Three more trips up from the basement with branches, trunk and top. Found timer, the mechanical kind, as did not want to figure out how to program the electronic kind. Had to find more of the little on and off things . Note to self: you need to get rid of some of the
junk in the junk drawer!
Top in place , wires connected, branches fluffed . Straightened the top spire. Looking good. Added rows 2,3,4. All connected, but last 1/2 of row not lighting. Chase down short ( or is it long?). Located and fixed. Step back and admire!!
Now for 5 and will be half done. It gets harder as the tree gets bigger. Have built both ways , top down and bottom up. Neither easy the end!!
Must add more branches yet tonight. Looks odd with nothing below 4 feet!
To be continued.....
Random musings of a middle aged knitter.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
The twelve days of Christmas tree:Day two
Moving toward the goal,today I move the chair, ottoman, table, and rocker. Vacuum the space. Rearrange chair, ottoman, table in corner. Remove rocker and put in dining room, requiring rearrangement of extra dining room chairs and grandma's stash of "upstairs toys".
Back to living room, vacuum space again, this time using the appropriate setting to encourage all the fibers to stand at attention (although an alarming number seem to be sucked into the vacuum). Pause to marvel at the wonder of cyclone technology, and the swirling stuff ( mostly fibers) inside!
Go to basement. Unload the storage closet-- and mutter to self that I must remember to repackage this first out,last in this year--a vow I make every year, but never seem to remember in January! Once everything is stacked outside the closet, I wrestle the 7 foot fresh cut Appalachian pine out of the closet and through the maze of furniture and other boxes to a place where it can be opened. ( and will obstruct any further access to this side of the basement until I finish the assembly phase.)
I slide the ties off without breaking a nail! Of course, the first pieces needed are in the bottom under all the other pieces. Another note to self about packing to store.
Two or three groups of branches at a time, I begin the transfer from box to living room. These are numbered, and I sort of sort them as I lay out the clumps in the living room. More branches tomorrow--I can only take so many trips up and down the stairs at a time. 4 Santa's that are in the way are distributed to their holiday home. One requires that I set up a timer and get an extension cord. I have maxed out day two!!
Back to living room, vacuum space again, this time using the appropriate setting to encourage all the fibers to stand at attention (although an alarming number seem to be sucked into the vacuum). Pause to marvel at the wonder of cyclone technology, and the swirling stuff ( mostly fibers) inside!
Go to basement. Unload the storage closet-- and mutter to self that I must remember to repackage this first out,last in this year--a vow I make every year, but never seem to remember in January! Once everything is stacked outside the closet, I wrestle the 7 foot fresh cut Appalachian pine out of the closet and through the maze of furniture and other boxes to a place where it can be opened. ( and will obstruct any further access to this side of the basement until I finish the assembly phase.)
I slide the ties off without breaking a nail! Of course, the first pieces needed are in the bottom under all the other pieces. Another note to self about packing to store.
Two or three groups of branches at a time, I begin the transfer from box to living room. These are numbered, and I sort of sort them as I lay out the clumps in the living room. More branches tomorrow--I can only take so many trips up and down the stairs at a time. 4 Santa's that are in the way are distributed to their holiday home. One requires that I set up a timer and get an extension cord. I have maxed out day two!!
The 12 days of Christmas Tree: day one
On the first day of tree set up, Nov 27, I had to hem the curtains that I bought months ago, and hadn't gotten around to doing. Because the curtains are behind the tree-- and once it is up, the curtains cannot be accessed to hem. And they will be in all the pictures-- admittedly in the background. But I do not need more photographic evidence of my procrastination. Investment: take down curtains , measure, cut, measure hems, press, sew. Rehang curtains. Longer than you think or it seems it might take!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Who knew?
Thanks to Mr. Pants unprecedented streak of generosity, I am now state of the art connected to cyber- space.
Browsing "free apps", I have discovered several knitting related cool tools. One of the neatest lets you follow charts with an on-screen highlighter and row counter! No more click-a-clickas!! Or dropping that highlighter behind the chair!
The rest of I-pad land is pretty cool too!! But knitting with it takes it from toy to tool--- now if I could just move through the angry birds levels faster, I would have more time for knitting!
Browsing "free apps", I have discovered several knitting related cool tools. One of the neatest lets you follow charts with an on-screen highlighter and row counter! No more click-a-clickas!! Or dropping that highlighter behind the chair!
The rest of I-pad land is pretty cool too!! But knitting with it takes it from toy to tool--- now if I could just move through the angry birds levels faster, I would have more time for knitting!
Friday, July 01, 2011
Amoritiztion
To continue the spinning saga, I have produced another skein of yarn, considerably reducing the "cost per skein". This skein is from a kit that I received with a spindle...a wool in pink, and shade of green. It may have also included a white fleece, but I liked the pink/green combo. It was exciting to see this one finished, as I spun the pink on a drop spindle, and the green on my wheel. Think it will become a cowl or scarf.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Priceless Yarn!
As if being obsessed with knitting socks wasn't strange enough, I have wandered farther afield into the wonderful world of spinning fiber---into yarn. Eventually I may even get good enough to make yarn for socks!--someday.
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Of course, in addition to the investment in the wheel itself, and the accessories, you must have fiber. I have spun several singles with drop spindles working up to owning a wheel. So, once I experimented with some "practice" un-dyed wool, I started on some "real stuff"
And....ta-da!! I have spun my first skein of yarn! It is a 2-ply/DK weight wool in a luscious Burgundy/pink color. It is not perfect, but considering I have no idea what I am doing, and have only a book and the Internet as teachers, I think it is pretty good for a first try. I have seen worse on sale in "boutique" yarn shops for what I think is an outrageous price. I may have to rethink the value of one-of-a kind yarn based on my calculations though.......
I don't know what I will make from it yet, but have enough for a scarf or a small shawlette. And it only cost about $1,200 for me to make this little skein of yarn!!
The next one will be cheaper---as I can depreciate the wheel over more product. The next one will only cost around $600.00!
So, I have the spinning wheel, and all of the "stuff"--whorls, bobbins, knitty-notty, flyers, a mother of all, and other parts and pieces, all marvelously coordinated and selected for their "old world" beauty. This is part of my multi-year, pre-retirement acquisition program of "toys" I want to spend time with when I have the time! I intentionally selected this wheel (Kromski Ministrel) for its "old world" look. And have color coordinated baskets to keep all these oddments organized and handy. Although not its permanent home, the wheel is temporarily set up in the living room next to the fireplace....which seems appropriate for now. (Not permanent, as I am finding that spinning is a little messy, and I will probably prefer that the lint not be everywhere in the living room all the time!)
Of course, in addition to the investment in the wheel itself, and the accessories, you must have fiber. I have spun several singles with drop spindles working up to owning a wheel. So, once I experimented with some "practice" un-dyed wool, I started on some "real stuff"
And....ta-da!! I have spun my first skein of yarn! It is a 2-ply/DK weight wool in a luscious Burgundy/pink color. It is not perfect, but considering I have no idea what I am doing, and have only a book and the Internet as teachers, I think it is pretty good for a first try. I have seen worse on sale in "boutique" yarn shops for what I think is an outrageous price. I may have to rethink the value of one-of-a kind yarn based on my calculations though.......
I don't know what I will make from it yet, but have enough for a scarf or a small shawlette. And it only cost about $1,200 for me to make this little skein of yarn!!
The next one will be cheaper---as I can depreciate the wheel over more product. The next one will only cost around $600.00!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Daisies
The daisies are in full bloom. I was not originally a Daisy person, but they are perennials, and low maintenance, so added a few to the front landscaping at our prior house. Little did I know that they were my mothers "favorite" flower. Her birthday is this time of the year (she would have been 103 next week), and she told me that she thought that the daisies bloomed just for her birthday. Being raised in a poor mining community, I suppose that you looked for beauty wherever you could find it. Or maybe it was that her sisters had March birthdays, when there were no flowers abloom!
As her dementia progressed, she found it frustrating that the names of flowers long familiar had left her--petunias, geraniums, etc. But the daisy was always "there". I planted large stands of daises outside her window for her to enjoy. When we could no longer care for her, and she moved to "the home", I marked her door with a wreath of daisies--so she could always find it.
Now, when the daisies bloom, I think of her. They are still outside her window, although she is long gone. Enjoyed now by her great grandson, who thinks they are interesting. They bloom around my yard, immune to deer nibbling, and a reminder of the time we spend gardening (I gardened, mom sat in a chair and watched). They remind me of the birthdays of my two DIL, both sharing June as a birthday month with my mother, and each in her own way a characteristic or two (could that have influenced why they were selected?).
This year, her 103 year of daisies, they remind me that although she has been gone for years, she is still with me. In the sewing she taught me; the recipes that we occasionally pull out for special occasions; in the eyes of 4, who looks most like her and has her love of new recipes; in the people we are because she enriched our lives; in the memories we share of her "quirks"; and in ways our lives were better because she was here.
The daisies are blooming....a sweet reminder of a great mother and grandmother. And although she never got to meet them, she would have loved having great grandsons!
As her dementia progressed, she found it frustrating that the names of flowers long familiar had left her--petunias, geraniums, etc. But the daisy was always "there". I planted large stands of daises outside her window for her to enjoy. When we could no longer care for her, and she moved to "the home", I marked her door with a wreath of daisies--so she could always find it.
Now, when the daisies bloom, I think of her. They are still outside her window, although she is long gone. Enjoyed now by her great grandson, who thinks they are interesting. They bloom around my yard, immune to deer nibbling, and a reminder of the time we spend gardening (I gardened, mom sat in a chair and watched). They remind me of the birthdays of my two DIL, both sharing June as a birthday month with my mother, and each in her own way a characteristic or two (could that have influenced why they were selected?).
This year, her 103 year of daisies, they remind me that although she has been gone for years, she is still with me. In the sewing she taught me; the recipes that we occasionally pull out for special occasions; in the eyes of 4, who looks most like her and has her love of new recipes; in the people we are because she enriched our lives; in the memories we share of her "quirks"; and in ways our lives were better because she was here.
The daisies are blooming....a sweet reminder of a great mother and grandmother. And although she never got to meet them, she would have loved having great grandsons!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Fiber Festival
My Friend, GZR, saw a television "spot", and asked a few weeks ago if I was interested in going to a fiber festival today---what the heck!! Sounded like fun, and since I have a new spinning wheel (Kromski Ministrel), I figured maybe I could use some fiber (To the uninformed, people who engage in fiber arts develop "stashes"---sewers/quilters have fabrics; knitters, yarn, and spinners, various types of fiber in various forms). Or more accurately, maybe I could begin to build a fiber stash to rival my fabric and yarn collection (pre-retirement acquisition program---my story and I am sticking to it!!).
So we met there--to see the lamas (so ugly they are cute), rabbits, sheep, etc. all of whom provide a renewable source of fiber (so you can also be ecological as a spinner--and there is always more fiber to acquire!). There were fleeces, baskets of washed fibers, dyed fibers, fiber processing tools, spinners spinning, knitting tools, tote bags of various types, and a lot of other fiber related things. We discovered that fiber people seem to more or less wander in to set up their booths somewhere "around" the time the festival was to begin---laid back these people. Maybe spinning does that for you?? So we had to zig and zag between those ready and those not, be eventually saw what everyone had brought to show, share, and sell. Next time we can wander in....no rush to be there when it opens, it seems.
You never know what you might find at a fiber fest.....I found an adorable children's book about sheep in a jeep (bought two for the GS's), a silk "hankie" (to spin some silk thread), some shredded suri silk, for blending to make a novelty yarn, a marino/silk top in a great green color , a Blue Faced Lanchester (I think that is spelled right--it is a type of sheep) roving that is a superwash (you can machine wash the product) hand dyed in deep beautiful colors, an alpaca/tancel roll--very soft, and two learn to spin kits (because they were cute, inexpensive, and you never know when someone might ask you to teach them to spin!--yeah right!). So, I guess I sort of have a spinners "stash" now--I have no particular plans for any of this--it was just pretty, spoke to me, and felt great. Am anxious to get good enough at my wheel to begin whipping up interesting novelty yarn---to transfer from one stash to another......
I talked to spinners with my type of wheel about hemp vs poly drives, scotch tension, and whorls. I chatted with drop spindlers about technique, lots of people about their fiber, and yes, even the Lama--his name was George. My friend, not a knitter or a spinner, wandered about the looms, gave the wool rug people more than a passing glance, fingered the buttons and also talked to George.
We also found a former colleague.....who now runs a fiber/yarn farm/business with a friend. And later, as we went into town for lunch--we ran into another former co-worker (from a different job) and had a nice chat! You never know what you are going to find at the fiber festival in the middle of nowhere (although technically, J was at the antique store looking for a table, not at the fiber festival).
It was fun to meet the people who do this as a "living"--I can't imagine it. It was fun to be able to carry on a semi intelligent conversation about spinning (I have read 2 books and watched U-tube). It was fun to fondle the fluff! It will be fun to read the silly book about the sheep in the jeep to the boys. Maybe I will go again to one nearer me in October.....because you can always add to your "stash"!
So we met there--to see the lamas (so ugly they are cute), rabbits, sheep, etc. all of whom provide a renewable source of fiber (so you can also be ecological as a spinner--and there is always more fiber to acquire!). There were fleeces, baskets of washed fibers, dyed fibers, fiber processing tools, spinners spinning, knitting tools, tote bags of various types, and a lot of other fiber related things. We discovered that fiber people seem to more or less wander in to set up their booths somewhere "around" the time the festival was to begin---laid back these people. Maybe spinning does that for you?? So we had to zig and zag between those ready and those not, be eventually saw what everyone had brought to show, share, and sell. Next time we can wander in....no rush to be there when it opens, it seems.
You never know what you might find at a fiber fest.....I found an adorable children's book about sheep in a jeep (bought two for the GS's), a silk "hankie" (to spin some silk thread), some shredded suri silk, for blending to make a novelty yarn, a marino/silk top in a great green color , a Blue Faced Lanchester (I think that is spelled right--it is a type of sheep) roving that is a superwash (you can machine wash the product) hand dyed in deep beautiful colors, an alpaca/tancel roll--very soft, and two learn to spin kits (because they were cute, inexpensive, and you never know when someone might ask you to teach them to spin!--yeah right!). So, I guess I sort of have a spinners "stash" now--I have no particular plans for any of this--it was just pretty, spoke to me, and felt great. Am anxious to get good enough at my wheel to begin whipping up interesting novelty yarn---to transfer from one stash to another......
I talked to spinners with my type of wheel about hemp vs poly drives, scotch tension, and whorls. I chatted with drop spindlers about technique, lots of people about their fiber, and yes, even the Lama--his name was George. My friend, not a knitter or a spinner, wandered about the looms, gave the wool rug people more than a passing glance, fingered the buttons and also talked to George.
We also found a former colleague.....who now runs a fiber/yarn farm/business with a friend. And later, as we went into town for lunch--we ran into another former co-worker (from a different job) and had a nice chat! You never know what you are going to find at the fiber festival in the middle of nowhere (although technically, J was at the antique store looking for a table, not at the fiber festival).
It was fun to meet the people who do this as a "living"--I can't imagine it. It was fun to be able to carry on a semi intelligent conversation about spinning (I have read 2 books and watched U-tube). It was fun to fondle the fluff! It will be fun to read the silly book about the sheep in the jeep to the boys. Maybe I will go again to one nearer me in October.....because you can always add to your "stash"!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Back to the Future!
On this memorial day weekend, we experienced a 23-hour power outage due to storms. Now we have a generator, so the freezers stayed frozen, refrigerators refrigerated, pump pumping, and we were able to have hot showers and flush!! (for those who do not have a well system, trust me that you want a generator or nothing at all works!). The generator does a great job--it is huge, and was acquired after the multiple- day inconvenience of the "east coast power outage". Now, we can survive. But it does not support our energy consuming lifestyle.
It was 23-hours of back to the future! We had to wash dishes by hand (was mid party when the storm hit), no TV (yes, I do remember a time with no TV ), no Internet, vacuuming, laundry, or cooking (yeah!!) It was HOT (90) with no air conditioning (and yes, that was not something that we routinely had until I was an adult!). We could not print to our wireless printer, watch netflix, or find out when the power would be restored at the power company web site.
We used candles and flashlights, and listened to the tree frogs, while we made somemores over Sterno.
We were awakened in the middle of the night, when the batteries ran out on the alarm system. We went out for breakfast. Popped into a store for some A/C and window shopping. And returned home to the darkness and the quiet.
Just the buzz of the generator. A hot breeze on the porch. A magazine to read. A novel for 4. Some knitting for me. Taking advantage of the light. A little weed pulling (something you don't need electricity for), and some hand mending. It was a though time was standing still as we were sweating away on the porch---a luxury that I did not have in my youth--a screen porch. At least the bugs were outside.
It seemed like more fun then---before we knew about all the modern conveniences that make our lives "easier". You went out to move the sprinkler---there was no "system" on timers. I guess we were used to being hot, although I remember lots of fans to move the air--but we have only one very small fan left in our possession, the rest being deemed unnecessary by central air. You opened your garage door with an "umph"--not a button.
Just when we were about to try to find a wi-fi hot spot to find out what was going on, the power came on--reluctantly at first. Startled the dog, who seemed to have adapted better than the humans! All of the touch lamps were on, all of the auto switches defaulted to on, the timers a mess, the clock blinking a menacing 12:00!! For just a second, I almost wished it hadn't come on---wait! What was I thinking. Turn on the news to see what was up! Throw some soap in that dishwasher, full of dishes from last night, and turn on that air conditioning!! Yeah!
So although we long for the simpler times, really, our lives are much better now. Not better living through chemistry---as the commerical said in my youth....but better living, period. Made easier with electricity.
So thank you to the power company work crews who were out on this hot holiday weekend to restore my power--so that I may conspicuously consume it in comfort!!!
It was 23-hours of back to the future! We had to wash dishes by hand (was mid party when the storm hit), no TV (yes, I do remember a time with no TV ), no Internet, vacuuming, laundry, or cooking (yeah!!) It was HOT (90) with no air conditioning (and yes, that was not something that we routinely had until I was an adult!). We could not print to our wireless printer, watch netflix, or find out when the power would be restored at the power company web site.
We used candles and flashlights, and listened to the tree frogs, while we made somemores over Sterno.
We were awakened in the middle of the night, when the batteries ran out on the alarm system. We went out for breakfast. Popped into a store for some A/C and window shopping. And returned home to the darkness and the quiet.
Just the buzz of the generator. A hot breeze on the porch. A magazine to read. A novel for 4. Some knitting for me. Taking advantage of the light. A little weed pulling (something you don't need electricity for), and some hand mending. It was a though time was standing still as we were sweating away on the porch---a luxury that I did not have in my youth--a screen porch. At least the bugs were outside.
It seemed like more fun then---before we knew about all the modern conveniences that make our lives "easier". You went out to move the sprinkler---there was no "system" on timers. I guess we were used to being hot, although I remember lots of fans to move the air--but we have only one very small fan left in our possession, the rest being deemed unnecessary by central air. You opened your garage door with an "umph"--not a button.
Just when we were about to try to find a wi-fi hot spot to find out what was going on, the power came on--reluctantly at first. Startled the dog, who seemed to have adapted better than the humans! All of the touch lamps were on, all of the auto switches defaulted to on, the timers a mess, the clock blinking a menacing 12:00!! For just a second, I almost wished it hadn't come on---wait! What was I thinking. Turn on the news to see what was up! Throw some soap in that dishwasher, full of dishes from last night, and turn on that air conditioning!! Yeah!
So although we long for the simpler times, really, our lives are much better now. Not better living through chemistry---as the commerical said in my youth....but better living, period. Made easier with electricity.
So thank you to the power company work crews who were out on this hot holiday weekend to restore my power--so that I may conspicuously consume it in comfort!!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May Flowers
We had April showers, and May monsoons! This has been a very we spring, which means that everything is green, lush, and very soggy!!! The Iris are blooming, starting with the white ones. They are exceptionally tall this year.
I am waiting for my spinning wheel to arrive--next step in the pre-retirement acquisition plan. Also have started spring cleaning.....seems I always "start", but never quite finish. My ambition exceeds my energy! Or dedication, enthusiasm, or motivation. Or maybe I just hate cleaning and organizing.
But the screen porch is "open"--cleaned and set up for the season. Now to have it be warm enough to enjoy it!?!?! Next on my list is mixing up "girly, fluffy" drinks for the freezer---to be ready, just in case!!!!
Too wet to weed, and kind of cool out......so guess I will have to devote the day to some indoor activity!! I have a stack of mending to do......which is about as exciting (and likely to get done) as spring cleaning!!! (sigh!)
I am waiting for my spinning wheel to arrive--next step in the pre-retirement acquisition plan. Also have started spring cleaning.....seems I always "start", but never quite finish. My ambition exceeds my energy! Or dedication, enthusiasm, or motivation. Or maybe I just hate cleaning and organizing.
But the screen porch is "open"--cleaned and set up for the season. Now to have it be warm enough to enjoy it!?!?! Next on my list is mixing up "girly, fluffy" drinks for the freezer---to be ready, just in case!!!!
Too wet to weed, and kind of cool out......so guess I will have to devote the day to some indoor activity!! I have a stack of mending to do......which is about as exciting (and likely to get done) as spring cleaning!!! (sigh!)
Sunday, April 03, 2011
April showers
It is one of those "to be endured" days, with promises of things to come. Crocus has peaked it head out...but grey skys today, sleet yesterday, drizzle pending. Walked about yesterday, and the daffodils on the south side of the house are up and will bloom soon. Although we still have a little snow in the shade, spring is definitely on the way. This has been an unusually snowy winter, and we are all ready to be done with it.
Wound yarn this morning for three pair of socks, a sweater for the grandsons. Realized that it has been some time since I blogged anything. I should be better at this. Ravelry however is my knitting blog of sorts, so I do update that regularly.
Packed a box to GS2 yesterday--and remember GS1 in the sweaters and outfits. Growing so fast! GS1 has outgrown all of the Christmas gifts already. Keep thinking it will slow down. GS1 is a" boy" now--no longer a baby! Almost not a toddler--racing toward preschooler. Time seems to be flying right past me, but as a Grandma, you are not "in the trenches", so perhaps it is not warp speed for the parents!
GS2 is 15 lbs, 27 inches at 4 months--so, just must resign myself to larger sizes from the get go. He is harder to envision, not as geographically proximal. Pictures are deceiving--For knitters anyway. But I knit mostly for GS1 with hand me down knit in. Two boys 16 months apart works for now. Someday I know it will not, as they will be closer to the same size. But by then I will have retired, and knitting may become my primary pastime, instead of just my "Zen" moments at the end of the day. And by then they may have opinions about wearing their grandmothers knitted sweaters.
So the promise of spring is here---like a bag of new yarn, ready to be wound and knit up, spring is on the cusp of turning our lives back to warm and green--which is as pleasant to look forward to as the promise of a new bag of yarn!
Wound yarn this morning for three pair of socks, a sweater for the grandsons. Realized that it has been some time since I blogged anything. I should be better at this. Ravelry however is my knitting blog of sorts, so I do update that regularly.
Packed a box to GS2 yesterday--and remember GS1 in the sweaters and outfits. Growing so fast! GS1 has outgrown all of the Christmas gifts already. Keep thinking it will slow down. GS1 is a" boy" now--no longer a baby! Almost not a toddler--racing toward preschooler. Time seems to be flying right past me, but as a Grandma, you are not "in the trenches", so perhaps it is not warp speed for the parents!
GS2 is 15 lbs, 27 inches at 4 months--so, just must resign myself to larger sizes from the get go. He is harder to envision, not as geographically proximal. Pictures are deceiving--For knitters anyway. But I knit mostly for GS1 with hand me down knit in. Two boys 16 months apart works for now. Someday I know it will not, as they will be closer to the same size. But by then I will have retired, and knitting may become my primary pastime, instead of just my "Zen" moments at the end of the day. And by then they may have opinions about wearing their grandmothers knitted sweaters.
So the promise of spring is here---like a bag of new yarn, ready to be wound and knit up, spring is on the cusp of turning our lives back to warm and green--which is as pleasant to look forward to as the promise of a new bag of yarn!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Mr. Busy
There is a reason that the young have babies. Babies become toddlers. Toddlers like to "run", especially at my house--because they can--there are large open spaces.
Grandma's are good for a lot of things--hand knit sweaters, cookies, patience, stories, and letting you open the cupboard doors as much as you want. Grandma's are not good for chasing running toddlers--at least not for long. I am tired!!
Grandma's are good for a lot of things--hand knit sweaters, cookies, patience, stories, and letting you open the cupboard doors as much as you want. Grandma's are not good for chasing running toddlers--at least not for long. I am tired!!
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Independence!!
It is already July. Never mind that last January we could not wait for 90 degrees. I am not ready. The summer is fleeting--too fast. Just like the weeds that are growing out of control, so is my "to do" list!!
Yesterday, a very welcome day off, was wonderful. I finished a baby gift--for a baby born last November. Good thing it is not size specific!!!! I cleaned up a few of my closet shelves, finding my summer tanks. I put some stuff away. I enjoyed the distractions as they presented themselves---even though I had a list, it was downstairs, and I was not.....so I could rationalize the ADD-ness of "rolling" through the day!!
Today, I started on the weeds around the air conditioner. There are not many....but it is always sunny there. I had good intentions. Got up early. Then there was the shawl that I needed to "tink" (unknit) earlier this week--begging me to be put back in order. There was breakfast, getting dressed, and next thing I knew, I was in my sewing room, whipping up little projects for Florida baby----until it got complicated, and I remembered my promise to the weeds.
I got out all my "stuff". Put on my "gear"--sun glasses, sun screen, hat, gloves----and headed toward the side of the house where the offending weeds surround the air conditioner.....but first, I should trim these branches, then I need to cut back this ornamental, and I should bag up these weeds from last week that I pulled, but left on the patio---just in case we are hosting some fire works tomorrow that I am not aware of. And, OH my!! there are branches from the apple tree nearly touching the ground.
Now I have to go back to resupply my refuse bags. I finally arrive at the air conditioner---took about an hour and a half to wander the 100 feet to the location. I manage to get the offending ornamental grass whacked back so the condenser can get some air (would like to meet the person that thought that this stuff was a good idea for this side of the house!!) I pull a few weeds--the easy ones. I grab handfuls of the dead grass from last season that somehow (?) we never got around to burning--either in the fall or the spring. Now I need another bag.
It is now noon. HOT. And I decide to take a break. In another hour, I will make myself go back out there---honest! If I can focus on the weed removal and spread the new bark just around the air conditioner, I can cross something off the list!!!
Of course, while I am sitting here enjoying the air conditioner, I have added a few more items to "the list"-----it is going to be a long summer!!! Fortunately, it doesn't really matter that I am totally at the mercy of ADD when it comes to my to do list---I have found that the jobs are still waiting for me when I get back around to them!!!
Yesterday, a very welcome day off, was wonderful. I finished a baby gift--for a baby born last November. Good thing it is not size specific!!!! I cleaned up a few of my closet shelves, finding my summer tanks. I put some stuff away. I enjoyed the distractions as they presented themselves---even though I had a list, it was downstairs, and I was not.....so I could rationalize the ADD-ness of "rolling" through the day!!
Today, I started on the weeds around the air conditioner. There are not many....but it is always sunny there. I had good intentions. Got up early. Then there was the shawl that I needed to "tink" (unknit) earlier this week--begging me to be put back in order. There was breakfast, getting dressed, and next thing I knew, I was in my sewing room, whipping up little projects for Florida baby----until it got complicated, and I remembered my promise to the weeds.
I got out all my "stuff". Put on my "gear"--sun glasses, sun screen, hat, gloves----and headed toward the side of the house where the offending weeds surround the air conditioner.....but first, I should trim these branches, then I need to cut back this ornamental, and I should bag up these weeds from last week that I pulled, but left on the patio---just in case we are hosting some fire works tomorrow that I am not aware of. And, OH my!! there are branches from the apple tree nearly touching the ground.
Now I have to go back to resupply my refuse bags. I finally arrive at the air conditioner---took about an hour and a half to wander the 100 feet to the location. I manage to get the offending ornamental grass whacked back so the condenser can get some air (would like to meet the person that thought that this stuff was a good idea for this side of the house!!) I pull a few weeds--the easy ones. I grab handfuls of the dead grass from last season that somehow (?) we never got around to burning--either in the fall or the spring. Now I need another bag.
It is now noon. HOT. And I decide to take a break. In another hour, I will make myself go back out there---honest! If I can focus on the weed removal and spread the new bark just around the air conditioner, I can cross something off the list!!!
Of course, while I am sitting here enjoying the air conditioner, I have added a few more items to "the list"-----it is going to be a long summer!!! Fortunately, it doesn't really matter that I am totally at the mercy of ADD when it comes to my to do list---I have found that the jobs are still waiting for me when I get back around to them!!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Grace
It has never been my strong suit. I appreciate that my mother tried---several years of tap dancing lessons for body awareness...even a college class in "dance"....but I am a klutz. I am o.k. with that. Acceptance!
Occasionally, it is humorous. Once in awhile, problematic. Tuesday was a problematic day.
I fell out of my office building . There is no other way to describe it. As I stepped out the door, my foot landed on a small branch (I think) that was on the sidewalk just below the step. That rolled, casting me to the side. My other foot landed in the landscape rocks--and unstable surface---and I became a projectile--aided by momentum toward my home bound commute and gravity.
WHAM, oppph! I was suddenly intimately associated with both the landscape rocks and the adjacent cement sidewalk---With my hands slammed against the edge of the walkway, and my chin, lips, and nose in full contact with the cement--I briefly pondered how to "gracefully" get up---while a co-worker frantically asked me if I was getting up-----like it would not have occurred to me to do so!! She was slightly hobbled by a leg cast as the result of her own interactions with a stool that her foot went through--breaking both the stool and the foot.......so was not actually in any shape to rescue me from my position inspecting the cement.
My first thoughts were "How did I get here?" Followed quickly by the realization that EVERYTHING hurt, and could possibly be hurt! It took a few seconds to think through the next move.
First I moved my eyes back a little from the cement, breaking the contact of my chin. I did not observe gushing blood---a good sign. Then I considered if I could /should use my hands to push up. Of course I needed to, but the possibility of doing further damage did occur to me. Lacking a crane, I saw no other choice and pushed myself up to my knees (ouch, the rocks!), and then to standing. Collected my bag, ran my hands over by face--pulling them back, no blood! Ask my co-worker if I seemed to have all my teeth? She said she thought so...So, having a car pool to catch, not to be stranded in the city, I departed, shouting over my shoulder that I would let her know if my jaw was broken. Adrenalin rush!
Passing her car pool buddy on the route to my pool, I admonished her to "watch out for sticks"---which she thought very odd until she got the rests of the story........
Fortunately, nothing seems to be broken. I spend the time in urgent care, and have filled out all of the "workplace injury forms" Lots of bruising, soreness, etc. I look like a victim of domestic violence---or workplace violence---but it is just the result of Klutziness mixed with bifocals and a stick!
I will heal in time, but will still be klutzy.
My employer should do a better job with the random sticks and debris----I need all the help I can get!!
Occasionally, it is humorous. Once in awhile, problematic. Tuesday was a problematic day.
I fell out of my office building . There is no other way to describe it. As I stepped out the door, my foot landed on a small branch (I think) that was on the sidewalk just below the step. That rolled, casting me to the side. My other foot landed in the landscape rocks--and unstable surface---and I became a projectile--aided by momentum toward my home bound commute and gravity.
WHAM, oppph! I was suddenly intimately associated with both the landscape rocks and the adjacent cement sidewalk---With my hands slammed against the edge of the walkway, and my chin, lips, and nose in full contact with the cement--I briefly pondered how to "gracefully" get up---while a co-worker frantically asked me if I was getting up-----like it would not have occurred to me to do so!! She was slightly hobbled by a leg cast as the result of her own interactions with a stool that her foot went through--breaking both the stool and the foot.......so was not actually in any shape to rescue me from my position inspecting the cement.
My first thoughts were "How did I get here?" Followed quickly by the realization that EVERYTHING hurt, and could possibly be hurt! It took a few seconds to think through the next move.
First I moved my eyes back a little from the cement, breaking the contact of my chin. I did not observe gushing blood---a good sign. Then I considered if I could /should use my hands to push up. Of course I needed to, but the possibility of doing further damage did occur to me. Lacking a crane, I saw no other choice and pushed myself up to my knees (ouch, the rocks!), and then to standing. Collected my bag, ran my hands over by face--pulling them back, no blood! Ask my co-worker if I seemed to have all my teeth? She said she thought so...So, having a car pool to catch, not to be stranded in the city, I departed, shouting over my shoulder that I would let her know if my jaw was broken. Adrenalin rush!
Passing her car pool buddy on the route to my pool, I admonished her to "watch out for sticks"---which she thought very odd until she got the rests of the story........
Fortunately, nothing seems to be broken. I spend the time in urgent care, and have filled out all of the "workplace injury forms" Lots of bruising, soreness, etc. I look like a victim of domestic violence---or workplace violence---but it is just the result of Klutziness mixed with bifocals and a stick!
I will heal in time, but will still be klutzy.
My employer should do a better job with the random sticks and debris----I need all the help I can get!!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Fortunately it does not really matter....
I have promissed myself that I will avoid my work/profession as a topic of my blog. After all, look what has happened to Dooce!! (Come to think of it, it seems to have worked out well for her...oh, well...
I have a job. I think it is a good job. Most of the time I like my job. I can buy stuff I want because I have a job. But the best thing about my job is that nothing, absolutely nothing that I do is a matter of life and death. Deadlines can come and go--and might be missed, but no one is harmed beyond repair. I get stuff done---but if I don't , again no one is harmed beyond repair.
So I guess my job is "nice". Of maybe I have just finally been able to put it into perspective. At the end of the day, whatever is left, will be there tomorrow!! It is not that there are not frustrating things about my job---it is just that I am beyond being frustrated by them.
And I cannot wait until Tuesday, when our staff will have a professional development hour on pest control. Apparently my office is "nice"---even to the unwelcome insects!!
I have a job. I think it is a good job. Most of the time I like my job. I can buy stuff I want because I have a job. But the best thing about my job is that nothing, absolutely nothing that I do is a matter of life and death. Deadlines can come and go--and might be missed, but no one is harmed beyond repair. I get stuff done---but if I don't , again no one is harmed beyond repair.
So I guess my job is "nice". Of maybe I have just finally been able to put it into perspective. At the end of the day, whatever is left, will be there tomorrow!! It is not that there are not frustrating things about my job---it is just that I am beyond being frustrated by them.
And I cannot wait until Tuesday, when our staff will have a professional development hour on pest control. Apparently my office is "nice"---even to the unwelcome insects!!
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Mr. Crabby pants is CRABBY
He is home today, working. I am home today, not. I have a mammogram later today--topic for another entry. He has a "procedure" tomorrow. The reason for the crabbiness!
He is on a liquid diet--day three of the preparation! Day one was no seeds, nuts, or salads. Yesterday was avoid red food coloring (odd, but I suppose necessary---but really, how many people consume all that much red coloring---I suppose we would be surprised!) Today is only clear liquids! OMG, the end of the world has come!
He started off the morning with the announcement that he was going up to the McDonalds (TM) to get some $1 sausage McMuffins (probably TM). It was not well received that I pointed out that a McMuffin did not fit the definition of "clear liquids". "Caught",he argued about the exact moment "the day before" began, the printed guidance from the Dr. was indisputable---and he relented--this started what I expect to be many hours of extreme CRABBINESS!
Not helping is the ban on coffee (apparently not a clear liquid, and certainly not the way MR. CP brews it!) There is no ban on caffeine, so maybe I will suggest some Mountain Dew to preserve my sanity!! (and maybe prolong his life, as 15 minutes ago he was in serious danger of not living long enough to arrive for tomorrow's procedure!)
He doesn't like the Popsicles (retrieved from the freezer, left behind by Z who forgot they were here)--there are no sticks! He doesn't like bouillon I picked up--it is in cubes that take too long to dissolve! He doesn't like tea, period. The Jello (TM) isn't ready yet.
He doesn't want to drink the 7-UP, Vernors, or Sprite (all TM's) that I procured on his behalf. The consume' poised in the lunch que brought forth "the face"--so apparently it will not be received with enthusiasm either.
Now, a few years ago I went through this same diagnostic/RO procedure. I gave him my words of wisdom--what I wished I had known/done differently. I guess this is one of those things in life that you have to experience to believe that anyone's good advice is worthwhile. I certainly won't forget the part of the instructions about only clear liquids--even 8 years from now when I am scheduled again!
I think I may get ready early, and "shop" my way over to the mammogram center---that way I will not have to endure his miserableness....by the time I get back, we will have just enough time to watch the evening news, and he will be otherwise occupied for the rest of the evening....and I will turn the TV volume to his preferred level, so that it will be impossible to hear him should he be calling......
He is on a liquid diet--day three of the preparation! Day one was no seeds, nuts, or salads. Yesterday was avoid red food coloring (odd, but I suppose necessary---but really, how many people consume all that much red coloring---I suppose we would be surprised!) Today is only clear liquids! OMG, the end of the world has come!
He started off the morning with the announcement that he was going up to the McDonalds (TM) to get some $1 sausage McMuffins (probably TM). It was not well received that I pointed out that a McMuffin did not fit the definition of "clear liquids". "Caught",he argued about the exact moment "the day before" began, the printed guidance from the Dr. was indisputable---and he relented--this started what I expect to be many hours of extreme CRABBINESS!
Not helping is the ban on coffee (apparently not a clear liquid, and certainly not the way MR. CP brews it!) There is no ban on caffeine, so maybe I will suggest some Mountain Dew to preserve my sanity!! (and maybe prolong his life, as 15 minutes ago he was in serious danger of not living long enough to arrive for tomorrow's procedure!)
He doesn't like the Popsicles (retrieved from the freezer, left behind by Z who forgot they were here)--there are no sticks! He doesn't like bouillon I picked up--it is in cubes that take too long to dissolve! He doesn't like tea, period. The Jello (TM) isn't ready yet.
He doesn't want to drink the 7-UP, Vernors, or Sprite (all TM's) that I procured on his behalf. The consume' poised in the lunch que brought forth "the face"--so apparently it will not be received with enthusiasm either.
Now, a few years ago I went through this same diagnostic/RO procedure. I gave him my words of wisdom--what I wished I had known/done differently. I guess this is one of those things in life that you have to experience to believe that anyone's good advice is worthwhile. I certainly won't forget the part of the instructions about only clear liquids--even 8 years from now when I am scheduled again!
I think I may get ready early, and "shop" my way over to the mammogram center---that way I will not have to endure his miserableness....by the time I get back, we will have just enough time to watch the evening news, and he will be otherwise occupied for the rest of the evening....and I will turn the TV volume to his preferred level, so that it will be impossible to hear him should he be calling......
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
36 years ago
Today, 36 years ago, 2 was born. Right on time. Exactly on the date. A "brother" that 1 "did not want"--she wanted "just a baby". Always the oldest boy.
A lot has happened in 36 years....more babies, jobs, houses, cars, furniture, pets, trips. Schools, plays, performances, play, work, adolescence, cars, jobs. People who were important links to our past are now gone... grandparents, great aunts and uncles, who 36 years ago were an everyday part of our lives. New people have become an everyday part of his life. 36 years is "forever"-- and just a minute ago.
I got out the pictures from 36 years ago...1 as the only, then the chubby smiley baby--first year documented in snapshots of everyday activities--summer sitting in the grass, in stroller, walker, playpen, with mom, dad, sister....dark hair, dark eyes, chubby baby hands and feet....just yesterday, but a long time ago. He looks the same, but the adult version of that baby.
Now he has his own baby, and sometimes I see a fleeting resemblance. A glimpse into the past, then gone. Because my baby is 36. 36 years is a long time--and it flies by in a minute!! Happy Birthday, 2! Many more!
A lot has happened in 36 years....more babies, jobs, houses, cars, furniture, pets, trips. Schools, plays, performances, play, work, adolescence, cars, jobs. People who were important links to our past are now gone... grandparents, great aunts and uncles, who 36 years ago were an everyday part of our lives. New people have become an everyday part of his life. 36 years is "forever"-- and just a minute ago.
I got out the pictures from 36 years ago...1 as the only, then the chubby smiley baby--first year documented in snapshots of everyday activities--summer sitting in the grass, in stroller, walker, playpen, with mom, dad, sister....dark hair, dark eyes, chubby baby hands and feet....just yesterday, but a long time ago. He looks the same, but the adult version of that baby.
Now he has his own baby, and sometimes I see a fleeting resemblance. A glimpse into the past, then gone. Because my baby is 36. 36 years is a long time--and it flies by in a minute!! Happy Birthday, 2! Many more!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Procrastination as an art form
This has been my theme for several months now....procrastination. I had our Holiday Cards printed in November. I printed out the mailing labels in December. I declared that they might become Valentine cards the week before Xmas. Now it is the day before Valentine's day, and the Holiday newsletter still is the victim of procrastination. Do you think it will be odd for my friends to get St. Patrick's day Christmas Cards---because I think that is where we are headed!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
8 weeks, 84 poses later....
GS has is two months old. Seems like he has been here forever! We did the first formal portraits--a formal capture of his baby-self while still "tiny". "Documenting" , as my own children are so fond of saying....
84 poses--multiple backgrounds, outfits, lighting, special effects. It could have been a Hollywood starlet---he was somewhat baffled, puzzled, surprised, and occasionally amused by the whole thing. The poses are amusing, tilting, cute, adorable, handsome, and funny.
The most amazing thing is the many "looks" of GS! In one he looks just like his maternal grandfather, in another like his paternal grandpa. In one he reminds me of his great grandfather. A few have hints of "mom", a couple look like he is my son's son----but mostly he looks like himself! An interesting blend of the DNA of his ancestors, yet uniquely him.
So another generation is added to my collection of moments captured to enjoy. Documenting...because once the day is gone, it will be gone forever, except in memories and the pictures...84 precious poses---priceless!!
84 poses--multiple backgrounds, outfits, lighting, special effects. It could have been a Hollywood starlet---he was somewhat baffled, puzzled, surprised, and occasionally amused by the whole thing. The poses are amusing, tilting, cute, adorable, handsome, and funny.
The most amazing thing is the many "looks" of GS! In one he looks just like his maternal grandfather, in another like his paternal grandpa. In one he reminds me of his great grandfather. A few have hints of "mom", a couple look like he is my son's son----but mostly he looks like himself! An interesting blend of the DNA of his ancestors, yet uniquely him.
So another generation is added to my collection of moments captured to enjoy. Documenting...because once the day is gone, it will be gone forever, except in memories and the pictures...84 precious poses---priceless!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Cat Hair
Over the years I have vacuumed and discarded two or three (maybe more) cats. Now that Mr. Cat has departed, removing the cat hair has a permanence to it--thus is more rewarding.
I now have a table cloth without a chance of cat hair. My ironing board (he just had to help!) will be cat-hair free. The Dyson Pet (I still love this thing) found lots of kitty fur about on the carpet of the first floor yesterday. Today I washed the quilt--more cat hair down the drain, and removed via the dryer lint screen.
I know it will take years---just like their memories, cat linger on. When we moved once, I found a cat hair in the back of the freezer---and the cat had been dead 6 years. I know I had cleaned that freezer in that time, but there it was, easily identifiable as belonging to our dearly departed! Have no idea how it got there---the cat was NEVER in the freezer either!
So our post-Mr. Cat life is different--no one to blame but ourselves, for a mess. Fewer spoons in the dishwasher. Won't be using as many sandwich bags (he only ate 1/2can of food at a sitting). Don't have to empty a litter box on Wednesday and Sunday. Can do laundry without any chance that something will accidentally fall into the litter box (usually this only happened to clean laundry due to the room arrangement...) Don't have to worry about locking him out on the porch. Have no one waking me up before I wish to get up. Yesterday, I did some sewing--and did not have to worry about things flying off my work table, or "someone" sitting on my embroidery arm!!!
Even the chipmunk that lives between the rocks under the kitchen window seems less edgy--no feline watching his every move from behind the screen....
You forget how much work pets are---when you have a ball of fur to warm up your lap as you knit......
I now have a table cloth without a chance of cat hair. My ironing board (he just had to help!) will be cat-hair free. The Dyson Pet (I still love this thing) found lots of kitty fur about on the carpet of the first floor yesterday. Today I washed the quilt--more cat hair down the drain, and removed via the dryer lint screen.
I know it will take years---just like their memories, cat linger on. When we moved once, I found a cat hair in the back of the freezer---and the cat had been dead 6 years. I know I had cleaned that freezer in that time, but there it was, easily identifiable as belonging to our dearly departed! Have no idea how it got there---the cat was NEVER in the freezer either!
So our post-Mr. Cat life is different--no one to blame but ourselves, for a mess. Fewer spoons in the dishwasher. Won't be using as many sandwich bags (he only ate 1/2can of food at a sitting). Don't have to empty a litter box on Wednesday and Sunday. Can do laundry without any chance that something will accidentally fall into the litter box (usually this only happened to clean laundry due to the room arrangement...) Don't have to worry about locking him out on the porch. Have no one waking me up before I wish to get up. Yesterday, I did some sewing--and did not have to worry about things flying off my work table, or "someone" sitting on my embroidery arm!!!
Even the chipmunk that lives between the rocks under the kitchen window seems less edgy--no feline watching his every move from behind the screen....
You forget how much work pets are---when you have a ball of fur to warm up your lap as you knit......
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