Our neighbors up the street have their Christmas lights up on the house already AND lit!! They did it November 1. I think that's a little crazy but .... whatever. I like house decorations, but I think it's better to wait at least until December 1, don't you?
Yesterday was absolutely insane here. We had a huge four hour lab in the afternoon and found out in the morning, as I was getting the stuff together for the lab, that one of our faculty members wasn't going to make it, since he's come down with the terrible cold going around. So it was run, run, run trying to find rooms to accommodate half again as many people as normal, plus re-doing the signs, contacting the students -- oh, and cutting out 50 two-piece dural sinus models. I was more than ready to hop it as soon as lab got underway.
Tink's hip seems to be improving little by little, although she is having a hard time not playing. She found one of her balls yesterday and kept trying to get me to throw it. I feel so sorry for her! It's not like I can explain to her that I'm not being mean, but that it is for her own good. Maybe by the end of the weekend she'll be able to play a little ball.
It's not going to be a very restful weekend since we've got to be up to the Lynnwood Volvo dealership at 8:30 tomorrow morning to get the car serviced. Then people for dinner Saturday night. Sunday is a bye week for the Seahawks so hopefully we can just veg around the house and get a nice rest in. The following weekend we're going to Anacortes. The good news is that I get Wednesday off for Veteran's Day. So I will get a rest at least.
I made the plane reservations for our April/May trip. I've got to do my math so I will have enough vacation days AND be able to take some time off for a little trip with my sister this winter. I can check on that this morning.
06 November, 2015
04 November, 2015
Decided
Right -- it is decided. We're going to go to Italy after France. I don't think we'll spend the entire seven days at the gite in Burgundy. Maybe five days there, a couple in Rome and a few in some town on the Cinque Terre, then back to Paris and home. Only two weeks this time.
Netflix has "Black Books" now and so last night I knit on the blanket and watched a few episodes. I did watch the series before, but it was a few years ago. I don't mind having a second look.
It has gotten quite cold at night -- well, even in the days. No frost on the vehicle windows yet, but it won't be long. And I know now why I can't see .... the head lights are pointed UP! They don't shine on the road. They're going to have to be refocused this weekend.
Yesterday again was quite busy but today is going to be quiet and I'm going to head out early so I can get my hair done before we go out this evening. Wednesday is the medical student day at clinic or whatever and I'm all set for class Thursday. No meetings except noon knitting. It's a good catch up day unless one is already caught up!
Netflix has "Black Books" now and so last night I knit on the blanket and watched a few episodes. I did watch the series before, but it was a few years ago. I don't mind having a second look.
It has gotten quite cold at night -- well, even in the days. No frost on the vehicle windows yet, but it won't be long. And I know now why I can't see .... the head lights are pointed UP! They don't shine on the road. They're going to have to be refocused this weekend.
Yesterday again was quite busy but today is going to be quiet and I'm going to head out early so I can get my hair done before we go out this evening. Wednesday is the medical student day at clinic or whatever and I'm all set for class Thursday. No meetings except noon knitting. It's a good catch up day unless one is already caught up!
03 November, 2015
Five months and three weeks!
Oh hurrah! The gite is booked for April 23 through 30. Now I can start planning the rest of our trip. First we've got to decide if we're going to Italy before the gite or after. Then I can start planning the trip.
It was a busy weekend and yesterday was a crazy Monday. I didn't have a second to breathe until noon. Today will be busy as well, but not quite as bad as yesterday.
The weekend was a bit weird because I had been feeling off all week and really wanted nothing to do but stay in bed. We were supposed to go out for Halloween but really, I just wasn't up to it. I watched football and it was good! The Huskies beat Arizona and the Cougars coug-ed it against Stanford. Both were good games all the way through. On Sunday I made a pot of red beans and rice and we had Ben's family over to discuss the holidays and watch the Seahawks. Oh that game was SO tough to watch. We won, but wow ... a nail biter.
It is nice to have a little more light in the mornings for Tink's walk. She is doing a little bit better. It is difficult to keep her from frisking around. She really really wants to chase the ball. But not until the end of the week and only if she's not limping.
The blanket is coming right along. I worked on it quite a bit on the weekend and now I need to make myself pick it up during the week as well. I want it done! I have so many other projects I want to work on and I don't dare start another project until this one is done because it is so huge.
Yesterday a woman was mean to me on the bus and it colored my whole day! Why are people SO mean to strangers? I just don't get it.
It was a busy weekend and yesterday was a crazy Monday. I didn't have a second to breathe until noon. Today will be busy as well, but not quite as bad as yesterday.
The weekend was a bit weird because I had been feeling off all week and really wanted nothing to do but stay in bed. We were supposed to go out for Halloween but really, I just wasn't up to it. I watched football and it was good! The Huskies beat Arizona and the Cougars coug-ed it against Stanford. Both were good games all the way through. On Sunday I made a pot of red beans and rice and we had Ben's family over to discuss the holidays and watch the Seahawks. Oh that game was SO tough to watch. We won, but wow ... a nail biter.
It is nice to have a little more light in the mornings for Tink's walk. She is doing a little bit better. It is difficult to keep her from frisking around. She really really wants to chase the ball. But not until the end of the week and only if she's not limping.
The blanket is coming right along. I worked on it quite a bit on the weekend and now I need to make myself pick it up during the week as well. I want it done! I have so many other projects I want to work on and I don't dare start another project until this one is done because it is so huge.
Yesterday a woman was mean to me on the bus and it colored my whole day! Why are people SO mean to strangers? I just don't get it.
30 October, 2015
Soup weather
It's not particular cold yet, but totally soup weather. Yesterday was my late meeting day, so I got home earlier than normal. After trying to interest Tink in a walk - not very successfully - I wound some yarn for Monika, since she doesn't have a swift and ball winder. And then I got my first potato leek soup of the season ready for the pot. My meeting went until a little after 7, so we didn't get to eat until nearly 7:30, but it was well worth the wait. And I've got enough left over to freeze and have for another meal. Yum!
I hope to have a quiet weekend, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I have to get Tink to the groomer at 9 Saturday morning, then a manicure and pedicure sometime in the morning and perhaps a trip to Triplehorn in the evening, although at this point I think I'd rather stay home and watch Husky football.
Sunday will be laundry and football, the Seahawks playing the afternoon game. They're playing the Cowboys, who don't have their quarterback and are using a not-so-good backup. We should beat them and if we want to have any chance at the playoff, had better beat them. Fingers crossed. And Sunday I should be able to get some good work done on that blanket. I have a little more than half to go and I'm already pretty bored with it, although it is going to be SUCH a nice blanket. The camel hair .... soooooooo soft.
My wanderlust is killing me. I still don't have the dates for our spring trip and I am quite keen to start planning, if only to keep my mind off the next two months which, despite the holidays, are going to be grueling and hard and no extra days off for vacation since I have to save up for spring.
My new iPhone is awesome and I almost have it set the way I want it. I do love those moving photos and the 3D touch -- pretty cool. Not to mention the color. Oh and my favorite feature - the fingerprint ID. That is very handy.
I hope to have a quiet weekend, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I have to get Tink to the groomer at 9 Saturday morning, then a manicure and pedicure sometime in the morning and perhaps a trip to Triplehorn in the evening, although at this point I think I'd rather stay home and watch Husky football.
Sunday will be laundry and football, the Seahawks playing the afternoon game. They're playing the Cowboys, who don't have their quarterback and are using a not-so-good backup. We should beat them and if we want to have any chance at the playoff, had better beat them. Fingers crossed. And Sunday I should be able to get some good work done on that blanket. I have a little more than half to go and I'm already pretty bored with it, although it is going to be SUCH a nice blanket. The camel hair .... soooooooo soft.
My wanderlust is killing me. I still don't have the dates for our spring trip and I am quite keen to start planning, if only to keep my mind off the next two months which, despite the holidays, are going to be grueling and hard and no extra days off for vacation since I have to save up for spring.
My new iPhone is awesome and I almost have it set the way I want it. I do love those moving photos and the 3D touch -- pretty cool. Not to mention the color. Oh and my favorite feature - the fingerprint ID. That is very handy.
29 October, 2015
The "fun" of getting a new iPhone
After seeing several iPhone 6s phones I broke down and ordered myself an iPhone 6s, the rose gold color. I knew from package tracking that it was going to be on the doorstep when I got home yesterday and I was quite anxious to get going. I got the idea (erroneous as it turns out) that I would need to switch SIM cards from my old phone to my new phone, so I got on the AT&T chat line and initiated that process. Unfortunately I didn't actually realize that my phone would be inactivated and I quite frankly am now thinking that the guy I was chatting with didn't know what he was doing. I asked him quite clearly if, when he was done, I could go home, pop the old SIM card into the new iPhone and be ready to move things from the Cloud and he said yes. Long story short - that is not the case. Not only that, but I couldn't download the latest backup because the software wasn't the latest version, the one I had on my old iPhone. So far though, the only thing I find that I can't do is download the book I am currently listening to. It doesn't show up in the library. I think that might be because it is residing on my old iPhone. So I'll finish listening to that, then wipe the iPhone 5 and sell it on eBay. But what a hassle getting a new phone turns out to be! I forget because I do it so infrequently. Oh! And my voicemail is gone. I need to find out how to get to it because someone left me a message yesterday. Probably Tink's vet.
So that was my night last night - fiddling with the phone. I get SO frustrated. And I forgot to turn the heat off before I went to bed so I woke up gasping. Ah well -- small price to pay for a pink iPhone, don't you think?
So that was my night last night - fiddling with the phone. I get SO frustrated. And I forgot to turn the heat off before I went to bed so I woke up gasping. Ah well -- small price to pay for a pink iPhone, don't you think?
28 October, 2015
Slowly slowly
It looks like the medicine is helping Tinkerbell a bit. She is using the leg a little bit more and she's in better spirits. She was rather down on Sunday but last night after having the pills for two days, she was more alert and definitely wanted to play and nearly jumped off the couch. She would have, but I grabbed her before she did. She was lively on her morning walk as well. Mostly I want to avoid surgery, so I hope this will work.
Noon knitting today and I dragged the blanket in with me. I am about one inch from the half way mark. I just brought it in a big bag. There's no way I can get it into my knitting bag at this point. Now I've got to figure out where we're going to meet though, because I never got a response yesterday about our usual meeting room.
It looks as if we're going to a Halloween party this Saturday. I don't really care for Halloween parties in general, but this one is at the Triplehorn and is starting early so I'll give it a try. I just hope the music is good. It's all over the place up there - sometimes a crappy band, sometimes a good one. It's a DJ for Saturday. Fingers crossed it's dance-able.
Noon knitting today and I dragged the blanket in with me. I am about one inch from the half way mark. I just brought it in a big bag. There's no way I can get it into my knitting bag at this point. Now I've got to figure out where we're going to meet though, because I never got a response yesterday about our usual meeting room.
It looks as if we're going to a Halloween party this Saturday. I don't really care for Halloween parties in general, but this one is at the Triplehorn and is starting early so I'll give it a try. I just hope the music is good. It's all over the place up there - sometimes a crappy band, sometimes a good one. It's a DJ for Saturday. Fingers crossed it's dance-able.
27 October, 2015
It could be worse
I got Tink an appointment with the vet at 2:40 yesterday afternoon. She doesn't think the tendons around her knee are completely torn but they are definitely the problem. On x-ray we could see that there is some arthritis in her hip joint and her legs look just fine. So she gave me some pills for inflammation and pain and I'm to keep her quiet - as in no charging around playing with her ball and walks only on a leash and sedately. We have to carry her up and down the stairs. I started the pills last night and already this morning I see a bit of improvement. She was putting a bit of weight on the right leg whereas yesterday she was absolutely not.
It was foggy and cold this morning. I have changed from fingerless mitts to my pink gloves, at least for my morning doggie walk and bus ride. It is supposed to be sunny today after the fog lifts but then rainy for the foreseeable future. I just hate driving in the pitch black though so I'm looking forward to the little bit of relief we'll get from that in early November.
I ordered my new iPhone 6s yesterday! Not the big one, just the regular sized one. I want a phone I can still put in my pocket. I chose rose gold and ordered a clear case for it. It's going to be cool. Can't wait!
It was foggy and cold this morning. I have changed from fingerless mitts to my pink gloves, at least for my morning doggie walk and bus ride. It is supposed to be sunny today after the fog lifts but then rainy for the foreseeable future. I just hate driving in the pitch black though so I'm looking forward to the little bit of relief we'll get from that in early November.
I ordered my new iPhone 6s yesterday! Not the big one, just the regular sized one. I want a phone I can still put in my pocket. I chose rose gold and ordered a clear case for it. It's going to be cool. Can't wait!
26 October, 2015
Poor Tinkie
Friday when I got home I noticed that Tinkerbell was limping. It had happened before, maybe last month, and within a day or so she was fine. She does dash up and down the hallway, chasing her ball. It is quite possible she just pulled a muscle. But this was worse. And despite dosing her with baby aspirin on Saturday and Sunday she was not any better. My guess is that she has hurt her ACL. Mickey tore his and it seems like the same type of thing. Westies don't generally have the problem with degenerative hips like other dogs tend to do. I wanted to wait and see on Saturday but now I've got to call the vet this morning and get her in as soon as possible. I did some reading and perhaps we can avoid surgery and give a brace a try, at least for a while. Some people have gotten good results with that approach.
Saturday I had a hair appointment and we had people coming over for pizza and cards, so that day was quite busy. But Sunday -- all I had to do was grocery shop and then I spent the rest of the day watching football and knitting. The dinner was cooking on its own. Hours of Red Zone and several inches done on the blanket. I am just three inches away from half way done! I would like to work on it during the week too. I haven't been very diligent there.
It's raining and supposed to rain most of the next two weeks. But we will be turning the clocks back in a few days so at least the mornings will be a bit lighter for a few weeks. It is pitch black when I leave now days.
Saturday I had a hair appointment and we had people coming over for pizza and cards, so that day was quite busy. But Sunday -- all I had to do was grocery shop and then I spent the rest of the day watching football and knitting. The dinner was cooking on its own. Hours of Red Zone and several inches done on the blanket. I am just three inches away from half way done! I would like to work on it during the week too. I haven't been very diligent there.
It's raining and supposed to rain most of the next two weeks. But we will be turning the clocks back in a few days so at least the mornings will be a bit lighter for a few weeks. It is pitch black when I leave now days.
23 October, 2015
Is everybody happy now?
It was over an hour after the game started that I was able to sit down and start the recording. My fantasy app had alerted me that Marshawn Lynch had made a touchdown -- no I did NOT mean to look at it! Ah well, it was good news. The short story is that the Seahawks played really well and crushed San Francisco. Finally. The entire city of sports fans has heaved a long sigh of relief. We are not cooked yet.
I had a really super lunch with an old friend yesterday afternoon before heading home. It look me about half the time to drive home as it did to drive in to work. I am glad I don't do it very often.
The football game was too exciting for me to knit but I really have to buckle down this weekend and get some serious work done on that blanket. I don't want to be knitting on it all winter! I am getting bored already. I need something interesting and I've got lots of yarn and wonderful patterns to go with it. I am quite keen on starting the cardigan with but lace drapey fronts. And I've got camel yarn and a stole pattern also ready to go. And some lovely green yarn that I'd like to use to make another Venomous Tentacular. *sigh* So many great projects and simply not enough spare time. Maybe I'll start knitting during all of these ridiculous meetings.
I had a really super lunch with an old friend yesterday afternoon before heading home. It look me about half the time to drive home as it did to drive in to work. I am glad I don't do it very often.
The football game was too exciting for me to knit but I really have to buckle down this weekend and get some serious work done on that blanket. I don't want to be knitting on it all winter! I am getting bored already. I need something interesting and I've got lots of yarn and wonderful patterns to go with it. I am quite keen on starting the cardigan with but lace drapey fronts. And I've got camel yarn and a stole pattern also ready to go. And some lovely green yarn that I'd like to use to make another Venomous Tentacular. *sigh* So many great projects and simply not enough spare time. Maybe I'll start knitting during all of these ridiculous meetings.
22 October, 2015
Thursday night football
I drove in today and it took me for-freaking-ever! I don't like to get on the freeway, so I drive around and they are working on 522. It took me over an hour but I have a lunch appointment at University Village and then I go home early on Thursday (because of my late meeting) and it's very difficult to get a bus from U Village to Redmond Transit Center, so I drove. It's just too bad about my meeting. I'll have the game recording but I know Ben is going to want to start it as soon as he gets home and ... well I'll be on the computer. Maybe they will stop early tonight. Maybe.
I'm nervous about the football game. Silly, I know, but it's a big game. A lot of consequences if they lose another one. For either team actually, so I hope it's San Francisco. They deserve it.
I got to hand off one of my meetings yesterday - and I am SO happy! It was the one I hated the most. You know how some people's voices just grate .....
What about the weekend? I don't know. Since the Seahawks are playing tonight I don't feel like I need to be tied to the TV. I can keep up with my fantasy stats on my phone. I'd like to help get the gutters cleaned out. Get to Costco. Maybe have a nice dog walk if the weather permits. Ah, but it's only Thursday.
I'm nervous about the football game. Silly, I know, but it's a big game. A lot of consequences if they lose another one. For either team actually, so I hope it's San Francisco. They deserve it.
I got to hand off one of my meetings yesterday - and I am SO happy! It was the one I hated the most. You know how some people's voices just grate .....
What about the weekend? I don't know. Since the Seahawks are playing tonight I don't feel like I need to be tied to the TV. I can keep up with my fantasy stats on my phone. I'd like to help get the gutters cleaned out. Get to Costco. Maybe have a nice dog walk if the weather permits. Ah, but it's only Thursday.
21 October, 2015
Oh this world we live in!!
I suppose I shouldn't really let these things bother me, but I do! Yesterday was flu shot day here at Health Sciences and I went down after my second meeting to stand in line and get my shot. There is a man who goes around the line making sure your insurance paperwork is filled out completely and correctly. He got to me, went over my form, and then at the top drew an M and an F. Then he turned the clipboard around so that it was facing me and asked me to circle the correct letter - male or female. I looked at him and laughed. I might have even snorted and rolled my eyes. Seriously. He said, "I can't ask and I can't assume." Oh. My. God. And this ladies and gentlemen is what our society has become. And why oh why does it make any difference in the world for a flu shot?? Oh it makes me angry to think about it even this morning. Grrrrrr ...
My afternoon was much less stressful than the morning and I had a good dinner to look forward to. Frank and Shannon are moving to Utah to their new home tomorrow and this was our last dinner together. We went to Chan's which is my ultimate favorite old fashioned type Chinese restaurant. But we got there early and therefore were home before 7:30. But I didn't feel like watching TV or knitting, so I had a nice shower and got into bed to play with my iPad. I ended up re-watching some episodes of Saxondale. I am, in fact, re-watching the entire series. Hilarious.
Today is noon knitting and I've brought my blanket. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do that. It is getting to be about 1/3 done. I've finished two of five 9" grey sections and I'm nearly done with the second of four 4" sections. I need to keep plugging along. I am seriously wanting to start another project but I don't dare.
Sports radio is all about the Seahawks and if they are cooked or not. The game Thursday, tomorrow, against San Francisco is HUGE. And it's in San Francisco. *ahem* HUGE!!
My afternoon was much less stressful than the morning and I had a good dinner to look forward to. Frank and Shannon are moving to Utah to their new home tomorrow and this was our last dinner together. We went to Chan's which is my ultimate favorite old fashioned type Chinese restaurant. But we got there early and therefore were home before 7:30. But I didn't feel like watching TV or knitting, so I had a nice shower and got into bed to play with my iPad. I ended up re-watching some episodes of Saxondale. I am, in fact, re-watching the entire series. Hilarious.
Today is noon knitting and I've brought my blanket. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do that. It is getting to be about 1/3 done. I've finished two of five 9" grey sections and I'm nearly done with the second of four 4" sections. I need to keep plugging along. I am seriously wanting to start another project but I don't dare.
Sports radio is all about the Seahawks and if they are cooked or not. The game Thursday, tomorrow, against San Francisco is HUGE. And it's in San Francisco. *ahem* HUGE!!
20 October, 2015
Fires
It is the worst way to start the day. No I take that back, an early meeting is the worst way, but having a bunch of fires to put out is a close second. And then a meeting and another, back to back. Oh I am indeed earning my money this year.
I won my fantasy game, as I knew I would. I only beat the other really lame guy so it's not such a huge victory. But I am not last any more -- hopefully. I haven't looked. It does have to do with accumulated points too. I should have a better week next week. I should.
Well ... gotta run back to the real world.
I won my fantasy game, as I knew I would. I only beat the other really lame guy so it's not such a huge victory. But I am not last any more -- hopefully. I haven't looked. It does have to do with accumulated points too. I should have a better week next week. I should.
Well ... gotta run back to the real world.
19 October, 2015
Ugly ugly ugly
The good news is that I am winning my fantasy match up. The bad news is that not only did the Huskies lose against the Ducks (and I love a $10 bet) but the Seahawks lost at home against the Panthers, again giving up a significant lead in the 4th quarter. It was awful! Terrible. We had to turn off the TV after that game. No more football yesterday. This week is a short week for them, playing the Thursday night game against San Francisco who have been worse than us this year. I might not be able to watch that game.
Otherwise my weekend was fantastic. Kate and Andy and I went to visit John at Hood Canal. The weather was nice as in it rained only at night. We had a terrific hike in the woods on Saturday and I not only baked a pie, but made a pot roast as well. I did come home with a couple of bites - and I'm not entirely sure if they're mosquito or spider bites. I don't really want to think too much about it.
Ben was home when I got home, after more than a week in Phoenix. Next up he's off to Las Vegas. Hopefully not for a few weeks though. It's awfully lonesome all alone out there, even though I do get to eat what I want and watch stupid TV. It's hardly worth it.
It is going to be a busy busy week for me. I was happy that the 8 am meeting was cancelled today. I hate having to get up and catch that early bus on Monday mornings just to listen to a meeting for 30 minutes. It's hardly worth it.
Otherwise my weekend was fantastic. Kate and Andy and I went to visit John at Hood Canal. The weather was nice as in it rained only at night. We had a terrific hike in the woods on Saturday and I not only baked a pie, but made a pot roast as well. I did come home with a couple of bites - and I'm not entirely sure if they're mosquito or spider bites. I don't really want to think too much about it.
Ben was home when I got home, after more than a week in Phoenix. Next up he's off to Las Vegas. Hopefully not for a few weeks though. It's awfully lonesome all alone out there, even though I do get to eat what I want and watch stupid TV. It's hardly worth it.
It is going to be a busy busy week for me. I was happy that the 8 am meeting was cancelled today. I hate having to get up and catch that early bus on Monday mornings just to listen to a meeting for 30 minutes. It's hardly worth it.
15 October, 2015
Soothing Noon Knitting
Wednesday mornings before noon knitting I have a meeting. It is one of the most dysfunctional groups and I inherited it. I come out of those meetings feeling like every hair on my head is standing straight up! I think it's the least favorite hour of my week and that's saying a lot because that means it's worse than my commute.
Noon knitting then was just like falling into a big pillow. Warm and comforting and soothing. If I didn't have to take minutes, knitting in those meetings would be just the thing.
It is getting cooler and I felt like roasted vegetables for dinner last night. A perfect dish for a cool evening. I had some Brussel's sprouts and a yam and peppers and an onion .... a couple of little red potatoes and fresh herbs from the garden. Then I put some Italian chicken sausages on top and it was great. I watched Inside the NFL and despite having to see the Seahawks lose again .... it was fun. It's a big football weekend coming up. The Huskies are playing the Ducks and are favorites to win (!) and Carolina is coming to play the Seahawks and they are also unbeaten, like the Bengals. It's a very big game. I have to make sure I'm home from Hood Canal in time for the game.
It's late meeting night tonight, so I am leaving work early. Those meeting are now going until 7 pm. That is crazy. And for those folks in Montana and Wyoming it's 8 when it finishes. That is a long long day.
Noon knitting then was just like falling into a big pillow. Warm and comforting and soothing. If I didn't have to take minutes, knitting in those meetings would be just the thing.
It is getting cooler and I felt like roasted vegetables for dinner last night. A perfect dish for a cool evening. I had some Brussel's sprouts and a yam and peppers and an onion .... a couple of little red potatoes and fresh herbs from the garden. Then I put some Italian chicken sausages on top and it was great. I watched Inside the NFL and despite having to see the Seahawks lose again .... it was fun. It's a big football weekend coming up. The Huskies are playing the Ducks and are favorites to win (!) and Carolina is coming to play the Seahawks and they are also unbeaten, like the Bengals. It's a very big game. I have to make sure I'm home from Hood Canal in time for the game.
It's late meeting night tonight, so I am leaving work early. Those meeting are now going until 7 pm. That is crazy. And for those folks in Montana and Wyoming it's 8 when it finishes. That is a long long day.
14 October, 2015
The spring trip!
Woohoo! We're getting closer to setting a date for the spring trip. Once all of the scheduling difficulties at my friend's pub have been sorted we'll have our dates. Oh boy, and then the fun comes. We are talking about six months down the line though ... so back to reality for me.
Somehow I thought it was later in the week yesterday but it was only Tuesday. This week is dragging along but at least it's noon knitting today. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to bring that blanket in with me. I guess as long as it fits into my bag I can bring it, but it won't be for much longer.
I don't know what was wrong with me yesterday but I wasn't hungry for lunch. I didn't eat, which is very strange. I hadn't had dinner Monday night so I was hungry when I got in and I had a little breakfast but lunch? Not interested. I did have a bit of dinner last night and managed to stay up after nine. Tink was right ready for bed at 8 o'clock though so I was in there with her reading for an hour or so. She is so funny. When it's bedtime it's bedtime. Her inner clock is amazing.
The heat came on this morning before I got up so that means it's getting colder, finally. We are supposed to get into the 70s again Friday but I suspect that's the last of that temperature we'll see for a while. Soon I'm going to have to start covering my windshield at night. It has been quite nice this week driving the Volvo to the Transit Center because the Volvo lives in the garage.
Somehow I thought it was later in the week yesterday but it was only Tuesday. This week is dragging along but at least it's noon knitting today. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to bring that blanket in with me. I guess as long as it fits into my bag I can bring it, but it won't be for much longer.
I don't know what was wrong with me yesterday but I wasn't hungry for lunch. I didn't eat, which is very strange. I hadn't had dinner Monday night so I was hungry when I got in and I had a little breakfast but lunch? Not interested. I did have a bit of dinner last night and managed to stay up after nine. Tink was right ready for bed at 8 o'clock though so I was in there with her reading for an hour or so. She is so funny. When it's bedtime it's bedtime. Her inner clock is amazing.
The heat came on this morning before I got up so that means it's getting colder, finally. We are supposed to get into the 70s again Friday but I suspect that's the last of that temperature we'll see for a while. Soon I'm going to have to start covering my windshield at night. It has been quite nice this week driving the Volvo to the Transit Center because the Volvo lives in the garage.
13 October, 2015
The mysterious plant
Directly outside of my office door, on the right, is a large cabinet. Somebody left a houseplant on top of that cabinet. I hope they plan on taking care of it, because I'm not a houseplant type of person and I am certainly not going to take care of it. I love flowers, but a plant is just another thing to take care of and I have enough of that in my life, thank you.
Do nothing Monday was completely do nothing. I watched two movies and had smoked salmon and crackers for dinner. It doesn't get much more do nothing than that, does it? I didn't even watch the football game and good thing too, because my guy didn't get a single point. I sure hope I do better this week. It's embarrassing!!
It is now too dark to wear sunglasses on the bus. I like having my protection, as it were. At least I can wear my headphones no matter what. Of course, I've got to have something to plug them in to ...... but even if I didn't I guess I could put the end into my pocket and nobody would be the wiser.
I'm crabby.
Do nothing Monday was completely do nothing. I watched two movies and had smoked salmon and crackers for dinner. It doesn't get much more do nothing than that, does it? I didn't even watch the football game and good thing too, because my guy didn't get a single point. I sure hope I do better this week. It's embarrassing!!
It is now too dark to wear sunglasses on the bus. I like having my protection, as it were. At least I can wear my headphones no matter what. Of course, I've got to have something to plug them in to ...... but even if I didn't I guess I could put the end into my pocket and nobody would be the wiser.
I'm crabby.
12 October, 2015
Oh my goodness
Is there a correlation between how terrible my fantasy football team is and how bad the Seahawks are playing? They were up 24 to 7 and ended up losing to the Bengals on the road! In overtime! Terrible. And my fantasy team -- not only was Marshawn out with injuries but Alshon Jeffries as well PLUS a bunch of other good guys on a bye and Peyton Manning ..... done son. I am going to have to bench him. Pathetic. I have never ever in all my fantasy time had such a sucky team.
On a positive note, I got tons done on the blanket this weekend. I have finished the second of 5 gray bands and I am working on the second of four magenta ones. It is so beautiful and it's going to be very soft and warm.
Saturday it poured down rain most of the day and I didn't do much else but get my manicure and do some grocery shopping. Tinkerbell wasn't interested in a walk so I gave her a bath, which she needed. Sunday it was beautiful and sunny and we went to Cottage Lake park and had a nice long walk before football. I made some soup on Saturday and reheated it for dinner yesterday. It was yummy but would have been better with a ham hock, but they were all out at the store. I guess I wasn't the only one wanting to make soup on a rainy day!
I think the best part of the weekend was watching Wazzu beat up on the Ducks. In double overtime. That was fun.
It's going to be a long long week.
On a positive note, I got tons done on the blanket this weekend. I have finished the second of 5 gray bands and I am working on the second of four magenta ones. It is so beautiful and it's going to be very soft and warm.
Saturday it poured down rain most of the day and I didn't do much else but get my manicure and do some grocery shopping. Tinkerbell wasn't interested in a walk so I gave her a bath, which she needed. Sunday it was beautiful and sunny and we went to Cottage Lake park and had a nice long walk before football. I made some soup on Saturday and reheated it for dinner yesterday. It was yummy but would have been better with a ham hock, but they were all out at the store. I guess I wasn't the only one wanting to make soup on a rainy day!
I think the best part of the weekend was watching Wazzu beat up on the Ducks. In double overtime. That was fun.
It's going to be a long long week.
09 October, 2015
The Huskies!
Oh my goodness, what a game! The Huskies beat USC -- and their former coach! And I was worried about it being a blow out. The meeting went until after 7, then I had to walk Tink and get my dinner together so I was glad it was recording. I skipped over the commercials and got to real time. It was SO much fun. And I got to knit as well.
Knitting is going to be tops on my list this weekend, along with doggie walks when it's not raining. I want to make some decent progress on the blanket. My only concern is hurting my hands, so I've got to make sure to take breaks and stretch them.
How happy am I that it's Friday? I can't even say. I've been busy and stressed and without any other people in the office suite, which I just hate. I understand that if nobody else is here that people are going to ask me questions but I still hate it. Oh well -- tick tock.
Knitting is going to be tops on my list this weekend, along with doggie walks when it's not raining. I want to make some decent progress on the blanket. My only concern is hurting my hands, so I've got to make sure to take breaks and stretch them.
How happy am I that it's Friday? I can't even say. I've been busy and stressed and without any other people in the office suite, which I just hate. I understand that if nobody else is here that people are going to ask me questions but I still hate it. Oh well -- tick tock.
08 October, 2015
Sky high
My stress levels are sky high again. I should just keep my knitting with me. Noon knitting helped a lot yesterday. Today though ..... I keep sighing and that's not good. At least I didn't have another nightmare last night. And I'll be sleeping soundly for the next 10 days because Ben's gone on a business trip. Although I'm going to be very lonely.
I was very tired again yesterday. It was all I could do to keep myself from putting my head down on my desk and taking a nap. I suppose because of all the stress and the rain rain rain and so I didn't do much of anything when I finally got home. A shower, cleaned up the kitchen and baked a potato to have with leftovers. It was quite yummy and then it was early to bed. Tonight I've got the Husky/USC game after my late meeting. I'll set it to record. I hope it's not a blow out.
I got the ArtYarns Yarnbox yesterday and thank goodness I didn't get the brown or the green. The yarn is super soft - cashmere and merino - and two complimentary colors of lavender. Really beautiful. I have so much yarn and so many projects I want to do but really, I MUST keep on with the blanket or I'll never finish it. I am hoping I can get some good progress on it while Ben's gone.
I was very tired again yesterday. It was all I could do to keep myself from putting my head down on my desk and taking a nap. I suppose because of all the stress and the rain rain rain and so I didn't do much of anything when I finally got home. A shower, cleaned up the kitchen and baked a potato to have with leftovers. It was quite yummy and then it was early to bed. Tonight I've got the Husky/USC game after my late meeting. I'll set it to record. I hope it's not a blow out.
I got the ArtYarns Yarnbox yesterday and thank goodness I didn't get the brown or the green. The yarn is super soft - cashmere and merino - and two complimentary colors of lavender. Really beautiful. I have so much yarn and so many projects I want to do but really, I MUST keep on with the blanket or I'll never finish it. I am hoping I can get some good progress on it while Ben's gone.
07 October, 2015
The neighbors get a chicken coop
Our neighborhood has quite a few homes on acre lots and one cul-de-sac or normal sized lots. On one of those, the corner one, the people have built a chicken coop and stocked it with fowl. That of course include the rooster. Thank goodness we are around the bend in the road and we can't hear that thing crowing, but imagine how their close neighbors feel. I would be SO mad.
It's raining today so the traffic was bad, but I managed to catch my bus. I have another busy day, of course, since that's the norm. The support staff are nowhere to be found though, which ticks me off. I have meetings today and I can't be handling packages. Plus which I really don't know what to do about them ...... I sure hope the Administrator plans on showing up today.
I was awfully crabby yesterday and my mood isn't much better today. I am burnt out and my vacation isn't until April ... how long is that? Seven months? Terrible! I'll have to come up with something before then.Seriously.
It's raining today so the traffic was bad, but I managed to catch my bus. I have another busy day, of course, since that's the norm. The support staff are nowhere to be found though, which ticks me off. I have meetings today and I can't be handling packages. Plus which I really don't know what to do about them ...... I sure hope the Administrator plans on showing up today.
I was awfully crabby yesterday and my mood isn't much better today. I am burnt out and my vacation isn't until April ... how long is that? Seven months? Terrible! I'll have to come up with something before then.Seriously.
06 October, 2015
INSANE burger
It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. Of course since we were throwing yet another party, Saturday was spent mostly just cleaning and cooking and cooking and cleaning and not much enjoyment of the outdoors. But Sunday, especially since the Seahawks played last night, was another story. We got the rest of the tidying up done early, got the shopping done as well and as soon as the groceries were all stowed away we got Tinkerbell, popped the top on the Volvo and headed out to enjoy the weather. Oh well, I set the Red Zone to record, of course. Can't go an entire Sunday without any football.
We decided to drive to Duval to have lunch outside and then walk a little bit around the town. It's about the same distance from our place to Duval as it is to Woodinville and I like the quaintness of Duval better. Plus there is a great pub where we can sit outside with Tink and enjoy some nice beer and some decent food. On their specials menu on Sunday they had a King Burger which the wait staff were all quite keen on. We were feeling adventurous so we decided to share one. And what a mouthful it was! A hamburger, bacon, and then a little peanut butter and sliced bananas. I know it sounds crazy, but it was quite tasty. I mean, I wouldn't have wanted an entire one, but half was quite a treat.
In the afternoon we watched a lot of Red Zone. Most of my fantasy players were playing except for the Seahawks players. Marshawn was questionable and ended up not playing last night so, surprise surprise, I lost yet again.I am last. This is the WORST year I've ever had. It's still fun though. And it's early days yet. I haven't given up.
Yesterday I had a retreat - an entire day of meeting. I was so tired as well because I had a nightmare Sunday night and woke up at 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep. I was a zombie by the evening. I did watch the game, but I couldn't even knit, I was that out of it. I slept great, thank goodness and I feel human today.
We decided to drive to Duval to have lunch outside and then walk a little bit around the town. It's about the same distance from our place to Duval as it is to Woodinville and I like the quaintness of Duval better. Plus there is a great pub where we can sit outside with Tink and enjoy some nice beer and some decent food. On their specials menu on Sunday they had a King Burger which the wait staff were all quite keen on. We were feeling adventurous so we decided to share one. And what a mouthful it was! A hamburger, bacon, and then a little peanut butter and sliced bananas. I know it sounds crazy, but it was quite tasty. I mean, I wouldn't have wanted an entire one, but half was quite a treat.
In the afternoon we watched a lot of Red Zone. Most of my fantasy players were playing except for the Seahawks players. Marshawn was questionable and ended up not playing last night so, surprise surprise, I lost yet again.I am last. This is the WORST year I've ever had. It's still fun though. And it's early days yet. I haven't given up.
Yesterday I had a retreat - an entire day of meeting. I was so tired as well because I had a nightmare Sunday night and woke up at 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep. I was a zombie by the evening. I did watch the game, but I couldn't even knit, I was that out of it. I slept great, thank goodness and I feel human today.
02 October, 2015
My late Thursday
I am starting to really like Thursdays. I do that have the late meeting from 5 o'clock until 6:30 or so. But I get to leave work early and yesterday I had time for a little lay down with Tink. I was SO tired! I sure hope I can get caught up with my sleep this weekend.
The Thursday night football game was a real nail biter. They're usually not that good but the Ravens took it finally in overtime, mostly because of the Steelers' terrible kicker, Josh Scobee. He's so bad that the Steelers have been going for two point conversions rather than give him a chance to kick the extra point. Wow
The Seahawks are on Monday night so my weekend is going to be incomplete, fantasy-wise. My star RB, Marshawn Lynch, is still a game time call. I can't believe my luck, really. Last year I lose my first pick and this year my best RB. It's good I paid my fee up front because it really hurts to have to come up with that money after losing!
The Thursday night football game was a real nail biter. They're usually not that good but the Ravens took it finally in overtime, mostly because of the Steelers' terrible kicker, Josh Scobee. He's so bad that the Steelers have been going for two point conversions rather than give him a chance to kick the extra point. Wow
The Seahawks are on Monday night so my weekend is going to be incomplete, fantasy-wise. My star RB, Marshawn Lynch, is still a game time call. I can't believe my luck, really. Last year I lose my first pick and this year my best RB. It's good I paid my fee up front because it really hurts to have to come up with that money after losing!
01 October, 2015
Filling in a few more blanks
Planning is something I really really enjoy. Planning a trip is one of my most favorite things. I saw pictures of the house we will be staying in Burgundy, but what to do in the second half of the trip? Ah .... I think I have it. A couple days in Rome to hit the high spots - Colosseum and the Vatican - and then the rest of the week back at the Cinque Terre, but this time we'll visit all of the towns. I don't know now whether this will be before or after the week in Burgundy. I do know for sure that Rome will be in the middle. I don't really care for Rome but I think it's some place Ben should see and he'd probably really enjoy it. And relaxing on both ends. A perfect trip.
Here it is October already! And still we are having beautiful and warm weather. Not hot, but a beautiful Indian summer. It's going to be quite a shock to the system when it starts getting colder. It's already very dark in the morning and I need a flashlight to walk Tinkie. We almost sneaked up on a rabbit the other morning, it's that dark outside.
My blanket is growing and I've got to find some new knitting needles to transfer it. I am using my Denise needles and the long 52" cord, but as this blanket grows it is going to be getting increasingly heavy and I just know from past disasters that those needles are bound to come apart from the cord. It's something about the way I lift and shift the project from my lap that does it. I'm aware of it but even if I'm very very careful I know it's going to happen. So that is right up there on my list.
We have a busy weekend. We're throwing another party Saturday but only for 10. It's kind of another going away party for Ben's cousin and his wife, moving to Utah at the end of the month. Cards and dinner. That means early to rise Saturday, lots of running around, cooking of food and cleaning of house. I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing but football and knitting on Sunday.
Here it is October already! And still we are having beautiful and warm weather. Not hot, but a beautiful Indian summer. It's going to be quite a shock to the system when it starts getting colder. It's already very dark in the morning and I need a flashlight to walk Tinkie. We almost sneaked up on a rabbit the other morning, it's that dark outside.
My blanket is growing and I've got to find some new knitting needles to transfer it. I am using my Denise needles and the long 52" cord, but as this blanket grows it is going to be getting increasingly heavy and I just know from past disasters that those needles are bound to come apart from the cord. It's something about the way I lift and shift the project from my lap that does it. I'm aware of it but even if I'm very very careful I know it's going to happen. So that is right up there on my list.
We have a busy weekend. We're throwing another party Saturday but only for 10. It's kind of another going away party for Ben's cousin and his wife, moving to Utah at the end of the month. Cards and dinner. That means early to rise Saturday, lots of running around, cooking of food and cleaning of house. I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing but football and knitting on Sunday.
30 September, 2015
Move it to the spring
I was thinking about the trip to France in January. I got to thinking, if we move it to April or May we can stay two weeks (or more) rather than a quick in and out in January. I contacted my friends who live in Paris to see if we could go with them to a gite. They typically go away in April somewhere and this year it's to a place near Beaune. So we'll do a week with them in Beaune and then a week in Italy somewhere. The planning is nearly as fun as being there. The anticipation. I am SO happy!
It must be the students causing the incredible traffic. Last night my bus never showed up and I ended up waiting 30 minutes to get the bus to the transit center. Then it took me 45 minutes to drive from the transit center home! I didn't get home until 5:40 and usually I'm there about 10 to five. And this morning ... bumper to bumper all the way to the transit center. The bus filled up at the transit center and after a couple more stops and people standing in the aisle right on top of each other he had to skip some stops. Insane. Thank goodness this is my last year. I won't have to put up with that ever again.
It's another busy day. Have I said how much nicer it is to be at work when I am so busy? It definitely is. And today is noon knitting as well. Only one meeting today and two tomorrow and ... ta da ... none on Friday!
It must be the students causing the incredible traffic. Last night my bus never showed up and I ended up waiting 30 minutes to get the bus to the transit center. Then it took me 45 minutes to drive from the transit center home! I didn't get home until 5:40 and usually I'm there about 10 to five. And this morning ... bumper to bumper all the way to the transit center. The bus filled up at the transit center and after a couple more stops and people standing in the aisle right on top of each other he had to skip some stops. Insane. Thank goodness this is my last year. I won't have to put up with that ever again.
It's another busy day. Have I said how much nicer it is to be at work when I am so busy? It definitely is. And today is noon knitting as well. Only one meeting today and two tomorrow and ... ta da ... none on Friday!
29 September, 2015
Traffic
Holy cow -- what a terrible morning. The traffic is a mess. I guess there was an accident and one freeway was closed. Even though the accident was on I-5 it impacted my commute. My bus was late and then the traffic was crawling across the bridge.
Yesterday was a busy and early day. Monday I have an 8 o'clock meeting so I have to catch the early bus so I can get settled in with a cup of tea before the meeting starts. It was a long and boring meeting and I was so tired. But the weather has been gorgeous ... still! Blue skies and warm temperatures. At noontime Kate and I walked up the Ave to have lunch with Sundsten. That was a nice treat. I think we will go visit him - the long promised girlie weekend we have been talking about. Ben is going to be away on business and so it's a perfect time for us to take off for the weekend. And October -- we'll be able to pick mushrooms! This time I'm going to leave Tinkie home. it's too hard to visit him with her because he has a cat and she just won't leave that cat alone!
Do nothing Monday lived up to its hype. Ahhhh ... I had some left over soup and heated up some foccia and called it dinner. I didn't need to watch the football game because neither I nor my opponent had anyone in the game. And I lost. But not quite so badly as last time. I had over 100 points! But Marshawn went out of the game early and he's injured. We just don't know how badly yet. That could be the death knell for my team. Fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
I got lots and lots of knitting done on the blanket this weekend. I finished up the first of five grey bands and started on the first of four magenta ones. Oh ... it is going to be super soft and super warm and gorgeous! But I've got 4/5ths left to go. A long ways.
Yesterday was a busy and early day. Monday I have an 8 o'clock meeting so I have to catch the early bus so I can get settled in with a cup of tea before the meeting starts. It was a long and boring meeting and I was so tired. But the weather has been gorgeous ... still! Blue skies and warm temperatures. At noontime Kate and I walked up the Ave to have lunch with Sundsten. That was a nice treat. I think we will go visit him - the long promised girlie weekend we have been talking about. Ben is going to be away on business and so it's a perfect time for us to take off for the weekend. And October -- we'll be able to pick mushrooms! This time I'm going to leave Tinkie home. it's too hard to visit him with her because he has a cat and she just won't leave that cat alone!
Do nothing Monday lived up to its hype. Ahhhh ... I had some left over soup and heated up some foccia and called it dinner. I didn't need to watch the football game because neither I nor my opponent had anyone in the game. And I lost. But not quite so badly as last time. I had over 100 points! But Marshawn went out of the game early and he's injured. We just don't know how badly yet. That could be the death knell for my team. Fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
I got lots and lots of knitting done on the blanket this weekend. I finished up the first of five grey bands and started on the first of four magenta ones. Oh ... it is going to be super soft and super warm and gorgeous! But I've got 4/5ths left to go. A long ways.
25 September, 2015
Thwarted!!
I just want a cup of coffee! I was super efficient and quick this morning and decided to start my Friday off with a latte from Starbucks. But when I got there there was only one barista and a line and I couldn't wait so off I went to the Transit Center. I figured I would grab one at work on the way up to my office. Nobody in line in front of me. Yay. I got my order in, paid and ..... fire alarm!! Geez! So now I have to wait until the fire alarm is done so I can go down and pick up my coffee. Sometimes you really have to work for it, ya know?
I left work early yesterday so I could get home and get organized before my 5 o'clock meeting. That meeting went until nearly 7 pm. What a long long day that makes. And we are all so confused at every level with this new curriculum. I had a dream that I was lost. No wonder, eh?
I am hoping to make up a lot of points this weekend, since the Seahawks are playing the Bears at home and we have Kam Chancellor back. My season is not over but I do need a win this weekend, for sure.
And that's about it for the weekend plans. I want to knit and watch football and that's about it. Maybe wind some yarn. Boring? Maybe. Relaxing. Oh yes.
I left work early yesterday so I could get home and get organized before my 5 o'clock meeting. That meeting went until nearly 7 pm. What a long long day that makes. And we are all so confused at every level with this new curriculum. I had a dream that I was lost. No wonder, eh?
I am hoping to make up a lot of points this weekend, since the Seahawks are playing the Bears at home and we have Kam Chancellor back. My season is not over but I do need a win this weekend, for sure.
And that's about it for the weekend plans. I want to knit and watch football and that's about it. Maybe wind some yarn. Boring? Maybe. Relaxing. Oh yes.
24 September, 2015
I have GOT to plan a trip
Yes yes I know I just got back from a week in California. I mean I need to plan a trip to France. I would, of course, much prefer to go in November. But I can't - again. What I can do is go in January and incorporate MLK birthday holiday. I know people think I'm crazy for going to Europe in January but honestly, it is SO much nicer to be there off season. A few days in Paris, maybe an overnight to Epernay. Well, now I can start planning.
So it's now officially autumn. Well, as of yesterday. We're still getting pretty nice weather but it's getting colder at night and it's downright cold in the house in the mornings. I am ready for winter this year. I am ready for some cold weather and fires in the fireplace. And getting snowed in.
Something is going on with Yahoo this morning. The page won't load, my email won't load. Odd - it loads up okay on my iPad. Maybe I should re-start Firefox.
I got three rows done on my blanket at noon knitting yesterday. Maybe tonight I'll wind up some of the magenta Wool Classico to have ready. Before I start the stripes though I've got to figure out how I want to do it so it matches. I know how many yards of Fez makes six inches and I want the blanket to be 60 inches long by 50 inches wide. And I have enough Fez, the gray color, to make 45 inches. So - just a little math and I'll know where to put the stripes and how large to make them.
I have my 5 o'clock meeting tonight so I'll be leaving work early. I am glad the Thursday 4 o'clock meeting was moved to Wednesday mornings. I will get home early enough to get Tink walked and settled before I have to concentrate and ignore her. Maybe I'll have time to get a pot of chicken soup on. Yummm
So it's now officially autumn. Well, as of yesterday. We're still getting pretty nice weather but it's getting colder at night and it's downright cold in the house in the mornings. I am ready for winter this year. I am ready for some cold weather and fires in the fireplace. And getting snowed in.
Something is going on with Yahoo this morning. The page won't load, my email won't load. Odd - it loads up okay on my iPad. Maybe I should re-start Firefox.
I got three rows done on my blanket at noon knitting yesterday. Maybe tonight I'll wind up some of the magenta Wool Classico to have ready. Before I start the stripes though I've got to figure out how I want to do it so it matches. I know how many yards of Fez makes six inches and I want the blanket to be 60 inches long by 50 inches wide. And I have enough Fez, the gray color, to make 45 inches. So - just a little math and I'll know where to put the stripes and how large to make them.
I have my 5 o'clock meeting tonight so I'll be leaving work early. I am glad the Thursday 4 o'clock meeting was moved to Wednesday mornings. I will get home early enough to get Tink walked and settled before I have to concentrate and ignore her. Maybe I'll have time to get a pot of chicken soup on. Yummm
23 September, 2015
A busy weekend and a few days working from home
The party Saturday was a success. Lots of people, lots of food, only a little sprinkle of rain earlier in the day, and Tiki torches at night! I woke up Sunday feeling terrible though. And I don't get hung over, so what was going on? Well, my throat had been sore for a few days and Sunday morning is was blazing. I did a little cleaning, a lot of football watching and went to bed early. I had an 8 am meeting Monday but at six I knew there was no way I was going to go to work, so I ended up working from home Monday and Tuesday. I'm here today. I don't feel 100% but I am sure I'm not contagious so .... and it's Noon Knitting day.
I got more good work done on the blanket this past weekend as I watched the Seahawks lose. Again. My fantasy team? TANKED!!! I am last for the first time in years and I am not happy about it. I hope to have a better week this week. I got on the waiver wire and got a couple of new guys. But the Seahawks starting 0 and 2! Terrible. Thank goodness Kam Chancellor is back this morning and we're playing the Bears at home Sunday. Hopefully things will turn around now.
I have lots and lots of work to do, of course. And I just wish I could crawl under my desk and sleep. Ah well ....
I got more good work done on the blanket this past weekend as I watched the Seahawks lose. Again. My fantasy team? TANKED!!! I am last for the first time in years and I am not happy about it. I hope to have a better week this week. I got on the waiver wire and got a couple of new guys. But the Seahawks starting 0 and 2! Terrible. Thank goodness Kam Chancellor is back this morning and we're playing the Bears at home Sunday. Hopefully things will turn around now.
I have lots and lots of work to do, of course. And I just wish I could crawl under my desk and sleep. Ah well ....
18 September, 2015
And the air turned blue
Our night stands have a very handy feature. There is a panel at the back that flips up to reveal a plug, and there is a cut out to allow the cords to come out. Perfect for plugging in your phone, iPad, etc. I plug my iPhone in and lay it on the table and I plug my iPad in and put it into the drawer because there are other things on the table, like candles and a little dish for lip balm, etc. So, this morning when my alarm went off I picked up my iPhone, the cord snagged my glass of cranberry juice on the table and tipped it right into the drawer on top of my iPad and various other things in the drawer. I was SO mad at myself! What a boneheaded move. Poor little Tinkerbell was rudely awakened by my cursing and running around. What a way to start the day, eh? There's no place to go but up.
I went home yesterday after noon so that I could work late taking meeting minutes. Part way through the first meeting my cursor turned into a two headed arrow and I couldn't save the document or do anything! I was so frustrated. It spontaneously fixed itself but not until I was part way through the second meeting. So I've had to bring my laptop in with me this morning so I can sort out those meeting minutes. Needless to say they're not going to be very coherent because I was trying to fix my computer.
Big doings this weekend what with the party on Saturday and football on Sunday. I just hope I can get some sleep on Sunday morning. If I don't the week is just going to suck. Ideally I'd like to have a few hours to knit and watch football and do absolutely nothing else. Let's plan on that, shall we?
I went home yesterday after noon so that I could work late taking meeting minutes. Part way through the first meeting my cursor turned into a two headed arrow and I couldn't save the document or do anything! I was so frustrated. It spontaneously fixed itself but not until I was part way through the second meeting. So I've had to bring my laptop in with me this morning so I can sort out those meeting minutes. Needless to say they're not going to be very coherent because I was trying to fix my computer.
Big doings this weekend what with the party on Saturday and football on Sunday. I just hope I can get some sleep on Sunday morning. If I don't the week is just going to suck. Ideally I'd like to have a few hours to knit and watch football and do absolutely nothing else. Let's plan on that, shall we?
17 September, 2015
Still sleepy
It's not quite so bad as yesterday, but I'm still so tired today. I think I was asleep by 9 or 9:30. Tink got me up around 2, but even so I must have had a solid 8 hours last night, and maybe a bit more. I think the fact that I haven't been able to go to the gym for the past few weeks might have something to do with it. Next week I should be able to get back on some kind of gym schedule. Or I might have to resign my membership and start running again at lunchtime. I'd like that but I'm not sure my foot would. Yes, it's been nearly two years and that toe is still not quite right. Perhaps I should address that issue.
I got a couple of rows done on the blanket at noon knitting, but I wasn't much interested last night. My hand was a bit sore from all of the knitting I have been doing lately. Plus the blanket uses a bit bigger needle than I'm used to -- a size 9. That's not huge, but most of my project have been on 2's or 6's. I am only a 10th of the way through that thing so I'd better suck it up, yeah?
Thursday night football -- I decided to sit Peyton Manning and go with Sam Bradford this week in hopes of making up for that loss. Maybe Peyton is done. I just thought he'd have one more good year in him. We'll have to wait and see. The Seahawks have another tough game this week as well, Sunday night at the Packers. They are going to be out for revenge. Plus we've still not got Cam Chancellor back.
Today I go home at noon so that I can work from home in the afternoon and take minutes at the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock meetings. Maybe I can get a mani/pedi in there before I am back on the clock. I sure can't do it Saturday, since we'll be getting ready for that party. Too bad the salon isn't open on Sundays although Sundays are not easy during football season. I might have to push it to next week if she can't fit me in at 1 o'clock today.
I got a couple of rows done on the blanket at noon knitting, but I wasn't much interested last night. My hand was a bit sore from all of the knitting I have been doing lately. Plus the blanket uses a bit bigger needle than I'm used to -- a size 9. That's not huge, but most of my project have been on 2's or 6's. I am only a 10th of the way through that thing so I'd better suck it up, yeah?
Thursday night football -- I decided to sit Peyton Manning and go with Sam Bradford this week in hopes of making up for that loss. Maybe Peyton is done. I just thought he'd have one more good year in him. We'll have to wait and see. The Seahawks have another tough game this week as well, Sunday night at the Packers. They are going to be out for revenge. Plus we've still not got Cam Chancellor back.
Today I go home at noon so that I can work from home in the afternoon and take minutes at the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock meetings. Maybe I can get a mani/pedi in there before I am back on the clock. I sure can't do it Saturday, since we'll be getting ready for that party. Too bad the salon isn't open on Sundays although Sundays are not easy during football season. I might have to push it to next week if she can't fit me in at 1 o'clock today.
16 September, 2015
Sanity
Ahhh ..... finally I am feeling organized and on top of things. It was a wild ride there for a while. Now I am organized and, hopefully, I can keep things that way. It is not fun having so many balls in the air. I have a little bit of breathing room this week.
I got a reprieve -- I don't have to find blue yarn for that blanket. The maroon will work. I think it'll look better that way. I didn't work on it last night though. There was too much going on regarding this party this weekend. And it looks like we're going to luck out on the weather too! The extended forecast shows 73 and partly sunny. That'll work.
I am just so tired this morning and I had a good night's sleep too! I think it's partly because it's darker in the mornings now. And it's not going to be getting lighter for quite some time. The good news is that I don't need my sleep mask. The bad news is that I cannot wake up!
Because we are serving do it yourself sandwiches at the party, I went up to the Ave yesterday to look for squeeze bottles for condiments. The store had no bottles but I did find a Mason jar, which I have been looking for but could only find in packs of six. I just need one. Woohoo! Now it'll be much easier to make the jalapeno infused tequila. I have been just shoving the slices down the neck of the bottle and it is very difficult to get them out. This will be much easier.
I got a reprieve -- I don't have to find blue yarn for that blanket. The maroon will work. I think it'll look better that way. I didn't work on it last night though. There was too much going on regarding this party this weekend. And it looks like we're going to luck out on the weather too! The extended forecast shows 73 and partly sunny. That'll work.
I am just so tired this morning and I had a good night's sleep too! I think it's partly because it's darker in the mornings now. And it's not going to be getting lighter for quite some time. The good news is that I don't need my sleep mask. The bad news is that I cannot wake up!
Because we are serving do it yourself sandwiches at the party, I went up to the Ave yesterday to look for squeeze bottles for condiments. The store had no bottles but I did find a Mason jar, which I have been looking for but could only find in packs of six. I just need one. Woohoo! Now it'll be much easier to make the jalapeno infused tequila. I have been just shoving the slices down the neck of the bottle and it is very difficult to get them out. This will be much easier.
15 September, 2015
Crazy busy
I was so busy yesterday I didn't have a spare minute to post! My first meeting was at 8 o'clock so I had to leave super early to catch the 7:11 bus. I made it in time to get a cup of tea before I had to plug in and start recording the minutes. Then it was one thing after another. I am hoping that by the end of the day today I have my feet underneath me. I feel like I've just been putting out fires as fast as I can since last week. If I can just get organized things will be easier.
I figured out a good way to handle my Thursday dilemma. I am going to leave work at noon on Thursday and work from home in the afternoon. That way I can be home to get Tink walked and sorted out so that I can do my two meetings - 4 to 5 and 5 to 6-ish. I have to take minutes for both of them and that's the only way I can make that work.
I lost my fantasy match up and I am very disappointed. If only my quarterback had scored his points - and I took Peyton Manning, who was the last top tier QB left in the draft for me. Like a few years ago when I took Tom Brady, another one who you expect to meet the goal each week, and he had a terrible year. I sure hope it isn't going to be that way for Peyton. All my other guys are so good! I really was hoping this year I would be in the playoffs at least. Well, early days. Early days.
I got around to talking about the blanket I'm making. I had two yarns picked out for the color - a green and a magenta. Either of those two go with the decor and I own them. But no. It has to be blue. *sigh* I can't get Fez because it is a discontinued yarn so I don't yet know what I'm going to get. I'll just have to shop.
I figured out a good way to handle my Thursday dilemma. I am going to leave work at noon on Thursday and work from home in the afternoon. That way I can be home to get Tink walked and sorted out so that I can do my two meetings - 4 to 5 and 5 to 6-ish. I have to take minutes for both of them and that's the only way I can make that work.
I lost my fantasy match up and I am very disappointed. If only my quarterback had scored his points - and I took Peyton Manning, who was the last top tier QB left in the draft for me. Like a few years ago when I took Tom Brady, another one who you expect to meet the goal each week, and he had a terrible year. I sure hope it isn't going to be that way for Peyton. All my other guys are so good! I really was hoping this year I would be in the playoffs at least. Well, early days. Early days.
I got around to talking about the blanket I'm making. I had two yarns picked out for the color - a green and a magenta. Either of those two go with the decor and I own them. But no. It has to be blue. *sigh* I can't get Fez because it is a discontinued yarn so I don't yet know what I'm going to get. I'll just have to shop.
11 September, 2015
As I suspected ....
I have a few standing meetings now with all of my new duties, and one of them is Thursdays at 5 o'clock. *sigh* Terrible time. I was on that call until 6:30! Thank goodness the football game was recording. But truth be told, I got bored with it PDQ since it's the two teams I hate the most and I didn't have a fantasy stake. My goal was to be in bed by 9:30 and I met that goal.
Today I drove in to work because our new panting arrives and so Ben took the truck and I got the fancy car. I decided to drive around rather than go to the transit center and take the bus or to drive the bridge to work. Going around means going through Bothell and Kenmore on surface streets rather than the 520 Bridge. I ride that freeway every morning and I know how stacked up it gets. It's much more comfortable to drive around. The traffic wasn't bad, I got to stop at Starbucks for a coffee and listen to my sports talk radio all the way in. It only too 50 minutes. And, bonus, tonight I can stop and pick up dinner from a BBQ place that I have been craving for weeks. Win and win. I think I'll leave the top up though. I'd rather have the air conditioning. It's going to be very hot today.
I hope we can get the painting up tomorrow. Well, we have to get it done this weekend because we've got a party next Saturday. It's going to be a work-y weekend with the addition of a Husky game on Saturday and the Seahawks season opener (on the road to the Rams) on Sunday morning. Fingers crossed my fantasy team does well too. I'm going to order Red Zone today.
Today I drove in to work because our new panting arrives and so Ben took the truck and I got the fancy car. I decided to drive around rather than go to the transit center and take the bus or to drive the bridge to work. Going around means going through Bothell and Kenmore on surface streets rather than the 520 Bridge. I ride that freeway every morning and I know how stacked up it gets. It's much more comfortable to drive around. The traffic wasn't bad, I got to stop at Starbucks for a coffee and listen to my sports talk radio all the way in. It only too 50 minutes. And, bonus, tonight I can stop and pick up dinner from a BBQ place that I have been craving for weeks. Win and win. I think I'll leave the top up though. I'd rather have the air conditioning. It's going to be very hot today.
I hope we can get the painting up tomorrow. Well, we have to get it done this weekend because we've got a party next Saturday. It's going to be a work-y weekend with the addition of a Husky game on Saturday and the Seahawks season opener (on the road to the Rams) on Sunday morning. Fingers crossed my fantasy team does well too. I'm going to order Red Zone today.
10 September, 2015
Sore jaw
So I guess things are really heating up for me. I woke up with a sore jaw this morning, which means I was clenching it last night. My work load has gone from zero to 100 and I'm still trying to catch my breath. It is exciting though and the days seem to zip right by.
I did take my noon knitting time. That is sacrosanct. I got two rows done on the blanket and I probably could have gotten through another but my hands were a little bit sore because of all the work I had done on it during the weekend. it is going to be a fabulous blankie. And then when I got home I found my Luxe box! Five skeins of camel yarn. I was hoping for the gray but got the green instead. I looked to see how the trading was going and it looks like most everybody who got the green wants to trade it for the gray so I will use my green. The pattern that comes with it is for a nice stole/scarf thingie. Hopefully we'll get a real winter and it'll be useful.
Football officially starts tonight with the two teams I hate the most playing each other. I don't have any fantasy players on either of the teams so I don't know how long I'll be watching. But it all counts now!
I did take my noon knitting time. That is sacrosanct. I got two rows done on the blanket and I probably could have gotten through another but my hands were a little bit sore because of all the work I had done on it during the weekend. it is going to be a fabulous blankie. And then when I got home I found my Luxe box! Five skeins of camel yarn. I was hoping for the gray but got the green instead. I looked to see how the trading was going and it looks like most everybody who got the green wants to trade it for the gray so I will use my green. The pattern that comes with it is for a nice stole/scarf thingie. Hopefully we'll get a real winter and it'll be useful.
Football officially starts tonight with the two teams I hate the most playing each other. I don't have any fantasy players on either of the teams so I don't know how long I'll be watching. But it all counts now!
09 September, 2015
Responsibilities
For some time things have been rather slow here at work for me. There are quite a few reasons why including the chairman preparing to step down and the new curriculum change over. With some rather aggressive prodding on my part to get my colleagues in this department to advance my cause with the School of Medicine, I now have a bazillion new responsibilities. Did I say a bazillion? I might be exaggerating a bit, but not much. I have four or five standing meetings each week, a retreat in October and I'm still trying to figure out what all else I am responsible for. I have a meeting tomorrow with someone to nail it down. I am not complaining but I am feeling a little overwhelmed at this point. Just a little.
Yesterday morning I spent 3 hours at an HR seminar. That was a dense three hours, I'll tell you. It was exciting though and now I can make some better decisions about when I want to stop working. Now would be fine .... but I can't do it now. But I know when I can, and that's nice.
So -- I did finally finish up the Starry Nights shawl but I haven't blocked it. I'm not that much in love with it. I can't quite decide what to do next - I have some great projects in the wings and my Luxe box is on its way and it's camel yarn, so I might make that project. But in the meantime, it got a little chilly this weekend and so I decided to start the blanket I've been promising to make. I have some lovely Debbie Bliss Fez - merino and camel - that I started using to make a heavily cabled hoodie. I frogged that I it is perfect for the blanket. I am making my own pattern so first I swatched the pattern, which is alternating stripes of horseshoe lace and broken rib, then I measured and cast on and away we go! I am really loving it and it goes pretty quickly, plus it's easy enough to be TV knitting. I brought it in with me today for noon knitting.
It is warming up again and we're heading for the 80s for the weekend. Summer is not done yet! But I do notice it's dark in the morning. I don't like that much.
Yesterday morning I spent 3 hours at an HR seminar. That was a dense three hours, I'll tell you. It was exciting though and now I can make some better decisions about when I want to stop working. Now would be fine .... but I can't do it now. But I know when I can, and that's nice.
So -- I did finally finish up the Starry Nights shawl but I haven't blocked it. I'm not that much in love with it. I can't quite decide what to do next - I have some great projects in the wings and my Luxe box is on its way and it's camel yarn, so I might make that project. But in the meantime, it got a little chilly this weekend and so I decided to start the blanket I've been promising to make. I have some lovely Debbie Bliss Fez - merino and camel - that I started using to make a heavily cabled hoodie. I frogged that I it is perfect for the blanket. I am making my own pattern so first I swatched the pattern, which is alternating stripes of horseshoe lace and broken rib, then I measured and cast on and away we go! I am really loving it and it goes pretty quickly, plus it's easy enough to be TV knitting. I brought it in with me today for noon knitting.
It is warming up again and we're heading for the 80s for the weekend. Summer is not done yet! But I do notice it's dark in the morning. I don't like that much.
08 September, 2015
An artsy vacation
What fun we had on our vacation! Lots of sunshine. Lots of laughs. Lots of food.
We started out at Laguna Beach. It was the final day of the Sawdust Festival, an annual arts festival, so the place was packed! Lots of kids having a final hurrah before school starts and lots of people for the festival. We had a cute beach house from AirBnb right at the top of the stairs to the beach. Perfect. We had a great dinner Saturday night and got to the festival early enough on Sunday that it wasn't too crowded. And we nabbed a couple of awesome pieces - a beautiful cache pot and a cute little painting on wood with a gorgeous gold frame. Lovely.
Monday it was back to LA via the PCH and then on Tuesday we headed out to Santa Barbara for a couple of days there. We didn't really do much - walked around, I bought a cute little fringed bag, drank lots of wine and pretty much just relaxed.
The most fun part of the vacation for me was the live fantasy draft we had Friday night. I got a really good team this year (fingers crossed) and the party was SO much fun! We had all the guys there except for the two in Seattle since Omie and his cousin had come out from the east coast for Kris' wedding the previous weekend.
Friday we stopped off at Emily Van Horn's studio to look at getting a big painting and oooooo ... I found a beauty. This is called Manana Mas and it's really big, but it'll fit over the bed. She packed it up and sent it to us so we should have it Friday. I cannot wait!
I started a new knitting project this weekend, but it's going to have to wait because I've got to get ready to get out of the office for a 9 o'clock seminar. I am going to be SUPER busy this next year.
We started out at Laguna Beach. It was the final day of the Sawdust Festival, an annual arts festival, so the place was packed! Lots of kids having a final hurrah before school starts and lots of people for the festival. We had a cute beach house from AirBnb right at the top of the stairs to the beach. Perfect. We had a great dinner Saturday night and got to the festival early enough on Sunday that it wasn't too crowded. And we nabbed a couple of awesome pieces - a beautiful cache pot and a cute little painting on wood with a gorgeous gold frame. Lovely.
Monday it was back to LA via the PCH and then on Tuesday we headed out to Santa Barbara for a couple of days there. We didn't really do much - walked around, I bought a cute little fringed bag, drank lots of wine and pretty much just relaxed.
The most fun part of the vacation for me was the live fantasy draft we had Friday night. I got a really good team this year (fingers crossed) and the party was SO much fun! We had all the guys there except for the two in Seattle since Omie and his cousin had come out from the east coast for Kris' wedding the previous weekend.
Friday we stopped off at Emily Van Horn's studio to look at getting a big painting and oooooo ... I found a beauty. This is called Manana Mas and it's really big, but it'll fit over the bed. She packed it up and sent it to us so we should have it Friday. I cannot wait! I started a new knitting project this weekend, but it's going to have to wait because I've got to get ready to get out of the office for a 9 o'clock seminar. I am going to be SUPER busy this next year.
28 August, 2015
Vacation here we come
I can't say for sure how long it has been since I've been on vacation this week. I think maybe 15 years, but more than 20. Medical school starts the day after the September holiday and so I always have to be here. Not this year though. This year we don't start our portion until the 14th and so here I go - a September holiday! We're leaving Saturday morning, coming back the following Saturday evening and then I'll have two whole days to get back into the groove before I have to go back to work.
There's lots for me to get done this morning. I have to leave around 1 o'clock for an appointment downtown - which I hope doesn't take more than an hour or so. I have tons of things to do at home before I leave but since the plane doesn't take off tomorrow until 1:30 I will have plenty of time.
Last night I got started on the picot bind off for the Starry Night. It's rather time consuming but I do love how it looks and it will give the piece a little weight. It's rather small so blocking aggressively is going to be what I'll have to do. Even so I suspect it's going to be more of a kerchief than a shawl.
I've also got to do some serious studying for my fantasy draft. I haven't done much but I'll print out all of my cheat sheets, take my magazine and keep up with things while we're gone.
Now to work.
There's lots for me to get done this morning. I have to leave around 1 o'clock for an appointment downtown - which I hope doesn't take more than an hour or so. I have tons of things to do at home before I leave but since the plane doesn't take off tomorrow until 1:30 I will have plenty of time.
Last night I got started on the picot bind off for the Starry Night. It's rather time consuming but I do love how it looks and it will give the piece a little weight. It's rather small so blocking aggressively is going to be what I'll have to do. Even so I suspect it's going to be more of a kerchief than a shawl.
I've also got to do some serious studying for my fantasy draft. I haven't done much but I'll print out all of my cheat sheets, take my magazine and keep up with things while we're gone.
Now to work.
27 August, 2015
Enjoy it while it lasts
Well it looks like today is the last day of sunshine for a while. A storm is moving in with rain and wind. Is it not a perfect time to head south for a vacation? Yes, yes it is!
I nearly finished the Starry Nights shawl yesterday at noon knitting. I've got one and a half rows to go before I bind off. I was going to finish it last night but I got caught up in dinner preparation and catching up on some shows so tonight is the night. Ben's golfing so I'll have the entire evening to myself. My only question then is should I wind up the Ancient Gryphon yarn when I finish the shawl? Maybe I'll wait until I get back from California.
Work is busy busy busy. It sure makes the day go by faster. I heard yesterday that the SOM is now paying 25% of my salary and the department is over the moon. I'm pretty happy too knowing that I am golden for this year. I just have to make it through the year which is going to be a slog at times. Ah well .... when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel it's a bit easier to withstand the slog.
I nearly finished the Starry Nights shawl yesterday at noon knitting. I've got one and a half rows to go before I bind off. I was going to finish it last night but I got caught up in dinner preparation and catching up on some shows so tonight is the night. Ben's golfing so I'll have the entire evening to myself. My only question then is should I wind up the Ancient Gryphon yarn when I finish the shawl? Maybe I'll wait until I get back from California.
Work is busy busy busy. It sure makes the day go by faster. I heard yesterday that the SOM is now paying 25% of my salary and the department is over the moon. I'm pretty happy too knowing that I am golden for this year. I just have to make it through the year which is going to be a slog at times. Ah well .... when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel it's a bit easier to withstand the slog.
26 August, 2015
A visit to the vet
When I got home from work on Monday I found yet another puddle left by Tink. This summer she has left a couple of puddles during the night which I just supposed were from her drinking more water than normal. But during the day? And then I realized she's been licking herself more than usual. So I put 1 and 1 together and came up with UTI. I called the vet first thing yesterday morning and got an appointment for 2 o'clock. On her morning walk and got a good sample to take in with me. She'd not been lethargic and everything seemed normal except for the puddles. The urinalysis didn't show anything and the vet gave me a choice of putting her on a broad spectrum antibiotic and come cream for her irritated hoo-haw or culturing the urine so we could see what is growing and treat that. I chose that option and went out of there with a considerably lighter wallet and some cream for her nether regions. Hopefully by Friday we'll see what we have growing. I hope that's all it is.
For my birthday Monika got me a Yarnbox classic, the type I had discontinued. That was in the mailbox on Monday and it is awesome! A beautiful green color of a DK weight from the Verdant Gryphon. I am considering making another Venomous Tentacular from it.
I worked on my Starry Nights last night and brought it in today. I am very close to being done. It is a very small shawl - more like a lacy scarf. I don't think I'll actually use it but it is fun to knit. The yarn is so soft.
Vacation -- come on!!
For my birthday Monika got me a Yarnbox classic, the type I had discontinued. That was in the mailbox on Monday and it is awesome! A beautiful green color of a DK weight from the Verdant Gryphon. I am considering making another Venomous Tentacular from it.
I worked on my Starry Nights last night and brought it in today. I am very close to being done. It is a very small shawl - more like a lacy scarf. I don't think I'll actually use it but it is fun to knit. The yarn is so soft.
Vacation -- come on!!
24 August, 2015
Pre-vacation week
Oh it is going to be a very interesting week, starting with a meeting this morning. I cannot wait to dig in.
I didn't last the entire day on Friday. I was just SO sleepy and nothing much was happening, so I took off a little early with the intention of having a little nap. It had a nice rest anyway - don't think I dropped off. The good news was that we didn't have to wait but could start the game right away and then stop it during dinner preparation. It was a better game than last week, but not awesome and they lost by one point. Good thing it doesn't count.
I did get to sleep in on Saturday though and it was glorious! A nice long, deep sleep and a lazy breakfast. And then ... chores. I smacked my elbow right into the door jamb at one point and it still is aching! There was no knitting at all this weekend because of it. And having fun. Saturday after all the chores were done and I was cleaned up off we went to the Triplehorn for the 3rd annual Hoardfest. It was much much better than last year, music-wise. I actually enjoyed the bands. We didn't stay very late - mostly because the beer is just SO strong. And it was hot and sunny.
Sunday I had to get my contacts ordered at Costco and do grocery shopping. Poor Ben was not feeling great - I think the food he ate at Hoardfest did not agree with him. He stayed home and I went to the mall to get a couple of things for vacation and then a nice early dinner at Steve and Ginny's with McG. Great salad and wonderful salmon. Cooked perfectly.
Well ... off to my meeting.
I didn't last the entire day on Friday. I was just SO sleepy and nothing much was happening, so I took off a little early with the intention of having a little nap. It had a nice rest anyway - don't think I dropped off. The good news was that we didn't have to wait but could start the game right away and then stop it during dinner preparation. It was a better game than last week, but not awesome and they lost by one point. Good thing it doesn't count.
I did get to sleep in on Saturday though and it was glorious! A nice long, deep sleep and a lazy breakfast. And then ... chores. I smacked my elbow right into the door jamb at one point and it still is aching! There was no knitting at all this weekend because of it. And having fun. Saturday after all the chores were done and I was cleaned up off we went to the Triplehorn for the 3rd annual Hoardfest. It was much much better than last year, music-wise. I actually enjoyed the bands. We didn't stay very late - mostly because the beer is just SO strong. And it was hot and sunny.
Sunday I had to get my contacts ordered at Costco and do grocery shopping. Poor Ben was not feeling great - I think the food he ate at Hoardfest did not agree with him. He stayed home and I went to the mall to get a couple of things for vacation and then a nice early dinner at Steve and Ginny's with McG. Great salad and wonderful salmon. Cooked perfectly.
Well ... off to my meeting.
21 August, 2015
Hooray for Friday
Oh am I ever glad this week is over. I am SO tired. I can't figure it out. Maybe it's because the clouds are back, but I can't seem to wake up. I was busy yesterday and I felt like I was walking with lead boots. I have a busy weekend ahead of me, since we're leaving on vacation next Saturday. I sure hope I perk up!
It's Seahawks tonight - the second preseason game. I'm looking forward to that this evening and then a nice long sleep in tomorrow before I dig into my chores. Next week I really need to start getting into my fantasy football team. I need to be super prepared when I go to California since we're having the draft on that last Friday night. I'll have to be ready to go before I leave since we'll be running around having fun and I won't be able to study too much directly before the draft. I'll have to sign up for ESPN Insider next week too.
The students will be back next week, starting their orientation and clogging up the parking garage and bus. Ah well ... twelve months to go and then I am free free free. Tick tock, it's going to be a long year.
I am getting the feeling of autumn in the air - just a teensie bit - and it's darker in the mornings. So of course my mind is set on Europe - can I make it work this year? But no, I cannot. I take this next week off to see my sister and I will be back to zero vacation days. It grows quickly enough but I'll have to wait until after the first of the year.
And there's another blog post that is just whine whine whine. Enjoy.
It's Seahawks tonight - the second preseason game. I'm looking forward to that this evening and then a nice long sleep in tomorrow before I dig into my chores. Next week I really need to start getting into my fantasy football team. I need to be super prepared when I go to California since we're having the draft on that last Friday night. I'll have to be ready to go before I leave since we'll be running around having fun and I won't be able to study too much directly before the draft. I'll have to sign up for ESPN Insider next week too.
The students will be back next week, starting their orientation and clogging up the parking garage and bus. Ah well ... twelve months to go and then I am free free free. Tick tock, it's going to be a long year.
I am getting the feeling of autumn in the air - just a teensie bit - and it's darker in the mornings. So of course my mind is set on Europe - can I make it work this year? But no, I cannot. I take this next week off to see my sister and I will be back to zero vacation days. It grows quickly enough but I'll have to wait until after the first of the year.
And there's another blog post that is just whine whine whine. Enjoy.
20 August, 2015
When noon knitting sucks
I honestly look forward to my Wednesday noon knitting with the ladies. It is usually fun and relaxing. Yesterday? Not so much. There was a new person who joined us, plus one of the newer ladies had a bazillion questions. When I finally got down to starting my own project I started on the wrong row in the pattern so when I figured it out I had to tink back almost 100 stitches. By this time is was nearly time to leave, so I didn't re-start the row. I was all wound up! Not fun. Plus it was very very hot yesterday.
I didn't finally relax until nearly six o'clock. I had to stop at the grocery store for things for a cold dinner and the guy at the deli counter was SO slow! But I had a new episode of "Hard Knocks" to watch, and that was nice. I did finally relax, but it was too hot to knit, even with the fan. It's much cooler today and raining on the way in. I can't wake up! I need a vacation. [whine whine whine]
I didn't finally relax until nearly six o'clock. I had to stop at the grocery store for things for a cold dinner and the guy at the deli counter was SO slow! But I had a new episode of "Hard Knocks" to watch, and that was nice. I did finally relax, but it was too hot to knit, even with the fan. It's much cooler today and raining on the way in. I can't wake up! I need a vacation. [whine whine whine]
19 August, 2015
Catching up
Oh how I love going to the gym in the summer time! When I got to the locker room at the IMA I was the only one in there! What a rare occurrence. I was so tired yesterday though and while I managed to get through my 30 minutes of cardio, it was tough. Hopefully Thursday it'll be better.
I went to bed ridiculously early last night and slept the sleep of the dead. I know I woke up once but only briefly. I do feel a lot better rested today. It's going to be a very hot day today so I can't count on any good sleep tonight. It'll be time for the fan again. I just thank goodness I'm not in Thornton Place anymore. It was brutal last summer and it wasn't near as hot for so many days as this summer. I wouldn't have been able to handle it.
Noon knitting today and I've brought my Starry Summer Nights with me. I want to button that project up before I go on vacation. Speaking of vacation ... will I bring a project with me? You know, I bring projects and I never ever knit on them! I do remember knitting on something when I went to Hawaii once but that was avoidance knitting. As in I didn't want to interact so therefore I knit. I will be happy with the company this vacation, for sure. So .... maybe not.
I went to bed ridiculously early last night and slept the sleep of the dead. I know I woke up once but only briefly. I do feel a lot better rested today. It's going to be a very hot day today so I can't count on any good sleep tonight. It'll be time for the fan again. I just thank goodness I'm not in Thornton Place anymore. It was brutal last summer and it wasn't near as hot for so many days as this summer. I wouldn't have been able to handle it.
Noon knitting today and I've brought my Starry Summer Nights with me. I want to button that project up before I go on vacation. Speaking of vacation ... will I bring a project with me? You know, I bring projects and I never ever knit on them! I do remember knitting on something when I went to Hawaii once but that was avoidance knitting. As in I didn't want to interact so therefore I knit. I will be happy with the company this vacation, for sure. So .... maybe not.
18 August, 2015
Big doings
Things have been very strange at work lately and yesterday it got really interesting. The Chairman's secretary sent out an email that the chairman had called a staff meeting for 11:45. He never calls staff meetings and the administrator is out on vacation. He also called a faculty meeting directly before it so we all knew it was big news. My money was on him stepping down and sure enough, that is what happened. He is going to just run the Willed Body Program and we have an interim chair. It will take at the very least 18 months to do a proper search to find a new one and by then I will be gone. Or at least down to 40% time.
This step is really a very good thing and it has already made my life easier at work. There is no ambiguity about what the heck he is doing. I just wish the meeting we're having next Monday could be happening this week, but alas Andy is gone for a holiday he had booked before this whole mess started so we wait.
In a few more weeks Do Nothing Monday night will have a football game component. But I did fine lounging in the back garden enjoying the weather and some nice wine. I sleep so much better when it's not so hot, but it's going to be really hot today and hotter tomorrow. I can't remember when we've had such a solid summer. It's been quite a while. I do notice some leaves changing and the light is just a little different. I am not sorry to see autumn coming.
This step is really a very good thing and it has already made my life easier at work. There is no ambiguity about what the heck he is doing. I just wish the meeting we're having next Monday could be happening this week, but alas Andy is gone for a holiday he had booked before this whole mess started so we wait.
In a few more weeks Do Nothing Monday night will have a football game component. But I did fine lounging in the back garden enjoying the weather and some nice wine. I sleep so much better when it's not so hot, but it's going to be really hot today and hotter tomorrow. I can't remember when we've had such a solid summer. It's been quite a while. I do notice some leaves changing and the light is just a little different. I am not sorry to see autumn coming.
17 August, 2015
Two weeks until vacation
Friday we had quite the thunder storm. It poured! And I was worried about poor Tinkerbell all alone at home. The storm had blown over by the time I got home and, of course, she was fine. It was such a change from the hot hot summer we've been having.
It was game night and we made a nice pizza and watched the first pre-season game. Our two draftees were awesome but otherwise it was pretty boring, as we knew it would be. But hey, it's football.
Saturday morning we took off early to Flower World and I bought lots of pretty things to put in the planters and a Rosemary bush for a spot in the back. Then I got to work cleaning out the debris from the older planters and planting the new things. I am very pleased with the results although I need a few more plants - always need more plants I guess. Then it was off to the nail salon and a trip to Trader Joe's and that was my Saturday.
I had forgotten Ben's golf tournament Sunday. So there I was with an entire morning and part of the afternoon to fill up with .. knitting. Not all knitting - I did some chores. I am trying to finish up that silly ArtYarns Starry Summer Nights shawl. I got a one-off Yarnbox Classic for my birthday present from Monika and that's going out today, plus I've got a few other (million) projects in the wings. Just waiting for some cooler weather. This is not the time to have a blanket's worth of knitting on your lap. Or even a cardigan.
This is a weird morning - the Chairman of the department has called a staff meeting! He never calls staff meetings plus the Administrator is on vacation .... so the news is either going to be really good or really bad. Stay tuned.
It was game night and we made a nice pizza and watched the first pre-season game. Our two draftees were awesome but otherwise it was pretty boring, as we knew it would be. But hey, it's football.
Saturday morning we took off early to Flower World and I bought lots of pretty things to put in the planters and a Rosemary bush for a spot in the back. Then I got to work cleaning out the debris from the older planters and planting the new things. I am very pleased with the results although I need a few more plants - always need more plants I guess. Then it was off to the nail salon and a trip to Trader Joe's and that was my Saturday.
I had forgotten Ben's golf tournament Sunday. So there I was with an entire morning and part of the afternoon to fill up with .. knitting. Not all knitting - I did some chores. I am trying to finish up that silly ArtYarns Starry Summer Nights shawl. I got a one-off Yarnbox Classic for my birthday present from Monika and that's going out today, plus I've got a few other (million) projects in the wings. Just waiting for some cooler weather. This is not the time to have a blanket's worth of knitting on your lap. Or even a cardigan.
This is a weird morning - the Chairman of the department has called a staff meeting! He never calls staff meetings plus the Administrator is on vacation .... so the news is either going to be really good or really bad. Stay tuned.
14 August, 2015
If it wasn't for bad luck ......
What is it with me and buses? I always seem to be having some sort of mix up or other. Yesterday I took the bus to Northgate so I could pick up some face cream and save myself a trip to the mall during the weekend. I got there just fine but the getting back to work .... not so fine. I waited on 5th for the 68 bus, assuming that it would be going to the University. Ha! Plus, oh it was late. So I waited about 20 minutes for this bus that took me around the corner to the transit center across from where I used to live. It was then that I realized that I had mistaken the 68's route. It is not circular! I then caught a 67 which is the bus I used to take to work. I could have walked over to the transit center after my purchase and caught a 67. Well at least I figured it out because I have to go back today because I got the wrong cream. *sigh*
It was nearly 90 yesterday but the clouds moved in and now it's not even 70 and it was thundering and raining this morning. I wonder if I should have given Tink a pill. Well, too late. Hopefully she won't be too freaked out. The rain shouldn't last and I should be able to have some good garden time tomorrow. I plan on going to Flower World in Maltby. It's supposed to be very cool.
I am SO looking forward to the Seahawks tonight, although I don't think any of the first stringers are going to be playing. It doesn't matter. It's back, that's all.
It was nearly 90 yesterday but the clouds moved in and now it's not even 70 and it was thundering and raining this morning. I wonder if I should have given Tink a pill. Well, too late. Hopefully she won't be too freaked out. The rain shouldn't last and I should be able to have some good garden time tomorrow. I plan on going to Flower World in Maltby. It's supposed to be very cool.
I am SO looking forward to the Seahawks tonight, although I don't think any of the first stringers are going to be playing. It doesn't matter. It's back, that's all.
13 August, 2015
When do you call it finished?
I know that many many people post their projects on Ravelry and keep up with the progress of the item by posting pictures and then post a finished date. I call a project finished when it is blocked but I think some people call it finished when it comes off the needles. Unless you can wear it or use it I don't think you can call it done. But I am a very picky and precise person so .... you can ignore this rant. Here are some pictures of the lovely shawl being blocked. I am sorry that the beads don't show up as well in the photos. They really pop in real life. You can kind of see them in the picture on the right. Or if you look very closely at the bottom of the tear drops on the left. I am anxious for it to dry but I won't be able to use it for weeks and weeks if this summer keeps up like it has been.
We had thunder showers yesterday and the air is moist today but it will still be in the high 80s. I think Friday it's supposed to cool down. I hope it's nice on the weekend though because I want to work on the garden and the planters around the patio and porch. I just don't like to garden at all when it's cloudy.
I had a quiet evening last night and will again tonight, hopefully. Tomorrow night? Ah, the first pre-season Seahawks game!! Woohoo!!!
12 August, 2015
Finished Shangri-La
I finished binding off the Shangri-La shawl and it is SO gorgeous! It needs to be blocked so I don't have any pictures. I brought it in today to show the noon knitting group before it's blocked and tonight when I get home I'll give it a good soak and pin it out. I need to be aggressive about it so that the nice mesh work can really show off the beaded tear drops. Hopefully we'll get a winter this year so that I can wear it.
I worked from home yesterday afternoon after spending the morning at a doctor's appointment. We've finally got all of the dosages right so with any luck I won't have to see her again until next May. It just doesn't make any sense for me to drive to work after a morning doctor's appointment though. It is expensive - tolls both ways and parking - and it takes an hour. All of my files are on the cloud now so I took care of business as well as let Tink in and out a million times.
Since my Shangri-La was finally finished I decided I'd knit up the project from the Yarnbox ArtYarns shipment. It's gorgeous yarn but I'm not crazy on the colors. And right now I need a small project. It's still so very very hot and not weather to start a sweater, which will be my next big project. A lace panel drapey cardigan. Monika made it and it's a great pattern. But I'm weeks away from that.
What else? All I can seem to do is complain about the weather.
I worked from home yesterday afternoon after spending the morning at a doctor's appointment. We've finally got all of the dosages right so with any luck I won't have to see her again until next May. It just doesn't make any sense for me to drive to work after a morning doctor's appointment though. It is expensive - tolls both ways and parking - and it takes an hour. All of my files are on the cloud now so I took care of business as well as let Tink in and out a million times.
Since my Shangri-La was finally finished I decided I'd knit up the project from the Yarnbox ArtYarns shipment. It's gorgeous yarn but I'm not crazy on the colors. And right now I need a small project. It's still so very very hot and not weather to start a sweater, which will be my next big project. A lace panel drapey cardigan. Monika made it and it's a great pattern. But I'm weeks away from that.
What else? All I can seem to do is complain about the weather.
10 August, 2015
Super Duper Birthday Weekend
I had a wonderful weekend! It started out with a work at home day Friday because I had someone coming over to clean the furnace ducts. Actually I thought they were just coming to give me a bid, but they just started doing it and I had nobody else coming to give me a price so I just let them go ahead. It needed to be done and they were done in 30 minutes. The price was fine and I'm happy.
Saturday and Sunday I got a lot of knitting done and I've finished up the body of the Shangri-La and I started the picot bind off last night. However, after the third one I realized I had forgotten the bead!! There is absolutely no way in the world to tink back to add it so I put it down. I need to have all my wits about me when I do this bind off and I was distracted by the first pre-season game. Ahhh, football.
My birthday celebration Saturday was low key but really nice. First I slept in, then after breakfast went to the mall where I got a new Seahawks 12 jersey. Then some grocery shopping and a light lunch. The main event was dinner at Preservation Kitchen. It was super good.
Sunday was a lazy day. We had a party planning meeting at 3 o'clock and otherwise is was just knitting and football. I don't feel bad about it at all. It was still my birthday. Next weekend I'll work on the planters and otherwise be more productive.
Saturday and Sunday I got a lot of knitting done and I've finished up the body of the Shangri-La and I started the picot bind off last night. However, after the third one I realized I had forgotten the bead!! There is absolutely no way in the world to tink back to add it so I put it down. I need to have all my wits about me when I do this bind off and I was distracted by the first pre-season game. Ahhh, football.
My birthday celebration Saturday was low key but really nice. First I slept in, then after breakfast went to the mall where I got a new Seahawks 12 jersey. Then some grocery shopping and a light lunch. The main event was dinner at Preservation Kitchen. It was super good.
Sunday was a lazy day. We had a party planning meeting at 3 o'clock and otherwise is was just knitting and football. I don't feel bad about it at all. It was still my birthday. Next weekend I'll work on the planters and otherwise be more productive.
06 August, 2015
Mists
Yesterday evening the rains came and it really poured. It smelled so nice - wet earth. And it sounded lovely too. I had had a bad day yesterday - except for noon knitting - and it was rather soothing. This morning it's not actually raining, but still the air is wet and it's misty. It won't last long, but I think this cooler weather will be with us for a while and for that I'm grateful.
I managed to dial in to my meeting yesterday and get on the correct bus - yay me. The meeting went on long enough for me to get to the Transit Center, drive home in horrific traffic and walk Tinkerbell. In other words, it went over time. I just don't know ..... things are SO weird and things are still up in the air. It is not going to be easy to get through another entire year of this, but I must do it. Day by day. Today I get to go to the gym. There's a good thing.
I've got to get the heating air ducts cleaned before we turn the furnace back on this year. After that remodel and the floor refinishing the ducts were NOT cleaned and I believe it did not do my asthma any favors. This year it will be done - the sooner the better.
My Shangri-la is getting to have some weight and substance and it is such a comfort to work on. I got another couple of rows done yesterday between noon knitting and the evening stupid TV time. (Although stupid TV time now includes football news so that's good). After I finish the next beaded row I will take stock of my yarn and see how much further I can go. I think four repeats and the edging will be fine, especially blocked, but if I can make it another repeat I shall do it because I like my wraps to be long.
Oh I hope I can stay awake. While I love this cloudy weather it does make me sleepy.
I managed to dial in to my meeting yesterday and get on the correct bus - yay me. The meeting went on long enough for me to get to the Transit Center, drive home in horrific traffic and walk Tinkerbell. In other words, it went over time. I just don't know ..... things are SO weird and things are still up in the air. It is not going to be easy to get through another entire year of this, but I must do it. Day by day. Today I get to go to the gym. There's a good thing.
I've got to get the heating air ducts cleaned before we turn the furnace back on this year. After that remodel and the floor refinishing the ducts were NOT cleaned and I believe it did not do my asthma any favors. This year it will be done - the sooner the better.
My Shangri-la is getting to have some weight and substance and it is such a comfort to work on. I got another couple of rows done yesterday between noon knitting and the evening stupid TV time. (Although stupid TV time now includes football news so that's good). After I finish the next beaded row I will take stock of my yarn and see how much further I can go. I think four repeats and the edging will be fine, especially blocked, but if I can make it another repeat I shall do it because I like my wraps to be long.
Oh I hope I can stay awake. While I love this cloudy weather it does make me sleepy.
05 August, 2015
Memorized
My Shangri-la is coming along nicely. Now that I have the pattern memorized it is really zipping by. I got another two rows done last night before I crashed and I will get two more done at noon knitting today. Because I'm now working from the previously knitted portion of the Jo's Pride it is going to be difficult for me to judge if I will have enough yarn to add another pattern repeat. But I'm a week or so away from having to make that judgement.
Yesterday was another present day on my birthday week. This one a bottle of a liquor I am fond of. But it can't keep up, I'm sure. But while it is happening I'm liking it!!
The clouds have rolled in and with it cooler weather. No rain though, which is what I was looking forward to. And it won't last long either. We'll be back in the 80s by Friday.
Football .... that's basically all we're hearing about now. Especially after that horrible end to the Super Bowl. Preseason games start on the 11th, I think. Although the Hall of Fame game will be on this coming Sunday. Guess what I'm going to be doing?
Yesterday was another present day on my birthday week. This one a bottle of a liquor I am fond of. But it can't keep up, I'm sure. But while it is happening I'm liking it!!
The clouds have rolled in and with it cooler weather. No rain though, which is what I was looking forward to. And it won't last long either. We'll be back in the 80s by Friday.
Football .... that's basically all we're hearing about now. Especially after that horrible end to the Super Bowl. Preseason games start on the 11th, I think. Although the Hall of Fame game will be on this coming Sunday. Guess what I'm going to be doing?
04 August, 2015
Hooray for the birthday week!
The best week of the year. We'll discount the time spent at work, of course. I doubt the gifts will continue every night, but last night I got a wrapped gift to begin the birthday week. What was it? Only a copy of the Fantasy Football Index! Okay, it's just a magazine, but it's a great fantasy football start for me. I got the email yesterday to join our league and this year I'm going to be prepared! So besides studying this magazine I'm going to join the ESPN Fantasy Insiders. I'd just like to be in the playoffs! I don't need to win the whole thing, which would be awesome. But being in the playoffs would be great too.
I finished up the laundry and had a pretty lazy evening, which is how I like Do-Nothing Monday to be. I even got some knitting in, albeit with the fan blowing straight on me. I needed to get to bed early and I had a nice night, for the most part. It was bloody hot, but fans work well enough to let me fall asleep.
I wanted to go to the gym yesterday since I wasn't able to go even once last week. But I had to go to Northgate because I did not want to have to go to the mall on Saturday plus I was totally out of Chanel mascara. It took as long to go to the mall as it does to go to the gym. Not that anybody notices anyway. Today it's gym time.
I think we might get some more rain tomorrow. At least it's cooling off this week and I noticed that finally my tomatoes are starting to put out some flowers. The cherry tomatoes have fruit on them but the other two, with the exception of the 3 tomatoes on the Early Girl that were there from the beginning. So maybe by the end of August we'll have some tomatoes.
I finished up the laundry and had a pretty lazy evening, which is how I like Do-Nothing Monday to be. I even got some knitting in, albeit with the fan blowing straight on me. I needed to get to bed early and I had a nice night, for the most part. It was bloody hot, but fans work well enough to let me fall asleep.
I wanted to go to the gym yesterday since I wasn't able to go even once last week. But I had to go to Northgate because I did not want to have to go to the mall on Saturday plus I was totally out of Chanel mascara. It took as long to go to the mall as it does to go to the gym. Not that anybody notices anyway. Today it's gym time.
I think we might get some more rain tomorrow. At least it's cooling off this week and I noticed that finally my tomatoes are starting to put out some flowers. The cherry tomatoes have fruit on them but the other two, with the exception of the 3 tomatoes on the Early Girl that were there from the beginning. So maybe by the end of August we'll have some tomatoes.
03 August, 2015
Not what I expected
Friday was a very busy morning, plus it was Seafair weekend and the Blue Angels were flying, so I90 was closed making 520 impassible. Therefore I was picked up very late and we didn't get to the ferry line until after two. It was packed! We didn't end up getting on the ferry until 5 o'clock. No matter. We had a vacation mindset, and cocktails. After checking in to the hotel we went out for a meal and then walked the town. The music ..... mmmmm, not exactly what we were expecting. After doing a bit more research we found that this is mostly a workshop type of week culminating in various concerts around town. This is acoustic blues, not dance music.
We had a wonderful breakfast and then drove around, visiting the historic fort where the workshops were being held, among other things. In the afternoon we walked around all of the galleries and shops and I fell in love with this clock. The little swirl is blurred because it is the pendulum. I just LOVE it and so I bought it. A birthday present to myself, a week early. I didn't have anything particular in mind to buy myself this year, so I am very happy I found this.
We had a little rest and then went back out for a late lunch and then, since we weren't all that enamored with the music we settled in on the balcony with snacks and lots of tequila and played cards. I was the winner. I cleaned everybody out! That is the first time we've played poker and I was the big winner. The downside is that I had to buy dinner, but it was well worth it. And we laughed and laughed. I was sure my stomach was going to be sore the next morning, but it wasn't.
We got up and out in plenty of time to make the ferry without having to wait in line. We couldn't pick Tink up until 3, but that gave me time to shop for food and start laundry. Oh it was hot. Too hot. The weather is supposed to cool down a bit this week and I can't wait. Hopefully we'll get some rain as well.
Things are absolutely bizarre at work. My sanity is hanging by a thread.
We had a wonderful breakfast and then drove around, visiting the historic fort where the workshops were being held, among other things. In the afternoon we walked around all of the galleries and shops and I fell in love with this clock. The little swirl is blurred because it is the pendulum. I just LOVE it and so I bought it. A birthday present to myself, a week early. I didn't have anything particular in mind to buy myself this year, so I am very happy I found this. We had a little rest and then went back out for a late lunch and then, since we weren't all that enamored with the music we settled in on the balcony with snacks and lots of tequila and played cards. I was the winner. I cleaned everybody out! That is the first time we've played poker and I was the big winner. The downside is that I had to buy dinner, but it was well worth it. And we laughed and laughed. I was sure my stomach was going to be sore the next morning, but it wasn't.
We got up and out in plenty of time to make the ferry without having to wait in line. We couldn't pick Tink up until 3, but that gave me time to shop for food and start laundry. Oh it was hot. Too hot. The weather is supposed to cool down a bit this week and I can't wait. Hopefully we'll get some rain as well.
Things are absolutely bizarre at work. My sanity is hanging by a thread.
31 July, 2015
The Blues with a capital B
I was tasked with the job of finding a hotel for a weekend away in Port Townsend. I think that was in June. Anyway, my choice of weekends was very limited due to family obligations and other things, so I ended up picking this weekend. Then when I went looking for a hotel to find two rooms I was having a very hard time and ended up finding two rooms at the hotel farthest away from the center of town. It wasn't until about two weeks ago that I found out that the reason it was difficult to find a room was that it is the Acoustic Blues Festival weekend. We are all fans of the Blues so we are all looking forward to this vacation. Add to it perfect weather and good company and you can't beat that. I'm leaving at 1 o'clock and we're heading to the ferry dock. Hopefully we can get on the 2:15 ferry. Yay for the weekend.
It was of course bloody hot yesterday and I was in a rush after work. I had to take Tink to the doggie boarding place and they are very strict with their pick up and drop off times. Then to the dry cleaners to pick up, since they are closed on Sunday. And finally a quick stop at the grocery store to get a pizza for dinner. Huff puff ..... and then back home to soak the plants so they will live over the hot weekend and to clean up the mess I had left in the kitchen the night before. AND I had pulled a broken glass out of the dishwasher so first I had to completely empty it and find the shards. In the process of doing that I found a piece of the dishwasher on the floor of it. Hmmm ... where does it go? It wasn't broken so it must have worked itself loose. Well, I had no time to figure that out. Besides -- not my job. By 7:30 I was packed up for the weekend, showered (but hair left wild because I simply cannot straighten it in this heat) and relaxed. It's weird not having Tinkerbell around though. I miss her. That being said, I really do sleep well when she's not rooting around on the bed all night.
Well I've plenty to do this morning before I take off.
It was of course bloody hot yesterday and I was in a rush after work. I had to take Tink to the doggie boarding place and they are very strict with their pick up and drop off times. Then to the dry cleaners to pick up, since they are closed on Sunday. And finally a quick stop at the grocery store to get a pizza for dinner. Huff puff ..... and then back home to soak the plants so they will live over the hot weekend and to clean up the mess I had left in the kitchen the night before. AND I had pulled a broken glass out of the dishwasher so first I had to completely empty it and find the shards. In the process of doing that I found a piece of the dishwasher on the floor of it. Hmmm ... where does it go? It wasn't broken so it must have worked itself loose. Well, I had no time to figure that out. Besides -- not my job. By 7:30 I was packed up for the weekend, showered (but hair left wild because I simply cannot straighten it in this heat) and relaxed. It's weird not having Tinkerbell around though. I miss her. That being said, I really do sleep well when she's not rooting around on the bed all night.
Well I've plenty to do this morning before I take off.
30 July, 2015
How I turned my 1 hour commute into 2 & 1/2 hours
Yes, you're reading that correctly. Typically I leave here on a 4 o'clock bus, arrive at the garage at 4:30 and get home at 5. However, last evening as I was waiting for the bus I had to dial in to a conference call meeting. My bus was a bit late but my app said it was arriving now so a bus pulled up just as I was asked to enter the code for the meeting. I glanced up, saw the numbers and got on. It wasn't until the bus pulled off the freeway that I realized I was on the wrong bus. I had gotten on the 540 rather than the 542. In a panic, I got off at the very first stop. That was wrong. I got onto the metro trip planner and found that I needed to take another bus to the next stop where I could catch a third bus that would take me to the Redmond Transit Center. Well, I missed the correct bus because I didn't realize I needed the one saying Kenmore. And when I finally got a bus to the next stop, the Kirkland Transit Center, I had just missed the bus to the Redmond Transit Center by one minute. ONE MINUTE! That meant that I had to stand in the 90 degree heat for 30 minutes. I arrived at the garage at 6 o'clock. Needless to say I didn't feel like doing anything when I got home. I was SO mad at myself!! The dog had already had her walk, so I stripped off and had a nice shower, made myself a big bloody Mary and calmed down. What a bone headed mistake.
It's another hot day and I'm very busy. At least it will go by quickly.
It's another hot day and I'm very busy. At least it will go by quickly.
29 July, 2015
Caught up
I went to bed early last night and I believe I was asleep before 9 o'clock! Ahhh, but I'm all caught up now and I feel good. Noon knitting today will be much appreciated. I still haven't done a stitch since my great knitting orgy of Sunday.
The heat is getting turned up even more today and each day through the weekend. I must say, I hope we get an actual winter this year. I miss it!
I must have been in a bit of a fog this morning because I put in my contacts and I didn't really want to wear them today because of noon knitting. When I have close lace work to do, it's just easier without them since I wear two different ones. Ah well, I'll make do.
Football training camp here in Seattle for the Seahawks starts Friday. And then we're on our way to autumn and football! I can't wait. This baseball season has been just horrible and you know I've never gotten into soccer so ... it's a wasteland sports wise. Not for long.
The heat is getting turned up even more today and each day through the weekend. I must say, I hope we get an actual winter this year. I miss it!
I must have been in a bit of a fog this morning because I put in my contacts and I didn't really want to wear them today because of noon knitting. When I have close lace work to do, it's just easier without them since I wear two different ones. Ah well, I'll make do.
Football training camp here in Seattle for the Seahawks starts Friday. And then we're on our way to autumn and football! I can't wait. This baseball season has been just horrible and you know I've never gotten into soccer so ... it's a wasteland sports wise. Not for long.
28 July, 2015
Pinch me!
Good heavens am I drowsy this morning! I almost nodded off on the bus. I don't know why really. I got to bed at a decent time and I had a good night's sleep. Probably just not enough since I was down a quart from staying up too late Sunday. Well I'll just have to try to get to bed earlier tonight to catch up. This is annoying.
Yesterday went by in a flash! I hope the rest of the week flies by as well. I'm looking forward to the weekend in Port Townsend. And then at the end of August a trip to see my sister. I was looking for a hotel in Laguna Beach for a couple of nights because there is a big art festival there in August and Sunday the 30th is the last day. We arrive in LA Saturday at around 4 pm, so we're going to drive straight to Laguna Beach and spend the night there so we can enjoy the art show on Sunday, then we'll stay Sunday and drive back to LA on Monday after the traffic thins. Well so I was tasked with finding a hotel. No problem except they are all pretty darned pricey. Instead I went to AirBnB and found us a beach house to rent! Awesome! Right in Laguna Village, walking distance to everything. We're going to have a great time. And my nephew is trying to get the football draft set up so we can do it together. It's not easy getting everyone together - no, we're all over the country but we do it on line and even then, with the time differences, it's not easy. Fingers crossed.
No knitting last night. I was just too tired to count. Maybe some tonight. I won't be doing any on the weekend, that's for sure.
Yesterday went by in a flash! I hope the rest of the week flies by as well. I'm looking forward to the weekend in Port Townsend. And then at the end of August a trip to see my sister. I was looking for a hotel in Laguna Beach for a couple of nights because there is a big art festival there in August and Sunday the 30th is the last day. We arrive in LA Saturday at around 4 pm, so we're going to drive straight to Laguna Beach and spend the night there so we can enjoy the art show on Sunday, then we'll stay Sunday and drive back to LA on Monday after the traffic thins. Well so I was tasked with finding a hotel. No problem except they are all pretty darned pricey. Instead I went to AirBnB and found us a beach house to rent! Awesome! Right in Laguna Village, walking distance to everything. We're going to have a great time. And my nephew is trying to get the football draft set up so we can do it together. It's not easy getting everyone together - no, we're all over the country but we do it on line and even then, with the time differences, it's not easy. Fingers crossed.
No knitting last night. I was just too tired to count. Maybe some tonight. I won't be doing any on the weekend, that's for sure.
27 July, 2015
Things change
I have been waiting for things to pick up and they sure did on Friday. I have so much work to do this week, which is a complete change from the way things have been these past few months. I am trying not to get too worked up about it but I must say I'm glad it's finally starting. I knew people would start getting frantic. Now it begins. I have to leave early this coming Friday so everything needs to be finished by then. At least this one part of the job. It's very nerve wracking waiting for the unknown, isn't it? Now I know.
The rain came for the weekend and it was a lovely change. I didn't get to the garden store. I don't like to garden in the rain. I had my hair appointment Saturday and got the shopping done and looked forward to my Sunday. It was an orgy of knitting, I must say. Oh I walked Tinkerbell and played ball with her. I did laundry and baked cupcakes. I made a complicated turkey meatloaf. But I also knit and knit and knit and knit. I am SO glad I changed yarns for the Shangri-la shawl. I knew I was not into the Jo's Pride shawl and the yarn is much better suited for this project. I finished the first repeat of the beaded pattern and got a few rows into the next. It's just beautiful. And it was a really good day. I got enough real work done to feel like I hadn't wasted the entire day and enough knitting done to feel like I had a nice rest. I did stay up a bit too late last night though and I'm SO tired this morning. But once I get into my work I'll perk right up, I'm sure.
The rain came for the weekend and it was a lovely change. I didn't get to the garden store. I don't like to garden in the rain. I had my hair appointment Saturday and got the shopping done and looked forward to my Sunday. It was an orgy of knitting, I must say. Oh I walked Tinkerbell and played ball with her. I did laundry and baked cupcakes. I made a complicated turkey meatloaf. But I also knit and knit and knit and knit. I am SO glad I changed yarns for the Shangri-la shawl. I knew I was not into the Jo's Pride shawl and the yarn is much better suited for this project. I finished the first repeat of the beaded pattern and got a few rows into the next. It's just beautiful. And it was a really good day. I got enough real work done to feel like I hadn't wasted the entire day and enough knitting done to feel like I had a nice rest. I did stay up a bit too late last night though and I'm SO tired this morning. But once I get into my work I'll perk right up, I'm sure.
24 July, 2015
A cooler weekend
Gosh, I'm actually wearing shoes and socks today rather than sandals. It wasn't even 60 degrees when I got up and out to walk Tinkerbell. It's a relief, actually. The hot weather is coming back, I know that, but for now it's nice to be cooler. And with all of this hot weather so early in the season, it actually feels like the end of August rather than the end of July.
So what's on tap for this weekend? Hair appointment. And a trip to Home Depot to get some plants for the patio in front and perhaps some planters for the porch. I accidentally killed the blueberry bushes - I totally spaced watering them because I didn't do it at all last year - so I've got those two planters to re-plant with seasonal annuals for some color in the front. That'll be fun.
And, as I said, if I can get all of my chores and running around done on Saturday then I'll have loads of time on Sunday to just knit and knit. I truly do need some of that zen time. I need the type of day when I can just sit and knit and let my head fix itself. Next weekend will be super busy in Port Townsend. I am looking forward to that.
I am all alone here in the office suite today. Monika is on vacation. Bill is on vacation and Sandra is off on Friday. It's going to be very quiet. I hope I can stay awake.
So what's on tap for this weekend? Hair appointment. And a trip to Home Depot to get some plants for the patio in front and perhaps some planters for the porch. I accidentally killed the blueberry bushes - I totally spaced watering them because I didn't do it at all last year - so I've got those two planters to re-plant with seasonal annuals for some color in the front. That'll be fun.
And, as I said, if I can get all of my chores and running around done on Saturday then I'll have loads of time on Sunday to just knit and knit. I truly do need some of that zen time. I need the type of day when I can just sit and knit and let my head fix itself. Next weekend will be super busy in Port Townsend. I am looking forward to that.
I am all alone here in the office suite today. Monika is on vacation. Bill is on vacation and Sandra is off on Friday. It's going to be very quiet. I hope I can stay awake.
23 July, 2015
Sports talk
Ever since I finished up the Outlander series of audiobooks, each one of which was about 50 hours or more, I am running out of audiobooks to listen to before the next credit is available. I love audiobooks but they can get pretty darned pricey, so that's why I only allow myself one a month which at the club price is fine. Once in a while they'll have a deal of the day that I snap up at steep discount, but often those are flawed in one way or another. This last one I got I frankly just didn't like even though I had read some of the author's other books and enjoyed them. So I didn't want to listen to the end of the book and therefore I have been alternating listening to sports talk radio and music on my commute and dog walks. The thing about sports talk radio is that it is the same thing over and over and over and over again. Plus I'm really only interested in the football news. My credit should be available tomorrow. Now I've got to find a nice loooooong book. My commute is considerably longer than it was a year ago and so these books don't last quite as long as they used to last.
At noon knitting I got ready for the set up row of the pattern portion of the Shangri-la, version 2. And last night I did the set up row and purled back. So I'm only now one pattern repeat away from when I threw in the towel last week. I should be able to get lots and lots of knitting done this weekend, since Ben is golfing on Sunday. And the course is on Whidbey Island. If I get all of my chores and hair appointment and manicure done on Saturday that means I'll have the entire day to knit. What a luxury. The following weekend is going to be spent having fun in Port Townsend. No knitting there at all.
I haven't decided what I want to get myself for my birthday this year. A spa day? I can't decide. But it's fun thinking about it.
At noon knitting I got ready for the set up row of the pattern portion of the Shangri-la, version 2. And last night I did the set up row and purled back. So I'm only now one pattern repeat away from when I threw in the towel last week. I should be able to get lots and lots of knitting done this weekend, since Ben is golfing on Sunday. And the course is on Whidbey Island. If I get all of my chores and hair appointment and manicure done on Saturday that means I'll have the entire day to knit. What a luxury. The following weekend is going to be spent having fun in Port Townsend. No knitting there at all.
I haven't decided what I want to get myself for my birthday this year. A spa day? I can't decide. But it's fun thinking about it.
22 July, 2015
When you dream you have a bad headache
Sometime in the night Monday the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped and my head ..... I was dreaming that I had such a bad headache that I was searching around for ice to make an ice pack. And then I woke up and that was indeed the reality. It was terrible! I was awake most of the night with it and stayed home yesterday. I slept for the greater part of the day, thank goodness. It's still with me today but not nearly so bad. I can only guess that the weather change aggravated my sinuses. Not fun.
What is fun though is getting just what you want. Yay for me! I put the Ancient Arts Fingering and the linen yarn on the Yarnbox trade board on Ravelry and found a woman who will trade the Ancient Arts for an older Artyarns box and the linen yarn for the cashmere from the very first Luxe box I missed out on. Perfect! I'll pop that in the mail this morning.
Also on the agenda this morning is my annual review. And this might be my very last annual review, which is pretty awesome. And it's noon knitting. It's going to be a good day.
We all have our little dances in the morning and I've talked about that from time to time. If you miss a step or get distracted, who knows what can happen? Well I looked in my tote this morning on the bus and what was on top of all of the other stuff I dragged in today? Tinkerbell's leash! The logical extension of this is that I put something else on the top closet shelf in place of the leash that lives there. But I don't seem to be missing anything so ... all is well, so far.
Happy hump day, world.
What is fun though is getting just what you want. Yay for me! I put the Ancient Arts Fingering and the linen yarn on the Yarnbox trade board on Ravelry and found a woman who will trade the Ancient Arts for an older Artyarns box and the linen yarn for the cashmere from the very first Luxe box I missed out on. Perfect! I'll pop that in the mail this morning.
Also on the agenda this morning is my annual review. And this might be my very last annual review, which is pretty awesome. And it's noon knitting. It's going to be a good day.
We all have our little dances in the morning and I've talked about that from time to time. If you miss a step or get distracted, who knows what can happen? Well I looked in my tote this morning on the bus and what was on top of all of the other stuff I dragged in today? Tinkerbell's leash! The logical extension of this is that I put something else on the top closet shelf in place of the leash that lives there. But I don't seem to be missing anything so ... all is well, so far.
Happy hump day, world.
20 July, 2015
Haste makes waste
I was in such a hurry to get out of the office on Friday that I forgot to turn off my personal fan! It's still going, so no harm done. But I guess that shows just how anxious I was to skedaddle.
It was just crazy hot over the weekend. Sunday even hotter than Saturday. I slept in a bit on Saturday and, without coffee because I had forgotten to stop for milk, I set about doing my chores. When it's hot like it has been Tink is pretty easy. She's just happy to lay in the grass and once in a while come in for a break under a chair and a drink of water. If it cools down in the evening, then she'll play for a while. Otherwise she's content.
After all of the partying and family gatherings last weekend I was just looking forward to some quiet time. Chores finished, we went off for some lunch and food shopping. We had the BEST seafood tacos I've ever had at a restaurant in Redmond where our Trader Joe's is. We probably could have just shared but we didn't. Piggies. I picked up some nice bread and some olives and cheese while shopping for the week and that's what we had for dinner.
I was working on that shawl while we were watching a movie and I finally just acknowledged the fact that I simply am not in love with the yarn I was using for the project. I love the pattern but the yarn was not doing it for me. Too many colors I think. I just don't care for the variegated yarns. Especially the pink/purple/blue. So I frogged it! I'm going to put it up for sale or trade on the Ravelry Yarnbox page.
Sunday was again CRAZY hot and I'd about had it. I do not do well with the heat. I'm crabby and unhappy. My hair won't dry. We had to go to the mall but lunch plans didn't work out with Steve and Ginny because we had too many other little things to handle later that day. When you have lunch with Steve and Ginny it often turns into the rest of the day. Which is awesome usually but we couldn't take that time. Ben had an outdoor project going on and I decided I was going to have some ME time and I cast on for the same shawl in a different yarn and got to work on the tedious stockinette portion. I even brought it with me on the bus. I am already much happier with this project.
But not much happier in the whole scheme of things. I need something to plan for. Work is so up in the air that it's very difficult to make plans so perhaps that's the source of my discontent. I'll work on pinpointing it so I can fix it!!
It was just crazy hot over the weekend. Sunday even hotter than Saturday. I slept in a bit on Saturday and, without coffee because I had forgotten to stop for milk, I set about doing my chores. When it's hot like it has been Tink is pretty easy. She's just happy to lay in the grass and once in a while come in for a break under a chair and a drink of water. If it cools down in the evening, then she'll play for a while. Otherwise she's content.
After all of the partying and family gatherings last weekend I was just looking forward to some quiet time. Chores finished, we went off for some lunch and food shopping. We had the BEST seafood tacos I've ever had at a restaurant in Redmond where our Trader Joe's is. We probably could have just shared but we didn't. Piggies. I picked up some nice bread and some olives and cheese while shopping for the week and that's what we had for dinner.
I was working on that shawl while we were watching a movie and I finally just acknowledged the fact that I simply am not in love with the yarn I was using for the project. I love the pattern but the yarn was not doing it for me. Too many colors I think. I just don't care for the variegated yarns. Especially the pink/purple/blue. So I frogged it! I'm going to put it up for sale or trade on the Ravelry Yarnbox page.
Sunday was again CRAZY hot and I'd about had it. I do not do well with the heat. I'm crabby and unhappy. My hair won't dry. We had to go to the mall but lunch plans didn't work out with Steve and Ginny because we had too many other little things to handle later that day. When you have lunch with Steve and Ginny it often turns into the rest of the day. Which is awesome usually but we couldn't take that time. Ben had an outdoor project going on and I decided I was going to have some ME time and I cast on for the same shawl in a different yarn and got to work on the tedious stockinette portion. I even brought it with me on the bus. I am already much happier with this project.
But not much happier in the whole scheme of things. I need something to plan for. Work is so up in the air that it's very difficult to make plans so perhaps that's the source of my discontent. I'll work on pinpointing it so I can fix it!!
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