knitigator

Baktus

I had a gorgeous skein of Noro Silk Garden sock in my stash.  After seeing many cool Baktus scarves on Ravelry, I decided to give it a go.  Vicki made her scarf with a rounded middle instead of a point, which I thought was a great idea.  So, I cast on and merrily knit away.  That same week, a sweet dear friend was in labor and a long one at that.  I knit away on this scarf channeling my prayers and good wishes into my knitting.  (Really, I'm not overstating -- I was worried and it was either knit or eat.)  Thankfully, after some initial challenges, everyone is healthy and well.  And I realized that the scarf did not belong with me, but with Eloise's mom. 

 
Details Raveled.

Ten on Tuesday

First, the beginning of my red scarf for The Project.  It's the Palindrome pattern in Plymouth Galway.

Carole suggested that 10 guests to invite to Thanksgiving dinner.  How fun!

1. Elizabeth Zimmerman.  Because she'd unvent a way to carve the turkey.

2. George Clooney.  For Eye Candy Thanksgiving edition.

3. My grandparents.  So my kids could meet them.

4. Bill Clinton.  Because he'd get us all up to speed on health care, then hang out and tell interesting stories.

5. Paula Deen.  She'll bring dessert.

6. Guy Fieri.  To talk about diners, drive-ins and dives.

7. Tina Fey.  For giggles.  And maybe an impersonation.

8. Elton John and Billy Joel.  To lead the after-dinner sing along.

9. Michael Jackson.  To lead the after-dessert dance party.

10. All of you to partake in the fun! 

Thankful Thursday (on Monday)

So, I got a bit -- okay a lot -- behind on this every day blogging gig.  Oh well.  C'est la vie!  Instead, you'll get a double dose of thankfulness this week -- today and on Thursday.  This post is all about thankfulness for place. 

 

• I am thankful that I live in Massachusetts.  I've lived other places and I am thrilled that my husband and I returned here.  Liberal, beautiful, seasonal are all words that apply to the Bay State.  There is no other place where I'd rather live.

• I am thankful that I live in my hometown.  It's big and diverse and has a great (albeit underrated in my humble opinion) school system.  I love that my kids walk down the hall of our temple and see my confirmation picture from 1982.  And I am thankful for terrific neighbors on my street and great friends in my town.

• I am thankful for my house.  Although a 1960s multi-level (think Brady Bunch) was not my dream house, with our "stuff" and some fun paint, it's a cozy home.  I love the open floor plan of the main floor and I adore my pumpkin kitchen.  As my niece (who lives in a gorgeous neutral-hued house) said when she was here the last time in reference to the colors on the walls, "Auntie Kath, every room I go in is like WOW."  

Packages!

Last week, I spun up some fun and cheery Into the Whirled BFL that I bought at Rhinebeck last month.  It was so soft and lovely to spin.

So, of course, I had to fill the void with some more of ITW fiber (oh, admit it, you do the same!)

New silver fiber!  Plus a little sample of merino/tencel.

But, that wasn't the only package that arrived this week.  I won Hillary's birthday contest and her package arrived too!

 
 Socks That Rock and Janel Laidman's new book (signed too!) and a yummy bar of dark chocolate, which has been gobbled up by me and other family members.  Such great treats!

Lest you think it's all in, two packages went out too.  

But, that's for another day . . . 

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Things I Wish I Knew How To Do:

1. Juggle

2. Run

3. Really clean a bathroom (but, I know where I can go for help on this one)

4. Master stain removal

5. Speak Spanish

6. Sew

7. Ballroom dance

8. Draw

9. And then make gocco prints from my drawings

10.  Drive a stick

For Cookie!

When Cookie posted the other day about George Lopez, I realized that I never posted this:

 
 
In June, 2007, my husband and I had the opportunity to see George at Radio City Music Hall and then go backstage to meet him.  He's one charming and funny guy!  If you ever have the opportunity to see him live, go -- he's hilarious!

Eye Candy Friday

Taken last Saturday.  Tomorrow, as we say here in New England, the weather is going to be more "variable."  Doesn't matter, it's still the weekend!!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday, so that means it's time to record three more things for which I am thankful. 

1. My profession.  I really enjoy being a lawyer.  In my job now, I have a terrific manager who is a mentor and friend.  I love my co-workers and the work is interesting and challenging.    

2. My hobbies.  In addition to knitting and spinning, I love to read and cook.  Although I don't do it much anymore (soccer!), I love poking around yard sales for antiques.  I am never bored!

3. My religion.  Being Jewish is an important part of my identify and I'm thankful for both my heritage and my beliefs.  And, funny, 30 years ago today was my Bat Mitzvah!

Taking Care of Our Guy!

This year, our veteran had to work.  So, we made sure that he ate well.  For lunch, we met him at our favorite Mexican restaurant for tasty home-cooked food.

Heuvos con chorizo (the kids ordered breakfast for lunch).

Soft tacos.  I had one veggie and one chicken.  My husband had two pork.

For dinner, I made my sister's famous crockpot brisket.  2 onions, a brisket and a jar of Bone Suckin' Sauce (all natural, fat-free and gluten free).  I used the hot one tonight and it was yummy.  Cook 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 on high.  I had a middle amount of time, so I started it on low, cranked it up to high, and then lowered it.  Served it with quinoa and cauliflower.

I have the crockpot going again for tomorrow's night.  I'm making "Vampire Slayer's Chilli" -- a turkey chilli recipe with 15 garlic cloves -- I'll let you know!

Ten on Tuesday

Phew -- Kelly and Louie survived another week on "Dancing with the Stars."

This week's theme is top 10 movie/song remakes.

1. Father of the Bride.  LOVE Steve Martin.

2. Ocean's 11.  George.  Brad.  Matt Damon. 

3. The Parent Trap.  Love Lindsey Lohan.  So sad to watch Natasha Richardson.

4. And then there's Freaky Friday.  Jamie Lee Curtis is great  --  her daily parting words to her teen daughter are "make good choices."

5. Cape Fear.  DeNiro is SO frightening.

6. Cheaper By the Dozen.  See #1.

7. The Birdcage.  So good!

8. Fatal Attraction.  One word -- rabbit.  (I didn't know this was a remake until I checked out some lists, but apparently it is!)

9. Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable."

10. Los Lobos' version "La Bamba."