Our day yesterday…

We started the day yesterday at beautiful Mount Vernon. While B played in a concert on the lawn Bunny and I explored the out buildings and gardens. Bunny decided that we should photograph the insects in the garden. I’m not sure I always got the bug in the picture, but there were some pretty flowers nonetheless! There were also costumed soldiers, a replica of the Liberty Bell, and people passing out birthday cake!

After we got home there was time for a nap for me (yeah!) and then it was off to Fairfax High School for another band concert and fireworks. We got onto the field and staked out our space. B went up front for the sound check and Bunny and I hung out and tried the moon bounces. Bunny’s dinner was the all-American meal, corn dog and kettle corn! I had the all-American Pad Thai and chicken skewer. It was great and there was plenty for me to save half for B.

As we were eating, the clouds got thicker and thicker. The scene around us soon looked like this. And the rains came. The band played on. The rain continued. The band finished, the rain let up. A Jimmy Buffet tribute band played, the rain started again. The 1812 Overture was canceled. B packed up his horn. The rain got harder. The fireworks went off as the rain poured down. Soaking wet we trudged back to the car. We had some blankets in the car so we stripped Bunny, wrapped him up, and he was asleep before we were out of the parking lot. At home I dumped all the wet stuff in the tub and have been washing today. This may be the end, however, for our NeatSheet, it had puddles on it last night…

Just what every family needs… matching antibiotics. I took Bunny for his physical on Tuesday and when the doc looked in his throat he decided then and there that there would be no vaccinations. “Just a virus I think,” said the doc, but he decided to do a strep test just in case. Mind you, this child has not been acting sick. No complaints about sore throat, and the only stomach aches have been when he’s bored in the car. (Previous strep has resulted in stomach aches.) They do the swabs and the nurse is back in less than five minutes… it’s positive. We get a prescription for antibiotics and it’s off to CVS.

Of course as soon as the doc started talking about Bunny’s throat mine started feeling funny. I figured it was all in my head and didn’t think much about it till about 5am Wednesday morning when I awoke with a pounding head ache and a killer sore throat. A call in to my doc and I was being seen by 10am. Quick strep test showed two lines so either I have strep or I’m pregnant. Since she stuck a swab down my throat, I’m going with strep. So I now have my own antibiotics and am recovering.

Once we knew that I had strep too, B went off to the nurse at his work for a strep test as well… his was negative, he’s missing all the fun!

Meanwhile, on the knitting front, since the red socks are done it was time to cast on for the next project (I say this as if there aren’t a multitude of UFOs, but you know…) A Hemlock Ring! On July 19 my brother-in-law is getting married so I am making a Hemlock Ring for the happy couple. They live in Oakland, CA so I figure they need something to take away the chill once in a while. I’m knitting it from Baby Twist by Alpaca with a Twist. It is so soft and lovely! I have the center section done and am on to the feather and fan part. I really like the way it’s knitting up, and haven’t gotten bored yet…

Tonight B has a concert with his quartet. Tomorrow he is playing with two other groups, one in the morning and one for a fireworks display. If you’re in the DC area and want to join Bunny and me in the audience for any of these let me know and I can give you full details. I would love to have company older than 5, and we have both been on antibiotics long enough that we’re not contagious!

For the second entry in the Sock Knitter’s Pentathlon the socks were Berlin Muster. To say there was a pattern overstates things a tad. Really it was just a lace chart, and a tricky one at that. While my socks don’t match (I changed my mind about which stitches to keep on the foot and which to use on the heel between socks) I am pretty pleased with the results and feel like I have grown as a sock knitter!

In a burst of speed, after working on these for six weeks, I turned the second heel and finished them up in four days. The fact that we were at the beach this week-end helped. Bunny hung out with his grandparents, B slept, and I knit each morning. Not a bad way to start a day!

Ravtails here.

Next up, Hemlock Ring… I wind the yarn tomorrow!

No, not that F word… Forty, as in I am forty today.

I remember when my mom turned forty, I was 9 and never doubted that she was old. Mom will turn 71 on Friday, and I’m thinking old is more like 90!

No major birthday plans, I opened cards from my parents and aunts and uncles this morning and am now carefully plotting my purchases. We will have a family party with B’s family this evening before B and his dad have to rush off to band practice. I’m planning to spend the day knitting on my Sock Knitter’s Pentathlon sock two, since it’s supposed to be finished by the end of the month. Plus I want to get it done so I can start so socks that will “count” for Summer of Socks!

The photos are of a long delayed reporting of an actual FO. At the end of May I decided to knit a baby hat for the impending arrival for B’s boss and wife. I took some Yarn Pirate BFL with us to the beach for Memorial Day week-end and planned to knit the Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap. Apparently it was not meant to be. After starting five times and having to rip for one reason or another I decided to do something different. Since we were at the beach with limited Internet access, I grabbed More Sensational Knitted Socks (I had brought that) and started looking through. I found the Sailor’s Rib pattern and made up a baby hat from there. I’m pretty pleased with the results, I think I may try making it again and actually take notes this time! Ravtails are here.

Week-end recap:

Friday night - fed 31 people dinner and 35 people desert at my house

Saturday - organized and carried off a picnic for 36 including food and a photographer

Sunday - breakfast for 26 back at my house

I must admit that planning (with help from a cousin) and pulling off a major family reunion has left me feeling very much like a grown-up.

But perhaps it’s a rather major birthday approaching on Wednesday that has left me feeling this way. (hmmm, wonder which LYSs will give me a discount?)

Or maybe it’s the fact that I had far to much to drink on Saturday night (the one reunion event I wasn’t in charge of) and managed to get my child in bed and asleep before I threw up…
far more gown up than throwing up in the bushes don’t you think?

This week is for relaxing. No photos in this post because it would take too much effort. I’m about to take to my bed to watch trashy T.V. and knit until it’s time to pick Bunny up from camp.

I had so much fun in SP9 and SP10 that after a break I’m back in… this time it’s SP12!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like soft stuff… who are we kidding, I like yarn stuff. I guess I would rather not have the sort of wool or acrylic that I knitted with in the 70s and 80s, but other than that, it’s all good. I am interested in trying out knitting with more exotic fibers.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

At this point I use my Knitpicks Options almost exclusively and I store them in the black notebook thingie that came with the set originally when I bought them. I have also started storing all my small sock circs in there as well. My other needles are in a bag in the basement.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

My grandmother taught me to knit as a child. I knitted again in high school and college then restarted knitting a few years ago. I guess I’m an intermediate. I’m willing to try most anything, but have yet to do any designing.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Sure do. Amazon is here and Loopy Ewe is here.

5. What’s your favorite scent?

Vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Do I ever. I like fruity, chewy candy best, think Starburst, Skittles, red fish. I also like other things like Three Musketeers, Snickers, York, pretty much anything!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I don’t spin, and am trying hard to resist the urge. I sew and am hoping to do more sewing this summer. I used to scrapbook and I hope that organizing my stuff will inspire me.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Pandora has forced me to admit that I like country, but old country. I also like folk, and singer-songwriter stuff. Pretty much I like words, and like to be able to understand them! I can play most any music.

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?

I like most every color. Off hand can’t think of any I don’t like. As far as a favorite I seem to go in cycles. Pink and brown are near the top now, but they could be replaced with the old standbys green and blue at any moment.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a son who will be 6 in October, a husband who is quite a bit older than 6, and two cats, both over 6 but younger than the husband!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes, yes, yes, no

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks, or maybe baby stuff. But I like to knit most anything!

13. What are you knitting right now?

One pair of socks, a sweater/jacket for Bunny, a dishcloth, and squares for a blanket. There are other wip, but those are the most active. I’m about to start a Hemlock Ring for a wedding gift.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I use my Knitpicks Options almost exclusively. I have both the metal and the wood. I have some Addi Turbos that I use for socks.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

mid 90s

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Any holiday that involves food or gifts!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I collect Doc of the Seven Dwarfs

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

No knitting mags, there’s nothing I’m dying for at the moment, but plenty I would love, my wish lists are a start.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

A fair isle sweater for me is my next big adventure, steeking and everything.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I am, I wear a 7.5 shoe and my foot is about 9.5 inches around the instep (I think)

23. When is your birthday?

June 25 (it will be the big 40 this year… how did I get so old?)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?

Sure am, I’m BethC

Now I’m just waiting for the living to get easy…

Last week was the final frenzy, and then, in the magic that is teaching school, suddenly at 5:55 Friday afternoon it was all done. The papers were all graded, the grades were all turned in, the room was clean, and all of the forms had been finished. It was summer!

After the faculty end of year party we headed down in a late night trip to the beach. Leaving at 10pm sure helps beat the traffic! I fell into bed about 1am and was fast asleep, no more worry, it’s over. Unfortunately, Bunny had been asleep since 8:30 so at 6:10 he was wide eyed and bushy tailed telling me “did you know? We’re at the trailer!” Luckily Grandma and Papa were up for an early morning visitor. So after cereal with Dora he was off to their place and I was back asleep. Next thing I knew it was 10:30! Wow, it must be summer!

Off to the beach. Bunny played in a tide pool, I sat under an umbrella and knit, and B hit the dollar store. Ah, everyone happy.

Unfortunately, B had to head back home Saturday evening to play a concert Sunday, so he hitched a ride with his aunt and Bunny and I were on our own. Well, not exactly, since Grandma and Papa were five trailers away. Bunny thought we should hit the boardwalk and who am I to argue. We had treats and played skee ball and I actually won a prize! When I think about all the skee ball I have played in my life that’s one expensive tiny stuffed dog. But he was thrilled, and I have to admit I was pretty excited too!

Back to the trailer I let him stay up while I finished sewing a lining onto the curtains for his trailer room. I was deluded with the thought that a dark room would make him sleep later. He was up 90 minutes past his bed time and was still up by 6:30. Thankfully, Grandma and Papa had invited him over for breakfast so off he went. I wasn’t able to go back to sleep, but had a peaceful morning knitting and watching Juno and DIY network.

The rest of the day has been dominated by constant reminders that I let the young prince stay up too late last night. But despite the whining we made it home safely and B has taken him out for dinner and left me home alone.

Tomorrow camp starts for Bunny, but only 10 - 1. And what will I do with the precious 3 hours? Go to the gym? Knit in a coffee shop? Get a pedicure? Nope, I will go to school for a meeting… Summer?
Where?

The other day I mentioned to someone that we have a place at the beach.

Her jaw dropped, so I explained. Our “place” is 32′ x 8′ trailer and is about 8 miles from the actual ocean. (Rehoboth Beach, DE) But, there you have it, a way for us to have a get-away. We’re in a park where my in-laws and B’s aunt and uncle and cousin’s family all also have trailers, so it’s a nice way to hang out with family, and there’s free baby-sitting!

I thought I would share some photos from May 17 when we moved our tailer into it’s spot.

Backing into the spot! (Many thanks to B’s aunt N for getting it to the park and uncle B for driving it into the spot.)

Wow, that thing must be heavy, after the terrible rains it left huge ruts in the ground.

Gotta get rid of the ruts… the best part was that the whole time he worked Bunny sang, “all I need is a rake and a hoe.” Too bad the ground under a trailer does not have ideal growing conditions.

Now to the details of trailer life… Blocking and jacking

And hooking up the sewer… for some reason Bunny is very interested in sewer pipes, go figure.

Finally, time to move in!

I won’t even go into the saga of the broken water inlet or the hot water heater malfunction. However, we’re making progress and spent a nice Memorial Day week-end there. I even managed to make waffles for breakfast, but my methods of measuring were sketchy. Time to clean out my kitchen and take all the doubles to the trailer!

I also need to invest in an outside chair. Sitting on the patio the knitting sounds like bliss! I did manage some knitting this week-end, I’ll try to get that blogged (and it is a long and sordid tale) soon.

The school year is winding down, so it’s crazy time!

In the past week I’ve come face-to-face with the future in two ways…

First, for the near future, a baby gift. Knitted up quick from Jamie Harmon hand spun purchased at MDSW. First I knit the Baby Bonnet from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, but it came out HUGE 2-year-old size by my reckoning. Since I wanted to have something for them to have now, I whipped up a pair of booties (pattern here). The hat and booties were started Monday and finished Friday. I washed them last night and they should be gifted tomorrow, on the new arrival’s 8th day. (Full Ravtails are here and here.)

In another close encounter with the future, B and I had the chance to drive a Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle on Saturday. We learned all about the fuel cell, safety, and development of a delivery system. Then we got to tool around DC (briefly). All in all, it drives like any other car. It seems to me that hydrogen needs to be part of the solution. B and I were ready to sign up to buy one, if only they were for sale

Ok, the food will remain unmentioned as will the cup of gin at the Ravelry party… Let’s see how I did on my shopping list!

1. yarn for Alan for Bunny (worsted weight about 1,720 yards) [Nope, couldn't find anything that would work that cost what I was willing to spend on a child's sweater]
2. fair isle cardigan kit for me [Yeah me! I bought one from Philosopher's Wool. It's called Diamond Eyes Jacket. I'm excited and terrified!]
3. yarn to make Hemlock Ring for wedding gift (worsted 900 yards) [Brown Alpaca with a Twist, Baby Twist... photo below]
4. yarn for a girl Baby Bolero (aran/worsted 150 yards) or some other pretty quick baby project [Pink and Green Jamie Harmon hand spun, I'm thinking about Baby Bonnet... photo below]
5. solid or semi-solid sock yarn [Uh, yeah... Purple, Red/Pink, Blue, Orange, Red, ... photos below]
6. sock blockers [fail]
7. small bag for carrying socks in progress [fail]
8. wpi tool with card [fail]

I also bought some other things… so much for a list…

From Brooks Farm I bought a skein of Solos Silk (browns, purples, oranges) and Acero (very blue). From the Fibre Company I bought 6 skeins (three of each color) of some yarn that I forget what it is… it was their “show special” anyone have details for me? From Spirit Trail some of their Victoria for thick socks for mom. One skein of Socks that Rock (lightweight, knitters without borders), and some Koigu mill ends for baby socks!