December 28, 2007

deleted a post

I was in a foul mood. I shouldn't post when angry.

So... long time since I have posted. December has been interesting. Work is good. I started a check list of tasks so I could start crossing things off. It helps me see that I actually do something and that I can finish something. It was rough going for a while there.

I taught a knitting class for kids. There were seven total ranging from 6-13 years old. I learned that you should never put out 2 large boxes of sugary cookies and a large bowl of punch without setting limits. I don't have kids or hang around them at all so the limit thing I completely missed. They ate all the cookies and drank all the punch... it was only a 2 1/2 hour class... I think they all learned something and by the end they all had at least 3 rows completed. I feel bad about sending home with that much sugar in their bodies...

I finished the turtle and gifted him at the baby shower. I also made the cake for the baby shower. Pictures coming soon!

On a sad note... a good friend moved back to Germany. Blah. Nothin' to say 'bout that.

I am madly knitting a scarf that is like the never ending project and wondering what the hell I am thinking... Though I have knit in one evening what took me about 9 months to do before...

I found out today the Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. Ugh. Corrupt or not, no one should die like that... not fighting for simple things that most of the people on the planet take for granted...

December 10, 2007

long time no type

way to busy to say much. the holiday season snuck up on me and I refuse to accept that it is the end of 2007...

December 3, 2007

windy and rainy

so... my fence fell over and shingles from my roof are littering the yard... the wind has been so bad the past couple of nights. I just hope my house is still there when I get home...

The weather has put me in a knittin' mood. Yesterday I had high tea with my knitting group and I started this project. I am using Diamond Luxury Collection Carioca in forest green. I heart alpaca! The picture is an up close look at the yarn...

I am almost done with Moe the Turtle. I finished his body and limbs. Now I need to work on the shell. Must finish by the 16th so I can gift it at the baby shower!

Oh, NaBloPoMo is over. I wonder how many actually stuck with it? ugh.

November 30, 2007

In the end, what is there?

30 posts later and what do I have to show for it? Well, I can say that I read more news this month than I have in a long time. Some news was good but most was bad. Did I post deep dark thoughts and feelings to make the blog more interesting? Nope. Will I ever? Maybe...

What is it that makes people spill their guts to the faceless online community? Are we just polluting the internet with useless garble? I have read some funny and interesting blogs this month. I feel almost like I am spying. I've read about people who have had their blogs plagiarized and laughed... is nothing sacred? It is as though you have taken someone's diary and copied it, claiming it yours... why? What do you get out of that?

Will I continue to post at this rate? Maybe, it is something consistent in this hectic world. Funny that my last post for this month is an obit. I am from a rough and dirty little town, Butte, Montana. People there don't have much but they do a lot with what they have. Evel Knievel had guts and with that he entertained many. He will be missed.

Quote 30: I'll be seeing you around...

NaBloPoMo: Last day. Last post. Thanks for the motivation.

November 29, 2007

some one bring me a bucket...

not really... I am not sick but my back has been killing me, think I pinched a nerve. My PT will yell at me again I'm sure... well, enough about me.

The news today was once again the news. Some guy won the lottery and he wasn't supposed to be gambling. Seems he plead guilty to unarmed robbery and part of his sentence was to "not gamble, purchase lottery tickets or visit an establishment where gaming is conducted, including restaurants where Keno may be played." That just figures. $1 million dollars. No word on what will happen but the whole thing just sucks.

Quote 29: I will miss you. And your very slow typing... and your very bad driving.

NaBloPoMo count down: 2 days left (1 post left)

November 28, 2007

something fishy...

So in the news today I read that RJ Reynolds is going to stop printing ads in newspapers and magazines...

Very suspicious... what will they do instead?

I've got to do a hand sketch of a design to make it more understandable and I am working on a new pattern... I am almost done with the prototype...

Quote 28: This is nothing compared to the twig of '93.

NaBloPoMo count down: 3 days left (2 posts left)

November 27, 2007

Is it Friday yet?

I am feeling a bit blah and wishing I had the weekend to sleep. I don't so I will eat some protein and vitamin c and be on my way.

Finally an update on my knitting... I finished the body of the turtle. I don't know that I stuffed it enough though. I think it looks funny so I've got to hurry and finish his limbs and shell. Then he'll be a real turtle. No lie.

News today made me a bit cranky. Word on the street is that Mr. Carson Daly is breaking ranks and taping new shows. *waving finger* That is bad man, very bad. Not funny at all and your a funny man. Unions are not what the used to be and it is worse when you break solidarity... just my opinion...

My quote of the day is a bit different today. Sorry Facebook, you just suck.

Quote 27:
" ... Facebook originally planned to give its users the ability to permanently opt out of having their private purchases made public on Facebook. Facebook evidently removed that option just before launching the new privacy-invading feature. Facebook users who are aware that their private purchases on other websites are being made public on Facebook must now opt out site by site, week by week, month by month. There is no permanent opt-out option -- let alone an opt-in policy."


NaBloPoMo count down: 4 days left (3 posts left)

November 26, 2007

all I want for Christmas...

sorry, no teeth. I still have all mine. I am loving that HP is coming out in the 5 year set on blu-ray. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

If you need a good chic flic/date movie, go see Enchanted. Very girlie.

News for the day is just another reason to check that your doc/nurse uses new everything when you are being poked and prodded.

NaBloPoMo count down end begins: 5 days left

Quote 26: I have had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming.

November 25, 2007

Football can be depressing...

So the Ducks lost again. More injuries and I'm not sure we have a quarterback plan... It is okay... it is the start of our "rebuilding" year(s). We had an excellent run and I am proud of the Ducks!

My news to pass on is happy. One of the panda couples at the San Diego Zoo has done it again, a baby! That makes 3.

Quote 25:
Char 1: Put yourself down for a towel too.
Char 2: What about my bonus?
Char 1: Towel and a facecloth.

November 24, 2007

Ducks play soon...

We need to beat UCLA... Eeeck!

News... both Ole Miss and Nebraska have fired their coaches and Oregon goes for "green" trees.

Quote 24: I usually enjoy my own thoughtfulness.

Go Ducks!

November 23, 2007

I slept 13 hours!

I must have been really tired. I feel better than I have in a while.

I have almost made it through the whole day and haven't purchased a thing! Actually, I haven't left the house.

As far as news goes, no one appears to have died or been injured with the sinking of a liner off of Antartica... something to be thankful for...

Quote 23: Sometimes the truth is painful, Frank.

November 22, 2007

but it's only wafer thin...

I made to much and ATE WAY TO MUCH! My quote for the day is the title...

Among the many things now shoved in my fridge, I have 8 cups of mashed potatoes left. What do you do with 8 cups of mashed potatoes? Suggestions are welcome!

I have been up since 8:30 cooking so I didn't read the news. Maybe tomorrow.

Pumpkin pie from semi-scratch is terrific. Thank you Trader Joe's for your canned pumpkin. It is so far the best canned pumpkin I have found. I just wish they have the vanilla bean paste. I am out and they haven't had it the last couple of times I was in.

Now I am rambling... sorry. Until tomorrow...

November 21, 2007

mmm... pie

So I am preparing for Turkey day. This post will be short. I haven't had time to read the news but did catch in the paper that some teacher got caught trying to sell one of her student's coats on ebay... what? I get that we need to pay our teachers more but that is just lame.

Quote 21:

Char 1: Why won't you give me your phone number? Are you married?
Char 2: No.
Char 1: Are you homeless?
Char 2: No.
Char 1: Are you a drummer?

November 20, 2007

sunny days

well not really... it is actually cold and wet. And apparently not G rated... Sesame Street that is... I just found this article and am a little peeved. That is my news to pass on for today. I feel the need to write someone a letter... grrr.

I did knit some last night but not enough. Instead I watched Ratatouille. It was cute! Good animation too.

Quote 20: Study your math, kids. Key to the Universe.

November 19, 2007

manic monday

Well, manic isn't the right word... let's just say I miss the weekend.

I am halfway done with a large felted bowl in reds. I will post a pic of both bowls when I am done.

My news to pass on today is something that has been irking me for a while. The PS3 hardly has any multi player games. I hate it. I miss the group game night of "insert any mario game name here" terribly. Hopefully more multi player games will be made now that Sony has cut the price for the development kit.

Quote 19: I am redefining weird on an hourly basis.

November 18, 2007

Have I said how much I heart Sunday?

So I got up late did some cleaning but mainly worked with friends on a baby gift for a friend... We had Cherry Cider from Trader Joes's and fresh chocolate chip cookies... ahhh. Now I am trying to finish my second felted bowl of the weekend. Then I will work on the turtle.

:)

News... uh.. none today.

Quote 18: You don't know me, but I know me.

November 17, 2007

Out for the season

So our QB is out for the season but for some reason I can't find word on J Stewart...? How is he?

I knit up a felted bowl last night. They are quick and I needed to finish something. Sometimes my other projects seem to take forever and I need a pick me up.

As for the news, just go outside tonight and look at the sky. You might see something cool.

Quote 17: You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.

November 16, 2007

TGIF

So... where do I start.

Bad first. Pattern #2 was kindly rejected by knitty but I have plans for it. Well, not the actual it because remember, my dogs ate it. I have plans for the pattern and photos. :)

The Ducks lost. To many injuries. Cursed #2 spot. Whatever. It was a good year anyway. I hope the injured ducks repair and rest.

Good second.
A's photo of me and fetching from the knitty calendar submission was in the honorable mention gallery. Second picture top row!

News for the day... sorry, back to China and now it is bad engineering... Uh... base stability?

Quote 16: Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads.

November 15, 2007

grr arrgh... quack

15 days! I have made it half way.

Ok, news for the day is yuck. I had wanted to go to Serendipity ever since I heard about the frozen hot chocolate... well, to bad for now I have no interest.

Clean up your act man, literally!

I have started a plain hat with Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk in Plum and it will be topped off with a bit of Miski baby llama... soft I tell ya. The rib is k4 p1.

Turtle is slow going. I am not in the mood to knit and pay attention to a pattern. :)

Quote 15: There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion.

I am running now to watch the Ducks play at Arizona. Go DUCKS!

November 14, 2007

Wednesday, hump day

30 days of blogging is tough. I am just glad it is almost half over. I don't feel like reading the news today so all I could find to pass on is the story about meat. I do eat meat but this is another reason to be a vegetarian. Making meat pink? ugh. yuck.

Quote 14: I don't want to be alone, I want to be left alone.

November 13, 2007

Mama Mia!

I like games. I play DnD. I love anything with dice. Video games are tougher. I've tried various RPGs but nothin' compares to a good game with Mario and cast. I have had many of the Nintendo machines/games of the past and loved them but we did buy a PS3. LOVE blu-ray. But darn PS3... I want Mario!

Attn: programmers... Netflix still has a $1M prize up for grabs.

Quote 13: Check out the nametag. You're in my world now Grandma.

November 12, 2007

The BCS has Oregon at #2 with Kansas at #3. I have a sneaking suspicion that we will be leap frogged... who has a tougher schedule? blah. "who can fill a stadium?" is the better question.

Knitting is going fine. Turtle is still a turtle and I finally got the stuffing for it. I am debating whether to find a noise maker (rattler) and add it to the turtle... I am also making a hat for a cute baby I know. The hat from One Skein. And last but not least, I am searching for yarn to start a tilted duster. I don't know if I could wear Berroco Peruvia (slight allergic reaction to wool).

News for the day is quick. I wish I was close enough to see this display of photos.

Quote 12: I'm one stomach flu away from reaching my goal weight.

November 11, 2007

a good day to rake leaves

Sundays are so mellow. I ate carrot cake for a late breakfast, raked leaves, and now I can go play. With tomorrow being a holiday I don't feel as pressured to get everything done. That feeling will come tomorrow night.

No news today. Still waitin' for the BCS poll...

Quote 11: Gravity works.

November 10, 2007

frog it

Well, my knitting is going backwards... rip it, rip it. I had to rip out the turtle a week and a half ago and I am just back to where I was. Ugh. The gauge was off just enough so that when I got to stuffing it, the stuffing would show through. It is okay but I just want it done already!

I made carrot cake from scratch yesterday, even the cream cheese frosting... mmmm. 1 pound of carrots. It was fun to run it through the processor and then I had bright orange juice every where... You can imagine my life is super exciting if I am blogging about baking, right? Ha, that'll teach ya! I read cookbooks and bake in my free time. All the other time I am a rogue demon hunter... :)

Quote 10: I'm a rogue demon hunter now.

Oh, one last thing. Winona Ryder cast as Spock's mom in the new Star Trek movie... interesting...

November 9, 2007

take a minute and breathe

First off I'd like to take a moment to pause and reflect... It has been 9 days of posts... ...*moment*...

Ok, done pausing. Yesterday afternoon just sucked. Well, except for Science Pub (more on that later).

First off, a hero/friend of mine has been diagnosed with melanoma. ... Um...

Second, my dogs decided to eat/play tug of war with my latest knit up pattern. They are sooooo lucky that I had already taken the pictures and submitted it for publication. (hmmm... I still haven't heard back on this either, ugh) I still have yarn to make another but freakin' dang it. It is yarn. Not food. WTF? They are in trouble.

Third, I'm on the last disk of Season 3 of Veronica Mars. I am tired of decent tv shows getting the boot and other CRAP playing on tv for decades. Grrr argh. Oh, and to show my support of the Writers Guild go see this and share it with the clueless.

I'm probably not done venting so beware.

Science Pub was good, much better than the last one. Good company, presenter and questions. We don't get a Science Pub in December but come January... one word... volcanology

A happy birthday goes out to AD! Ignore the number and live man.

Quote 9: Humans can't feel anything. They're numb from the brain down.

November 8, 2007

knitty calendar and goodies...

I've been waiting for the calendar to come out! It really is lovely. Amy also sent out the surprise patterns so we have something to tide us over until the next issue.

News for the day is brief. Sex Pistols are starting a mini-tour.

Quote 8: Char 1: Is that your shovel? Char 2: No Char 1: Possession of a stolen shovel…

November 7, 2007

knit toys for the holidays

There is no better year to be crafty. Here is another report of a toy being pulled because it is contaminated. Beware the "made in China" label...

Ugh.

Quote 7: Well, I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years, Doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it.

November 6, 2007

and the *wands* come out...

Pic from day 1 of Halloween. My work has a fun party every year (this year we had a fantastic magician by the name of Invincible Vincent) and I won for scariest costume. People didn't recognize me either, it was a hoot to dress up... Day 2 of Halloween was the actual Halloween and I'll post a picture of my attempt at "Abby" from NCIS.

The news I feel like passing on is not happy but rather surprising... J.K. Rowling and the maker of the "Harry Potter" films are suing RDR Books (a small publisher in Michigan) over its plans to release a book version of a popular Web site (http://www.hp-lexicon.org). Uh... ouch. I don't know the details of this, just what can be read from all sides (author, publisher, J.K. Rowling) but I was pretty suprised to find someone who fights the banning of books banning/halting publication of a book. I look forward to more info on this and a resolution.

As for my quotes, either no one is reading/responding or they are hard... This one goes out to Sarah. Thanks for showing me this flic.

Quote 6: Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.

Ha, seriously.

November 5, 2007

Is this for real?

Ok, my first reaction to this news was a laugh. Then I wondered... does she type this up herself or is someone doing it for her? I wish I could read more of the Spanish... cool granny.

Quote 5: Mother puss bucket

Sorry, feeling a bit uninspired today. I will try and think of better ones...

November 4, 2007

Go Ducks!

The game yesterday was great. We won. Sorry ASU.

In other contest news, congratulations Technische Universität Darmstadt for taking 1st place in the DOE Solar Decathlon! One giant leap for worldkind... or something.

Quote 4: We're all on death's door repeatedly ringing the doorbell, like maniacal girl scouts trying to make quota.

No one guessed yesterday's quote so I'm not going to say where it was from... someone will eventually guess...

November 3, 2007

meeyow... quack, quack

Today I don't have much happy news to report. But that is okay because I am going to the game! Yes, I am a rabid Duck fan and I am going to go and watch them (hopefully) beat Arizona State. I know it is American football and it is a sport. Don't laugh. I also know we are tagged to win (sorry I said lose yesterday) this one. That is the beauty of the ducks, they sometimes surprise you.

Ta ta for now.

Quote 3: I think the trick is laying off the ale before you start quoting Angela's Ashes and weeping like a baby man.

November 2, 2007

Spin that wheel

Hmm... day 2 is a little tougher. The news is sad but I found a happy story.
Today my news to pass on is the story of Maggie the elephant. Thanks to a generous donation from Bob Barker (and many, many others I'm sure) Maggie is now headed for a warmer climate. Safe travels to all those involved.

My quote today is one of my favorite movies and is one of the most romantic quotes that I can think of... don't be upset though, I still have a lot of movies to see!


Quote 2: Char 1: What are you doing? Char 2: I'm ending our friendship.

November 1, 2007

Something this way wicked comes...

Goal: once a day for 30 days post something interesting.

Day 1: Halloween rocks. Although I am generally opposed to sharing candy, especially with strangers, one day a year I will. I had a fantastic bunch of treaters, no tricksters, and a small but delightful get together. Good food and a terrific flic.

My interesting bit of news today caught my eye immediately, well, almost. I noticed an article about 5 million frozen pizzas being recalled because of E. coli and paused a moment to be thankful that the pizza I ate last night was homemade. Then this article caught my eye. WOW! About freakin' time man, July 25 will not get here soon enough. I'll just say it, David Duchovny rocks. You should all take a minute and go listen to the song by Bree Sharp... go ahead, I'll wait...

Oh, I will try to at least post a quote of the day for you to guess.

Quote 1: I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.

October 30, 2007

Ta da!

It is done. Finally. I love it. I am keeping it.

One year almost to the day of starting it. I will post pictures when I can.

The Science Pub announcement came and the topic is "Go Up Or Get Out? What Will We Do When the Tsunami Hits Oregon?"

Sound citin' doneit? Here is more info for a little light reading...

October 24, 2007

Lovely pic


A friend of mine (thanks KR) took this photo while we were up in Victoria. It was really a wonderful dinner at the Empress. I also had a "Bengal Mojito" in the Bengal Room. It is different from a normal mojito in that it is made with gin instead of rum. Mmm... mint and lime.

October 21, 2007

Home...


Phew. More walking, a ferry ride to Victoria, more walking (eating too), shopping, High Tea at the Empress, another ferry ride, a long, rainy drive and we are home. Back to work on Monday.

The trip: Vancouver was TERRIFIC but a bit dirty. I hope that it was the garbage strike and because it ended when I left, things will be cleaned up. Victoria was also lovely. If you get a chance to stop at Beehive Wool Shop it is worth it, the yarn store is on 1700 Douglas. They were very nice and the selection was fun. All the buildings in the inner harbour and downtown were great, I walked all over downtown several times and I still don't think that I saw everything. The Irish Times Pub had a great Bacon Brie Cheeseburger and Chocolate Bread Pudding. Ric's had a fantastic ginger cake with toffee sauce. Callebaut chocolate!!!!! I bought eating and baking stuff there...

Shopping was fun, they have different clothes than I can find here. The money exchange and prices were really expense ($14 for a cheeseburger?) but vacation is vacation.

High Tea was my favorite part. I purchased the cookbook "If Teapots Could Talk" and enough tea to last me a very long time. I might have to put together a high tea for my knitting group...

October 15, 2007

mmm... crepes


Two more days of fun! I walked and ate a ton. Dim sum, Indian, more crepes, maple candy, bubble tea, and more. Today was a bit rainy but still lovely. UBC has a lovely campus.

Chinatown was eye candy. The photo is just a bit of what was there.

Capilano Suspension Bridge is a Vancouver must see. My dogs were allowed and for the most part, they loved it. People loved them too. 3 people asked if they could take their pictures with them.

I also visited a yarn shop that was closing (for good reason) and another shop that was really cute, Three Bags Full. The ladies were really nice and the yarn was delightful. I have some new skeins to take home...

October 14, 2007

Whoa, 100 km/hr not 100 miles/hr

Okay, 8 hours later and we arrive in Vancouver.

We just ate the best bbq eel sushi and it was 11 at night. Clubs, no shortage here!

Also, a fresh, buttery, sugary crepe for dessert... at midnight.

mmmm.

October 8, 2007

Stuffed pumpkin


Phew, out and about makes for no kitchen time!

Just a quick note about a yummy dish for this time of year...

I found Lynn's Famous Stuffed Pumpkin recipe last year by accident. I change it up and add dried cranberries, dried cherries, peaches, pears, and a little butter... (sorry, can't cook without butter). For a 4-5 pound pumpkin it sometimes takes 1 1/2-2 hours to cook but it is sooooo worth it. Serve with good vanilla bean ice cream and you are set!

Enjoy...

October 4, 2007

green valkyrie needs sleep badly

Long work day running assessments. Kids are cool, in small doses.

Cast on Sheldon the Turtle but he needs a name change... I'll think of something.

Oh, Bitty Boo is already in its second print... more on that later (when I see it in print I'll believe it).

Almost Friday...

BTW - going to Victoria BC in a week for 10 days. Suggestions on sites to see...
*cough, cough*

yarn shops to visit?

October 2, 2007

Click, click

Thanks for all the nice emails/comments about Bitty Boo. Some of you have already knit and felted one... wow, knitters rock!

I've made nice progress on my never ending project but it still is not finished. The weather lends itself nicely to curl up in a comfy chair and knit away the rain.

October 1, 2007

It is finally October!


I can't believe Bitty Boo is out there... The pattern is available here.

I love this time of year.
:)

Oh, my invite to Ravelry came yesterday!!!! I don't have everything in there yet but I will. It is so easy to use. My username is sparkysticks.

September 29, 2007

First night of sushi club


All went well... I am so glad I live where I can get decent fresh fish. The group had so much fun we decided that we are going to have monthly get togethers!

September 26, 2007

Pics from the Knitty calendar submission

Thanks to A for taking these. I love them. Oh, the pictures were taken on the Oregon Coast, Haceta Head Lighthouse is in the background.


September 25, 2007

strike 2

Word on the street is that the winners of Knitty's 2008 Calendar contest have been notified. Hmmm. Bummer.

Current projects consist of the never ending scarf project (no mistakes yet) and a Sheldon the Turtle. I need a good baby gift for a friend. I was thinking of a blanket to go with it but need a good pattern. I'm thinking 24" square. The colors I decided on for Sheldon are Sirdar Baby Bamboo in Willow and Ming.


Oh, don't forget Science Pub is soon. Next topic is From Sputnik to Spirit: What We've Learned About Our Solar System
When: Thursday, October 11
Where: Luna, 30 E. Broadway, Eugene
Presentation begins at 7:00pm and will last around 1.5 to 2 hours.

September 20, 2007

I just lost at Jenga

I've been working on a project with a group of people and it is all going swimmingly and then wham. Someone pulls out a side piece and it falls. My work group is losing our intern/sidekick to THE DARK SIDE and although we are all very happy (and a bit jealous), I am feeling (selfishly) crushed.

Blah, it is not that serious but it still feels like it. I'll get over myself, maybe.

September 18, 2007

Update on Ravelry position

The invites are just whippin' out the door! I can't wait.
* You signed up on July 23, 2007
* You are #20091 on the list.
* 5986 people are ahead of you in line.
* 13589 people are behind you in line.

Wow, behind me is a lot of peeps. I hope my knitting group signed up early...
Ravelry link

as if one ball isn't complicated enough


Laurel and I decided to jump in feet first and try to learn Fair Isle Knitting and Intarsia (colorway) from the nice folks at Soft Horizons Fibre. Phew. I definitely learned some stuff. For one, two colors is hard but I can almost pick while purling. I like stranding and now I can knit backwards! This was only the first day so can't wait to practice more and go back for the second day. Mona rocks.
And in other news... my second design submission is off. A big thanks to Carey B for modeling my creation and Sylvia for assisting.

September 14, 2007

Sometimes you get water when you don't need it


No, I'm not talking about rain.

So last night was a fab time at the Science Pub. Met some new peeps (Alan will get the title here). I wanted to have some great info about what I learned but is was a bit over my head.


Some thoughts though...

What are the signs for reproduction in the supersymetric "shadow" particles?
Will the physics revolution happen in my lifetime and if yes, should I return my physics books to Smith Family for more of a refund?
Is the motion consistent with the pulling?

Phew. That is enough for now. Next month should prove just as exciting.
Until next time, zeros matter, Einstein's constant is something like 186,000 miles/second, and leptons are a real thing. Have another mojito.

September 11, 2007

Shape

Okay, finished design #2. See design #1 in the October issue of MagKnits. I am finishing the pattern tonight and then come the photos! I feel pretty good about the idea. How the yarn flows has always been of interest to me... Moving on from squares! Sorry, no pictures of this one. I am submitting it for publication online.

September 6, 2007

Science Pub

Oh yeah! I just received the announcement about the next Science Pub at Luna. I am so there!

Particles, Energy, and Our Mysterious Universe with Professor Jim Brau, Ph.D., Knight Professor of Natural Science, University of Oregon Physics Department and Center for High Energy Physics.

Thursday, September 13 at 7 p.m.
Luna
30 E. Broadway

Presentation begins at 7:00pm and will last approximately 2 hours.

The Eugene Science Pub is held every second Thursday of the month and is open to anyone and everyone. Ask your friends and colleagues to join you! No RSVP is necessary.

For a description of upcoming Science Pubs, please visit the website.

Also, I'm still working out the final details of my new knitting design. It is knitting up nicely. I am also still working on the never ending scarf project and no mistakes yet!

August 21, 2007

Magknits October Issue


Well, good news... As of October 1st, Magknits will feature something created by yours truly! I can't tell you exactly what it is, where is the fun in that? It is just a little something to scare your way through the month... how is that for vague?

Thank you Kerrie, this is very exciting!

August 20, 2007

Update on Ravelry

Waiting for the Ravelry invite is like waiting to open birthday presents...

* You are #20091 on the list.
* 10419 people are ahead of you in line.
* 7043 people are behind you in line.
* 34% of the list has been invited so far

I am sketching out my newest pattern idea so more about that soon...

August 16, 2007

The never ending project



So at the Stitch 'n Pitch I tried to knit and I actually finished about 20 rows BUT I made a mistake and had to go back to where I had started that night and do it all over. This is the third attempt at this project. It isn't difficult but I just keep messing up and it is obvious. The previous 2 times I tried to go back I couldn't get the yarn back on the needles correctly so I had to start completely over... :) not fun. I just want to wear the scarf already!

The gang


Well, the Stitch 'n Pitch was a hoot! It was great to see so many people knitting and the game was of course usual Em's. I have never seen them win a game...
Denise and Ben have left for Santa Clara. They plan on visiting so we will see them again. It is very sad. I'll miss our trips to Hideaway Bakery for the potato donuts. That also means we are 2 knitters down from the group. Kathy just got to busy with work and school.
It will all work out in the end...

Oh and the Science Pub at Luna's was fabulous. The second Thursday of the month, people should check it out.

August 6, 2007

Stitch - n -Pitch

This Friday is the first Stitch-n-Pitch Eugene and most of my knitting group is going! We'll enjoy the baseball game and some knitting. This unfortunately will also be a going away party for one member, Denise, and that is very sad. She is headed to Santa Clara University to teach peeps how to write... I will post pictures when I have some.

July 24, 2007

Ahhh... pictures

I just came across some photos of my knitting groups first (Portland Knit Shops, Mabel's won hands down as the best knit shop and sip spot) and second (Sylvan Skies Alpaca Farm) field trips and thought I would share.

July 23, 2007

Grrr!

Okay, so I have been busy with Oregon Country Fair work and visiting family... I did have a chance to knit part of my cabled alpaca scarf that I have tried to knit 3 times... I keep tearing it out because of little mistakes. I swear I will finish it now (and post pictures).

I don't know how I got here but found this article.

So, for clarification:
Degree in CS, been working on websites and programming for 10+ years, spend a lot of money on this "hobby" and darn it, I vote! Voting has nothing to do with this conversation but had to add it. I also added my name to the Ravelry list but:

# I am #20091 on the list.
# 13402 people are ahead of me in line.
# 6 people are behind me in line.
# 32% of the list has been invited so far

Wow, social networking at its finest.

Go knitters.

July 2, 2007


I just purchased a skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk and it looks beautiful. I am looking to buy a copy of No Sheep For You by Amy Singer so I can try my hand at a Tuscan lace scarf/shawl. Amy will be in my neck of the woods on July 26 and will be teaching a class on this exact project. I hope to go but with work I might not make it to Portland in time...

June 20, 2007

Unique

Has everything, at one time or another, been done? Not really, we don't have a cure for cancer. We have "original works" but how original are they? Has every word been used with the same intent? Has every stitch been used in a pattern some time in history? Everything in life is random. Even in randomness there are patterns. I feel a little out there today. Can you tell? What until I get started on the discussion of life's little things.

June 18, 2007

Hats

I love to wear hats but I don't knit them. I missed the knit-a-thon this weekend (darn grass seed/pollen) at Soft Horizons but did call to ask if I knit something at home if they would still accept it. They will so I am trying to find a good pattern for Caps for Kids. Suggestions?
I was looking at Halfdome. I love and have Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran on hand in some good colors. I also like Topi. I have some bright blue cotton that would look great knit up like this. The designer of Topi has great things on her site. I'll post pictures once I've started.

June 15, 2007

Knitting with strangers.


Here I am. Out in the world.

Today is the Knit-a-thon at Soft Horizons. My goal is to knit at least one hat before my allergies take over my brain and I shut down. My knitting group abandoned me (ha, ha, just kidding! I know you are all busy) but I am alright knitting with strangers.

My pattern submission is almost ready. I am hoping that the pattern is as funny to others as it is to me!