Snow day

A snow day is something as a kid you wish for; you dream of those beautiful words. It's a good excuse to stay at home and not do much more than watch crappy daytime television. Your parents still have to go to work, but you get left at home. Snow day. Heaven to a 12-year old.

I wish today was a snow day. I wish my employer would say "Hey, what a crap-tacular day out there. Don't risk your life, just stay at home." It is currently -30C (although with the wind chill it's sitting somewhere around -43C). That is freaking cold. There is no reason to go outside. I have piles of work to do, but really, it could wait one more day.

I could stay at home, cover up with my blankie, pull out my knitting and drink tea.

Unfortunately, as an adult, there is no snow day. And work still waits for me. And kids need to be chauffered. And supper needs to be made. And walks need to be shovelled. All those "responsibilities".

But I assure you, after supper is finished, baths are given and kids are tucked in, there will be snow day activities going on at my house. I plan on sitting on my couch, watching some sketchy programming and knitting. The benefits of an adult snow day are that wine can be involved....

Gone Knittin'

The Dude and I are off for a little weekend getaway, sans child. This will be our first real alone time since she was born.



I'm looking forward to sleeping in a little, going out for breakfast (it's my favorite meal to eat out because you can have two drinks, coffee and OJ, at the same time. It's so decadent.) maybe even checking out a yarn store.



Sigh.



We're leaving the Princess in very capable hands. Thanks Mom and Dad and Jill. We really appreciate it!



Now, I have to pack some knitting! It's a four hour drive and I plan to get something done.

My Blankie

This is my blankie.


My Grandma crocheted it for me long ago. I love this blanket. It was the first thing I packed when I was leaving home. It is big and warm and fuzzy and soft (just like my Grandma). My Grandma knit everyone of her daughters (3 of them), daughter-in-laws (7 of them) and grand-daughters (17 of them) a blanket. I am grand-daughter #16, so I had to wait a while to get mine. I was jealous when my sister got hers, but I knew mine would come in due time, and it did just as my Grandma promised.


My Grandma passed away yesterday.


I cherish this blanket more today then ever before. I know every time I wrap myself in it, it's just like my Grandma is there with me.

Scenes on a Boat

Scene One: A Cruise Dock at Sunset. Weary, yet Contented Travelers are milling around, two by two.

Mrs. Noah: Well, Sweetie, I'm glad I finally let you talk me into this cruise. I know I wasn't overly excited about this trip but I have to admit I enjoyed myself.

Noah: Uh huh.

Mrs. Noah: And that lovely couple from Arizona was very kind to give you some Imodium after that day in port, don't you think?

Noah: Yes, Dear.

Mrs. Noah: I can't remember when I've felt so relaxed. It must be all that quality time...

Noah: Of course, Dear.

Mrs. Noah:...with my knitting.

Scene Two: A Small Airport. One pink plane sits on the tarmack. Passengers on the plane appear agitated. Noah looks bored. Mrs. Noah is upset.

Mrs. Noah: I'm sure that knitting needles are allowed on airplanes.

Pilot: I could understand if they were small enough to fit in your purse...

...but these gigantic novelty needles are a bit much. Security!

End Scene. Mrs. Noah is carried off in handcuffs. Noah looks bored. Exuent with a flourish.

'nupp said

There is yet any knitting question that I have not found some help for in Ravelry. This week, my concerns were surrounding the 'nupp' of the Swallowtail shawl. The nupp includes knitting into a stitch 5 times, then doing a p5tog on the return row. I was having trouble with the p5tog. So much so that I was considering frogging - not a great solution to anything.

Instead of this drastic step I elected to try and find some help in Ravelry. I searched 'nupp' and came up with a number of different options. Some suggestions included using a crochet hook to draw the purl loop through, or doing slip 2 p3 psso. Also, some people used beads instead of the nupps (I think I'm going to try this on my next one). I also got some ideas on how to knit the first stitch of the five much looser therefore making the p5tog easier. This is what I"m currently doing and it's working very well. No more thoughts on frogging.


So all this time spent thinking about my knitting techniques has left me a little goofy...


actually, I was always pretty goofy - wonder where the boys get it from....