, and I can't wait to be finished with it. It's a fun knit, but I really just want to be working on Lenore from Rockin' Sock Club 2007. After the Lenores are done, I'll be moving on to work on Moose's Snakes on a Sock.
I finally pulled my Mason-Dixon Perfect Sweater out of hibernation. I finished the back, and I'm almost ready to start the sleeve caps. I'm working both sleeves at once on a single circ to make sure they are exactly the same. I am definitely going to make this a habit for all future sweaters. I keep thinking that it's taking forever to do the sleeves, and then I remember that I'm almost done with both! Bonus!
I'm going to head back over to Ravelry now and finish reading all the threads I pulled up for today. How does anyone get anything done anymore with such a great site???
I finally finished the crocheted baby blanket and turned it in. It's about time that I started racking up those volunteer hours again!
All of the log cabin blanket squares are finished, and their ends are all sewed in. I even sewed them into four strips of six squares each. That's when I got anxious. I need to sew the strips together, but I'm afraid I won't get the seams to line up correctly. I just need to "suck up and deal" as we used to say in NROTC and get on with the process.
I finished the Summer of Love lace socks after I had to rip them back to the cuff and re-finish them. I hate running out of yarn at the last minute. They look great, and they even have a tiny bit of room to allow for the inevitable shrinkage of being run through the washer on a cold, delicate cycle.
I'm in the middle of the DCA's pair of Jacobean socks. I'm over halfway done with the second sock, and I can't wait to be finished with it. It's a fun knit, but I really just want to be working on Lenore from Rockin' Sock Club 2007. After the Lenores are done, I'll be moving on to work on Moose's Snakes on a Sock.
I finally pulled my Mason-Dixon Perfect Sweater out of hibernation. I finished the back, and I'm almost ready to start the sleeve caps. I'm working both sleeves at once on a single circ to make sure they are exactly the same. I am definitely going to make this a habit for all future sweaters. I keep thinking that it's taking forever to do the sleeves, and then I remember that I'm almost done with both! Bonus!
I'm going to head back over to Ravelry now and finish reading all the threads I pulled up for today. How does anyone get anything done anymore with such a great site???
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Don't Pass Out...
...from shock or anything since I'm posting after only 9 days.
The log cabin square project is moving right along. I'm up to 8 white squares and 7 red squares. I'm in the middle of square #16 now. There is going to be a ton of seaming on this one, but I'm weird--I actually like mattress stitch. I probably need my head examined.
The crocheted baby blanket is taking a while longer than I expected. When I was outside on Sunday, I noticed that the third skein I had used was a noticeably different dyelot than the other 4 that were in the blanket at that point. The DCA said not to worry about it because a baby won't care if it's different. I just put myself in the new mom's shoes--I would definitely have noticed, and I would have wondered why someone didn't care enough to match the yarn. Yes, on top of being insane (see above), I'm obsessive compulsive. I ripped it back to the end of the second skein, and I have just now gotten to skein #4. The finished blanket is supposed to be as close to 36" x 36" as possible so I have a ways to go.
I started sock #2 in the Summer of Love pair too. When I finished the socks for the DCA before Easter, I ran out of yarn just as I reached the second toe. I dug out some other grey yarn to finish the pair because he said he doesn't mind the mismatched toes. (I haven't woven in the ends yet, because I totally mind the mismatched toes. I'm still debating ripping out the first toe and doing it in the second grey yarn, so the socks match exactly. Sigh.) Since I ran out of yarn then, I'm starting to panic that I'm going to run out of yarn again on this pair. I should just hunker down with them for a few hours, crank out several inches, and realize that I'll be fine because it's Socks That Rock. I have to finish today's square first though.
I finally started putting some stuff up over at Ravelry--it's just my current WIPs. My username over there is hoyagirl. It's going to be a while before I get anything much posted because it's so time-consuming. I can see why so many people are abandoning their blogs in favor of the site. It really can be addictive! While I was there yesterday, I signed up for the pair-a-month sock challenge started by Kaity and her mom. I just couldn't resist, because I thought it would help me play catch-up with all the sock club yarn I have around here. Guess we'll have to wait and see! Come join the group too if you're looking for a little motivation.
The log cabin square project is moving right along. I'm up to 8 white squares and 7 red squares. I'm in the middle of square #16 now. There is going to be a ton of seaming on this one, but I'm weird--I actually like mattress stitch. I probably need my head examined.
The crocheted baby blanket is taking a while longer than I expected. When I was outside on Sunday, I noticed that the third skein I had used was a noticeably different dyelot than the other 4 that were in the blanket at that point. The DCA said not to worry about it because a baby won't care if it's different. I just put myself in the new mom's shoes--I would definitely have noticed, and I would have wondered why someone didn't care enough to match the yarn. Yes, on top of being insane (see above), I'm obsessive compulsive. I ripped it back to the end of the second skein, and I have just now gotten to skein #4. The finished blanket is supposed to be as close to 36" x 36" as possible so I have a ways to go.
I started sock #2 in the Summer of Love pair too. When I finished the socks for the DCA before Easter, I ran out of yarn just as I reached the second toe. I dug out some other grey yarn to finish the pair because he said he doesn't mind the mismatched toes. (I haven't woven in the ends yet, because I totally mind the mismatched toes. I'm still debating ripping out the first toe and doing it in the second grey yarn, so the socks match exactly. Sigh.) Since I ran out of yarn then, I'm starting to panic that I'm going to run out of yarn again on this pair. I should just hunker down with them for a few hours, crank out several inches, and realize that I'll be fine because it's Socks That Rock. I have to finish today's square first though.
I finally started putting some stuff up over at Ravelry--it's just my current WIPs. My username over there is hoyagirl. It's going to be a while before I get anything much posted because it's so time-consuming. I can see why so many people are abandoning their blogs in favor of the site. It really can be addictive! While I was there yesterday, I signed up for the pair-a-month sock challenge started by Kaity and her mom. I just couldn't resist, because I thought it would help me play catch-up with all the sock club yarn I have around here. Guess we'll have to wait and see! Come join the group too if you're looking for a little motivation.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
So, Anyway...
...we are settling in here on the right coast. It is SOOOOO good to be back home in VA. I'm in awe and wonder every time I get in the car and drive around our "new" town. I love the trees, the houses, the fences, the four-lane roads, convenient take-out, everything. Sigh...being home is such a good feeling! Now, if I only had a job!
I'm working on that part, kind of. I have registered for the teaching exams I need to take in order to get my teaching license here via reciprocity. I really think the whole licensing thing is a big racket--if you're licensed in one state, it should transfer automatically to another! It seems like such a scam to have to take a totally different set of much easier exams for one state when you've already passed--with flying colors--the much tougher exam for a different state. Someone is getting some big money off of this somehow. Hiring is a small problem too because the local schools are only working on transfers among the current employees at the moment. Once all that is settled, they'll post any remaing jobs for the new year. It means the potential new hires get all the leftovers. I'm not going to worry about it until later--I'm taking the exams for middle school math and science on top of my elementary license so as an experienced teacher I'm sure I'll be of interest to somebody in the district.
I thought by staying home temporarily I'd have tons of knitting time, but it really hasn't turned out as I imagined. I finished a pair of socks for the DCA, and now I'm slogging my way through a variation on last August's Socks that Rocks shipment. I'm so behind on that front! I also ripped out all the aran squares for the DCA's afghan, and now I've turned them into log cabin squares that will have to be seamed together later. I'm much happier with the results so far. My goal is to do one square per day until I've used up all the crimson and cream yarn or until I have enough squares to make something vaguely square or rectangular. I did finish two baby blankets for my mom to take to a shared baby shower for the refugee women who attend her church--they need to be dropped in the mail along with the needles I borrowed to do the blankets. I'm in the middle of a crocheted blanket for NMCRS too. I don't know why, but crocheting seems to be better for the type of yarn I received to do the project. I also have a daily goal of one skein per day on that. My reward for the one square plus the one skein is getting to work on the socks in progress.
Every day when I come in here, I always think about how I need to write a blog post to keep it up to date about what I've been doing, and every day when I come in here, I put it off until later. Maybe I need to add daily (weekly?) blog posting to my sock rewards list...
Log Cabin count: 4 white squares, 3 red squares
Baby blanket skein count: one down, 5 to go
Flower Power socks status: mid-foot on sock #1
Blog post: check
I'm working on that part, kind of. I have registered for the teaching exams I need to take in order to get my teaching license here via reciprocity. I really think the whole licensing thing is a big racket--if you're licensed in one state, it should transfer automatically to another! It seems like such a scam to have to take a totally different set of much easier exams for one state when you've already passed--with flying colors--the much tougher exam for a different state. Someone is getting some big money off of this somehow. Hiring is a small problem too because the local schools are only working on transfers among the current employees at the moment. Once all that is settled, they'll post any remaing jobs for the new year. It means the potential new hires get all the leftovers. I'm not going to worry about it until later--I'm taking the exams for middle school math and science on top of my elementary license so as an experienced teacher I'm sure I'll be of interest to somebody in the district.
I thought by staying home temporarily I'd have tons of knitting time, but it really hasn't turned out as I imagined. I finished a pair of socks for the DCA, and now I'm slogging my way through a variation on last August's Socks that Rocks shipment. I'm so behind on that front! I also ripped out all the aran squares for the DCA's afghan, and now I've turned them into log cabin squares that will have to be seamed together later. I'm much happier with the results so far. My goal is to do one square per day until I've used up all the crimson and cream yarn or until I have enough squares to make something vaguely square or rectangular. I did finish two baby blankets for my mom to take to a shared baby shower for the refugee women who attend her church--they need to be dropped in the mail along with the needles I borrowed to do the blankets. I'm in the middle of a crocheted blanket for NMCRS too. I don't know why, but crocheting seems to be better for the type of yarn I received to do the project. I also have a daily goal of one skein per day on that. My reward for the one square plus the one skein is getting to work on the socks in progress.
Every day when I come in here, I always think about how I need to write a blog post to keep it up to date about what I've been doing, and every day when I come in here, I put it off until later. Maybe I need to add daily (weekly?) blog posting to my sock rewards list...
Log Cabin count: 4 white squares, 3 red squares
Baby blanket skein count: one down, 5 to go
Flower Power socks status: mid-foot on sock #1
Blog post: check
Monday, March 31, 2008
Trip Recap
Just in case you need exact details about our cross-country excursion, I've listed them here. The drive cross-country was fun, but long. I wish we could have taken extra time in some places, but there wasn't any to spare since the DCA had to start his new job immediately and the kids needed to get back into school.
Our pack-out was finished a day early on Jan. 31. We were blessed to be able to stay with some friends in town for the next week while the kids finished up at their school and while the DCA turned over with his replacement. We started driving across on the morning of Feb. 8 and drove from San Diego to Lordsburg, NM. The desert is truly beautiful--I only wish we could have made a northward detour to see the Grand Canyon on our way through Arizona. It wasn't really feasible though since we were taking a more southerly route on I-10 to avoid possible bad weather through the more northerly route on I-40.
On Feb. 9, we drove from NM to Boerne, TX. We were shocked to find posted speed limits of 80 (!!!) on the highways through west Texas. We had never seen them before, and living out here in the more crowded East, it is unlikely we will see them again any time soon. We covered nearly 680 miles that day which we never thought possible with the kiddos in tow.
On Feb. 10, we stopped in San Antonio to see the Alamo, and then we went on to Lafayette, LA. I don't know much about Texas history so I found this particularly interesting. I was also surprised to find the Alamo is smack-dab in the middle of downtown. All of my media-driven, mental pictures of the mission placed it far outside town, away from everything. It was quite a revelation. We also had a chance to briefly walk around the Riverwalk. It was a peaceful place for the middle of a city. Our high-speed run to end the day took us through Houston. We really wish it had been baseball season, so we could have gone to Minute Maid Park. Maybe next time!
On Feb. 11, we visited New Orleans before finally turning north on I-65 and driving into Montgomery, AL. I spent a few years growing up in New Orleans, so it was nice to take the kids to a couple of the places I remembered from when I was their age. We did typical touristy things like visiting Cafe DuMonde and St. Louis Cathedral and eating a muffaletta. Unfortunately, Central Grocery was closed so we had to settle for a nearby restaurant. Dinner that night consisted of pizza in the hotel. We just couldn't face going back out in the car in traffic.
On Feb. 12, we stopped in Atlanta to see the World of Coca-Cola and then we stayed in Gaffney, SC. If you’ve ever driven on I-85, it’s the town with the giant peach-shaped water tower. The World of Coca-Cola was a lot of fun. The kids' and my favorite part was tasting all the different flavors of soda from around the world at the end of the tour. I really liked the Fanta from Estonia compared to many of the other flavors available. I'm still a Cherry Coke girl though. It is definitely my overall favorite.
On Feb. 13, we made it to my mom’s house near Raleigh, NC, and we stayed there two nights before driving into Fairfax, VA to stay with the DCA’s parents. We were with them for a week while we waited for our shipment to arrive and to unpack enough of it so the house felt liveable.
The kids and the DCA started school and work on Feb. 19, and things have been settling down since then. There's been some culture shock with the change in school curriculum and with the work commute, but I think we're over most of it. Mainly the kids just love having other children to play with in the neighborhood, which was something they've never had before. It already feels like home to me, and I'm hoping it will be the same for them soon.
Knitting content to follow soon!
Our pack-out was finished a day early on Jan. 31. We were blessed to be able to stay with some friends in town for the next week while the kids finished up at their school and while the DCA turned over with his replacement. We started driving across on the morning of Feb. 8 and drove from San Diego to Lordsburg, NM. The desert is truly beautiful--I only wish we could have made a northward detour to see the Grand Canyon on our way through Arizona. It wasn't really feasible though since we were taking a more southerly route on I-10 to avoid possible bad weather through the more northerly route on I-40.
On Feb. 9, we drove from NM to Boerne, TX. We were shocked to find posted speed limits of 80 (!!!) on the highways through west Texas. We had never seen them before, and living out here in the more crowded East, it is unlikely we will see them again any time soon. We covered nearly 680 miles that day which we never thought possible with the kiddos in tow.
On Feb. 10, we stopped in San Antonio to see the Alamo, and then we went on to Lafayette, LA. I don't know much about Texas history so I found this particularly interesting. I was also surprised to find the Alamo is smack-dab in the middle of downtown. All of my media-driven, mental pictures of the mission placed it far outside town, away from everything. It was quite a revelation. We also had a chance to briefly walk around the Riverwalk. It was a peaceful place for the middle of a city. Our high-speed run to end the day took us through Houston. We really wish it had been baseball season, so we could have gone to Minute Maid Park. Maybe next time!
On Feb. 11, we visited New Orleans before finally turning north on I-65 and driving into Montgomery, AL. I spent a few years growing up in New Orleans, so it was nice to take the kids to a couple of the places I remembered from when I was their age. We did typical touristy things like visiting Cafe DuMonde and St. Louis Cathedral and eating a muffaletta. Unfortunately, Central Grocery was closed so we had to settle for a nearby restaurant. Dinner that night consisted of pizza in the hotel. We just couldn't face going back out in the car in traffic.
On Feb. 12, we stopped in Atlanta to see the World of Coca-Cola and then we stayed in Gaffney, SC. If you’ve ever driven on I-85, it’s the town with the giant peach-shaped water tower. The World of Coca-Cola was a lot of fun. The kids' and my favorite part was tasting all the different flavors of soda from around the world at the end of the tour. I really liked the Fanta from Estonia compared to many of the other flavors available. I'm still a Cherry Coke girl though. It is definitely my overall favorite.
On Feb. 13, we made it to my mom’s house near Raleigh, NC, and we stayed there two nights before driving into Fairfax, VA to stay with the DCA’s parents. We were with them for a week while we waited for our shipment to arrive and to unpack enough of it so the house felt liveable.
The kids and the DCA started school and work on Feb. 19, and things have been settling down since then. There's been some culture shock with the change in school curriculum and with the work commute, but I think we're over most of it. Mainly the kids just love having other children to play with in the neighborhood, which was something they've never had before. It already feels like home to me, and I'm hoping it will be the same for them soon.
Knitting content to follow soon!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
My, How Time Flies...
I've been busy, busy, busy getting ready for the move. I've done some knitting, but I can't remember exactly what I've finished. I know I've finished some socks--including the tall Tibetan ones from Cat's new book--but I really couldn't tell you what else.
I turned over my classroom to my replacement yesterday. The school finally hired someone last week after knowing since August that I was leaving in February. God answers all prayers in His own time, but waiting until we're down to the wire was a bit stressful! I think I was supposed to learn patience from this process. Let's just say it was very weird to drop the kids off for school this morning and not go to my room to start my day. I'm really going to miss the daily math instruction...
Today the packers are here, and everything is starting to disappear into boxes. I can't believe the day is really here or that we're finally going home after 7 years in "exile." We love all our friends here, and we sure have enjoyed the SoCal weather, but it's just not home for us. We are headed back to Old Virginny, and we can't wait to live closer to all our family. The kids are starting to get really excited too in spite of leaving their friends behind.
I still won't be posting much as we go throught the transition, so the next time I write it will probably be from the other side. Hopefully, I'll have more knitting news then!
I turned over my classroom to my replacement yesterday. The school finally hired someone last week after knowing since August that I was leaving in February. God answers all prayers in His own time, but waiting until we're down to the wire was a bit stressful! I think I was supposed to learn patience from this process. Let's just say it was very weird to drop the kids off for school this morning and not go to my room to start my day. I'm really going to miss the daily math instruction...
Today the packers are here, and everything is starting to disappear into boxes. I can't believe the day is really here or that we're finally going home after 7 years in "exile." We love all our friends here, and we sure have enjoyed the SoCal weather, but it's just not home for us. We are headed back to Old Virginny, and we can't wait to live closer to all our family. The kids are starting to get really excited too in spite of leaving their friends behind.
I still won't be posting much as we go throught the transition, so the next time I write it will probably be from the other side. Hopefully, I'll have more knitting news then!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas Swag and Other News
The DCA granted practically all my Christmas wishes this year. I now have extra cables and size tags for my Options/Harmony set. I also have new circs in US sizes 0, 1, and 2 for when I feel like doing two socks on two circs. I asked for a couple of knitting books and received Mason-Dixon Knitting and Cat Bordhi's New Pathways. The DCA also added to my stash by buying enough superwash wool so I can knit myself Mason-Dixon's perfect sweater. On top of all this, I also have two sets of blocking wires (a story in itself) and the complete Gilmore Girls collection as accompaniment for all my knitting. (The first set of blocking wires were crushed and bent during shipping so Knit Picks replaced them for free. Only one end of the first set is bent, so I can still use them for blocking small things. Bonus!)
I have spent a bit of each day of my Christmas break knitting or working on something knitting-related. I have a new pair of Fuzzy Feet for myself--the DCA let me borrow his one night, and they were so yummy that I had to have my own. I finished knitting Mystic Waters, and I made two Kate the Cats for Roo and Moose. I've been blocking like crazy for the last several days with the new wires, so now Icarus, Maude, Hanami, Guinevere, Mystic Waters, and my mom's Chevron Scarf are all in near-perfect shape. I say near-perfect because I found four holes in Icarus where it has gotten snagged and a dropped stitch in Mystic Waters. I think they can be easily repaired though. I finally fixed the Other Morgana's sock and dropped that in the mail before Christmas too. My only disappointments are that I'm not far enough along in Roo's socks or in my new Perfect Sweater.
I keep trying to remind myself that it's not that important, because I'm about to have a lot more knitting time than I'm used to. The DCA has finally received his new orders, and we're headed home to the right coast in a little less than 6 weeks. After we move, I'll be "unemployed" while I wait to take the Praxis test for my Virginia teaching license since my California credential doesn't immediately transfer. You gotta love bureaucracy! I'll need lots to keep me busy after we move while I homeschool the Roo and maybe the Moose too and while I fight all the red tape.
We're thinking of homeschooling, because Roo would have to start a new school when we get there and then start a totally different school again in the fall. That is just too many transitions for her at one time, and once we mentioned homeschooling, nearly all of her apprehension about the move melted away. She's not nearly as stressed out as she had been--the nuclear meltdowns over minor issues were starting to kill me--so it's probably the right way to go. The Moose won't have to change schools again in the fall, so we are thinking of registering him in our local school right away so he'll have lots of friends for the summer. Unfortunately, a Christian school in the new locale is financially out of the question since I'll be jobless and they are all ridiculously expensive. Some schools cost more per year than one year of college cost for us! Frightening! Thankfully, the schools where we're headed are really good, and they even have a strong GATE program for the kids once they're tested.
I know I don't post a lot, but it may get even quieter around here for a while we get ready to move and then actually head east. I also have a lot to do to turn over my classroom to the long-term sub who is replacing me at the end of January (or sooner if I can swing it). I'd like to be out of there before the movers come at the end of the month, but I don't know how the administration is going to feel about that. I'll probably start working on that issue once my replacement is officially selected. The frontrunner needs the position more than I do, and I could really use the time off to get ready to go. I'm so ready to be out of here that it is hard to focus on work at all.
Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers while we're going through this big change. We need all the help we can get!
I have spent a bit of each day of my Christmas break knitting or working on something knitting-related. I have a new pair of Fuzzy Feet for myself--the DCA let me borrow his one night, and they were so yummy that I had to have my own. I finished knitting Mystic Waters, and I made two Kate the Cats for Roo and Moose. I've been blocking like crazy for the last several days with the new wires, so now Icarus, Maude, Hanami, Guinevere, Mystic Waters, and my mom's Chevron Scarf are all in near-perfect shape. I say near-perfect because I found four holes in Icarus where it has gotten snagged and a dropped stitch in Mystic Waters. I think they can be easily repaired though. I finally fixed the Other Morgana's sock and dropped that in the mail before Christmas too. My only disappointments are that I'm not far enough along in Roo's socks or in my new Perfect Sweater.
I keep trying to remind myself that it's not that important, because I'm about to have a lot more knitting time than I'm used to. The DCA has finally received his new orders, and we're headed home to the right coast in a little less than 6 weeks. After we move, I'll be "unemployed" while I wait to take the Praxis test for my Virginia teaching license since my California credential doesn't immediately transfer. You gotta love bureaucracy! I'll need lots to keep me busy after we move while I homeschool the Roo and maybe the Moose too and while I fight all the red tape.
We're thinking of homeschooling, because Roo would have to start a new school when we get there and then start a totally different school again in the fall. That is just too many transitions for her at one time, and once we mentioned homeschooling, nearly all of her apprehension about the move melted away. She's not nearly as stressed out as she had been--the nuclear meltdowns over minor issues were starting to kill me--so it's probably the right way to go. The Moose won't have to change schools again in the fall, so we are thinking of registering him in our local school right away so he'll have lots of friends for the summer. Unfortunately, a Christian school in the new locale is financially out of the question since I'll be jobless and they are all ridiculously expensive. Some schools cost more per year than one year of college cost for us! Frightening! Thankfully, the schools where we're headed are really good, and they even have a strong GATE program for the kids once they're tested.
I know I don't post a lot, but it may get even quieter around here for a while we get ready to move and then actually head east. I also have a lot to do to turn over my classroom to the long-term sub who is replacing me at the end of January (or sooner if I can swing it). I'd like to be out of there before the movers come at the end of the month, but I don't know how the administration is going to feel about that. I'll probably start working on that issue once my replacement is officially selected. The frontrunner needs the position more than I do, and I could really use the time off to get ready to go. I'm so ready to be out of here that it is hard to focus on work at all.
Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers while we're going through this big change. We need all the help we can get!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Reason for the Season
There's still no knitting content, because our family is busy celebrating the birth of our Lord. God came into this world as a tiny baby and, as Jesus, became the most influential person in history. What an amazing story! He means so many things to so many people, and each of His names is special.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will
be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of
his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
I got lots of knitting goodies for Christmas, and I'll share those with you soon!
Merry CHRISTmas everyone!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
A Real FO
And in what might be my last update for the day, I present a real finished object--my oversized cardigan.
The yarn was originally intended for a turtleneck, but it was just too "thick and thin" and too chunky. It works much better this way. It was a very fast project--only a week from start to finish even though I had to work each day. I even liked doing the finishing on this one!
The pattern is from Knitter's Stash, and it claims to be "one size fits all". It must be true because the kids can fit in it with me when I wear it! Ha ha! I like that it's too big, because there is even more to wrap up in when it's chilly.
I probably should find some suitable buttons for it someday, but since it's so big I don't really see the point. I may just invent a tie for it instead!
For now, I'm going back to my shawl. I really would like to be all caught up on Mystic Waters for this week for a change!
The yarn was originally intended for a turtleneck, but it was just too "thick and thin" and too chunky. It works much better this way. It was a very fast project--only a week from start to finish even though I had to work each day. I even liked doing the finishing on this one!
The pattern is from Knitter's Stash, and it claims to be "one size fits all". It must be true because the kids can fit in it with me when I wear it! Ha ha! I like that it's too big, because there is even more to wrap up in when it's chilly.
I probably should find some suitable buttons for it someday, but since it's so big I don't really see the point. I may just invent a tie for it instead!
For now, I'm going back to my shawl. I really would like to be all caught up on Mystic Waters for this week for a change!
Bonus Socks
Along with all my other knitting, I participated in two sock exchanges this year. One was Sockapalooza 4, and my pal was the famous Adminnie over at LimeNViolet. She made me the most wonderful socks! I wish I could get the pattern, but they were a test knit so it's not available yet. I feel so special knowing that I have the socks before anyone else. Insert maniacal laugh here. Here is one of Minnie's fabulous socks. Aren't they gorgeous? The shades of blue really are among my favorite colors!
She also sent some pretty, pretty stitch markers to fit my DPNs. I am searching for a sock pattern that calls for markers just so I can use them! I got some yummy chocolate too, but that's long gone! Don't you just love the knitting themed note card?
Morgana Too from the Hogwarts 2 sock swap says I am the best sock pal ever, but I happen to disagree. I think SHE is the best sock pal ever! Here are all my treasures! The Harry Potter things are the coolest, and I am keeping them well hidden from the kids because they are coveting them madly! I really love my bonus row counter--I can never have too many of those because I lose mine like some people lose tape measures. The stripey socks fit perfectly, and are super-comfy. I especially like how she made the textured stripes in the cuff. I have never thought of doing that in a sock!
I can't wait to try out my new DPNs (maybe they'll go with Adminnie's markers) on the socks I have planned for the Roo. They're next in the queue after I finish Moose's socks.
Here are the socks I made for Morgana Too's package. They were a bit challenging because of the slip stitch, but I loved every second I spent making them. I think I like the slip stitch mosaic patterns in the Sensational Socks books ever more than regular colorwork like Fair Isle. Unfortunately, one of the socks is currently back visiting me for some small repairs. It basically amounts to darning a hole, so it shouldn't take too long. Morgana Too will have her sock back in no time!
I had such fun with Morgana Too's pattern that I also made her a bookmark to go in her package that matched her socks. I unvented someone else's pattern who had contributed it to the sock swap blog. I read through what she had done, and I had a pretty good idea of how to start my own version. I started toe up on one end of the bookmark, knitted for a bit, used Fair Isle style colorwork to mimic the pattern in the sock, and then finished it off by kntting the other end cuff down. I would definitely try this one again, but I don't know if I would do the colorwork in the middle. I think this one might have been a once in a lifetime offering only for Morgana Too. It was fun to try out, and I think it might be a good way to use up some extra sock yarn to make some small Christmas presents. It might be time to start working a couple for the kids and my teaching partner at school.
Believe it or not, I still have more to show you, so come back in a few for the latest update!
To Be Blocked and Finished
I am an extraordinary procrastinator. Anyone who knows me at all can vouch for this fact. Today, however, I have made some effort to overcome my shortcomings and present these (sort of) finished objects. The knitting is all done, but they still need a few ends tied off and/or they need to be blocked. (I really need to invest in some blocking wires!)
Here are this summer's socks. First up is Fawkes. I used the Chinese New Year yarn from Scout's Indie Swag Round 1. I really like them, but with some loose ends, I haven't had the chance to wear them.
This is my version of Maude that I made for the knit along. I would love to be wearing this in our lovely SoCal fall weather, but I'm too lazy to get out my dental floss and sewing pins.
Here is my new beanie for this winter in case I get tired of Le Slouch. The pattern looked interesting one night so I went stash diving and cast on for it immediately. I think I'll tie it off today so I can wear it this week.
Here is my Hanami stole. This is what I used to occupy my time during the wildfires back in October. This one will be finished in time for spring even if I have to unvent some blocking wires from old clothes hangers!
Last but not least is my finished project for Secret of the Stole. I still haven't figured out the theme yet, but to be honest, I haven't really tried. Work has kept me way too busy to play with puzzles. I'll just wait for the announcement when it comes out. I may give in and block this one with dental floss this week. It might be nice to wear it for the DCA's party for work on Friday.
Here are this summer's socks. First up is Fawkes. I used the Chinese New Year yarn from Scout's Indie Swag Round 1. I really like them, but with some loose ends, I haven't had the chance to wear them.
The same is true for my Rockin' Sock Club Solstice Slip Socks. They are absolutely yummy--Socks That Rock really is my favorite sock yarn--but they have loose ends too.
I also finished a pair of socks in Perchance to Knit's Dianthus Pinks colorway. This is one of the patterns from Interweave's 25 Favorite Socks.
This is my version of Maude that I made for the knit along. I would love to be wearing this in our lovely SoCal fall weather, but I'm too lazy to get out my dental floss and sewing pins.
Here is my new beanie for this winter in case I get tired of Le Slouch. The pattern looked interesting one night so I went stash diving and cast on for it immediately. I think I'll tie it off today so I can wear it this week.
Here is my Hanami stole. This is what I used to occupy my time during the wildfires back in October. This one will be finished in time for spring even if I have to unvent some blocking wires from old clothes hangers!
Last but not least is my finished project for Secret of the Stole. I still haven't figured out the theme yet, but to be honest, I haven't really tried. Work has kept me way too busy to play with puzzles. I'll just wait for the announcement when it comes out. I may give in and block this one with dental floss this week. It might be nice to wear it for the DCA's party for work on Friday.
Stay tuned there is more to come!
Archibald Asparagus
You Veggie Tales fans out there will probably understand the reference. Even though I've supposedly had vacation this week, I still have Archie's song from "Are You My Neighbor?" running through my head. "Busy, busy, dreadfully busy..."
I had to work at school on Monday and Tuesday even though the kids were off. The staff normally attends a conference on those two days, but this year the school board elected to keep us home for in-services instead. I know it wasn't wasted time--we all got a lot of work done--but I really would have preferred to be at home with the DCA and the kids. I guess the highlight was knowing that all my lesson plans are written until Christmas, my homework assignment sheets for this week are done and posted online, and my report cards are written, sealed, and ready to go home on Wednesday.
Wednesday consisted of running a bunch of errands and a bit of knitting. Thanksgiving Day was probably the most restful of the bunch. We spent the afternoon with some friends, so I didn't have a lot of cooking to do. We just had to take along a bunch of side dishes to share. On Friday, the kids went to the Advent kick-off at church while the DCA and I got some Christmas shopping done. We are almost all finished except for shopping for each other.
On top of everything else I do, I'm the church's wedding hostess. Normally, it's a job I enjoy, but it was hard to get into this wedding since it was on the DCA's birthday. I really resented the interruption in my day with him. The rehearsal was on Friday evening, and it went fairly smoothly even though it was long. My friend, who always runs the sound board, and I will get some overtime pay out of it. The wedding was yesterday evening, and it was the longest wedding I've done in the last six years. The sermon during the ceremony was longer than any wedding I've done in the last six years. We actually had guests leave early! I certainly hope it was so they could get a head start on the way to the reception.
After the wedding, the DCA and I went out to a local Cuban restaurant to celebrate his big day. We didn't do anything fantabulous, but it was nice just to have some time with him. My favorite part of the day was when the children came to say good morning and happy birthday to him. They brought him a hand-written menu of items they wanted to make for his breakfast. He was very gracious and allowed them to serve him even though we had originally planned to take them out for pancakes or something. I did have to help a bit with the eggs, but it really is the thought that counts.
I've asked the DCA to help me take some pictures for the blog this afternoon, so I'm hoping to have a bunch of photos and updates to share. I just have to go look for everything that needs to be "shot"!
Back in a bit!
I had to work at school on Monday and Tuesday even though the kids were off. The staff normally attends a conference on those two days, but this year the school board elected to keep us home for in-services instead. I know it wasn't wasted time--we all got a lot of work done--but I really would have preferred to be at home with the DCA and the kids. I guess the highlight was knowing that all my lesson plans are written until Christmas, my homework assignment sheets for this week are done and posted online, and my report cards are written, sealed, and ready to go home on Wednesday.
Wednesday consisted of running a bunch of errands and a bit of knitting. Thanksgiving Day was probably the most restful of the bunch. We spent the afternoon with some friends, so I didn't have a lot of cooking to do. We just had to take along a bunch of side dishes to share. On Friday, the kids went to the Advent kick-off at church while the DCA and I got some Christmas shopping done. We are almost all finished except for shopping for each other.
On top of everything else I do, I'm the church's wedding hostess. Normally, it's a job I enjoy, but it was hard to get into this wedding since it was on the DCA's birthday. I really resented the interruption in my day with him. The rehearsal was on Friday evening, and it went fairly smoothly even though it was long. My friend, who always runs the sound board, and I will get some overtime pay out of it. The wedding was yesterday evening, and it was the longest wedding I've done in the last six years. The sermon during the ceremony was longer than any wedding I've done in the last six years. We actually had guests leave early! I certainly hope it was so they could get a head start on the way to the reception.
After the wedding, the DCA and I went out to a local Cuban restaurant to celebrate his big day. We didn't do anything fantabulous, but it was nice just to have some time with him. My favorite part of the day was when the children came to say good morning and happy birthday to him. They brought him a hand-written menu of items they wanted to make for his breakfast. He was very gracious and allowed them to serve him even though we had originally planned to take them out for pancakes or something. I did have to help a bit with the eggs, but it really is the thought that counts.
I've asked the DCA to help me take some pictures for the blog this afternoon, so I'm hoping to have a bunch of photos and updates to share. I just have to go look for everything that needs to be "shot"!
Back in a bit!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Safe for Now
Thank you for all your prayers, mental hugs, and good wishes. Our family has made it safely through the 2007 wildfires. There are so many people who haven't though, so please keep praying for the ones who have lost homes and the firefighters and rescue workers who remain on the lines helping to fight and to control the remaining fires.
The fire actually came within 1 to 2 miles of our house on Tuesday morning. We waited all day for the reverse 911 phone call to tell us to evacuate our home. We spent Tuesday watching the firefighting helos drop water on the active flames on the hills and mountains behind our home. By Tuesday night, the fire line had moved back to the east with the help of changing winds, and we were out of immediate danger. We continued to watch the fires all day Wednesday and yesterday to ensure we were safe. As of this morning, there are no remaining active hot spots in the fire closest to our home, but the firefighters are remaining on station to control any smoldering areas. There are areas in the county with active fires though, and some people are still being evacuated from their homes.
When some friends of ours who had to evacuate moved back into their homes yesterday, we decided it was safe to unpack the cars, and we did that last night when the DCA got home from work. Through all this, we only lost the glass in one picture frame. We are so blessed--especially in light of all those who have lost so much.
I've spent this week watching the news--in spite of my class's media fast--and working on Hanami. I bought the yarn and pattern earlier this year to remind me the school's spring trip to Washington, DC and that wonderful city I called home for 8 years. Now it will also be a reminder of this trying time San Diego has made it through. I think I'm about halfway through the stole now because I've started working on the cherry blossom petal sections. I've set it aside today to work on the Secret of the Stole, because hint 4 was released this morning.
I will probably find the camera later so I can post some shots of some FO's like the other Morgana's socks and some socks for me and my progress on both stoles.
Thank you for your comments this week--they've been a great morale boost in this scary time.
The fire actually came within 1 to 2 miles of our house on Tuesday morning. We waited all day for the reverse 911 phone call to tell us to evacuate our home. We spent Tuesday watching the firefighting helos drop water on the active flames on the hills and mountains behind our home. By Tuesday night, the fire line had moved back to the east with the help of changing winds, and we were out of immediate danger. We continued to watch the fires all day Wednesday and yesterday to ensure we were safe. As of this morning, there are no remaining active hot spots in the fire closest to our home, but the firefighters are remaining on station to control any smoldering areas. There are areas in the county with active fires though, and some people are still being evacuated from their homes.
When some friends of ours who had to evacuate moved back into their homes yesterday, we decided it was safe to unpack the cars, and we did that last night when the DCA got home from work. Through all this, we only lost the glass in one picture frame. We are so blessed--especially in light of all those who have lost so much.
I've spent this week watching the news--in spite of my class's media fast--and working on Hanami. I bought the yarn and pattern earlier this year to remind me the school's spring trip to Washington, DC and that wonderful city I called home for 8 years. Now it will also be a reminder of this trying time San Diego has made it through. I think I'm about halfway through the stole now because I've started working on the cherry blossom petal sections. I've set it aside today to work on the Secret of the Stole, because hint 4 was released this morning.
I will probably find the camera later so I can post some shots of some FO's like the other Morgana's socks and some socks for me and my progress on both stoles.
Thank you for your comments this week--they've been a great morale boost in this scary time.
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