Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Loretta!



LorrettaDisplay

Originally uploaded by Mrs. R..


Finally, a finished Loretta! Dorey approves. By the way, this is my first post using the Flickr photo sharing.



Saturday, November 20, 2004

Happy Birthday to Me!

So today I turn 29 for the 17th time. Back in the day, I had a very strict upbringing, but birthdays were special. My Mom had a tradition of giving each child breakfast in bed on the actual birthday, school day or not. We got to choose our meal. I invariably chose ham, french fries and chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate fudge on top. Can you imagine having to whip that up on a school morning whilst ensuring the rest of your 6 children got off to school on time? Thanks Mom!

When we turned 14 we got an extra special treat. At breakfast we received a formal invitation from Mom and Dad to dine with them that evening at a "grown up" restaurant. We were expected to deliver an equally formal R.S.V.P to them. (Funnily enough, a box of lovely note cards would be part of the gifts that morning.) That evening the lucky birthday child would dress to the nines and accompany Mom and Dad for an evening alone with them. Those of you who come from large families will recognize the importance of having the parents' full attention. This was our introduction to the world of adults. Thanks Mom! Thanks Dad!



Saturday, November 13, 2004

Top Ten Signs

Here are the top ten signs that my Secret Pal is a totally cool, sweet, caring, generous knitter:

10. She vacations in Prague.

9. She prepares and sends a package to me in the midst of packing for said vacation in Prague, when there is too little time and too much to do.

8. Email greetings are sent to me from internet cafes in Prague.

7. She includes treats for my puppies in the package (Kobie and Dorey say thank you SP).

6. My cats also receive treats in the package, in the form of catnip toys knit by my SP3. She knit for my cats! The dim sum from Knitty How cool is that? (Mickey and Ellie would say thanks too, if they weren't stoned on cat nip).

5. She sends me brain food in the form of a box of Mensa riddles and puzzles. I am slowly working my way through the box. Yes, I have gotten lots and lots right. Honest, I have. O.K., maybe not lots and lots. Maybe just some right so far. But I haven't gone through the whole box yet.

4. Chocolate is a necessity to me. She understands this, and includes chocolate in each package.

3. I am a Harry Potter fan. There are Harry Potter candies in the package.

2. She sends silk yarn. SILK!!! Yummy purple, soft, brushed Tussah silk. Obtained while she was on a trip to San Francisco. You can find it at the Art Fibers store. I love it, just love it.

1. I collect eggs. She makes me a candle in the shape of an egg, in my favourite colours. Hand crafted candle, folks. She rocks!



Here are the goodies.

Posted by Hello





Silk yarn! Handcrafted candle!

Posted by Hello





Mickey hugs his toy.

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Ellie abandons dignity in favour of getting stoned, er, I mean, playing with catnip toy.

Posted by Hello





Dorey watches the cats. No photos of puppies enjoying their treats are available because, well, I forgot to take such photos. Erp.

Posted by Hello



Thursday, November 11, 2004

Lest We Forget

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.



We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.



Take up our quarrel with the foe!

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.





Posted by Hello



Sunday, November 7, 2004

We have a winner!

April guessed correctly in the comments ... I am a reverse bloom washcloth. Pattern from Weekend Knitting.



What I like about this project:

  • the construction is easy even for a beginner like me,
  • the cloth is a generous size and just the right combination of soft and firm texture.

What I don't like about this project:

  • the 100% cotton was very hard on the joints so knitting could only be done in short spurts,
  • the washcloth stretches when wet, and
  • it takes FOREVER to dry. As in at least 24 hours to air dry.

Would I make another one? Yes, but in a different yarn. I just haven't found the right yarn yet. Any suggestions? Posted by Hello