Weekends are for relaxing…

Then why is it that most of try to cram a weeks vacation into a long weekend?

Friday night I did get to relax after dropping DD off after her music lesson. I went to Laural and Bob's to sit in their hot tub under a canopy of white wisteria blossoms.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Saturday started off kind of gloomy.  My friend wanted to go buy some flowers, and although she had lived in the area for 10+ years, she had never been to Mahoney's! Imagine that!  So off we went on a road trip!

It started to drizzle when we arrived, but we were undeterred and soft gentle sprinkle felt good in the hot humid air.

We eventually filled up our carts and my car!

I came home with a flat of red and white impatiens, a flat of mixed marigolds, and a flat of mixed dianthus, a pot of shasta 'crazy' daisies, a carpet rose (Appleblossom) - gorgeous!, some basil, a couple of cherry tomato plants, a couple of hot pink and white varigated geraniums. a hanging varigated lobelia, a couple of columbine, and yet another hydrangea to kill, although this is an 'Endless Summer' one so I am hoping it takes.  I planted it next to my stand of Iris which appear to be having a bumper year.  All the flags have 3+ buds on each stem!  Just gorgeous this year.  My hydrangea vine is doing well too.  So most of it got planted by Saturday afternoon.

DD and I watched "Memoirs of a Geisha" Sat. night.  We loved this movie, but it was so sad.

Sunday morning, I met up with some knitting buds from the SnB-NH group at Greeley Park in Nashua.  It was lovely to sit in the park with friends and just knit.  I'm still working on the Icarus Shawl - and I'm on Chart 3. DD went with me so ended up doing a bit o' shopping just to shut her up. 

Then I took off Sunday night and left her home.  She called shortly after I had left to say she was going to a friends…. but failed to mention they were going to a carnival.  Kewl! I could stay later and not have to worry about getting home any time soon. We ate and drank and played Scene It.  I had never played Scene It before, but it was loads of fun.  Of course Nancy won LOL!

Monday, we ended up going back up to Nashua to get the dress DD saw yesterday but didn't want to buy.  Overnight she had discovered a reason that she must have the dress.  We then went over to my sister's for a cookout.  I just love grill'in time of year don't you?

I'm exhausted and needed to come back to work to get some rest LOL!

ya gotta have friends…

Thank you all for your kind words.  It still amazes me the friendships that can grow just from 'connecting' online.

Now to try to get back on track in the knitting and spinning vein, which is keeping my mind busy and my soul sane right now…

Sunday I did attend the colonial spinning bee which although not very well attended in numbers probably due to the weather, was a lot of fun.  I got to connect with some new spinners who were just wonderful and very friendly.  For awhile we throught we would dodge the rain and the sun did try to come out, but eventually gave way to the clouds and rain.

I've been busy knitting the Icaras Shawl from the Spring 2006 Interweave mag.  I am amazed at how fast it's going and what a lovely and easy pattern it is to knit.  I need to get this done for a wedding I am going to late June.

I also have some handpainted yarn coming from the yarncoop soon.  I already have plans to knit this into a shawl.

My friend Dena had taken up knitting during her illness, and I know she was planning on knitting a blanket for her daughter, but unfortunately it never got done.  I think this is a project that I need to take on. 

I do plan on coming to the Java Room tonight.  I need to get out of the house.

In Memory of Dena

This weekend I lost a dear friend to non-hodgkins lymphoma.

Dena and I met on line way before the unwashed masses descended upon the big World Wide Web.  We were both pregnant with our first and only girls and we were older than most first moms, but we found support in the Misc.kids newsgroup.

Our daughters were born one month apart and since we both lived in the Boston area, we were anxious to meet and show off our babies.  That spring we attended the first misc.kids picnic, with our by then 4 month old babies.  We were instantly friends.

The girls became close and we would often take them to the aquarium, or to parks, and we would even visit them when they took their vacation in Ogunquit, Maine. 

A year ago this  past December Dena was diagnosed with this horrible disease and all though her prognosis was not good and the odds were against her, there was no doubt in my mind that she would beat it and get through this.

Over this past year she has undergone two bone marrow transplants and endless bouts of chemo therapy, and although her body was ravaged, she remained upbeat and positive.

I guess that's why her death this past Sunday at 3:45am was such a shock to me and to all her friends and family.

I know her biggest fear was that her daughter might not remember her.  But when I talk and see her, I see all the wonderfulness that was Dena in her daughter and I know that she will never be forgotten.

Through all of this her life partner Micheal was with her, spending every moment taking care of Dena and their daughters needs.  He is truely a saint of a partner and a wonderful father.  And my heart aches that he has lost his beloved Dena.

The world has lost a truely extraordinary woman, a loving partner and wonderful mother.

So rest in peace my dear friend, you deserve the rest.  Let us pick up where you left off.  I know we can't possibly measure up to you, but we will strive to be stronger, and more loving of those you left behind.  Even with this big hole in my heart today, I know that you are still there to fill me up, and that you will always be with us.

I’m special!

Thank you Jena for my wonderful present! I love it!

Check out what Jena got for moi

It's a keychain sock blocker and a pattern for knitting an itty bitty sock. How cool is that?  I know not as cool as Dave's Willy Warmer Stretcher that he got last weekend.

But I love my present! 

Worldwide Knitting in Public Day 2006

Here are the tentative details from our hostess

Worldwide Knit in Public Day, Saturday, June 10th at Greeley Park, Nashua, NH

The park is accessible from Main Street in Nashua or exit 7, off Route 3

The park has real bathrooms available.

We are doing a potluck, so bring something to pass, a chair or blanket, and your knitting.

The times are tentative too, but there should be someone there between noon and 5pm.

This is all weather permitting so if it rains then we will probably just do our usual Sunday at Borders in Nashua on the DW Highway.

More to come when plans firm up a bit.

I think I’m growing mold…

It has now been raining forever I think…. at least it's been pouring since I landed last week, and enough already!  I think I need to find out just how big a cubit is.

Let's see where did this weekend go?

I did work from home on Friday, so I was able to do some dyeing for the Dye-O-Rama.  SEE!

 

I call this one Night Shades because it reminds me of the sky in the evening between the sun setting and dark falling, with the Navy Blue, Turquoise and Purple.

I called this one Adirondack Autumn.  With the burgandy, gold and green.  It reminds of driving through the mountains on a peak foliage weekend in the Fall.

Both skeins are 100% merino fingerweight and perfect for socks.  I actually used Rit Dyes and mixed my own colors.

I did the swatches on size 3s or 4s I just grabbed something close, so the colors will distribute a bit differently when knitted up on 1s or 2s.

Now I have to decide which one to send to my secret pal.  I love them both.

The other two skeins didn't come out as well (sigh) but that's the way it goes some times.

On Saturday DD and I did brave the torrential rains and headed up the NH for the NHSW festival.  It was very, very wet and damp.  I did look for the bloggers, but it was just too wet and miserable to actually try and find anyone.

I did score some more Llama down to spin, in a lovely chocolately brown.  I also scored some fleece combs from Caroline's booth. 

And I managed to scoop some new Regia Silk in a pretty pink.  This stuff is soooo soft! But after dodging from one barn to another and forging some really big puddles that resembled lakes, and after scarfing down some handcut fries, and a hot coffee, DD was whining so it was time to head on home.

Sunday of course was Mother's Day.  DD said she did get me a card but couldn't find it - it's the thought right?

My sister, her family, DD and I braved the torrential rains and managed to get down to my mom and dad's for a lobster feast. YUM!  It was a nice day inspite of the horrible weather.

Knitting… yes I did take some knitting down with me.  I ripped out for the umpeenth time the shawl I was trying to knit.  This pattern just wasn't working for me.  Then I saw the Icaras in the latest Interweave mag.  It's pretty and fairly mindless which is what I really need right now.  So I cast that on and so far I have about 1/4 of the shawl done.  I love it. 

Tomorrow night is knit night at Java Room in Chelmsford.  Right now I'm planning on attending.

This coming weekend is Webs Big Tent Sale, and yes I plan on attending that as well.

One other event that is coming up this weekend is the Colonial Spinning Bee at the Garrison House in Chelmsford on Sunday from 1pm until 5pm.  This too I plan on attending.

Just another busy week coming up.

Throwing caution to the wind

So the weather outlook isn't so great for this coming Saturday.  Which doesn't bode well for the NH Sheep and Wool Festival.  But it looks like everybody is going anyway, so I have to come up with something that I can bring for the potluck bloggers picnic.  Chips and salsa may have to do.

After the sheepy fest, then it's off to Hadley - actually we are going to a benefit concert for the IMA Rock Camp for Girls in Goshen.  I really don't want to then drive all the way home to Groton (several hours) so I booked us a room in Hadley for the night.

This way we can take our time getting home on Sunday and even stop and Mom's for Mother's Day.

I'm exhausted just thinking about packing all this into a weekend. 

Sunday afternoon, if I'm not completely comatose, I'll do some dyeing samples for the dye-o-rama.  I cannot believe June is coming so soon and here I thought I had all the time in the world to get some dyeing done.  Maybe tomorrow I can do some since I'm "working from home".

How I spent my long weekend vacation

I think I'm the only knit/spin/blogger that didn't go to Maryland this past weekend.  But I did indeed knit and buy yarn.

So Friday I didn't get to bed until midnight, then up at 3:30AM to get to the airport by 5AM for the 6AM flight.  There was a layover in Detroit - of course I came in at gate 1 and went out gate 78.  They had a tram but I decided I needed to walk. I got there in plenty of time to grab a muffin to take on the plane with me since they don't even give you a bag of peanuts anymore.

I arrived in San Diego at noon to gray skies

San Diego was warm but not too sunny.  Gray May apparently, who knew? But the sun did come out in the afternoons.  It was warm enough for me to be out with a t-shirt on and barefoot during the day and in the evenings a light shawl did the trick.

That evening my friend, Chris and hubby Rob had family over for a cookout.  It was really good to see all the kids who are now all grown-ups!  WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?!

By 10pm west coast time I was fading fast.

Sunday Chris and I spent the entire morning knitting.  Her back patio was surrounded by lush palms and birds of paradise in full bloom, it was lovely.

My friend is now completely indoctrinated obsessed with yarn and knitting.  But she was tired of scarves, so I brought out a bunch of my knitting mags and we found a really cute capped sleeve sweater in a bulky knit that she liked. 

She took me to a yarn store where I found some lovely sock yarn (as if I need it, right? - don't answer that!) and she found some yarn to do the sweater.

So I taught her about increases and decreases and she got the back done on the sweater with no problems.

We then broke a way from our knitting to go to dinner at a great Mexican restaurant Chilango's on University Ave. Excellent food!

Monday Chris and I went out for breakfast.  Apparently going out for breakfast is the thing in San Diego.  We went to The Mission which had a very cool atmosphere and excellent food.

Inbetween eating and sleeping, we knit.

That night I also got to meet my Auntie Joan and Uncle Chas for dinner.  The dinner wasn't that great so we won't mention the restaurant, but the company was grand and we had a lovely walkabout after dinner so Chas could enjoy his ceeegar :)  It was so good to see them.

Then it was back to Chris', pack and to bed for the early call and off to the airport.

The flight home was uneventful, although the landing was a bit scary with the wind, rain and fog.  I was happy when we finally touched down.

And now it's back to work.  ppppfft!

Oh the Meme for my Dye-O-Rama Buddy.

Specific to this swap:

Your favorite colors? 

I love purples, blues, greens, teals, browns, yellows… anything but orange

Preferred yarn weight (Fingering, Sport, DK, maybe even Worsted)?

I'm assuming we are talking socks here - so fingering is my fave for socks..

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?

Yes

If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn?

I will love anything!

Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)?

Silk? Alpaca? how lovely - but I am easy to please.

Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it?

I am so bad with naming colorways - maybe something to do with the ocean and beaches and boardwalks.

What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along?

Forcing myself to do some dyeing (things have been piling up) and just to have some fun.

General yarn/fiber questions:

Have you dyed yarn/fiber before?

Yes, with my sister - she's the professional I am not

If so, what’s your favorite dye and method?

I like the handpainting technique - it gives me better control over the color placement.  I've used reactive dyes and I've tried koolaid dying.  But I think I want to try some acid dyes.

Do you spin?

Yes I do

Have you knit socks before?

Many pairs

Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too?

Not yet, but I can think of a few I want to try.

What are some of your favorite yarns?

For socks I love Henry's Attic Ivory Silk - that is just yummy.  I also like Cherry Tree Hill sock yarns too.  For sweaters, hats and scarves I like to knit with alpaca and merino yarns.  I have some BFL that I'm trying to find the perfect pattern for.  I also love to knit lace with Alpaca lace. 

What yarn do you totally covet?

Cashmere - I am a total cashmere-ho.

Favorite patterns?

For socks you cannot beat the Queen Kahuna Crazy Heels and Toes for knitting two socks on two circulars, toe-up or down.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?

A cobweb weight wedding ring shawl.  I do really want to do this some day soon before my eyes go.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?

Addi-Turbos for socks.  But I also like bamboos.  It depends on what I'm knitting.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?

Cashmere Silk blend

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?

If it's chocolate I will eat it

What’s your favorite animal?

Cats

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages?

I have 2 cats - a calico named Spirit who's about 13ish and a tuxedo boy named Rocky who's probably around 6 or 7

If you were a color what color would you be?

Oh something very bright and splashy LOL!

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?

Water - with stones, or shells, or seaglass

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read.

Oh there are just so many.  I guess my fav-dujour is:

"Having abandoned my search for the truth, I am now searching for a good fantasy" Ashley Brilliant

Do you have a wishlist?

You betcha - oh you meant online or written down.  No alas it's all in my head and changes on a whim.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?

hmmm, I don't think so, maybe later.

Grab the tequila! It’s Cinco de Mayo

Hey any excuse to party right?

I'm almost packed and ready to go… I know everyone seems to be coming east for the Maryland Fiber Fiesta, while I'm heading to San Diego for a few days of no kid and no work and hopefully lots of Tequila.

I'm taking some socks in progress (Marks & Kattens cotton/superwash blend), and some of Helen's Lace in the Java Colorway for the Adamas Shawl I just started.  It's very pretty and not too hard of a pattern so I should be able to deal with it while traveling.

I also packed for my dear friends as a thank-you for letting me come get my head together at your house gift a couple of unique and beautiful hand made porceline coffee mugs, made by Andrea (a friend of my sisters).  Her work is so unique and beautiful.  I just love her stuff.  I know she's doing a few craft shows in the area (DeCordova and Gillford I believe) so if you go to any of these shows, be sure to look her up.

I'm not sure I can honestly say I will miss dearest daughter, she's been an absolute BeeAtch lately.  Maybe it's her way of saying she'll miss me, but I doubt it.

I am taking my camera, so I should have some pictures to post when I get back.

So grab some tortillas, your favorite salsa, get the blender out and whip up some marguaritas and have a happy Cinco de Mayo!

Bird Flu hits Florida Trailer Park & other things to Dye for

 Well, I thought it was funny. (thanks blogless Nancy)  LOL!  Nothing like a good pandemic to make the price of gas go down.

Yesterday the 2 lbs of Henry's Attic Laceweight very soft alpaca arrived.  So I decided to take inventory on what needs to be dyed.

So far on my list is:

4 skeins of KnitPicks sock yarn for the Dye-O-Rama

2 lbs of the laceweight alpaca

a bunch I forget the yardage of Henry's Attic Licorice Twist

1 lb. of Henry's attic that needs to be overdyed because I hate the color it is now.

1 lb. of the Kona Superwash

I'm definitely planning a dye day soon, but looking at my calendar, I may need to call in sick take a day off from real work, with the NH Sheep and Wool Festival, Webs Big fleece and tent sale, and the Westford Spinning Bee all coming up. YIKES!

I need to find out how Dave does it, I swear he has a time machine or he's got really good drugs, which he needs to share with me.

Oh I found some really nice cotton and superwash wool blend sock yarn b Marks & Kattens called Clown Yarn.  It's self patterning and a pretty denim blue and white color.  It's very soft and I so far I really like it.  There is some stretch with the wool in it, yet it's cottony soft.  It will be interesting to see how it wears.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make it to the Java Room SnB-Metro West knitting group tonight as I really have a million things to get ready so I can leave at 6AM! on Saturday.

I called my friend last night just to touch bases before showing up on her doorstep.  Did I mention when she was out last year I taught her how to knit.  Well apparently she's already lined up a list of yarn shops and I have to teach her how to knit a simple sleeveless shell because she's sick of doing scarves.  LOL!  Yet another fiber-holic in the making.  Wait until I turn her onto socks! <BEG>