Threads and Knots

Lifetime Stash Expectancy Exceeded

2009-07-06T00:00:00.013-04:00

This morning was CRA-ZY! Got a call from my parents, who are on vacation with my teenage nephew at WDW this holiday week. They alerted me to the monorail accident that happened early Sunday morning, as they didn't want me to worry when I heard about it on the news. Two monorails collided with one another, pretty badly. My family is all fine......no where near the accident site when it happened, but still a bit scary, none the less.

As a former WDW castmember, it's scary to hear about any type of accident, but when there's a resulting death, it hits hard. The accident was a freak occurence, but the driver of one of the monorails, a 21 year old from the College Program was killed. Tragic, but so lucky that there were not more injuries. I think time of day (or night, in this case) was not only a contributor to the accident, but also it's saving grace. There were only 5-6 passengers on board the monorail at the time.

Prayers to everyone involved.......

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Days turned to weeks.......then weeks into months, but it was finally finished today.....MY FIRST COMPLETED KNITTING PROJECT !!!

I was giddy as a schoolgirl, as I was casting off.......then the horror, that......with all of my efforts, the dang thing was still too large in circumfrence......DANG IT!!!

Will have to frog, at some point.......but can now say.....I HAVE FINISHED A PROJECT!!!

Take that, you naysayers........

And until I do frog it, a new project on the "needles"

Toast by Leslie Friend

Hopefully, this one will fit much better....

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I fell under the spell of a rapture called NAMASTE.....their bags are to DIE for....not only for knitting, but for the every day. I happened to catch a sale over the Memorial Day holiday, and scored a Newport style in Hollywood Pink......I was on the fence about a bright PINK bag, but I love it, and use it every day----I have enough room for my knitting and my "everyday life" stuff too.....

I love it so much, I have another, a MALIBU style on order, which I will be picking up from LYS this upcoming weekend. Oh, and the designers sent me a little gift, as I contacted them about a bag question and gushed to them on how much I just LOVE their stuff

So, if Toyoda wants to send me along a Prius as a free gift, I'll be happy to GUSH away.......

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As promised, alot of stash-bragging needed, as I've been busy collecting fiber:

Sundara is my new love......I would like to just emass myself in a pile of Sundara (preferably her Aran Silky Merino, which is a 50/50 silk-merino blend......absolute PERFECTION!!)

I've gone a bit overboard this month, so please forgive the obsession!

First the sock:

Year in Color - April 2009......Charcoal over Blue Lagoon

Seasons Collection Sub - WINTER colorways

Cranberry Chutney and Lunar Landing

Seasons Collections sub - SUMMER colorways

Coral Reef and Under the Sea

(Coral Reef is being traded to Liz in my Presto Kniters group)

Guava

Plum (traded with Liz from Presto Knitters group)

And then there's the ASM...."Hello, LOVER!!!"

Sitting by Stream Aran Silky Merio

Floating Downstream Aran Silky Merino

and more skeins are coming........like a said.....it's a DRUG!!!

I also received recently, my first skein of yarn from my MEAN GIRLS YARN CLUB

It's called "Aunt Sarah's Pussies", in reference to those evil SIAMESE cats from Disney's Lady & The Tramp......to me, it reminds me of a DERANGED Girl Scout's box of Thin Mint cookies......

Oh, and I scored a skein of Creatively Dyed in a Ravelry trade......I am definately buying another skein (or two) of this yarn at Rhinebeck.....the colors and dye patterns can't even be described, they are so cool.......

Finally, my first POSH yarns.....only taken over a year to FINALLY score some of this awesome yarn. Nice and soft and squooshy.....YUMM!!

The oh, so elusive.....PINK package.......

Three skeins of sock....Esme in Foliage and Roman Holiday and Daisy in Impresario and two skeins of Claudia Lace in Fey

So, now off to bed, and back to the workweek.....I've got knitting night tomorrow, at Presto, and Friday night is the potluck with Wendy Johnson, who'll be in town next weekend at my LYS.....hooray!!

Happy July 4th!!

2009-07-04T11:30:00.006-04:00

Happy 4th of July !!

(photo credit: MichaelDuquetteFowler on Flickr)

America's Birthday......and DH is working all weekend, family is away in Florida, and I am home alone with the critters.......what better to do than knit!!! I am bound and determined to finish my Rhinbeck cowl/hood, so stay tuned for a finished project post!!

In other news, I've been enhancing my stash with some of the following--note, more stash enhancement photos to follow later today, but in the interim, here's a sneek peek:

STR Mediumweight in Count Cluckula (now on vacation.....had to stash up before it was gone.....)

STR Mill End - determined to be Tanzanite.....one of my favorite purple colorways!

Miss Babs Yummy(my first skein of her yarn) in Rainforest.....pretty green loveliness!!

DIC Smooshy in Beach Fog......too pretty for words!!!

Still to come......lots of Sundara & (wait for it)..........POSH !!!!

Nothing new......but the weather

2009-06-14T23:35:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know....it's been forever. And it's not even as if I have a good excuse. Twenty lashes with a wet noodle, for not keeping up with my blog.

Nothing new going on here.......sans the fact that our company reinstated our work schedules to the full 40 hours (Yahoo!!) and gave us back the 3 personal days that they took back in February, because of the cutbacks (double-YAHOO!!!). Now, I definately won't be stressing about Rhinebeck! Work is busy and steady, which is what all of us want to hear!

On the knitting front.......still working on both of my cowls.....they are both about 70-75% complete. I ordered some STR MW in Count Cluckula, to make some fingerless gloves to go with my Rhinebeck cowl/hoodie......yes, it's grown so much, I may just finish out the skein of Icelandic and go with the hood look.......we'll see!

I've been going to Presto Knit Nights every Monday for the past few weeks. Awesome to just sit and knit with friends! Tomorrow will be no exception. This past Saturday's WWKIP outing was a bust....between the weather and schedule snaffu, I ended up just staying home and napping, inbetween the storm burst and the thunder. I did get some swatching done, mainly to practice my purl stitch (doing OK with it) and starting to practice with increases and decreases (I'm pretty set with the decreases, but the increases have me befuddled!!!). Definately, more swatching is needed.

I also traded a skein of my Sundara yarn a couple of weeks back, for a beauty---red WOLLMEISE!! I'm a bit behind with pics (I still owe pics of my Namaste bag), so I promise to try to get those done this week!

The one picture I did take, was some crazy SKY pics from Tuesday evening.....we've be having some really kooky weather her in the mid-Atlantic states.....and this was the sky after a torrential downpour.....

It somewhat reminded me of Hawaii (see my blog header picture---which was taken on Maui), just without the cost or the jetlag......

Coming up this week...some yarn arrivals, project updates AND Stitch N' Pitch (this coming Saturday night!)

Memorial Day - Family Style!!

2009-05-25T23:09:00.006-04:00

Today being Memorial Day, it was a perfect day to relax with my family

My parents hosted my sister and her family, along with me and my DH.

First a glimpse of my mother's pride & joy.....her garden. This is just the backyard.....I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the side and front yards. She definately has the GREEN thumb of the family.

Her koi pond......she lost two of her three large koi over the winter. She's added a new koi and 2 goldfish. It's tough to see, but trust me.......they're in there.

My dad bought this iron koi fish for her, and my mom decided that the natural iron was just to "blah", so she painted it.......it looks SO COOL!!!

Mom's new birdbath

This is a HUGE hanging pot that she bought for $20.00 !!! I need to go and get one for myself.

Poppies.......such PRETTY Poppies!!!

and beautiful FRAGRANT Peonies.....ah, the smell is intoxicating!

Ok, and then it was time to EAT!!

Little man E, the youngest was ready at his own table....."Where's my HOT DOG??"

My Dad at the grill, with my BIL supervising

The kids playing in the yard......big brother C and little man E

Did someone say food???

BIL, my sis and my Momma!

Everyone's got their grub....but don't forget about.......

DESSERT!!!

Mini-Hamburgers made with Vanilla Wafer cookies, mini Pepperment Patties, red & yellow icing and coconut with green food coloring.....they were the cutest things, and the kids LOVED them!!

After dinner, we enjoyed the pleasant weather and relaxed in the backyard.

Little man E (with a light-saber as big as HE is) and his Uncle J (my DH)

The flirt, playin' with my sunglasses......

Poor attempt at a portrait with the kids (this is what happens when you try to take the picture YOURSELF)

Mr. HAMM.......he always knows when the camera is on him!!

"So long everybody.......hope your holiday was GR-EAT!!!"

Yarn PRÖN (image heavy)

2009-05-25T10:19:00.004-04:00

First, the STR Mill Ends from The Fold booth at MDS&W

After much research it was determined that I got (from l to r)

Silkie Alina, MW Savannahlite, MW Jade, MW Lettuce Knits and MW MsLaRock

(YAY!!)

Shalimar Yarns-Zoe Sock-Tamarillo

Maple Creek Farm-Richmond-Limecicle

Blue Ridge Yarns-Bambie-Blue Lagoon

Censtari-DK Weight-OOAK colorway

Spirit Trail Fiberworks-Clotho-Blue Lagoon

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The following was aquired from my LYS

Blue Heron Yarns-Silk/Merino-Ocean

Mirasol-Cotanani-Turquoise

Kollage-Corntastic-Fire Opal

Dream in Color-Smooshy-Lipstick Lava

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These are from the last of my swaps for the season---I am taking the summer "off" from swaps, so that I can concentrate saving for Rhinebeck

These are from the Indi Yarn swap---my partner was from Italy, so these are all Italian yarns (WOO-HOO!!!)

This is MALABRIGO SOCK!!

Velvet Grapes----I am in HEAVEN!!!

Laines du Nord-Stripes-Colorway 9

(a pretty wine/brown combo)

Laines du Nord-Stripes-Colorway 6

(a brown/orange/tan color scheme)

This one arrived in a package from my tea swap--it was a DOUBLE HOT POTATO award!!
Manos del Uruguay-Manos Silk Blend-Magenta

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Recent arrivals from yarn clubs & online purchases

Yarn Pirate-Booty Club April 2009-Sweet Pea

Yarn Pirate-Booty Club May 2009-Zephyr

(too much yellow for me, do it's being gifted to another knitter)

Sundara Yarn-Sock (from March 2009 monthly)-Poppy

Sock Pixie -Oceana (not sure of this base yarn, as it was gifted by the dyer)

Sock Pixie-PixieLace-Purple Anemone

Yep, it's official......I am addicted to YARN!!!!

Warning: This is what happens when a yarn collector ACTUALLY knits!!!

2009-05-24T17:16:00.011-04:00

First things first.....thanks to all for your concern over my foot and knee. Foot was sprained (which they say hurts WORSE than a break), and it healed quite nicely. My knees were badly bruised....more bone bruising, but the good news is that the hits didn't agravate my fractures, so I was EXTREMELY lucky. They are still, slightly sore, but the bruising is gone.

So, earlier this year I joked that here I was, surfing Ravelry, participating in swaps, frequenting my LYS and buying yarn online, and even BLOGGING about yarn, yet I had yet to actully start a project past a row or two. SHAMEFUL, right? How dare I call myself a knitter.....fearful that the FP (fibre police) would come and take away my beautiful stash. So, after MDS&W, a plan was hatched.......
Yes.....
wait for it.........
.

..

...

....

.....

I've started knitting!!!

Now, the biggest reason that I've avoided starting a project is purl stitches......for some reason, I have had issues with RE-learning this stitch. So, rather than buckle down, I've just been in total avoidance. So, with trepidation, I decided to wade into the shallow end of the pool, and knit something in the "round".....easy because I can just knit---knit---and knit some more. Great, because now my knit stich is pretty darn good!

So, without further ado, my two projects:

Both are cowls (which is probably one of the easiest things to knit). The first is my "Rhinebeck Cowl", which I plan to premiere in October at the festival. I'm knitting it with Blue Moon Fiber Art's ICELANDIC in their "Count Cluckula" colorway. I am knitting it on size 11 20" circs.

The second one, is my "summer" cowl. Now, you all must either be thinking "Man, Delaware must have some CRA-ZEE weather in the summer...." or "this HULA is a NUT!!!". Actually, my desk at work sits directly under a air vent, and since I wear my hair in a ponytail most days in the summer, my next is exposed. I decided to knit my summer version in a cool & comfy cotton/bamboo blend---Kollage's TEMPTATION in "Lime Sorbet" Since it's one of my favorite colors, it's perfect for my summer wardrobe. This one's being done on size 8 20" circs

Both are about 50% complete---not too shabby for 3+ weeks!!

I also have gotten the confidence to start going to Saturday knit-ins at my LYS. These ladies have been most welcoming and I hope to learn alot, just by association!!

Yesterday morning, I got up at the CRACK of dawn to hit OLD NAVY's $1 flip flop sale.......OMG what a mistake that was. I got there at the normal store opening time.....they had decided to open at 8am instead (DUH). By the time I arrived, there were no COLORS to be found.....only Black, White, Brown, Navy and some Gray and Tan. I found what I needed from the sale (plus some of the half-price one's), waited in line for an HOUR and came home with this score:

Some of these will be going back, as I don't think I really NEED 12 pairs.....Most of mine from last year are still in good condition. The bright blue, red floral and black & white zig-zags are DEFINALTY keepers, though!! But I still need to find both Green and Orange flip flops........if you see any......lmk, I'm a size 10/11!!!

With summer arriving soon, I've also been going out more with some of my work friends. When I was younger, I socialized more and would go out to bars & clubs on the weekends, but had gotten out of it. Recently, a bunch of us have started hanging out on Friday nights, and yesterday we started a "new" thing of going to brunch.......YUMMO!! One word......MIMOSA!!

Love them so much, had one again this morning when DH and I brunched!! I had Lobster Eggs Benedict too.......Brunch is my NEW weekend activity!!

Today has been a lazy day......after brunch I spent a hour at the grocery store, aka CARNAGE in Aisle 12. It was an absolute MOB scene! I got everything I needed for tomorrow's family BBQ-we're doing Corn-on-the-Cob and I'm making my world famous (ok, FAMILY-famous) deviled eggs!! Tonight, since it's just the two of us, I bought shishkebobs to cook on the grill---Double YUMMO!! I also spent some time updating photos of new yarn aquisitions and watchin HULU....my new obsession. I got to watch the pilot episode of Fox's new show, GLEE, and I was hooked!!!

a PHOTO-HEAVY post is forthcoming (to show off the yarn.......)

Back to blogging, just in time for the 2009 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival!!!

2009-05-02T17:37:00.012-04:00

Today was the day…..my first-ever FIBER FESTIVAL. I went to bed last night all siked for a great day. I set BOTH of my alarms for 4am, since I wanted to leave by 5:30am.

Woke up (sans alarm) at 5:50am and scrambled to get ready. Was out the door by 6:30am, with a quick stop at the gas station for a fill-up. Once on the road, no real problems……other than the rain. As I drove further into Maryland, the rain subsided, but I then proceeded to get off at the WRONG exit for Towson, MD (how am I supposed to know that there are exits for 695 that go North, East AND West?!? I was supposed to take 695 North----I got off at 695 West. I wasn’t sure where it would take me, so I back tracked it back to 95 South and finally got the right exit. Still got there at 8:20ish.....decent parking spot.

Made my way into the festival....some tent vendors were open already....first purchase was at Blue Ridge Yarns! Then made my way to Barn 3 for the line at The Fold's booth for BMFA!!! Waited in line about 40 minutes made friends in line with some other Ravelry folks.

(This was the Festival Merchandise line....GEESH!!!)

(people who don't know about BMFA and STR must think we're NUTS!!!)

(knitting while waiting for MORE YARN, how novel!!)

(making new Ravelry friends!!)

We finally got in and I went straight to the Mill Ends, and was able to score FIVE that I could not leave behind. Lots of MW Mill Ends, but I also sall HW and Silkie there too. Did find less than half dozen skeins that were marked as RARE GEMS, but none of the colorways screamed BUY ME!! Did get to see the BMFA LSS and Woobu fibers in person......they are definately on my TO BUY list!!

(Wall of STR = HEAVEN !!!)

(and another view......)

(and another........)

(and another........)

(SOCK MONKEY ALERT !!!!)

(Yes, don't rub your eyes....that IS a Mill End...I think it's SAVANNALITE!!, but who cares--it's MINE now!!!!)

After leaving The Fold's booth, I went to the booth next to them and IMMEDIATELY took a header right to the ground! "Embarrassment, Booth 16" I totally missed the extreme difference in heighth from the paved area to the dirt, and skinned both knees and thought I was ok......only after 2 hours did I realize I wasn't.......I think I broke my foot again! (more on that later….)

I then ran into TurtleGirl in one of the vendor barns…..she was exactly like I expected her to be. Such a sweet girl!! She was wearing her Striped Noro Tomato sweater, which was even more gorgeous in person. We chatted for a few minutes and then went on our merry way.

I continued on, making sure that I checked out all of the vendor barns/halls/tents...there was alot to see. I skipped those vendors that dealt with roving/spinning.....I don't want to even THINK about getting ANOTHER hobby. Best to keep my distance!!

By then, it was time for the Ravelry Meet Up at noon……..it was standing room only!

Then when Jess, Casey and Mary-Heather arrived---it was like ROCK STARS!! Applause and cheers from the crowds, then they handed out Ravelry name buttons, and event buttons with BOB on them!! I even got to talk a bit to Jess, which was awesome!!

I then decided to make my way back to the car to unload my purchases…..that’s when I realized that I had done something REALLY wrong when I fell earlier. I made my way back into the festival, as I wanted to see some of the exhibitions and get something to eat. I stopped by FIRST AID first, but there was really nothing they could do, without taking me for an X-Ray (which they recommended). I promised that I would try to take it easy.

Then I was off to see some of the sheepies lambs & bunnies……I want to live on a FARM!!!

(AWWWE, wook ad tuh wittle buuuneez!!!)

("honey, can I have another pet???........")

(this one was getting ready to be shown in the main ring....too CUTE!!)

I then was going to get something to eat (so that I could take some Advil for my foot pain), and go and see the dog herding demo, but my foot was killing me, so I just grabbed a corn dog and began making my way back to the car. I then realized that I’d LOST my brand-new RAVELRY name button, so I stopped back to the area that the M&G had occurred and Casey was still there, so he gladly gave me a new button! By then, it was almost 2pm, and I was spent....so I sadly came to the conclusion that it was time to leave......(sniff, SNIFF!!)

(was your car there too?? It's like "Where's Waldo??")

By the time I got to the car, I was in so much pain…..which progressively got worse in the car driving the 2 HOURS home. I was going to go straight to the ER on the way home, but my fear was that I’d have it cast-set and wouldn’t be able to drive home. So, we’re going to the ER in the morning, if it’s still bad (or worse)

In all, a wonderful time was had and I’ve got it on the schedule for May 1, 2010!!!

Wondering where I've been??

2009-04-07T22:57:00.003-04:00

Well, you see........I've gotten new (to me) wheels !!!!

My aunt and uncle bought us this car, which was SO NICE of them.....and completely unexpected. It's not a *new* car......but HEY, I'm not a transportation snob.....it runs (quite well. in fact), it has new brakes and tires and......AIR CONDITIONING!!!!

This gift was TRULY a blessing.....and very much needed !!!!

Luck 'O The Irish ??? Eh, not really.....

2009-03-14T13:31:00.005-04:00

So thankfully, this week is over.......ugh. I can't complain more about how MUCH not having a car is plucking my LAST nerve.....I just hate having to ask family and friends for help. Luckily over the last two weeks I've mainly been relying on my DH, my parents and a few times, a coworker who has offered me rides home when DH is working and my parents aren't available. I had to resort to getting a taxi one morning this week, and it cost $32 DOLLARS !!!! I almost threw-up.....next time, I'm taking the BUS!!! I don't care if I have to sit at work for two hours before my shift starts.......the bus only costs $1.20 one way!!!

The fundraising efforts for the Australian Red Cross netted a whopping $21k+ Australian dollars....I am so proud to have been a part of this fundraising effort. I have drawn the names for the 5 prizes I offered here on my blog, and the winners were:

Congrats to the winners and thanks to EVERYONE for the generosity!!!

Speaking of generous...I received my St. Patty's Day swap package from my partner, NatashaRhea. She sent an awesome package of Irish fun--stuff that met the Green & Irish theme. As you all have seen from my past yarn pictures, GREEN is one of my favorite colors, so this swap was right up my alley......

She sent me two books, one of knitting basics (stitches and such) and the other--1001 Little Ways to Save the Planet (get it.....going GREEN....LOL!), some yummy Twinings Irish Breakfast tea (which I have loved for years!!!), two fun St. Patrick's themed Velvet Coloring sets, a recipe box with recipies from her own kitchen, some shamrock decorated cupcake baking cups, a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter, a pattern for a shamrock dishcloth, a Tinkerbell Pez dispenser (which is too cute--I don't want to use it cause it's so cute.......), a cute mini Post-it pad which is shaped like a mini-green iPod (funny, because my iPod IS green!), two skeins of yarn.....some Sugar & Cream cotton yarn in HOT GREEN and a skein of Nature's Choice Organic Cotton in PISTACHIO.....the best part was the hand made Camera bag (it could be used for an iPod too.....but my iPod mini is small, but it's the PERFECT size for my camera) she made for me.....the color is SO me, and I just love the button!! Thanks Natasha!!!

Oh, and my mom's car is being repaired!! The girl that hit her had full coverage, so my parents don't have to pay for anything!! She's driving a rental now, so all is good. The damages (so far) are over $6k. Thank god for insurance!!!!

Pictures of the Car Accident

2009-03-08T11:28:00.002-04:00

Just thought I would share some of the pics taken at the scene of my parents' accident yesterday.

Now, they are dealing with insurances and getting a rental......JOY!!

(BTW, mom was was my ride to/from work for a couple of days a week, so I don't know now what I'm going to be doing.......stay tuned!!)

What a difference a week makes!

2009-03-07T19:23:00.004-05:00

Monday started the week with 6+ inches of snow.....today, the high temperature was in the mid-60's. Nice enought to turn the heater OFF and open up the windows......I love spring!!

Tuesday we got the news of DOOM about my car........$3700+ to fix (and that's just to get the basics fixed to get it to pass inspection). Our mechanic is a long-time family friend, so he's totally honest.......he basically said that my car isn't worth that much to fix. So, I am for the present and near future, WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. Stressful, to say the least.

And, in other family drama....my parents and oldest nephew were in a car accident this afternoon, on their way to lunch. A 23 year old girl ran a red-light at about 50mph and hit my mom's SUV in the front passenger fender, and fled the scene. Luckily, no-one was hurt and there were two off-duty County cops and a retired cop that were at the intersection when the accident happened. The off-duty cops went after the girl and caught her. My mom's SUV has a damaged front wheel and the whole front end of her car was torn off. Everybody was pretty shaken up, but thankfully everyone is ok, and the SUV can be fixed (eventually......)

On a happy note, I have made such wonderful friends through Ravelry over the past 14 months. And my very good friend, Amy is just one of them. Amy and I met through one of my favorite Ravelry activities--swaps! We've been friends ever since. Amy decided to send me a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) after she read about the ever-continuing string of bad luck. Amy, YOU ARE THE BEST !!!

Working in the stationery and card business, you learn to appreciate high quality and attention to detail when it comes to cards. In essence, I've become a Stationery Snob! Amy picked the most beautiful card for me:

Isn't it gorgeous? It has all of these clear crystals (I just love BLING!) and even the envelope was lined with the same design. Yep, I'm a snob alright!

Amy sent just the perfect things for a pick-me-up.....CHOCOLATE (European MILK chocolate, no less), two perfectly-themed lip balms (Passion Fruit and Pineapple) and a glorious skein of Blue Sky Alpacas Melange in a colorway called Huckleberry (love....Love....LOVE--I must have more!)

Three cheers for yarn love from good friends!!

Finally, I got my wish.......

2009-03-02T23:35:00.005-05:00

There is a saying....."ask, and you shall receive". We've all heard it.

Finally, I got what I've been asking for ALL winter...........

S-N-O-W

And we're not talking flurries here, people.......we got the GOODS here in Delaware!!!

Sunday morning, DH and woke to a slight dusting....maybe a half-inch of snow on the grass. Kona, the Hawaiian eskimo dog......LOVED it!! She really loves any sight of the white stuff. She's like a child.....she can't wait to get outside and play in it. It was melted away by lunch. And she moped all evening.....

Then the real wollop arrived last night.....it started to snow......and Snow.......and SNOW.....it just kept coming. I woke up this morning and it was still snowing. Made the educated decision to NOT attempt my return to work today. Logically, drifting snow, wind and CRUTCHES don't actually go well with each other (kinda like my own version of "Which One Doesn't Belong...."). I'll probably get an earfull about it tomorrow, but HEY.......I gotta look after myself first. That's all I need....slip and fall in the snow. RIGHT!

The snow let up around lunchtime and DH went out to shovel. They had just plowed, so the road looks pretty clear (it didn't stay that way, as we got another round of the white stuff later this afternoon). In total, the official snow count was 9.5 inches.....not to shabby (and ignoring all comments from the peanut gallery of friends from the Midwest and New England.....for us in the mid-Atlantic.....this is alot!!)

Needless to say........Kona is in TUNDRA-heaven !!!!!

Ok, I am happy now.........is it SPRING yet??

Who's that hobblin' down the lane???

2009-02-27T17:25:00.003-05:00

So, word on the street is that I'm gonna be on crutches for the foreseeable future.

Yes, I have two tiny hairline fractures, along with a bad sprain and bone bruising and swelling. I go back to work on Monday, but I'll be on crutches for the next 4-6 weeks. I don't go back to see the orthopedic surgeon until late March.

So, I tried to do what any well-planned knitter would do......I tried to cast-on to start a project.

A "PROJECT"?!.....did I hear right?

Yes, I've been bored out of my gourd, so since I'm STUCK in the house (more on that in a bit....) I thought I would finally get something started.

First it was going to be a hat.....on circs.

The only circs I could put my hands on were size ZERO.....too small for a hat!

Ok, then, I would get AMBITIOUS and try my FIRST pair of socks. I tried casting on and then didn't know what to do with it. My TWO SOCKS ON ONE CIRC book is still packed away in the vortex of a craft room (and I can't even hobble to find it), so that idea was scrapped.

Ok, regroup....ditched the fingering yarn for some worsted superwash---and thought I'd do a set of fingerless gloves. Not too short. I grabbed a set of size 8 bamboo straights (one of only two sets of straights I can even find right now) and began the cast-on. After three attempts, I pulled it all out, after realizing that the needle length was the wrong size. GRRRRRR

Needless to say, there is NOTHING on the needles. STILL. (They're gonna revoke my KNITTERS license soon, if I don't get something going here)

Oh, and another GEM of karma........my car is in the shop, as my heating/cooling system has completely failed. Well, what I mean is, that this is the MAJOR failure which has landed my car into Repairville. Anyone need a good kidney? I'll trade it for some moola to pay for the car repairs?.............hello?? Is this thing on??????

Back to the couch for another Vicodin cocktail and some 80's videos on VH-1 Classic!

Knee injury and YARN P@RN

2009-02-24T11:53:00.005-05:00

Things have just been KR-AZY around here in past week. Last Monday, I was off for President's Day and since I had the time, I went to bowling early and bowled some extra games for practice. During league, I went to bowl a frame and I felt a pop in my left knee. Thought nothing of it (although I did not bowl well) and went on, thinking it was a muscle spasm. Tuesday morning was aweful. My knee felt like it was on fire, I could barely walk on it, and I was in so much pain. Through the week it didn't get any better, so on Friday morning, I went to see my doctor. Initial diagnosis is that I have either a torn meniscus or torn medial collateral ligament. I had my MRI yesterday and am currently awaiting the results. Wish me luck!

Now, onto the serious stuff-----YARN P@RN !!!

I received the 2nd package from my Warm Ewe Up swap parnter. She themed my package around WARMTH. She wrapped everthing in bright pink and yellow tissue and the following was found , once I unwrapped everything:

An awsome box of EXOTIC tea blends from Tea Forte (one of my FAVORITE tea companies), THINGS I LEARNED FROM KNITTING by the Yarn Harlot, a pack of vintage travel posters in postcard for, a pair of Lantern Moon size 10.5 Rosewood straights (they are gorgeous---the tops are a palm wood, which has a cheetah-like pattern, a set of Lantern Moon size 1 Rosewood Sox Sticks in a beautiful fabric bag and TWO beautiful skeins of Claudia's Handpainted Sport weight in colorway RED WAGON. While it is red, like a childhood wagon, to me it's more Hawaiian Hibiscus.....vibrant and full of warm tones and memories! I can't say enough about how MUCH my partner has spoiled me with this swap......I can't wait until the final reveal!!

I also received my first Yarn with Something on the Side swap. This first round was Sock Yarn (enough to knit a pair of socks) and at least 6 bags of tea. My partner sent me the perfect selections:

two skeins of Jojoland Melody superwash in a beautiful teal green and a six-pack of Twinings Indian Spiced Chai.......I love CHAI !!!!

Australian Wildfire Relief = Your chance to help and get some AWESOME YARN too !!!!

2009-02-16T10:37:00.006-05:00

As you've recently seen reported, the wildfires in Australia have been devistating. Being halfway around the world, I have no direct connection to it, however the news reports of the now-famous Sam, the koala made me stand up and take notice. Word now has come that all of this devistation is due to arson---how aweful for our friends "Down Under"!!

A fundraiser was started by a fellow knitter, Jacqueline. She's asking for donations to the Australian Red Cross' Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Now, here's the FUN PART.............through her website, you can link to the ARC to make a donation for the relief fund. IF YOU DONATE AT LEAST $10.00 AUD, then you can enter her raffle for some AWESOME yarny-goodness.......she's had donations of WOLLMEISE, POSH YARN, SUNDARA, BMFA, etc.....there are over 60 prizes here people. If you donate within the next 2 weeks, you need to email a copy of your receipt to her at knittershelpingvictorians@gmail.com . If you are wondering just how much your donation will cost in US dollars, use this handy conversion chart (as of this posting, $10 AUD = $6.50 USD)

Now, you're probably asking "HULA, why are you doing this??" Call it PAYING IT FORWARD. And as an incentive to you, I am offering this: Send ME a copy of your donation receipt (hulaknitter AT gmail DOT com), and I'll enter YOU into my own drawing for the following yarns from my personal stash:

BMFA Socks That Rock Lightweight in BLUE MOONSTONE
BMFA Twisted in LOVE IN IDLENESS
dkKnits Technicolor Dream Toes in French Roast
Malabrigo Worsted in CURACAO
Yarn Pirate Superwash BFL Sock in NEPTUNE

So, that's FIVE chances to win from ME, entry into Serendipity's drawings and MOST IMPORTANT---helping those in the world that need YOU!!

Come on everyone.......LET'S RALLY !!!!

Not yet "properly" licensed--so I'll play with my yarn instead......

2009-02-15T14:45:00.007-05:00

This week'sbeen really quiet, by blog standards. Nothing new or major going on. My work schedule changed again (that's TWICE in one week). I am now working a 5day-abrehviated hours schedule rather than the 4-8hour workdays......needed for workload and phone coverage (and sanity's sake). Mind you, I enjoyed having a weekday off, but it was hectic having to cover someone else's desk and still deal with the phones, especially with our group losing three people. So, now I'm working Mondays from 9a to 6p and Tuesday through Friday working 11:30a to 6p.

I also discovered this week that my NJ drivers license expired back on January 31st. GREAT!! Now, to make matters worse, in order for me to get a DE license, I have to obtain a copy of my drivers abstract (driving record) from the State of NJ and then I have to take a written test!!! Loads of joy for me, since I don't even know HOW to get my record--I have to call the NJMVC on Tuesdays to find out how long it will take to get (and how much it'll cost me). This is what I get for procrastinating.

Because of this, I am trying to limit my driving----good thing I'm feeling sick (I think I'm catching a cold.....achy, throat is sore and it hurts to swallow.....I'm probably getting strep or something).

In the meantime, I did get my Random Holiday - Round 3 - Think SPRING swap package----my partner did not disappoint!!

what a plethora of goodies, a copper wire basket-ey thing (Sue, you need to fill me in to what it's for.......I am clueless!) that has a flower and ladybug on it, a gardening how-to magazine (for my new yard) some nice hand creams, a package of gel-ink pens; seed packets for cucumbers (YUMM) and a medley of flowers; a pattern for a pretty lacey scaft from Knitty and two lovely skeins of yarn--Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky in UPTOWN and Araucania Ranco Multy in TEALS

I also receive a skein of Yarn Dyenasty sock yarn in the WATERMELON colorway. It's the perfect colors to help usher in SPRING!!!

Tomorrow is a bonus day off--President's Day. Hoping that DH and I will get to do something fun, since we missed Valentine's Day this year. Plus, I have bowling tomorrow night.......

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #4

2009-02-07T19:54:00.006-05:00

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year?

Because of the limited funds and the way the economy is, along with the fact that DH has to work on Valentine's Day.....we decided to just have an early dinner on Sunday at the restaurant we went to on our first date. Nothing special......no presents, just the company of each other.

•EDIT•

Just found out that DH has to work on Sunday, so I guess our Valentines plans have gone out the window.

My own personal "Rollercoaster" week

2009-02-07T09:21:00.003-05:00

Funny how you can go from the highest of HIGH (your favorite football team winning their SIXTH Superbowl - STEELERS NATION RULES!!!) to the lowest of lows & back again. This was the way I spent the last week. It was NOT pretty!!!

After Sunday night's celebration, I was raring to have an awesome week at work. With the recent cuts of going to a 4days workweek, I was finally getting into a rhythm with how to handle my workload in four days –vs- five. Plus, Monday night was to be my first night as substitute for bowling. I was anxious to get out of the house and socialize with others!

Monday afternoon came the doom……email was sent company-wide that said (and I paraphrase)….. “January’s sales were down even more than expected. More cutbacks needed and the company was being forced to inflict the PAIN----LAYOFFS. Those affected would be notified by end of the week. Stay positive folks!”

WTF !!!!!!

Needless, massive emotional breakdowns ensued. Everyone was feeling like they’d been b*tch-slapped/pistol whipped/punched in the gut (*insert your best descriptive adjective here*)….it was just UGLY! I was not feeling well to begin with, and with this news, I went to the Ladies and got sick. While my stomach then felt better, my head (and wallet) did not! Why wait until Friday? Why stress everyone out NOW and then make them wait? What was the criteria being used to make the decision?........everyone had SO many questions and nobody wanted to give the answers……BOLLOCKS, I say……complete BOLLOCKS!

So, I left work and proceeded to the bowling ally. Delaware Sports League is an adult co-ed sports league that promotes getting out, meeting new people, getting some exercise and having fun! They offer different sports—Dodgeball, Bowling, Wiffle Ball, Kickball……..fun stuff from when we all were kids!! Several people that I work with encouraged me to join up for Winter Bowling after they had so much fun with the Fall League. I had intended to join a team over the Christmas holidays, but when I had my Christmas Day injury, I thought my bowling dream was in the gutter (HA----I made a funny!!). Two weeks ago, one of the gals I work with asked me to take over her spot, as she and her boyfriend had broken-up and she didn’t want to continue with her team. Since my foot was fully-healed, I said “Sure!”

The three other members of the team (no names, just INITIALS) – S,D & W were all so nice to welcome me onto the team! D is the team captain and she is a hoot! (She also swears like a sailor on leave, especially when she gets excited—it’s very funny to listen to!), S is my co-worker’s ex (he’s very nice……he’s a quiet one) and W is very cool (he’s a very good bowler, so he was very helpful to help me throughout the frames). I had not bowled (unless you count the i-Bowl app from Apple, which I got addicted to over the holidays) for 3-4 years, so I was just praying that I would score at least a -50-. We bowled three games and my scores were 63-67-and a whopping 128 for my final game !!!! I rocked OUT on bowling!!! I even scored a couple of strikes. So, I might be hooked on a new hobby!! Hopefully I can maintain my average this coming Monday. Oh, and I’m gonna sign up for the Spring League too……

The rest of the week at work was a blur---everyone was in a fog…..We got little tidbits of info……. “if you are affected by the layoffs, insurance stays effective until February 28th (not affected, since all of my insurance is through DH’s coverage), factors for layoff were salary, tenure, time missed, disciplinary write ups, productivity, cross-training and experience”……great, thanks for sharing…....can you just GET TO IT and tell us already?!?

I was apprehensive at work on Wednesday (since I have Thursday’s off). Should I start taking personal items home? Should I just say my goodbye’s now? I even started printing out all of my customer compliment emails, just in case. I wondered, as I got into my car on Wednesday night, would I be seeing these people again?

Wednesday night, DH and I had the hard talk……IF this happened, I’d go and sign-up for unemployment, and we’d concentrate on making sure the staples would be covered-----RENT, HEAT & Electric & Food (in that order). Everything else would have to go----phone, cable, internet (NOOOOOO!!!!!), Netflix……nothing but the basics! Harsh reality, but I would have to deal, if it came down to it.

Thursday’s grocery shopping trip was FUN NOT!!!! But I was very proud of my bargaining. I tried to buy stuff that was on sale, stick to a budget of $125, but the bill came to $138.25 (not too much over) BUT I still ended spending $60 less than what I normally spend at the store. SCORE!

Friday morning was full of dread……..DEADLINE day!! I resounded myself that WHATEVER was going to happen; there was nothing I could do to change the outcome. I was just muster-up and move forward! Walking into work, I was met with a world of relief. Layoffs for my department had been announced and enforced the day before, on my day OFF!

I AM STILL EMPLOYEED!!!

My department had 5 cuts—two managers (one of which was the training manager), two Corporate Specialty reps, and from my group—a Wedding Specialty rep (it was sad, since I trained her…..she was really enthusiastic and good with her customers). Everyone had this strange sense of happiness and sadness……happy that those of us that remained HAD a job and sad for those who were no longer there. I still can’t wrap my head around it, but I’m not going to worry. Apparently, they are happy with my job performance and leadership skills, so it’s MY RESPONSIBILITY to keep it up and KEEP THEM HAPPY!!!

So, you can see why I described my week as a rollercoaster…….UP-DOWN-UP !!!

Today, I am taking a respite from all of the drama---My family’s traveling to see my nephew perform in the Delaware All-State Choir performance this afternoon. We’re still waiting to hear if he made the cut from his audition for the Performing Arts High School. They should start making the notifications in the next several weeks. (Fingers-Crossed!!!!)

Sorry there are no pics for this post----nothing really to picture here this week. With all of the work drama, I missed taking pictures of the new snowfall this week……it’s all melted now, since this weekend is supposed to be in the 50’s-60’s!! Does that mean spring is coming???

YEAH STEELERS !!!! - SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!

2009-02-01T22:13:00.001-05:00

Intentions of color----including STEELERS Black & Gold !!!!

2009-02-01T19:45:00.008-05:00

I’m not starting out the new year on a good foot with my blog. My intention at the end of 2008 was to update my blog at least twice a week. Lot of good intentions get you….. I will try to make February better than January.

Lots of updates, so I’ll get to it. First I am now the PROUD owner of WOLLMEISE !!!

The colorway is called FROSCH! I know…….I can’t believe it either. My miss-cues with Wollmeise started last year when I was completely shut OUT of the Woolmeise sock club. My luck with random selection is NOT FAVORABLE. I then kept missing the random updates at TLE. I though I would always be a WV (Wollmeise Virgin). Then, I found the WV thread on Ravelry. The gals over there are especially encouraging……lots of RAK. So much so that a Wollmeise ANGEL happened to cross my path. She sent me a skein of Wollmeise for FREE!!! Can you believe it?!? With my paycuts at work this month, I’ve lost a BIG chunk of money allotted for fun stuff like yarn and such……what a gift to have people GIVE you something without asking for anything in return. Lisa in California……you are truly AWESOME !!!

Another package I received this week was my CUSTOM-MADE knitter’s tools from Karastix on Etsy. I had seen these sets on TurtleGirl’s blog a while back and so wanted a set. I made arrangements prior to our move and was finally able to get them purchased in January. These are AWESOME….and the design is EWENIQUELY me !!!!

She even included some custom stitch markers.....TOO CUTE !!!

I got another TWILIGHT-inspired skein of sock yarn from Sunshine Yarns……this one is called VOLTURI, which is named for the ancient group of European vampires that Dr. Cullen spent time with in the Twilight book series----pictures don’t do it justice……it’s got LOTS of personality!!

Last update I also forgot to post a pic of the pretty Malabrigo that I found……Curacao 5 is the colorway. If I had to pick ONE skein of yarn to represent my personality, this skein would come close:

Some other recent random yarn acquisitions:

Berroco Jasper in Verde Lavras (a very pretty purple/violet/green/lime mixture of colors)

Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in Willow (the brightness of the pictures is a bit off, but this is a pretty pale mint green with little bits of chocolate—it reminds me of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream—LOVE IT!!)

While working on packages for my various swaps last week, I realized that I had totally missed updating my monthy Yarn Pirate Booty Club arrivals for the past several months. So without further ADO……the Winter colors from Georgia @ Yarn Pirate:

November 2008 – Herron (Merino/Tencel)

December 2008 – Figgy Pudding (Superwash BFL)

January 2009 – Hope (British BFL DK)

I am currently rooting on the Steelers playing in the Super Bowl tonight. This household resides in STEELERS-COUNTRY…..regardless of the geography. We bleed BLACK & GOLD at our house!! PLUS---Springsteen's doing HALF-TIME.......While I'm glad to be at home (cause I'll see more here on TV), but MAN, do I wish I was in Tampa tonight!!!

GO STEELERS ! ! ! ! !

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #3

2009-01-26T07:45:00.005-05:00

What is your favorite way to keep warm when it’s snowing outside? (And if you live in a warm weather climate, what would you do to stay warm and cozy while it’s snowing?)

Although we don't always get snow, it can get significantly COLD here in the Northeastern US. So, when it gets REALLY cold outside, I like to make myself a cup of tea, put on a pair of soft, fuzzy socks and cuddle up under a fleece blanket. The only thing that would make it better, would be if we had a fireplace.

Realistically, my DH and I have realized that a warmer climate would be better, health-wise, for both of us.....we're just getting OLD, I guess......

And that was the week that was.......

2009-01-17T10:06:00.012-05:00

Wow, another week in the history books......the beginning of the week started things off quite......until Thursday night.

Here in the Northeast (specifically in the suburban Philadelphia region) the temps have gotten progressively colder as the ARCTIC cold has set in. Thursday was my new day "off" from work, so I wrote out bills, ran errands and just relaxed. Around 11pm-ish, I went downstairs to deal with some laundry, and I noticed that the heater sounded like it was constantly cycling ON & OFF......DH came down and we discoved a MAJOR problem--the fan was running constantly and the burner kept trying to fire, but was not igniting. That meant NO HEAT!!! By now it was around midnight, so I called our landlord and he got right on it.....calling the repair people, who in turn called us. Sadly, they do not have 24hr service, so the soonest they could be at our house would be sometime Friday morning. Ok, things are out of control, but I stayed calm and basically said---we'll just deal with the cold tonight. DH, on the other hand, was NOT happy (Usually I am the one that gets irrational, but we apparently traded personalities that night)......it was COLD......I had on socks, pajama bottoms with sweatpants overtop of them, tank top, long sleeve thermal, fleece jacket,scarf and fingerless gloves + I cocooned myself up in my quilt. My DH said that when he got up at one point in the middle of the night, the thermostat was reading 53degrees in the house, and that was with the space heaters on.

Since someone needed to be here for the heating repair, I ended up calling off from work. The heater guy (lets call him JOE ) gets there, has bunches of attitude and proceeds to not want to communicate with me at all. Luckily, my landlord comes over and they discuss the issues---corroded gas valve and electronics due to faulty venting (in laymans terms----the vending system from the heat in dripping condensation back down the outside of the metal vent tubes and back down into the heater---WTF !!!! So, they did the repairs, which took most of the day, and we now have a chimney specialist coming on Monday to look at the venting system. Only one day without heat (and on the COLDEST 24hours for our area in the last FOUR years!!!). We are again toasty!!!

Lots of packages arrived this week. First, I received my first Warm Ewe Up package from my partner, we'll call her KNITWIT. Knitwit is all about the spoilage, which is apparrent from the first package:

2-beautiful skeins of Claudia’s Hand Painted (Fingering 55) in Teal Party, a pair of Addi Turbo circs in size 1, a set of cute tropical flower magnets, a PACIFICA soy travel candle in Hawaiian Ruby Guava, and a rockin’ tea set from Tazo…it’s a bamboo box filled with six flavors of Tazo teabags.

Some close-ups of the package--the bamboo box–SO COOL!!! When empty, it will be used for some of my perfume oil bottle storage.

And the beautiful yarn-----I see some socks with this yarn!

Another swap package arrived this week too---this one was for the Winter of Trading Favorites (W.T.F.----lol, I just LOVE this acronym). My parner, lisarn9 (from Ravelry) gets the award for the BIGGEST swap box I've ever received!! It was HUGE (Kona's in the background for a visual reference)

The theme of the swap was our favorite things about winter. We had the following questions to answer:

What does winter mean to you?: Hybernation and dormancy to rest and recoup for rebirth in the spring…..also, a reason to cuddle up with the one you love for
warmth (LOL)
What are you favorite things about winter?: cocoa, snow,state of emergency declarations (so that I don’t have to go to work), watching my fluff-puppy play in the snow (she loves it!!)
What is your favorite winter scent?: cocoa, pomegranate, spearmint
What is your favorite winter treat to eat?: cocoa, hot cinnamon rolls (direct from the oven), banana-stuffed french toast, pomegranate juice
What is your favorite winter color?: clear, icy blue and silver…..like a snowflake!

Based on these answer and the many emails that Lisa and I traded back and forth, she created this pleathora of gifts:

A warm, cuddly fleece throw, is a beautiful Teal Blue color;packs of hot cocoa and Chicken Soup mix; a snowflake-patterned tin filled with blue and silver stitch markers; a pomegranate-scented candle; a pack of Blueberry Frost bath fizzy tablets; a pack of blue snowflake patterned notecards; a spiral-bound notepad with a pretty silver filigree design on the cover; this AMAZING tea ball (it’s ceramic and comes with it’s own little cup….too CUTE!); a tin of GROG-flavored Pirate Mints (AAARRGGGHHHH); a copy of the Yarn Harlot’s KNITTING RULES! ; a package of Hawaii-themed stickers; a BARK-bar (a candy bar for my dog-Kona…..no chocolate, but she LOVES peanut butter); a Almond-Joy candy bar for me (my fav!!); a fun pair of cherry-flavored wax vampire fangs; a ALOHA hibiscus stamp; a pretty beaded snowflake and a true BEAUTY–a skein of Cascade Jewel Paints in this lucious colorway of blues/purples & grey—it reminds me of the sky at twilight on a cold winter’s evening! I am TRULY spoiled!!!

A closeup of the tea ball & cup

And the beautiful yarn.....very soft and cuddly!

I also received som random yarn purchases in last couple of weeks---finally got them pictured so I could list them in my stash.

First, a skein of Spunky Eclectic Tough Socks in colorway-Ravelry

And, since I finished TWILIGHT (and am preparing to start reading the next book, New Moon), I've been searching for Twilight-inspired yarns. I found that Sunshine Yarns had some beautiful interpretations, and still had a few available, so I bought this one, which is called "FORKS" which is the town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, where the series takes place.

It's still BITTER cold outside. Lots of hub-bub in town as the Oboma/Biden whistle stop train goes through town today, on its way to our nation's capitol for a historic event on Tuesday. Too cold for me to be standing outside, so I'll just watch it on the news channels later, and instead I'm heading to my LYS for some fiber therapy!!!

Oh, and thanks Walter (Cronkite) for my post title---you ROCK!!!

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #2

2009-01-10T10:19:00.003-05:00

#2 - If you could only knit or crochet with one brand of yarn for the rest of the year, what would it be and why?

Well, it tough to choose just ONE brand......there are some brands out there that I haven't even tried yet. I love sock yarns, and I love soft wools and alpacas. Bamboo yarns are so soft too. Well if I had to choose just one BRAND, based on the variety of yarns available from said brand, then I would have to say BLUE MOON FIBER ARTS. I can use almost everything they offer (except the Geisha and the Silkmo, since they both have Mohair---keep it AWAY from me, if you want me to stay alive.....). My backup choice would be Malabrigo, because again....the variety (I am coveting some Malabrigo Lace yarn in Applegreen or Blue Surf colorways.....YUMMMMMMY!!!!)

And the "HITS" keep on comin'......

2009-01-07T23:12:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you've ALL heard it......the US economy is in the toilet, run for the hills !!!!

Well, it's apparently found my house. My company (retail internet sales) has had declining business over the past quarter, so to prevent full-blown layoffs, another plan was put into effect today. Starting Monday.......every employee will be working an ammended schedule-a reduction of 20% of our work hours. Great, lovely......hey, over here--just moved into a new house PEOPLE......I got bills to pay!!! The reduction of hours means that my bi-weekly paychecks will now be thinner by more than $200! YAY

So, no Mexico trip, No Sock Summit, No Woolgirl Sock Club......I gotta cut corners wherever possible. Ooddles of Noodles and I are gonna become BEST BUDS!!!

Is Obama in office yet?? I need this economy-thing to turn around something QUICK!!

Pray for me......

New Year = Better than Last

2009-01-03T16:43:00.007-05:00

Well 2008 came and went in a hurry....thank goodness. I spent most of last week still home, under Dr's orders....hopped up on Vicodin. Driving myself to the Dr's office on NYE was scary---especially since there was a brief snow squall while I was at the office and I was fearful I would end up in a ditch because of the brief white-out conditions and the high winds. By the time I got home the snow was gone, but the winds stayed all through NYE night. DH and I have kept a NYE tradition of having a feast of Chinese food while watching the Ball Drop from NYC on tv. This year was no exception, other than we did NOT have the usual bottle of wine (since I am still on meds) and DH missed the ball drop as he was doing something on the computer (and the time was mis-set on the computer, so he was off by about 8 minutes).....oh well, we almost followed tradition.

New Years day was lazy......we slept in, stayed in jammies until early afternoon. Since there was really nothing I could do but sit, I started reading 'Twilight', and read six chapters in one day. We had the annual family dinner with my parents and sister's family of Ham & Cabbage. My nephew received an iPod-iTouch for Christmas, and one the the apps he got for it was i-Bowl, which I am now addicted to. I must replace my iPod with an iTouch (if DH is generous.......my birthday is in April.......start saving now!!)

I have dubbed 2009 as the "Year of Better than Last". Here are the things I plan to make better:

My relationships (with my husband, my family, my friends.......)
My financial stability (bills paid; functional savings, maybe even a new car.......)
My home decor (we need new EVERYTHING.....furniture, a new tv, organizational storage, etc.....)

and

oh yeah.......my knitting.....which right now is in a "hold" pattern. Since I am still "on the mend" with my foot, my knitting stash and supplies remain in the "infinate vortex of totes" which is my craft room. So for now, I am forced to play on Ravelry and find more yarny goodness and projects for my queue. Like that's HARD to do........

Great news on the yarny front--I am joining the Woolgirl 2009 Sock Club !!! Between that and my Yarn Pirate shipments, I should be good with clubs for a while. I also have several Ravelry Swaps going on this quarter....Warm Ewe Up, Winter of Trading Favorites, Love Bites, Random Holiday-Let's Celebrate Spring and Round 2:Fave Things.....lots of shopping for me!!!

I went back to work on January 2nd. As predicted, my area of work is hoppin.......lots of engagements over the holidays means BUSINESS for me.....lots of weddings to plan--people do need their invitations! Hopefully the volume will continue. My foot is getting better...the swelling is almost completely down, I am better able to walk on it (I am still using the cane, for balance purposes), and the bruising is starting to go away (I'll get a current pic this weekend). My Dr. says that I should be able to put my full weight on it by next Friday, Jan 9th. Fingers crossed.

We still have had no considerable snow here in Delaware.....come ON.....can I get some snow here?!? SERIOUSLY ?!?!?!?! I'm not asking for Iowa or Nebraska snows, but 10-12 inches would be AWESOME!!!

Well, off to read more of 'Twilight'.............

Warm Ewe Up Bi-Weekly Blog Question #1

2008-12-29T11:08:00.003-05:00

#1 - Why did you learn to knit?
I decided to "re-learn" how to knit because I wanted to make somthing that I could use. Now, granted, I have done more "yarn collecting" than knitting, but that's gonna change in 2009!

The Christmas Chronicals (or, How to ruin a perfectly GOOD holiday...)

2008-12-28T19:18:00.006-05:00

Happy holidays everyone.......yes, I am back! We've now been in our new home a month, and I am no where near unpacked. December has been a whirlwind.....overtime, stretching money for Xmas gifts, trying to get some sense of normalcy at the house......but, enough of the excuses.....I am back for a rockin' new year......(hopefully Dick Clark won't mind if I borrow that.....)

Just a bit of an update on our Christmas this year:

We spent Christmas eve at my parent's house.....good food, family and we were home by 10pm.

Christmas morning, we woke to presents under the tree (good thing I sent our moving announcement to Santa.....)

And I'm sure he received some help from our own little reindeer---KONA !!!

For all of her hard work, Kona received a new bed (it actually was an early Xmas present), and a rawhide bone.

Lots of good presents this year: A Della Q messenger bag; Several books--TWILIGHT; The Sookie Stackhouse Series (HBO's True Blood), books 1-7 & KNIT TWO (the sequel to THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB); DVD-Mamma Mia; Britney Spears's new CD-CIRCUS; two cute tunic shirts, a fleece jacket; lots of candles, Xmas decorations for the house; stuff for the kitchen (serving dishes and casseroles), a new wristlet wallet, a crystal candy dish...stuff like that. My parents are buying us a new rug for the living room, after the first of the year, once I finalize the decor that I want to do.

I also received my final Falling Into Ewe swap package, which happened to arrive just before Christmas. I saved it to open for Christmas morning, and was pleasantly surprised to finally find out who my partner had been for the past several months.....it was Blue Teacup from Ravelry. Marie has taken such care in spoiling me ROTTEN, and this last package was NO EXCEPTION!

For my final presents, she sent me a skein of Tanis Fiber Arts fingering-weight in a colorway called GRAPES; CABLES & ARANS from my Amazon wishlist; a set of Tinkerbell notecards (with stickers), along with a matching notepad; a Mickey Mouse tea ball; a cute ladybug storage container; a fun toy to GROW MY OWN SUSHI (too funny!!) and some Christmas candies....She has become such a great online friend!!! Thanks MARIE !!!

Christmas dinner was at my cousins house that day, and we'd stopped at my parent's after lunchtime to exchange gifts. I normally wear CROCS shoes all the time (comfort), but since it was Christmas Day, I decided to wear a normal pair of shoes.......BIG MISTAKE! While walking out to our car I stumbled on my parent's driveway and rolled my foot. While I have yet to have it officially looked at, it appears that I've either broken my toes, or severely sprained my foot. Needless to say, I've been trying to stay off of it as much as possible. These are pictures from today (please forgive the condition of my feet---I had planned to get a pedicure on Friday, but those plans went OUT the window):

And my furbaby......Kona has been my nursemaid all weekend......she knows that her mommy's been hurtin'

Thankfully, no dancing plans were on the agenda for NYE........just me & DH and the furkids, a bottle of wine, some Chinese food, and my jammies!!!

Oh, and some post-script.....2009 is gonna be a happenin' year----an invite to Mexico for my cousin's 21st birthday in the spring (gals ONLY), another cousin's wedding in June (at a local winery---SIGN ME UP!!) and (hopefully) Sock Summit 2009 in Portland, Oregon in August!!! I had hoped to get in on the TLE weekend in spring, but failed to make the cut-----besides, Mexico sounds like a great alternative!!!

Warm Ewe Up Swap Questionnaire

2008-12-24T17:38:00.001-05:00

Do you knit or crochet? Right now, I knit only. How long have you been at your craft? Less than one year
Do you spin? NOPE
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I love sock yarns….BFL and Bamboo blends are some of my favorites.
What yarns/fibers do you NOT like? I can’t handle mohairs, acrylics or scratchy wools……they make me breakout in hives (I have a hypersensitivity)
What yarns/fibers would you like to try, but haven’t? POSH yarn….Three Irish Girls….Wollmeise…Alchemy
What are your favorite colors to work with? I’m a tropical color person…..I love turquoise, purple, blue-green, pinks, red, corals and neutrals like chocolate brown and charcoal grey.
What colors do you NOT enjoy? I don’t like BRIGHT yellow, and I stay away from really pale pastels (as they wash me out, and make me look ill).
What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I have decided that 2009 will be my YEAR to MASTER MY KNITTING!! I’ll consider anything. I have plans for lots of scarves, hats and fingerless gloves and mittens. Socks too….
What are you currently working on? With my recent move, I haven’t touched my needles since September.
What is your favorite FO? Honestly, I have NEVER finished a project…..I’ve been more in the “collecting yarn” mindset. I guess I need some modivation!
Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I haven’t figured out increases & decreases yet, so that would be next on my agenda.
Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Neither, but would love either
Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? Right now I have a STUFFED to the gills folder to keep them in check, but I’ve outgrown it. I am collecting more circulars now, so I would like to get a separate way to organize these.
Do you collect anything? Mary Englebreit, Bumblebees & Ladybugs….I also collect Tinkerbell items (mostly Christmas ornaments) and Vintage Hawaiian art & travel prints.
Do you like sweets? Ummm….YES! I love Almond Joy, Kit Kat & Heath Bar candy bars & I’m a sucker for cashews & macadamia nuts.
What are your favorite scents? I am an indie-scent perfume oil addict, so take a look at my Perfume Oil list (over on the right side of my blog page).
Are you having a birthday during this swap? No
Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? My wish lists are linked on my blog (see the listing on the right hand side)
What is your living situation like? Married to DH (our anniversary is in early October) Any pets? 1 dog, Kona (she’s a Border Collie/Rottweiller mix) and 2 cats, Tigger & Sugar)
Are you allergic to anything? Just those fibers listed above.

3 days to go!!

2008-11-27T08:21:00.002-05:00

I know.....I know........."HULA, where have you been??......."

The answer is coming in three days.......MOVING!!!! We are finally going back to my roots (and I don't mean the one's on my head). Moving day is fast approaching.....Saturday is coming before too long. We've been packing like fiends (and I HONESTLY don't know HOW I got so much C*ARP in this tiny house.) and we get the truck on Saturday.....YAY!!

My brother-in-law refinished the living room and hallway floors at the new house......they look GORGEOUS (and I'll share pics soon, I promise).

Oh, and the lovely #*@&-hole we still live in........last Friday, I came home to find about 4 inches of water all OVER the bathroom floor (yeah, the one that's still a subfloor and just replaced because of water damage...THAT one......), and hall and bedroom carpets. If you could just imagine......I HATE THIS HOUSE !!!! Thank GOD that we're moving.

Happy Turkey Day to everyone, and the next time you hear from me........I'll be residing in Delaware!!!!

Does anyone wanna help me pack??

2008-11-02T11:21:00.004-05:00

OMG, it's official......I am a PACK RAT!!! We have so much stuff crammed into this little shoe-box-of-a-house.....it's a wonder we can move around at all!! So, besides the yarn destash I'm doing (I've sold some, but will hopefully sell some more), I am trying to PURGE as much as I can. New move, New START!! That's my new MANTRA...... I've been commendeering boxes from work, and today we plan on doing nothing but packing.......well, that is "I" plan on it......DH's gotta go into work this afternoon, as there are some minor chrisis that he needs to fix. So, I • MUST STAY MOTIVATED • .......the bright side is that it just adds to the overtime he'll be getting for the month. We can always use the $$$!!

Work for me has been a major focus change. We had two consultants "leave" the company (not by choice), so that has left me as the "senior" consultant in the department, with the longest tenure. I have never been in a position like this, so at first, I felt like a "fish out of water". I've never been one who's wanted to take on a leadership role. But, when all of this went down, I was approached to take on this "role" and I realized, I needed to do this. I love my job, so I want to do whatever I need to in order to keep things progressing and moving forward. Once we get through the "ammended" holiday season (we're just NOW starting to get busy.....we're about a month off of pase...), then my group kicks into high gear with weddings, starting in January. Wish me luck with my new responsibilities!!!

On a happy note, I was FINALLY able to get all of my yarn updated on my Ravelry stash page. I also received the 2nd package from my Falling Into Ewe swap partner.....she spoiled me with this one..

That's a Mary Englebreit 2009 monthly planner, a pack of cute apple-print napkins & bowls, a sampler of Lake Champlain chocolates, a box of Archer Farms White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies, some Snapple-Honey Of An Apple black tea bags, a pair of Takumi Velvet Bamboo needles (Size 8), two skeins of Classic Elite Waterlily yarn in a colorway called “Abbey Road”, a Lantern Moon ladybug tapemeasure and some mini Tootsie-pops!!

I also recently received my FIRST official Yarn Booty Club monthly shipment from Yarn Pirate. I'm SUCH A FAN of Georgia and her sock yarns. I've been trying to buy up a bunch of her prior colorways, so when I had to chance to sign up for her "Booty Club", I could NOT pass it up!!! Yes, there are other clubs I'd also like to join, but for right now......it's ONLY about the YP yarn!!!

My first club shipment was for a colorway called........Smoke Rings. I also received her exclusive pink circular needles, along with the official sticker and pin for the monthly club......yay, I am official!!!

Finally......I hope everyone remembered to set their clocks back last night.......In theory, I should have gotten an extra hour's sleep, but my internal clock woke me up......so I've been wide awake since 5:50 am....YAY me!!

Enjoy your Sunday !!!!!

FINALLY -- We're moving to DELAWARE !!!!

2008-10-23T12:13:00.003-04:00

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with the drama of our current rental, and we finally said "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" ......The bathroom remodel that was supposed to be finished by now (they really were supposed to start it back in June, but that was pushed back and rescheduled so much that it didn't actually start until October) is STILL not finished. They've worked on it only 5 days this month. I'm tired of living in squallor, and having a slum-lord for a landlord. The house is falling apart around us, and he wants to do nothing to fix it. GGGGGRRRRRR!!!!

Last weekend, when I was on my way to visit with my mom (who's recouping from her back surgery), I noticed that there was a house in their neighborhood that was for rent. Since I was already familiar with the layout (similar to my parent's and my aunt&uncles old house), I made arrangements for DH to see it this past Sunday. We confirmed the rental this morning, and we sign our lease this Sunday. Our move is scheduled for December 1st.

THRILLED and EXCITING cannot begin to describe how I'm feeling right now!!!

More info to come as the saga of moving progresses..........

Falling for Ewe Swap - Question of the Week?

2008-10-16T13:52:00.003-04:00

Do you like football? Who is your favorite team?

Ok, so it's not my favorite sport, but I will watch it. My favorite college teams are my (former) alma matter--Florida State and University of Florida.....and I root for the Pittsburgh Steelers (cause DH is a SUPER-fan!!)

Are you a Jackie, Marilyn or someone else??

2008-10-11T18:28:00.003-04:00

I found this on Amy's blog and thought it was cool, so I decided to try....

Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn (or someone else) Female Icon quiz

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me
* Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.
* Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.
* Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.
* Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.
* Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid
* my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level
* my ability to establish warm connections with people
* admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life
* my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor
* being unique and being seen as unique by others
* having aesthetic sensibilities
* being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid
* experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair
* feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved
* feeling guilty when I disappoint people
* feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me
* expecting too much from myself and life
* fearing being abandoned
* obsessing over resentments
* longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often
* have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games
* are very sensitive
* feel that they don't fit in
* believe they are missing something that other people have
* attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.
* become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood
* feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents
* help their children become who they really are
* support their children's creativity and originality
* are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings
* are sometimes overly critical or overly protective
* are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Falling For Ewe Swap - Question(s) of the week

2008-10-11T15:28:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I am still playing catch-up on things, and I've got a months worth of questions to answer. So, here goes.....

Question of the Week #1

What is your favorite thing about Autumn? Where do I begin? There’s the crispness in the air, the colors of the leaves, the smells of wood-burning fireplaces, apples, pumpkins and spices. It’s by far, my favorite season!!

Question of the Week #2

What “cold weather” project are you looking forward to making the most this autumn? I want to start working on a scarf that will hopefully be finished before winter’s over….LOL

Question of the Week #3

What meals or foods mean “Fall” to you? Apple Cider, Roasted Pork Loin with Potatoes & Root Vegetables and Apple Chutney, Pumpkin Pie

Question of the Week #4

What do you plan on dressing up as for Halloween? I was always a BIG fan of Halloween and always decorated to hilt and dressed up. Unfortunately my DH does NOT celebrate Halloween, so I have not done anything Halloween-related since 2000. Oh, I still long to decorate and celebrate, but I abstain out of respect for my husband.

Holiday Theme Swap Questionnaire

2008-10-05T21:53:00.003-04:00

Ravelry user name: Hulaknitter
State, Country, Province: New Jersey
Do you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanza: CHRISTMAS!!
Projects you like to knit most: Socks, Gloves/Mittens, Scarves
Favorite yarns: STR, Yarn Pirate,Malabrigo and I also have a wishlist of colorways here…..allergic to mohair & scratchy wools….also NO ACRYLIC
Patterns you desire: anything listed under my Ravelry favorites or queue
Favorite designers: anything listed under my Ravelry favorites or queue
Favorite colors: I lean towards tropicals for spring/summer, and jewel tones for fall winter. I do like certain warm tones, like orange, but it depends on the colorway
Least favorite colors: Solid yellow…..I can take certain yellow shades in limited varigation, but I will run the other way when it comes to solid yellow!
Things you collect: Around the holidays, I collect snowmen…..Oh, and I love snowglobes!!
Knit or crochet pattern: Knit
Sock knitters: dpn’s, circ’s or magic loop: Circ’s or DPN’s
Any allergies: Mohair, Scratchy wools and Acrylics
Smoker or pets: DH is smoker and I have 1-dog & 2-cats
Favorite scents: I am an indie-scent perfume oil addict, so here’s a list of some of my favorite lines
Prefer solid, semi solid or variegated yarn: any
Favorite weight of yarn: Fingering/DK/Worsted
Coffee or tea drinker: Tea fan here (NO GREEN TEA)
Favorite snacks or candies: Cashews,Jellies/Gummies, Dried fruits (cherrys, currants, etc)
Willing to be an angel: sure
Willing to ship international: no
List 10 items that you love that are inexpensive: Gift certificates from Blue Moon Fiber Arts (BMFA) or The Loopy Ewe, stitch markers, pattern tamers, crochet needles, SOAK wash, big coffee/tea mugs, Itunes gift cards, picture frames & Borders Books gift cards

OMG.....is that an update I see ??

2008-10-05T19:09:00.009-04:00

Someone call off the search party..........I have been found. I finally crawled out from under the rock (that poses as rough attempt at my LIFE), and hopefully I can start making a better attempt at keeping this here area updated more regularly.

OK? O-KAY!!!!!

So, where do I begin?

The end of August we had a big shin-dig event at my workplace to celebrate our move into the city and into our new building. Mind you, we moved in early May.....so what's three months. I chose not to attend the event, since DH had to work. Some of you might not know it, but I work as a Wedding Specialist for a online stationery company. Since I spent the couple of days before the event getting my desk area all set up with samples of my work. I took some pics to share:

This is a custom invitation done entirely in German!

Then I got my hair cut......short! I was a bit leary about doing it, but my cousin, Sarah did an excellent job......this is the picture I based the cut on

I haven't taken a picture of ME yet, but I will soon....I promise!!

Some of my swaps have ended, and I've got a couple of new one's starting. I've got a MIA partner for my SOYL swap, but the hostess is trying to get something going for me. In the meantime, I received my final package from my SP12 partner, Angie. She was an AWEsome swap partner, and the final package for our 3months was the icing on the cake!!

The cutest project bag made of Mary Engelbreit fabric, and inside was all sorts of goodies:

A pattern book of ME projects, some ME stickers, a bar of ME lemon verbena soap, two packs of sauna masques, a set of ladybug stitch markers, a pack of Ferrero Rocher chocolates (YUMM), a box of milk chocolate covered oranges (DOUBLE-YUMM!!!) and a pack Orbit Mint Mojito gum (my favorite!!)....but the best was the Regia yarn. Angie based the color selection to my personal Wordle, that I had posted on my blog before.....you check it out.....I think she got the colors "SPOT ON"!!!

I have also received my first package from the Falling For Ewe Autumn swap. I received a package this week from my partner.....and she was very kind!!

Yummy chocolates (the fall print takout box was full of Hershey's Minis), a box of Fruit herbal tea. a set of tropical fish stitch markers, a cable needle, a fun pen (which doubles as a cat toy, much to my surprise...LOL), a cute Hawaiian shell bracelet, a pack of cute tea-themed notecards, a skein of Tanis Fiber Arts in VACATION SEA, and two skeins of Panda Silk in a beautiful icy-hydrangea blue colorway. This is the softest yarn......I think it will make the loveliest socks.....but I have will have to find just the right pattern......something lacey, perhaps.

I also received a surprise package from my dear friend in CA. She sent me a Della Q bag, and found yarn in almost the same colors.....two skeins of Colinette Cadenza in a colorway called Toscana (which I adore!!). What do you think, doesn't the bag and yarn match, kinda?

Oh, then there is my new obsession......Perfume Oils.......but I'll save that for my next post......as there is SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT there.

So, in closing......I missed ALL OF YOU, and I'm SO GLAD TO BE HOME!!!!

Sunday Seven - 08.31.08

2008-08-31T19:38:00.002-04:00

Name seven things in your home that you have at least seven of.

My list this week is very "girly":

FlipFlops (I usually buy them in bulk, from Old Navy, at the beginning of the season)
Lip Glosses (my favorite right now is from Prescriptives, it's called Supernova)
Nail Polish (I always take my own when I get my bi-weekly pedicures. I prefer either O•P•I or Essie brands)
Slippers (I've got a range, from terry-cloth flip flop styles to full on bootie slippers
Coffee Mugs (I collect Tinkerbell mugs from Disney.....I currently own about a dozen different designs)
Tank tops (again, I usually buy one in every color, with multiples of black and white)
Purses (I probably have about 15 currently, most of them are summer bags, as I like to change them alot in the summer months)

"We interupt this scheduled program......"

2008-08-30T22:16:00.005-04:00

I'm feeling a bit under the weather this weekend, soI don't have much to say. I got my hair cut SHORT yesterday, and it's all streaked now with highlights & lowlights. I'm too blechey right now to take a picture, but I promise to, before the weekend is out.

Today, I stayed in jammies all day.......I did take a shower this afternoon, but then put on clean jammies. Who knew that the first question from Friday's meme would actually happen!!

I decided to skip the Saturday meme this week---it concerns summer vacations (we did not TAKE one) and how we spent the summer holidays (didn't do a thing for ANY of them), so I figured it would be a waste.

Off to bed......

Friday Fill In - 08.29.08

2008-08-29T08:33:00.003-04:00

1. When I'm sick I'm all about my jammies. I like to curl up with some fuzzy socks, my jammies, a pot of tea, a book or knitting and my fleece blanket. Oh, and lots of naps.

2. When I take a walk, I think about my surroundings....the trees, the sun, the sky. My favorite place to walk, is the beach.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can make things VERY pleasant. And it helps in my yarn obsession too!

4. Cotton makes me think of summer, which has just FLOWN by and leather makes me think of car interiors (we're going car shopping this weekend, so I have CAR on the brain).

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was my second cousin, Tim. We're not related by blood--his father is my dad's step-dad's brother (got that......I'll wait.......). The summer that I turned 14 and he was 17, we had a "summer relationship" that my family was not to keen about. Man, that was a NICE summer!!

6. My favorite color these days is coral and orange because I'm trying to get into the spirit of the fall season.

7. And as for the weekend, today, I’m looking forward to a well-deserved mini-spa day, which includes a haircut and highlights, tomorrow my plans include nothing.....I'm on vacation and Sunday, DH and I plan to go new car shopping !

Thursday Thunk - 08.28.08

2008-08-28T07:58:00.002-04:00

This week we will answer:
You have your choice! Pick one (or two... or all 3) of these questions to thunk about.

It's too early this morning, and I have a migrane, so I went to the "evil internet" for my answers....

If nothing sticks to Teflon, how do they stick Teflon to the pan?

First they sandblast the pan to create a lot of microscratches on its surface. Then they spray on a coat of Teflon primer. This primer, like most primers, is thin, enabling it to flow into the the micro-scratches. The primed surface is then baked at high heat, causing the Teflon to solidify and get a reasonably secure mechanical grip. Next you spray on a finish coat and bake that. (The Teflon finish coat will stick to the Teflon primer coat just fine.) Works a lot better than the early Teflon pans, but you can still ruin Teflon cookware by subjecting it to extremely high heat. This causes the bonds between some of the carbon atoms to break, giving other undesirable stuff a chance to bond thereto (courtesy of The Straight Dope)

How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign?

Firstly Deer Urine is used on the sign, and across the road, also.. because all deer are unfortunately lacking in any formal education, they are unable to read. Thus, the picture.So, a deer approaches sniffs, thinks "hey, who peed all over the place and stuck a picture of me in the middle of it, I am going to get to the bottom of this, they ain't pinning this on me"then he crosses (courtesy of Yahoo Answers UK)

Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?

There is an unwritten law that if the condemned prisoner lives through execution they get pardoned. The reason why the sterilize the needle is in the rare case that it does happen and he/she gets an infection from it they can sue the state. Sounds odd but true. (courtesy of Yahoo Answers)

Wednesday Media Mix - 08.27.08

2008-08-27T22:28:00.005-04:00

It's Wednesday, so it must be the Media Mix

Listen: Name one cover of a song that you think is better than the original: I like Michael Buble's covers of Frank Sinatra songs, so it's hard to pick just one.

Watch: What was your favorite show in the 90s? 90210, which is being "covered" this year with the new version of "BH 90210" starting on the CW this fall. I have reservations about how well this one will do.....it's hard to top the original, IMO

Read: Name the ideal setting for reading a book (at the park, in bed with candles, etc.) I like to sit outside, in the sun, typically listening to my iPod. I'vw tried reading in bed, but I'm usually asleep within five minutes.

Ten on Tuesday - 08.26.08

2008-08-25T23:18:00.004-04:00

10 Things I Hated About School

The hours…….I would have gladly appreciated a schedule, let’s say from 10am to 2pm…….
The food…during 10th grade, I had the same lunch every day…..a chocolate milkshake and a cookie……I only bought lunch on Friday’s (Pizza !!)
Gym Class….required in Freshman and Sophomore year it was required…..Swimming for a whole semester……to make matters worse, I had it 2nd period, so I had chlorine hair for three months……IN WINTER…….I HATED GYM !!!!
The bathrooms…….disgusting to say the least…..
SAT’s…can someone please explain what the real deal is about this test? I took both the PSAT’s (twice) and the SAT’s……I scored average, and I still got into almost all of the schools I applied to (only wait-listed to ONE school…..Duke. I was accepted to the following schools: Univeristy of Miami, Virginia Wesleyan College, University of Delaware, York College of Pennsylvania, and Maryland Institute College of Art)
Riding the school bus…..when I finally got my driver’s license, I was so happy.
Making up snow days at the end of the school year…….Come June 1st, I was always on mental summer vacation
Picking your classes for the next school year. It always seemed that I could never get the classes that I really wanted. It continued when I got to college. I never seemed to have luck on my side.
9th Grade Biology……Frog Disection……enough said
Homework......ugh, I get hives just thinking about it.

Manic Monday - 08.25.08

2008-08-25T00:02:00.004-04:00

If you could take more control of one aspect of your life, what would it be?
My weight…….I would love to not worry about what size I am, and I’m sure buying clothes would be more pleasurable.

If you were to name the difference between the male soul and the female soul, what would it be? Compassion. Compared to females, males tend to have less of the compassion gene, which I notice especially with my DH.

If you had to admit the most selfish thing you do on a regular basis, what would you say it is? I spend more money on myself, than I do for my DH…….I can drop $$$ on yarn, makeup or shoes, yet I gripe when DH wants to buy something electronic……am I wrong for doing that?? I though it was ALL ABOUT ME ?!? LOL!!

Sunday Seven - 08.24.08

2008-08-24T23:15:00.002-04:00

Name seven cool movie gadgets you’d like to own

James Bond’s Astin Martin…….coolest car EVER !!! I’d like to be able to hit a rocket launcher when someone in front of me does something STUPID
Communcator pin (from Star Trek) ……it would totally eliminate the need for a cell phone!
Invisible Cloak (the Harry Potter Movies) ……It would make going to work SO much fun…..I’d know everything that was going on….
Holedeck (again from Star Trek) …….what a great thing to have for parties!! I could have a virtual Hawaii 24/7…….SWEET!!!
The DeLorean (from Back to the Future, Part II) …..it ran on household garbage!! I’d never have to buy gas again….ROCK ON!!!
The Magic Mirror (from Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs) ……I’d like to have the positive reinforcement every morning……”Mirror-Mirror…….”
OK, I know it’s not a movie, but it is TV
The food-replicator thingie (from the Jetsons) ………I would love not to have to grocery shop EVER again !!!!

Proud to be from Delaware!!

2008-08-23T15:15:00.004-04:00

It's official:

Joe Biden, my home state's senior Senator, is the next Vice President of the United States!! I am tickled PINK !! I have always been a fan of Joe Biden, and this ticket is the strongest Democratic ticket since I've been able to vote. He's really put Delaware on the map now!!

Remember, vote OBAMA/BIDEN !!!!

New Stash......

2008-08-23T14:14:00.006-04:00

I placed an order last week with Blue Moon Fiber Arts (BMFA) for some of the colorways that they were sending "on vacation". It was a tough decision, but I got the top FOUR. The order arrived on my doorstep this morning:

This is their fiberway, Twisted, in colorway "Love in Idleness"

(from top to bottom): Socks That Rock - Lightweight in "Seastone"; Silkie Socks That Rock in "Dixie Chick" and "Lemongrass"

Saturday 9 - 08.23.08

2008-08-23T10:56:00.003-04:00

I love this weeks' subject......I have loved music since I was a baby. My mom said that I sang before I could talk. I sung in church and school choirs all of my life. I even sang when I worked at WDW. In 2000, I had a serious illness that fused my vocal cords together and I could not talk for about 3 months. I had to work with a speech therapist to learn how to talk again, but my speech pattern and vocal tone had changed, so now, I no longer sing, except at home or in my car. But I still love my music!!

1. What was your first favorite song? The first song I can remember liking alot, was "Top of the World" by the Carpenters. What can I say.....I'm a child of the 70's

2. Who was your first favorite female singer? Olivia Newton-John

3. Who was your first favorite male singer? Tony Orlando.......Knock Three Times...LOL !!!

4. Who was your first favorite band? The Carpenters

5. Who are your all time favorite bands? The Beatles and The Beach Boys

6. Who are your all time favorite male singers? Michael Bublé, Justin Timberlake and Tim McGraw

7. Who is your all time favorite female singer? Etta James and Christina Aguliera (that girl can WAIL)

8. What is your all time favorite LP/CD album? a tie...The Beatles' White Album and Abby Road......equally BRILLIANT !!!

9. What was your first favorite radio station? It's the local station, that I STILL listen to.....93.7 FM-WSTW

Friday Fill-In #86

2008-08-23T10:09:00.003-04:00

1. Dancing to the beat of my own drum while making my way thru life makes me dizzy sometimes.

2. The last time I rode a roller coaster I nearly threw up and passed out.......guess I am not as young as I thought I was.

3. When I drive I roll down my windows, open my sunroof and sing at the top of my lungs to my iPod tunes!

4. I saw my kitty, Tigger standing on my kitchen counter this morning........Get DOWN Tigger, you know better!!! BAD KITTY !!!

5. Give me sushi, give me mojitos, give me a vacation........(I'll take any of the three please, since you asked........)

6. Next week I am looking forward to a four and a half day holiday weekend, and my mini-spa day at the hair salon (haircut, highlights and brows)

7. (Since this is posted late, I'm not including Friday night) And as for the weekend, tomorrow my plans include the post office, catching up with laundry, housework and a nap and Sunday, we have to go to my parents so that DH can hook up my mom's computer (which he repaired this week), and we'll be at the hospital to see my grandmother. We also need to go and buy a new floor lamp for the living room to replace the broken one.

The Lows (and Highs) of my week......

2008-08-23T09:41:00.003-04:00

The Lows:

crazy-busy at work this week.....very tired and went to bed uncharacteristicly early many nights
oldest nephew went to eye doctor, and now has to wear glasses (he's nearsighted). Not a big deal, but to a 13yr old starting Eighth grade....a BIG deal. Kids can be cruel, so I anticipate that when school starts on Monday, so will the teasing and ridicule....my poor BOY!
had a nerve conduction test early Friday morning on both hands and arms (this is related to my thyroid issues, and the numbness and swelling that I experienced earlier this month).....I just love being electricuted early in the morning . That was the most painfull experienced I've ever had. I still have pain in a couple of spots on my hands and forearms. And the kicker is......I'll have to go back and have the same thing done on my feet and ankles.......JOY!!!
got three back-to-back phone calls yesterday after 5 o'clock, which I couldn't answer right away (while at work, I can't really answer my cell). When I got in my car after work, I checked my phone and saw that my mom had called. I called her back and said, "Well it must be important, cause you called me three times....." She then told me that my grandmother had fallen yesterday around 2pm and broke her left hip (Sidenote: my grandparents moved back from Rehoboth Beach last December as is was becoming too difficult for my grandfather to take care of my grandmother on his own--she's had several strokes over the past several years, and has about 20% use of her left side. Less than two weeks after they moved into their assisted living facility, my grandfather broke his right hip [four days before Christmas]. My grandmother then went to stay at my parents house, until Easter. Because of the strokes, my grandmother is very bitter and unpleasant to be around, but she's family, so we tolerate it). So, I immediately went to the hospital......and sat with both of them until other family came. As of last night at 10pm, she still had not been moved to a room, and the orthopedic surgeon had still not arrived......GOTTA LOVE THE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM !!

The Highs (which considerably outweight the lows, in my book!)

DH got his quarterly bonus this week....YAHOOY!! One word - New BLUE MOON -STR !! (ok, that's 6 words, but who's countin'........I'm ordering some YARN!!)
announcement at work that since we are closing early on Thursday, 8/28 for our company Open House (which I am NOT attending), that the owners decided to give us off on Friday with pay! With the holiday on Monday, 9/1 I now have a 4 and a half day weekend......ROCK ON!!
DH agreed that I need a new car, so we're going car shopping over Labor Day weekend.....we're gonna look, and see what kind of a deal we can get (fingers crossed)

Now, I need to get over to update the Daily Memes......I need to do Friday, and now Saturday....

Thursday Thunk - 08.21.08

2008-08-21T07:56:00.006-04:00

UG, so early....stayed up too late last night to watch May-Traynor & Walsh win the gold medal for Womens Beach Volleyball.....very cool!

Today's Meme......

If you could have any house, money no object what so ever, what kind of house would it be? Walk us through it...

Well, it's easier for me to show my dream house, so here ya go....

"With over 11, 000 square feet of living space, this magnificent beachfront home has stunning ocean and sunset views. The outstanding craftsmanship is visible throughout the two master suites, six guest suites, media room, library, office, and separate caretaker's quarters. The warm sandy beach and azure Pacific are the backyard of this Kaanapali Estate. All of your client's needs for health and well being will be met with the oceanfront pool, Jacuzzi, yoga pavilion and exercise room. This extraordinary masterpiece property is the reason your clients have chosen to live on Maui" ......anyone got the winning Powerball numbers?? The house......$23.8 million

Wednesday Media Mix - 08.20.08

2008-08-20T13:23:00.007-04:00

Wow....it's Wednesday already....this month is just FLYIN' by....next weekend is the "unofficial" end of summer....and the kids go back to school this coming Monday.....summer seemed much longer when I was a kid.....

As it is Wednesday, it's time for the Media Mix:

Listen: What song has the saddest lyrics of any you’ve heard? "If You're Reading This..." by Tim McGraw....I cry almost every time I hear this song (I even have it on my iPod....). It what I imagine that alot of familys have had to go through since we went to war in the Middle East. I'm tearing up just talking about the song......

Watch: Name a show that’s a guilty pleasure for you. "The Hills" on MTV......I am a faithful watcher of the show that my DH calls "mindless drival". That's one of the reasons that I watch it......I get to escape for 30 minutes to a life that I KNOW I'd never have.....but it's nice to live in a fantasy!!

Read: Which book have you read in which you felt a character was the most similar to you? Allie, from "The Notebook"......it's my FAVORITE love story. I fell for the boy that my parents didn't approve of, so in that respect, we'd be the same......we didn't end up the same way, but I like to think that the love that Allie and Noah had in the book would have been the same that me and my "Noah" would have had.......if only........

Ten on Tuesday - 08.19.08

2008-08-19T18:48:00.005-04:00

Since we are in week two of the Olympics, my 10 Favorite Olympic Atheletes of All Time

Michael Phelps - Come on....how could you not like MP after the week he just finished. I hope he does for swimming what Tiger did for golf.
Dan Jansen - OMG, my heart broke for him in 1988 when his sister died the morning of his speed skating races at the Calgary games, and then he failed again at the 1992 games.....it was truly thrilling to see him finally get his gold medal in 1994.
Kerri Strug - this is a picture of perserverence...when she wrecked her ankle at the Atlanta games, it was pretty much a done deal.....but to vault a second time, and LAND on said ankle -AND- score enough to win the gold medal.......AWESOME !!!! I can still remember Bela Karolyi carrying her onto the medal stand to receive her medal.....PRICELESS MEMORY !!
Eric Heiden - how cool is he....he wins all of the men's speed skating races in Lake Placid, and then turns to cycling.......CROSS OVER !!!
Dara Torres - she just goes to proove that you are never too old to go for your dreams. Her daughter Tessa should be very proud of her mom!
Greg Louganis - SUCH a crush on him, back in the day.......A MAJOR HOTTIE !!! And his diving was PRIMO too!!!!!
Alberto Tomba - TOOOOMMMMMBBBBBA.......nuff said (my DH's Italian, so I have to like Alberto....LOL)
Ian Thorpe - The Thorpedo !!!! Another Hottie.....just gotta love an Australian accent !!
Tara Lipinski - she is the only Olympian that I've actually met. I used to go an skate a the University of Delaware, and I would see her skate her practice sessions. She was super sweet and very talented. She changed coaches in 1996, and moved to Detroit to train. But she'll always be a local girl to me, and I think I screamed the loudest when she won her gold in Nagano.
Hermann Maier - a most AWESOME Alpine skier....it's amazing that he's still competing. He IS the "Hermannator"

Manic Monday #130

2008-08-18T13:46:00.003-04:00

1. Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? I've wanted to travel to Asia since I was in high school......especially Japan! Why haven’t you done it? Money....and time.....if you have any extra of EITHER, please let me know !!!

2. If you could make any fictional character come to life, which one would it be? Noah from The Notebook.....I watched the movie again over the weekend (Thanks Family Channel!!).....I just swoon over the character and the conviction of the love he has for Allie......

3. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and how long would it take you to spend the $10,000? I would say either Pottery Barn or Thomasville Furniture, so that we could re-do ALL of our furniture, bedding and accessories. I could probably spend it all in about 4 hours.

Daily Meme - Sunday Seven (BONUS) - 08.17.08

2008-08-17T10:20:00.004-04:00

This is a BONUS Sunday Seven:

Name your seven favorite Pepsi beverages.

Caffeine Free Pepsi
Wild Cherry Pepsi
Starbucks Frappachino Vanilla
Lipton Brisk Lemon
Aquafina
Propel Mixed Berry
Slice Orange

Daily Meme - Sunday Seven - 08.17.08

2008-08-17T08:30:00.004-04:00

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:Name seven attractions you’d like to visit in the San Francisco area.

We've never been to SF, so this is a great question.....I can add this to my "Places to visit before I die" List

The Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz Island
Coit Tower
The Houses along Alamo Square & Lombard Street
Fishermans Wharf
The Sequoias of Muir Woods
Strybing Arboretum

Falling For Ewe Autumn Yarn Swap Questionnaire

2008-08-17T00:27:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's that time again......another swap is in the works:

Do you knit or crochet? Right now, I knit only.
How long have you been at your craft? Less than one year
Do you spin? NOPE
Are there any other crafts that you participate in? I do enjoy scrapbooking, but find that I only get a chance to do it every couple of months. I’d rather be fondling my yarn stash!
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I love sock yarns….BFL and Bamboo blends are some of my favorites.
What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? I can’t handle mohairs, acrylics or scratchy wools……they make me breakout in hives (I have a hypersensitivity)
Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? POSH yarn….Three Irish Girls….Wollmeise…Alchemy
What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I’ll consider anything. I have plans for lots of scarves, hats and fingerless gloves and mittens. Socks too….
What are you currently working on? After lots of practice swatches, I am finally casting on my FIRST project—a pair of fingerless mittens. Anything you plan to start this autumn? I am planning a new scarf in a fall colorway.
What are your favorite colors to work with? I’m a tropical color person…..I love turquoise, purple, blue-green, pinks, red, corals and neutrals like chocolate brown and charcoal grey.
What colors do you NOT enjoy? I don’t like BRIGHT yellow, and I stay away from really pale pastels (as they wash me out, and make me look ill).
Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I haven’t figured out increases & decreases yet, so that would be next on my agenda.
Are you a sock knitter? Yes What are your foot measurements? I wear a size 10 shoe.
Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Neither, but would love either
Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? Right now I have a STUFFED to the gills folder to keep them in check, but I’ve outgrown it. I am collecting more circulars now, so I would like to get a separate way to organize these.
Do you collect anything? Mary Englebreit, Bumblebees & Ladybugs….I also collect Tinkerbell items (mostly Christmas ornaments) and Vintage Hawaiian art & travel prints.
What is your favorite type of music? It’s very varied, just about anything (but Rap music) Are you MP3 ready? Yes, I use iTunes.
Do you like sweets? I love fruit jellies and cashews. My favoite candy bar is Almond Joy
What is your living situation like? Married to DH (our anniversary is in early October) Any pets? 1 dog, Kona (she’s a Border Collie/Rottweiller mix) and 2 cats, Tigger & Sugar
Are you allergic to anything? Just those fibers listed above.
Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? My wish lists are linked on my blog (see the listing on the right hand side)
What is your Ravelry ID? hulaknitter

Daily Meme - The Saturday 9 - 08.16.08

2008-08-16T17:03:00.002-04:00

I've now found a daily meme for each day of the week, so hopefully this will help me stay on track with my blogging.....

1. Do you worry about your next birthday? Since I turned 40 this year, I realized just much stress I'd put on my age previously. Now I realize, it's just a number.

2. Have you ever lied about your age in the recent past? No, there's really no reason to.

3. Have you ever lied about your age when you were young? Yes. If yes, why? I can admit it now......I got a fake ID when I was 17 years old, and I used it until I turned 21. I was never caught with it, and in hindsight, I did it more so that I fit in with the "in" crowd. If I ever had a child, I would be furious if they ever got one. Guess that the pot calling the kettle......

4. How much older have you been a person that you were romantically involved? I am a year older than my DH....I was born in April of 1968 and he was born in April 1969.

5. How much younger have you been a person that you were romantically involved? My ex-husband was six years older than me. My family thought that was a good thing, because it would help "reel me in", but in hindsight it just added to the ultimate conflict that broke us up.

6. Have you ever been consider a sibling, rather than parent of your child? Since I don't have children, I can't really answer this.

7. If you have had children, did you factor in age when deciding to have a sibling? Again, not applicable.

8. If you have not had children, are you happy with your choice and/or fate? No, during my first marriage, my ex decided early on that he didn't want kids. By the time that we broke up and I remarried, I discovered that I have serious medical issues that have prevented me from having a successful pregnancy. I've had more than 3 miscarriages, so I am slowly coming to the realization that I won't be a mother.

9. Do your siblings have kids? Yes, two boys. Are you close to them? Very much so......they are my surrogate kids, and I spoil them to death (and then give them back to their parents.....it's so great to be their AUNTIE !!) Their ages? 13 and 3

Back to some normalcy.....

2008-08-16T15:07:00.006-04:00

Ah......FINALLY! I'd like to go on record and request a DO-OVER of the last 30days or so. Just saying......

As you probably read, my week this week started out WET......if I don't see lots of water anytime soon, it will still be TOO soon for me. We ended up with minor water damage to DH's car, and our heater has to have the optic sensor replaced and will need a good cleaning. The shed in our backyard lost some of the roof shingles and the yard is a mess. Other than that, I'm glad it's over. The whole mess of dealing with this really stressed me out, both physically and mentally. I was glad that the weekend finally got here.

I spent last night watching the Olympics.....I've been watching Michael Phelps swim his way into history all week, so I decided to celebrate his wins with a lovely Asian meal......a bento box !!

I had tempura lobster, spring rolls, seaweed salad, California roll sushi and crystalline noodles....plus I had some steamed brown rice......it was QUITE yummy !!! And, yes-those are my own personal chopsticks.....I have about 4 pairs, but these are my favorites!!

This morning, I got up early to go to a yard sale that one of my coworkers was having. She and her husband just bought a house, so they were trying to get rid of some stuff. She had this really cute basket, which I just HAD to have......it's a teapot for GOSH SAKES !!

Our bathroom remodel is in a holding pattern. It was supposed to start last week, and then this week. Now, we're waiting on our landlord to decide who has the better price and then when they can start. Ah, the joys of renting.......NOT!!!

So, it's been a while since I've updated with swaps, yarn pr0n and goodies, so without further adieu.....lets bring on the pics:

First, my 2nd package from my Summer of Yarn Love swap partner....isn't it FAB ?!?

The yarn is Shibui sock yarn......here's the closeup

Next, some lovelys from BMFA......these are from various trades and purchases online:

Rocky Horror (STR Lightweight)

Blue Moonstone (STR Lightweight - received in a trade with Sicklipstick on Ravelry)

And Seal Rock (STR Lightweight - purchased from hello-knitty on Ravelry...thanks Kate!)

And now onto the new Yarn Pirate aquisitions:

Malamute (from another trade with Sicklipstick....Jessica and I are like two PEAS IN A POD when it comes to BMFA and Yarn Pirate!!)

Here is the July colorway from the Pirates Booty sock club, it's called Cupcake (mine is courtesy of jfw04 on Ravelry...Thanks Jennifer!!)

The next two I purchased directly from the Yarn Pirate's etsy shop

First up is Permanent Mistake, which is a Bambo/Merino/Nylon blend

The other is a BFL Superwash....the colorway is called Kona (which you KNOW I had to buy!!)

Ok, and the last yarn prOn pick is from Lulu's Yarns on Etsy....it's Panda Sock & the colorway is called Ischia* (*Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. It is near where my DH's family is from in Italy)

On the horizon......I've got a shipment of STR that is on it's way to me and I'll be starting a *BRAND NEW FEATURE* on the blog......I've been asked to start reviewing teas on my blog, so I'll be starting that this week.....HOW FUN!!!!!

Friday Fill-Ins #85

2008-08-15T06:39:00.003-04:00

Ok, here we go with the start of the weekend. I know I've been lax with my blog and have a TON of updates to do, so I've blocked some time on Saturday and promise to get it done!

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was last Sunday, before the now imfamous flood. At Cheesburger in Paradise, we had an Island Sampler appetizer (mini-burgers, mini-chili dogs, chicken wings and fried dill pickle chips--YUMM!), and DH had a Cuban sandwich, while I had a Pressed Burger.

2. Drivers who don't use their turn signals and lane change without looking is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon rising is an awesome sight. I especially like to sit out and watch the sky on a fall night. A harvest moon is my favorite!!!

4. (The next questions is a toughy......I don't really think we have a local expressions, but this is one that I grew up using)........ "Cop a squat" is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to just bite your tongue and say something positive. Especially in my job, as there are alot of bridezilla's out there!

6. MICHAEL CLAYTON is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching the Olympics, packing up the new tea box for shipping, and some sleep (I've been so tired this week), tomorrow my plans include a quick trip to the drug store and post office, then I've blocked out the afternoon for laundry and updating my blog and Sunday, DH will be home from work, so we will probably start getting things ready for the bathroom remodel (which is scheduled to start on Tuesday!

Manic Monday #129

2008-08-11T07:21:00.004-04:00

Ugh....it's MONDAY. After the day we had yesterday, I'm achey & sore.....but thankful that we woke up to very little flooding. I can get out our lane to my car this morning, so the 8 hours I'll spend at work will be a vacation in comparison to yesterday.

How would your friend describe you to someone who has never seen you?

Brown hair, hazel eyes, tall & plus-sized......perky, with alot of enthusiasm and a great personality........(wow, that sounds like a personal ad)

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?

My DH......he always has my best interests in mind. He takes care of me, and always makes sure that I'm safe and secure.

If you died or went missing, who would miss you?

My husband, family and friends are a given.....but I think that my absence would have a real effect on my fur-babies.....especially Kona. Whenever I go away for several days, she's very clingy when I come home.

My own personal "Waterworld".........

2008-08-10T20:50:00.005-04:00

Where are Kevin Cosner and Dennis Hopper when you need them ?!?!

Apparently, they weren't in our township today. DH and I got up early this morning as today was our youngest nephew's 3rd birthday party. About 20 minutes before we left, we started to hear rumblings of thunder and lightning....no red flags.....so off we went. We hit some wicked rain about 4 miles from home, but as we crossed the Delaware Bridge and got into NCC, the skies brightened and the rain stopped. We went to an early lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise (the restaurant chain owned by Jimmy Buffett----yes, I am a closet-Parrothead!!). We got done lunch about 12:40, and as we exited the restaurant, we looked to the east and saw a wicked-large line of BLACK clouds....just about the area of where our house is. Again, no red flags....ok, so it's raining there.

We decided to make a quick stop at Office Depot, and while we were paying for our stuff, the employees were talking about a tornado watch that they had just called for the area. Again, nothing that we were immediately alarmed by.....where we were, there was no rain.....but we did notice some ominous clouds. We made it over to my sister's house for cake and ice-cream with the family and close friends. We were there about an hour, and then made our way over to Best Buy, where I got new earbuds for my iPod and DH got some blank CD-roms. We then made our way home.

As we drove up into our township, I noticed that some of the lower-lying side streets had intermittent flooding. As we got up to the street we normally turn onto, it was flooded. Since the area we live in is a basic U-shape, with three connecting streets, we went up to the next turn, which was clear. As we made our way up to our road, we noticed more of the side streets were flooded.....a couple were really bad (we saw an SUV that was submerged up to the top of it's hood and a car that was completely under water).

We then started to turn onto our street, and I screeched to a stop.......our lane was COMPLETELY flooded......at least 2-1/2 feet by the time we got there. I backed up my car, and parked along the main street. As I did, a black Chevy Avalanch pulled up behind us......it was our next door neighbors' daughters and A's fiancé. The said that it was pretty bad.......my DH's car was partially underwater, and they weren't sure if there was any flood water in our house. We'll panic set in, as Kona and the cats were in the house, so DH's starts down the lane, wading through the flood water. He told me to stay put, and that he would check on things. While he was doing that, our neighbors told us that they had gotten a call from a family friend (who's a state trooper) who had told them to get to the basement as there was a tornado in the area (it must have been around the same time that we were in the store earlier). She said that she spent over an hour in her basement and that the hail was wicked.....about the size of a quarter. I asked how they made it out, and she had crossed a section of her yard that wasn't flooded and went through a neighbor's yard in the next developement over. She then called her sister & they came and got her. My problem was that both our front AND back yards lay on a lower slope that her house, so there was no way to cut through.

My cell-phone rang, and it was my DH.....the house was fine, but his car was flooded on the drivers side. I got sick of just standing there, so I took off my flip flops and rolled up my capris and proceed to WADE down the lane to get to our house. UGH.....it was one of the most disgusting things that I ever had to go through......the water was ICE cold, there was all of this slimey stuff on the water, and by the time I made it to the front of my house, the water was over my knees. I got inside and hugged the dog and tried to get myself cleaned up, since I couldn't run the water. Once I got cleaned up, I went out and took these pics:

It took more than three hours for the flood waters to subside. Our backyard is still flooded, but the front is clear. We found out that the flooding was caused by a failed pump and about half the township was flooded. The good news for us was that DH's car started, and was moved to higher ground. The bad news is that we continue to have storms in the area, so who knows what we will wake up to in the morning.

I realize that this was NOTHING compared to what THOUSANDS of people in New Orleans had to deal with, but my heart goes out to them.......for just the briefest of moments, I stood in their shoes, and it was not fun!!

Needless to say, I am spent.......I promise to post more this week, including some new yarn prOn!

Friday Fill-In #84

2008-08-08T00:03:00.003-04:00

1. You know you're old when the early-bird special looks REAL appealing and you're ready for bed at 7pm.

2. My heart is divided between moving away and starting a new life in a different city and staying put to be close to my family. DH and I go back and forth on the subject. I'd like California or Hawaii....he'd like South Carolina or Montana. As you can clearly see......more discussion is needed

3. Sleep is what I need RIGHT NOW! This has been a really long week at work. I will definately rest up this weekend.

4. I have felt the tropical sun on my face, I have known the depths of the Hawaiian oceans.........can someone loan me some money for a plane ticket.......I need a Maui-fix?!?

5. Gah, won't these people quit talking about lowering fuel prices and fixing the mortgage crisis and just GET ON WITH IT.......talk is CHEAP people!!! I'm looking at a fuel-oil lock in price for winter at about $4.69/gallon......YIKES!

6. Take a vacation......as soon as you can! Summer is almost over!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to some Japanese food & watching the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on TV, tomorrow my plans include errands (bank, post office, dry cleaner), buying my 3yr old newphew a birthday gift, and a late-afternoon nap and Sunday, we have said-nephews birthday party to attend!

SP 12 question of the week - 08.06.08

2008-08-06T13:41:00.002-04:00

Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair? Would you ever consider it?

I have never entered knitting items, but I had several entries in cross-stitch and quilting during the early to late 1990's. The best that I think I ever placed was a 2nd in counted/large project. I also used to submit entries in the canning and baked goods. I did win a 1st place one year for my watermelon relish and my key lime & coconut cake. Of course, this was back when I was younger, and didn't work and could afford the extra time to devote to my creative side. Hopefully, by getting back into knitting, I will spark that side again......

Manic Monday #128

2008-08-04T23:27:00.003-04:00

OMG, I almost forgot about doing this......and Monday's almost over.....

Using no more than 10 nouns, and ONLY nouns, describe yourself.
Wife, Knitter, Pet-Owner, Lover, Wedding Consultant, Friend, Auntie, Daughter, Sister, Laundress

If you owned your own store, what would you sell?
I’d like to have a yarn & tea café. One side would be yummy yarns, notions and comfy chairs and couches. The other side would be a tea & gourmet café. With WI-FI of course !!!

If you were to name the most comforting thing for you to hold in your hands, what would it be?
My fleece blanket. It was made for me by a dear friend who is longer with us. The unique thing about it is that the layers are woven together…..there are no stiches anywhere…..it is the coolest thing. Whenever I don’t feel good, I wrap myself up in m blankie and snuggle up in my wubbie-goodness.

Friday Fill-In #83

2008-08-01T08:01:00.002-04:00

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the 1940’s. I am a *huge* history buff (I was a History major in college) and I’d love to actually go back to the pre/post wartime in Hawaii. Plus, the fashion was FAB!!!

2. Give me Liberty or give me Death. Since we’re on the subject of history…….a great Patrick Henry quote circa 3/23/1775.

3. I am listening to Katy Perry, Metro Station, Jesse McCartney, the Mamma Mia soundtrack and the latest Lime n’ Violet episodes on my iPod.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking “boy, what’s with this hulaknitter’s musical preferences??” I have a very ECCLECTIC music collection. We have almost 9600 songs currently in our iTunes library.

5. I'll always be a Hawaii-girl in my heart. We were watching something on TV the other night, and my DH and I both turned to each other and said that we need to plan another trip there……it’s been 5 years this October.

6. My idea of a good time includes breakfast cooked by my DH, a shopping spree involving YARN, a stop at Sephora & DSW, dinner out (lobster would be NICE), and a movie with my DH.

SP question(s) of the week - 07.31.08 (combined weeks)

2008-07-31T07:48:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I completely "spaced" on last weeks' questions, so I've decided to combine them with this weeks. So, here are the answers:

What is your favorite place to knit?

Anywhere that’s air conditioned. And has a comfy chair

What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?

a big cup of tea (hot or cold), a great DVD or my iPod, my slippers and good lighting!!

What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening?

WOW, I’ll say a combo of dinners we’ve had this week…grilled Rib-Eye steak (MUST be cooked by my DH….he is an EXPERT griller!), Homemade pasta salad, summer corn-on-the-cob, salad and for dessert-apple blossoms with vanilla ice cream!

OK, I am officially HUNGRY now………..

My Wordle

2008-07-29T08:01:00.001-04:00

I found this on another blog, and it's really fun.....try it!

Manic Monday #127

2008-07-28T00:29:00.000-04:00

Every person you have ever slept with is invited to a banquet where you are the guest of honor. No one will be in attendance except you, the collection of your former lovers, and the catering service. After the meal, you are asked to give a fifteen-minute speech to the assembly. What do you talk about?

OMG…..is my DH gonna read this ?!? Well since it would be a *small* gathering, I would talk about the most important thing I learned about myself by being with each of them. Then I would ask ONE of them to stay…….other than my DH, he’s the ONE person who knows the true me. We had such a history, that I would just want a few moments alone to tell him how he helped me become who I am now! WHEW……..if you could see me, I’m blushing…….

What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Oh, I just love rainy days. I love to just stay in bed & read (or knit). It’s a great atmosphere for recharging your mind & body!

Are you a window person or an aisle person? Why?

I’m a window person…….I like to look where I’m going and reflect on where I’ve been.

Friday Fill-In #82

2008-07-25T09:21:00.001-04:00

1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you, is a GOOD THING (thanks Martha….).

2. If you're good at something, you should find a way to make money with it (or so my DH says).

3. Why so tired?......for me I’m still recoving from being sick. I’ve been sleeping a lot lately and today I’ve FINALLY gotten some energy back!

4. Something is out there, it's big, and HOT, and BRIGHT……..and we’ve finally seen it ‘round here after 3 days of rain and gloom…….THE SUN !!!

5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled Wash-Rinse-Repeat. It’s an inside joke…..

6. Sitting on my back porch (well it’s my imaginary porch)…..I see bunnies, birds and bugs (I live in the boonies, so there’s not much to see….).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a night of sushi, mojitos and fun with friends from work, tomorrow my plans include errands and possibly a matinee of Mama Mia, and Sunday, I want to get laundry and vacuuming done!

Manic Monday #126

2008-07-22T22:53:00.002-04:00

I know, it's late AGAIN this week (I need to set myself a reminded on Sunday nights to post this).....

What's your favorite beach in the world?
This is SO easy.......Ka'anapali Beach in Maui. It is hands down, heaven on earth. Really, any beach on Maui is my favorite. But this one (and the beach we got married on) are my fav's

What's the next country you want to visit?
Japan......I love the Japanese culture, it's history and scenic beauty. I would love to spend a week in Kyoto, visiting the Imperial Gardens and temples. I would LOVE to attend an authentic tea ceremony in Japan.....and to meet a "real" geisha. Anyone got an extra plane ticket??

What one thing are you craving today?
Today (Tuesday), I am craving Kettlecorn.....Sweet and salty popcorn....YUMM!!!

A week+ of YARN LOVE !!

2008-07-19T15:41:00.014-04:00

I’ve really been lax with my posting this week, so first an apology. I’ve been feeling really yucky this week, and I finally went to the doctor yesterday. I’m having extreme issues with my thyroid, and combined with my borderline diabetes, high blood pressure and weight issues, I’m having a rough go at things right now. I’m currently being looked at for diabetic neuropothy, which is causing numbness and swelling in my hands and feet. I’m going for bloodwork on Monday morning, so hopefully I’ll know more this coming week.

So, since I’m at home resting (thankfully in the air conditioning), it’s given me a chance to get caught up with pictures and blogging. There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get started:

First, I need to give a big SHOUT-OUT to Paige (Galeogirl on Ravelry) for the lovely tea assortment she sent from the June Random Act of Kindness (RAK) thread. She sent a wonderful gift pack of 6 loose tea tins from Mighty Leaf tea. I received African Nectar (which is a tropical rooibos blend), Chamomile Citrus, Organic Earl Grey, Mountain Spring Jasmine, Orange Dulce and Green Tea Tropical. YUMM!

Next, another great package of tea arrived from Sandy (spvaughan on Ravelry). She sent me a yummy selection of Mariage Frères teas. She sent me 1oz. packages of Thé de Paques (Tea of Easter), Earl Grey French Blue, 1854, Montagne D’Or and Empereur Chen Nung and a pack of Eye Tea….WOW!!! I don’t know what I did to deserve this package, but THANK YOU !!!!

I also receive a fabulous package from my July RAK post. Marti (PaperYarnGirl on Ravelry). She sent a lovely assortment of bookmarkers, postcards and a blank notebook all in various Mary Engelbreit designs. Thank you so much !!

I also received a RANDOM package from a secret admirer. It was a pack of Vera Bradley notecards/envelopes in my favorite, JAVA BLUE pattern. I don’t know WHO sent it, but THANK YOU !!!

Now, on to some YARN—

Last weekend, I received a BIG package of BMFA from Purlescence Yarns in California. I purchased a half dozen of Lightweight STR and I immediately became enthralled by this yarn…..I have decided to devote as much as I can of my Stitches East spending money to BMFA yarns. And I’m bringing my empty rolling bag with me to haul it all back home!

That's Blarney Stone, Pebble Beach and Pirate's Booty

and this is Puck's Mischief, Socktopus and Undertoe

I'm in the process of exchanging the Blarney Stone for a different colorway, so when I get that, I'll be posting the new yarn

I received two more Yarn Pirate skeins this week……..courtesy of purchases on Ravelry
First was a skein of MERMAID I purchased from jfw04, thanks Jennifer!

The other skein I received was PRETTY PIRATE, which I purchased from BroadwayKnits. I just LOVE this, even more so, because it was re-skeined so all of the colors are blended together. It reminds me of Good-N-Plenty candy from when I was a kid. Thanks Christy!!

And to complete my week, I received a package from my Four Seasons-Summer swap partner-craftypuppylover. Carrie has been droppin’ hints to me all month, and I was super-excited when she emailed me earlier this week to let me know the package was on it’s way. It arrived this morning, and since I’m house-bound this weekend, it made my day!

I can believe the goodies she sent me; 2 (yes, that’s TWO) skeins of Malabrigo worsted……Bijou Blue and TIGER LILY !!! I almost hyper-ventilated…..I’ve been wanting this yarn since I first saw it in January (when I first joined Ravelry), and I really wanted the Tiger Lily colorway to make an Odessa hat. So I am SUPER-PSYCHED !!! She also send me some mini-skeins of hand-spun & dyed yarns that match the Malabrigo…..more LOVE!! And she sent two skeins of Silky Wool in a beautiful sea glass green tone (which I will save for my my Branching Out scarf). I was WAY spoiled!.

Also included in the package were an assortment of teas (YAY Tea!), a reed diffuser that is an Ocean Mist scent. I’ve always wanted one of these, and I am putting this one in the bedroom to lull me to sleep with the scent of the ocean. She also sent me an Israel Kamakawiwo’ole CD called Facing Future. It’s got two of my favorite songs-White Sandy Beach of Hawai’I, which I first heard when we were in Maui, and his version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which my DH loves. Carrie pointed out that this was her wedding song too (which is just ANOTHER cool connection that she and I have). She also included goodies for my pets and DH---I might have to try the Blueberry Crumble coffee she sent for him…..it sounds YUMMO! One of the other EXCITING items in the package were the notecards she sent. They are of Hawaiian hula girl with a black kitty, which is an illustration by the artist SHAG. Her notecard was a different design, but also by SHAG. What Carrie didn’t know, and I don’t think that anyone by my DH knows, is that SHAG is one of my favorites. I first fell in love with his work several years ago, when he did a bunch of exclusive designs for Disneyland for their 50th anniversary. I bought a bunch of the stuff when I went to DL in 2005, and think his style is super-KOOL. I must now find out where she got these notecards…….

So there you have it……..goodies galore, which are ALL appreciated, especially in my current state. I hope I start feeling well soon, as I’d hoped to start my Saturday knitting sessions this week, and now don’t know when I’ll start. I’m getting lessons for help with my purl stitch so that I can get started with some simple projects.

Friday Fill-In #81

2008-07-18T09:18:00.002-04:00

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would be in the room when Obama decides his running mate---THAT will be interesting!!

2. Jealousy is a fact of life. We’ve all been there…..it’s an ugly place. But, we live and learn and overcome it. I think the older we get, the easier it becomes to stay away from it.

3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that my health would improove enough so we could finally have a healthy baby. My health issues are so bad that it looks like we will never be parents.

4. I’d rather be poor and happy than wealthy and miserable any day!

5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna go back and do-over certain moments in my life. If I could go back, knowing what I know now…….BOY would I do some things different!

6. If time were in a bottle I’d be sure to get my bottle deposit back!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to resting (I’m not feeling too good this week), tomorrow my plans include resting and Sunday, I want to rest some more (it’s TOO HOT to do anything).

SP 12 question of the week - 07.16.08 (late)

2008-07-18T09:14:00.002-04:00

This week's question:

What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?

I really can’t answer this questions, since I haven’t taken a “real” vacation since I started knitting. I would probably take something easy, like fingerless gloves or socks. Somthing that didn't have a specific pattern. I would probably stay away from wool in the summer, especially if my vacation plans included spending time outdoors.

Manic Monday #125

2008-07-15T20:57:00.002-04:00

Ok, so it’s Tuesday……but I forgot. Here it is now:

What do you do when you are feeling very sad or depressed?
Typically I am a sleeper—when I get to a point, my body just wan’t to shut down, and I just want to sleep to recharge. A pint of Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t hurt either.

Who was your first crush?
My first REAL crush was when I was in a Freshman in HS, he was a Jr. His name is David Sullivan. I don’t even know if he ever knew how much I liked him. We were in the school musical together, and had a lot of scenes together. The group I used to ride with back and forth to school were friends of his, and and we always ended up hanging around with one another. I wonder what happened to him ???

If given a chance to skip work for a day (without repercussions), how would you spend the entire day?
If it was warmer weather, I’d spend it at the beach, otherwise I would go for a spa day. A massage, a facial, a pedicure......AH, HEAVEN!

Friday Fill In - #80

2008-07-11T23:41:00.003-04:00

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a home that we ACTUALLY own! I am so sick of renting….our current landlord BLOWS and never wants to take care of anything. And with the housing loan market as TANKED as it is, it doesn’t look like we’re moving anytime soon……

2. A pitcher of iced tea is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without making sure the bedroom door is shut…..it’s the only Animal-Free zone in the house.

4. If I were a condiment, I would be Chutney because it's sweet and spicy at the same time.

5. Bad drivers is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was “what temperature did I set the air-conditioner to, cause it’s hot in here?"

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to sleeping, tomorrow my plans include errands (post office, bank, dry cleaner, etc…), a nap and laundry and Sunday, I want to get my collector pins organized and photographed to list on eBay!

SP 12 question(s) of the week - 07.09.08

2008-07-09T22:50:00.002-04:00

Again this week, there are TWO questions.....

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?

I've only been once, but it was the most magical.......Maui. I love it there.....I could move there tomorrow, in a heartbeat. I had never felt more relaxed and at peace with myself than when I was in Hawaii.

2) Where is one place you’d like to go?

I can only pick ONE ?!? Gee that's tough......if I had to pick ONE, it would be to go to Japan. I am mesmorized with the Japanese culture....it's history, it's natural beauty. I want to ride the Bullet Train past Mt. Fuji, visit the Katsura gardens near Kyoto, attend an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, etc......ah, someday (hopefully)......

A random MEME.....

2008-07-09T00:11:00.003-04:00

The Rules

You must answer the questions using only one word.
Play if you'd like

1. Where is your cell phone? charging
2. Your significant other? sleeping
3. Your hair? ponytail
4. Your mother? cherished
5. Your father? honest
6. Your favorite thing? husband
7. Your dream last night? sailing
8. Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal? children
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your hobby? knitting
12. Your fear? war
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hawaii
14. What you’re not? snobby
15. Muffins? chocolate
16. One of your wish list items? yarn
17. Where you grew up? Delaware
18. The last thing you did? blog
19. What are you wearing? jammies
20. Favorite gadget? computer
21. Your pets? sleeping
22. Your computer? working
23. Your mood? tired
24. Missing someone? yes
25. Your car? driveway
26. Something you’re not wearing? slippers
27. Favorite store? etsy
28. Like someone? yup
29. Your favorite color? turquoise
30. When is the last time you laughed? tonight
31. Last time you cried? weekend

Mercury, Polka-Dots & Squishy-ness.....OH MY !!!!

2008-07-08T22:16:00.005-04:00

I have decided to have an alter-ego......in a superhero personna sorta' way.......so I will now be referred to as:

Sailor Mercury aka Ami (or 水野亜美 - Mizuno Ami for my friends in Japan). I know I'm too old for this stuff, but I have become obssessed with Sailor Moon, and specifically Ami.....

I spent the holiday weekend alone…….DH ended up having to work all three days I was off. Oh well, so much for spending some quality time with my spouse…..MORE MONEY for yarn shopping!

Saturday, I went and got my bi-weekly pedicure……along with yarn, it’s my few vices……I might look or feel like crap, but DAMMIT, my toes will look GOOD!

Receiving packages is a GOOD thing…..it can make your WORST day, instantly better. It turns a gloomy day into one filled with blue skies and squishy yarn clouds !! This was my fortune over the last several days……

I got home from work (which was hellacious, considering we’d been closed since last Thursday at 5pm), and I had 6 parcels waiting for me to come home and open them. Combine that with the two skeins I received on Saturday, and I received a TON of yarn!! Here’s the goodies:

My first two skeins of STR (bought directly from Blue Moon)

(Titania & Watermelon Tourmaline)

A skein of Zona Blue hand-dyed (from Etsy)

(Island Jewels)

and FOUR skeins of Yarn Pirate

(Sweet Lime, Kalamata, I Want Candy and Icicle)

And then……TODAY, I received another skein of Yarn Pirate

(June Bug)

I have also received some items for my current swap partners, but being the good partner that I am……NO PEEKING (sorry, can’t divulge ANY secrets….)

I also received a package from toxknits (she’s from Canada) and she sent me a bunch of goodies…..a plethora of tea AND some pretty purple stitch markers!

3 bags Fructis wild cherry tea (from Serbia & Montenegro)
2 bags Stash chocolate hazelnut decaf tea - from her private stash!!
1 single-serving envelope of “Maccha au Lait” mix
2 bags Life Brand lemon ginger tea (lovely for sore throats or general icky feelings)
3 bags Lipton Orange Choc Chip (black)
3 bags Lipton Spiced Chai (black)
1 bag Stash Creme Caramel decaf

So, in SUMMARY……..Packages are a GOOD THINGS, toes MUST be painted, and AMI rocks!

Manic Monday #124

2008-07-07T23:50:00.002-04:00

Who would you like to see on a new banknote (dollar bill, etc.)?
Bill Gates......he's got enough of them. He should have one with his picture on it.

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?
A sea turtle, living in Hawaii......nuff said

If you owned your own restaurant, what would you call it?
Hibiscus Moon, serving Pan-Asian Island fare.....fresh fish daily (and plenty of Mojitos !!!)