When I got married I got a special gift from Father Candy: a cookbook and a smoke alarm so I, in his words, would know when dinner was done.
Fast forward to today. The current project in the bathroom remodel is now the painting of the door. Or, the striping of the 50 years of paint off the door to repaint it before we put the tile floor in. Bob has started the striping of paint and the door looks like a modern art project. He had wanted to take it completely off and outside to work, but with the rains this week, he just took off the door knob. Now a missing doorknob on the bathroom door does not bother me. We are not having company over and most of the times I leave the door open while "enthroned" because I have 3 cats who just freak out if there is a closed door in between me and my entourage. They will yowl, scratch and stick various body parts under the door in an attempt to let me know that they must be there to protect me. The only time I shut the door is when I take a shower because the smoke alarm is right outside the bathroom door and steam will set off smoke alarms. You can see where I am going with this.
Today, I forgot to bring in the entourage and pushed the door shut and stepped into a nice steamy hot shower. I was washing my hair and missed the entrance of Mo Mo, my self appointed Head Body Guard, who being talented enough to open the door is not talented enough to shut it afterwards. My relaxing reverie was broken with the klaxon whining of the smoke alarm going off and the frantic skitterings of 3 cats trying to make a break for it and cast blame on the other 2. Nothing like trying to rinse shampoo out of your eyes with a smoke alarm going off and having to run naked into the hallway to wave a towel to dissipate the steam and realizing that the curtains are open and you have just given the entire neighborhood a show that no one in their right mind would pay to see. By the time I got the smoke alarm stopped, dried off, dressed, and cleaned up the puddles of water off the floor, I walk in to the living room to find my entourage sound asleep as if nothing had ever happened.
Thanks Father Candy. I am thinking of you today!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Meeting Louisa Harding
Today, my local yarn shop, Babetta's Yarn and Gifts had a real live knitting designer, Louisa Harding, come in for a book signing. I have to admit I was a little nervous. I have never met a famous knitting designer in person. I kept pestering my Knit Night Group about proper etiquette for encountering a designer. Was I supposed to curtsey (she is British) or fall prostrate on the ground and grovel? While no one was quite sure, they did think that there might be some ritualistic washing of fleece.
The big day arrived and I wore one of my 2 knitting shirts ( The "I learned to Knit in Prison" one)courtesy of Franklin.
Some of us were very well behaved.
Some of us were a little excited at the prospect of meeting someone famous.
Ms Harding arrived and was so sweet and gracious. She brought many of her designs knitted up so you could see them in person. Its one thing to see a design in a book and another to see it in real life where you can touch it and try it on. Lisette had knit up one of Ms. Harding's designs and finished it in time to wear to the signing. Louisa was flattered and then insisted on having her try on another of her designs.
Doesn't she look fabulous?
Ms. Harding was so nice and gracious and took time to visit with everyone. It was so nice to see her designs and how they look on real people like Dame Edna, aka Adeline
Maya, Babetta's daughter, and Maya's lovely children,
and Kelly who was just a little shy about taking her turn on the catwalk.
Louisa Harding very graciously signed books and chatted with everyone. She also talked about what some of her inspirations were.
Louisa and Chantal,
with Claire and Alexander,
with Kelly,
with Carrie,
with Adeline,
with Val,
and with me. Did I mention how gracious and patient Ms. Harding is?
really patient
I am looking forward to knitting up some of the deigns from the books I bought and can't want for the next designer Babetta schedules!
The big day arrived and I wore one of my 2 knitting shirts ( The "I learned to Knit in Prison" one)courtesy of Franklin.
Some of us were very well behaved.
Some of us were a little excited at the prospect of meeting someone famous.
Ms Harding arrived and was so sweet and gracious. She brought many of her designs knitted up so you could see them in person. Its one thing to see a design in a book and another to see it in real life where you can touch it and try it on. Lisette had knit up one of Ms. Harding's designs and finished it in time to wear to the signing. Louisa was flattered and then insisted on having her try on another of her designs.
Doesn't she look fabulous?
Ms. Harding was so nice and gracious and took time to visit with everyone. It was so nice to see her designs and how they look on real people like Dame Edna, aka Adeline
Maya, Babetta's daughter, and Maya's lovely children,
and Kelly who was just a little shy about taking her turn on the catwalk.
Louisa Harding very graciously signed books and chatted with everyone. She also talked about what some of her inspirations were.
Louisa and Chantal,
with Claire and Alexander,
with Kelly,
with Carrie,
with Adeline,
with Val,
and with me. Did I mention how gracious and patient Ms. Harding is?
really patient
I am looking forward to knitting up some of the deigns from the books I bought and can't want for the next designer Babetta schedules!
Jennifer and the Donner Party
My sister-in-law Jennifer is sick of snow and the longer winter goes the more testy she becomes. Especially when I taunt her with our weather reports about sun and temperatures in the 70s.
Because of this I have a new theory about the Donner Party.
My theory is that they did not eat people because they were hungry. They ate people because they were trapped in a small confined space surrounded by snow and one member of the party kept going on about how warm and delightful the weather was in California! They had to shut 'em up somehow and waste not want not!
NOTE TO SELF: Never go camping in remote area with Jennifer.
Because of this I have a new theory about the Donner Party.
My theory is that they did not eat people because they were hungry. They ate people because they were trapped in a small confined space surrounded by snow and one member of the party kept going on about how warm and delightful the weather was in California! They had to shut 'em up somehow and waste not want not!
NOTE TO SELF: Never go camping in remote area with Jennifer.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Community Service
A few years ago, people decided the best way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King was do celebrate his holiday with a day of service. I say this is a great start but why stop at one day? Its like Christmas. Why just have one day to be nice to our fellow man? We should be nice to our fellow man every day.
Perhaps the best way to start would be to bring back common courtesy. Start saying "please" and "thank you". Hold doors open for people. Smile.
Find a way to volunteer that you enjoy and commit time every month to help your fellow man.
We have a responsibility to leave this world a better place than we found it.
Perhaps the best way to start would be to bring back common courtesy. Start saying "please" and "thank you". Hold doors open for people. Smile.
Find a way to volunteer that you enjoy and commit time every month to help your fellow man.
We have a responsibility to leave this world a better place than we found it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wake-up Call
There are some lovely ways to wake up in the morning:
1. The smell of fresh brewed coffee
2. The smell of bacon cooking.
3. The sound of Brad Pitt whispering "Good morning Darling."
A 75 pound dog sneezing in your face first thing in the morning is not one of them!
1. The smell of fresh brewed coffee
2. The smell of bacon cooking.
3. The sound of Brad Pitt whispering "Good morning Darling."
A 75 pound dog sneezing in your face first thing in the morning is not one of them!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What's Up Doc?
The weather this week has been so glorious and spring-like you just have to go outside. It was a pleasure to drive downtown with the window down. Bob, was not as enthusiastic and kept muttering about being cold.
After running errands, which included replacing the broken globe for the bathroom like so its pretty again, we headed down the the Crocker Art Museum to see the "Art of Warner Brothers" exhibit before it closes on the 18th.
It was such fun to peruse the sketches and animation cells and recall the different cartoons. They even had cartoons running downstairs. I stood to watch until the bitchy security guard told me to "quit leaning on the wall". I guess I look like s shifty sort because she kept her eye on me. I almost wish I had been wearing my "I learned to knit in Prison" t-shirt!
As for knitting, I seem to be on a sock kick. I finished the pair from Christmas for Kirsten at bowling and started 2 pair for myself and have yarn for another raring to go. When I finish something I will post pictures.
After running errands, which included replacing the broken globe for the bathroom like so its pretty again, we headed down the the Crocker Art Museum to see the "Art of Warner Brothers" exhibit before it closes on the 18th.
It was such fun to peruse the sketches and animation cells and recall the different cartoons. They even had cartoons running downstairs. I stood to watch until the bitchy security guard told me to "quit leaning on the wall". I guess I look like s shifty sort because she kept her eye on me. I almost wish I had been wearing my "I learned to knit in Prison" t-shirt!
As for knitting, I seem to be on a sock kick. I finished the pair from Christmas for Kirsten at bowling and started 2 pair for myself and have yarn for another raring to go. When I finish something I will post pictures.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
In the latest segment of the never ending bathroom fix up I present:
The Good:
We finally bought a new light fixture to replace the one I hated.
The Bad:
Its a little bright but I think if we lower the wattage on the bulbs it will be fine.
The Ugly:
Bob, who did the entire installation in the dark (or maybe that's dork) with 2 flashlights dropped one of the glass covers and shattered it so he has to order a new one at Home Depot. (Now you know why I bought Home Depot stock)
The Good:
We finally bought a new light fixture to replace the one I hated.
The Bad:
Its a little bright but I think if we lower the wattage on the bulbs it will be fine.
The Ugly:
Bob, who did the entire installation in the dark (or maybe that's dork) with 2 flashlights dropped one of the glass covers and shattered it so he has to order a new one at Home Depot. (Now you know why I bought Home Depot stock)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
20 Tips for Making 2009 a Positive Year!
My friend Walter sent me this in an e-mail and I thought this was worth sharing
"20 Tips for Making 2009 a Positive Year!"
1. Take a 10-30 minute "Thank you" walk every day. While you walk practice gratitude. it is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a TIVO, tape your late night shows and get more sleep - it's the ultimate energizer.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today.
5. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Do the "one thing" you have always wanted to do.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.
12. Engage in daily random acts of kindness.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing positive energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.
19. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.
"20 Tips for Making 2009 a Positive Year!"
1. Take a 10-30 minute "Thank you" walk every day. While you walk practice gratitude. it is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a TIVO, tape your late night shows and get more sleep - it's the ultimate energizer.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today.
5. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Do the "one thing" you have always wanted to do.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.
12. Engage in daily random acts of kindness.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing positive energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.
19. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Snoring rumors
There is a vicious rumor going around, being perpetuated by my husband no less, that I snore. Now I, being the delicate flower that I am, find this hard to believe. I mean my husband snores loud enough to wake the dead at times so I fail to see how he could notice if I snored. He claims that I have kept him from hearing the tv when I have fallen asleep while watching dvds in the bedroom. Lies all lies I tell you! The other day he says he woke up thinking he heard a mouse chewing in the walls and then it got louder and he says it was me. Now how can ones snoring sound like a squeaky little mouse in the walls? I think I will have to make an appointment to have his hearing checked.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Winter In The Valley
Winter here in the Sacramento Valley means fog. Winter mornings are gray, damp, drippy and cold. By about 11 am the sun manages to burn through and brighten things up, but there is no heat in the sunshine. The bulbs out front are hinting at the promise of spring. We have little sprouts on the hyacinth and tulips. I have not seen the daffodils, but I think they became squirrel hors d'oeuvres some time ago. Days like this It is pleasant to be inside knitting. Now that the holidays are over I do not feel the mad rush to finish projects. I still have one pair of socks to finish, but I need to try one on the recipient to see if I have them long enough to start the toes decreases.
Yesterday, I was at a birthday party and was approached by Father Candy who informed me that he loves his fingerless gloves and would like another pair and a pair for Mother Candy. Now a request from Father Candy is very much like a request from the Godfather. Its an "offer you can't refuse". I have some Baby Alpaca Grande laying around and I will see if I have some chunky wool blend in the stash.
The only hazard to knitting is the fact that when its cold, the cats become far more cuddly. Its not that they like you more, its the fact that you are a warm place to lay. At night you can gauge temperature by how many critters end up in bed with you. Sweetie Pie now lays in the bedroom and soon as Bob gets up she dances around until he lifts her on the bed and then she snuggles in the mink blanket in doggie heaven. I think she would stay there all day if she could.
Yesterday, I was at a birthday party and was approached by Father Candy who informed me that he loves his fingerless gloves and would like another pair and a pair for Mother Candy. Now a request from Father Candy is very much like a request from the Godfather. Its an "offer you can't refuse". I have some Baby Alpaca Grande laying around and I will see if I have some chunky wool blend in the stash.
The only hazard to knitting is the fact that when its cold, the cats become far more cuddly. Its not that they like you more, its the fact that you are a warm place to lay. At night you can gauge temperature by how many critters end up in bed with you. Sweetie Pie now lays in the bedroom and soon as Bob gets up she dances around until he lifts her on the bed and then she snuggles in the mink blanket in doggie heaven. I think she would stay there all day if she could.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Goals for 2009?
Its hard to believe its 2009 already. Where did 2008 go to? I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish this year. I want to finish some of the sewing projects that have been languishing in the studio. If I can finish some of the and clear the out, it will get easier to organize things. Organization at home seems to be one of my downfalls as a confirmed, lifelong pack rat.
I also want to start tackling the garage. There are times I think I might find Jimmy Hoffa out there amongst the rubble. Bob wants to do some rewiring out there to get rid of the Rube Goldberg system Dad had rigged up.
I want to make time to read more. I am currently reading "Gone With The Wind" and really enjoying it. The movie is great, but there is so much more to the story and characters.
I want to knit more too. I enjoyed making Christmas gifts for most of the family this year. Puts me more in the spirit.
I also want to start tackling the garage. There are times I think I might find Jimmy Hoffa out there amongst the rubble. Bob wants to do some rewiring out there to get rid of the Rube Goldberg system Dad had rigged up.
I want to make time to read more. I am currently reading "Gone With The Wind" and really enjoying it. The movie is great, but there is so much more to the story and characters.
I want to knit more too. I enjoyed making Christmas gifts for most of the family this year. Puts me more in the spirit.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
2009 came in amidst much snoring in our house since Bob had to be at work at 6am this morning. Its been a while since my last post so a few updates.
First and foremost, Miss Itty Bitty is back at home and just as feisty as ever. She spent the weekend at the vet's office. They syringe fed her and gave her kitty pepto until she was able to eat on her own again. We were able to bring her home on Monday and she was quite happy to be back.
I however, was hit with a nasty flu virus that knocked me on my ass and kept me in bed for a week (I was too sick to knit!). I am pretty sure that I coughed up a lung somewhere along the way. The doctor said this bug is nasty, last 7-9 days and leaves you with a cough for about 3 weeks. I am finally starting to feel human again. Luckily, we got NCIS, CSI & House dvds for Christmas so I had plenty to occupy my mind.
With the new year, so many people make resolutions of things they want to do in the coming year. I read somewhere that one church is encouraging people to make "to be" lists instead. I think that is a better idea. Of course, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up so this may be a problem!
First and foremost, Miss Itty Bitty is back at home and just as feisty as ever. She spent the weekend at the vet's office. They syringe fed her and gave her kitty pepto until she was able to eat on her own again. We were able to bring her home on Monday and she was quite happy to be back.
I however, was hit with a nasty flu virus that knocked me on my ass and kept me in bed for a week (I was too sick to knit!). I am pretty sure that I coughed up a lung somewhere along the way. The doctor said this bug is nasty, last 7-9 days and leaves you with a cough for about 3 weeks. I am finally starting to feel human again. Luckily, we got NCIS, CSI & House dvds for Christmas so I had plenty to occupy my mind.
With the new year, so many people make resolutions of things they want to do in the coming year. I read somewhere that one church is encouraging people to make "to be" lists instead. I think that is a better idea. Of course, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up so this may be a problem!
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