A Fresh Start

I may not be fresh and ready for the new school year to start but my fruits and vegetables will be.

Oh what a difference one leader can make. The thing about the Michael Scott that left that was unlike the "real" Michael Scott (as if there actually were a REAL Michael Scott) was that she lacked sincerity. The New Michael Scott did in 45 minutes worth of usually useless meeting time what she was unable to do in 4 years.

He said essentially "Hey- I'm here. I'll do my best. I care about you and the kids and the school and the community. Let's have a weenie roast! I don't like them steamed- I'll do the grilling. I like to cut grass- I'll take care of that. Help me learn what I don't know. I'll be here before you get here every day. You can count on me."

I Don't Have A Stomach Ache About My New Boss. That can always change but it's a seriously MUCH better way to start the year. (If you're reading, my condolences HRDL)


Helping the situation is some luxury yarn. This is trying to be the Lacy Prairie Shawl from Folk Shawls- malabrigo lace-weight forest green. I also cast on for the same project in cascade marled eco-wool for something big and warm to do later this winter.



Hey kids- name this yarn- koigummmm- too easy. I just found the macro button on my camera. There's no real light this evening but consider yourself warned oh those afraid of closeups.

It's a wonderful town...

This is what Coney Island looks like on a hot day in August. It took every bit of effort to remain vertical in the heat!





I highly recommend West Side Story. Tony was a bit of an acting/singing disappointment but Maria and the rest of the cast made it worthwhile.

I don't understand. The mom of 4 kids in front of us bought skittles- sour gummy drops etc. for her children to crackle throughout the first 40 minutes of the show, stopping only when the German man behind us said, "Can't you find another time to eat? Stop It." Yay for the German guy.

It also begs the question- why the hell do they sell such things at the theater? My theory? People believe that the movies are now like their living room at home and the theater is like the movies. Ugh. It was a similar experience at The Lion King only it was running commentary in Italian-even that was tolerable because it is a sort of "for kids" kind of event.

After the show we went to Maxies on 48th and 7th. We both ordered Maxie's Classic Rueben which was essentially a pound of corned beef smothered in sauerkraut and swiss cheese. There might have been some bread underneath. Neither of us really got that far. It was a little more than I was hoping for (and how often do you get to say that?)



Today I worked on the HP bag. It'll do. Tomorrow I'll attempt inserting a lining. Having never done that, I'm happy for any advice you might send my way.

speed knitting

How's this for some lazya$$ blocking?



I also should have followed all good advice and stretched the stitches out regularly on the rh needle when switching colors. I'm not going to win any patience prizes for this one. There is some crochet finishing to seam the bottom and add form to the sides, some fringe and a strap. I was so obsessed by this that I feel like I wasn't even at last week's knit night. Busy counting red and yellow-gold (which also happens to be my two most not favorite colors together-I can admit that now that I've gotten through it)

I'm taking another train ride tomorrow to NYC- meeting the mama somewhere out there. We've go tickets to West Side Story on Saturday. I think this trip's "one new thing" will be to go to Brighton Beach/Coney Island. If it stays this hot, we won't be alone. Back on Sunday with hopefully no bad stories to tell (you may recall that the last time we tried this trip it was only for one night and the stagehands went on strike that very night.)

more knitting

My friend Maggie is going through a Harry Potter phase of epic proportions. Given that it's likely to last 6 months at best (she's entering 9th grade you know) I thought I'd better get this one on and off the needles as quick as I could. The HP FairIsle pouch bag can be found here. This much is done since about 11:00 this morning. I may even be able to have it finished by the time I see her on Wednesday. O.k. now that I've typed that it's certain that I won't but it will be close.

oh, there's some knitting

and as soon as I recover the misplaced camera, you'll see it. ETA-found it. : )

Daffydil forest canopy is bound off and blocked- thanks to those who suggested I do this sooner rather than later. Artful yarns' is a little twistier than what was used but it didn't really matter on the last 5" of bind off.




Angora/wool Central Park Hoodie is seamed with the ends woven in- could use a good blocking- may or may not get it.

On the needles? Wool Peddler's Shawl in Noro sock yarn, Slinky Ribs from Custom Knits in gold Elsbeth Lavold (though my dye lots don't match and I'm pondering solutions) and another Forest Canopy shawl in Lorna's Laces laceweight.

Each project on the needles has a different goal. The wool peddler's shawl is a new lace pattern- trying to expand my ability to read charts. The Slinky Rib is another attempt to follow written directions, and Forest Canopy in laceweight is an attempt to manipulate the thinner fiber into something beautiful. I know the pattern well so that the only issue will be the yarn weight.

Last night we took the dogwatchers to a Washington Wild Things baseball game. I entered the Tickets for Kids basket raffle. The first winner didn't claim the prize and my ticket was called as the back-up winner. Prizes included a terrible towel, an ipillow with a speaker inside, and various bags and lunch boxes. As the Wild Things lost, the prize basket became more and more exciting.

The dogwatcher drank a gallon and a half of beer in 4 hours. A gallon and a half. He seemed unaltered by this which was a good thing as far as I was concerned, but a damn gallon and a half!

not always the angel

This is a picture of little Miss Thing the night the kids stayed up until 2:00 am. I show her not at her very best because this afternoon as I was taking one of the NY'ers to Red Lobster and Harry Potter, she chewed into my fabric sock knitting bag and chewed every last size 2 wooden dpn I had.

In better news- a skein of "Artful Yarns" canary bound off forest canopy the Two. It will block tomorrow along with an EZ BSJ that's been done for months and will be part of a silent auction.

multi topic post no title applicable

Knit night- popcorn and m&m's mixed as a snack food. Must. Try.

Stray-Much to Liza's delight and Annabelle's dismay, there is a stray cat-very loving- hanging around the house. I mention this because Neghbor Marilyn told me that it and another neighborhood cat went "a$$ over tincups" down the hill in a territorial dispute. "A$$ over tincups." That cracked me up.

Yesterday was Rain Day here in the 'burg. For the 5 years that I've lived here, it's not really rained any significant amount on Rain Day. Usually around 4:00 pm you'll hear someone say "I think I felt a raindrop." or "Someone said it rained at the airport." (why yes, we do have an "airport" of sorts.)

This year it was pouring in the morning. Threatening around the afternoon. Mr. Sophanne and I discussed going for street fair food and he said "but it's raining" and I said "but that's the point." It was all very confusing.

We went with Liza but were stopped abruptly when I saw the "No Pets" sign. He got some fair food and I listened to the "wife calling your husband with a rolling pin" contest. This mostly consisted of screaming and the words "Get Your Butt...." etc.

As we sat at the side of the courthouse finishing dinner two young girls (7-10ish) approached to pet Liza. Then they turned into the "Look what I can do!" kind of kids. This "do" consisted of falling to her hands on the pavement and kicking her feet up in the air.

I told Neighbor Marilyn about this and she said "Where do these people come from? It's just not the same group of people there anymore" (or something to that effect.) Later I asked her if she had seen Neighbor Ellen and she replied "She's probably at Rain Day." Crack me up? yes.

And in news that is yet to be seen as good or bad, my Michael Scott is leaving. In an effort to list all that we've been through she mentioned that we didn't meet AYP standards (classy) and that we were no longer the county's best kept secret. She was tearful and apologetic about leaving. Most had no reaction as we had already learned this from the county's job-posting site. Best wishes Michael. Now I might friend you on Facebook.

Tomorrow I'm adventuring to Mountain Mama's house to pick blackberries and maybe play the flute. She lives way out there and going over always feels like a secret vacation. Last year we accidentally planned lessons for the start of the school year so anything is possible.

Seriously?

eta- there was not enough yarn to bind off-in spite of my best efforts. I believe at some point I will undo the bind off and go for the single purl to make sure I get to the end!




Angry KG must have moved East. Maybe it's just the Wicked KG of the East.

What you see here is the Forest Canopy Shawl in Stitchjones' one of a kind only skein sold Daffodil. The second photo is where I thought I saw trouble ahead and switched from the pattern bind off (which called essentially for twice as much yarn for a heavier edge) to a regular purl bind off.

I will fix it someday. Go back. Take out two rows from the bottom edge. Put it back on the needles. Reknit. Cast off. Not today. For now, it's in Time Out.

Friends, this is much worse than running out of yarn on a long-tail cast-on.

Though secretly I am impressed that I came this close when guessing when to start the bottom edge which means this will likely happen again and that's just sick

A week's worth

Seven pairs of socks so far. Although I'm not sure I'm counting the first pair on the left. They're made of AlpacaSox and may or may not be superwash- hence not appropriate for the weekly washing cycle.



The way I see it, I have maybe seven more pairs to knit and all sock yarn will be accounted for.

Also in progress is the incredibly colorful and warm though possibly not at all attractive Sockghan.

I don't love long socks. A six inch top means that I can half it and do the heel so I stick with that formula. As a result, there is usually about a sock's worth of yarn leftover. I could cast on a third (as suggested by a knit night friend) for those just in case times but really, who wants to cast on for a THIRD sock?

This is a work in progress. I'm pretending that the black will "pull it all together" and make it looked like stained glass. It's the basic granny pattern from Babette- only I'm not paying attention to square sizes and ragtag attaching them as I finish.



Central Park Hoodie the Two has one front ribbed band completed- left to do is the other side, some sleeve attaching, side seaming, and blocking.

This Just In

Girl and Dog Reunited.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Rewards for Survival

We found the rental car place- a short 7 mile drive with a google map on the itouch. Too bad the cab driver that took us back to the hotel didn't have it. He turned it into a 15 mile drive on highways at 90 mph. I'm sure he's now thinking "those people from out of town NEVER tip." Cabbies should think twice about scamming the tourists with all of the techno-gadgets there are revealing their dishonesty.

It's a 7:00 am flight and we'll get the dog on the way home (around 7:00 pm tomorrow)

With an afternoon to kill, Mr. Sophanne's bloodhound-like nose found a casino a block or two from the hotel. His reward for a week survived. (and yes, there is an apple pie in the hotel fridge and some sushi for lunch for me)

I plan on working/finishing my daffydil Forest Canopy Shawl- what a nice break from socks it will be. I also downloaded myself a little reward for the flight home. For $23.99 I got all of season one of"Flight of the Conchords". Hotel internet made for speedy downloading and I've divided them up on the itouch, the ipod and the computer to make the battery life last. I'm actually looking forward to the long flight!

It's second best only to your reassuring comments and stories that got me through the week!

Fairfield is Good

We are in a hotel near SeaTac. Last night I slept on a couch and Mr. Sophanne slept on a twin bed mattress. We made an executive decision to spend two rather than one night in a hotel.

Ten days of family seemed to do it for everyone. Three of the five may come to swim at the hotel tomorrow. I may have understated the meltdowns. Or else maybe they are looking bigger in hindsight. Full-blown screaming temper tantrums may be a more accurate description. And now we are done for the year and maybe they'll grow out of them next year. Democratic versus dictatorial parenting. Democracy leads to temper tantrums when the rational breaks down. Someone's probably written a graduate thesis on this but having lived it, I think I'll pass. Sometimes "because I said so" should just take precedence.

As the non-parent in the mix, I still have a little eye twitch that I'm sure I'll recover from by October or so.

There were plenty of good and smiling times and like many other adventures I've had, I'm sure eventually I'll remember this one fondly. Right now, I'm going to knit and try not to think about finding the rental car place, finding our way back to the hotel and getting on an airplane for hours and hours. Maybe it would be best to watch some video of the dog.

Issaquiet in Issaquah

We've left the beach house and 3 of the 5 youngun's behind. We're now at son and DIL's house. I am decompressing. I imagine they are too.

There is a distinct difference between parenting techniques between the two families. There are advantages to both but I'm glad we're ending our visit in this quieter place. Any more whining crying meltdowns and I was pretty sure I would throttle someone.

Two nights here- and some quality time with Walter Longfellow the dog- part retreiver part Great Dane- what a mix! Head like a lab- body like a Dane- ball chasing skillz of the lab- relative stoicism of the Dane. He's a most peculiar pup.

I am beginning to return to my own body.

T

T-ball and Tacos and lots of sun. Two more socks to add to the mix.

some poetry

I forgot momentarily that in between refereeing we found some time to write a poem based on two favorite phrases of Lily (9) and Levi (7)

Lily went off to the ocean.
Levi went off to the sea
They thought that they would catch some fish
But neither did succeed.
Lily said, "Whatever."
Levi said "So What."
Becky said, "What's wrong with you kids?! I'll give a big kick in the butt."

Levi climbed a mountain
Lily climbed a hill
The saw a goat carrying a boat
take an awful spill.
Lily said, "Whatever."
Levi said "So What."
Becky said, "What's wrong with you kids?! I'll give a big kick in the butt."


Levi went to Pluto
Lily went to Mars
Fortunately for both of them they remembered
their peanut butter jars.
Lily said, "I like this."
Levi said, "Me too!"
Becky said, "Get Back here you kids I'm so lonely without you!"

from Frederick Galleries titled "Ice Cream Meltdown"

and for the record, no matter how good they are with kids, boys will be boys. Just as the peak of the tantrum subsided, Mr. Sophanne called the tantrum thrower a "baby" and said we'd get a plane ticket and leave tonight. Eventually apologies were exchanged and all is well with the world but, well... you know.

Blackjack anyone?

Nothing says "family vacation" like an early morning blackjack lesson.

Day is Done

I am glad. Called the dog. She's o.k.

We spent the afternoon at the pool.

I'm really not so much a people person.

new beach houses

Mr. Sophanne and entourage returned from the store with poptarts, fruitloops, and 3 bags of gummy worms ignoring the fact that they just had eggs, soy milk, and toast as per what the mama recommends.

This for children whose dietary sugar is limited generally to one small candy/piece of gum a day. I was not amused and almost became the tsk tsk'er but then figured- what the hell-it's vacation for them too. If we keep feeding them sugar, we can prolong the meltdown. So far so good but I feel really bad for the mama and the papa tonight.

After amply supplied with empty calories we explored at the shore. No crab was safe. I insisted that Bob explain the Buddha's "Hurt no Living Thing" premise to them and without complaint, when we left, the crabs were returned to their natural habitat. They may need some trauma therapy after being banished to the "punishment shell" within the rock circle of crabness.



Mr. Sophanne also introduced one of his favorite pastimes- "Nature Art."



We're looking forward to watching the tide slowly decimate this abode in "our" back yard. It was all we could do not to throw rocks at it to speed up the process.

We drove down the road a bit to explore swimming options for tomorrow and found more shore very similar to that in the back yard.

I learned that you can do the same thing in a different place with kids and to them it will feel different. (I knew it was true of the songs we sing in kindergarten-same tune-different words-only the very brightest will pause and say "hey... that sounds like...") The house building continued.




After the youngest said "I'm Hungry" we skipped the trip to the grocery store- I was oh so wary of the meltdown potential- and ate at a nearby Mexican Restaurant- a stroke of brilliance on the part of Mr. Sophanne and stupidly- something I wouldn't have thought of. And now here's the kicker... we didn't have a doggie bag. All kids ate all food (each other's and/or their own) and there was no food trauma.

A public thanks to all of the experienced mamas reading and commenting and joining me on this trip. It has reduced my stress level considerably to know you're out there and have got my back.

New Olympic Event

Much like its predecessor, Volleyshoe is an excellent beach game. Played with a size 2 purple croc (specs can and do vary) there are fewer volleys and skilled play is based on the drama of the hit more than the accuracy.

"Getting Under the Shoe" and "Setting the Shoe" is encouraged as is "Diving for the Shoe." To date the record number of successful volleys is three.

The advantage to Volleyshoe over it's more traditional Volleyball is that the shoe does not go rolling off into the water. Volleyshoe appears to have the effect of keeping seven and nine year old siblings bicker-free (and occasionally apologizing for poor volleys) for OVER FORTY MINUTES.



For those of you joining me on this journey, here is a map of where you are. The beach in the photo above is Alki Beach in West Seattle. Our cozy cottage is a few blocks south of here.



And now, because you are my friends and I feel I can trust you, I have to tell you that sometimes kids make me crazy and impatient. While I'm sure the impression I've often given is one of absolute patience and kindness (and I have maintained this external illusion thus far here on Fantasy Island), I may start to lose it pretty soon.

Mr. Sophanne is experiencing some slight reaction with some of his food allergies and and is certain that his heart will likely explode any minute in a way that only a man with some discomfort can be.

This left me large and in charge for about 3 hours this morning. While I know I should be the good and patient wife, I struggle. I forced him out of bed this morning and said "It's nine o'clock." He seemed distressed that I was more concerned with the time than with the pain in his side (NOT near his heart.)

He has now decided to push his way through the pain and I've got a little down time as they are adventuring in the car. If there is something seriously wrong, I'll have this post to make me feel guilty for the rest of my life. If not, then I'm guessing many of you know exactly where I'm coming from in the Mars/Venus world.

For the past 5 years of marriage, Mr. Sophanne and I have taken this family trip, visiting, trying to create good family memories etc. I am not the evil step-mother. I'm not even old enough to be the mother of his children- which in many circumstances could be (and in the beginning- was) slightly awkward.

I told him on our journey here that for the first time, I felt welcomed, loved and that family was looking forward to seeing me and that my only real anxiety was the air travel and kid overload.

I shared this with his daughter as well when we went shopping and we had one of those "yea, we're o.k." moments.

During the trip I took note of the lovely cut flowers and knew that while we were paying for the food, adding flowers to the mix would be considered less than frugal. No biggie.

This afternoon, when daughter's husband and smallest child came back from taking the mama to work, they delivered these.

They are the nicest flowers I've ever gotten with the most sincere sentiment behind them. I got me some in-laws and they're pretty awesome.

I found a more better vase but would feel a little self-conscious taking another picture of them. Know that they are now appropriately housed.





AND- I made pasta, sausage and toasted bread for 5 adults and 5 kids and there was enough and it didn't suck!

Also there was a dead red jellyfish in "our" backyard. Coincidentally enough- it looks like the sauce we had with dinner.

Former selves

Dear Pre-Vacation Self,

Thank you for packing the BullFrog no deet and Benadryl

Love,

Vacation Self

p.s. if you ever need 9 year old "slightly aloof" kids to get all huggy and cuddly, tell them that you miss your dog and you need someone to take her place for some "I love you" time.

Puget Sound

Every now and then the camera can make things look more dramatic than they really are. Things aren't quite this dark but there has been some thunder and it looks promising.

Also missing are the sound effects of Mr. Sophanne talking about his ancestry and the book he's been working on about it, 5 laughing screaming children and one daughter-in-law talking about what she wants to do to her house next. You can filter the pleasant and unpleasant sounds for yourself

Steak, salmon, and an avocado salad with some water chesnut-like crunchy addition (that I can't remember the name of) for dinner with fresh green beans and bread. (now I feel like I'm twittering but I told you I was going to share the experience-and it's keeping me sane.)

Groceries for lunch and dinner purchased along with a small package of Fran's decadent award winning gray salt caramels. Daughter of Mr. Sophanne (not the house talker) is an herbalist and I'm not sure if this is a standard PMS cure but it certainly did not hurt.

we let the little people carry the bags.

A good night's sleep- some bagels and a walk to Miller Park a block away.



Heading to Puget Sound this afternoon.



We let the little people carry the bags.

The Zoo

I only carried one bag- Mr. Sophanne wore shoes- The hippo went in and out of the water.

Old Dog- New Tricks

Lessons learned from Seattle '08 and '07.

1. Get a hotel room the night you arrive and the night before you leave. This relieves all pre and post travel anxiety and keeps everyone fresh and happy for meeting and greeting. It helps if you're Mr. Sophanne and you search the credit card companies for bonus Fairfield Marriot night points. This hotel has wifi- yippee.

2. Don't quit reading and writing blogs. It may be the only thing that keeps you sane.

3. Not every flight is as bad as the last few we've had and we've arrived safely and in relatively decent humors. I recommend 50 mg of xanax and 3 ibuprofen to take the edge off.

Ya'll are coming on this vacation with me- not just reading about it later.

Another lesson from Seattle '09

When your flight takes you from Pittsburgh to Seattle via Dulles in Washington DC, the actual flight time to Seattle is extended by about the same time it took you to get to DC. doh.

Mr. Sophanne can find treats (ice cream, muffins, milk, chexmix, and yogurt) anywhere. If he were ever to go on Survivor, they would all have apple pie as a bedtime snack.

Let the lessons Begin-Seattle Adventure '09

As we prepare once again to trek across the country, I've learned a few things and we haven't even left yet.

1. It's much harder to leave your dog the second year than the first (when she was still doing annoying puppy things.) Can you say Niagra Falls? Oy. Didn't see that coming.

2. I can fit all of my leftover sock yarn as well as enough for 3 pairs of socks without even an extra bulge in the luggage. Much wiser than trying to haul a whole sweater from ocean to ocean.

3. It is possible to convince Mr. Sophanne that he does NOT need to pack Four. Pairs. of Shoes. for a ten day vacation. We've got it down to two. I may regret this later but at least he'll get a new pair of shoes out of it.

4. The cat doesn't look so bad when the dog's gone.

We're going to the zoo on Friday. If see you a Steve Martin/Herman Munster/Ralph Kramden sort of friendly looking guy playing around at the Seattle Zoo with 5 monkeys of his own, be sure to stop and say hi. I'll be the one carrying all the stuff. He'll be the one with no shoes.

Dear Winter Self

In addition to 5 pairs of socks, I knitted you some giant mittens. I hope you like them.



Debbie Bliss Chunky Cashmerino- size 10 dpns- cast on 30 stitches- used Ann Budd's How to knit everything book and the 30 stitches column.

The last few pairs I've knit (not with the same yarn) have been too short at the top. (nothing to do with her pattern- plenty to do with me not measuring accurately at all.)These are a little too long at the top. 23 rows from gusset to decrease was about 3 too many. Maybe summer self will make another pair.

The green is some duplicate stitching because that can be so enjoyable. Yea, the thumbs don't have any decoration but big deal.

Who says I don't knit for others?

If Mr. Sophanne says it, it must be so.

This afternoon, my dear husband called me a "bag ho." This is no surprise. It seems that the bag bug hits just before travel time when I am hoping to get the perfect travel bag bags.

I loves me some Namaste. I had three of these pieces- I just got the Hermosa, the mini-clutch and the needle cozy this week from Scout and man oh man does she understand the need for a bag fix. My order couldn't have arrived any faster if she had gotten on a plane and delivered it herself.

I'm not even going to try to justify these purchases- we're traveling again soon- the laptop fits in the big one. The miniclutch is a perfect wallet. All Completely Unnecessary. All I can say is that I had to label this picture bagho2 because bagho was already taken in the picture file.

insert *i could have had a v8 * sound- really loud

Remember how when I got a new computer I was too impatient to save for the MacBookPro and instead figured a regular MacBook would do the trick?

Remember how I was a little peeved at Apple for not mentioning that the regular MacBook did not have a firewire?

Remember how I was disappointed that my new computer did not recognize my dv video recorder?

A series of events (which included Mr. Sophanne getting lucky at his favorite casino and the acquisition of a compatible video camera) sent me to the applestore to find video editing software. Seeing that the software I was looking at was $400 (and slightly out of my price range) I clicked on "education store." There I found my school and discovered that I could get the same software at a 60% discount. I also found a MacBookPro for the same price as the lesser machine I am using now.

Aargh.

At any rate, August may very well bring some "amateur high tech" video editing. Something that I was not able to do with last summer's vacation video plans. I really don't know what I'm doing but I think it's all so cool.

In knitting news- Matilda has her third pattern repeat. I am on sock number 10.2.

Matilda

And almost more amazing than blackberries is Matilda.




Sock Count- 9.33

I *heart* blackberries

so you can imagine my joy and surprise when I found some in my backyard. It's amazing what you can discover when it's not 95 degrees with 95% humidity (Cindy- if I had known the weather was going to be like this I would have sent out an invitation)

but wait there's more

The good news is that uncle seems "back to normal." Aunt is positive. Others are waiting for the dr.'s report. That everything happened so quickly is a sign that medication could have been involved. Also the internets tells me that depressive episodes and hydrocephalus can create such symptoms. We are not sure but for now Aunt is relieved, I am home and on call, and there is more NYC sharing to be had.

As I said, BT spent a good bit of time being more "Teen" than "Boy." However, there was a moment as the train approached the station that I clearly heard him slightly squeal "I get to ride on a Train!"



GT's most favorite moment was definitely Madame Tussaud's. She took a photograph of every single wax figure. At the end of the tour she got the wax hand. She spent the rest of the evening in awe repeatedly stating- "I can't believe I have my hand in wax."

This was said even as we finished milkshakes in one of the parks near Broadway and her head slipped down and she nearly fell asleep practically on her feet. This was likely caused by the fact that they both played PS2 and Wii until 3:00 am at our house the night before.



Here we are at Giovanni's in Little Italy. You'll notice the cokes on the table. The waiter asked if we wanted Pellegrino. I was all in favor. They didn't know what was going on. He came, poured it into crystal water glasses- it all looked very upscale. They took a sip of theirs and simultaneously "thphphtted." They wanted none of it.

They were, however, in favor of the footlong confetti poppers found in Chinatown. They were especially pleased to pop one out the window of the hotel and onto a nearby roof.



Here they are on the streets of NY- this was before the hoodie so you don't really get the full effect. GT's second favorite moment was when we found a soccer store in Little Italy. She's wearing "John Terry's" number with his name on the back- Even more appropriate given that Terry is the last name at House of Sophanne.

BT said "all we need are pants and we'll have a whole new outlook." (I think he meant look- but the mispeak really said more.)



GT, at the train station said," I was afraid when I saw those dogs (police dogs.) They probably think this box in my luggage is a bomb."

Seems to me that 14 is a lot like 2- balancing between kid and adult-trying out new identities-laughing and shouting "again! again!" when the music teacher races them down the hallway of the hotel. You can't directly tell them what you want them to know.

Me: Mr. Sophanne says to count the seconds between mile markers to see how fast you're going once you leave Philadelphia.

GT/BT: Ha Ha- we can't count to five.

Later BT: We're going faster now.
GT: We're passing the cars.
BT: yeah, and they're going 70, 80 90 at the most.

They want little or no part of anyone obviously pointing out how the world sometimes works- instead let them figure it out by either watching or trying.

It was indeed an experience for everyone.

Responsible Adult Resides Here.

We have returned from the bright lights big city. All in one piece. So much to observe.

Mr. Sophanne and I were at a NJ beach with his grandson (then aged 3) about 5 years ago. Every now and then, Little Levi would walk ahead of the family unit with some other group of people as if he were "trying out" other families just to see what it was like. He was always safe and never wandered too far away.

This is what BT (boyteen) did for about 60% of the NY trip. He bought an oversized NY ball cap- very loud even for black and white, a Billabong hoodie, and some mirrored sunglasses. Most of the time walking in the city, he played "gangsta" with himself. He had gotten a new pair of pants before going to the city which included plastic chains hanging from them. He lost one of these chains when it got caught on a seat on the train.

A trip to the city with "redneck" (they referred to themselves as this) teenagers is full of memorable moments. In sharing them I hope you get a chuckle and realize that I am not really laughing at them, only enjoying the learning moments of the trip.

"I can't believe we ate at Red Lobster. The nicest restaurant I've ever been to is Eat-N-Park."

"They have cloth napkins."

As we prepared to go to our 4th floor room, one pointed to elevator #4 assuming it was the one we had to use.

While dining at the Hard Rock Cafe, both of them (dressed in varying degrees of their perception of gangsta attire) ordered non-alcoholic "drinks." BT ordered a second. GT (girl teen) just one. As the waitress brought our check she said, "You guys have had a few too many. We're going to have to roll you up the steps." They thought this was hysterical. Upon finding out the receipt in their hands entitled them to complimentary glasses, they started to walk out with the glasses they had been drinking out of and some explanation was required to convince them that they would get new, clean, boxed glasses.

The trip was a sine wave of silliness, exhaustion, interest, and identity searching. We won't talk about the near nervous breakdown I had on the way there on the train in Philadelphia when I sat there wondering WTF AM I DOING? (fortunately they were oblivious to this moment of panic)

In other news, not so good, when I returned I found out that my uncle is in the hospital with what is believed to be advanced stages of Alzheimer's. The belief is that he was doing a fairly good job of hiding it (with my aunt's help-although I'm not sure she was admitting there was anything wrong.) That's the only way I can explain the fast progression of the disease although they are still testing him and the possible interactions of the various medications he's been on.

I have read all of my Google reader posts. It is a joy to have friends such as you to come home to. I may be out of touch for a while but please know I'm reading your blogs to keep that sense of normalcy-or that shared sense of "we're all in this thing called life" together.

Sock Total = 7



Sock Details: size 2 dpn- 60 stitches pictured below from left to right a mystery skein purchased in Florida in Summer of 06, Regia from Marc at Knit Night (Summer 09), Happiest Girl from Abundant Yarns in Portland OR(summer 08), and Regia from a destash bin at Waynesburg Sheep and Fiber(Spring 09),



Those 2 kids come tomorrow evening and we pick up the train on Monday morning. Travel treats include an EasyShare camera, a blank journal with appropriate stickers, rechargable batteries, a map of Manhattan, and a deck of cards.

gratuitous mirror image

First knits often get the gratuitous mirror shot so this will be the token sewing mirror image.

For as badly as this went while I was doing it, (I clearly need more practice and patience when it comes to gathering) I believe this will be a wearable and comfortable garment. Go Figure.

There are elastic issues at the top-as in the elastic sneaks up past the top hem. I won't be wearing anything tucked in with it but that wasn't the plan anyway.

For a first go-round I am pleased with the effort. There is still some finishing to do. Maybe when it's done Mr. Sophanne will take the "money shot."

flummoxed part deux

A list of things done in the last 24 hours.

1. Test the sewing machine. All is well.

2. Read the pattern about 15 times. I think I've got it.

3. Pick up plenty of fabric at Joanne's.

4. Wash, dry AND IRON said fabric. No short cuts here. I'm doing this one right.

5. Cut the pieces according to the directions- oh the thrill/anxiety/freedom of cutting without a pattern. It only took until the fourth piece to let my math skills work for me.

6. Retest the sewing machine. Holy crap! The stitches are the right width and the right tension. That NEVER happens.

7. Load up the bobbin.

8. Begin to sew pieces together only to find that my sewing machine prefers reverse no matter where the little switchy knob thing is.

9. Take a shower and call it a day.

I put it in "reverse" to wind the bobbin. It never came back. Also the foot pedal randomly snaps down although I haven't caught my fingers yet. Damn.

I wanted to be one of those people who declared the greatness of their 20 year old sewing machine.

Most of me wants to go visit that place that sells stuff cheap and pick one up on Monday (waiting so that Mr. Sophanne doesn't worry that I'm obsessing about it.) Part of me says quit while I can.

flummoxed

That describes the dog with me home all day. I think she may be secretly disappointed not to be able to greet me in the afternoons. We've kept to our walk in the a.m. regimen, beating the rain on several occasions.



The makings of the Karma Throw. Who knew Mission Falls made cotton yarn asked the girl assuming it would be wool. It's a very interesting textury sort of fiber and while it's maybe not my favorite thing to knit with, I believe I will be pleased with the washable results.



Sock Count- I'm up to three. I have a working theory on using stash yarn. I'm not sure if we are psychologically disposed to use it as we should. The stripey yarn came as a destash prize from knitnight Marc. I had no problems ripping it open and laying down a sock. As I ponder using yarn that I purchased and have marinating, I am less inclined to do so. What's up with that? Is it the "what if the perfect pattern comes along and I've used that yarn already?" syndrome. As if more yarn could never be gotten. Like I said, it's a working theory. No conclusions yet.



I've been googling peasant skirts and believe that they are the most perfect article of summer clothing for my buddha belly and not always perfectly shorn legs. The link is a "how-to" without messing around with those pesky patterns. That may be next week's goal. I can only hope that the fabrics at Joanne's are more appealing than the yarns.

Also- note to self. Spices make food taste better. We whimsically picked up chicken seasoning and miraculously ate food last night that, as Mr. Sophanne put it, "didn't taste like you were eating it because it was good for you." All Hail Chicken Seasoning.

Whiz Bang of a Finish

So, I stopped in my Michael Scott's office to get the final "you're done for the year" signature and attempting to make conversation said something trite like- "another good year."

To which Michael replied- "It was a pissy year."

I said, "At least it's over."

Is it any wonder that we're first in line for the "Why Do You Have More Stickie Notes Than I Do-How to Improve your Work Climate" seminars?

Summer Vacation Day One- Dog walk, nap, yarn sorting, clutter rearranging, laundry, defrost the chicken kind of day.

Sock #3 is on the needles.

GooglescammerReader

Can someone please tell me how to make the advertisements that appear when I click my "next" button for google reader disappear?

I click along thinking I'm going to get wisdom from Rosemary, a decent cakewreck, a captioned LOLcat, or chickenlips displaying her wares on her Etsy site and am suddenly held hostage by teeth whitening "blogs."

In knitting news... I'm working on the hood of the Central Park Hoodie- version bunny. It should be done within the week. The seaming doesn't bother me but I may balk a little at the ribbed edging stitches that will have to be picked up and knitted.

I'm waiting for this kit to arrive from Canada so while cph was blocking I cast on a plain vanilla sock. I'm wondering how many plain vanilla socks I can knit in one summer. Mr. Sophanne says 28. I might try to knit through my sock stash since a dog we all know has done a number on my earliest socks.

So what is your guess on the number of socks an attention deficit knitter can knit in 2 months? (one at a time on dpns)

Today is brought to you by

... the llama song.

I woke up with it in my head. None of the words. Just llama over and over and I couldn't remember the punchline (duck.) I kept thinking llama llama goat.

At one point (6:30ish)in the I'm never really fully awake until 10:00 am morning I found myself wandering my home, searching for a bra to wear with nothing in it's place, with the llama song in my head. (Half nekkid girl wandering the house with the llama song in her head) As the search got longer- the song went faster. I was sure I was going to find it at the same time as the punchline in the song- didn't happen. Support was found under some clothes. The song continued. I remembered the word "duck." At the same moment I looked on the kitchen table and saw another bra- just hanging out on the kitchen table. Apparently I'm not so coherent in the post-knit night hours after 9:00 pm. Seriuosly- I crack me up.

What was so distracting? All I can figure is that I was still basking in the pleasant aura of a really nice knit night.

I've had a little cold and thought about skipping another week but something (probably KNQDebbie) pushed me onward. When I got there, Marc was passing out some free Reggia sock yarn that he was trying to destash.

Ruth gave me a present-a "Global Monopoly" -the electonic/travel edition (with ATM cards instead of money) to play with the kids on the train

Judy asked KNQD what she was knitting and Debbie said "a chicken." That just makes me laugh. When explaining how she was knitting it in the round and then going to steek it to stuff it I suggested that her chicken was going to get an episiotomy. Her daughter recently built a chicken house and therre were stories of chickens and eggs as well.

Joyce said "I wouldn't win a lottery if I was the only one entered."

The thing about knit night is when you're feeling less than perfect, your friends come, hang out with you, and laugh at your stupid comments. Then you feel a little less less than perfect.