Genia's Blog: January 2005 Archives

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January 31, 2005

Fun Stuff

Yes, I had a write up all planned for today but have just found out that my younger cousin -- Reilly -- broke his leg today while skiing. It's in a cast with no decision to pin it in sight. So, instead I'm leaving you a link to Bonne Marie; who is my favorite bi-weekly read.

I'm now off to knit a few socks to fit over his toes while they're exposed to the elements! In case you're wondering, he got a black cast so I don't even have to worry about matching colors!

Keep those kneedles clickin'!

Posted by Genia at 06:20 PM

January 30, 2005

snow snow snow and more snow

When I left work last night (7:00pm) it had just started to snow. When I went to sleep last night (midnight) it was still snowing. When Felix woke me to let him outside (goofy cat!) it was sleeting. Nathan woke me this morning with a very sad face stating the he and his couldn't go out to lunch today because.... you guessed it, it was still snowing.

Weatherbug says that we are under a severe storm watch until Noon today. Looks like a good day to stay inside, fix a cuppa tea, knit and watch movies.

January 27, 2005

Secret Pal 4 - part 2

January 26, 2005

WAHOO!! I've been tagged!

Dani has tagged me. G1 aka the Baptist Buddist started it. Todays topic of ..... well topic is What Music Do you Listen To? And it comes complete with a list of questions/queries to answer. I just love these! So here goes....

1.Total amount of music files on my computer:

I know how to burn CD's, and how to listen to CD's, and I know that there is some music on the computer but it's not mine (it belongs to my DS#2) and I've really no idea of how to get to it.

2. The last CD I bought: 12 Girls Band Eastern Enery. This is a group of young girls in China who play popular type music using traditional Chinese instruments. The sound can be haunting but beautiful at the same time.

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this question?: Carl Stalling's Variation on Grandfather's Clock. (you know his music from Bugs Bunny fame)

4. Write down five songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you: This one is a tough one! I like the simplicity of listening to the radio and not having to deal with changing CD/tapes. But I do have my favorites and can answer this. I think.

a) Passion sung by Rod Stewart. Actually anything by Rod Stewart, he is the personification of sexy to me.

b) Never Been Rocked Enough sung by Delbert McClinton. From the first time I heard this one on the radio I have just really loved this song. Good beat, I know the words, it just works for me. Actually I really enjoy the whole CD.

c) Put Yourself in My Shoes by Clint Black. I love his voice, and the lyrics of this song are wonderful!

d) Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw and the Dance Hall Doctors. First time I heard this song I was out with my daughter. I had to pull over the truck and dig out tissues. It certainly makes one think about what would you do if you found out you were dying. Very powerful song.

e) Proud Mary by Tina Turner. Yes, I am aware that I should have written Ike and Tina Turner but I firmly believe that her best music came after she left Ike.

In case you can't tell, I don't have a favorite type of music. I really love most all music. I can say I don't care for stained glass blue grass, and that blue grass isn't really a favorite. But it's a blast to watch live.

Like a lot of people my age (nope, I'm not telling!!) I grew up on the Beatles and Elvis Presley as they were my mom's favorites as well as the Beach Boys and Gladys Knight and the Pips. So they are also favorites of mine.

And opera, I do love opera (Die Fledermaus is a fav). And C&W is probably on the radio more then most anything. Bonnie Raitt is the bomb, next to KD Lang who's voice seems to get stronger and stronger as time goes, and Tina Turner who I wish would come out of retirement so I could maybe see her once live.

Bruce Springsteen still gives me hot flashes, and brings back wonderful memories of days past. I still listen to The River and Dancing in the Dark singing at the top of my lungs.

And David Bowie! OMG! I'll put in The Labyrinth just to watch him!

And of course Bond, Small Faces (with Rod Stewart), Rolling Stones, Sting, Motorhead, Cake, Moby, The Kinks, MC5, Redd Kross, are just a few sounds you can hear if you happen to walk down our street.

5. Who are you going to pass this to, and why?: hmmmm who would I send this to? I think I'm going to send it to Cheryl the Pearl cause I like to look in and see what she's doing. And I'm going to send it to the other Michelle. Cause again, I like her point of view; and Stef because I wanna and I like her point of view as well.

So, that's it for today folks. As always, stay safe and keep those kneedles clickin!

Posted by Genia at 12:46 PM | Comments (2)

January 25, 2005

Secret Pal 4

I joined! It was fun hearing about what others were receiving that I thought I could be a pretty neat Secret Pal as well. Plus it really reminds me of my Secret Santa Days from high school only this time I won't be filling lockers with gummy bears and gym socks (in school colors of course!!)

So, I've made my super secret email address -- no I'm not telling; decided on my first items to send out -- again I'm not telling; and now I have a questionnaire to fill out. Here are the questions I need to answer:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
4. How long have you been knitting?
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
17. What are you knitting right now?
18. What do you think about ponchos?
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
21. Are you a sock knitter?
22. How did you learn to knit?
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
25. What is your favorite holiday?
26. Is there anything that you collect?

Because this is such a loooonnnnngggg list I've decided to break it down into sections and answer them that way. Then when the whole list is done, I'll repost it in enmass from then.

In other news -- We've been hit with a snow bomb complete with thunder!! Last Saturday we got snow. And then we got more snow almost 7 inches. And it's really really cold! Even the puppy kats won't spend much time outside and poor lil Felix usually loves to play in the snow.

Since it was Saturday that we got the snow, I was asked by my boss not to come into work. She worries about my safety. I love my boss, she really is a great lady! Of course since I didn't go to work it's put me into a bit of a funk....a true case of CABIN FEVER. Then to top it all off, AA County cancelled school yesterday! WHY?

Yes, I've been knitting. Knitting even from my stash. I can feel it shrinking. hmmmm just may need to buy more.

Speaking of yarn, KnitPicks has their own line of yarn now. I received a catalog in the mail and not only are the prices really good but the yarn looks very nice and the colors are most enticing! I'll have to buy to test knit. Will keep you posted on what I purchase and my opinion on the finished fabric.

Wanna read my answers to the first group of questions? Keep reading....

Otherwise, keep those kneedles clickin'!

The questions:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
.......I'm not exactly a yarn snob, I do knit with some Lion Brand yarns like Woolese, and Thick n Quick Chinelle but I do try to avoid Red Heart acrylics. Though I do admit to being drawn to some of the colorways.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
.......I don't spin though I do try. I do crochet. I learned this art a few years after learning to knit. My aunt who taught me said it the "Hip thing to do" and that with crochet I could make some really "cool" clothes. Thus was born the first of many many granny square ponchos, skirts, beercan hats, and scarves.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
........no

4. How long have you been knitting?
........Learned from a babysitter when I was 8 years old. A totally wonderful experience for me as the sitter (her name was Donna) had to put my younger brothers to bed to get a calm to teach me. I didn't have any knitting needles but did have a "Kerplunk" game with plastic sticks that I used. Needless to say, it was the end of that game as I went thru many many sticks.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
........No, never thought about making one.

Posted by Genia at 08:52 AM

January 20, 2005

More Quotables

As seen in the Winter Issue 2004/05 of Vogue Knitting

"CORRECTION: In the Holiday issue, we stated that WoolWinders, located in Rockville, Maryland, is the only knit shop in the state open Sundays. In fact, most knit shops in Maryland are open on that day. (For store hours at establishments in your area, please contact the shops directly.) Vogue Knitting apologizes for the error and for any confusion this erroneous information may have caused."

Being one of many people who wrote an email to Vogue Knitting to correct the mistake I would now like to say: Thank you.

Anyone out there wanting information on shops in Maryland open on Sundays can contact me. In fact it doesn't have to be a shop open on Sunday, it can be one open or closed on any day of the week. If I don't have the information readily available I'll find it for you. Email me or drop me a comment.

Posted by Genia at 09:09 PM | Comments (1)

January 19, 2005

Quotables

"There are as many ways to live as there are people and every one deserves a closer look." Golly from Harriet the Spy

This is currently the Wyldman's favorite movie so it is watched at least once every two days. Beats having to watch Mucha Lucha!

Posted by Genia at 07:50 PM

January 18, 2005

That Boy of Mine

Long weekend for the kiddies. Even my dear husband took Monday off to be home with us. Saturday I worked (though it really is more like play), Sunday I met Michelle in Silver Spring for lunch and to see a band called Dead Man's Hollow play at the Austin Grill. It was great seeing Michelle (also known as the Other Michelle or Dr. Michelle) as I haven't seen her in quite some time.

We parted ways after a funny incident at the Starbucks for some really good Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Being as the afternoon was still pretty early and I was riding the Metro anyway I flipped a coin -- heads; Stitch DC; tails then I head home. Needless to say, I flipped again and headed to Stitch DC for a bit.

The place was hopping! The front room was full of knitters, and the back was rapidly filling. So I sat and knit with a few new knitters. Now doncha just love new knitters?! They work so dilligently at completing projects and aiming toward the next. The knitting teacher at Stitch DC is doing a nice job and from the chat, is well liked. Of course Maria was in. Where does she get her energy? Do you think maybe the yarn emits positive energy and good vibes?

The weather has been perfect for knitting....that is if you stay home and knit. Yesterday, when hearing the weather report I was hit with a guilt that my kids are going to freeze while waiting for the school bus. So while preparing dinner I cast on for mittens for the youngest. I was very pleased to be able to put a completed pair of mittens on the table last for him before heading for bed. Today I think I'll cast on for my daughter.

The bigger kids are really bad at dressing properly for this weather. They don't have lockers at school so refuse to wear heavy coats. So I've been trying to provide them with light weight warm clothes that won't cramp their style. This is really not an easy task! Any and all suggestions are welcome!

So, I need to re-stock the wood stove (it's 14 degrees F here this morning and that's with the sun shining on the thermometer) and start the stew I'm planning for dinner.

What? Did I buy anything at Stitch DC? But of course! I picked up four skeins of some lovely Dalegarn called Ara. It's a thick/thin 100% wool in a cream with blotches of tan, gold and grey. The color is called Pralines and Cream (fits!!) and you can see what it looks like at SpinBlessings.

Be Well, stay safe and keep those kneedles clickin'!

p.s. Want the pattern for Nathan's really quick mittens? Email me. By the way, when he tried them on this morning before heading out I got a big hug and was told "They're beautiful"....I love that boy!!

Posted by Genia at 08:17 AM | Comments (2)

January 13, 2005

Dad's Birthday

Today is my Dad's birthday. And I think I can honestly say that he is mellowing with time. Actually called my brother the other day. Didn't get my brother but rather his wife and she didn't even hang up on him. Stayed on the line and chatted with him a bit (a bit hostile of course but what can one expect?) Dad is going to try calling again this weekend to speak with my brother. I plan on remaining a bystander, though at the ready if I can be of any help to my nieces or nephew.

I've been working a bit on my list. It's part of the extended entry if you would like a gander at it.

I've been working on a few knit projects lately. One is part of an exchange. I have a picture of what I want it to look like in my brain, now to get it to look like that picture. Can't tell you what it is cause she may be a reader here. Once the exchange is done, I'll post a couple of photos and the pattern.

Well, I think I'm finally clear of the sinus infection but still battling the upper resp. infection. So vertical time is still limited. I've decided to knit socks for CIC since I have quite a bit of yarn that would work for this project. Plus I feel a strong need to help.

SO, now I'm off to knit and possibly take a nap.

Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.

1. Scrap, sand, and paint the bathroom ceiling
2. Rip up and replace the bathroom floor
3. Rip out and replace the walls around the bathtub. (seems my bathroom needs lots of help!)
4. Spend more time with my folks
5. Organize my yarn stash
6. Submit 3 of my designs to magazines
7. Make my designs available to other knitters
8. Organize my books
9. Organize my family's books
10. Empty out the junk drawers (I have three)
11. Weed out the closet
12. Clean off the deck
13. Clean out the storage bin
14. Learn to take better care of my car
15. Teach my teenagers to drive
16. Teach them to take care of the car
17. Save more money
18. Visit my friend G1 in FLA
19. Write more letters
20. Go to New York City
21. Go to Boston
22. Re-tile the chimney floor
23. Hang my 2 sided mirror
24. Spend less time wondering ��what if�� and more time doing
25. Learn to spin
26. Learn to felt
27. Take a business class
28. Volunteer more at the school
29. Start a workout program and stick with it at least one month
30. Go to Canada
31. Get CPR certified again
32. Take Nathan to a baseball game
33. Go to Mardi Gras
34. Visit my cousin in South Carolina
35. Finish more projects
36. Frog what won��t get finished
37. Repair the screens on the front porch
38. Visit a dude ranch with Myla
39. Spend more time with friends
40. Make more desserts
41. Take the kids to see the National Christmas Tree
42. Learn ASL
43. Learn to drive a bucket of balls
44. Design and knit more mittens
45. Successfully design another adult sweater
46. Blog at least 3 times a week
47. Use up more of my stash
48. Visit and write reviews of more yarn shops
49. Fix the kitchen faucet
50. Fix the kitchen sink
51. Kayak further
52. Attempt to leave a comment on blogs that I read
53. Be a better housekeeper
54. If 52 fails then be a better knitter
55. Stop binge shopping
56. Spend more time on my bicycle
57. Open my own bank account
58. Pay off my credit card
59. Buy a fleece
60. Re-write my Resume
61. Re-write my patterns
62. Organize my knitting diaries
63. Make a slip cover for the couch �� that I like
64. Go on a date with my husband
65. Talk more with my neighbors not just the family
66. Launch my website
67. Take Nathan to all the Smithsonian Museums
68. Go horseback riding with Myla
69. Stop complaining for 3 weeks
70. Take a knitting class
71. Organize my magazines
72. Learn to understand the computer
73. Program the VCR (really)
74. Bake more cookies
75. Knit 45 hats for charity (44 now)
76. Organize a family vacation ��
77. and then go on it
78. Repaint the hand rail
79. Build a new step
80. Call my SIL once a month
81. Learn Fencing
82. Read more books
83. Brick in the flower beds
84. Re-plant the flower beds to be more useful (herbs)
85. Find another part-time job
86. Keep a daily journal
87. Pay off other credit card
88. Fix the outside shower
89. Spend time with my friends
90. Take Nathan Putt-putt golfing
91. Work on more puzzles
92. Send out cards on time
93. 20 pair of socks for CIC (18 1/18/05)
94. Visit Pittsburgh
95.

Posted by Genia at 01:17 PM

January 09, 2005

A New Year

Yesterday was the first day back to work for me. Shop hadn't been open on a weekend since December 24th. I was very glad to be back, and by the number of people in the Coffee Group (25) they were all glad to be back as well.

I've been working on getting well and on some patterns I have knocking about in the grey matter. I plan on submitting some to a few publications this year in hopes of getting them published. Part of my 100 Things to do in 1001 days. By the way, my list is up to number 87. I still can't believe how difficult this list is for me to make.

I'm once again Project Coordinator for the Knitting Guild that I belong to. I like the challenge of trying to come up with ideas for each months meetings though I have to admit that this year it's a been a bit difficult. I'm going to be looking for outside help in setting up programs. I think a roadtrip to visit another guild or two is in order as well.

For now before the day really starts getting away from me I'm going to take down the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. And make a list of cards still in need of my attention.

So, Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for stopping by.

Posted by Genia at 10:25 AM | Comments (2)