Green Eyed Knitter

Blazing

2011-07-20T09:15:00.003-04:00

For the last week Icarus has been on my mind. You remember, the boy who refused to listen to his father and flew to close to the sun? And his wings held together with was melted away? Well that is a bit how I feel - even with the air conditioning.

My son's summer job is in an unconditioned body shop at our local garage. 9 hours a day. Wearing jeans. And a respirator. Need I say more.

Today I come one step closer to an emptier nest: taking the daughter shopping for her dorm supplies. Thinking about her leaving at the end of August makes me grateful I have a good job and many hobbies to keep me busy. But I have a feeling it still won't fill the gap.

Sigh number two...

The Joys of Technology

2011-07-19T08:56:00.003-04:00

I could not resist!

After all this time, I have decided I miss my little blog. It serves as an outlet for writing that my everyday life does not afford. And, more importantly, it provides me an opportunity to write with more depth and a sort of anonymity that Facebook does not provide.

What has been on my mind, as I sit at the computer yet again, is how much time I actually spend in cyberland. At least twice a day I check my seldom used cell phone, Facebook, Ravelry, my three e-mail accounts and hit a blog or two. All in an attempt to remain connected to people I either will never know in my actual life or with whom I have almost daily contact.

My children use technology to send pointless text messages about the quality of their morning cereal, a critique of their current life experience, or an order to their servile mother that they feel needs fulfilling.

I know I am not the only one thinking these thoughts. Have you seen the current Toyota Venza adverts? The 'adult' children commenting on their parents' meaningless lives? Hysterical. And a friend who stated that our ability to instantly communicate every thought we have is actually crippling us. How true! When my children phone me the second something they become lost, a plane is delayed, a connection is missed, they never learn the skill of stopping and thinking. To just be still and wait for the obvious solution to a problem to present itself.

So, as wait for my Nook to finish its download, charge my Ipod, and check my bank balance, I think I will watch a few more YouTube videos.

Sigh...

Nothing Like My Wednesday Night Knitting Club

2010-09-12T20:37:00.002-04:00

I was in the mood for a no-brainer and I think this one hit the mark. A friend had given this to me suggesting that it was a good fit for travel. Kate Jacobs created a group of characters, that while not being totally believable, were certainly likable.

Georgia and her daughter, Dakota, are a great little team - one that every mom dreams of. And she is surrounded by people that adore her. Her problems do not even begin until the end of the novel; instead, the conflicts of the novel are really centered around the minor characters that make up the knitting group.

I suggest this book only for those looking for a an interesting distraction. Kinda like potato chips - not necessarily good for you, but yummy just the same.

Back on the Merry Go Round!

2010-09-12T07:54:00.003-04:00

I don't mean to sound negative, but I am a bit fearful of what this school year will bring. Why? On the third day I was told that, " XYZ says you're fat," and "Snicklefritz. My name is SNIIIIIIIIICLLLLLLLLEFRIIIIIITZZZZZZ." Yep.

It is also my middle child's senior year of high school and she is dreaming large, very large. The mailbox has been crammed full of flyers and brochures from every college large and small, known and unknown on the eastern seaboard. The choices she is faced with are overwhelming.

My high school classmates and I never seemed to feel we had so many choices. We all applied to either two or three schools, we all picked a major without any fear of making a bad decision. Drama. English. Science. None of us changed majors. Were we naive? Were we more mature? Did we just listen to our parents more? And yet as I now reconnect with people on FaceBook, I see that many of my classmates had very successful careers - for many, better than they ever hoped when they left our small town and headed off to uni.

So wish my daughter luck! Pray that she limits her choices, works hard, and has a little blind faith that all will work out as it should.

Random Wednesday

2010-09-01T08:39:00.002-04:00

I am really thankful people do not 'know' about Ravelry! Common sense kids!
Tomorrow is my first 'official' day back at work; based on the link above I shall say nothing more.

The Lost Summer

2010-08-31T14:28:00.003-04:00

of Louisa May Alcott was a wonderful book. And what did I enjoy most? The fact that this well researched novel was within the realm of reason. Unlike my last selection's author, McNees understands how to artfully integrate fact and fiction. She employs her research in a way that does not, as my friend Phyllis states "smell too much of lamp oil."

And who does not love Little Women and wonder about the life of its author? Well done Ms. McNees; I shall look forward to more from this author.

a ton of bricks

2010-08-25T15:48:00.006-04:00

would have been a better title for Susan Rebecca White's novel, a soft place to land.

So what's my problem with this tale? First, I cannot tolerate authors who make gratuitous use of events - especially 9/11. Setting can be established without mention of this event. Add to that the use of the US Airways Flight 1549 to bring Ruthie to appreciate/understand/love her sister? Lame.
Second, the over use of research. All authors research for their novels - it is their job. A good researcher has more notes than they will ever use. This read smacked of an overt attempt to use every stinking bit of it. We know the main character loves food. We do not need to know that the wings ordered at the bar are "meaty" when she is in the midst of an argument with her husband over her unwillingness to have a baby. Pointless.
Third, the reader needs a character with whom they can strongly identify or hate. Nope. Ruthie is a sweet child who once she becomes an "adult" is whiny and petulant. Julia, for whom we should have no sympathy, is actually the more balanced of the two.
Fourth, authors should never overtly push their political agendas in a narrative. Julia's "wanna be a Jew", Catholic bashing was just abhorrent. The coffee scene was nice; a young couple meets for hours and has a great time talking. She finds out that he is pro-life and she suddenly leaves and then refuses his phone calls. Only 9/ll and going to church brings them together? Lame.
Finally, an unnecessarily complex plot always muddies the waters. Relationships between sisters is difficult. The custody arrangements made in the will, while plausible, was not necessary. Julia could have experienced the same issues living with her sister after the death of the parents. Knocking on the door of the old homestead, being invited in with the country club drunk and being given the mom's old treasures found in a 'secret' closet? I could go on and on...
I need a really good book to flush this one out of my mind!

Her Fearful Symmetry

2010-08-18T14:53:00.002-04:00

The reviewer was kind. Too kind. Seriously one of the worst books I have ever read. I only continued because I was happy to picture so many of the places in London that were mentioned. My time would have been better spent with my map.

I Tried, But It Didn't Help

2010-08-16T19:37:00.002-04:00

I tried to do good things today, but for some reason I am still in a summer funk. I get this way every August once the back to school letter arrives. My SIL thinks that is ridiculous, but all the education folks know exactly what I mean! Hey, I know several teachers who actually cry all day Labor Day! Does that clue anyone in on how this job can stress a person?

So my good deeds for the day? Taking the neighbor's dog to the vet - again. And I donated blood to the Red Cross.

Then I ate cake.

The Pitfalls of Being an Adult

2010-08-15T12:47:00.002-04:00

My children are learning that with new privileges comes great responsibility. My son, the new driver, pulled into the driveway last night to find his oil pan had cracked. The trail he left on the road, not to mention our driveway, was far more telling than anything Hansel and Gretel left behind.

The girl child has now worked over 14 consecutive days between babysitting, a desk job and an internship. The realization that you cannot call into work sick 15 minutes before your start time is a hard one.

The mother is learning it sucks to have two additional drivers who always want a car!

The Crazies

2010-08-13T08:03:00.002-04:00

Another Top 10:

One of our hometown finest treating his newly adopted cat to a special bath in the trunk of his car.
The 17 year old new driver thinking I should know where she is when she is lost.
The other 17 year old thinking we should not ask how his first date went.
Lindsay Lohan.
New York State allowing people who already have a phone to use their 'free' cell phone service.
The 'Real Housewives' series.
End of life Medicare spending.
Thinking that this tuition is realistic for this program.
Me, after a full month of vacation.
Planning a mother-daughter road trip.

*Not to be implied that all items are equal in value or scope.

Seriously?

2010-08-12T11:12:00.004-04:00

Yes, I finished something this summer! Two somethings that are on my way to my sister's.

These are the best fitting socks I have ever made. And they are not 'normal'. Toe up, reverse heel flap and an 8 stitch gusset. Yes, apparently I have some very odd feet. But they don't gap at the ankles and they are great - and they also fit my sis like a dream so whatever the deal is, it's genetic! The pattern is generic and lord knows what the yarn is - I lost the ball bands in the bag ages ago - some kind of cotton/wool blend.

My sister has also lost 30 pounds so I thought that deserved the summer tank made of Catania (rav link) in a beautiful peachy/salmon color. I would post a photo, but it refuses to play nice on the upload. So both are in the mail and on their way to Delaware.

That Old Cape Magic

2010-08-11T21:34:00.003-04:00

No, I am not going. But it sure sounds like a good idea:) Richard Russo is quite good at capturing the angst of the middle aged man. And cheese whiz, you men sure are a bunch of babies. So many of the men he writes about would be so much happier if they simply dealt with their emotions and thoughts up front, but what the hell do I know...

Last night's book club offered a wide range of opinions; we were a fairly split group. About half found the book horrid. They had a hard time finishing the book and hated the ending. The rest of us found it a realistic portrayal of the crazy mess a family can be. And really some of the scenes were downright comical - Ben Stiller would kill for that rehearsal dinner incident.

So if you like messy families and revisionist history, grab it for an easy beach read.

And the answer is...

2010-08-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

Boarding school!

Oh Stop Whining!

2010-08-02T14:11:00.003-04:00

It's done. And you know you are in trouble when you cannot find a decent review. It's like this: Kate Morton loves old books and brilliant authors and she has a serious problem in the amount of influence she allows them to have in her writing. Too much like The Secret Garden, too much Dickens, and many others of whom I am sure are there, but of whom I have not the knowledge.

But - I could not put the flipping thing down. Better than her last book, yet I am always shocked at what her editors allow.

So what did my first month of vacation look like? London, Paris, Barcelona, four days of curriculum writing, about 5 books, a little bit of knitting, a 50th birthday party, lots of cleaning and washing up, far too many hours on the internet, many walks with the dog, some spinning, a big family picnic, far too many hours on the telephone, Shakespeare in the Park, Dug's Dive, some ice cream, a lot of beer, a birthday tea, letter writing to a friend, and lots of time in the car with the kid who needs a license.

I Knit?

2010-08-01T12:00:00.003-04:00

Seriously, the needles and I are not friends at the moment. I am having a huge disconnect with the hobby that has always brought me such pleasure. Summer? Too many books to read? Spinning? Who knows...

But I gotta knit this....from the new Twist Collective Fall 2010. However, I think my sky shall be a sunset. Can't you see it with a tonal orange/pink/something?

Madeline Got Very Old...

2010-07-26T19:48:00.004-04:00

I have no explanation, but this took me months to finish! Literally. I must have really thought it was one I would love as I found two copies of it on two different book shelves in my house!

But I didn't. I have decided I really do not enjoy stories that span the lifetime of any of the characters even if it is a fitting ending.

Green Eyed Overdrive

2010-07-26T09:09:00.004-04:00

I very seldom get cranky when I don't get what I want. But this my friends this is sending me into overdrive. And frankly it is not so much who is going to be there, but where they will be. Oh yeah, and the fact that Judith will be there - because I believe she is a goddess. Really.

A Tale of Friendship

2010-07-22T20:35:00.003-04:00

I truly enjoy the work of Ms. Chevalier and this one was one of her better pieces. Remarkable Creatures chronicles the lives of two unlikely friends joined by a common interest: fossils. Set in the early 1800's in Lyme Regis, this story shows the hardships of class, sexism, science and religion.

The Passion of Youth

2010-07-21T08:27:00.002-04:00

And how I wish I could find it!

My son just got his driver's license and he is obsessed with fitting out the car with a proper sound system. My niece has a job in a law firm that has inspired her to go to law school. A woman in Chicago was "living Oprah" for a full year. My daughters fill their days with activities that focused on their personal goals.

Me? I got nothin'. Absolutely nothin'! And I miss that. I miss waking up in the morning itching to start the day. I miss the excitement that comes from each of those little milestones along the way. And really I need something to focus on...

...because one of my newest friends is moving away and I am feeling the loss. The last month has been filled with "lasts": the last time we will travel with 'our' group, the last time we get together for tea group, the last time we go to dinner and the movies...

I am trying to be positive. I know there are many 'firsts' to come when we meet again, but I am sad because it will not be the same. The girl who loved change is now the woman who is not willing to accept it in her personal relationships.

So, I am looking for an obsession to fill the void and am open for suggestions:)

Finished!

2010-07-19T17:22:00.003-04:00

A 'vanilla' summer tank. Catania cotton, the photo is a pretty good match to the actual color. It is outside drying...if I do not LOVE it when I try it on, it shall go to my sister who shall appreciate it more than I.

New things for this garment: hemmed on the needles and an I cord edge.

Three Bags Full

2010-07-19T17:17:00.004-04:00

Watership Down it ain't. Sorry, but this one truly failed to catch my interest. I kept slogging through thinking that something was going to happen -like I would finally get the point, but I did not. I just felt incredibly stupid!

George is murdered and the sheep want to know how. I think all the fodder talk and cloud sheep just sent me in the wrong direction.

What I Love About Summer

2010-07-17T09:44:00.004-04:00

I feel a need to do a top 10...in no particular order:

Long sunny days
Watermelon
Rainy days after too many hot days
Reading for hours under the tree
Drinking a cold beer on the deck every day at 5:00
Knitting for hours under the tree
Napping in between the reading and knitting under the tree
Walking the dog
Uncle G's for ice cream with my brother
Being home for hours on end

Barcelona, Park Guell

2010-07-15T08:11:00.003-04:00

Hard to believe that just one week ago I was still in Barcelona! We arrived in the city via train from Paris. What a wonderful city! Clean, civilized, polite, beautiful, historic...a truly refreshing break from the heat, filth, and attitude of Paris.

As soon as we arrived we met our tour guide and enjoyed the city introduction. The only problem was that I was so tired from the previous evening, I kept nodding off! After a few pix at the top of city, we moved on to Park Guell designed by Antonio Gaudi. Amazing! This was truly a place where one could get lost. I only wish I had the words to describe the magic of this setting!

Kid Stuff

2010-07-13T16:32:00.004-04:00

Know any reluctant teen readers? This is for them and those who just love a good story. I only wish I could share Arnold's tale, but the mom's would have a fit if they found out how much time the average teen narrator talks about naughty-bating!

Anyhoo, read the review - and the book - because this is a coming of age story with a very unique slant.

Paris, Le Musee du Louvre et Le Chateau Versailles

2010-07-12T15:23:00.005-04:00

Our first full day in Paris was spent on a three hour bus tour of the city. After a great lunch: the obligatory croque monsier, we took the train to Versailles. Once we hit the gates our group split apart. Pam and I zipped through with the help of an audio guide. And I must there was a significant difference in the number of tourists this year - I could actually spend as much time as I wanted in a room without being rushed! But the gardens were really at the top of our list.

After spending an extra 8 euro, we had close to three hours to spend looking at the fountains, walk through the maze, and make it to the lake! That seriously made up for the horrid subway and the dinner we were about to eat...

The following day five of us went to le Musee d'Orsay while the bulk of the group went to l'Louvre. I cannot even begin to say what I enjoyed more - the building or the art work. And the art deco was truly inspirational.

And a Book or Two for Good Measure

2010-07-11T08:52:00.003-04:00

We all know I love Maisie. And it was quite fitting that I read a novel set in London while there. Always a light read, this was my least favorite so far so I am hoping the Ms. Winspear spices up Miss Dobbs life a bit in the next one.

Pompeii was a wonderful read! Based on the discoveries of the aquarian, Attilus, the reader is taken through the politics of ancient Rome and the engineering of the aqueducts. All this set two days before the eruption. I think this will be my next book club pick.

Paris, L'Arc de Triomphe

2010-07-11T08:30:00.003-04:00

...et un Tour Eiffel!

We left London around 10:00 for Paris. Believe it or not, I actually preferred the ferry from Dover. The train was lovely and fast, but I missed seeing the country side from the bus ride to and from the coast. But I must admit, I enjoyed the nap!

Our hotel - insanely small, no air conditioning - was clean and had a friendly staff. However, the location was horrid! Although only a 20 minute cab ride from the city centre, it was about an 1 1/2 hours from anywhere on the subway. And who can abide the Paris subway? Filthy. HOT. Crowded beyond belief. EF Tours: SHAME on you! Add to the fact that I caught a pickpocket with her hand on my wallet while still in my purse, you can imagine my new found love of the city's finer points.

Anyhoo, after my birthday dinner - great quiche - we hoofed it over to the L' Arc de Triomphe. And I am so glad. Last year I had the opportunity to see it from the window of the tour bus; it is so impressive in person. Seeing it as the sun set throuh the arches was beautiful.

The Eiffel Tower shot was from the following evening after the day at Versailles.

London, Hampton Court

2010-07-10T08:43:00.002-04:00

How does one choose what to do with such limited time in London? On July 1 we opted to go outside the city - as we had no boat to cruise the Thames, we took the train from Waterloo out to Hampton Court. The palace is a short walk from the station, just over the bridge and to the right.

Cardinal Wolsey certainly was one arrogant man to think he could syphon off such sums from the church, build a grand estate and not garner the attention of the king. We were greeted by a guard who wanted to know our business at court on the King's wedding day and then forced into servitude for an hour. Cute idea really. We had wonderful audio guide after our lunch of pasties and tea.

After leaving the cool of the country, we went back to the city where we spent an hour at Harrods and then found a pub in Kensington for an awesome dinner and a pint or so to end the day.

My only London regret? No time for the V&A and Cath Kidston. Next time.

London, The East End

2010-07-09T12:39:00.002-04:00

The East End of London has never been a glamorous place. Too close to the docks and too far from the City Centre, it is usually ignored. But when London hosts the Olympics in 2012, many will see its charms.

While my tour group visited the Tower of London, three of us headed north. After a great working class lunch we set off on the grand adventure. Armed with a map and no particular place to go we found Spitalfields Market. As it was mid-week, the vendors and stands were at a minimum and what was on hand was a bit more dear than I had hoped. My next quest was the vintage and thrift shops, but apparently one of my companions missed that part of the conversation before heading out and was more than a bit grossed out...so we moved on. After an hour of leisurely walking we found the Geffrye Museum. This was a former alms house that has been converted into a fine display of period rooms and gardens. It was well worth the walk. My favorite was the geranium tree - something I plan on working on this week at home.

Luckily we found a brand new tube stop behind the museum. The Hoxton stop was not on my Streetwise Map, but lucky for us there it was! Kinda fun as one of my favorite knitting podcasters hails from this neighborhood. So as there were no Electric Sheep in sight, we made our way back to the group and moved on to the Hard Rock Cafe. There we had the opportunity to go into the vault to view the guitars and costumes of the music icons. Not really a rock star groupie, but it was pretty neat.

Dear Mr. Harding,

2010-06-20T13:34:00.004-04:00

I love your book. I love each and every word on each and every page. Reading tinkers was much like being pulled in a lazy river of time and space and memories not of my own.

This was a word puzzle much like George's clock pieces just waiting to be put in their proper order. I. Love. This. Book.

And don't I feel smart? Throughout the entire novel I could not help but be reminded of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Read the review and you shall find out why.

Who Doesn't Love a Short Novel?

2010-06-19T08:16:00.002-04:00

This one was a bit like eating chips mindlessly from the bag. Really not tasting anything, but compulsively grabbing one chip - or in this case- page after another.

This was a rather complicated story that moved from 1997 to the present and from one crazy, dysfunctional character to another. I truly enjoyed the story line, but this felt like a book where the author was trying a bit too hard. It was if the author had written one too many drafts and submitted the wrong one. A bit like my students who are trying so hard to impress. I have faith that Mr. Somerville's next piece will be better and that his voice will be his and not the one he thinks we need to read.

Glad I Read the Review

2010-06-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

So here's the deal with this one - I had to read the review to figure out where the hell the title came from! Last week at book club, Teri and I were discussing that we loved Anne Tyler books as they are not dragged out. I spoke too soon.

Although I could not seem to put this one down, I was feeling disappointed when I hit the last page. Liam is one sad sack of man. And - I was quite upset that I over identified with his mental state - just waking up - and fighting to get your bearings.

Can't say I loved it, but I am glad Liam found a happy ending.

Book Club Night

2010-06-08T15:34:00.003-04:00

My monthly book club does not generally double dip on authors so I was surprised when Shanghai Girls was the 'assignment'. I must admit I do agree with a large portion of the linked review, but here are a few thoughts of my own...
...I do not enjoy books that take place over decades
...or that have unsatisfactory endings
...the characters were well developed, yet at times unbelievable
...the history was interesting
...I learned quite a bit about Chinese culture
... even more about Chinese immigration
...the Chinese are the unsung minority of this nation

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T14:34:00.000-04:00

How fitting that my poppies chose today to bloom! Truly gorgeous...The clip of my plying sample, not so much, and that is why no one shall see it!

And Robert's Rules of Order? I have a friend who is constantly asking if anyone has a copy believe it or not! Well, now she does - or will - once I see her. I found this at the flea market outside of Dewittville this weekend.

And That's What I Did Today

2010-05-08T16:32:00.002-04:00

I decided to play "princess" today. I slept in...until I heard poor hubby fall down the stairs. Don't worry, he's fine.

After a nice cup or two of coffee, I watched an episode or two of The Tudors and did a bit of spinning. Isn't it brilliant? Look back a few entries and you will see the Happy Family we did at Raveloe. I plan on plying this with some black super wash wool, but I have yet to decide what it wants to be. At first I thought socks, but we'll see.

Then this princess took herself to her royal chambers and cleaned the bejeebers out of them cuz the chamber maids appear to have been sent to another part of the castle. I was so into my task, I tore the vacuum apart and cleaned out every bit of it as well! Yes, I actually enjoy cleaning...makin' that OCD work for me, right ME?

But the most decadent part of all? Staying in my jammies all day before I get taken out to dinner. Ah, the bliss of it all.

*BTW, if you have not watched The Tudors, you must. The first two episodes were a bit over the top, but now I love it. I almost makes me forget Henry is a real rat bastard. Oh, and Cardinal Woolsey.....

The Things We Learn, Even When We Are Not Trying!

2010-05-06T16:14:00.002-04:00

This morning DH needed a few things fine tuned at the hospital. When we arrived the waiting room was empty allowing me to knit without the usual stoooooopid comments about how they used to crochet and make lampshades...blah, blah, blah.

As the morning progressed I found out some interesting things such as yellow comes in many shades, you can use scotch tape to put up perfectly good pictures in your bathroom to make it POP!, that a bunion can be so bad it will actually break the the neighboring toes requiring one to tape them together, two pound bags of potato chips are best enjoyed at 9:00 in the morning while reading trashy supermarket gossip rags, Mr. XYZ's prep did not work so he'll have to wait to be scoped....

So here is the lesson: I can hear you. Everyone in the room can hear you and we really do not want to. I now understand why people text the person sitting next to them.

Aren't I Lucky?

2010-05-03T18:48:00.004-04:00

This young lady amazes me; she truly does. I am one lucky mother.

Dear Jet Blue,

2010-05-03T18:42:00.003-04:00

I am not happy. Please do not leave a message telling me my flight home was canceled. Please do not have me wait on hold while the slow, but very nice young woman tries to re-book my flight. And please do not have my friend stand at the counter at JFK for over 40 minutes while the other nice, but very slow young man tries to fix the mistakes that were made the previous evening while we were on hold for 48 minutes.

And seriously, do not ask me to fill out a "Customer Satisfaction Survey" after I lost six hours of my visit with my daughter.

Seriously.

Can't Resist

2010-04-26T18:56:00.000-04:00

Another Happy Family

2010-04-26T18:45:00.000-04:00

Aren't they adorable?

Grouchy Old Woman Reads at an Alarmingly Slow Rate

2010-04-26T18:07:00.011-04:00

I am this woman. The grouchy teacher who is aging less than gracefully. The one who means well, but forgets to ask herself who she thinks she really is. The one who does not see how she crowds those around her and forgets that the things that she often sees as flaws in others are truly their strengths.

This one a good book.

This was not a good book. I honestly have not disliked a novel this much in a very long time. Was it poorly written or translated? Did Stieg Larson have no sense of purpose, or was it a bad editor? Do the Swedes have a very different aesthetic or was this truly bizarre?

I am cheating here. I am half way through and am enjoying it. The author's voice is authentic enough that I feel as though I am the fly on the wall. I am trying to make myself remember that even though a six year old would never speak with such authority, she is telling the tale through the pen of an elderly woman. Not too bad considering I am reading it hard on the tail of this next one. For a book of Salem, not too bad at all.

Disgusted and Disheartened

2010-03-29T19:48:00.002-04:00

Last Friday I celebrated the end of the work week thinking things could not get much worse, and then along rolled Monday. This is just a touch of what I heard this week in the halls and such from or about groups of 12 and 13 year olds in my building:

"When my mother took me to the gynecologist for birth control, you would not believe..

"Oh, that guy's a porno star. Of course I'm sure, I watch at least two of those movies a week!"

"My mother took my phone away, cuz she found the text messages and pictures of me...and she called me a slut."

"Did you notice something strange about student X this morning? The bus driver believed she had marijuana on her and we cannot find it in her locker."

"You have to show up for homeroom or they call your parents, but after that we can take off."

"What do you mean you have to call the police because my kid got caught showing porn to another kid?"

"How was I supposed to do my homework if I never went home last night?"

"It doesn't matter, her mother doesn't care what she does!" "She's right, she really doesn't."

"Why is that table set all fancy?" "Fancy? It's just a normal setting for dinner." "Oh, we never eat at our table, I just take it up to my room and eat there."

And one wonders why they are never excited about school.

One Happy Family

2010-03-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday evening the gang at Raveloe Fibers celebrated the Chinese New Year with its annual Happy Family Event. Our friend and shop owner, Linda, picks up an awesome dinner from Tin Tin to begin our festivities.

After dinner each participant spreads 3 oz of fiber from their personal stash on the table. A totally random selection ranging from natural suri alpaca, creamy soy silk, to rainbow dyed llama. From there we moved to the Rainbow Theme selected by Linda. ROY G. BIV hit the table in order, one color at a time.

Then the fun of rolling the lot into a lovely crayola colored log. We each left with 6 ounces of colorful roving ready for the drum carder. One pass through and it is simply gorgeous!

We spent the remainder of the evening talking about all the ways to prepare and spin. Erica and I chose random grabs of fiber and ran it through the drum carder; from there we are thinking of plying it with black to make the color really pop! Others are planning on selectively pulling out colors to create specific stripes. Our friend, Phyllis, will be blending hers with a cream to white roving before carding.

Jinx

2010-02-21T08:17:00.002-05:00

Do not ever tempt the gods. Less than three minutes after that last post we received a phone call that our son was on the way to the emergency room for stitches. It was not serious, just a cut foot.

I need to re-read The Pearl.

When the Stars Align

2010-02-20T17:06:00.002-05:00

, or I should really play the lottery today.

Seriously, have you ever had a day when everything went a tad better than planned? Tonight I am hosting a couples' baby "thing". We are not calling it a shower out of respect to the testosterone inclined in the room. Anyhoo, I needed a cake and really was not keen on ordering a fancy one. I hit the best bakery, Muscoreil's on Niagara Falls Boulevard (you'll see why I am plugging in a sec) and went to the display case. I ask for one of the lovely giant's in the case - one large enough for 16 or so. No problem, but if I cared to spend only $7.00 more I could have the HUGE one to the left with baby proper bit and bobs to serve 40 because the person cancelled their order that morning. No contest. And yes, it does freeze well.

Hit the liquor store, found all the groceries, cleaned and dusted the last minute things and am at the computer by 5:00.

I actually have time to book my vacation - under duress - I am afraid of the cruise my family has convinced me to reserve. Lord, please do not let me spend four days with my face in the head.

Tomorrow is spinning guild! Great program lined up; I just can't wait. We are sure to be standing room only. Hard to believe we are only two months in and our membership is almost 45 strong.

Are You Kidding Me?

2010-02-15T22:22:00.002-05:00

Or...this is where the madness begins. The youngest member of our team at work is having his first baby and we are having a bit of a couple's party this weekend to celebrate. One of the younger girls in the know sends me to this big box store to purchase the latest and greatest of baby monitoring tools and a "man bag". No problem. I thought.

Now the daddy-to-be is a bit like me, a person of simple tastes and needs. We really don't appreciate all the bells and whistles; we like form and function and all that stuff. Two minutes in the big box and I felt the full extent of his fear. Seriously moms, how many types of baby monitoring devices do you need? Audio, video and breathing? A stroller for your car, the park and Grandma's? A diaper bag for mom, dad and the care-giver? I think you can see where I am going with this.

As long as you believe that baby needs everything, they will live their lives as such. Do your child a favor and raise them with simple wants and needs; maybe some of it will stick after they make it to kindergarten!

Olympic Torch?

2010-02-15T18:37:00.001-05:00

This is the Burberry Inspired Inspired Cowl. I started with this lovely super wash bulky merino as per directions and it was mammoth! As I have a ridiculously short neck, I was forced to adapt.

And yes - it really is that orange. Thank goodness I actually look good in it:)

2010-02-14T13:54:00.000-05:00

Order Reigns Again

2010-02-14T13:47:00.000-05:00

It took a while, but order has been restored to our little home. The rooms are freshly painted, but more importantly, the detritus of our lives has been put back in its place.

That left me with some time to visit my oldest niece in Rochester. After our lunch, my brother wanted to hit his favorite comic book store. Crab, crab...where's my yarn store? No fear, I found something just as good: the best used bookstore I have ever seen!

Mr. Westerberg is the nicest man you will ever meet and his store, The Yankee Peddler Bookshop, is a treasure. To the left you will see the under $30 purchase that made my day! I have an irrational attachment to these two authors stemming from a childhood box of books gifted to me by my aunt. The Myrtle Reed cover, Mr. Westerberg told me, was from one of the more 'famous' cover designers of that era. It differs from the other two selections I have of hers. The inside pages are also unique with a sweet little border on each.

Gene Stratton-Porter is the more famous of the two. She wrote many novels based on the forests of the North West. I was thrilled to get this book as so many of her works are so very dear. And as I am not a 'collector' it seems silly for me to spend a week's worth of groceries on one edition.

So the remainder of the day shall be spent on the now clutter free living room with a good cup of tea, my book on cd, and my Olympic UFO project. I'd better get crackin' as I am already two days behind the rest of the knitting Olympians.

Medal Envy

2010-02-06T08:22:00.002-05:00

Unless you live in some sort of knitting bubble, you know what this means. And now that the events in Vancouver are just days away, the Olympian spirit is everywhere! Even my little local yarn shop, Raveloe Fibers, is joining the fray. Ravelry seemed to have the market cornered on the teams and I thought the Harlot was going to step aside this time. How dare I ever think that the famous Stephanie would not rise to the challenge! And boy, did she! Well, that did it for me. If Step can knit an Olympic Sweater in 12 days, I know I can finish something.

And 2010 seemed a good year to join in the fun as I have my winter break during the games; what could be better? Problem: what to do? The Garter Yoke Cardigan with a hand painted yoke? Or the Tea Leaves Cardigan that I just love?

And then the guilt hit me. Well, not hit me - more like tripped me. Literally. I mentioned "the chaos" in my last post. Now that my BIL is finished, I get to start the clean up. And the multiple bags of UFO's in the den just about killed me as I tried to pick my way through the piles in the den, and living room, and family room and...

So what would you do? Spend your winter break and then some getting one new lovely cardi or finish one summer tank, one multi-yarn white 3/4 sleeve spring cardi, one slipped stitch snuggly brown cardi, and Terry's Pullover?

Yep....it's time to clean house in more ways than one.

Chaos

2010-01-31T10:53:00.006-05:00

I do not do well with CHAOS. My well being is soundly grounded in the order of my physical environment. Want to know my mood? Just look around my house. I am not a complex person.

Now impose the chaos on me and you can only imagine.

My brother-in-law is currently doing a ton of work on the house; my huge to-do list is being tackled. Unfortunately, it involves the tearing apart of many rooms at a time due to my lack of prioritizing and apparent lack supply purchases. So daughter #1's room has one coat of Spackle and paint. Daughter #2 has everything in the middle of the room awaiting Spackle and paint. And, as you can see, the living room is a sight. And therein lies the real problem.

I was going for a new look and chose what I thought would be a subtle color. I walked in the door to be faced with my lack of taste. Color choice #2 was purchased yesterday. I will provide updates later.

Jake was trying to get in each and every picture so I thought I would let him have his own spot today:)

In My Humble Opinion

2010-01-18T15:27:00.003-05:00

I appreciate the day off; however, I have a better idea. For this, and every other national holiday, would it not be better for us to spend the day together contemplating what has come before? To spend time with those who contributed to the cause and learn what it meant to them and how it changed their lives?

I feel that this "day off" sends the wrong message to our children and young adults. Would it not be better to honor Reverend King and all those who fought for our civil rights by continuing the effort? Would it not be better to take the "day off" from our "normal curriculum" and spend time doing something to support the legacy of this fine man and all those who worked with him? We are missing a wonderful opportunity to work with our current civil rights leaders. Just think how meaningful it would be to have students learning about the continuing struggles of those around the world!

It saddens me to have this day and so many others reduced in meaning to an extra day to sleep in and 20% off at the mall.

Thanks...

2010-01-09T08:39:00.002-05:00

As each new year begins many of us reflect upon the months just passed. For me, it was just 'another year' and so I had not been considering writing of the events of 2009.

So what changed? What I was hearing. For the last nine days almost every person stated they were grateful this year was over and that 2010 could "not be any worse" than this past year.

Seriously? Each person that said this to me had gotten through the recession with their job or pension plan intact. Each one was healthy. Indeed they had their ups and downs, but 99% of these ended with satisfactory outcomes. Maybe not what they had hoped, but still...

So as I reflect on 2009 I am thankful; I would gladly live this one over. If you know me, you have suffered through my bitching and moaning, but my problems are not out of the ordinary.

So 2009, I thank you. My children are healthy, each one working their way to adulthood on their terms. My husband provides us the means to live better than most I know. My parents may still be able to push my buttons, but they are here to do it. I have a brother and sister-in-law who are the best friends a person could ever hope to have and two others that would rush to my side in an instant. I have my tea group, book club, knitting circle and my team at work. I spent my 50th birthday in Europe.

2010, I look forward to more of the same.

Under the Wire

2009-12-28T09:21:00.008-05:00

Time to squeeze in the last four books of the year! Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was a debut novel. Jamie Ford writes of a topic seldom addressed in American literature: the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. The novel is a love story that spans several decades. I think it touched a chord with me as it reminded me of the intensity of first love. Henry Lee, the son of Chinese immigrants, falls in love with a second generation Japanese American. Against the backdrop of the prejudice spawned from the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Henry and Keiko form a life long friendship. I give this one two thumbs up because it made me smile.

Geraldine Brooks' A Year of Wonders had me up to the last chapter. And the epilogue. I am convinced that this author has the Stephen King syndrome: she just does not know when to stop. Anna Firth is a noble main character. She is strong, intelligent and still flawed. Inspired by the village of Eyam, Brooks writes about the year that a small town quarantines itself in order to prevent the spread of infection to its neighbors. The characters are all distinct and their examples of bad behavior and hard work are all believable. But then she writes that last chapter. And that epilogue. I would like to know if there was a fight with the editor over this one.

These next two are young adult novels. I believe I have mentioned that I am often and 'interactive' reader during SSR time..great role model, huh? Well, only one of these got a real response from me. Wild Girls was a nice book. Definitely a 'girl' book, this one would have appeal to the middle school reader. Twelve year old girls need to know that they are not the only ones who yearn for a place and to form strong relationships with their parents and others around them.

Incantation was an unexpected gem. This is the story of the Spanish Inquisition and I learned so much! As the reader follows Estrella through her daily chores, the reader feels truly immersed in this colorful time period. And the textile junkie in me enjoyed the references to her mother's dye business and colorful yarns she produced. I really cannot see this having a strong appeal to young adults as most will have no background knowledge of this time period, and I do think a bit is necessary to help them through it. In addition, the tortures suffered by Estrella's family may prove a bit much for the type of child who would actually read this one. But still, a good book.

So my reading for 2009 now draws to a close. I was able to read 31 novels this year, beating last year's total of 26. For 2010 the goal will be 35. Happy reading to one and all.

This is Cool

2009-12-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

Patience, Girl, Patience....

2009-12-18T16:46:00.002-05:00

My dear friend, Mary Ellen, nailed it. I cannot take credit.

A man's Christmas experience:
"Wow! Doesn't that tree look nice?"
"My goodness, look at all the presents under the tree!"
"Gee, who wrapped those?"
"Golly, how much did we spend on my family? We really don't need to be so generous."
"Who cleaned up all that wrapping paper?"
"What happened to all the dead needles under the tree?"
"This dinner is smells wonderful."
"You know, I really don't understand why so many people thing Christmas is work; I find it a breeze."

Now here is what my women friends confess to:
"After shopping for five hours for gifts I knew would only be returned or re-gifted, I picked up a pizza for dinner so that my husband and grown son would have something to eat. As I slipped on the ice and dropped the cheese and pepperoni on the curb I screamed at the top of my lungs, 'I hate Christmas! I hate Christmas! I hate fucking Christmas!"

"Every Christmas Eve I have fantasies of stuffing my husband up the chimney and telling the kids Daddy ran off with the reindeer."

Two weeks ago I announced to my book club that I hate Christmas. My book buddy felt my opinion was total "Bull Shit". Mind you, she's Jewish.

What Did You Do This Weekend?

2009-11-29T09:52:00.003-05:00

Honestly, I did not plan to spend my entire weekend planted on the couch knitting my fingers to the bone, but up until today it has been rather gloomy and wet. Add to it some really great TMC flix and that was that!

The piece on the left is my second "Dr. Knitting" favor. A co-worker's mother made two of these sweaters many years ago; one was better than the other. This particular one was seldom worn as the left sleeve was uncomfortably tight. Recently she ruined the comfy one and has been hiding this from her adult daughter who likes to wear the sweater when she comes home for a visit. It took me most of the morning to tease out the yarn that was holding the sleeve in its death grip. I nearly had a heart attack when I found it thinking I was unraveling actual knitting - it appears that the sleeve was crocheted in place! The blue is obviously my basting thread and I shall get to that later today.

The center piece took me less than one half of The Devil and Daniel Webster to do. I had some re-used Noro Silk Garden and The Yarn Harlot's One Row scarf pattern and that was that. This one is destined for Helen so that she may walk her dog in comfort. She is also the only one in my Tea Group that appreciates hand knitting.

I have spent the last two full days getting about 9" of the Christmas sweater done. The resulting hand cramping is making me wonder if I can really knit for more than two hours at a stretch! Fat chance...life begins again tomorrow and this has been an exceptionally empty weekend.

But here is the big news of the weekend! Our fledgling spinning and dyeing guild now has a name: Common Threads. We had our first board meeting yesterday and realized that a name had to be chosen to get our checking account, membership forms, post office box and the like. I think it is a good choice because it is 'symbolic' and open to some interpretation. To clarify our purpose, our stationery and such will say, " a guild for spinners and dyers". So we are set for our first guild meeting at the Hull House Farm and Homestead on January 17, 2010.

Our initial program will consist of membership, dues collection, etc. We will also be looking for folks to fill the empty of archivist, co-librarian, and web master to name a few. As we have no idea how many folks will be in attendance, we are also asking that the first meeting be a drop spindle only program. I am so excited!

Christmas Past

2009-11-28T09:12:00.002-05:00

When my oldest daughter was almost three, Baby All Gone was the only item on her Christmas wish list. Each and every party we attended that involved presents also involved a temper tantrum when the little trinket she opened was not this doll. I don't know how many of you remember this doll, but it is now easier to purchase this plastic baby on e-bay than it was that holiday season of 1991. My mother, eager to be the miracle worker, hit every store in the Western New York area. And she found it. She convinced the store manager at a JC Penney catalogue only store in Lockport, to box up the one in the store window as its mere presence was driving the employees crazy. The doll was impossible to get by Christmas and to have it in the shop was nothing short of mockery to many a mother and child.

So Christmas at Beachie's arrives and Amanda is fully expecting to find Baby All Gone under the tree. She has asked for only one gift and this is the first Christmas that she fully understands the "true meaning of Christmas" - ask and you shall receive. My mom is the hero, the BEST EVER. The bottle is refilled, the cherries are slurped, the diapers are chan....

STOP! The baby doesn't wet? What do you mean she doesn't wet? My little peanut has provided Baby All Gone with countless bottles, just where is all that milk going? Thankfully, for my mom, it took Amanda three or four days to figure this out. My little genius realizes that the doll does not have the properties of a real baby and she is feeling betrayed. Truly.

And so was I. The Baby All Gone Christmas taught me a huge lesson about buying my children exactly what they "had to have." I learned that there was no toy really worth the effort my mom put into finding that gift, that the BEST toy, gizmo, or trinket was eventually going to the bottom of the toy box. That Christmas taught me not to be an East Amherst Mommy.

I drag out that memory each and every year and am very grateful my children do not beg for the impossible. As they have gotten older, their requests are more within the realm of reason and they no longer feel short changed when comparing themselves to the neighbors. But I remember Baby All Gone. May she rest in peace.

Dear Oblivions,

2009-11-22T17:27:00.003-05:00

If, by chance, you are able to open your eyes for just one moment, would you please attempt the following:

If I do not answer my phone, please assume that I am busy. Kindly refrain from calling me repeatedly until I ask the person on the other line to hold, or stop what I am doing to so that I may attend to your immediate needs.
Kindly refrain from leaving your grocery cart in the middle of the aisle, block one third with your person, and the other third with your misbehaving child.Please do not look so put out when I gently say, "Pardon me, please."
If you are a creepy old, or young, or in between guy, do NOT ask my daughter to "jump on up there" when you ask for lots of everything on your sub. You are neither clever nor amusing.
Do not call your mother at the pharmacy and scream at her like a banshee. Your mother is getting your medication and thought she had a full hour before you needed to be driven to work.
Listen to your mother when she tells you she is now leaving for the pharmacy to get your medication so that you can tell her, very sweetly, that you need to be at work now and not in one hour.
Please refrain from screaming at your mother for her obvious inability to read your mind when you drop her away for the workplace entrance to avoid embarrassment. How far away is too far?

On a happier note...I had breakfast with my good buddy, went to Barnes and Noble with two other good buddies, my bro and his charming bride, and I had the chance to pick up some magazines. As per yesterday's post, I now have the needed IK Holiday Knits 2009 and I found something else - Wild Fibers! I have never seen this one before and I believe this shall be at least a three on the teacup scale used by fellow blogger, Mary Ellen.

The Perfect Rainy Day Movie

2009-11-21T19:42:00.003-05:00

Hit your Netflix account and check this movie out! Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is a lovely movie reminiscent of a sweeter time that lives only in our imaginations. Add to that the London setting, the lovely young friend and the predictable ending and you have everything you need for a truly wonderful 'feel good' movie.
And now a question: Am I the only one who truly dislikes Daylight Saving Time? I get up so early, it is dark regardless of the hour difference. Instead, I get to drive home in the dark and feel as though I somehow missed the best part of the day. And I find myself wanting to pull on my jammies and crawl into bed at 7:00 which I refuse to do as I am fully grown! Yet, I am so inexplicably tired I do not have the energy to do even that. I have also found myself spending inordinate amounts of time on the commuter playing stupid PopCap Games that are truly mind numbing. I should be knitting, or rug hooking, or reading, or Christmas (!) shopping or doing something semi-productive.

Tomorrow I shall have to fill the day with postive and productive things...breakfast with a friend, coffee with my brother, and I must purchase the Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts magazine as there is one sweater that I really want to knit for hubby before the holiday - best case scenario, or his birthday in February - worst case scenario. I have a very nice Tahki Tweed that I purchased more than a few years ago for a sweater for DH and I have yet to go beyond a sleeve...far too many cables. This sweater appears to be a quick knit with a bit of interest down the body sides and across the saddle shoulder and some lovely bits of sure to end quickly cables on the top.

Lucy, I'm Home

2009-11-12T16:47:00.004-05:00

Our book club's November meeting was delightful. Lucy by Ellen Feldman was an easy read about one of America's most celebrated presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I must admit, this title did leave me with more questions than answers. How does a woman have an affair with her employer's husband? How does she keep in close contact over three decades once the affair ends? Why does a woman allow herself to be snuck in and out of the White House?

After reading, I felt little pity for FDR and a great deal for his wife Eleanor. Which brings me to why book club was so delightful. Our lovely hostess, Shirley, always spoils the group with a welcoming smile, an abundant selection of food and wine, and a sincere joy in hosting our group. Shirley usually has some little parting gift: pins for the lapels of our winter coats just brought out of the moth balls, or handmade table pieces for an upcoming holiday. You get the idea. Anyhoo, this month she tricked us all.

Upon our arrival, we meet Shirley's friend, Denise. She tells us she has invited her because she is an historian who is well versed with the era under discussion. As we begin our talk, Denise disappears. Upon her return she has morphed into Eleanor Roosevelt! She entertained us for a half hour with an entertaining narration of this famous lady.

The things I learned about Eleanor! I shall sum it up by saying she was indeed a gracious woman. And FDR? He was Bill Clinton's role model.

A Multi-Tasking Man

2009-10-27T17:08:00.002-04:00

Could someone please explain the title? Was it Erdrich's first choice, or the preference of a confused editor? Yes, Fidelis was was the butcher - who sang- and came to America after the great war- with his knives - chasing down a slice of bread - only to find himself in North Dakota.

And explain the cover will you? The cover art is obviously meant to represent his first wife, Eva. Nice girl, nice pregnant German girl who marries the best friend of her dead soldier lover - who follows the singing butcher to North Dakota and befriends Delphine - who is really the more important of the two women in the novel.

Yes, it was a good book that is possibly better read quickly rather than in dribs and drabs so that the continuity is not lost. I cried at the end which really confused me as I did not feel that connected to the characters and I found myself wondering, "What was the point?" So many years, a vast and interesting array of characters to be sure, but the purpose? The theme? Sorry, but it was lost on me.

One More for the Books

2009-10-04T18:36:00.000-04:00

Baby colors have changed a great deal since my youngest were born over 16 years ago. The traditional blues and pinks still reigned supreme back in the day. My last family baby shower last year was a real eye opener. The little baby to be had a layette of cream, brown, green and burgundy - colors I always assumed were left to the adult in the family.

With that in mind, I selected the colors you see on the left and I must say I am very pleased with the outcome - just not for a baby. Full of doubt, I went to the local Babies R' Us with the intention of keeping the blankie for someone else, but changed my mind the second I got to the layette section. Brown and green are indeed the new blue and pink. To re-enforce the color scheme I purchased a little brown and green outfit. Does that make a theme?

My knitting buds have been a bit puzzled by my yarn choice: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice. But we all decided that giving a mom the 'gift' of hand wash and air dry is not really the kindest thing to do. This acrylic is soft and snugly and washed up like a dream. And if they don't like it, they can always make it the car blankie!

Really, I Am So Not Ready

2009-09-25T16:23:00.003-04:00

Yesterday it was the sumac, blazing crimson cones sailing above the mottled leaves. Today I see the locust trees have turned golden. Not ready, so not ready for fall. OK, I take it back, I am so not ready for the end of summer.

Over the course of the last three weeks I have made many an attempt to accept the inevitable. I took on a student teacher, one way to avoid the traditional start of school issues. I come home early and pretend that I never left the house. I turn off the alarm clock in my sleep to avoid getting up in the dark. I turn a blind eye to the dead annuals in the deck pots.

Well, it ain't workin' folks. Today is the day I accept defeat. I shall blame it on the morning weather guy who announced that today we shall have only 12 hours of daylight. It is time to move to the dark side. Sorry, but fresh apple cider, pumpkins and corn stalks on the stoop, crisp Saturday afternoon walks, none of it makes up for the loss of daylight.

Excuse me while I book I ticket to someplace South of the equator.

Move Over Farmville, I Milked a Real Cow

2009-09-15T18:15:00.002-04:00

Saturday was girl family bonding day. Mom, sis, sister-in-law, daughter, and moi did something truly unique. We had dinner with my Amish poultry 'dealer'.

So here's how it happened...Years ago a small group of Amish families moved from Pennsylvania and Ohio to Lyndonville, NY. No fallings out, just cheap land and lots of it. They have a nice furniture store, lumber mill with custom cabinetry, a general store or two, and a bakery. My parents have been supporting their businesses for years. Recently, we found a flyer at Yoder's Market for a fresh chickens and eggs.

Saturday evening, James and Clara, opened their home to their customers for an evening of fun and fellowship. We arrived at the farm around 4:00, in time to take a short tour of the property. This young family has been on the property for about three years. They have a lovely horse, turkeys slated to be Thanksgiving dinner, over 100 laying hens, numerous chickens being raised for sale in the very near future and three cows. We went to the family's pasture via hay ride courtesy of one of their Amish neighbors and were given a proper tour by James and his three very young sons. Their oldest child, all of seven, was bursting with pride (a non-Amish quality to be sure) in show us how well he and his father were running their operation.

Learning how much work goes into the raising of these fine fowls gave me a real appreciation for their quality. Each and every day their pasture area is moved, no small feat, as this requires the moving of a fence, small shed, water and feed stations, and various bits and bobs. The chickens feed on live insects and high quality feed. Their health is evidenced by the quality of the meat in the young birds and the volume of eggs produced each day - close to 60 per day.

After our hay ride back to the farm we enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Clara. Homemade whole wheat spaghetti, sauce from their garden tomatoes, meatballs from their own steer, deviled eggs, and an out of this world applesauce. Dessert was a strawberry smoothie made with the farm milk, yogurt, strawberry preserves and maple syrup.

I left with a new found admiration for this family. Five children with one on the way, a spotlessly clean home, the children so healthy and happy, and a group of new friends. A very nice day, indeed.

The End of Summer Read

2009-09-07T21:26:00.003-04:00

Growing up, I had never had any experience with the Mormon religion; my only exposure was the father of a family in town who left his wife for a Mormon woman. Ironic, don't you think? The 19th Wife has certainly done a job filling in the blanks.

Ebershoff's novel was read by the majority of the girls in my tea group, so when I found it at the library I thought I would give it a go. First, read the NY Times review. Now I am asking that you take that and eliminate all the negative adjectives. Yes, he did do all those things in his narrative, but 'cacophony'? 'Exhausting'? Hardly.

Jordan goes home seeking the truth about his mother's role in his father's murder. Along the way he befriends creepy little Johnny - that did not move the plot. The second thing that did need scripting was the love affair between Jordan and Tom, the excommunicated LDS managing a hotel. Time would have been better spent on the roles of the attorney defending Jordan's mom, and his secretary, Maureen. But I found the story of the "Firsts" a renegade sect straight out of Big Love fascinating.

The second story line focused on the 19th wife of Brigham Young, Ann Eliza. This section showed the real research of the author. Frankly, I found all the bits and pieces intriguing; I learned a great deal about John Smith and his early ministry. How the church moved to and from polygamy was also fascinating; the political moves of powerful men...how does one resist?
Great literature, it is not. But well worth the ink and paper.

May I Please Have a Do-Over?

2009-08-28T14:28:00.002-04:00

This was my week:

Monday I attempted to go to a doctor's appointment that was for the following week.
Monday I received a telephone call from my credit card company that someone had attempted to make a $2000 charge on my account. My account is now closed.
Tuesday I was late for the dentist as I failed to note a time change on the 'master' calendar.
Wednesday I was nearly T-boned by a NYS Trooper when the car I was in went into oncoming traffic.
Wednesday the dog groomer could not contact me as I was in a 'concrete bunker' of a building preventing cell service. It never occurred to the three people at home that they could get the dog.
Thursday I entered my bank and ran into the wall thinking it was the door.
Friday I went shopping to find my (still valid) credit card was not in my wallet.
Friday I...as I see a pattern emerging I am waiting for the second thing.

I'm Reading and I Can't Get Up

2009-08-25T09:32:00.003-04:00

This has been the summer of naught. No knitting, no spinning, no weaving, and next to no reading. What should have been finished in three days took almost three weeks. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks was not a difficult read by any means. I should have known it would not be a favorite for me; people were going on about this as they did with Water for Elephants, a much over lauded book in my humble opinion.

I truly enjoyed the structure of the book. Hanna Heath, a book conservator, is hired by the UN to stabilize and perform an analysis of the Sarajevo Haggadah. The book follows Hanna's search of the objects found hidden within the bindings of the book, her struggle with her mother - totally unnecessary, and her encounters with her old mentor and fellow scientists. And that is my friends, is flat. Unbelievable. Blah. I truly struggled with these sections when in comparison to the engaging sections of the 'people of the book'.

The history of the book is told through the lives of those who held it in their hands at some point in its journey. Lola, the Sarajevan Jew during the Nazi invasion of 1940; Dr. Hirschfeldt and his syphilitic bookbinder patient Mittl from 1894 Vienna; the flawed Venetian religious leaders Judah Aryeh and the inquisitor, Vistorini, of 1609; the heroic family of David Ben Shoushan living in Tarragona in 1492; and finally to the beginning in the Seville of 1480. These are the sections with voice. These are the sections that the reader races toward. And for the most part, each of the characters are different in feeling and complexity. The section I did not care for was the story of the haggadah's creator. That did not ring true; the two women portrayed in this section fell as flat as the story of Hanna.

This book was my pick for September's book club; hopefully, it shall make interesting reading. If nothing else, it did provide a huge amount of historical background on the ill treatment of Jews throughout European history. I had a scant knowledge of the Spanish Inquisition, but was ignorant of how far and long this period lasted.

But I do need to remember that anything this 'popular' is never anything that I end up loving. That's me. Contrary.

What Did You Do Today?

2009-08-15T18:02:00.004-04:00

ArtPark in Lewiston is one of those places I hit every other summer. No particular reason why I do not go more frequently - I just seem to need a reason. Thursday evening six of us went for dinner at Carmelo's and then off to the theatre.

I think I have seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat so many times, I have it memorized. The only age group that I have not seen perform it is grammar school! Now, this means I really like it, or it plays so often I just can't avoid it! My opinion: no surprises. Liked the set, costuming was good, lighting was effective. My only issue was the lack of a full orchestra. When did it become acceptable to have sound track with a few life tracks? I just find it odd - and a bit flat. Why? It has to be a huge cost savings because WNY in no way lacks musical talent.

The highlights of the evening were the curry ravioli and hearing about my friend's new 'man'! I love it when other people are in love! I may sound sappy, but I get a thrill when my friends gush over something!

Today I hit another one of my favorite hometown spots: The Clarence Center Coffee House. Nothing fancy, just a tad funky. But the heat of the afternoon just begged for a sit on a porch with a cold drink - and I am a sap for iced chai. So Helen and I had a lovely visit, I had the opportunity to forget my responsibilities and dirty laundry, and to sit a spell.

Oh, to Dye the Day Away!

2009-08-09T16:09:00.000-04:00

Today was a blast! Several of us from Raveloe Fibers met for a natural dye day. As I have been bitten by the rug bug, I was gifted some wonderful wool for a future project. The mordant was a combination of alum and creme of tartar done the evening before by our lovely Linda. Donna had prepared dyes of black walnut, onion skin and logwood - the lovely purple. Phyllis offered a fresh indigo, madder, dahlia, Osage orange, and black eyed susans. Linda, in addition to doing the prep work and offering the space at the shop, gave us a lesson in a 'fermented' indigo dye bath.

Favorites? I really love the effect I got from twisting the wool in coils resulting in a really neat variegation of color. The difference between the two indigo dye baths was fascinating - the older resulting in the expected blue, and the subtle green of the fresh batch had been planted, grown, and mixed by Phyllis. I was also thrilled by the change in the red cotton I had brought along. Less than five minutes in the indigo changed it from Santa Red to a lovely, rich burgundy with hints of blue.

This is one workshop well worth repeating:)

L'Élégance du hérisson

2009-08-08T14:29:00.002-04:00

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery is a fascinating novel. Philosophical in content and style, this novel discusses class consciousness, self-awareness and above all - Beauty. The novel, released in 2006, quickly became a best seller in France.

This book was less a narrative than a series of philosophical essays on the topics of reality, perception, truth, painting, education - you name it. And at times it was overwhelming, but that, gentle readers, is why one skims. And I cannot say that the ending was satisfying. Indeed, far from it.

If you are looking for your narrative "straight up", this will disappoint. The challenging text, at times intimidating vocabulary, and the highbrow themes are well worth the effort.

What Would You Choose?

2009-08-07T10:31:00.001-04:00

I hate making decisions.

Giovanni's Room

2009-07-31T15:56:00.002-04:00

Let me begin by saying I have never read a book like this before. Once I closed the cover for the final time, I realized this must have been one of the most controversial novels discussed at the 'liberal' cocktail parties of 1956. I am picturing smoke filled rooms, hands lifted to mask the whispers, pseudo-intellectuals pontificating on the issues of race and sexuality.

James Baldwin tells the story of a white, middle class, American ex-pat living in Paris. He (David) falls in lust/love/confusion/denial with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. They live in a world the majority of the population will never know. A world of young boys and wealthy used up queens. And it is a sad world.

David's sexuality is really not the issue. It is his inability to give love and to be loved. He is so concerned with his warped sense of morality, that he cannot see the beauty of any given moment - and his affected personality that borders on amoral.

Giovanni in many ways is his victim. And so is David's fiancee, Hella. They both love this man who is not an active participant in his own life. He watches himself from above with self loathing and repugnance. But his for his part in the lives of others, he does not give one damn.

This is a tragic novel on so many levels. And I am still trying to decide if it was truly well written. Having just returned from Paris, I was truly enjoying the amount of French sprinkled throughout the text, the descriptions of scenes in Paris... This my dears is not for the faint hearted.

One Prayer to Every Stitch

2009-07-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

The mother of one of our Raveloe group has fallen ill. This strip will be one of many to be pieced into a shawl. May it bring her some comfort.

Summer is for Reading

2009-07-26T19:26:00.005-04:00

Over the last four weeks I was able to squeeze in three books. First on the docket is Heat and Dust by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. May I begin my saying I envy her life? Or at least her address book. She was born of Polish parents in Germany and raised in London. She now splits her time between Delhi and New York. This Booker Prize winning novel catalogs the life of two women, fifty years apart. The novel is set in India and centers around the life of Olivia, the wife of an English civil servant. Her story is told by the Douglas' (the civil servant) granddaughter as she traces Olivia's steps. The novel slowly develops parallel life lines for these two women, but with very different outcomes.

Love it, I did not; however, I found that Merchant and Ivory made a film based on the novel and I quickly added it to my NetFlix queue.

The next selection is The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. Oh how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways: poorly written...she had a thing about "sweaty kitchen smells" that were meant to be someone's dinner, overly long with a plot that went NO WHERE, and an ending that many of my eighth graders could have written. Add to the fact that she stole the majority of the life below stairs from "Upstairs, Downstairs", and you are left with a very unimaginative mystery that was less than satisfying.

But now my favorite. And I really needed this one. Coming home from my two week vacation has been very difficult. Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas really helped. Hennie Comfort is a woman we all wish we knew. Her name truly says it all. Granted, the quilting references get to be a bit tiresome. I am convinced that Sandra Dallas must be an avid quilter - anyone remember The Persian Pickle Club? And there are certain elements of the plot line that tie up a bit too slick. But honestly, you want them to. You need them to. This one is next month's book club pick and I am a bit miffed that the hostess 'broke' our rule - we are to stick to paperback. I am not exactly thrilled I had to pay $24. 95 minus my Barnes and Noble discount for a two day read. But I did love it and it cheered me up.

Fred and Ginger

2009-07-26T17:05:00.001-04:00

Ok, how cool is this. I open up my Internet homepage, MSN, and there is a building I stood in front of less than two weeks ago! I feel so 'all that and a bag of chips' right now. To the left you will see Frank Gehry's "Dancing House" located in Prague. After dinner, a small group of us headed to the river and came across this beautiful building. My day shot is not quite as impressive:( But I know if you google it, you'll find tons of awesome shots!

Vienna Treasure

2009-07-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

This little gem was part of my walking tour in Vienna. Who says these guys don't have a sense of humor?

My Personal Beauty Pageant

2009-06-28T20:43:00.007-04:00

Another prom season.

A Northern Light

2009-06-28T20:27:00.002-04:00

Jennifer Donnelly was inspired by the 1906 murder of a young woman in the Adirondacks. The murder of Grace Brown was so well known it inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy. Young Mattie Gokey provides the reader with a glimpse into the hard life of the North Woods. Having lived there for three years myself, I often found myself visually some the well known camps, lakes, and rivers. The story shifts between the present where Mattie is employed at the well known Glenmore Inn and flashbacks to her life on the farm with her father and her sisters.

I found myself cheering Mattie on, remembering through her 16 year old eyes my fondness for books, my dreams, and my fears. The novel has tons of memorable characters, numerous references to literary characters and trends of the time, and the strict cultural constraints felt by the women of that era.

So grab a copy of A Northern Light and enjoy your holiday in the North Country.

Another Slice, Please

2009-06-22T15:23:00.003-04:00

I loved, loved , loved this book. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows was a wonderful combination of whimsy and history. And a smidge of romance, too.

Juliet, a well known London author, begins a correspondence with the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Through their letters, the reader learns about the lives of the island's residents during and after the German Occupation.

So pull up a seat in Isola's house, take a swig of tonic and a huge slice of Potato Peel Pie. This is a read that even the most reticent of the membership would be sure to enjoy.

A Spot of Bother

2009-06-14T11:09:00.003-04:00

This book would make a great movie. But please do not let that dissuade you from reading it; it is really quite good. Many of you will be familiar with Mark Haddon's other novel: the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. This is just as 'spot on'.

George is convinced his eczema is cancer; he is experiencing severe depression, he catches his wife in the sack with a former co-worker. Add to that a daughter who is marrying a man they feel is not well matched, who ironically, is better than them in so many ways. Throw in one gay son and the wedding day and you will be thoroughly entertained. This book has a bit of everything: pathetic human souls, a rather grisly scene when George decides to take a few matters in his own hands, and an absolutely hysterical wedding day.

What Ewe are You?

2009-06-12T16:05:00.003-04:00

Isn't that cute? That means I like soft, basic, and all purpose wool. No surprises there.

Am I allowed to say this week was torture? This marking period has been horrid. For reasons outside of my control, one unit ate up the 8 weeks of teaching time. We had two state assessments taking four days of instructional time, the music department took two more days. Today we had an awesome CSI activity, but that took another of 'my' days. Now the high school band teacher sends an e-mail 2 minutes before the last bell saying he is pulling kids for band auditions. No flippin' way I say. And I still have material to cover before the final exam and only one day to do it. I need this school year to end. NOW.

I believe I am about to eat a half gallon of ice cream straight out of the carton.

Dear Karma,

2009-06-01T17:34:00.003-04:00

Please forgive me, for I know not what I have done. But it must have been bad. Gentle readers, I shall not bore you with the details, but they involve sores, lots of money and loads of distress. So, dear fates, please oh please, I promise to not do it again, whatever it was. Now leave me and my family alone!

One More for the Bookshelf

2009-05-30T18:34:00.004-04:00

I just finished my book club's June pick: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. No one will accuse this little book of being fine literature, but if you do need something to give you the teen tingle of unconsummated lust you'll have a fine time. The book centers on the issues of the two Waverly sisters, a crazy apple tree, and a crazier relative. It was a bit like eating a bag of chips one at a time.

A Mellow Memorial Monday

2009-05-26T18:17:00.004-04:00

I finished this one over the weekend. I have had Little Bee on order at the library for quite some time now. There were two very good marketing ploys that made me bite: the publisher refuses to tell you what the story is about and that it would be the new book club "must read".

There is no reason to "not tell" so I shall. Little Bee is a 16 year old Nigerian orphan. Because of or in spite of the interference of a wealthy, clueless, professional couple on the beach, she and her sister experience untold sufferings at the hands of the soldiers. If Sarah and Andrew had stayed behind the compound walls as they had been told, or better yet in London where they really belonged, this story would not be told. Really, there would be no story at all. It is worth the time, but I promise - it will not leave you feeling better.

Yesterday I re-read Patty Jane's House of Curl. The problem was that I was not certain I had previously read this until I was about tow hours in; as I had less than that to go, I plugged on. Need a totally mindless read full of Steel Magnolia overtones? Help yourself. I am bringing it to knitting tomorrow night.

My View on the World

2009-05-21T17:48:00.006-04:00

I love my birch tree. The October storm nearly made it history, but luck was on our side. The birch has spread across my front room window, its leaves pick up every wisp of wind that blows across the yard.

And this is what you will find under the birch tree. Nineteen years ago I started with five Lilly of the Valley plants. They have become so prolific they are threatening to choke out everything else in the garden, but I cannot make myself dig them up - the smell is so intoxicating.

So if you are in my neighborhood, come on over...they are free for the taking.

Tomorrow is a 'free day'. The kids have school, but I do not:) Color me happy. I hope the dog is as excited as I am to get things ticked off the 'to do' list; he gets to go to the vet. Me? A day of hedonistic delights: pedicure, hair and tea group. Ok, tea group is really not hedonistic. No matter how hard I try, I cannot get those girls to add a little something with a bit of punch.

Enjoy your weekend.

It Never Gets Old

2009-05-17T12:05:00.004-04:00

Last month's book club pick was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I believe I have read this book over six times and I can honestly say, it never gets old. If you have somehow managed to get through your high school years without cracking this one open, do yourself a favor and hit the library.

I believe I have said that we read for 20 minutes in study hall each morning. Now, I have an very 'interactive' reading style. Just as some of you talk to the television, I talk to the book and apparently my laughter was beginning to annoy the little critters. "What the heck is so funny?" "Good book?" "Why do you keep laughing?" How do you explain the humor of Scout explaining the social hierarchy of the town on her first day of school through one boy's lunch issues? Or the fact that the teacher scolds the poor thing for knowing how to read before she has been 'properly taught'?

So go back and re-read this one. For a change, the required reading list was right!

And Finished

2009-05-17T11:50:00.006-04:00

Before

After

Ishbel (rav link) is my first lace project and I must admit I was really afraid! I really dislike working from charts, but thankfully this pattern had the lace bits written out. This was made from one hank of Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn (rav link). Noro is not my favorite pick: it always contains a color you are not counting on, no matter how much you poke into the skein. In my case it was a ton of blue. If I had it to do over, I would manipulate the colors so that the stockinette section contained all the blue and the lace would be predominantly green.

Finished

2009-05-11T19:04:00.002-04:00

One Mason-Dixon Moderne Baby Blanket for little Baby Kent. I really love the way this came out. My version is much smaller than the original, but I truly did not want to purchase extra hanks of yarn for the small bits left in the pattern. Each color used one hank of Plymouth Encore - always a good choice for baby gifts. SmartyMags lent me the bit of turquoise needed for the border. It matched the little flecks in the white and light blue sections.

My Day

2009-05-10T18:43:00.015-04:00

Today I got to pick the family fun - the joy of being the mommy on this day. My choice was the zoo. Now that may seem an odd choice on an overcast blustery day of 43, but I think I was waxing nostalgic. When the kids were little, Craig and I would take them at least once a month. And lately, I have been missing little people holding my hand.

The zoo is a little gem. The trees were in full bloom.

And I love the buildings! The elephant house dated at 1912, begins the tour with a great sense of history.

This pelican carving is above the door to the current reptile house. I still remember my first trip to this building. We went to the zoo for my first grade field trip and the reticulated python left me terrorized; I had nightmares for over one week!

This shot was taken inside the new M&T Rain Forest exhibit. This was the first time the family had seen this. It really is impressive. I love the monkeys and they were having a grand time playing to the crowd up close and personal. The exhibit also contained some beautiful plantings that provided the perfect backdrop for the colorful birds.

Best of the Day

2009-05-02T17:12:00.014-04:00

There is honestly nothing better than a day spent with your family and a good friend or two. Today was one of Buffalo's truly beautiful days! With the sun in our faces, Emma and my friend Sally hit the Elmwood Strip. We did a little shopping at Half and Half, Urban, Talking Leaves and a few other cute shops along the way. Walking down the street with so many smiling people just puts a spring in your step. In addition to boosting the economy we got to see a "Silent Peace Protest", and a really cool idea: Buffalo First Game Day Saturday!

I will be the first to admit I am map challenged, and the amount of time I spend in the city is minimal. But I am proud to say we were able to make it to Five Points Bakery to scout out Melissa and Kevin's new business. I am so impressed with their concept. They are making every possible attempt to purchase locally grown ingredients. You would think it would be an easy prospect considering the number of farms in Western New York, but Melissa and Kevin were saying that the search took them some time. If you head over, go early! By the time we made it over, the only items left were cookies and some awesome pizzas. We picked up a steak and dandelion with caramelized onions for our dinner. They will be baking bread three days a week, so you know where I will be on a Saturday morning in the near future!

Then it was off to lunch at Betty's. Have I ever told you how much I love rice and beans? My taste buds were in heaven. This was my first visit, but not my last. You will find me in the very near future working my way through the menu.

Now time to take the poor old dog for a walk before the sun goes down.

5 Star Read

2009-04-29T18:50:00.003-04:00

Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper is, by far, one of the best young adult books I have read in years. My entire homeroom was stunned when they realized the book made me cry. "It was that good Mrs. _?" A high school senior and three of his friends head out after a basketball with a few beers in their bellies. One of the boys does not come home. Andrew Washington spends the rest of the novel attempting to cope with his guilt. This is one gripping read best left to strong of heart.

Tuesday Ten

2009-04-28T16:09:00.003-04:00

I have decided that an alliterative theme would be nice for today. At work, we were discussing strange things people like to eat. I believe it was inspired by my brother's requests: iguana and some Andrew Zimmerman type craving, on his current trip to El Salvador. I do believe the rest of the family's list is not as unique.

Ketchup on scrambled eggs.
Salt on melon.
Liver and onions.
Spaghetti and mayo sandwiches. You'll have to ask my husband.
Bologna and peanut butter, so says my mom.
Sardines on crackers, with the oil says my pop.
Lima beans with lemon pepper.
Ice cream and pop tarts for my MIL.
Creamed eggs with peas on toast.
Hamburger gravy on mashed potatoes. Don't ask. It was a favorite at my elementary school.

Bon Appetite!

The Longest Read

2009-04-28T15:38:00.004-04:00

I have finally finished a book. All that knitting has been throwing me off. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski is indeed a work of art. Pity really. At 562 pages I was not inclined to linger over passages once I hit the half way point. Read the Times' review - they always say it better.

And On the Needles

2009-04-19T11:46:00.005-04:00

This is Ishbel, my first lace project. Wish me luck that it will be done by the end of the week.
Jinx.

Off the Needles, Part 2

2009-04-19T11:35:00.003-04:00

This cute little Baby Cardi was a free pattern from Ravelry. It was made from yarn that a co-worker dug out of her attic. She has a ton of kits left to her by her aunt and she is not enough of a knitter to work her way through them. This is yarn from a 1960's cardigan kit from Good Shepherd Zantuk Acrylic Sport Weight. I still have 6 ounces of this colorway, and 10 more of a blue flecked burgundy.

Off the Needles

2009-04-19T11:22:00.004-04:00

Aren't they cute? I just finished Owls (rav link)last night. This was a fast knit of 6 skeins of Lamb's Pride Bulky, colorway Avocado. I purchased the yarn at the GVHG spin in for February. At $5.00 a skein, I think that I got my money's worth. I only wish I enjoyed the fit as much. Notice this is a familiar theme in my sweater knitting. The pattern called for some serious back shaping that I did not like the look of. I was afraid that it would be too snug, and again, that was a mistake. Each and every piece I make is always a smidge too large. When, oh when, will I embrace the concept of negative ease? I still may go back and tink with the neck, it is a bit loose around the neck. Or, then again, a two minute trip to the dryer may fix everything.

2009-04-15T09:32:00.001-04:00

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
by dwarthy

This is wonderful!

You Know Your Child is Clueless When...

2009-04-14T12:38:00.002-04:00

She purchases a travel ticket for the wrong day.
She loses her wallet on that travel day.
Her wallet contains her NYS tax refund.
The NYS tax refund is signed.