Yesterday I got an email from an old friend who has signed up to run a 5K in July. He hasn't done a race in about 20 years so that's really something. The sign ups are slow so the race committee asked people who had already signed up to forward the message in hopes of getting more participants. Running was, therefore, on my mind when I got to the gym. I climbed up to the third floor and decided when I got there that I would run and see how it went. And it was fine! I felt great and my foot felt great. I was awfully tired yesterday evening and today I'm a bit sore but all in all, I feel it was a success. I'll run a couple times next week and then I can assess the situation. I truly would love to do the 5K. It's a month away from now so there's plenty of time to get ready for it. Oh ... how much fun would that be?? Since I've been doing cardio my wind is fine. It's just how much wear and tear my toe can take.
The weather has cooled off and it was cool enough for me to knit last night and I did. I think I did three rows. Mind you, those rows (rounds, actually) are getting pretty darned big. I will end up with around 550 stitches when it's done. It's cooler even today so I can knit some more tonight on it. Tinkie was pretty good last night, although she wanted to play ball twice in the evening. She needs a nice long walk. Hopefully I can take her to the park tomorrow. I want to take a quick run to Macy's and that's pretty much my day tomorrow except for chores. And then Sunday morning ..... woohoo!
12 June, 2015
11 June, 2015
Why is traffic always the worst on Thursday?
Why? I cannot figure it out! Could it be more people drive on Thursday if they're having a long weekend? Leave straight from work Thursday so they drive in? That doesn't seem like it could make that much difference. What else could it be? And actually the parking garage was not nearly as full as it was yesterday so clearly more people are driving in. School isn't out yet, but it is finished for the medical and dental students. I guess I'll never know for sure.
I got some good work done on the blanket yesterday at noon because I could put it on the table while I worked rather than having it laying in my lap. I guess I could also do that at home, but it's not really comfortable to sit at the dining table to knit. I had a few chores when I got home -- laundry and watering the plants as well as the normal Tinkie walks. I wanted to knit but I was tired and it was a little too warm. It is cooling down a bit so maybe tonight? Let's hope.
Football is very much on my mind these days. I know it's basketball and hockey playoff time but I don't care much about those sports at all. But football will be starting up at the end of July and the OTAs have already started so that means there is a lot of football in the news. So last night I watched (re-watched, to be more accurate) some episodes of The League. They never get old.
I got some good work done on the blanket yesterday at noon because I could put it on the table while I worked rather than having it laying in my lap. I guess I could also do that at home, but it's not really comfortable to sit at the dining table to knit. I had a few chores when I got home -- laundry and watering the plants as well as the normal Tinkie walks. I wanted to knit but I was tired and it was a little too warm. It is cooling down a bit so maybe tonight? Let's hope.
Football is very much on my mind these days. I know it's basketball and hockey playoff time but I don't care much about those sports at all. But football will be starting up at the end of July and the OTAs have already started so that means there is a lot of football in the news. So last night I watched (re-watched, to be more accurate) some episodes of The League. They never get old.
10 June, 2015
Disasters
Yesterday was quiet the day for disasters here at work. One woman's aunt died, another woman's son had a heart attack. Somebody else has the stomach flu. Okay, so that's not as bad as the others, but it's a slow news day.
Graduation hasn't even happened and already it feels like the dead of summer. It's this nice weather when we're expecting June gloom. It puts you off kilter.
It was too warm to do much knitting last night and even with all the windows open it felt stuffy in the house. Tink was happy for her usual 5 o'clock walk but at 7 o'clock rather than walk up and down the streets she wanted to go around the perimeter of the yard. Her long line doesn't get her near the tree line and sometimes that's where she wants to go, where the scents of the animals coming up from the ravine are the strongest. I let her have a good long sniff and then I went to bed with her at 8 and finished my book. SUCH a good read - A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. It's kind of like a companion book to Time After Time, another awesome read. I have a few books in my wish list but if anyone has a recommendation .....
So it's Wednesday and I know that I'll at least get a couple rows done on that blanket this noontime. I have got to get it done soon. Mai will be quitting work to have her baby at the end of this month.
Graduation hasn't even happened and already it feels like the dead of summer. It's this nice weather when we're expecting June gloom. It puts you off kilter.
It was too warm to do much knitting last night and even with all the windows open it felt stuffy in the house. Tink was happy for her usual 5 o'clock walk but at 7 o'clock rather than walk up and down the streets she wanted to go around the perimeter of the yard. Her long line doesn't get her near the tree line and sometimes that's where she wants to go, where the scents of the animals coming up from the ravine are the strongest. I let her have a good long sniff and then I went to bed with her at 8 and finished my book. SUCH a good read - A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. It's kind of like a companion book to Time After Time, another awesome read. I have a few books in my wish list but if anyone has a recommendation .....
So it's Wednesday and I know that I'll at least get a couple rows done on that blanket this noontime. I have got to get it done soon. Mai will be quitting work to have her baby at the end of this month.
09 June, 2015
Love Locks and Chipmunks
No, they have nothing to do with each other except they're both in my mind this morning. I have for a long time been unhappy about those stupid locks on the bridges in Paris (and other places as well). I noticed them when I was there last July and again this spring. What an eyesore! Well, I read last week that they are in the process of being removed! Hoorah!! Now if they can do something about keeping more idiots from replacing them. And fining the people caught selling the locks. Fat chance.
A few weeks ago I thought I saw chipmunks in the trees but I wasn't absolutely sure. Well, last night I was inside and looked out to see one on the deck! A chipmunk for sure. I was under the impression they were only in the higher elevations because I've never seen them anywhere but in the mountains. I guess they just don't like cities.
I really wanted to work on my blanket last night. But because the house had been closed up while I was at work and because of the heat from the days before, it was simply too hot to sit with a blanket on my lap. So no knitting since I had left my socks here at work. It might not be so hot today, but my guess is it'll still be too hot tonight. Tomorrow though, for noon knitting. I am rather anxious to get this done.
My new running skirt was just the thing for the gym. I was much more comfortable although still pouring sweat. I would dearly love to run in my running skirt but my guess is it'll be another month or so. I want to make sure my foot is 100%.
A few weeks ago I thought I saw chipmunks in the trees but I wasn't absolutely sure. Well, last night I was inside and looked out to see one on the deck! A chipmunk for sure. I was under the impression they were only in the higher elevations because I've never seen them anywhere but in the mountains. I guess they just don't like cities.
I really wanted to work on my blanket last night. But because the house had been closed up while I was at work and because of the heat from the days before, it was simply too hot to sit with a blanket on my lap. So no knitting since I had left my socks here at work. It might not be so hot today, but my guess is it'll still be too hot tonight. Tomorrow though, for noon knitting. I am rather anxious to get this done.
My new running skirt was just the thing for the gym. I was much more comfortable although still pouring sweat. I would dearly love to run in my running skirt but my guess is it'll be another month or so. I want to make sure my foot is 100%.
08 June, 2015
It's not even summer yet!
Heavens it is warm! Hot! And it's going to stay like this all week long and into the weekend as well. Lucky for me the house stays relatively cool, not having any windows facing directly east or west. That is a huge bonus.
Friday was not a very productive day for me, since I had to spend the morning taking care of a little health issue. But I went to town on the weekend. I got a couple more herbs and some color bowls planted, I got the game/office finished and pictures hung there and a few more throughout the house, I got my yarn sorted and frogged a few projects I know I won't be finishing and hoorah, I found both of my long Denise cords. The blanket is now on the 52" cord and crowding it something awful. And I've still got around 25 rows to go! I also trimmed back some bushes and did all the laundry and the bedding AND washed the dog! And I still had time to read and laze around. Tinkie was not terribly interested in going for long walks because of the heat. She perks up a bit at night when it gets a bit cooler but then comes 8 o'clock and she's for bed. Last night I put her in there and did not join her, instead knitted in the living room. That didn't last long and she wanted to be out there with me. But I threw in the towel around 9:30 anyway.
I am trusting the IMA to have the air conditioning cranked today and I also purchased a running skirt to wear rather than my long workout pants. I know I have that gray one around somewhere but I can't find it so I got a cute Adidas one - black with a hot pink stripe at the waist. I'm sure my gray one will turn up, especially if I look a little bit harder.
It seems like Ben's been gone for more than a week, but I suppose that's because he was gone for the weekend. And this week as well as Saturday. It's going to be a long hot week.
Friday was not a very productive day for me, since I had to spend the morning taking care of a little health issue. But I went to town on the weekend. I got a couple more herbs and some color bowls planted, I got the game/office finished and pictures hung there and a few more throughout the house, I got my yarn sorted and frogged a few projects I know I won't be finishing and hoorah, I found both of my long Denise cords. The blanket is now on the 52" cord and crowding it something awful. And I've still got around 25 rows to go! I also trimmed back some bushes and did all the laundry and the bedding AND washed the dog! And I still had time to read and laze around. Tinkie was not terribly interested in going for long walks because of the heat. She perks up a bit at night when it gets a bit cooler but then comes 8 o'clock and she's for bed. Last night I put her in there and did not join her, instead knitted in the living room. That didn't last long and she wanted to be out there with me. But I threw in the towel around 9:30 anyway.
I am trusting the IMA to have the air conditioning cranked today and I also purchased a running skirt to wear rather than my long workout pants. I know I have that gray one around somewhere but I can't find it so I got a cute Adidas one - black with a hot pink stripe at the waist. I'm sure my gray one will turn up, especially if I look a little bit harder.
It seems like Ben's been gone for more than a week, but I suppose that's because he was gone for the weekend. And this week as well as Saturday. It's going to be a long hot week.
04 June, 2015
Blankie progress
I got back on the horse, so to speak, with noon knitting and got two or three rows done on the baby blanket. Then I got right back to it when I got home, after Tink's walk, etc. It is growing but still works on the 32" bamboo circular. This weekend I really should search out one of the two long Denise cords I have and frog whichever project is on that needle. I will certainly need a longer needle at some point soon. The blanket will end up with over 500 stitches when all of the increases are done. I estimate I've got about forty more rows to go and, at approximately 30 minutes a row .... that is a bunch of knitting left on this project!
I got my YarnBox Luxe yesterday. I keep hoping for cashmere but this time we got seven skeins of Shibui Linen. That's a lot of yarn, as in probably enough for a cardigan if I don't want to make another wrap, which I don't. I'd like to make a drape-y cardigan, like the Effortless Cardigan, although I have ordered the yarn to make the Summer Lace Wrap Cardigan but you can't have too many cardigans now, can you?
I finally this week finished listening to the Outlander series. How long have I been listening to those books? Forever it seems. I am now listening to the St. Mary's series and, because the Outlander books were so long, I had one already purchased and credits for two more. So I got those ordered and in my library and then I see that there's a new Shardlake book available! Oh hurrah! I will get it when I get this month's credits and pop it in there to break up the St. Mary's series.
Well we're supposed to get sunshine today and progressively warmer weather as the weekend goes on. I haven't had to water my little herbs or tomatoes for the past couple of days, but I'll need to keep up with it for the foreseeable future. There are already little tiny tomatoes on my Early Girl plant! And this weekend I've got to get the rest of my herbs purchased and into pots as well as flowers for some color spots and hanging baskets. I have a busy weekend ahead of me.
I got my YarnBox Luxe yesterday. I keep hoping for cashmere but this time we got seven skeins of Shibui Linen. That's a lot of yarn, as in probably enough for a cardigan if I don't want to make another wrap, which I don't. I'd like to make a drape-y cardigan, like the Effortless Cardigan, although I have ordered the yarn to make the Summer Lace Wrap Cardigan but you can't have too many cardigans now, can you?
I finally this week finished listening to the Outlander series. How long have I been listening to those books? Forever it seems. I am now listening to the St. Mary's series and, because the Outlander books were so long, I had one already purchased and credits for two more. So I got those ordered and in my library and then I see that there's a new Shardlake book available! Oh hurrah! I will get it when I get this month's credits and pop it in there to break up the St. Mary's series.
Well we're supposed to get sunshine today and progressively warmer weather as the weekend goes on. I haven't had to water my little herbs or tomatoes for the past couple of days, but I'll need to keep up with it for the foreseeable future. There are already little tiny tomatoes on my Early Girl plant! And this weekend I've got to get the rest of my herbs purchased and into pots as well as flowers for some color spots and hanging baskets. I have a busy weekend ahead of me.
03 June, 2015
Impressed again with customer service
What a lovely surprise. After being completely blown away when Amazon refunded the price of a rental video they deemed to have had playback issues without a complain from me, I was equally impressed by Sony. Although I had to spend a couple of hours on the phone to be absolutely sure the player was defective, I sent it back and Monday I got a new one in the mail! How awesome is that? Pretty awesome, I'd say.
Tuesday was a repeat of Monday. I came to work, went to the gym and had an uneventful evening. Actually, I did a lot. Of course the usual Tinkie walks and playing, and I did my hair and cooked a fabulous dinner of roasted vegetables. I mixed it up a little bit this time. I omitted the summer squash and instead used a fennel bulb and, also out of the ordinary, I had an ear of corn so I took the corn off the cob and added it in for the last 30 minutes. I used some fresh herbs from my teensie herb garden plus some Tarragon (which I want to get for my garden) that I had purchased for the mussels that I didn't get around to cooking. It was SO good and, bonus, I've got leftovers for tonight. Maybe I can actually do some knitting tonight.
Today is Wednesday noon knitting - we're back to Wednesday thank goodness. It's cloudy and chilly so working on the blanket will be perfect. I think it will be only two of us today though. MaryEllin is gone until the end of July and I believe Diana is off on vacation.
Tuesday was a repeat of Monday. I came to work, went to the gym and had an uneventful evening. Actually, I did a lot. Of course the usual Tinkie walks and playing, and I did my hair and cooked a fabulous dinner of roasted vegetables. I mixed it up a little bit this time. I omitted the summer squash and instead used a fennel bulb and, also out of the ordinary, I had an ear of corn so I took the corn off the cob and added it in for the last 30 minutes. I used some fresh herbs from my teensie herb garden plus some Tarragon (which I want to get for my garden) that I had purchased for the mussels that I didn't get around to cooking. It was SO good and, bonus, I've got leftovers for tonight. Maybe I can actually do some knitting tonight.
Today is Wednesday noon knitting - we're back to Wednesday thank goodness. It's cloudy and chilly so working on the blanket will be perfect. I think it will be only two of us today though. MaryEllin is gone until the end of July and I believe Diana is off on vacation.
02 June, 2015
Cue the crickets
It is SO quiet here this morning. I am alone in the suite and I haven't heard anyone walk by nor do I hear any distant voices. It's spooky. I know the chairman's assistant is here because I saw her when I came in. But other than that ..... it's almost as if I got in an hour early.
Yesterday was pretty quiet as well. I had a nice workout at the IMA, and walked in the rain to get there. Actually I was a little cold, having only brought a long cardigan rather than a jacket or coat. It's the same today although not raining right now. It makes me sleepy.
I did have plans to knit last night, but I got cozy on the couch with Tinkerbell and just had a do nothing Monday night. I watched stupid TV, cooked a Trader Joe's flatbread pizza and went to bed early. I slept quite well so I am a bit surprised that I'm so sleepy but there you go. Tonight I'll make roasted vegetables and do at least a couple of rows of the blanket. It goes pretty quickly, actually. It's perfect TV knitting. Not totally boring.
Yesterday was pretty quiet as well. I had a nice workout at the IMA, and walked in the rain to get there. Actually I was a little cold, having only brought a long cardigan rather than a jacket or coat. It's the same today although not raining right now. It makes me sleepy.
I did have plans to knit last night, but I got cozy on the couch with Tinkerbell and just had a do nothing Monday night. I watched stupid TV, cooked a Trader Joe's flatbread pizza and went to bed early. I slept quite well so I am a bit surprised that I'm so sleepy but there you go. Tonight I'll make roasted vegetables and do at least a couple of rows of the blanket. It goes pretty quickly, actually. It's perfect TV knitting. Not totally boring.
01 June, 2015
June clouds
We had a super gorgeous Friday and the weekend was also very nice. Not too hot, plenty of sun. Today the clouds have moved in and we're predicted to get some sprinkles but later this week, it's going to be hot. We're having quite the nice Spring. I saw three rabbits this morning and yesterday noticed a round spot in one of the little flower gardens. I believe something (a deer) is sleeping there. I really wanted to get some more herbs and some flowers for some color spots around, hanging baskets, etc. But we had seven stops to make on Saturday and a couple more on Sunday and the garden store wasn't one of them. Ah well, I've got two weeks, including weekends, to get that kind of stuff. It'll keep me plenty busy this coming weekend.
Gregg called Friday evening and we had quite a nice chat about reviving our duo. The plan is that we'll get the songs we know back up to preference level and do a couple of open mike nights, and then add a few more songs so that we have an hour of material. Then we'll look for a little gig or opening act gig. It's something to do and I'm excited about it. It will be so much fun.
I had wanted to make steamed mussels this Saturday and got myself all set for a nice seafood dinner, when there are no mussels to be had! I guess there's some sort of red tide thing going on in Hood's Canal and/or Penn Cove. Since we'd had such a late lunch anyway, we ended up with a nice arugula salad with tomatoes and a horseradish vinaigrette - I tried to recreate a dressing we had in Paris that I just loved - and some little beef things on the BBQ. Just a little bite.
After all of our running around yesterday I just wanted to knit. I haven't touched that blanket since last week and I've got to get it done before this month is out! It's going to be not so hot these next few evenings so I'll really get on it. But I think I should search out a longer cord. I changed last night from the 29 inch Addi to the 32 inch bamboo needles and I think it's going to be a real chore to get all of those stitches - over 500 when all of the increases are done - to fit onto that needle. I've got Denise long cords. Just exactly where .... not sure. I think it's time to frog a few more languishing projects.
Gregg called Friday evening and we had quite a nice chat about reviving our duo. The plan is that we'll get the songs we know back up to preference level and do a couple of open mike nights, and then add a few more songs so that we have an hour of material. Then we'll look for a little gig or opening act gig. It's something to do and I'm excited about it. It will be so much fun.
I had wanted to make steamed mussels this Saturday and got myself all set for a nice seafood dinner, when there are no mussels to be had! I guess there's some sort of red tide thing going on in Hood's Canal and/or Penn Cove. Since we'd had such a late lunch anyway, we ended up with a nice arugula salad with tomatoes and a horseradish vinaigrette - I tried to recreate a dressing we had in Paris that I just loved - and some little beef things on the BBQ. Just a little bite.
After all of our running around yesterday I just wanted to knit. I haven't touched that blanket since last week and I've got to get it done before this month is out! It's going to be not so hot these next few evenings so I'll really get on it. But I think I should search out a longer cord. I changed last night from the 29 inch Addi to the 32 inch bamboo needles and I think it's going to be a real chore to get all of those stitches - over 500 when all of the increases are done - to fit onto that needle. I've got Denise long cords. Just exactly where .... not sure. I think it's time to frog a few more languishing projects.
29 May, 2015
Just one of those days
I got up early yesterday so that I could get the early bus to work to have time to eat a yogurt before I started the exam. I was sure I had left in plenty of time and indeed, if I hadn't been behind the school bus I would have made it. As it was, I pulled into the garage just as the bus was pulling away. Rats! So when I got to work I made myself a cup of tea and went downstairs. I had my audiobook going, so it wasn't so bad and we were done by 11.
I held on until 11:30 and then went to get a nice salad for lunch. Taco salad Thursday! The chicken they cook for that is just wonderful and I was really needing some food in me, having skipped breakfast. And then it was time to get the bus to Ballard for my mammogram. I have been getting mine done there for ... wow, probably 20 years. But they moved the office a few years and there are newer buildings around and I get lost every time I go there! I made it in time, but took a very circuitous route.
That done I headed home, having nothing to do at the office. I wanted a nap. Unfortunately there was road work that made my commute from the transit center home until a long hot frustrating drive. And I had to stop at the grocery store so I didn't get home all that much earlier. Maybe an hour. I tried to take a little snooze but it was too late. Ah well.
Today is going to be hot. I've got nothing on my plate at work although it looks like I might have a nice big project coming up later this month. Fingers crossed. Today I can go to the gym, finally. And what else? Maybe leave a little early.
I held on until 11:30 and then went to get a nice salad for lunch. Taco salad Thursday! The chicken they cook for that is just wonderful and I was really needing some food in me, having skipped breakfast. And then it was time to get the bus to Ballard for my mammogram. I have been getting mine done there for ... wow, probably 20 years. But they moved the office a few years and there are newer buildings around and I get lost every time I go there! I made it in time, but took a very circuitous route.
That done I headed home, having nothing to do at the office. I wanted a nap. Unfortunately there was road work that made my commute from the transit center home until a long hot frustrating drive. And I had to stop at the grocery store so I didn't get home all that much earlier. Maybe an hour. I tried to take a little snooze but it was too late. Ah well.
Today is going to be hot. I've got nothing on my plate at work although it looks like I might have a nice big project coming up later this month. Fingers crossed. Today I can go to the gym, finally. And what else? Maybe leave a little early.
27 May, 2015
Beautiful
It is a stunning morning and it's going to be super nice now through the weekend. Tomorrow is the last final exam and I've got to proctor. It starts at 8 am! Can you imagine? When I expressed my surprise at the early time, the guy from testing said that the students prefer an early start. Or really? I mentioned it to one of the students yesterday and she said that most of the students were not at all happy with that early start time. They'd been talking about it on their Facebook page. But they'll be done by 11 or so, which is good because I booked a mammogram appointment for 1:10 that afternoon. It's only a 30 minute bus ride away so I'll easily make it. What I am concerned about is waking up! I typically have my tea when I get in and then about 8:30 do my oatmeal and berries. I can't see me waiting until 11 to eat breakfast. I guess I'll catch the earlier bus and get in with a little time left so that I can have a yogurt and take my tea downstairs with me.
I got a good start on the last section of the blanket yesterday at noon knitting. I didn't knit last night though. My schedule got off because we were waiting for the contractor to come by to look at the house so he could get a bid together for painting. Everything was late - he was, of course, late. An hour later than he said. Typical. And I was just so tired. Already I'm anxious for the weekend so I can sleep in!
I got a good start on the last section of the blanket yesterday at noon knitting. I didn't knit last night though. My schedule got off because we were waiting for the contractor to come by to look at the house so he could get a bid together for painting. Everything was late - he was, of course, late. An hour later than he said. Typical. And I was just so tired. Already I'm anxious for the weekend so I can sleep in!
26 May, 2015
A busy long weekend
Wow - we went out three evenings in a row this weekend! Friday we went to the Triplehorn. We were both exhausted but we wanted to get out and it was the start of a long weekend. We took Tink and sat outside, which is always nice.
I was very disappointed in the music Saturday night. We had gotten a bunch of people to meet us there, but the band was just awful! The singer was terrible and the music itself was not dance music - or at least anything we wanted to dance to. And loud. Holy cow. The best part of the evening was chatting with Gregg. He wants to get together and put a few songs together and I am SO happy about that!
I got a lot done this weekend including a trip to Home Depot to get herbs and tomatoes and some paint samples. That place was a madhouse though! Insane. Just crammed with people -- rude people. While I was waiting for my paint samples to be mixed I wheeled through the plants and got so flustered that I ended up with two Thai basil plants. I must remember to either go early in the morning or try to do it during the week. The weekend is not fun.
I got lots and lots of knitting done on the Dahlia blanket. Today at noon knitting I will be starting the last petal section which will more than double the number of stitches I've got on the needle at this point. It's going to be so cute.
Short week and the last week of the quarter before the students take off for summer. Then it's really going to be quiet around here.
I was very disappointed in the music Saturday night. We had gotten a bunch of people to meet us there, but the band was just awful! The singer was terrible and the music itself was not dance music - or at least anything we wanted to dance to. And loud. Holy cow. The best part of the evening was chatting with Gregg. He wants to get together and put a few songs together and I am SO happy about that!
I got a lot done this weekend including a trip to Home Depot to get herbs and tomatoes and some paint samples. That place was a madhouse though! Insane. Just crammed with people -- rude people. While I was waiting for my paint samples to be mixed I wheeled through the plants and got so flustered that I ended up with two Thai basil plants. I must remember to either go early in the morning or try to do it during the week. The weekend is not fun.
I got lots and lots of knitting done on the Dahlia blanket. Today at noon knitting I will be starting the last petal section which will more than double the number of stitches I've got on the needle at this point. It's going to be so cute.
Short week and the last week of the quarter before the students take off for summer. Then it's really going to be quiet around here.
22 May, 2015
A rocky start
Yesterday after lunch I decided I would tackle the start of the Dahlia blanket again. First I re-thought how I was doing the cast on - the suggested Easy Circular Cast On. I reread the instructions and voila! I was doing it wrong! It took me three tries to finally get the cast on right and then two or three more times of knitting up to row three to realize I was having a problem catching all the loops on a knit two together with the first stitch a YO. I was also having problems getting the center of the hole to cinch up. I finally decided to knit one round before I started the first round of the pattern and that was the right decision. I knit up to row five and it looks right. I'll do more today. It's going to be pretty quiet.
It was very warm yesterday and when I got home the clouds had rolled in, so it was muggy as well. But I didn't want to be inside, so I poured myself a nice glass of wine and sat in the back and listened to the birds. Plans were laid for a fun evening Saturday. My friend Rusty is playing with a band this weekend in Woodinville and the place has a dance floor! And, bonus, Gregg, who played with us in that crazy band a few years ago and who I had a duo with the last time I sang in public, is also going to be there. It should be a fun evening.
Other than that though it's going to be a work-y weekend. The house painters are coming out on Monday to look at the job and let us know when they can start and we've got lots of work to do, most notably dismantling a lean-to firewood thing that is up against the tool shed, which will need to be painted when they do the house. I've wanted to get rid of that eyesore forever. But it's going to be work.
And hopefully knitting. It won't be too warm this weekend. Of course not.
It was very warm yesterday and when I got home the clouds had rolled in, so it was muggy as well. But I didn't want to be inside, so I poured myself a nice glass of wine and sat in the back and listened to the birds. Plans were laid for a fun evening Saturday. My friend Rusty is playing with a band this weekend in Woodinville and the place has a dance floor! And, bonus, Gregg, who played with us in that crazy band a few years ago and who I had a duo with the last time I sang in public, is also going to be there. It should be a fun evening.
Other than that though it's going to be a work-y weekend. The house painters are coming out on Monday to look at the job and let us know when they can start and we've got lots of work to do, most notably dismantling a lean-to firewood thing that is up against the tool shed, which will need to be painted when they do the house. I've wanted to get rid of that eyesore forever. But it's going to be work.
And hopefully knitting. It won't be too warm this weekend. Of course not.
21 May, 2015
The right yarn for the project
As luck would have it, one of my appointments got moved yesterday so I decided to head up to Weaving Works yesterday rather than Friday, being rather keen to start that blanket before it gets too hot to knit on it. I hopped on the bus and I was there in a few minutes. That was my first visit to Weaving Works since it moved from the U District (walking distance) to Roosevelt and 65th. It's not so much a larger space, but it is laid out differently. They used to have what they called a "super wash wall", super wash indicating that the yarn is machine washable. But now all of their yarn is done by gauge - smallest to largest. The yarns that are washable have a blue dot on their description card. Without too much trouble I found a beautiful baby pink yarn that fit the bill perfectly - Vintage Chunky by Berrocco. I also had $10 credit on my rewards account there - bonus!
After I got home and got Tink walked, my chores completed, my hair washed and dried I set about winding the six balls of yarn I had purchased. And finally I set about starting this project. It's done in the round and therefore the first few rows are bound to be a bit difficult. I had to take it out twice and decided not to go for a third time. I have brought it in with me today and hopefully I can get it done this afternoon. It's quiet around here and I don't have any appointments this afternoon. Two tomorrow though. I was hoping to get out early but I've got one at 2:30. Well, I'll still be able to leave early. There is a bus before three that I can get.
Turns out there is a party on Sunday. But the weather is not going to be very nice so I guess it'll have to be inside. Oh well. How long has it been since we've actually had a nice Memorial Day weekend?
After I got home and got Tink walked, my chores completed, my hair washed and dried I set about winding the six balls of yarn I had purchased. And finally I set about starting this project. It's done in the round and therefore the first few rows are bound to be a bit difficult. I had to take it out twice and decided not to go for a third time. I have brought it in with me today and hopefully I can get it done this afternoon. It's quiet around here and I don't have any appointments this afternoon. Two tomorrow though. I was hoping to get out early but I've got one at 2:30. Well, I'll still be able to leave early. There is a bus before three that I can get.
Turns out there is a party on Sunday. But the weather is not going to be very nice so I guess it'll have to be inside. Oh well. How long has it been since we've actually had a nice Memorial Day weekend?
20 May, 2015
Turned!
Noon knitting was just three of us -- in our lunchroom since MaryEllin is still gone and both of our conference rooms were occupied. I got the heels turned on the socks I've been working on and then I need to do the gussets. I want to get that done so I'll have a good TV knitting project. Turning the heel is a bit fiddle-y but once I get the markers in, doing the gusset is easy. And Monika brought me a library book with the pattern I want to make in it - the Dahlia Blanket from "Knitting from the Center Out". My challenge is to find the right yarn for the project. The pattern calls for Blue Sky Alpaca Hand Dyes, which is not going to work for this since it is going to be a blanket for a baby and hence, must be machine washable. But there are many many nice machine washable yarns out there. I must go to a yarn store though because I need to feel them and get just the right color. Maybe on Friday I'll take the bus up to Weaving Works at lunchtime. Yes, that means skipping the gym but this is an odd week for that. Monday I was at home, yesterday I had noon knitting, today I have two student appointments, tomorrow I have the dentist so Friday ... sure, I might as well go to the yarn store.
This coming weekend is Memorial Day weekend, the official start to the summer season. As usual, rain is predicted but it's not supposed to be pouring so that's good. So far, no parties are planned although we do plan to go hear some music and drink some wine on Friday night, and my old drummer is playing in a band Saturday night in Woodinville so we might go there as well. But considering the work I'd like to get done in the yard and around the house, I suspect I'll be pretty tired.
One of the people down the street have a large piece of property that has a flat part with their large house and even larger lawn, and then on one side of the property is a steep bank with trees and brush. Last month they cleared, by hand, a portion of it and put in a tree swing for their children. I noticed Sunday there was a plastic fence put up around the other part of the hill and a sign on it about urban goats. Sure enough, they were there yesterday, chomping away at the hill. I stopped and had a little chat with the husband and wife team who own the goats. They own Scottish terriers and so just loved Tinkerbell and she was very curious about the goats. I've seen goats clearing blackberry bushes here at the UW - well, it was a few years ago. It's pretty cool.
This coming weekend is Memorial Day weekend, the official start to the summer season. As usual, rain is predicted but it's not supposed to be pouring so that's good. So far, no parties are planned although we do plan to go hear some music and drink some wine on Friday night, and my old drummer is playing in a band Saturday night in Woodinville so we might go there as well. But considering the work I'd like to get done in the yard and around the house, I suspect I'll be pretty tired.
One of the people down the street have a large piece of property that has a flat part with their large house and even larger lawn, and then on one side of the property is a steep bank with trees and brush. Last month they cleared, by hand, a portion of it and put in a tree swing for their children. I noticed Sunday there was a plastic fence put up around the other part of the hill and a sign on it about urban goats. Sure enough, they were there yesterday, chomping away at the hill. I stopped and had a little chat with the husband and wife team who own the goats. They own Scottish terriers and so just loved Tinkerbell and she was very curious about the goats. I've seen goats clearing blackberry bushes here at the UW - well, it was a few years ago. It's pretty cool.
19 May, 2015
Work from home Monday
I had such a busy day yesterday. I had my doctor's appointment and the rest of the time I was home. The weather was lovely but I was tethered to my computer. Well, I was multi tasking as well. On Sunday the Blu Ray player I had purchased on September all of a sudden stopped playing regular DVDs. I fussed with it a good bit on Sunday, trying to watch a movie. It was very frustrating but luckily I was able to rent the movie I wanted to watch from Amazon Prime, which runs through that very same Sony Blu Ray player, by the way. Anyway yesterday while I was setting up appointments for students to see me later this week I was on the phone and on line with Sony tech support. Three different times, mind you. Three different people and all three of them had me doing the very same steps to try to resolve the issue. One hour and 30 minutes later we came to the conclusion that the machine is broken. *sigh* But the good news is that I will get a new one. I just have to send it back to Texas, which I will do today.
The weekend was okay, but not sunny and you know me, I hate to garden when it's cloudy outside. So no gardening, but a fair amount of running about doing errands. This coming weekend will be a little more rigorous, since we have to start thinking about getting the house painted and what needs to be moved, etc. Maybe another trip to the dump. Fun times.
Noon knitting today. I'm going to try to get the heels turned on these socks. And I need a new project! I'd like to make a baby blanket for my manicurist. I have a lovely pattern picked out.
The weekend was okay, but not sunny and you know me, I hate to garden when it's cloudy outside. So no gardening, but a fair amount of running about doing errands. This coming weekend will be a little more rigorous, since we have to start thinking about getting the house painted and what needs to be moved, etc. Maybe another trip to the dump. Fun times.
Noon knitting today. I'm going to try to get the heels turned on these socks. And I need a new project! I'd like to make a baby blanket for my manicurist. I have a lovely pattern picked out.
15 May, 2015
Bunnies galore
I swear, the neighborhood looks like a rabbit preserve, there are so many rabbits hopping around! Tink is getting used to them and she doesn't try so hard to chase them. Not that she wouldn't if she didn't have a tether.
The gym did help with my sleepiness yesterday. It's a great time of year too because kids are studying for finals and getting ready for graduation and it's much quieter now. It should be like this for the rest of the spring and summer. Considering I've been off for more than three weeks, I had a really decent workout and I'm sore today. I will go again this noontime and then I'll be off Monday and Tuesday because of my doctor's appointment Monday and knitting Tuesday. Speaking of knitting ..... still haven't heard from MaryEllin.
I'll need to get it together soon for my garden -- herbs and tomatoes for sure and I'd also like to do some arugula and mescaline greens. Those are going to be hard to keep away from the rabbits unless I put them into containers. I'll give that some thought this weekend. It's not supposed to be super nice, but hopefully not pouring rain.
Home a week and I'm still sad. I want to go back to Paris this fall but I doubt it. I am going to try but it's going to be a hard sell.
The gym did help with my sleepiness yesterday. It's a great time of year too because kids are studying for finals and getting ready for graduation and it's much quieter now. It should be like this for the rest of the spring and summer. Considering I've been off for more than three weeks, I had a really decent workout and I'm sore today. I will go again this noontime and then I'll be off Monday and Tuesday because of my doctor's appointment Monday and knitting Tuesday. Speaking of knitting ..... still haven't heard from MaryEllin.
I'll need to get it together soon for my garden -- herbs and tomatoes for sure and I'd also like to do some arugula and mescaline greens. Those are going to be hard to keep away from the rabbits unless I put them into containers. I'll give that some thought this weekend. It's not supposed to be super nice, but hopefully not pouring rain.
Home a week and I'm still sad. I want to go back to Paris this fall but I doubt it. I am going to try but it's going to be a hard sell.
14 May, 2015
A hard lesson
Yesterday my left contact lens was really bothering me. Something was in my eye and I needed to use some eye drops BUT I had taken them out of my cosmetic bag and put them into the liquids baggie for traveling and I hadn't put them back into my bag! Oh and it hurt! I wanted to take it out and just use tap water but them I remembered that sometimes the lens does not go back in easily at that point, especially if the eye is sore. I stuck it out and found someone who had a bottle of drops and gave the eye a good wash. I couldn't leave to go buy more eye drops until after that stupid exam! Ideally I would have taken them out and put on some glasses but I didn't have a spare pair at work. Well, I do now my friends. I most certainly do now.
I was SO tired all day yesterday. And when I got home I just collapsed. I did not want to cook or knit or do anything. I stayed up as late as I possibly could, watching the penultimate episode of Once Upon a Time and falling into bed at 9 pm. I was asleep at 9:02. And you know what? I am still tired today!
I have no children and I am hardly an expert on them, but I observed something while traveling on trains on this last trip and I can't understand it. Twice I saw people with toddlers riding and the toddlers getting progressively more out of hand as the trip went on. One was a couple with a precocious little guy about 3 years old and the other was a woman on her own with a little girl about 3 or 4 and two babies, one she was holding and another in a stroller. Here's what I don't understand - nobody brought anything for the toddlers to play with! No books or dolls. No fruit or juice or anything! How can you expect a little child to amuse themselves in their heads for two or three hours? Well you can't. The poor little things got progressively noisier and disruptive. The couple would try to talk to the boy and distract him -- all they had was a folded map to distract him with. The single mother ended up swatting the little girl because she wanted to sit down in a seat in our car rather than squat with the mother and the pram in between the cars. Unbelievable. Thank goodness they were not on the same train -- or maybe not. I guess the little boy and girl could have played together and all would have been fine.
Thursday. I can go to the gym today. Maybe that will wake me up finally. Fingers crossed.
I was SO tired all day yesterday. And when I got home I just collapsed. I did not want to cook or knit or do anything. I stayed up as late as I possibly could, watching the penultimate episode of Once Upon a Time and falling into bed at 9 pm. I was asleep at 9:02. And you know what? I am still tired today!
I have no children and I am hardly an expert on them, but I observed something while traveling on trains on this last trip and I can't understand it. Twice I saw people with toddlers riding and the toddlers getting progressively more out of hand as the trip went on. One was a couple with a precocious little guy about 3 years old and the other was a woman on her own with a little girl about 3 or 4 and two babies, one she was holding and another in a stroller. Here's what I don't understand - nobody brought anything for the toddlers to play with! No books or dolls. No fruit or juice or anything! How can you expect a little child to amuse themselves in their heads for two or three hours? Well you can't. The poor little things got progressively noisier and disruptive. The couple would try to talk to the boy and distract him -- all they had was a folded map to distract him with. The single mother ended up swatting the little girl because she wanted to sit down in a seat in our car rather than squat with the mother and the pram in between the cars. Unbelievable. Thank goodness they were not on the same train -- or maybe not. I guess the little boy and girl could have played together and all would have been fine.
Thursday. I can go to the gym today. Maybe that will wake me up finally. Fingers crossed.
13 May, 2015
Spoiled
I guess all of that good weather in Europe spoiled me. I really miss the sunshine! I hear the weather was good all the time I was gone, but now it's typical gray skies and mist. Basically it's the same way in Europe I guess, from looking at my weather app, but a little bit warmer. It's chilly here. Not chilly enough to turn on the heat or build a fire, but chilly. It's so difficult to wake up entirely without some sunshine.
Noon knitting was fun, but we missed MaryEllin. I guess she had some sort of family emergency while I was gone and she's still missing.
I don't record a lot of TV, but there are a couple of shows I do watch. Once Upon A Time had four episodes waiting for me and I got through two of them last night and I've got one more regular one and the 2 hour finale. It has gotten a little fantastic, even considering the fantastical nature of the original premise. But I'll stick it out and watch the finale. I am undecided about another season though.
I've got to proctor an exam for two people today and another one on Monday. But Monday I've got my annual exam appointment and I don't want to move it. Luckily I got somebody to stand in for me - it's not a big exam. I really didn't want to try to get into work in the afternoon. It's next to impossible. At the very least a huge hassle. IF I can find parking in the garage. It's much better to work at home on those days.
Well I'd better have another cup of tea or I'm just going to put my head down on my desk and snooze!
Noon knitting was fun, but we missed MaryEllin. I guess she had some sort of family emergency while I was gone and she's still missing.
I don't record a lot of TV, but there are a couple of shows I do watch. Once Upon A Time had four episodes waiting for me and I got through two of them last night and I've got one more regular one and the 2 hour finale. It has gotten a little fantastic, even considering the fantastical nature of the original premise. But I'll stick it out and watch the finale. I am undecided about another season though.
I've got to proctor an exam for two people today and another one on Monday. But Monday I've got my annual exam appointment and I don't want to move it. Luckily I got somebody to stand in for me - it's not a big exam. I really didn't want to try to get into work in the afternoon. It's next to impossible. At the very least a huge hassle. IF I can find parking in the garage. It's much better to work at home on those days.
Well I'd better have another cup of tea or I'm just going to put my head down on my desk and snooze!
12 May, 2015
The bus driver's detour
When I went out to wait for my bus last night I noticed that the earlier bus, which my app OneBusAway had said had already passed by, was loading passengers. So I hurried along and was the last person on the bus. I settled in with my headphones on and away we went. I was playing a word in a game of WordFeud when I looked up to find that he had just driven past the entrance to the freeway and was turning right down the next street after the missed entrance. A residential street. He obviously did not know what he was doing or, more importantly, where he was going. If he had gone up to the freeway he could have gotten on and right off and circled around and been fine. As it was he took a 30 minute detour to get onto the 520 bridge. Idiot! And then the rear door got stuck open at one of the freeway stops. This does happen from time to time and the bus driver just turns the bus off and when he restarts the door closes. I think it's because the rubber stopper on the bottom of the bus hits the curb. Anyway .... that was another few minutes lost until a kindly bus driver behind him came up and showed him what to do. He had tried to turn it off but "helpful" people outside kept trying to force the doors shut. Actually, truth be told, I finally couldn't keep my mouth shut and told the driver that the guys outside were not helping and that they should leave it alone and he should turn the bus off. He didn't do that though until the other bus driver told him the same thing. Yeah.
So I was quite late getting home and Tink was very very happy to see me. I know she probably slept all day but after three weeks with other dogs to play with I can't help feeling a little guilty that she doesn't have a playmate.
How was work yesterday? Busy actually. I didn't get to go to the gym and I won't be able to until Thursday. Today is noon knitting and tomorrow I have to proctor an exam. Thursday is fine. I'm still fighting jet lag a bit, although last night I had the best night I've had since getting home, sleeping through until at least 5 am. Plus I took a Benadryl before bed because I've been so stuffed up -- the cottonwoods are drifting. I well and truly missed my nap yesterday though. That's one of the awesome things about vacation, the naps.
So I was quite late getting home and Tink was very very happy to see me. I know she probably slept all day but after three weeks with other dogs to play with I can't help feeling a little guilty that she doesn't have a playmate.
How was work yesterday? Busy actually. I didn't get to go to the gym and I won't be able to until Thursday. Today is noon knitting and tomorrow I have to proctor an exam. Thursday is fine. I'm still fighting jet lag a bit, although last night I had the best night I've had since getting home, sleeping through until at least 5 am. Plus I took a Benadryl before bed because I've been so stuffed up -- the cottonwoods are drifting. I well and truly missed my nap yesterday though. That's one of the awesome things about vacation, the naps.
11 May, 2015
Back to the real world
So we're back. Our trip was really really good. It got off to a very rocky start though. The plan was for us to pack on Thursday the 16th, and then I would go to work Friday morning and Ben would take the dog to the boarding place, close up the house and take the shuttle to the airport and I would meet him there, leaving work around 1 and taking the train. So there we are packing and nearly done and ready to go out to eat when I say "Where's your passport"? Normally I wouldn't even bother with a question like that, but he had said earlier in the week that I should remind him just so he doesn't forget - a joke like. So he goes to the safe, opens it up and ... no passport. He had gotten a new one, since his old one was about to expire. He took it to work on the 1st to scan it so he'd have a copy for the trip and then it's gone. Well he looked and looked and started to panic. I looked too for a while, but it was obvious that it was not going to be found. And he's really panicking at this point. So I got on the internet and found a phone number for the passport hotline for when you lose your passport and I give them a call. There is no way I was going to miss this trip and I know this has to happen now and again. The woman on the phone was very helpful and told him that he should call and get an appointment and if he can get all of the necessary paperwork, pictures, etc. together the passport office can do a passport in 3 hours. And that's what happened. We still drove all the way to his office to make positive sure he hadn't left it there, and there wasn't much sleep Thursday night. I got up and got the dog to the boarders then his cousin's wife picked us up and got us to the passport office an hour before his appointment. So before noon we had his passport and we were on our way to the airport. Needless to say I didn't relax until I had a couple of martinis under my belt.
We used Airbnb for our accommodations the entire trip and with the exception of one place, all went well. The first place was quite noisy, being right on a main street in Paris. For all I know Paris, I forgot that rue de Rivoli changes names up near Bastille and I assumed we were just off the main drag when in face our window opened up right onto it. Good earplugs and jet lag afforded us enough sleep.
After three days we took Ryanair to Venice and had a really cute, albeit moist, little apartment off the beaten track and away from the worst of the tourists. We loved it! The crowds were insane though because the weather was awesome. Hot even. We walked and walked and walked. On the day before we left we bought a day pass and just rode the vaporetto all day.
It was rainy in Florence, but Emma met us there and we had such fun with her. The apartment was large with a washing machine so we were able to do a couple of loads of clothes and have them dry in the three days we were there. This is the only place we went to museums and I bought the tickets early so that we wouldn't have to stand in line. The Academia was great because of the crowd control. They don't let it get too packed. After lunch we had a 3 o'clock at the Uffizzi and I swear I could not wait to get out of there. It was completely nuts. Too crowded and hot and I was not happy.
After Florence Emma went her way and we went to Monterosso al Mare. We had a cute little place with a private garden. That is where we found the best restaurant - Ciak. We ate there twice. Incredible seafood. We didn't do any hiking - the weather wasn't great but the amount of tourists was staggering. It rained and it was still packed.
We then made our way by train to Geneva for a little break before going back to Paris. Geneva was expensive, annoying for not using the Euro and our Airbnb place was disgusting. We stayed one night and the next morning I found us an hotel near the train station. It was a cute hotel and quiet, relatively. We strolled around Geneva a bit and had fondue for dinner. Ahhhh ... cheese and beer for dinner.
Then back to Paris for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We had dinner with Eoghan and Deirdre again on Wednesday. Eoghan was trying his hardest to get us to move our return home a week and go with them to the south of France. But of course we couldn't do it. I had to get back to work and my dog.
And here's what I found in the front garden:
They all bloomed and there are more buds. Lovely. Maybe next weekend I can do the herbs and tomatoes.
For now I'd better dig in to the real world.
We used Airbnb for our accommodations the entire trip and with the exception of one place, all went well. The first place was quite noisy, being right on a main street in Paris. For all I know Paris, I forgot that rue de Rivoli changes names up near Bastille and I assumed we were just off the main drag when in face our window opened up right onto it. Good earplugs and jet lag afforded us enough sleep.
After three days we took Ryanair to Venice and had a really cute, albeit moist, little apartment off the beaten track and away from the worst of the tourists. We loved it! The crowds were insane though because the weather was awesome. Hot even. We walked and walked and walked. On the day before we left we bought a day pass and just rode the vaporetto all day.
It was rainy in Florence, but Emma met us there and we had such fun with her. The apartment was large with a washing machine so we were able to do a couple of loads of clothes and have them dry in the three days we were there. This is the only place we went to museums and I bought the tickets early so that we wouldn't have to stand in line. The Academia was great because of the crowd control. They don't let it get too packed. After lunch we had a 3 o'clock at the Uffizzi and I swear I could not wait to get out of there. It was completely nuts. Too crowded and hot and I was not happy.
After Florence Emma went her way and we went to Monterosso al Mare. We had a cute little place with a private garden. That is where we found the best restaurant - Ciak. We ate there twice. Incredible seafood. We didn't do any hiking - the weather wasn't great but the amount of tourists was staggering. It rained and it was still packed.
We then made our way by train to Geneva for a little break before going back to Paris. Geneva was expensive, annoying for not using the Euro and our Airbnb place was disgusting. We stayed one night and the next morning I found us an hotel near the train station. It was a cute hotel and quiet, relatively. We strolled around Geneva a bit and had fondue for dinner. Ahhhh ... cheese and beer for dinner.
Then back to Paris for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We had dinner with Eoghan and Deirdre again on Wednesday. Eoghan was trying his hardest to get us to move our return home a week and go with them to the south of France. But of course we couldn't do it. I had to get back to work and my dog.
And here's what I found in the front garden:
For now I'd better dig in to the real world.
05 May, 2015
The cupboard under the stairs
Finally back in Paris for the last few days of the trip. I am looking forward to having a real keyboard so I can make a real post. Italy was great and Geneva was a disaster. The apartment I got from Airbnb was ridiculous so I found a hotel for Monday. Hopefully I can get a refund. The little studio here in Paris is like a cupboard but I do not care. This is home to me. But I keep seeing ghosts.
26 April, 2015
From Florence
One week in. The WiFi in Venice was not useable. I cannot post in my iPad very well so this is short. No knitting. Yet. The weather has been crazy good. Speaking of crazy, our departure was extra crazy because we had to deal with replacing a passport 23 hours before departure. It is doable bit I don't recommend it. How does a passport escape from a safe? You tell me.
It is pouring in Florence and we are waiting for Emma to show up. Her plane had to return to Frankfurt.
More later.
It is pouring in Florence and we are waiting for Emma to show up. Her plane had to return to Frankfurt.
More later.
16 April, 2015
Temperature swings
This morning is the second morning in a row that I've had to scrape ice off of my windshield before I could drive. It's been getting that cold at night! But in the daytime we've had sunshine and nice warm weather. I sure hope that is what we are going to get on our trip. Well, I've looked at the forecast and it does look as though we will, at least for the first part. I hope it holds for the whole time. What a treat that would be.
I decided against trying to get my toiletries together last night. I've plenty of time to do it tonight and it makes much more sense. So I just had a lazy evening doing the last bits of laundry and heating up meatballs for dinner. The fridge is mostly empty now. I am SO ready to leave!! But I've got to hang around for another little while. I am leaving early again today for my manicure and pedicure. I've really got nothing to do here. I've gotten everything all caught up.
There are a few more trip details to take care of, like calling the credit card companies. But other than that, I wait. I brought my knitting in but I can't really sit in my office knitting. Not that I wouldn't love to, mind you.
I decided against trying to get my toiletries together last night. I've plenty of time to do it tonight and it makes much more sense. So I just had a lazy evening doing the last bits of laundry and heating up meatballs for dinner. The fridge is mostly empty now. I am SO ready to leave!! But I've got to hang around for another little while. I am leaving early again today for my manicure and pedicure. I've really got nothing to do here. I've gotten everything all caught up.
There are a few more trip details to take care of, like calling the credit card companies. But other than that, I wait. I brought my knitting in but I can't really sit in my office knitting. Not that I wouldn't love to, mind you.
15 April, 2015
That doesn't smell like breakfast
First thing in the morning, even before I go into my office, I stop in the kitchen to make my cup of tea. Sometimes it smells of bacon or scones in there, but this morning -- yuk! I don't know what in the world somebody heated up in the microwave but it just stinks! It's not fish, thank goodness, but something meaty, like beef stew. It's not at all pleasant.
I got my clothes picked out last night and I have plenty of room! Layering clothes, springtime clothes, are so much easier to pack than winter clothes. Tonight I'll get all of my toiletries together. That's going to be a bit more of a challenge since we're carrying on but I think I've got it figured out.
I've got a 3 o'clock appointment so I will be leaving here around 1:30 or so. And tomorrow I think I'm going to move my 5 o'clock appointment to 4 or 3:30. We're going to go out to eat and I'd like to have my packing all done before we do that and, if I've got to re-do my hair, that's going to take some time. Although .... maybe I'll just get up a little earlier on Friday and do it in the morning. Hmmmm ... that is probably smarter. We'll see. It would be nicer if I didn't have to work on Friday, but unfortunately I do. But not for long.
I got my clothes picked out last night and I have plenty of room! Layering clothes, springtime clothes, are so much easier to pack than winter clothes. Tonight I'll get all of my toiletries together. That's going to be a bit more of a challenge since we're carrying on but I think I've got it figured out.
I've got a 3 o'clock appointment so I will be leaving here around 1:30 or so. And tomorrow I think I'm going to move my 5 o'clock appointment to 4 or 3:30. We're going to go out to eat and I'd like to have my packing all done before we do that and, if I've got to re-do my hair, that's going to take some time. Although .... maybe I'll just get up a little earlier on Friday and do it in the morning. Hmmmm ... that is probably smarter. We'll see. It would be nicer if I didn't have to work on Friday, but unfortunately I do. But not for long.
14 April, 2015
Hail!
Wow. It has been getting colder at night and I knew it was pretty cold this morning since the heat came on, and I had it set for 60. Brrrrr Yesterday it was pouring rain most of the day and into the night. This morning I heard it start up again, but when I looked outside it wasn't rain but hail! The ground was all white. And now? Bright sunshine.
I did correspond with my Paris and Venice hosts yesterday and have that all set up. In Italy you have to provide them with a copy of your passport, so I did that and now I've only one more place that needs the copies. I'll do that Friday morning. I've got my phone package set up and the mail set to stop. The last thing I need to do is call the credit cards. And then tonight I'm going to see if the clothes I want to bring are going to fit in my carry-on bag. That's my only real stumbling block. Everyone knows I always over pack but there will be so much traveling this trip and no checking the bags on the flights to make sure I don't end up with a suitcase I can't handle in the train stations. Been there, no fun. So it's fashion show Tuesday.
I sure am in a good mood. That's what vacation does to me. And sunshine. I stopped for a coffee on the way in since I didn't have to walk Tinkie this morning. It felt like Friday! It'll be here soon enough.
I did correspond with my Paris and Venice hosts yesterday and have that all set up. In Italy you have to provide them with a copy of your passport, so I did that and now I've only one more place that needs the copies. I'll do that Friday morning. I've got my phone package set up and the mail set to stop. The last thing I need to do is call the credit cards. And then tonight I'm going to see if the clothes I want to bring are going to fit in my carry-on bag. That's my only real stumbling block. Everyone knows I always over pack but there will be so much traveling this trip and no checking the bags on the flights to make sure I don't end up with a suitcase I can't handle in the train stations. Been there, no fun. So it's fashion show Tuesday.
I sure am in a good mood. That's what vacation does to me. And sunshine. I stopped for a coffee on the way in since I didn't have to walk Tinkie this morning. It felt like Friday! It'll be here soon enough.
13 April, 2015
What is going on??
Ever since last week Yahoo Mail has been acting up. I cannot access my mailbox even though I can see the messages in the preview window on my front page. I forwarded some pictures to my account and I can't open them! It is SO frustrating!!! Maybe I'll try a different browser. Okay ... now it's working. Crazy.
It was a busy weekend, as I knew it would be. Saturday I got up early and had a very light breakfast before starting in on the mac and cheese for the party. Then I got my grocery shopping done for the week, albeit a short week. Yay for that. The party was fun for a while but it got pretty old, since most people had known each other since childhood and I couldn't relate to most of the stories. After about 4 1/2 hours of this I excused myself and went home to finish up my wrap. I had finished the knitting on Friday night but I needed to get the ends woven in and get it blocked. It was nice to escape and have some quiet time for myself. And Tinkie was happy for the company, since it had been thundering and she's deathly afraid.
It is certainly springtime. I bought and planted a clematis last year and it has buds on it already. I don't suppose they will be opening this week. I sure hope I don't miss them altogether! Three weeks is a long time. I can't even remember if it's pink or purple! Oh well. It is a small price to pay for a 3 week vacation.
Today I've got to confirm the AirBnB reservations for Paris (leg one) and get directions to get into it. Plus get the Venice accommodations set as well. There is no address for them so I'll have to set up a meeting.
Work isn't busy so thank goodness I'll have plenty of time to get it all done.
It was a busy weekend, as I knew it would be. Saturday I got up early and had a very light breakfast before starting in on the mac and cheese for the party. Then I got my grocery shopping done for the week, albeit a short week. Yay for that. The party was fun for a while but it got pretty old, since most people had known each other since childhood and I couldn't relate to most of the stories. After about 4 1/2 hours of this I excused myself and went home to finish up my wrap. I had finished the knitting on Friday night but I needed to get the ends woven in and get it blocked. It was nice to escape and have some quiet time for myself. And Tinkie was happy for the company, since it had been thundering and she's deathly afraid.
It is certainly springtime. I bought and planted a clematis last year and it has buds on it already. I don't suppose they will be opening this week. I sure hope I don't miss them altogether! Three weeks is a long time. I can't even remember if it's pink or purple! Oh well. It is a small price to pay for a 3 week vacation.Today I've got to confirm the AirBnB reservations for Paris (leg one) and get directions to get into it. Plus get the Venice accommodations set as well. There is no address for them so I'll have to set up a meeting.
Work isn't busy so thank goodness I'll have plenty of time to get it all done.
10 April, 2015
Best laid plans
I SO wanted to finished up that wrap last night but I still have about 10 fields to go. Yes, it's getting smaller, but each field is 7 to 11 wrapped rows and that is what takes the most time. I brought it in with me today and I'm going to take my lunch and work on it and then hopefully I can finish it up tonight and block it tomorrow.
It's going to be a very busy weekend. I've got to get up early tomorrow morning and get my side dish made for the family party at noon. Me and my big mouth - they asked for a side dish and instead of making beans or something super easy I asked if they'd like homemade macaroni and cheese. It's a simple dish, yes, but very labor intensive. Ah well, live and learn.
Despite a stop at the Starbucks on the way to the transit station, the traffic was so light that I got there WAY early. I parked on the second floor and ran out, hoping I could catch the 7:11 bus and get to work early so I could leave early. But I just missed it. I needed the coffee. I had a restless night and I am very groggy this morning. I guess I can sleep in a little bit tomorrow. Maybe until 9. That would be nice.
One more week to go. Next week is going to crawl by, I just know it.
It's going to be a very busy weekend. I've got to get up early tomorrow morning and get my side dish made for the family party at noon. Me and my big mouth - they asked for a side dish and instead of making beans or something super easy I asked if they'd like homemade macaroni and cheese. It's a simple dish, yes, but very labor intensive. Ah well, live and learn.
Despite a stop at the Starbucks on the way to the transit station, the traffic was so light that I got there WAY early. I parked on the second floor and ran out, hoping I could catch the 7:11 bus and get to work early so I could leave early. But I just missed it. I needed the coffee. I had a restless night and I am very groggy this morning. I guess I can sleep in a little bit tomorrow. Maybe until 9. That would be nice.
One more week to go. Next week is going to crawl by, I just know it.
09 April, 2015
The huntress
Everyone knows that I love my dog. And I spoil my dog. But she is a dog, hence a killer. I will never forget the frantic swooping and cheeps from the pair of bird parents when Tinkerbell got into the ground nest and killed all of their babies. It was terrible! But instinct. This spring she has been very interested in a low evergreen shrub in the front garden. She snuffles under it and digs a bit at the bark surrounding it, which is quite deep since it's less than a year old. This morning she was not interested in her usual walk up and down the cul-de-sac. Instead, after a little pee down by the mailbox she wanted to go back up to the garden and investigate the shrub. So I let her sniff and paw a bit and then I noticed a little creature scuttle out of the opposite of the shrub. It looked like it was staggering a bit, so maybe it was a baby squirrel or maybe it was a sleepy shrew. Whatever it was it didn't want to be anywhere near Tinkerbell. I took her away into the house. And now I've got to be careful not to let her nose under there unsupervised.
Yesterday was such a busy day that it flew by. I had a hard workout and the upper floor of that gym is SO hot. I am going to have to dig out my running skirt to use rather than my longer yoga pants. I was soaked ten minutes into my 30 minutes of cardio. Not fun.
After dinner I worked on my wrap and I am thinking if I put my mind to it I can finish it up tonight and block it tomorrow. That would be ideal. I think one more field of the Grace Hand beaded near the end will look really great. I am very happy that the color goes so well with the Noro.
Yesterday was such a busy day that it flew by. I had a hard workout and the upper floor of that gym is SO hot. I am going to have to dig out my running skirt to use rather than my longer yoga pants. I was soaked ten minutes into my 30 minutes of cardio. Not fun.
After dinner I worked on my wrap and I am thinking if I put my mind to it I can finish it up tonight and block it tomorrow. That would be ideal. I think one more field of the Grace Hand beaded near the end will look really great. I am very happy that the color goes so well with the Noro.
08 April, 2015
Mission accomplished
Yesterday was the day. I finally got all of the reservations organized and put into folders for each leg of the trip. Seven of them. The purpose of this exercise was to make sure that every part of the trip I had thought I had organized was indeed finished. Perhaps it seems like overkill, but I know me and I know that I won't be able to sleep for worrying that I forgot some important reservation or never received the confirmation for a certain accommodation. They are all there. The most difficult part of this trip will be getting from Paris to Venice. I booked the flight with Ryanair, which only flies out of Beauvais airport. So that means an hour or so bus ride to Beauvais to arrive two hours before the one hour flight to Venice. Then from Treviso airport, another bus ride to Venice and from there a boat to the Biennale stop to be met by the apartment owner. Whew! Five days in Venice, then by train to every other place.
Noon knitting so no gym yesterday. I got two fields done on the wrap, then last night another three. At this rate I may get it finished in time to block it this weekend. It is rather .... colorful. I am still not sure I'm going to take it, but I want to have the option.
Noon knitting so no gym yesterday. I got two fields done on the wrap, then last night another three. At this rate I may get it finished in time to block it this weekend. It is rather .... colorful. I am still not sure I'm going to take it, but I want to have the option.
07 April, 2015
But I wasn't shopping!
I had an odd thing happen on Sunday. I have my account at Macy's set up so that instead of hard copy receipts, I get email receipts. We were driving back from a quick visit to Triplehorn on Sunday afternoon and I got an email from Macy's Southcenter saying my account had been credited $21 dollars for a returned item. That got me a little concerned, since I hadn't been shopping that day and I haven't been to Macy's at Southcenter for many many years. I poured myself a glass of wine and settled on the porch in the sun and called them. After about 20 minutes of navigating through automated phone hell I got a real person and we started digging into this mystery. She said the item returned had been purchased in November of 2013 and it was a sleeveless blouse. Ah ha! A couple of weekends ago I had cleaned out my closet for spring cleaning and one of the things I finally tossed was a blouse I had purchased that was just the wrong color of green. I had never even taken the tags off of it. Ben took the bag to the Goodwill donation center in Tukwila and voila, somebody found it and returned it. I did not end up with the money however. They realized the mistake and had the refund voided and redone as a gift card. So the scavenger got their $21 and I got a good laugh. Who knew you could take things back after more than a year??
Yesterday my Yahoo mail just quit working, which was a drag because I was going to start putting my trip details together and all of the confirmations, etc. are in a folder in my Yahoo mail account. After spending a couple of hours troubleshooting I got the Yahoo people onto it and went to the gym for a good workout. The crowds are thinning a bit, thank goodness. And all was well with my email by 2 o'clock. Whew. So today is the day I put things together.
I was do nothing Monday and I had all good intentions of doing a fair bit of knitting, but I got distracted by sunshine and a martini. But it's noon knitting today so we know I'll get a good hour done on it and hopefully tonight I won't be so easily distracted.
Yesterday my Yahoo mail just quit working, which was a drag because I was going to start putting my trip details together and all of the confirmations, etc. are in a folder in my Yahoo mail account. After spending a couple of hours troubleshooting I got the Yahoo people onto it and went to the gym for a good workout. The crowds are thinning a bit, thank goodness. And all was well with my email by 2 o'clock. Whew. So today is the day I put things together.
I was do nothing Monday and I had all good intentions of doing a fair bit of knitting, but I got distracted by sunshine and a martini. But it's noon knitting today so we know I'll get a good hour done on it and hopefully tonight I won't be so easily distracted.
06 April, 2015
The excitment is mounting
What an absolutely wonderful weekend I had! It started off a little weird. I woke up Saturday morning at 5 and I couldn't get back to sleep. I just couldn't! I put my sleep mask on but no go. But that was okay. The sun was shining and there was bacon for breakfast. And then there was shopping (I got a couple of layering tops) and lunch and more shopping (I got a pair of comfy boots with just the right height of heel). Then I was tired, so a quick stop at the grocery store and then home for a little nap. What was next? A walk in the park with Tinkie and then knitting of course. Knitting and a movie. I was still sleep deprived from being up so early, nap notwithstanding, so I went to bed pretty early but I managed to sleep in until after 9 Sunday morning! Glorious.
Even though it was Easter, there were no family parties because there's going to be a large one this coming Saturday. Grocery shopping was first thing on the list to get done and I wanted to stop at Target but it was closed. In fact, there were quite a few businesses that were closed, but whether it was just too early (10:30) or they were closed for Easter, I don't know. Target usually opens quite early, so I guess it was closed for Easter. The grocery store was not.
I have been meaning to get into the garden and Sunday was the day. It wasn't as sunny and warm as Saturday, but it was good enough. In other words, NOT raining. I got the hydrangea bushes pruned, the hydrangea trees pruned, and I hacked at a few bushes in front of the house that are simply the wrong types of things for that spot. They should go. Maybe this fall. The laundry got done and the house tidied. I didn't do any more knitting though, and that means I'm going to have to really get to it seriously these next few nights. If I don't get it done in time to block it Saturday then I'll have to put it aside and take a different wrap with me. I have to get the Koigu wound and the socks I'm meaning to take with me started. Starting toe up socks on two circular needles is a very fiddle-y business. I can't be doing it on a plane or a train or in an unfamiliar apartment with bad lighting.
This week -- my number one goal is to get each piece of the trip printed out and in separate folders. Then I can stop worrying and just be excited.
Even though it was Easter, there were no family parties because there's going to be a large one this coming Saturday. Grocery shopping was first thing on the list to get done and I wanted to stop at Target but it was closed. In fact, there were quite a few businesses that were closed, but whether it was just too early (10:30) or they were closed for Easter, I don't know. Target usually opens quite early, so I guess it was closed for Easter. The grocery store was not.
I have been meaning to get into the garden and Sunday was the day. It wasn't as sunny and warm as Saturday, but it was good enough. In other words, NOT raining. I got the hydrangea bushes pruned, the hydrangea trees pruned, and I hacked at a few bushes in front of the house that are simply the wrong types of things for that spot. They should go. Maybe this fall. The laundry got done and the house tidied. I didn't do any more knitting though, and that means I'm going to have to really get to it seriously these next few nights. If I don't get it done in time to block it Saturday then I'll have to put it aside and take a different wrap with me. I have to get the Koigu wound and the socks I'm meaning to take with me started. Starting toe up socks on two circular needles is a very fiddle-y business. I can't be doing it on a plane or a train or in an unfamiliar apartment with bad lighting.
This week -- my number one goal is to get each piece of the trip printed out and in separate folders. Then I can stop worrying and just be excited.
03 April, 2015
Nightmare or .......
No, not a nightmare. I woke up moaning but it was sore muscles! On Wednesday I worked my upper back and shoulders and wow .... am I ever sore! Obviously, because just turning over in bed and raising my arms woke me up. I am pretty happy about it though because I am able to get soreness. It has taken a few weeks of working out to get to the point where I can add enough weight to the machines to enable my muscles to fatigue. And actually my thighs are a bit sore today too, which is another wonderful thing. I've been gradually adding resistance to the biking and the Precor and finally I am seeing (and feeling) some results. I have laid off the running and I think I will resist running for a few more months. I wore high heels twice this week and my foot is fine. I am sure the pounding was not doing it any good.
I did a few more fields on the wrap last night - I'm up to 41, I think. That's out of a total of 65 and it is getting smaller now. I need to get it finished up by the end of next week, so I'm going to try to get some good work done on it this weekend. There are things I need to get done around the house and in preparation for the trip too. At least there are no parties or dinners or other obligations. Next weekend is another thing - too busy for a weekend before we're leaving but I'll have to cope.
Friday. Hoorah and oh please let me be able to sleep in this weekend!!
I did a few more fields on the wrap last night - I'm up to 41, I think. That's out of a total of 65 and it is getting smaller now. I need to get it finished up by the end of next week, so I'm going to try to get some good work done on it this weekend. There are things I need to get done around the house and in preparation for the trip too. At least there are no parties or dinners or other obligations. Next weekend is another thing - too busy for a weekend before we're leaving but I'll have to cope.
Friday. Hoorah and oh please let me be able to sleep in this weekend!!
02 April, 2015
The early bird gets the latte
It is a rare morning when I don't have to walk Tink before I go to work. This was one of them and so I was ready to head out way too early. What a perfect time to stop for a breakfast treat. There is a Starbucks inside the Safeway store at Cottage Lake, which is right on my way to Avondale Road. They open at 5 AM so off I went in search of a tall skinny vanilla latte. There wasn't even anyone in line ahead of me. I got in, ordered my coffee, paid with my app and was back on the road right on time. I am groggy though. I guess there wasn't enough caffeine in it!
Since I had worked my shoulders and upper back after my cardio yesterday afternoon, I was looking forward to a nice soak in the jacuzzi tub when I got home. It was great and I'm barely sore this morning but that being said, I'll for sure do leg work today.
I got one field done on the wrap. I'll have to do lots better than that if I want to be done in 10 days! I watched another two episodes of Louis while knitting and then went to bed early. I slept well but still I could do with another hour or so.
It's going to be a long day.
Since I had worked my shoulders and upper back after my cardio yesterday afternoon, I was looking forward to a nice soak in the jacuzzi tub when I got home. It was great and I'm barely sore this morning but that being said, I'll for sure do leg work today.
I got one field done on the wrap. I'll have to do lots better than that if I want to be done in 10 days! I watched another two episodes of Louis while knitting and then went to bed early. I slept well but still I could do with another hour or so.
It's going to be a long day.
01 April, 2015
Already April!
Despite being mostly bored to death at work, time is certainly flying by. I cannot believe it's April already! But the weather took a turn last night and it's cold cold cold this morning! On the way home from the Transit Center yesterday evening there was a magnificent thunder storm. I had to stop at the store for a couple of ingredients for dinner and by the time I got home the storm had mostly blown over. Poor little Tink was waiting right at the door when I walked in. She hates loud noises. Even the popping of a champagne corks scares her, so thunder is really bad. She bounced back and we had a nice little walk. She's rabbit hunting now, since they are back. I've only seen one a couple of times, but pretty soon they will be all over the neighborhood and she'll be tracking like a bloodhound.
Sometime ago I came across a packet of lettuce wrap seasoning and I picked it up, thinking it would make a nice different dinner. That's what I cooked last night and it was delicious! I used ground turkey instead of chicken or pork. I got a fresh butter lettuce and made a little rice. Seriously, it was astonishingly good! I had fresh cilantro to chop for garnish, which adds a lot to it. You put peanuts, chopped carrots, onion and water chestnuts in with the sauce and meat. Oh, it's making my mouth water just to think about it. That's going to be a staple, for sure! And just think how nice it'll be when I can use fresh lettuce from the garden. *IF* I get lettuce going this year. With all of the wildlife around, I suspect it's going to be a challenge.
Last night, as I was catching up with Louie on Netflix in preparation for the new season starting April 9, I got over the half way mark and did another beaded field on my Spring Fusion wrap. I am hoping I can get some good knitting in this weekend. I've got to have the wrap done by the weekend of the 10th so I can block it if I want to take it with me on the trip. I don't have anything much going on this weekend. I would like to get out in the garden and prune the hydrangea trees and bushes, and I need to clean and wash the truck. But that's about it. I know it's Easter but hopefully nobody will decide to have a fancy lunch and I can have Sunday to relax and knit. That's what I want.
Sometime ago I came across a packet of lettuce wrap seasoning and I picked it up, thinking it would make a nice different dinner. That's what I cooked last night and it was delicious! I used ground turkey instead of chicken or pork. I got a fresh butter lettuce and made a little rice. Seriously, it was astonishingly good! I had fresh cilantro to chop for garnish, which adds a lot to it. You put peanuts, chopped carrots, onion and water chestnuts in with the sauce and meat. Oh, it's making my mouth water just to think about it. That's going to be a staple, for sure! And just think how nice it'll be when I can use fresh lettuce from the garden. *IF* I get lettuce going this year. With all of the wildlife around, I suspect it's going to be a challenge.
Last night, as I was catching up with Louie on Netflix in preparation for the new season starting April 9, I got over the half way mark and did another beaded field on my Spring Fusion wrap. I am hoping I can get some good knitting in this weekend. I've got to have the wrap done by the weekend of the 10th so I can block it if I want to take it with me on the trip. I don't have anything much going on this weekend. I would like to get out in the garden and prune the hydrangea trees and bushes, and I need to clean and wash the truck. But that's about it. I know it's Easter but hopefully nobody will decide to have a fancy lunch and I can have Sunday to relax and knit. That's what I want.
31 March, 2015
Pet peeve 1 million and counting
Yesterday was the start of upper campus spring quarter and that means that the IMA is full of people. It's like after winter break when everyone swarms the gym with New Year's resolutions, and it doesn't last long. But in the meantime it's annoying. That's not the pet peeve though. I am bothered by those people who show up, get onto a bike or weight machine and half ass it. By that I mean, for example, the girl on the stationary bike next to me who, for the entire 30 minutes I was on my bike, peddled away with her legs not even extending fully, and who didn't even break a sweat! I swear, she was on that bike before I started and I didn't see a bead of sweat on her brow. Meanwhile I am pouring sweat 10 minutes into my 30. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders, give her a shake and say, "You're not doing it right!! Adjust that seat, extend your legs fully and put some work into it." Hah. Wouldn't it be nice though to be able to do that? I must just content myself with bitching into the wind, it seems.
The weather was extraordinary yesterday, sunny and warm. After Tink's walk I had a quick shower and made myself a drink and sat down on the porch to soak in the last of the rays. Today it's pouring rain, as predicted, so I'm glad I got that time in the sun. And while I was sitting there I noticed bees (wasps?) going into the window frame around the bathroom window. Great.
I did get the reservations for the airport shuttle made yesterday, and the pass to Academie and Uffizi museums. Good thing that I did that yesterday, because the advance passes are limited and sold out right up to the day I chose, which is April 28. Emma's birthday is the 27th and I suspect we'll be celebrating so we're going to see David at 11:30 and then the Uffizi at 3. The last time I was there David was in scaffolding for cleaning and parts of the Uffizi were closed due to water damage. That was 20 years ago! Or was it 21? I just remember that Kurt Cobain died while I was in Europe.
Noon knitting today and I brought my Spring Fusion in to work on. I didn't get that last increase field done last night and I think I'd like to take this with me on the trip. It's going to block out amazingly. But I've got to finish it first!
The weather was extraordinary yesterday, sunny and warm. After Tink's walk I had a quick shower and made myself a drink and sat down on the porch to soak in the last of the rays. Today it's pouring rain, as predicted, so I'm glad I got that time in the sun. And while I was sitting there I noticed bees (wasps?) going into the window frame around the bathroom window. Great.
I did get the reservations for the airport shuttle made yesterday, and the pass to Academie and Uffizi museums. Good thing that I did that yesterday, because the advance passes are limited and sold out right up to the day I chose, which is April 28. Emma's birthday is the 27th and I suspect we'll be celebrating so we're going to see David at 11:30 and then the Uffizi at 3. The last time I was there David was in scaffolding for cleaning and parts of the Uffizi were closed due to water damage. That was 20 years ago! Or was it 21? I just remember that Kurt Cobain died while I was in Europe.
Noon knitting today and I brought my Spring Fusion in to work on. I didn't get that last increase field done last night and I think I'd like to take this with me on the trip. It's going to block out amazingly. But I've got to finish it first!
30 March, 2015
Monday and I feel fine!
Oh how wonderful it was to wake up this morning and not feel sick! I realized I'd been sick for sometime when I started heading out with Tink for her morning walk and I hadn't put my contacts in! Out of the habit. She got her walk, I put them in while my coffee was making and headed out and still I was early at the Transit Center. The traffic was very light.
I made it through Friday all right but I was exhausted when I got home. I did get to sleep in until 9 o'clock on Saturday, which was great. I had a manicure appointment for 11 and I made it in plenty of time. Then a trip to Trader Joe's for a few staples (wine) and that was it for chores. We had plans Saturday evening for dinner and games out and it was such a fun night! We didn't take Tink, since she's been rather needy lately. It's hard when you're at someone's house, because I have to take her out on the leash when she needs to go and invariably it's at an inconvenient time. So, she stayed home and we stayed out WAY late playing table shuffle board and spades.
Again on Sunday I got to sleep in, which I am sure helped with my complete recovery from this latest cold. The mall doesn't open until 11 and we got there right spot on. There are always so many last minute things to buy when you're going away for a long trip. And especially since I'm going to carry on, which means all my liquids have to be in 100ml or smaller containers AND all fit in one quart sized zip lock. It won't be easy, but I think I'm almost there. And it's only the flight to Paris and then a few days later the flight to Venice that I've got to worry about. After that it's trains all the way and it doesn't matter. If I have to check my bag on the way home, that'll be okay.
So this week - today I hope - I've got to book the shuttle to Beauvais Airport and get the advance museum tickets for the three of us for Florence. Then I've got to figure out how to get from the airport in Venice to the train station and into Venice proper. And from there to our apartment. Details and more details.
I am just one field away from the half way point on my latest shawl. I think I'll bring it in for noon knitting until I get it done. It's quite a quick knit, but there's lots of counting.
I made it through Friday all right but I was exhausted when I got home. I did get to sleep in until 9 o'clock on Saturday, which was great. I had a manicure appointment for 11 and I made it in plenty of time. Then a trip to Trader Joe's for a few staples (wine) and that was it for chores. We had plans Saturday evening for dinner and games out and it was such a fun night! We didn't take Tink, since she's been rather needy lately. It's hard when you're at someone's house, because I have to take her out on the leash when she needs to go and invariably it's at an inconvenient time. So, she stayed home and we stayed out WAY late playing table shuffle board and spades.
Again on Sunday I got to sleep in, which I am sure helped with my complete recovery from this latest cold. The mall doesn't open until 11 and we got there right spot on. There are always so many last minute things to buy when you're going away for a long trip. And especially since I'm going to carry on, which means all my liquids have to be in 100ml or smaller containers AND all fit in one quart sized zip lock. It won't be easy, but I think I'm almost there. And it's only the flight to Paris and then a few days later the flight to Venice that I've got to worry about. After that it's trains all the way and it doesn't matter. If I have to check my bag on the way home, that'll be okay.
So this week - today I hope - I've got to book the shuttle to Beauvais Airport and get the advance museum tickets for the three of us for Florence. Then I've got to figure out how to get from the airport in Venice to the train station and into Venice proper. And from there to our apartment. Details and more details.
I am just one field away from the half way point on my latest shawl. I think I'll bring it in for noon knitting until I get it done. It's quite a quick knit, but there's lots of counting.
27 March, 2015
It lives
Holy cow. Monday went from bad to worse. I had such a terrible cough and by lunchtime I was really hacking and feeling terrible. I went home, went straight to bed and stayed there for three days. I tried to get in yesterday, but half way through my morning teeth brushing, face washing I knew it was a lost cause and back to bed I went. Tink was not such a good doggie, since it was sunny most of those days and she was always wanting to go outside, then she'd bark. Oh well, I'm nearly 100% and back in the saddle today. Friday. Good heavens.
And now we're only three weeks away from leaving and I've got a full plate here at work plus the last minute things I've still not done - getting Tinkerbell's boarding sorted, the shuttle to Beauvais, the museum tickets for Florence ..... I suspect I'll be able to carve out some time this afternoon. I won't be going to the gym at lunchtime.
So I am thinking -- I've been sick how many times since July? July, September, at least once more in November or December and now this? What's different this year? I'll tell you, it's the flu shot. I thought I was being so smart and it ends up I've been sick more times this year than last, when I didn't have a flu shot. Crazy.
Now I'd better dig in.
And now we're only three weeks away from leaving and I've got a full plate here at work plus the last minute things I've still not done - getting Tinkerbell's boarding sorted, the shuttle to Beauvais, the museum tickets for Florence ..... I suspect I'll be able to carve out some time this afternoon. I won't be going to the gym at lunchtime.
So I am thinking -- I've been sick how many times since July? July, September, at least once more in November or December and now this? What's different this year? I'll tell you, it's the flu shot. I thought I was being so smart and it ends up I've been sick more times this year than last, when I didn't have a flu shot. Crazy.
Now I'd better dig in.
23 March, 2015
Fun in the wind and rain
What a fun weekend we had in Port Townsend. I got out of here a little earlier than expected and we made the 1:40 ferry. The hotel I had booked was not that great, but there were few choices that were dog friendly and I thought this one looked the best out of the bunch - except for the $300 a night place. I wanted to be right on the water, which we were. And as luck would have it, right across the street from the BEST Mexican restaurant, and right next door to a pub that had live music Saturday night.
The wind was really whipping up on Friday night, and while walking Tink I nearly got blown over! I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but since the restaurant was right across the street, that's where we ended up rather than fighting the wind into town. It turns out it is owned and run by a cousin of another really good restaurant we have been to a few times in Union. I ordered a carnitos taco and a chile rellano and I swear, it was the very best chile rellano I have eaten. We learned to make them on the trip to Mexico last year and this one was that authentic. Just fabulous! Unfortunately I couldn't finish it because I got too full (don't you hate that?), but what I did eat of it was wonderful.
Saturday morning we decided to go up to the fort, not remembering that it is a national park and you need your park pass (which we have, but not in the fancy car), so we only got to drive around through it, not walk on the beach. But we did run into a massive garage sale at a fair ground on the way up there. Tons and tons and tons of junk. But it was fun wandering through, and the weather held up. In fact, when we got back into town and walked it was quite nice, and the sun was coming out. There were quite a few people in fancy dress, being that it was the Victorian Festival. Odd dress, not many in actual Victorian dress. But still, it was fun.
We got out fairly early on Sunday and had decided to stop in Port Gamble for breakfast, since we had stopped there last year and found the most wonderful cafe with excellent food. We were half way through our meal when I realized I had left my earrings and a sapphire ring in the hotel room!!! I have never EVER left my jewelery behind. I couldn't believe it. I of course called them right away and they had them, so we had to turn back around and drive all the way back to fetch them. It was still early enough that we only had to wait for one ferry and after stopping for groceries and asthma medicine, we were still home before 3.
And now we just have to wait ....25 days, 8 hours and 4 minutes until the real trip.
The wind was really whipping up on Friday night, and while walking Tink I nearly got blown over! I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but since the restaurant was right across the street, that's where we ended up rather than fighting the wind into town. It turns out it is owned and run by a cousin of another really good restaurant we have been to a few times in Union. I ordered a carnitos taco and a chile rellano and I swear, it was the very best chile rellano I have eaten. We learned to make them on the trip to Mexico last year and this one was that authentic. Just fabulous! Unfortunately I couldn't finish it because I got too full (don't you hate that?), but what I did eat of it was wonderful.
Saturday morning we decided to go up to the fort, not remembering that it is a national park and you need your park pass (which we have, but not in the fancy car), so we only got to drive around through it, not walk on the beach. But we did run into a massive garage sale at a fair ground on the way up there. Tons and tons and tons of junk. But it was fun wandering through, and the weather held up. In fact, when we got back into town and walked it was quite nice, and the sun was coming out. There were quite a few people in fancy dress, being that it was the Victorian Festival. Odd dress, not many in actual Victorian dress. But still, it was fun.
We got out fairly early on Sunday and had decided to stop in Port Gamble for breakfast, since we had stopped there last year and found the most wonderful cafe with excellent food. We were half way through our meal when I realized I had left my earrings and a sapphire ring in the hotel room!!! I have never EVER left my jewelery behind. I couldn't believe it. I of course called them right away and they had them, so we had to turn back around and drive all the way back to fetch them. It was still early enough that we only had to wait for one ferry and after stopping for groceries and asthma medicine, we were still home before 3.
And now we just have to wait ....25 days, 8 hours and 4 minutes until the real trip.
20 March, 2015
It's spring!
Happy first day of spring! I saw the first bunny of the season today as I was walking up to the bus. I had to take the bus to the Transit Center today because we're going to Port Townsend right from work. Yes yes, I know that in four short weeks we'll be heading to our 3 week European vacation, but somebody got antsy and had to get out of town. Tink is coming with us this time. The weather isn't going to be great, but we've got lots to look at since the Victorial Festival will be going on.
I only did one field on my newest project last night. I was so busy getting everything tidied away, my hair dried, etc. And I'm not bringing it with me. I do have a great book to read, so if I've got down time this weekend, that's what I'll do.
I was so busy this week that I didn't get around to calling the boarding place to see about what kind of deal we can set up for Tinkerbell for three weeks. Nor did I get the bus tickets to Beauvais airport purchased. Hopefully I'll have a little more time next week. This morning I'm giving an exam, and grading it, as well as getting the last minute details done for the HuBio 532 class. Then one o'clock and I'm out the door. Yay weekend!
I only did one field on my newest project last night. I was so busy getting everything tidied away, my hair dried, etc. And I'm not bringing it with me. I do have a great book to read, so if I've got down time this weekend, that's what I'll do.
I was so busy this week that I didn't get around to calling the boarding place to see about what kind of deal we can set up for Tinkerbell for three weeks. Nor did I get the bus tickets to Beauvais airport purchased. Hopefully I'll have a little more time next week. This morning I'm giving an exam, and grading it, as well as getting the last minute details done for the HuBio 532 class. Then one o'clock and I'm out the door. Yay weekend!
19 March, 2015
New project
I came home to find four packages on the porch! And one of them was the yarn I have been waiting for, the five skeins of Noro Ayatori. Isn't that just springtime in a skein? I couldn't wait to start my new project using this yarn. I got the kitchen cleaned up, a load of laundry going and then wound up two balls of Noro Cash Iroha in a light pink to use as the "furrow" yarn, and one ball of the silver Artyarns Silk and Sequins light from a Yarnbox to use for one sparkly "field", and I cast on for the Swing Knits Autumn Fusion although obviously mine will be a Spring Fusion. I got to field 9, which was a good start. But it was getting late and I wanted to read, so I headed to bed. And then what happened? I read, and read and still didn't feel like I could fall asleep, but by then is was getting really late, so I put the iPad away and tossed and turned for what seemed like hours. Needless to say, I was NOT ready for the alarm go to off this morning. The only good thing about this is that I will for sure sleep the sleep of the dead tonight!
18 March, 2015
Still waiting
I was so disappointed yesterday when my yarn was not in the mailbox. I really want to start that new project. So I didn't do any knitting last night but instead caught up on some TV programs I had recorded. The two programs I watch on Showtime are finished up now, so I'm going to change to HBO. I like HBO much better, but it doesn't have Inside the NFL, so I switch to Showtime when that's on.
My stomach is SO upset today. I sure hope I'm not getting sick. I have lots to do this week and that's not been the case these past few weeks. So I'll just ignore it, shall I?
Friday is the first day of spring. I have had to use a flashlight in the mornings when walking Tink but I think by the end of this week that I won't have to do that any more. Nice. I still have to wake up in the pitch black though and I hate that. I can't wake up properly. I'm still groggy now. And grumpy. Might as well work.
My stomach is SO upset today. I sure hope I'm not getting sick. I have lots to do this week and that's not been the case these past few weeks. So I'll just ignore it, shall I?
Friday is the first day of spring. I have had to use a flashlight in the mornings when walking Tink but I think by the end of this week that I won't have to do that any more. Nice. I still have to wake up in the pitch black though and I hate that. I can't wake up properly. I'm still groggy now. And grumpy. Might as well work.
17 March, 2015
The perils of procrastination
There are two ways to enter and leave the house. The garage and the front door. The vehicles have door openers and there is also a keypad outside of the garage door. However, that hasn't worked for a couple of weeks and we just haven't taken the time to fix it. It's not really an issue for me because I typically go in and out of the front door, using my key to lock it and the garage door opener when I get home. And we had also spoken of leaving a key outside so when we're gone for three weeks there is a key for whoever comes to check on the house. But we didn't do that this last weekend either. Do you see where this is going? I got home last night just a bit early, there not being so much traffic since it's spring break. The house cleaners were just finishing up so I dropped my stuff in my office, got the dog and her leash, my phone and headphones and out we went for a walk. Imagine my surprise then when I walked past the house less than five minutes later and they were gone. My heart sank. Did they lock the door? Oh of course they did! Thankfully it wasn't raining. I walked Tinkerbell for as long as she wanted to walk, then we sat in the front and waited for Ben to get home. I'll tell you what, there is a key hidden out there now. But that really put a damper on my evening. I was SO mad at myself.
I finished my last project, a Wingspan out of the last Yarnbox classic yarns. I am awaiting a package from DBNY of some lovely Noro Ayadori in a beautiful pastel colorway. I'm going to make the SwingKnits Autumn Fusion Shawl. I think it's going to be awesome. I'll also use up some Artyarns Sequin Light to give one of the panels a little bit of sparkle. I sure hope I get that yarn tonight. I am really anxious to start it. And every week I do a couple of rows on the Jo's Pride. I just keep it at work.
Work is busy this week and I am looking forward to leaving a bit early on Friday and heading out to Port Townsend. I hear there is a Victorian Festival this coming weekend. Kind of sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? Were the Victorians festive?
I finished my last project, a Wingspan out of the last Yarnbox classic yarns. I am awaiting a package from DBNY of some lovely Noro Ayadori in a beautiful pastel colorway. I'm going to make the SwingKnits Autumn Fusion Shawl. I think it's going to be awesome. I'll also use up some Artyarns Sequin Light to give one of the panels a little bit of sparkle. I sure hope I get that yarn tonight. I am really anxious to start it. And every week I do a couple of rows on the Jo's Pride. I just keep it at work.
Work is busy this week and I am looking forward to leaving a bit early on Friday and heading out to Port Townsend. I hear there is a Victorian Festival this coming weekend. Kind of sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? Were the Victorians festive?
16 March, 2015
Tinkerbell's busy weekend
Poor Tink. There are two things she really doesn't like and she had to do both of them this weekend. First thing Saturday morning she was up at the Doggie Care Resort for a grooming. While she was getting groomed, I did too. Thankfully I was able to move my hair appointment to Saturday, having found a hotel in Port Townsend for this coming weekend. I had to run a quick errant at Macy's, then lunch and back to pick her up.
I stayed up WAY too late Saturday night. It was poker night. I came out ahead, but not by much. Then I wasn't sleepy after everyone left, so we watched a movie. But Sunday morning .... I was a bit sleepy then, but Tink had her annual medical exam and Bordatella shot. She was shaking like a leaf as soon as we got into the vet's waiting room. She HATES it. The shots hurt I suppose. It was pouring rain, but we had a reservation at Serafina's for brunch. What a lovely treat! I only wish I had thought to bring an umbrella. We arrived too early for our reservation and had to sit in the car, since the rain was coming down in buckets.
The rest of Sunday was knitting and snoozing and watching a spring training baseball game. Thankfully I've got a busy week ahead, so I'd better get on with it!
I stayed up WAY too late Saturday night. It was poker night. I came out ahead, but not by much. Then I wasn't sleepy after everyone left, so we watched a movie. But Sunday morning .... I was a bit sleepy then, but Tink had her annual medical exam and Bordatella shot. She was shaking like a leaf as soon as we got into the vet's waiting room. She HATES it. The shots hurt I suppose. It was pouring rain, but we had a reservation at Serafina's for brunch. What a lovely treat! I only wish I had thought to bring an umbrella. We arrived too early for our reservation and had to sit in the car, since the rain was coming down in buckets.
The rest of Sunday was knitting and snoozing and watching a spring training baseball game. Thankfully I've got a busy week ahead, so I'd better get on with it!
12 March, 2015
And the total is .....
133 messages in my spam folder this morning. My spam folder doesn't show up on my iPhone or iPad. Imagine how many there are going to be when I'm gone for 3 weeks. I suppose Yahoo empties it now and again automatically. We'll see.
I finished up my stash posting yesterday evening. And the two shawls I had pinned out on Monday were finally dry, so I wore the Brown Eyed Susan today. It blocked out so well. Lovely drape. I didn't feel like cooking last night either. Thank goodness for Trader Joe's. We made a meal of hors oeuvres. Tonight I'll be better and cook up some Italian chicken sausages and peppers. Yum
Tink has finally come to terms with the time change and we all slept well last night. I was so tired. I worked my legs hard at the gym yesterday but I'm not very sore today at all, thankfully. Today I'll do the bike and upper body. And then tomorrow -- run! Yay!
Despite having a wonderful 3 week vacation to look forward to in 36 days, I am charged with finding a hotel for next weekend, just for a little get away time. That's going to be fun, although I'm going to have to move my hair appointment to this weekend (I hope!). Someplace not too far away that accepts pets. It shouldn't be too hard to find.
You know the problem with having snacks for dinner? I wake up starving!!
I finished up my stash posting yesterday evening. And the two shawls I had pinned out on Monday were finally dry, so I wore the Brown Eyed Susan today. It blocked out so well. Lovely drape. I didn't feel like cooking last night either. Thank goodness for Trader Joe's. We made a meal of hors oeuvres. Tonight I'll be better and cook up some Italian chicken sausages and peppers. Yum
Tink has finally come to terms with the time change and we all slept well last night. I was so tired. I worked my legs hard at the gym yesterday but I'm not very sore today at all, thankfully. Today I'll do the bike and upper body. And then tomorrow -- run! Yay!
Despite having a wonderful 3 week vacation to look forward to in 36 days, I am charged with finding a hotel for next weekend, just for a little get away time. That's going to be fun, although I'm going to have to move my hair appointment to this weekend (I hope!). Someplace not too far away that accepts pets. It shouldn't be too hard to find.
You know the problem with having snacks for dinner? I wake up starving!!
11 March, 2015
Spam, spam and more spam
I cannot believe how much mail goes into my spam folder! Today I'm not going to clean it out, as I usually do first thing in the morning and then periodically throughout the day. I'm going to leave it and see how much is there tomorrow morning. Right now there are 50 messages. Garbage. Thank goodness for spam filters.
Noon knitting was fun yesterday, and that was about it for my day. Pretty quiet. I had an urge when I got home to get back to cataloging my yarn on Ravelry. I've been so bad for so long. I never post my stash or my projects on there anymore and I actually use it a lot for searching for patterns. So I sat down after my chores and a bath (I was really sore) and started going through my yarn, inputting the information into my Ravelry stash. I took pictures and today I'm going to put the pictures with the yarns. I got about half way done. And I have a lot of yarn!! Especially since I've been getting Yarnbox. A lot of that was already used up.
I really wasn't interested in making dinner. I was so wrapped up in my project. Finally I made myself a ham sandwich. That's a fine dinner. But I'm hungry this morning! I had heard that there was a fun original series on Netflix, so I watched a few episodes, then headed to bed to read. I'm trying to stay awake until 10 before turning out the light. The time change is taking its toll. Tink has been having a hard time with it and again woke me to get water in the middle of the night. I am going to take her out late tonight and hopefully she will sleep through the night. I am so groggy.
My chest and arms are still very sore. I'll only work my legs today. Let me see if I can get soreness there!
Noon knitting was fun yesterday, and that was about it for my day. Pretty quiet. I had an urge when I got home to get back to cataloging my yarn on Ravelry. I've been so bad for so long. I never post my stash or my projects on there anymore and I actually use it a lot for searching for patterns. So I sat down after my chores and a bath (I was really sore) and started going through my yarn, inputting the information into my Ravelry stash. I took pictures and today I'm going to put the pictures with the yarns. I got about half way done. And I have a lot of yarn!! Especially since I've been getting Yarnbox. A lot of that was already used up.
I really wasn't interested in making dinner. I was so wrapped up in my project. Finally I made myself a ham sandwich. That's a fine dinner. But I'm hungry this morning! I had heard that there was a fun original series on Netflix, so I watched a few episodes, then headed to bed to read. I'm trying to stay awake until 10 before turning out the light. The time change is taking its toll. Tink has been having a hard time with it and again woke me to get water in the middle of the night. I am going to take her out late tonight and hopefully she will sleep through the night. I am so groggy.
My chest and arms are still very sore. I'll only work my legs today. Let me see if I can get soreness there!
10 March, 2015
Euro vs US Dollar
I cannot remember how long it's been since the dollar has been so strong against the Euro. Today $1 = .93 Euro. I sure hope it stays like this. That would be a nice little bonus for our trip.
Since my Husky card wasn't scanning at the IMA I had to get a new one, so I took off a little earlier than usual to walk up to the Husky Card office on upper campus. Since I hadn't taken the time to change my card after the divorce, I got a free card because name changes are free. And then I strolled in the sunshine down to the gym and had the new card activated, so I was there a little earlier than usual. It doesn't really matter, because the upstairs isn't all that busy anyway. I did the bike again and then some upper body machines, putting a little more weight on them. I am just a little sore this morning, but I can still move around. Perfect. Today is noon knitting, so a day off. Then tomorrow I'll do the Precor and lower body machines.
The clouds have moved in and we're supposed to get some rain tonight. I am hating the darkness in the morning. I had just gotten used to walking Tink with some light and this morning I forgot the flashlight. Which is kind of unsafe since there are only a couple of streetlights for the entire neighborhood so you're pretty much invisible without a light. There are a few people who take off for work around that time and I like to stay visible for them. Tink actually walked today rather spend the entire time with her nose to the ground. I wonder what had been in the yard yesterday morning. She didn't even want to go to the road. She wanted to stay in the garden, sniffing.
Ouch! I just tried to stretch. My chest is more sore than I thought!
Since my Husky card wasn't scanning at the IMA I had to get a new one, so I took off a little earlier than usual to walk up to the Husky Card office on upper campus. Since I hadn't taken the time to change my card after the divorce, I got a free card because name changes are free. And then I strolled in the sunshine down to the gym and had the new card activated, so I was there a little earlier than usual. It doesn't really matter, because the upstairs isn't all that busy anyway. I did the bike again and then some upper body machines, putting a little more weight on them. I am just a little sore this morning, but I can still move around. Perfect. Today is noon knitting, so a day off. Then tomorrow I'll do the Precor and lower body machines.
The clouds have moved in and we're supposed to get some rain tonight. I am hating the darkness in the morning. I had just gotten used to walking Tink with some light and this morning I forgot the flashlight. Which is kind of unsafe since there are only a couple of streetlights for the entire neighborhood so you're pretty much invisible without a light. There are a few people who take off for work around that time and I like to stay visible for them. Tink actually walked today rather spend the entire time with her nose to the ground. I wonder what had been in the yard yesterday morning. She didn't even want to go to the road. She wanted to stay in the garden, sniffing.
Ouch! I just tried to stretch. My chest is more sore than I thought!
09 March, 2015
More sun
What a crazy gorgeous weekend we had! All sorts of plans on getting cracking on some early yard work and finally finishing sorting the office/game room went by the wayside, replaced by other outdoor activities involving driving around with the top down and strolling neighborhoods looking for places to sit in the sun and have a drink. Well, it wasn't all fun and games, but a lot of it was.
Saturday morning I got the manicure and pedicure out of the way early, after a trip to Costco where I stood in line for 30 minutes(!) to order new contact lenses. At this time there is no other way to order them than in person. Not on the phone and certainly not on line. But the woman at the counter said that it coming soon. On the plus side, when they do arrive I don't have to take a number and wait, I can just pick them up. I had hoped to get the Costco run done, get the grocery store out of the way, and then head to the salon for an 11:30 appointment, but after taking so long at Costco I had to head straight to the salon. After I was done we headed to the 192nd St. Brewery, which has a most charming outside area with mismatched chairs and tables, right on the trail. Well, about a bazillion other people had the same idea and the line was well outside the door with people standing in line for beer and to order food. The proprietors are still a bit taken aback by how popular their place is. But it's the location! It's right off the Burke Gilman trail, there's plenty of seating outdoors, the food is good and the beer is awesome and not only can you bring your dog but your children as well. It was fairly swarming with kids.
Sunday was a bit more leisurely in the morning but out we went in mid-morning to stroll around Redmond and stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on wine, among other things. But I did have things that really needed to get done, so back home for some work. I got the laundry going and finally blocked two shawls. The most recent one, Incentive, and one I had done months ago, the Brown Eyed Susan. Both of these are done using Yarnbox yarns.
This is an detail of Incentive. I did some mods, making it symmetrical so I could use all of the yarn.
And here a detail of the BrownEyed Susan. Done in blues and greens, obviously. Usually I don't like the mottled yarns but I thought since it was Seahawks colors I could use it. It's whimsical. The lace edging it really quite cute.
Hopefully they will be dry tonight.
Saturday morning I got the manicure and pedicure out of the way early, after a trip to Costco where I stood in line for 30 minutes(!) to order new contact lenses. At this time there is no other way to order them than in person. Not on the phone and certainly not on line. But the woman at the counter said that it coming soon. On the plus side, when they do arrive I don't have to take a number and wait, I can just pick them up. I had hoped to get the Costco run done, get the grocery store out of the way, and then head to the salon for an 11:30 appointment, but after taking so long at Costco I had to head straight to the salon. After I was done we headed to the 192nd St. Brewery, which has a most charming outside area with mismatched chairs and tables, right on the trail. Well, about a bazillion other people had the same idea and the line was well outside the door with people standing in line for beer and to order food. The proprietors are still a bit taken aback by how popular their place is. But it's the location! It's right off the Burke Gilman trail, there's plenty of seating outdoors, the food is good and the beer is awesome and not only can you bring your dog but your children as well. It was fairly swarming with kids.
Sunday was a bit more leisurely in the morning but out we went in mid-morning to stroll around Redmond and stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on wine, among other things. But I did have things that really needed to get done, so back home for some work. I got the laundry going and finally blocked two shawls. The most recent one, Incentive, and one I had done months ago, the Brown Eyed Susan. Both of these are done using Yarnbox yarns.
Hopefully they will be dry tonight.
06 March, 2015
Changing it up
What a wonderful surprise to find my Luxe Yarnbox in the mail when I got home. And is it ever gorgeous!! I am very glad I changed my preferences to purple on the Luxe box. I would actually call this almost pink, but if I had pink as my preference I would have ended up with a magenta and reds and pinks in the cashmere blend yarn. I am most pleased. So I will keep the Luxe subscription for a little longer.
We had been planning to visit a little brewery on Friday, but switched it up to last night. It was fun. Tink came along and she was a very very good dog. Of course, she was the only dog and that makes a big difference to her. The beer was good. The ambiance could be a bit better but being able to bring the dog in counts for a lot.
I had seen on the television at the IMA yesterday that the Safeway stores were changing into Haggen and I was well pleased, since there is a Safeway one mile from my place and I have to go over 5 miles to a Haggen. But when I asked the girl at the deli counter, where we stopped on the way home, if they were going to be changing to Haggen tomorrow, she said no! Oh poo! She said that Safeway is changing into an Albertson's. I never shop at Albertson's. I didn't have my headphones plugged into the TV at the gym, so I was just reading on the screen as the news went by. Obviously not every Safeway is turning into Haggen. Too bad.
What is up for this weekend? Not too much. Hopefully some sleeping in. And don't forget to turn your clocks forward! More sunshine.
We had been planning to visit a little brewery on Friday, but switched it up to last night. It was fun. Tink came along and she was a very very good dog. Of course, she was the only dog and that makes a big difference to her. The beer was good. The ambiance could be a bit better but being able to bring the dog in counts for a lot.
I had seen on the television at the IMA yesterday that the Safeway stores were changing into Haggen and I was well pleased, since there is a Safeway one mile from my place and I have to go over 5 miles to a Haggen. But when I asked the girl at the deli counter, where we stopped on the way home, if they were going to be changing to Haggen tomorrow, she said no! Oh poo! She said that Safeway is changing into an Albertson's. I never shop at Albertson's. I didn't have my headphones plugged into the TV at the gym, so I was just reading on the screen as the news went by. Obviously not every Safeway is turning into Haggen. Too bad.
What is up for this weekend? Not too much. Hopefully some sleeping in. And don't forget to turn your clocks forward! More sunshine.
05 March, 2015
The demise of the scratch baked scone
I don't often get baked goods in the morning, preferring my fruit and oatmeal or lately, a Special K flat bread egg sandwich. However, I wanted a raisin scone today so I stopped in at the Rotunda on my way upstairs only to find that the usual homemade scones have been replaced by bakery scones. Those are not scones. They're too sweet. And iced! I liked the other ones. Some days they would have savory ones with bacon, other times they would put seasonal berries in them. Ah well - you can't turn back time. Pity, that.
Is it because I'll be going soon or something else? I don't know, but this time of year does always seem to bring back strong memories of my time in Paris. I suppose because it was such an intense time. Those memories are really and truly burnt in.
My workout was wonderful yesterday. I am rather disappointed in myself that I let it go this long rather than just accepting the fact that the road to running again would be a long one. I feel just SO much better for having some good, hard exercise. Yesterday I did the recumbent bike and then some leg machines. Today I think it will be the Precor and more upper body work. I think I can expand my machines to a few more exercises. I am not getting as sore as I expected to get. That's good news. So I can go a little harder.
I was tired when I got home. But good tired. Tink got walked, I got cleaned up and got the soup on the stove. While it was cooking I ripped back the two triangles I had done on the Wingspan and started it again. I watched a little bit of TV and re-started it, going just a little beyond where I had gotten the first time. It's much better without the glaring mistake. I wonder when the Luxe Yarnbox is supposed to arrive. I wonder if I can get those other projects blocked this weekend. We're losing an hour after all.
Is it because I'll be going soon or something else? I don't know, but this time of year does always seem to bring back strong memories of my time in Paris. I suppose because it was such an intense time. Those memories are really and truly burnt in.
My workout was wonderful yesterday. I am rather disappointed in myself that I let it go this long rather than just accepting the fact that the road to running again would be a long one. I feel just SO much better for having some good, hard exercise. Yesterday I did the recumbent bike and then some leg machines. Today I think it will be the Precor and more upper body work. I think I can expand my machines to a few more exercises. I am not getting as sore as I expected to get. That's good news. So I can go a little harder.
I was tired when I got home. But good tired. Tink got walked, I got cleaned up and got the soup on the stove. While it was cooking I ripped back the two triangles I had done on the Wingspan and started it again. I watched a little bit of TV and re-started it, going just a little beyond where I had gotten the first time. It's much better without the glaring mistake. I wonder when the Luxe Yarnbox is supposed to arrive. I wonder if I can get those other projects blocked this weekend. We're losing an hour after all.
04 March, 2015
44 days and counting
This morning is really hit me. Maybe it was the sunshine. Anyway .... 44 days until vacation! 44 days until I get on a plane for Paris and then on to Italy. It is finally feeling real and I'm getting excited. Now comes the hard part - well, besides waiting. I've got to read up on where we'll be and familiarize myself with the options of things to see. I know a couple places I want to go, but I'll have to pick and choose. And I would like to find a day trip around Venice. So much to do. So much fun to have. Adventures.
I didn't get as sore as I thought I would, although as I said I took it pretty easy on myself. My chest is sore but tolerable. Today I'll work out the legs after 30 minutes of cardio. I think I'll do the bike today. It's beautiful outside and there are some bikes facing the windows. But first a meeting. And some work.
I decided to make a Wingspan with my latest Yarnbox yarn rather than wait for the Luxe box. I wound the yarn before dinner last night and got started. But I was watching some of my silly recorded stuff and got distracted and made a mistake. I thought I could fix it but it looks stupid and ugly, so I'm going to take it out tonight and start over again. It's a quick knit and perfect TV knitting IF one can resist getting distracted. It's easy but you do have to pay attention to which row you're knitting. I am loving the yarn - Knitted Wit Polwarth Shimmer and Sincere Sheep Luminous, which is a wool and silk blend in DK weight. Lovely and soft.
I didn't get as sore as I thought I would, although as I said I took it pretty easy on myself. My chest is sore but tolerable. Today I'll work out the legs after 30 minutes of cardio. I think I'll do the bike today. It's beautiful outside and there are some bikes facing the windows. But first a meeting. And some work.
I decided to make a Wingspan with my latest Yarnbox yarn rather than wait for the Luxe box. I wound the yarn before dinner last night and got started. But I was watching some of my silly recorded stuff and got distracted and made a mistake. I thought I could fix it but it looks stupid and ugly, so I'm going to take it out tonight and start over again. It's a quick knit and perfect TV knitting IF one can resist getting distracted. It's easy but you do have to pay attention to which row you're knitting. I am loving the yarn - Knitted Wit Polwarth Shimmer and Sincere Sheep Luminous, which is a wool and silk blend in DK weight. Lovely and soft.
03 March, 2015
Automatic
Good news for me -- the exam was over by 11:30 and I got to the gym early enough to beat the rush. I got my basket and towel and changed and walked up to the top floor. Ah, it was the same as it was when I was there before. The basement has locker rooms and studios for classes plus a big free weight area, the main floor has mostly machines with a couple of small areas with mats for stretching and floor exercises. The second floor is access to the climbing wall and the top floor is a glass enclosed track with two areas inside the track divided by an elevator. One side is a small group of machines - treadmills, Precors and bicycles. The other side has the older weight machines and stretching mats. This part is used by fewer people, and mostly more mature people - except for those running. I like it up there. And I wasn't the oldest person nor the fattest. Bonus. I did 30 minutes on the Precor and then a few sets on a couple of upper body machines. I didn't want to overdo it and I did well -- I'm just a little bit sore in my chest and arms. Perfect. Today is noon knitting so I get a rest and then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I can hit it again. Wednesday I'll probably bike and do a few leg machines. Then we'll take it from there. Perhaps on Friday I can have a little run. We'll see.
It is cold and clear. Really cold. I like all of the sunshine though. I am looking forward to turning the clocks forward this coming weekend. It will be nice to have a little more light at the end of the day, although darker mornings for a while longer.
My hand is a little sore still from all the knitting I did over the past few weeks so I gave it a rest last night. I know what I'm getting in my Luxe Yarnbox so now I can plan my next project. Not to say that Jo's Pride is done, but I'm leaving it here at work and only working on it Tuesdays for now. I need less intense projects for home.
It is cold and clear. Really cold. I like all of the sunshine though. I am looking forward to turning the clocks forward this coming weekend. It will be nice to have a little more light at the end of the day, although darker mornings for a while longer.
My hand is a little sore still from all the knitting I did over the past few weeks so I gave it a rest last night. I know what I'm getting in my Luxe Yarnbox so now I can plan my next project. Not to say that Jo's Pride is done, but I'm leaving it here at work and only working on it Tuesdays for now. I need less intense projects for home.
02 March, 2015
Complete
One of my goals for the weekend was to finish up the Incentive wrap. I did finally get it done on Sunday. Those last few inches took a longer time than I had anticipated. I do have just enough yarn for tassels too, which is awesome. I was going to block it but then realized I couldn't do it because the cleaners come today and I can't have it laying around on the floor. It'll be on my list for this coming weekend. I wanted to wind the pretty yarn I got in my classic YarnBox but thought I'd rather wait and see what the Luxe box has in store. I might want to work with that yarn first. Big reveal today on Ravelry but I won't be getting mine for at least a week.
So the weekend was nice. On Saturday after an early appointment at the Volvo dealer we went back to get Tinkerbell and then for a walk at the Tolt McDonald park and campground in Carnation. She really like it and I did too. What a pretty park! The only bad part was the bridge over from the parking lot to the campground. It was a high bridge, suspended and it moved when you walked on it! Very scary. Not comfortable at all for someone with height issues. Me. And Tink was having a hard time as well because there is only a narrow strip where the wood is solid. Otherwise it has slats and her little feet went through. She got it right away.
Monika and Andre came over for an evening of Rummikub. I believe we've created a monster. They just love the game. And I must say it's more fun with four than two.
I have to give an exam today, which I was not planning on. It got sprung on me this weekend. I wish I had been asked my preference for the timing. Now I've got to sit with a woman from 11 am. She has an hour and she'll probably use every minute of it. That's going to put me right in the middle of the busy time at my first day at the gym. I've still got to get a locker. Oh well. I managed to get two sets of workout clothes this weekend and all of the little things together - shower shoes and toiletries. This is going to be very different for me. I seriously can't remember how long it's been except I do remember rehabbing that ankle. How much longer after that I went I cannot remember. Ah well. It'll come back to me for sure.
So the weekend was nice. On Saturday after an early appointment at the Volvo dealer we went back to get Tinkerbell and then for a walk at the Tolt McDonald park and campground in Carnation. She really like it and I did too. What a pretty park! The only bad part was the bridge over from the parking lot to the campground. It was a high bridge, suspended and it moved when you walked on it! Very scary. Not comfortable at all for someone with height issues. Me. And Tink was having a hard time as well because there is only a narrow strip where the wood is solid. Otherwise it has slats and her little feet went through. She got it right away.
Monika and Andre came over for an evening of Rummikub. I believe we've created a monster. They just love the game. And I must say it's more fun with four than two.
I have to give an exam today, which I was not planning on. It got sprung on me this weekend. I wish I had been asked my preference for the timing. Now I've got to sit with a woman from 11 am. She has an hour and she'll probably use every minute of it. That's going to put me right in the middle of the busy time at my first day at the gym. I've still got to get a locker. Oh well. I managed to get two sets of workout clothes this weekend and all of the little things together - shower shoes and toiletries. This is going to be very different for me. I seriously can't remember how long it's been except I do remember rehabbing that ankle. How much longer after that I went I cannot remember. Ah well. It'll come back to me for sure.
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