auntie pita's meanderings

Warning - rant ahead

2011-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

(you have been warned)

Scenario - rant

You come across someone who is passed out in front of a business:
Do you
a) step over him/her in disgust
b) go inside and inform someone who is working at the business
c) walk past, scratch your head and say wtf
d) call the local authorities and say... there is someone who I am concerned about - here is the scenario, and am I right in being concerned

Last night I went down to the grocery store - and on my way back home I saw a person passed out drunk half in a planter box half on the sidewalk in front of a gas station. My thought was... he is moderately in the drive way and with the way people are driving now - he could be killed... I went in to the station and said... "Ummmmmmmmmmmmm are you aware that there is a person passed out in your planter box...?" The woman's response was "yea,I know, I don't know if **** wants me to get involved"... HUH... you don't know if your boss wants you to get involved... ummmmmmmmmm (thinking to myself) what is wrong with this picture... she then said - I'm sure that the police will come along soon and check him out - I'm surprised they haven't yet... and I'll give you the change if you want to use the pay phone to call some one... and I said no... that's o.k. I'll use my cell... I call the local p.d. and told them what I had seen - and they were there w/ambulance within 5 minutes. Said person probably had alcohol poisoning, as (according to the clerk) when he would try to get up - he would fall back down in a heap.

Good and bad the guy is going to have a bill from AMR, and from what ever hospital that he was taken too... but - as far as I know, he is still alive, and I have a new (sadly) understanding about the person who didn't want to get involved.

Life interrupts

2010-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, I became a statistic… I was assaulted, basically (in my opinion) because I didn’t ‘mind my own business’ . I saw a person go into a yard, where I knew he didn’t belong, and asked what he needed there… his answer was he was seeing friends… Because I knew the people at the house, I asked who he was going to see… and was told… “ummm well I’m sick…“ My feeling then was ‘this is not a good thing’! When I asked him further, he stated – “if you don’t like it, call someone”… so I called the local police. And as I was speaking to the police, he came running at me, and knocked me down. I now have a lovely blackening eye, and found out last night that I have a broken collar bone.

The local police were there within in minutes… and I was told that my face was bleeding, which didn’t really surprise me, as it was scraped… and was asked if I wanted to go get checked out… my thought was, it is now almost 6 a.m. and I have to be at work at 8… there is no way that I can be in and out of the e.r. within 2 hours. I declined, and the officer looked at me rather strangely, and I said, ‘if need be, I will get checked out later, how ever, I am it at work… If I don’t show up, things don’t get done’. He then asked me if I was sure that I would be o.k., and I said… I have to be.

Last night while I was at E. R. I had an assistant ask me if she needed to call Adult Protective Services for me… which very much touched me… and as I explained to her, the only person at home was me… and that I wasn’t into using a sock and orange to make it look as if I had been beaten up for sympathy!

The venture last night took about 4 ½ hours, but it could have been lots worse, and although I am battered and bruised, I am and will be fine!

Before you ask me...

2010-08-02T11:41:00.001-07:00

the answer is no...

No I do not want to go out with you
No it is none of your business how long its been since I was with someone
No I don't care if I look like your ex-wife
No I don't care if I look like your ex-girlfriend
No it doesn't matter how young you are - and how old I am
No I don't care if you have "11 inches"

more importantly

I do not want to be given 1 (or more) of four "gifties" Herpes, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, or Aids... Sharing these is not caring... thanks any way!

Why would you ask that of me?

Freedom

2010-07-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, was the 4th of July… the celebration of the beginnings of my country’s freedom.

The Declaration of Independence begins with: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Granted, this was written by men more than 200 years ago, but, I got to thinking about the things that I take for granted, little things, like being able to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work, instead of a dress and nylons….

Being able to pick a name for my child instead of being told that it the name had to be either feminine or masculine… and a prescribed name for a girl or boy, no gender neutral names…

Being able to drive myself to a get together, rather than relying upon my father uncle, brother, or other male family member to take me…

Being able to travel unaccompanied to my place of employment…

Being able to work in a profession that is of my choosing, rather than that of my families…

Being able to talk to my customers…

Being able to vote…

Being able to …

What I think the reasoning behind the various attacks on ‘us’ and on the U.S. is people may be looking at us and saying that because they can’t do xyz, that we shouldn’t be able to do it either. It is said that misery loves company, and people who are hurting want others to share the hurt… I can understand that… I try to not impose my hurt on others but sometimes I do rant and rave beyond a bit… That said, I don’t go out and say – you did xyz to me so you will have to pay back. Or you did xyz to my friend and I am going to retaliate.

I very much value the freedom that I take so much for granted.

The Uninsured...

2010-06-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

You see this face? This is the face of the un-insured in America.

You see this face? This is the face of a woman who earns too much money (at $1600.00 a month) because this is the face of a single woman who has no dependents, and no insurance.

You see this face? This is the face of a woman who has to decide, if she pays the phone bill, and the mortgage, or goes to a clinic and sits for 2 or 3 hours to see a clinic Dr. for 5 minutes to get a prescription, and has to pay $60.00 (at a sliding scale clinic) for that privilege.

This is my face. I am a single adult woman aged 55, with no dependents (under the age of 18), who earns $1600.00 a month. And can’t afford insurance as it stands now.

Catch 22

2010-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my job, but right now I don't really like it... 10 days ago I told my boss I needed certified tickets... a week ago, they were supposed to be ordered... today I found out that they hadn't been ordered, as they need $400.00, which "we don't have"... catch 22, I can't bring in cash if I don't have tickets, I can't get tickets with out the cash... I took over $450.00 in petty cash... here is hoping that in about 2 weeks I have tickets.

Changes...

2010-05-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yes I've been quiet for a while...

Lets see... I've changed guilds at faire, I'm now working with St. Ives which portrays the middle / merchant class at faire, At Ives, I am working with the Bell, which is a house of 'negotiable affection'...My character there is 'Nursey' (think of the nurse from Romeo and Juliet, or Shakespeare in Love...) It has indeed been a lot of fun playing there! I'm still a part of St. Cuthberts, but will be active with them mostly at Casa De Fruita...

And... I've started my 5th year at the scale... May 2nd was my jobeversery... I was hired at the scale May 2nd 2006... my goodness how time flies when you are having fun!

I've started a 'not yet named' scarf, using Merino lace weight... the pattern is interesting, and there have been a lot of stops and starts, and re-starts... I've also done several other scarves, hats and socks... (can't forget the socks!!)

I've had another birthday, I'm now 58, and as a friend of mine put it, although I can get senior discounts, middle age is 10 years away...

Stitches!

2010-03-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, (Feb. 26th) I did something very very rare, and took a day off from work... and 4 friends, Cindy, Kate, Tina, Victoria and I went to San Jose, CA for Stitches west!!!

WOW... Oh my, It was for me like being in a candy store, and toy store for the first time ever! My first thought was to get over to see my friends Ba, and Karen, at Royal Hare.. then I relaxed and said 'oh my'... as I looked around!

There were classes of all types, both ones that you had to sign up for far in advance which were approx. 2ish hours long, and ones that were 30 minutes and quick 'how-to's'. Saturday, when we went in one of the first things I saw was a woman teaching a technique called knit one below, which I had seen mentioned but hadn't seen it done, I hadn't tried doing it... The woman who was demonstrating it works with Knitting Universe, and was showing a technique from the book "knit one below", which of course was something that due to good advertising placement, I purchased... along with the Great American Afghan, and and the Great American Aran Afghan.... Both of which I had been wanting for several years!

I was oh so tempted by needles, hooks, fiber and yarns... I did buy 1 hook, a bone crochet hook that I can use at faire, and I bought 3 pairs of socks... that I have to make! One is in Peppermint Mocha, a delicious colorway from Lorna's Laces, one is in a lovely 'pastel colorway, from a company called yuppy threads, and the other is a beautiful pumpkin blend from forever. Both of which I got from DBNY (if you click on the link, and then in the search bar type in yuppy, or forever, it will bring up the yarns... and can be seen below!)

On Sunday, when we got to the convention center there were 2 ladies with Alpacas!!!

All in all it was a grand relaxing weekend, and I plan on going back next year!

Dye Day at La Crescenta

2010-02-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

Last week, my buddy Jamie contacted me, and asked if I'd like to join him at Griffin Dye Works workshop for classes which included dying yarn, fabric, and fiber...Sure says I...

And this is what we / I did...

The fiber that looks kinda like cotton candy was done with cochineal, and indigo, both of which were nearly exhausted, then I did a chain with a gold into cochineal into pale indigo, the the solid indigo, and then the indigo into gold, with a 'white' centering... I had 2 skeins of yarn and 2 hanks of rovings approx 1 oz each that I had fun dying...

Griffin Dye Works can be found 'here'...

Christmas Continued!

2010-01-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I got to go to the Pantages Theater in L. A. I'd never been there before... and I plan on going back a time or three in the not too distant future (hopefully)

For Christmas my daughter got me a ticket to see Riverdance... I've seen specials via television and video... but hadn't seen it live... It was incredible!

In addition to seeing it, I got to see one of the dancers at the stage gate and get an autograph... which was neat... and wouldn't have happened if I hadn't of been getting a souvenir dvd and coffee cup!

After my daughter picked me up, we went home, napped for a bit... then went to P.F Changs in Anaheim for dinner... she had a gift card, and the food was grand!

Sunday was mostly a lazy morning, followed by a run to Target so she could spend another gift card, and then off to the Santa Ana train station... by the time we got there it was almost train time (we thought) but the train was late... and I had my usual worry worry... oh dear did I miss my train thoughts... and the thought that I'd have to call my step-daughter and say... ooops I missed the train, I'm coming in at 7:30 instead of 5:30... but yay Metrolink, it made up the time, and I was actually early getting to the home station!

When I got in the car my step daughter handed me this... it had been decided that I need the pattern and to make a 'few'...

All in all it was a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend! Then when we started home... the rains started... but I have a beautiful scarf to help keep me warm, a nice hat for my head... a warm coat, galoshes, and umbrella to sort of keep me dry...

Life is good

2K10

2010-01-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here already?!

Almost a week into the new year... and yea... its a new year. I started - and finished a beanie style hat that will go to a friend who I ride the bus with, for her daughter... this past weekend, nice way to start a year - finishing a project!

I'm starting another project today, a pair of toe up socks... one of the networking sites that I am on has a 'please try my pattern' listing... and these sounded interesting... (same site, had the beanie)

Christmas was quiet, which is good, spent it with my daughter, and her best friend, (who I call my step daughter) and I think that all the gifties that were exchanged were well appreciated by their recipients! I know that I am appreciating all of mine!

New Years eve was nice, spent a part of it with friends, enjoying sushi at a small restaurant close to where we have our knit-togethers, and it was a 'blue-moon' meaning that we had 2 full moons in one month... quite a way to end a year!

I hope all of my cyber friends and family had a good Christmas, and quiet New Years... and that this year is better for everyone than last year was... it is pretty much a universal opinion that last year 'sucked'... Here is hoping the new one is better!

Things that 'hide'

2009-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

We've all have had it happen...

You go to the closet, and look for your favorite coat... hmmmmmmmmmm not there... did I leave it in the car... nope... hmmmmm oh well, I don't 'need' the coat, a sweatshirt will do...

Its getting almost COLD here in So. Cal... (almost) and I hadn't been able to find either my long coat, that zips, (a light gray quilted coat that I picked up 25 years ago at J C Penney Catalog for next to nothing as I worked there) or the dark gray coat that my daughter helped me pick out last winter, when she(and I) said that I really really needed to retire the pea coat that I had gotten 10 years ago, as the lining was shredded...

Saturday I went to J C Penneys over in Redlands, as I had heard that
they were having a SALE sale. Womens coats for under $100.00 This coat, called to me, and kept calling... and the price was excellent!

Last night I was going through some stuff in the living room... that I am in the process of saying - this stays... this goes... this a maybe to stay... not sure... and found both of the coats that had been mia...

Some how the line from Little Bo Peep comes to mind... leave them alone and they'll come home... Thank you my 'old' favorite coats for coming home!!

Age...

2009-11-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

Last night I was waiting for the bus, which was due at 7:30 (ish)... had a young woman say to me... "aren't you afraid to be out alone at night"... I replied 'ummmmmmmmmm no'... her quote was "I am... I admire you being elderly and not being afraid to be out after dark" and I said to her... 'I walk with attitude, if I walk as if I am afraid of my shadow, then yes I am going to get harassed, if I walk with confidence, then people generally leave me alone... besides, I am short, and can reach the knee caps quickly... those who hassle me, will have to deal with me, with my kids, and with their own karma"

We talked further, and I found out that she is 38. I am 57... she is 19 years younger than I am, and 8 years older than my daughter... but to her, because of my 'looks' I probably look like I am 10 or 20 years older... I find it interesting having gotten the "this is an unsafe neighborhood' chat from several folks in the last few weeks, that if you are 20 something, or 30 something, it is o.k. to be out after dark... (which is coming at 5:30 ish now...) but of you are 40 something, 50 something, 60 something... you should be home - inside - safe with the doors locked...

Why is it that after a certain age, we discourage activity, and we act as if folk are frail, and may be taken advantage of if they are out after a certain time of night... I have had less problems in the last 5 years (knock on wood) than I have in the 15 before that... and most of the problems, have been from people breaking into my house when I wasn't home... I have had a bag stolen twice, once from a person who as I was waiting for a bus, who did a snatch and run... and once from 2 people who double teamed me, and split up as they were walking past me... (there is a reason that I wear a backpack...) and those two incidents happened more than 10 years ago...

If we wrap ourselves in fear, than we will always be afraid... I don't want to be afraid!

Entrelac

2009-08-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Back in July, I learned how to do a knitted pattern called entrelac... basically it looks like a basket weave... and it is a good challenge!

A few month later I found out that a friend of mine was going to have boy number 3, and I went shopping for yarns...

This is what I came up with!

Changes

2009-08-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

This week has been hard for me... harder than I thought that it would be! I found out Saturday night that a close friend of mine had had a stroke, and that he was being kept in a medically induced coma, to keep him 'calm'... It was decided to take him off of life support on Tuesday, and we were given one time, then another time and then a third time that the family was going to remove the life support... I've a feeling that the family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for him.... If I had been able to get up to where he was, I would have been there... however it is probably better that I wasn't able to... There was always the hope that he would wake up, slap a nurse on the rear and say... let me get dressed, I have a faire to build... however that was not to be,. On Tuesday, he decided to continue the sleep and passed on shortly after 10 p.m. pac. time. Jerry I will very much miss you, but I know that you are still there, just out of sight, and holding my hand while I am dealing with drilling a hole, to set a screw or the like. I can only hope that an inth of what you tried to teach sunk in! Brightest blessing to you my friend, I look forward to seeing you on the other side!

Today, the circle of life continues... Phil and Cassandra have Baby Boy number 3 (he hasn't been named yet... ) born at approx. 10:30 a.m. 7 lbs 3 ozs 18 inches long... Brightest blessings to you wee boyo, I look forward to holding you!

Yesterday I realized that I was out of blood pressure medication, which has been 'sorta' helping but not really... I went to the clinic that I go to... during the day, it is a regular clinic and in the evenings its is an urgent care clinic... good and bad I am one of the working poor... I work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F the fact that they will take me in at the urgent care clinic is fantastic! I can take care of minor stuff (like sinus infections, or tonsillitis and scold me for not having a better handle on the blood pressure... I have to say that one of the things that prodded me to take care of this is losing Jerry... Jerry took care of himself (as far as I knew) he was vegetarian, watched his weight, didn't eat saturated fat ect... and yea I want to live a fruitful life I want to make it to "official" senior status, I want to see Megan, Shawna, and Rhiannon happy, and in healthy relationships... and yea someday when they are ready I want to hold my grandbabies... to do that I have to have a Dr. / P.A. who will listen, and work with me on getting the medications that she wants me to take... and hear me when I say... ummmmmmm the reaction to this one was fuzziness - the reaction to that one was increased heart rate ect... I think I have found that... Here is hoping!

I've got mine...

2009-08-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

too bad you don't / won't have yours...

http://www.dailykostv.com/w/002049/

Lots 'o stuffies...

2009-07-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've learned a new knitting pattern... hurray...
Entrelac... It is an interesting one to do... and enjoyable to watch grow!!

Happy Belated 4th... I'm glad that I live here in the United States... where I still have 'freedom of speech'! This pix is the underside of a C17, that did a flyby over the University of Redlands... where some friends and I went for Picnic in the park, and the 4th of July fireworks show that is put on there every year!

This past weekend, I played 'superwoman' (again)... I moved a 'new to me' refrigerator from outside, to inside... bit at a time, it was taken in... it is now inside my kitchen, humming along noisily... but humming! My old 'new to me' fridge which was probably 30ish years old, decided that after 14 or 15 years of living in my kitchen that it didn't want to keep the refrigerator part cold... cool, but not cold... I'm a HUGE believer in keeping food out of the danger zone... below 40, or above 140, (f) in between is inviting food poisoning, and that is not a fun thing to have! I have a scar from stem to stern (navel to sternum) because of it... My friend Stephanie found this one on Craigs list... for a very good price... and delivered it for me too! I remembered the adage that I learned from years ago of push don't pull... and got it inside... and situated! I now have to get the other one out...

Yes I am nuts!

Finally I leave you with a bit of the booms from the 4th... the show was great!

Fears...

2009-06-05T13:11:00.001-07:00

This past Wednesday, one of my biggest fears 'rained' down on me...

I have three HUGE fears:

1) Lightening/thunder
1) Fire
1) Spiders

All are equal... none are more equal than the others...

That said, Wednesday, I woke up to the sound dripping and in my sleep fog couldn't tell if it was inside or outside... inside didn't make any sense, but hey, I was still mostly asleep. I got up, turned on the morning news so I could see what the weather was going to be, got dressed, grabbed an umbrella and headed for work. Around 9 or so, I started seeing little flashes of lightening, which made me jump, not much, but some... then a friend called me and asked if I knew of any fires on my side of the mountian. When I went outside, I saw the smoke from a fire that was about a couple of miles up the hill from the San Manuel Reservation. Yep, caused by a lightenign strike.

Wednesday afternoon/early evening I had caught the bus headed home, and there were 'bigger' forks of lightening striking... which I could sort of ignore, on the bus... but when I got off of the bus, and was waiting for the connecting one to take me home, there were more and more and... more... it seemed as if they were within a perimiter of 3 to 10 miles... and unfortunately I was outside, under a bus shelter. The scared little girl part of me was fighting very hard to come out...

another day I will wax eloquent about my fear of fire, and of spiders...

Warning - Rantatude ahead...

2009-05-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday when I was on the bus, the driver pulled over and said "there is a pregnant woman... can someone please give her a seat? The bus will stay parked until she is seated." 3, count 'em 3 woman yep WOMEN got up and offered her their seats... what the hell... I was totally dumbfounded 30+ men, 30+ women, and 3 women offered her a seat...

Last night I stopped at a local fast food place, and got some totally not good for me junk food... as I am eating, the manager tells one of the workers to do the dining room, sweep, and clean the yellow strips at the bottoms of the tables... the young woman (any where between 18 and 21) starts whining... I'm going to have to sit on the floor... do you know how long its going to take me... I'm not going to finish til 10 p.m. ... The manager tells her - the sooner you start the sooner you finish... she continues to whine... in my direction - sorta... the straw for me - "I'm gonna get swine flu from this"... I told her - "ya know, I know 10 people who would love to have your job"... she said, "well I like my job... its just... germs - ya know"... and I said "again, I know 10 people who would love the job, and not complain about the work" If you have a job... I'm not saying you can't complain, because I do it... sometimes too much... but remember there are 10 people out there that will happily take over the job for you...

Finally...

A friends grand-daughter was killed on Monday, the circumstances are suspicious at best... she was in a relationship that was abusive, and had not shown up for work on Friday of last week, and calls to her home, and cell went unanswered... on Monday Police say that she sat on the Caltrain tracks just north of the San Antonio station in Mountain View and was struck and killed by a southbound train at 11:30 a.m. If you are in a relationship where the person is isolating you from your family or your friends, If s/he is hitting you, then telling you it is because of how you are... if you didn't do "x" they wouldn't hit you... please consider what s/he is doing, and maybe take 2 steps back and look at the relationship from a different perspective... no person regardless of how much you think you love them, or how much they say the love you is worth dying over.

Friday Afternoon...

2009-04-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Something for 'when-will-the-weekend-be-here-itus

http://www.funkjelly.com/2009/04/freakin-amazing-flash-mob-dance-in.html

2009-04-06T12:10:00.001-07:00

Back in January my daughter asked me to knit her a hoodie... (again) I've been hesitant about it, as I wasn't sure about a pattern, and wasn't sure if she would like what I had knitted... her 1 request to not do was a hoodie like I had knitted for myself last year... (Interweave knits Central Park Hoodie) she also asked for some design features that I wasn't sure about making... I am a good knitter, but I need a pattern as a jumping off place...

I finally settled on a color of yarn, after hearing "make it a surprise"... "don't want to know"... In February, one of my favorite magazines came out with a sweater that was "it". In March, there were 3 different 'fittings, and this past Saturday evening, I got to give it to her... Her comment was 'freaking awesome'...

Promises made... part the 2nd

2009-03-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

ring ring

Looking at the caller id... (xyz company)

"Hi this is Michael... from xyz company... I understand that your not happy right now... I've contacted the manager of your route driver and someone should be out either today, or tomorrow at the latest"

'pardon me for being skeptical, but I went through this last year, and the year before... '

"Well we are trying a different training with everyone, to make sure that our people keep you happy"

'if the route driver doesn't come out as "promised" is there a direct line to speak with you?'

"If you call call the 800 number..."

(yea... uh huh...)

and... part the 3rd

shortly after that conversation ended, the route driver came in...

Promises Made...

2009-03-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

promises not kept...

Monday the soda machine at work decided to eat my $$...

I call XYZ soda company... "someone will contact you by this time tomorrow..."

'will they call or come to the office'

"Yes"

Yesterday... surprise surprise surprise (NOT)... no contact... so I call XYZ soda company again... and again explain, that I'm the building in front, not the building in back...

Today, the building mate comes in and says... the XYZ company is in back... sigh

also turns out that the parent company has been calling (to no avail) about their machine eating $$

Hey Mr. Polar Bear... I really do like the product... but your reps have to not make promises that can't be kept by your sales persons!

On a different note...

2009-02-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I learned how to do 'stranded' or two color knitting...

This is what I am currently working on... I took a pattern that I saw on knitty and am doing the color work into a smallish bag, one that is large enough to hold a business card type wallet, (approx. 2 1/2 x 3 inches) an ipod or mp3 player, a cell-phone, and small ring of keys...

The fun part with this too, is that in addition to doing the color work, I am also doing it on 2 circulars!!

What I have to say to you is this...

2009-02-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

If I stay past 5 p.m... I will be fired...

(and my thought is this... can you afford to pay me... oh lets see... $5,000 a month because you asked me to stay just a 'few minutes' to close a ticket... no... aw gee)

What I want to say to you is this...

2009-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

REMINDER…

The scale house hours are

Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

I have been requested several times to “stay for just a few minutes extra” over the last several months… I have been reluctant about charging any thing, as I didn’t want to continue a bad habit that was started before I came to the scale house.

However, effective immediately, my rate for staying “a few minutes extra” will be $50.00 (Fifty dollars) per hour or portion there of. Example, if I stay for 10 minutes extra, the payment will be $50.00 if I stay for and hour and 10 minutes the payment will be $100.00, and so on. I also request that the payment be in cash, and paid at the time the service is rendered. I feel that this is only fair, as I am open and 98% of the time available for your company as well as others for 9 hours a day, Monday thru Thursday, and 8 ½ hours on Fridays. I generally do not take a lunch, and if I do go for lunch, it is going somewhere and getting it to go.

History

2009-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

has once again been made here in the Untied States of America. We have duly elected a new President, who was sworn in today. There was no question this time regarding the will of the people. There were no re-counts, no “hanging chads”, no interventions of Governors, or the courts deciding for us...

The following are ‘snippets’ of the speeches of the presidents of my life…

My “first” President was John Kennedy… His was the first inkling that I had about politics… the shock and dismay… how can we elect him, he’s (gasp) Catholic… but elect him ‘we’ did… and he said to us in 1961 “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe… And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. “

My next President was Lyndon Johnson who was appointed after the assassination of John Kennedy… said to us in 1965 after being elected, “But you must look within your own hearts to the old promises and to the old dream. They will lead you best of all, for myself, I ask only, in the words of an ancient leader: "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?"

Then we had Richard Nixon for a term and a half… In his first inaugural speech in 1969, he stated “The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker. This honor now beckons America—the chance to help lead the world at last out of the valley of turmoil, and onto that high ground of peace that man has dreamed of since the dawn of civilization. If we succeed, generations to come will say of us now living that we mastered our moment, that we helped make the world safe for mankind. This is our summons to greatness.”

In his second address in 1973, he stated “That is why today I offer no promise of a purely governmental solution for every problem. We have lived too long with that false promise. In trusting too much in government, we have asked of it more than it can deliver. This leads only to inflated expectations, to reduced individual effort, and to a disappointment and frustration that erode confidence both in what government can do and in what people can do. Government must learn to take less from people so that people can do more for themselves. Let us remember that America was built not by government, but by people—not by welfare, but by work—not by shirking responsibility, but by seeking responsibility. In our own lives, let each of us ask—not just what will government do for me, but what can I do for myself?” In 1974 he left office…

Gerald Ford was appointed in 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned, and rather than an inauguration, his statement after taking the oath was “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.
Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.”

Jimmy Carter stated in 1977 “Within us, the people of the United States, there is evident a serious and purposeful rekindling of confidence. And I join in the hope that when my time as your President has ended, people might say this about our Nation:
—that we had remembered the words of Micah and renewed our search for humility, mercy, and justice;
—that we had torn down the barriers that separated those of different race and region and religion, and where there had been mistrust, built unity, with a respect for diversity;
—that we had found productive work for those able to perform it;
—that we had strengthened the American family, which is the basis of our society;
—that we had ensured respect for the law, and equal treatment under the law, for the weak and the powerful, for the rich and the poor;
—and that we had enabled our people to be proud of their own Government once again I would hope that the nations of the world might say that we had built a lasting peace, built not on weapons of war but on international policies which reflect our own most precious values. These are not just my goals, and they will not be my accomplishments, but the affirmation of our Nation's continuing moral strength and our belief in an undiminished, ever-expanding American dream.

Ronald Reagan in his first speech in 1981 said “You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but for only a limited period of time. Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we are not bound by that same limitation? We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding—we are going to begin to act, beginning today. The economic ills we suffer have come upon us over several decades. They will not go away in days, weeks, or months, but they will go away. They will go away because we, as Americans, have the capacity now, as we have had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom.

Then in his second speech in 1985 said “We must simplify our tax system, make it more fair, and bring the rates down for all who work and earn. We must think anew and move with a new boldness, so every American who seeks work can find work; so the least among us shall have an equal chance to achieve the greatest things—to be heroes who heal our sick, feed the hungry, protect peace among nations, and leave this world a better place. The time has come for a new American emancipation—a great national drive to tear down economic barriers and liberate the spirit of enterprise in the most distressed areas of our country. My friends, together we can do this, and do it we must, so help me God.”

George H. W. Bush stated at his inauguration in 1989 “And so, there is much to do; and tomorrow the work begins. I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are endless, God's love is truly boundless. Some see leadership as high drama, and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that. But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning. The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity—shared, and written, together.”

Bill Clinton, in 1993 said to us “Today we celebrate the mystery of American renewal. This ceremony is held in the depth of winter. But, by the words we speak and the faces we show the world, we force the spring. A spring reborn in the world's oldest democracy, that brings forth the vision and courage to reinvent America. When our founders boldly declared America's independence to the world and our purposes to the Almighty, they knew that America, to endure, would have to change. Not change for change's sake, but change to preserve America's ideals—life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. Though we march to the music of our time, our mission is timeless. Each generation of Americans must define what it means to be an American.”

In 1989 he stated, “Now, for the third time, a new century is upon us, and another time to choose. We began the 19th century with a choice, to spread our nation from coast to coast. We began the 20th century with a choice, to harness the Industrial Revolution to our values of free enterprise, conservation, and human decency. Those choices made all the difference. At the dawn of the 21st century a free people must now choose to shape the forces of the Information Age and the global society, to unleash the limitless potential of all our people, and, yes, to form a more perfect union.”

George W. Bush in 2001 said to us “America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these principles. Every citizen must uphold them. And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.”

And then in 2005 said “When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, “It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength—tested, but not weary—we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.”

Today, Barack Obama gave us these words… “In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.

They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace”

May the change that we asked for, be the change that we hoped for.

(I think it will be.)

Ground Shake!!

2009-01-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

We had a ground shake here in So Cal last night...

The epicenter is approx 2 1/2 miles from my house...

Earthquake Details

Magnitude	4.5
Date-Time	Friday, January 09, 2009 at 03:49:46 UTC Thursday, January 08, 2009 at 07:49:46 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	34.107°N, 117.304°W
Depth	14.1 km (8.8 miles)
Region	GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIFORNIA
Distances	3 km (2 miles) SSW (202°) from San Bernardino, CA 5 km (3 miles) NNE (19°) from Colton, CA 7 km (4 miles) E (94°) from Rialto, CA 87 km (54 miles) E (86°) from Los Angeles Civic Center, CA
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 0.2 km (0.1 miles); depth +/- 0.4 km (0.2 miles)
Parameters	Nph=132, Dmin=2 km, Rmss=0.28 sec, Gp= 18°, M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=S
Source	California Integrated Seismic Net: USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR
Event ID	ci10370141

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Did you feel it? Report shaking and damage at your location. You can also view a map displaying accumulated data from your report and others.

Preliminary Earthquake Report
California Integrated Seismic Net:
USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. m-th 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. f

2008-12-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

Are my hours...

That said... the 'favorite company keeps pushing for longer and longer... forgetting that they do not sign my pay check...

so... should I close today at 4?

This is brought about by 3 trucks sitting my my turnaround at 7:30 this morning.

Jonestown...If I had gone down...

2008-11-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

I came in early this morning to check my e-mail and the like, and was reminded when msn came up that today is the anniversary of Jonestown... that is another of my 'almosts'... or 'if I had done x instead of y's'...

I moved to Berkeley in the fall of 1976, and fell in love with everything... I loved the freedom, I was in a community house, with about 20 other folk (depending on the month) and I felt like I was doing something for the community rather than being a leach... within the 1st 2 weeks of my moving there, I had 5 jobs, working as a home health aide, and yea... it was good...

I had heard stuff about the community that was being built in Guyana, and had debated with myself about going down... and even had someone who was wanting to give me a ticket down... but that little voice that we all have kept saying wait... wait... it isn't right...

If I had gone down...

(this is a conversation that I had with a friend of mine this morning... )

[07:40] auntie_pita: we were talking the other day about things that 'wouldn't be'... jonestown was 30 years ago... thats another of my 'almost' but didn't feel right...

[07:41] g___: what do you mean another of your almost?

[07:41] g___: you were supposed to be there?

[07:41] auntie_pita: yep... had a person who was willing to put up the airfare for me to go down... that little voice in the back of the head said... ummmm better wait...

[07:41] auntie_pita: went to berkeley instead

[07:42] g___: remind me to thank that little voice one day.

[07:42] g___r: sounds like one hell of a blog. if tribe comes back up.. you should do it.

[07:42] auntie_pita: honey i thank her every day for all the things that have happened because i'm here in so cal... and didn't happen...

[07:43] auntie_pita: thats another of those where not just my life was affected, but megs too!
[07:43] auntie_pita: another of... no dougie - no meg...

[07:44] g___: yay for meg

[07:44] auntie_pita: yea! she was supposed to be here...

[07:47] g___: but?

[07:50] auntie_pita: no but... just thinking about my health i had 4 miscarriages before i had her... didn't want kids... so no biggie... found out i was going to have her... she was a high risk preg. i have asthma, and am rh A/du- her dad is rh A+... she's supposed to be here... maybe i needed anchoring... maybe she needed to be anchored...

[07:50] auntie_pita: maybe both :-)

More Spinning

2008-10-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Jamie sent me some fiber this weekend, that is from Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool, where his sister works... this is what it became!

Commissions!

2008-10-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has commissioned me to spin...

Isn't this pretty!

just cause

2008-09-29T11:08:00.001-07:00

Your result for Reincarnation Placement Exam...

Early Explorer

49% Intrigue, 49% Civilization, 45% Humanity, 42% Urbanization.

You're all set to be an early explorer.

Your answers indicate that you like adventure, whether it be on the high seas or across unexplored lands. And if you like to go exploring, there's a demand for the likes of you -- especially because you're willing do without all the baggage of civilization, a state-subsidized education, and the company of your fellow man. Nope, none of that for you! It seems you to like to be on your own in the wide, wild world.

When you come of age, you can ply the seas in a fine old ship, or trek across virgin territory with a compass and some vague notions. Sure, it's dangerous and uncertain, but it's kind of like being on vacation all the time. Uncomplicated and unfettered, you get to explore and confront the unknowable challenges ahead of you.

Take Reincarnation Placement Exam at HelloQuizzy

Mystery Shawl!

2008-09-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

Back in June, I signed up to do a Mystery Shawl with GoddessKnits...

I started it basically on June 13th, and finished it on August 13th! It is a "pi" type shawl, and a great exercise in patience!! This is the finished piece...

And this is the border!

Disabled Parking

2008-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

I know that "one of these days" my mouth is going to get me into trouble... today was not the day... however... If you are not disabled, you do not have the right or the privilege to park in a disabled parking spot.

However... this is a PUBLIC blog... and I'm letting the public know that the person who belongs to this license thinks that its "o.k." to park in a disabled parking space if she is in a hurry... (that was her quote, along with... before you open your mouth you should check your facts... - and what if I was in a hurry... and I had forgotten the placard...)

Its not "o.k." to park in a parking space that is designated for the disabled, if you aren't disabled, if you do not have a placard...

Another Tangent!

2008-08-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

It was an eventful weekend... I decided last year after having about 6 inches cut off of my hair, that I was going to completely stop coloring it, and that I'd get it cut short, as in all the color cut off, in about a year... well its been a year, and color is gone!!! And... Hair is gone!

The cut is similar to that of Jamie Lee Curtis'... and I absolutely love it!

Here is a picture of what it was before...

and after... ...

I was also asked by a friend of mine if I would mind taking a picture with a fire stick... (she does burning man...) I told her no problem... and Saturday, we took pix... and video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWDaQwEwshQ

2008-06-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yay the second sock is done... and they are very comfy!! Thank you again Jamie for the yarn... I'll get a pix posted in a few... I got to spend a part of my weekend with one of my close buds Jamie, which is why I was able to finish the 2nd sock... We had yummy yummy lentil soup Saturday night... and Sunday went to brunch at an Indian Restaurant in Long Beach, CA...

On the needles now... (still) Cherrytree hill African gray... I"m finding it doesn't lend itself well to knitted patterning... so it is turning into a "plain vanilla" sock... but I am using the widdershins pattern which can be found "here".

One down

2008-05-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

One to go...

Finished the 1st sock of the spring green yarn... second sock is on the needles!

I've also started 3 other pairs using the same pattern...

The pattern can be found here in pdf form

2008-05-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Progress!

The Latest

2008-05-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago a friend came to see me at Faire... bearing gifties... one of the gifties was this yarn... which goes from medium dark grass green... kind of like grass that has had a couple of weeks to get all the chlorophyll... to a light grass green, similar to grass that has just been mowed...

The pattern is Feet First by Debbie Tomkies, from Simply Knitting Magazine, which is from Great Britain... The way that it is written, is similar how I try to explain to people... and as I am reading it, I can 'hear' her explaining, and I can 'see' it in my mind eye...

Centeral Park Hoodie...

2008-03-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Is DONE!!!

Actually its been done for about a week...

There are some things that on the 'next' one I will do differently... (pattern tweeking...) but not much... add a little but more length, and add a bit more length in the hood... but it is super warm (yay for wool-ease 70 poly - 30 wool) and super comfy...

On another note the Renaissance Pleasure Faire starts on April 5th at Santa Fe Dam, in Irwindale CA... I'll be there teaching spinning, some knitting... and generally inflicting my form of fiber maddness on all that I met...

Soul Searching... ala light

2008-02-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

You Are a Visionary Soul You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness.
Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connected to your soul.
You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable.
Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings.

You have great vision and can be very insightful.
In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself.
Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend.
You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer.

Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

what kind of soul are you quiz

cph

2008-01-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

So... I had hoped to have the Central Park Hoodie done by the 25th... ha ha ha... it was close... had the back done, the right and left front done, and one of sleeves done... and said... hmm I think I need to try this on... toooooooooooooooooooo small... actually not tooooooooo toooooooo small, and I probably could have worn it the way it was, but yea... too small... so I've ripped it out ... again... and have cast on the back... again...

On another front... I will be at the Dickens Festival in Riverside Calif (depending on the weather) on Saturday and Sunday... working with 'no idle hands' with my spinning wheel, cards, and wool!

No it isn't

2008-01-21T09:38:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine... decided that it was time to try to check out... whoever / whatever you believe in said no its not...

Right now I am angry at her... I understand the feeling but... getting attention that way is not the right way...

Suicide is Painless

(Theme from M*A*S*H*)

Through early morning fog I see,
Visions of the things to be,
The pains that are withheld for me,
I realize and I can see...

[REFRAIN]:

That suicide is painless.

It brings on many changes.

And I can take or leave it if I please.

I try to find a way to make,
All our little joys relate,
Without that ever-present hate,
But now I know that it's too late, and...

[REFRAIN]

The game of life is hard to play,
I'm gonna lose it anyway.
The losing card I'll someday lay,
So this is all I have to say.

[REFRAIN]

The only way to win is cheat,
And lay it down before I'm beat,
And to another give my seat,
For that's the only painless feat.

[REFRAIN]

The sword of time will pierce our skins.
It doesn't hurt when it begins.
But as it works its way on in,
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...

[REFRAIN]

A brave man once requested me,
to answer questions that are key.
Is it to be or not to be?
And I replied 'Oh why ask me?'

[REFRAIN]

'Cause suicide is painless.

It brings on many changes.

And I can take or leave it if I please.

...And you can do the same thing if you choose.

Harp Music!

2008-01-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, an artist on one of the groups that I belong to put up a blurb asking for 'reviewers' for his harp cd... I said that I would take a listen, and put something up on my meanderings...

The cd is In Faerie by Harpsidhe ... I was / am happily impressed... I haven't listened to alot of harp music, even tho I have Margaret Rose... the harp that was gifted to me by a fellow harpist... I find the music very relaxing, and my fingers want to find the strings and pluck along... Please give a listen to his snippets, and support him!

Production knitting...

2008-01-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

I have a greater admiration for those who can do production knitting... I have found that I cannot... sigh...

And by production I mean sitting for hours and hours and hours and just knitting... I did that to my self this past weekend, working on the cph sweater, and on a pair of slipper sox I had been commissioned to do...

I found out that the 1st sleeve of the cph sweater was way off measurement wise, so I jumped into the frog pond and ripped back to where the 1st error was... put that part back onto the circular needle and continued working on the matching sleeve... I had already started the 2nd sleeve, and finished it yesterday... and hurray for being able to 'tweak' the pattern just a hair to fit me... and re-did the sleeve... after binding off that sleeve, I went back to the 1st sleeve, and have gotten to the 1st increase / cable...

I also finished the slipper sox for my building mate, remembered that I can do a sock (short 10 row cuff) in about 5 - 6 hours... I have done a pair of socks in 12 hours... working moderately non-stop, and again remember why my hands hurt so much after doing that!

Today... I swear on my bag o' knitting and my new magazines (spin-off and hand knits) that I will not touch the needles - except to put them away for a day or two or maybe even three!

Hurray for templates...

2008-01-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

So... I've been working on the cph sweater... and have the back, and the left and right front done... I thought I had a sleeve done, but something just didn't feel right... I looked at the template, and the measurements... and yeppers... the sleeve is unhappy... sigh... so I've started the '2nd' sleeve, which will actually be the 1st sleeve, and will jump into the frog-pond and go rippity rippity and rip out the other one... not completely, just to where it's 'right'... (only 90% rip out instead of 100... as if that is any consolation!

mommie soup... and cph progress...

2008-01-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well...

This weekend... I got the call for 'mommie soup... and gathered up the ingredients for said animal for my sick girlies who are vegetarian... (If you wanted you could use a ham bone... left over chicken, what ever meat you wanted... )

1 pkg of multi-bean soup... 15 bean soup is grand, just don't use the seasoning packet
1 32 oz vegetable broth (I used the Swanson's broth, in a box...)
1 c rice
1 c barley
1 c split peas
1 pkg lentils

serves 6 with leftovers

I did the quick cook method for the beans...

bring the beans to a hard boil, and boil for 2 minutes... cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let it sit for an hour... dump the beans into a colander and rinse the beans well then place them back in the pot...

add the vegetable broth, then using the box, fill it with water and add that to the pot... 64 oz of fluid.

I seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, thyme, saffron, curry, chili pepper flakes... you can add what every your heart desires...

bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally, then turn the heat down to medium low... and simmer for about an hour... adding water or more broth as needed...

add the rice, barley and lentels, and 3 more cups of water.

you will have a very thick hearty 'stoup' with enough leftover for freezing for later!

The other thing that I did was gather up yarns that have languished in my stash for way too long, and took them, and various other notions that I was gifted with a couple of weeks ago, to a friend who lives in Tustin... Hurray for de-stashing... (a little anyway - makes room for more... ) and spent the afternoon and evening watching videos, and knitting on the central park hoodie... I now have the back done, both the right front and left front done, and am about 90% done with one of the sleeves... I have enough yarn to do the other sleeve, and then I have to go to a shop such as Michaels... (somewhere that carries Lionbrand woolease) to get 2 more skeins... I know that the odds of finding skeins of the same dyelot are a gazillion to one... so I will settle for a different dye lot... but it will be fine! I think I will be finished with this by the 25th... maybe earlier!!!

A little of this... a little of that...

2008-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

First off... Happy New Year!!!

I have finished the back, and the left side of the the CPH... and am about 1/3 of the way through the right side... and will post a pix 'later'...

For the holiday I gave my building mate a pair of slipper sox... on Monday (as we both had work to do) she said... could you please make me a 2nd pair of slipper sox so I have a pair for here and a pair for at home... I'll pay you... So... tonight I am off to a lys to get some yarn to make another pair of slipper sox!

Central park hoodie... (or what have I gotten myself into)

2007-12-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well... after fits and starts, and more fits and starts I have a decent beginning (for me anyway) on the sweater... The pattern called for 4 inches of ribbing... being one to 'tweek' patterns, I've done 3 1/2 inches... and I have about 3 1/2 inches of the cable patterning... I'm usually not one for doing sweaters... I've knitted 2 others... but I get bored with the knitting after a time and it becomes drudgery... when will it ever end?????? Something that I am liking about this pattern is that there is cable work... and I have to keep track of where I am in the cable pattern...

on the needle part the 2nd...

2007-12-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

I had to take a break in knitting the sweater... so that I could finish the slipper sox... they came out great... and my building mate made all the appropriate ooooooohs and ahhhhhhhhs... :-)

They are made from Lionbrand woolease, worsted weight... I cast on 40 stitches on size 8 dpn's.

The thing that I like about woolease... its washable... throw it in the washer... in the dryer... put them back on!!!

Knitting On

2007-12-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well... its been a while... after working at Northern, I pretty much put down the needles... the hooks, and the spindles... pretty much just didn't want to do anything... I did go to Riverside Artwalk in November, and spent a few hours demonstrating spinning with a friend... but other than that... zip... until Dec. 8th...

I had a guild meeting for a group that does the Riverside Dickens Fair and decided to take some yarn with me... just because... and started these fingerless gloves... in a golden brown... and then finished them the next day at a non-guild meeting / brunch...

When I started knitting on the gloves I again realized how much I like to knit... an have spent the last several days finding patterns for things like scarves based on Orenberg patterns sweaters... more gloves... socks, socks and more socks...

On the needles currently are...

a pair of slipper socks for my building mate her part of the office is always cold... has tile flooring, and no rugs...

a cardigan style sweater from interweaveknits, the Central Park Hoodie (go to project 13)

and various other surprised for the Adult child who is moving to Michigan next month!

Local Yarn Shoppe...

2007-10-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

For the past 5 weekends I've been working up at Northern Faire... at my own Local Yarn Shop... selling yarn, drop spindles, knitting needles and fiber for spinning... The yarns and fiber that I've been selling are from Royalehare.This is the last weekend for faire, and sales... and its been grand fun, but I don't think I am going to give up my day job for it... However, I think that I will be up for doing it again at the Southern Faire!

Friends

2007-08-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

I have incredible friends...

I have awesome friends...

I have ... friends.

Some time back one of my friends bought new bicycles... she had an 'older' 18 speed mountain style bike... 'hey Margie, I have this bike that I'm not going to use... it has a slow leak but...

Monday I heard thru the grapevine that the transit system I use on a daily basis may be going on strike... I can understand why the drivers want to strike... I went to my friend and said... If the offer still stands for the bike, I'll take it... we got some stop leak stuff, pumped the tires... and rode the bike to work yesterday morning... almost 8 miles... in an hour... good exercise!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday morning I also got a call from another friend of mine... "I can't take both cars, and I have been blessed beyond measure... I want to pass on the blessings... would you take the volvo... I now have a 1988 volvo wagon I am blessed... beyond measure!

New Pix!!!

2007-08-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've been learning more and more about my camera... the endish of December, beginning of January, I bought myself a Canon a540 digital camera... which goes with me most everywhere... some of my pix can be seen here...

Life has been life... good, bad, up, down... I'm working at Northern Renaissance Faire again and info for it can be found at this site.

Knitting projects... Lots and lots of socks have been done, including a pair for one of my guild mistresses... I had avoided doing much of anything for her as lots of folks will 'do' for her in the hopes of being 'noticed... and gaining favor... ' I had found some yarn from royalehare that looked like something that she would like... and asked her if I could make some socks for her... she said yes... and was happy to get the socks!

I'm still working at the scale... and am feeling very comfortable with the job that I do... and 'o.k.' with my 'anal-ness' as far as things being 'right'...

The Arch Angel

2007-06-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

www.okcupid.com/tests/take

You scored 25 alien-ness, 65 mythical-ness, 42 angelic-ness, and 34 regal-ness!

Arch Angel, there are few who will make it to this catagory. As an Arch Angel you had the power to create and destroy anything anywhere in the universe, you answered prayers, took lives, brought the sun or the rain. It's a bit of a come down to be on the earth in human form. Why are you here? Is is to prove yourself after some disobedience or to accomplish some great and serious mission? You need to figure that out. At your best you were just, gentle, wise and majestic. At your worst you were arrogant, biased, destructive and oblivious. With love your fellow man and animal alike you can achieve miraculous things this lifetime. You just have tofgure out exactly what!

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 99% on alien-ness
You scored higher than 99% on mythical-ness
You scored higher than 99% on angelic-ness
You scored higher than 99% on regal-ness

2007-05-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Back in December I bought myself a digital camera... and I've been having lots and lots of fun using it...

Here is a link to the pix... I'll be adding more albums as time goes...

pix

Musings

2007-05-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

Well...

It has been a while!!!

Lets see...

Faire started and I turned 55 in April... so far its be a grand faire... I am not "working" working... at faire... I 'work' with my guild... but this year ... for the first time in many years I am not working at a job job there! The only thing that I "have" to do is guild stuff... like sitting with my spinning wheel... or my Inkle Loom... or... walking in a parade!!!

Other things in my life...

I was gifted a gift that left me blathering... a friend gave me a Celtic lap harp... 25 strings... I can play... Mary had a little lamb... but have aspirations to play more...

May 2nd was my 1 year 'jobiversary' (as my daughter put it)... I made a year here at the scale... and I still am liking the job... its great 95% of the time... yes I have the drivers who I wonder how they got their liscenses... (can they read at all... can they see the exit sign... ) and the ones who getting information from them is interesting at best... but... I'm not dreading coming to work which is an important factor in any job!

Today... I had an aha moment! Being an obsessive knitter I tend to knit things that catch my eye... but... I've avoided toe-up socks, as I didn't want to do the heels... and tube socks just aren't my thing!! However... today in reading Wendy knits she had a link for a pair of socks that are done toe-up... and I could 'see' how it was done!!!

2007-03-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Your Life Path Number is 8

Your purpose in life is to help others succeed

You are both a natural leader and a natural success. You are also a great judge of character.
You have a head for business and finance. You know how to make money.
A great visionary, you can see gold where other people see nothing.

In love, you are very generous - with gifts, time, and guidance.

You love to inspire people, but it can be frustrating when they don't understand your vision.
Great success comes easily for you. But so does great failure, as you are very reckless.
You are confident, and sometimes this confidence borders on arrogance.

What Is Your Life Path Number?

projects...

2007-03-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

In February, I participated at the Dickens Festival, in Riverside, CA... a friend of mine had some beautiful bright yarn that she called "Rose Garden" that she had spun and dyed... I saw the yarn, and saw a pair of socks... These are the socks!! They were great fun to do, and I had several friends watching the progress as they 'grew'...

My next projects are...
a) a pair of gloves in handspun Merino, and
b) finishing a pair of California Mutant Red, and
c) a pair of socks from this pattern... probably in a burgandy (but I'm not sure yet...)

Work has been... work... I am still loving the job, after 10 1/2 months, and for the most part (97% of the time) it is great!

I am also gearing up for Faire this year again at Irwindale... We open April 7th at Santa Fe Dam... I will be demonstrating spinning with my guild, St. Cuthberts, and playing some with the mongers... I'm going to be the garlic lady...

Mercury

2007-02-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

is in Retrograde....

And then some...
This week...

I had a driver decide to tell another driver that he needed to move... (instead of letting me deal with either having him move / or having him go ahead of the 1st driver...)

I have had a driver tell me that his container was full, then empty, and that he was going to Ft. Bragg, Calif... then no, to Ft. Bragg NC... 3 voided tix later...

I have gotten the...

are you sure you can do that...

are you sure about your scale...

are you sure that you know what you are doing ...

Yes I am sure that I can do that,

Yes my scale is correct,
yes you are overweight,
yes you need to remember ...

MY SCALE... MY RULES.

I have to remember that with Mercury in retrograde...

Mercury rules over the mind's processes, studying, communication, businesses, travels and the like. When Mercury reverses its direction, all these areas are affected as well...

Is it time to go home yet!?!

Anniversary!

2007-02-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

Nine months ago the 2nd, I was hired at the scale... its been an interesting 9 months...

With other jobs, after a few months I have wondered... when are they going to wake up and realize what a huge mistake it was to hire me... with this job, I don't say that ... I say... I am so glad that they hired me because I AM an asset here!

Strange weather

2007-01-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

here in So. Calif...

Friday morning... it snowed... in Colton where I work... it snowed... it wasn't cold enough where I work for the snow to stick, but there were fattyfat flakes, big fluffy fattyfat flakes... and from what I hear the snow leval was down to 1000 feet... by noon the snow had melted on the hill that is close to my work... (the picture was taken at work, of the hill...) and saturday dawned crisp, cold ... COLD... COLDER THAN COLD... and the winds were kicking up again... sigh... but then I could be in Denver...

A new year...

2007-01-02T15:15:00.001-08:00

The ending of 2006...

I went to see a friend of mine in Long Beach CA, to see if
a) he would invite me in or...
b) he would shut the door in my face...

He had been extremely depressed for many months, and didn't let any one into his life at all... and I finally said... either he lets me into the house, or he shuts the door... but he has to make the decision... and went to the house... (we had a wonderful 3 hours)

I also went to another friends for the weekend, spent Saturday evening, Sunday day and evening, and Monday with him... we went and had Sushi early Sunday evening, then went to a party with his room-mate, and friends... and welcomed in the new year... not watching the ball drop on t.v.

beginning of 2007...

We went to see Eragon... Interesting movie... I need to read the book tho... I have a feeling that allot was left out! And we went to see Night at the Museum... excellent (in my Opinion) movie!

And I started yet another pair of socks, these are toe-up, knitted with some California Red yarn that that 'J' had given me... It is a courser wool, reminds me almost of Dorset, or Karakul definitely not the merino that I have been working with from royalehare.com, but it is nice... and finished sock one of some socks started with Windsor Denim Chocolate I'll post pix 'later'

A bit of silliness...

2006-12-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

Your results:
You are Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)

Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)		95%
Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)		70%
Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)		60%
Derrial Book (Shepherd)		60%
River (Stowaway)		55%
Wash (Ship Pilot)		55%
Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)		50%
Inara Serra (Companion)		35%
Alliance		25%
Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)		10%
A Reaver (Cannibal)		0%

Honest and a defender of the innocent.
You sometimes make mistakes in judgment
but you are generally good and
would protect your crew from harm.

Click here to take the Serenity Firefly Personality Test

Time keeps on slippin...

2006-12-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sooooooooooo Life has been ... life... hectic, and slow at the same time... to catch up a bit...

I was 'finally' paid for the glove that I had done finished, in September... and it is doubtful that I will take on commission work again, unless I get 1/2 up front, to cover costs... etc...

Work has been both busy and slow, yesterday was painfully slow, I did 12 tickets... which yes paid for me being here, but at the same point...

I was in a knitting slump, so much so, that several friends said... hey where's the knitting... stopped by a Local Yarn shop (LYS), and found some great sock yarn and saw the socks that it needed to be, and started a pair, then a friend of mine sent me some updates for the page that I have been working on for her, and she had some beautiful yarns... and she sent me some new yarn... and... I found a counterpane pattern that I have been looking for for several years... and it can be found here... (soon)

I went to the Dickens Festival in San Francisco this past weekend, and was able to see friends there, that I don't get to see more than a few times a year... and had a wonderful time... showed a friend of mine how to purl when knitting continental style, plus brought some baby booties to another friend for her daughter, who just had a daughter... the friend was teasing us, about being obsessive knitters... but she also appreciates the work...

word of wisdom...

If you have to win by bullying, you haven't won, you are just a bully

Obsessions...

2006-10-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have been making fingerless gloves, and mitts for a couple of years now... and have found some cool patterns...

http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~kfairchi/fingerless%20gloves.html

and...

a pattern generator!

http://www.thedietdiary.com/knittingfiend/mitten/HKGloves.html

Other bright Notes

2006-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

On a brighter note...

The commission gloves are done!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the person loved the work... I am taking 2 different skeins of yarn up to him this weekend to have him choose for the 2nd pair of gloves, which should be done by the 1st weekend of October... (actually NEED to be done by then as I won't see him again until spring time...)

And................ I am hopefully getting a new to me spinning wheel this weekend...

word of wisdom...

If you have to win by being a bully, you haven't won, you are just a bully!

Fraud...

2006-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Asking a weighmaster for a false certificate is unlawful. Conviction can result in a $1,000.00 fine and / or 6 months in jail.

Weighmasters who issue false weighmaster certificates are subject to the same penalty, plus loss of their license

Weighmasters are asked to report such request to Weights and Measures

Stare of California
Department of Food and Agriculture
8500 Fruitridge Rd
Sacramento, CA 95826
916-366-5119

I had a driver come in who works for a used auto dealership... he brought in paperwork, and asked me to do 2 different weights... "its a caddy, they all weight the same... " I told him that I could only do 1, and he handed me a cert for what he said was a 2003 caddy... I took him at his word that it was the correct paperwork... but something just kept tickling the back of my brain so I went out and looked at the vin number... yeppers the vin was entirely different than either of the 2 certificates that he had brought in... when I called him on it.. the quote was.. whats the big deal... my quote back to him was the question of... are you going to support me? ... guess what the answer was. . .

newest project...

2006-08-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

I picked up the latest interweave knits magazine (fall 2006) this past Sunday... it is always so very dangerous for me to get knitting magazines... I see fantastic stuff, and want to run out and buy yarns and needles and... nevermind that I have 7 clear storage boxes filled with various types of yarns, and multiple baskets filled... and multiple bags ... yea filled, but...

Any way my newest project is "Bianca's Jacket" and I am doing it Lionbrand woolease Chestnut... as soon as I have one of the front panels done, I'll post a pix...

Commission!

2006-08-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Back in April I made a pair of fingerless gloves for myself, as I was having problems with my hands, with cold... (I broke my right hand 1 1/2 years ago... and when it gets cold... I definatley know about it... ) and a friend of mine saw them and wanted a pair, so I made her a pair... he boyfriend finally noticed them this last weekend and to quote... "He put them on. He said "wow, these are awesome"..." so... I have been commissiond to do 2 pair of gloves for him...

I lost a friend this week...

2006-08-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

From: Themaccolin

(Original Message8/8/06)

This afternoon, at a little after 3pm. Our friend and kinsman Ian Abramovitch passed away with as much dignity and ease as a human being is allowed. He was surrounded by his family, friends and co-workers as he slipped away, taking ship into the West.

Brightest Blessings to you Ian... I will miss you greatly

Inspection time...

2006-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

So... today we (the scale) had an inspection... and I got to meet the head cheese for San Bernardino County Weights and Measures...

We got a conditional "A"

another month bites the dust!

2006-07-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

So... Here in So Calif it has been painfully hot... until this weekend... Sunday I awoke being (gasp) cold... to the sound of drippy drippy drippy... and at 4 a.m. I didn't have to get up until 6:30, so I pulled a sheet over me, and a blanket over my feet and went back to sleep until 6:15 when I re-awoke to the sound of drippy drippy drippy... I poked my head out the door and said... hmmmmm the sky is falling, the sky is falling, and my cats looked at me and said so what, we are hungry... feed us... Earlier this month the keyboard on the computer that I use at work died... the down arrow key for what ever reason had decided to stop functioning... fortunately there was anothe board here, so I used it for a time, but it wasn't an ergonomic board... several years ago, I was gifted with an ergonomic board by a friend that I was working with, and boy howdy did I get spoiled by it! Sunday I was able to find one at a computer swap meet for not much $$ and so my hands are having to adjust to the ergnomic board ... again!

I've been making lots of baby sockies... several friends have had or are going to have babies... and super fast and easy baby pressie... sockies!

Work... work is for the most part still great. Last Monday we had a power outage, which tripped the printer for the scale, and I had to reset the date on it... Tuesday I thought checked the date, and had to reset it - again - then we had another black out... then Wednesday, I went looking for any kind of instruction manual on the scale printer, only to find nothing... Hurray for google... I did a search, and found a site that walked me thru resetting the printer... of course I printed up the directions, and stowing them in the employee training manual, so that the next person after me doesn't have as steep a learning curve... There are days... as is expected, and then there are ... DAYS... again as is expected! Today I had a guy come in with a hummer wanting to know what each of the wheels were supporting weight wise... so I did what is called a '4 corners' weight... and ... got tipped a dollar, and told that I was doing an excellent job...

updating...

2006-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well...

I started my 2nd month 'alone' at the truck scale on today

And..........

I can truely say that I am enjoying the job for the most part... I have had some folks that are truely 'blond'... and some that are fantastic and I also have had the inbetweens... 98% of the guys understand that you don't bounce the container on the scale... I still have the very occasional... and had one person glow when I thanked him for not bouncing... (this all began last month when I had a guy not drop his landing gear - the legs that are at the front of a container - all the way onto the scale... plus when he pulled out from under the container he hadn't released his air bag all the way... my building literally shook... and one of the others in the building came in to see what had happened... ) since then most every one has been excellent! I am also finding that I am enjoying the interaction with most of the folks, yes there are the occasional that I want to throttle... but they are few and far between... and I have had only one person who I have told that if they don't like the prices that the company charges, they are welcome to go anyplace else... We charge $8.00 for a certified weight, $7.00 for an axle weight, and if we have to do a re-weigh on an axle weight, then it is an additional $3.00. The quote that I was given when I told him the prices was 'You are killing us lady'... at that point I politely told them that they were welcome to go any where else to have it weighed, and re-weighed... and got the look of disbelief...

but... thats o.k. because for every one of 'him' I have 10 (at least) of guys who's attitude is 'I would rather pay the $3.00 for a re-weigh or 2, and be safe, rather than complain about it, and get hit with a huge fine... '

I have participated in a 2nd sock exchange... I was working on some self striping yarn, doing the embossed leaf pattern that is in Interweave knits... and a friend of mine was oohing and ahing over it... and she was working on some RED alpaca socks that were velvety soft... and both of us were going hmmmmmm why am I working on this, and who is it for... viola... mini exchange!

And as I have told my daughter, that I have realized how introverted I had become from the former job ... I miss working on the microfilm, the fact that I was looking at history every day... yea... way cool... micromanagement... not cool... and I know that I was definately escaping with faire... and using it as an escape from work... (which is good and bad) but I am definately enjoying this job!

Knitting!

2006-06-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been working on!

http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/brea/brea.html

news...

2006-06-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

So..

The good news is...

I have a full time job!!!

I am working as a deputy weighmaster at a truck scale... the job literally fell into my lap... a friend of a friend has moved to Mississippi, and the company had decided to go ahead and hire someone to replace her... I baffled, and dazzled, (even myself) the owner, and was hired... its m - f, 8 - 5 ... supposed to close for an hour for lunch... yea right... but... its a job, and on the down time I can knit, spin, and have internet access!!! huzzah!!

Socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

I got my socks!!!

I was intrigued by a post several months ago in one of the groups that I belong to about knitting socks for a trade... I knitted some socks for a a lady named Sarah back in NY... using a pattern I had never ever ever used before, and was knitting with some trepidition... as she is an incredible knitter... my thoughts were... I'm knitting for her?! It will never pass muster... (yea I know the self esteem thing again!) The socks that I knitted for her, I call rightside-upside down socks, as I had thought that the color-way matched... and surprise... rightside-upside down!!!

Meanwhile back at the Ohio Ranch a lovely lady named Barbara was knitting for me... and ohmygoodness the package she sent me... Chocolate... burts bees cuticle creame... and some beautiful pumpkin pie colored socks, the pattern is from interweave knits winter 2005... (of which I have a copy, and have started on a pair for another friend of mine... )

This picture is of the socks that were knitted for me... (picture 'borrowed' from Barbara!)

When I got the package from Barbara, I was as excited as a kidlet on a special day... as it meant that someone had taken time for me... and I called another friend to tell her that Sarah had gotten her socks and all was well, and that I had gotten my socks... and that it was so very neat that I had socks that were knitted for me but not by me... to which she said... 'thats why I love the socks that I won in the raffle... you knitted them... not necessarily for me... but they weren't knitted by me...

I love my socks that I knit, and I know how long it takes to make them, and they have a 'value' because of the effort, but in our throw away world, and the attitued that when something tears, breaks, or loses its usefullness we throw it away, and go buy more... for cheaper because we have out sourced... we lose sight of the fact that even that we are not disposable!

(stepping down from my soap box now... )

HUGS

2006-05-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am wearing hugs... I have on a sweatshirt that a friend of mine sent me probably 15 years ago, Navy Blue, with cardinals on it... it is comfy, and it is like having a hug from her every time I wear it! I like wearing hugs... they remind me of the people who give me so much in my life!!!

On another front... I have a JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hired at a truck scale a week ago to weigh loaded / unloaded rigs, and to do dmv certifications!!! There are times (a lot of times) when my self esteem is slim to none... this week tho has reminded me that I do have worth, and that I am a valued member of the human race... and that I need to value myself more often!

Fingerless Gloves

2006-04-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

So... when life is giving me lemonade, I try to find things to do with my hands rather than just moping about... hence the new gloves...

These are done on size 2 needles, 48 st, 16 per needle, working on 3 needles...

Yesterday was my birthday, I am now 54...

a week not to be repeated!

2006-03-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

So

This past week has been the week from hell... Quite literally.

Tuesday went to another town, on the promise that there may be work.. fill out paperwork, answer questions... type a paragraph, do 10 min of data entry... only to be told the unspoken, don't call us, we won't call you... all the while I am listening to totally unprofessional children with foul mouths whining about having to work, while I am desperately needing a job... that will pay anything at all... sigh

Wednesday went to another temp agency, again more paper work, answer more questions, told come back at 5:00 a.m. ... I get up at 3:45, start walking the 4 miles to get to the agency by 5... only to be told that ... we don't have anything until the 14th of April...

And those who know me know that I am a total obsessive about being on time... Friday I was supposed to test for a job... and the test I thought was at 11:15... WRONG... sigh... I went to where the test was, was in town at 10... went to the office at 10:45, and was told that it was too late, the test was at 10:30...

In reading this I am also realizing that this disastrous week was a series of 3's, and maybe the gods and goddesses are now smiling... (and Mercury is now direct... hurray for better communication...)

Today I was out at faire and saw some folk I had interviewed with last week, and was asked if I wanted to sign paperwork today, so I said sure... filled out yet more paperwork... signed yet another w4 for taxes to be taken out of a check... and was asked how much I wanted to work... I said as much as I can... and was told to come a week from Thursday and I can start doing prep work, and can work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday...

A job is a Job... is a JOB... and right now almost anything is better than what I have which is nothing!

Instant gratification

2006-03-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

I like knitting... I like knitting socks... Socks are fast, they are moderately easy, a cuff, a heel, the heel/gusset, the foot, and the toe... the fun part is deciding what type of design you want to do on the cuff, and if you want to do a toe up, or cuff down... I'm not a fan of toe up, but have done them... The really really neat part about socks, is that once they are done, you get to wear them... like I said... Instant Gratification!!

job hunt...

2006-03-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

So... I get a call last week from a 'temp to hire' agency... sounds good... almost one of those things of too good to be true... you know the type... yea, it was...

Several years ago, I had applied at a 'nameless' temp agency, filled out all the happy paperwork, called multiple times, 'no ... haven't found anything, we will call you... then I get a note in the mail from said agency saying that I had put the wrong social security number... so they couldn't send me on any jobs, and would I please contact the agency to 'fix' the problem... I went to the agency, and questioned... as it turned out, they had transposed the number on their end, but didn't / wouldn't accept the responsiblity for it... so... I had no referals, no work ... and a whole lot of frustration! Today, I walked into this office, and alarm bells were going off in my head... I am surprised that the folks there didn't hear them! They told me to put in my social... and lo and behold... it doesn't work... (gee I wonder why!!!) so... I went and said ... its not taking the number?! "Oh... did you perhaps register w/___ (said nameless agency)... yes, but I was never activated... so they took care of getting me into the system, and then came the question of why did you call us... what do you want us to do for you... having had this happen before with a different agency... (also nameless) I told them... you called me... last Thursday... which confused the woman even more... and again I have the feeling of... it was indeed too good to be true...

but... on a bright note, I now have interview clothes! As I told my dau, I spent money on myself, as I had gone thru my clothes, and realized that 85% of my pants are jeans in various amounts of dis-repair... no, not toooo holey, but some are a bit more raggedy then others... and 80% of my shirts are logo style t-shirts from ren-faire and 15% are tye-dye... not quite interview material! I now have 2 suits, 3 office type nice blouses, 3 nice blouses, and a nice jacket all of which can be mixed and matched!

commisions?!

2006-02-28T11:25:00.001-08:00

So... the other day I was talking to the adult child of mine, and she said that several friends were wanting to have the fingerless mitts like I made for her... after the initial panic... (reminding myself that yes I am 'good' enough) the thought was what to charge... So I told her that my charges would depend on the yarn that I used to make the mitts... the more the yarn cost, the more the mitts would be... and told her to have the friends find me at faire and talk to me then!

We shall see

Colds

2006-02-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

Suck!!!

I have been fighting a cold for what 3 weeks now... this bites!!! and then some! Tonite I broke down and bought some advil cold and sinus, and some tylenol cold and cough... I've been coughing like crazy, snuffly, but not able to unsnuffle... :-(

On the knitting front... I have finished the 1st sock of 2 pair of socks for a friend who had done a very extensive astrological charting for me... discovered that instead of being an aries, moon in virgo, pisces rising... I'm an aries, moon in leo.. big difference... (plus I'm a dragon... maybe that explains the fire personality...)

On another note...

What type of knitter are you?!

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

I am a knitting Goddess...

the gift of recieving

2006-02-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

So on Wednesday or so of week before last my friend Susannah told me that another friend was having a birthday on Saturday... and being as I had a pair of socks started I decided that they would go to the mutual friend... they were met with a lukewarm reception... but ... thats o.k. too... this last week, I made yet another pair of socks... (lets see that make 3 1/2 pairs in 3 weeks... not bad... ) for the Feast of Fool gathering that was Saturday... I had said that I would make a pair for the raffle...

There was a decent amount of 'luxuries'... the socks, a 1/2 hour massage, a 1 hour massage, some pewter candle holders with tea lights, some large ceramic candle holders with candles, some soup mugs, t-shirts, a stained glass peice that was about 12" x 18" of tulips... I bought $5.00 worth of tix, in the hopes of getting something... but didn't... found out that my friend Susannah had won the socks... her grin was ear to ear and then some... but I may have to do some adjusting on them... they were made for someone with smaller feet... like a size 7 - 7 1/2, not an 8 - 9 ... and made a connection to make a pair for another friend, and she gave me the tulip stained glass... I was stunned... her quote was... I got lots and lots... and it was something that you had wanted... I am learning (sometimes with difficulty) that when people give, it is from the heart, and to not accept, is hurtful... it is hard for me as I like being the one who is giving... not recieving... but as the gods and goddess's know, it all evens out down the road of life!

Building...

2006-02-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

101

Well... I am woman hear me roar... On Saturday I helped a friend of mine put up rain gutters along the front of her house (Friday we will be doing the back of the house and possibly the garage)... now mind you, this is something that I have never done before, but hey... I'm a moderately intellegent woman, and between the two of us I figured that we would be able to decipher the destructions... and do a decent job... to say the least it was interesting, and by the end of the day I was saying... how do I get down from this ladder, and why can't I just
stay up here all night... I was that tired!!! But there is a well put up rain gutter... and I can pay a bill that needed to be paid!!!

And on top of that, I had a work day down in Nuevo at a friends, where we swooped down upon her property, with her not expecting anything... and she stood there - mouth hanging open... (had to remind her to shut her mouth several times to keep the flys out... ) and we built an aluminum shed...

I am still one tired Auntie Pita

more meanderings

2006-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spent part of the day being very, very, very frustrated... I am trying to get a webpage up... and for reasons unknown to me... it doesn't want to be seen... it says that it loads... but nothing... sigh...

So... I was up at Stephanies... and she had park day with other parents... and I went along, to get some sunshine... and to get a way from the computer... and was working on a pair of socks for a friend of mine... (I'll post a pix tomorrow... maybe ;-) ) and saw someone who was working on socks on circs... I went over to talk to her... and said... how???? and was given the AHA moment... I've sort of seen it... but have never 'seen' it... and now it looks so wonderfuly easy... but I can't find my box of circs to save myself... which may be a good thing...

I also found some hunter orange yarn in my stash.. I didn't buy hunter orange, it is NOT a color that I would buy... but it said... socks for Gabrial... so... having finished the pair of socks for Sherry, whose birthday is tomorrow, but will be celebrated on Sunday... I have started a pair of little boy socks... in hunter orange.... ack!!!

new socks... of course

2006-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well another pair of socks on the needles... Surprise... NOT... I am working with a worsted weight wool blend, size 3 needles, 12 per needle... on 4 needles.. doing a horseshoe type cable over 4 stitches... sort of directions here...

cast on 48 stitches - 12 per needle, and k2-p2 for approx 1 inch for the cuff...

1st needle in the cable round... k 6 p2, then slip 2 stitches to a cable type needle, with yarn in back, knit 2 stitches, and then knit the 2 slipped stitches...

2nd needle... slip 2 stitches, with yarn in front, knit 2 stitches, knit the 2 slipped stitches, p 2 stitches, knit 6 stitches...

repeat 1st needle directions for the 3rd needle, and 2nd needle directions for the 4th needle...

knit 4 rows, then repeat cable round... thats all the further I am in the sock, but... I'll post more as I get further along!

Finished Socks!!!

2006-01-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Well... Hurray Hurray, I finished the 'not for me' socks today... and was paid for them... semi-grudgingly... 'I thought you said $35'... to which I said that I wanted a minimum of $35, as that would just cover the cost of the yarn! (I got $50...) Plus the guy had said, after I had started the toes... that they were really for his wife... who wears a womens size 10... opposed to his size 10's... sigh... ah well, they are done, delivered, with washing instructions...

So... what can I get my fingers into next?!

almost done!!!

2006-01-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

First of all... whine... I have a cold.... it snuck up on me, when I wasn't looking, and I am most unhappy with it!

Secondly... I am almost done with the socks!!! Good news/bad news... the person who wanted them, really really wants them... and they fit him... :-( and he has given me a down payment on them... ah well

I am at the point of doing the toes... should be done tomorrow, or Saturday at the latest.

In doing these socks I have learned alot!!! I knit 'continental style', and realized that I was purling 'wrong' ... it did the trick, but it wasn't quite right... and that when I did the ssk (slip-slip-knit) that I was doing that wrong too... I have fixed those problems, and this sock project is the best that I have done ever! I am now looking at other patterns with the famous hmmmm that people get when the light goes on...

But for now... its a thing of finishing these socks.

Continuation of socks...

2006-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of the socks that I have started, using the 'safari' wool, it is working up very very nicely... so far in the short sock knitting career that I have... it is the best sock that I have made!

more of the same

2006-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

So... knitting... knitting... knitting... I finally got the Lorna's Laces Safari yarn to talk to me, and tell me what type of pattern... I cast on 68 stitches, and did a 1x1 ribbing for 1 1/2 inches, and now comes the boring part (so to speak) of doing the leg... Fortunately the yarn is a 'patterning' type of yarn and I can watch the pattern grow!

In addition I have been making 'medicine' bags and found some scarlet and bridal white crochet thread to knit with, I am still needing a sunny yellow, a grass green, and a bright blue, along with black... another day I will post pix of the stuff!

2006-01-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well... joining the blogging craze... hmmmmmm about me... I'm a middling age woman living, and playing in So Calif! I am an avid spinner and knitter of fiber, and I work at a variety of Renaissance Faires...