Monday, May 29, 2006

Three Day Weekends Rock

I don't even remember Friday anymore. That's the great thing about holiday weekends. You can completely block out what was happening at work the week before. I write down what I was working on before I leave, just in case I forget "too much". This particular holiday weekend has been pretty productive, and also relaxing.

Saturday I went to the movies with my book club. We saw DaVinci Code. If you have read the book, I think you will like the movie. I had read the book about 2 years ago, and did not picture Tom Hanks as the Professor. I envisioned more of a Liam Neeson or Ralph Fiennes sort of man. But I thought he did a nice job. Jean Reno (aka, Leon the Professional) was the police cheif, and while I had pictured more of a Peter Lorre type guy for that role, I thought he was a great choice. I love the French accents. Tres Bien.

After the movie I went over to a friends house for swimming and pot-luck. We had chicken, steamed broccoli and asparagus, cucumber salad, and wonderful baked carrots with tahini and ginger. Really delicious.

Then, I took my dog up to the coffee shop for a little saturday night patio socializing. He loves all the attention he gets up there.

Sunday, (this is where I get productive) I cleaned my kitchen, living room, and dining room. I washed all my floors and cleaned the pool. Then my cousin and her husband came over for a little BBQ and swimming (back to relaxing). The water is still a little cold in the pool for swimming but we did it anyway. That's just how wild and crazy we are. The weather was so great for grilling and we ate while watching the Suns lose to the Mavericks.

Today, I slept in. When I woke up I made some coffee and watched "Rosemary's Baby" on cable. It's a little disturbing for 1st thingin the morning because of the subject matter. But I'd never seen the end of it so I couldn't be torn away.

This afternoon I pulled a serious batch of weeds. As usual, I have no idea where they came from. The funniest part about that was that my dog likes to follow me everywhere I go. Well, it was too hot outside, in his opinion. He laid inside the Arcadia door, so he could see me out there, but didn't have to brave the heat. What a loyal fella. I entered him in the Old Navy Mascot Search. I wonder if he will make the finals...

Reading over this post, I realized that I have done quite a lot but none of this involved knitting. I've been working on the 1st sleeve for my Gansey Tee. And the microphone is coming along as well. Should have pictures soon...

For Memorial Day - Thanks to all the service-men and service-women who have put themselves in the line of fire to protect our country. I don't always agree the decisions that our country makes when it comes to putting our troops at risk but I appreciate the sacrifices they make for our country. Today I also pray for the friends and family of anyone who died to protect our freedom. In 1989, I visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC. For the impression it made on me, it could have been yesterday. It is a powerful thing to see the names of so many that died in service to us. Please know that the fallen are not forgotten.

Posted by Mel at 4:19 PM

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Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Again?!


Yes, another Bobbie Bear! This is #3 of the Baby variety. #4 of Bobbie bears, in general. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the bear and the young people in my family seem to like them, so I keep making them. This one is in transit to the Detroit area as we speak to help my 12 YO neice celebrate her b-day.

I still remember the day E was born. I was at work when I got the call that she had arrived, but that she was being transferred to the Children's Hospital NICU because her blood was not being pumped through her lungs. It took about a month for the hospital to get that straightened out. One tense, pins 'n' needles month, but it seems like a drop in the bucket 'o time at this point. We are all so happy that she is happy and healthy and (sorry mom) just a little short hop from being a Teenager! This might be the last year that I have half a shot at picking a gift she will like.

Does anyone remember being 12? I make note of a few things.
1. My best friend was a neighbors dog.
2. I talked my parents into letting us acquire a puppy from a different neighbor. Then she became my best friend.
3. Boys fell into 2 categories: Unapproachable or Obnoxious
4. There was nothing more entertaining than dancing like the Peanuts in the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Do you know the scene I'm talking about? When they're rehearsing for the Pageant?
5. Clothes and their origins became very important.
6. The craft of choice was Latch Hook Rugs. I remember designing a rug with a big "M" on it in Yellow and Orange!

Even then the crafting destiny was obvious! Next on tap, it's back to my sweater.

Posted by Mel at 9:59 PM

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Sunday, May 14, 2006

This Ain't No M.L.C.


When I called a friend of mine to tell her I bought a new car and it was Red, her first response was "You bought a red car? Are you having a mid-life crisis?". I laughed it off. I mean it's just a Mazda 3. Four cylinders full of a fun driving experience, I'll give you that. But, if I was in the full throes of a crisis, perhaps I would choose a Red Mustang Convertible. Potentially a classic '67. That was a very good year for me. When a second friend asked me the same question, it made me wonder. Am I in the middle of a mid-life crisis and I don't even realize it?

I have never had a red car before. I think the color suits the model I purchased. It was one of the available cars and I was quite ready to get my hands on a new vehicle. The price was reasonable and the interior is pretty cool. I like the way everything is laid out. Because it looks like it is smiling, it's unofficial name is Scarlett Sunshine.

I will admit that last night I went to the bar to see Dramarama-- a band that has been playing since I was in college. A band that was popular when I was in college, but I just discovered them about a year ago when they were on a double bill with a group that I was very excited to see live. That group disappointed me but Dramarama kicked butt. I can't really understand why there isn't a bigger following for these guys. Loud, high energy, clever lyrics. Lead singer with tough, but cool attitude. Guitar player who, if I was having a mid-life crisis, might be a great candidate for... never mind. I'm not going to finish that sentence, because that is not what is happening here.

Still knitting on Baby Bobbie Bear. I'm almost halfway there.

Posted by Mel at 11:40 AM

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Monday, May 08, 2006

Third Times a Charm

They say three's a magic number and I'm hoping that's true. I may be casting on the Bobbie Bear for the third time, soon. My math was not so accurate when calculating how much yarn I would need, since I'm substituting a dk (double-stranded) for a worsted. It's more than I thought. So I'll be purchasing a few more skeins on the web so I don't have to start all over with another yarn. See kids, this is what happens when you fail to plan...

In other exciting news, I found out today that my car is basically undrivable unless I make some pricey repairs. At this point I believe it is time to bid farewell to the 'Mel-cedes'. I really love my car and am going to miss it terribly. On the bright side, I'll be getting something that gets much better gas mileage and looks shiny and new. I did a little comparison shopping this evening and think I know what I'm going to get, but I'll keep you in suspense.

Posted by Mel at 10:50 PM

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Friday, May 05, 2006

Careful What You Wish For...

Ever since I got sick, I have learned to appreciate the luxury of having a partner. Well, I miss the luxury of having a partner. This is not to discount the luxury of having one's own personal Saint, but the last time I got as sick as I just was, I had a significant-other to take care of me. It's times like these when I miss that.

I believe in Angels and I believe that the universe gives you what you need. This is especially true when you ask. So, I did a little journal writing and told the universe how I am ready to find another mate and the universe answered me with a question.

Always on the lookout for potential bachelors, I have a cache of men in mind, but I would never take that risk of approaching them. The odds don't seem so good to me. I am not a big risk taker. So imagine my surprise when the universe threw one at me and I choked under the pressure.

I was walking out to my car Friday afternoon to go to the Doctor and there was bachelor P, getting in his car at the same off-time. I was singing out loud to myself (but not too loud) because I assumed that I would be the only person in the parking garage at that time. It was too late for lunch, but too early to end the day. As soon as I looked up and saw that man at his car, I got so embarrassed that I couldn't say Hi or even look him in the eye and smile. At the same time I just had to laugh at the humor of the situation. Two questions come to mind. 1.) A test from the universe says, am I as ready for a partner as I say? 2.) Until I can take risks, am I able to move forward? Maybe I am too analytical about it all. Maybe the universe is laughting at me. In any case, I am fascinated by the process...

Knitwise, I went to Jessica's on Sunday to get some yarn for the next Baby Bobbie Bear. I'm using some Rowan DK Cotton, double-stranded. Got to visit with Alison et al during the afternoon and cast-on for it. It was great to see her and her 'Glow'.

Also, I finished the front of the Gansey-tee sweater I'm working on. I'll post pictures soon.

Posted by Mel at 5:16 PM

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