Fresh From the Aga

Or alternatively, "Tea and Scones on a Blustery Day". Bloody wintery out today. Just what the doctor ordered. Crazy weather, crazy house, crazy lady. Crazy weather cause it is 8 degrees below zero, we got 5-10 cm of snow and the forecast is saying it will be 12 degress by Monday. Crazy house because I got downstairs to load these pictures and I could not find the keyboard. It is cordless and the kids, for some godforsaken reason had it on the floor, almost under my husband's desk (if you saw a picture of the condition of this office, you would understand but that's a post for another day). If I was in a more fiesty mood, I would have keyboarded with my toes but alas, after the next story you will understand. Did you know I can knit with my toes? Off on a tangent again. Sorry. Couldn't find the cord for the camera downloading because they had moved/hidden it for the iPod downloading. Crazy lady because I must be going through the dim-witted stage of menopause. Why else would I choose to wear high heeled black spikey boots and a thin leather coat today of all days? Talk about begging for Trouble. The equation looks something like this: Spikey boots + Thin Leather Coat= Big Tumble. Was kinda funny in retrospect. One of those you think you know where the curb is but you really don't because of the huge pile of snow? Then you are so full of snow in the car and the heat kicks in and you become just wet. Twisted my ankle a bit but I was much more worried about who was watching. Although why I should care, I don't know as I am now relating it to you, my devoted public.

Now do you understand my need for hot tea, hot scones and a little sympathy?

Okay, I'm a Slut

I tend to fall in lust with every innovative design I see. This woman has absolutely stunning creations and an eye for colour and detail. And again, why the hell didn't I think of that. Go visit her at Jane Thornley Knitwear and Jewellery. Oh, if your wondering what my home address is for gift sending, email me.

Guess What I Ate Last Night?

And it was delish!!! Harvey's Poutine. Not bad if that is your closest source. Damn good. American amigos wondering what it is? Go here. And if you EVER have a chance to try it, just do it! I never realized how many truly Canadian dishes are really my favourites. I just couldn't carry on without buttertarts (make them once every couple of months), peameal bacon (case in the freezer right now), Nanaimo bars, and gave the kids Pogos the other night as a treat for dinner. If I moved to the states or anywhere else for that matter, I would be gastronomically challenged. So would insurance cover shipping Canadian grub to me for health reasons?

Remember "Lou" from Rowan? And the Fiber Trend Clogs?

Well, here they are. The collar of the sweater was finally sewn up by my mother. It is a little short but very stylish. Dn3 looks adorable in it. It's suppose to have three buttons but the look is cuter with just the one.

The clogs are done but they came out a wee bit on the large size. I did the medium ladies but used different yarn this time and they came out bigger. After nine (9!!!) agitations, I figured the suckers were not going to get much smaller.

I am still working on hubby's sweater and the lacy scarf. Then I will be starting Christmas knitting. Not sure what yet, but indecision has never stopped me before.

Went shopping with Dn1 and Dn2 on Monday night looking for formal outfits. We have to attend one of these on January 6, 2006, so I got my butt in gear and got them to go here.

It was a very draining evening. Dn1 was not happy with anything she has tried on although she has lost like 30 pounds in the last 6 months and Dn2 has short muscular legs with a, ahem, large chest protection area making almost any lowish cut top kinda tarty. We ended up with pinstripe dress pants and two dressy tops. She also has confirmation and graduation this year so I bought a back up. There are still shoes/boots to buy for them and I still have to take Dn3 formal wear shopping as well. You all envy me don't you?

Amazing, What A Little Hair and Make- Up Can Do?

Well, how was your Hallowe’en? Mine was a little shaky. Have had a bladder infection and just got a cold. It rained here almost a full two weeks before Hallowe’en so decorating was not really priority around here which is totally out of character for me but when you are not in top form, these things tend to suffer.

I have been trying to duplicate (duplicate being the operative word here) a lovely scarf my mother gave me a little while back. It is this jewel toned wine coloured lacy bit and I simply adore it. However, it is on its last legs and I am trying to make a suitable replacement for it. That’s how I fell in love with this. I mean I love Fleece Artist but this is like having an orgasm while eating chocolate. Possible, but never felt before. Who can say no to 100% Silky goodness? Then, of course, the big decision was what pattern to use? The original is crochet. Well, I can do a mean chain stitch but that is the end of my crochet repertoire. So, after many, many false starts I ended up with a Feather and Fan type of pattern that is sooo working with the yarn. Now normally I am not a FF type of gal (too reminiscent of the Granny Afghans I was exposed to as a child, I am still blocking those memories for the sake of my craft and sanity) but this looks simply divine with the Handmaiden.

I am also close to finishing (who is kidding who here, I have barely started the second one) the Fiber Trends slippers/clogs for DN2 and plan on posting some really handy dandy tips for these cozy little marvels after completion. There seems to be quite a bit of speculation on sizing, the best wool etc. and damn it, I’m here to set the record straight!

I also wish to thank Michele for the help with the security for spamming thingy. Everyone knows my tekky skills are almost nil (read: nonexistent) so I can comfortably go back to posting my rubbish without further ado.

And in the totally insignificant section of my post (betcha can’t wait for this one), has anyone seen the Disney Hallowe’en special, “Twitches”? I am totally mesmerized by the woman that plays their Queen mother. The woman is breathtakingly gorgeous and I never caught her name. Stunning beyond belief. Now before my regulars start to think I am tipping the velvet, the observation was made because she reminds me of this KnitBlogger. Just sayin’. See what happens when I don’t post for a while?

What time is it Mr. Wolf?

I am beginning to fear time, just like in the game we played as kids. I don't have enough of it and it seems to be getting away from me somehow. Anyone else feel this way? I just am NOT getting everything done I need to get done. Simple as that. However, I have been busy knitting. And reading. Could this be why I have no time?


Can you read this? The instructions for the felted slippers are amazing and concise but bloody hell, I cannot do this pattern and watch tv at the same time!
And looky what came in the mail yesterday. Not particulary impressed with the Vogue issue. Nothing practical and usually I love the Vogues. Easy Knitting isn't too bad and the bag on the cover is cute but really, I find quite a bit of info in the mags I already know so they just don't have the power to excite me like they used to.

Fantastic book. If you have not read this yet, get it. Very informative and she is not as dumb as some people think she is. She has it together and is a very brave and innovative person. It's all good. The other books are A Cold Treachery and the knitting bible Knitting in Plain English. Oh, and for other Anglophiles (like you Elizabeth), I have been reading this book I found in my bookcase:
It is The Royal Book of Lists and the author, Matt Richardson, is actually from Richmond Hill, Ontario. We royalists are everywhere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just to get off of the reading/knitting subject for a moment, I have a shower to go to on Sunday. Your typical italian shower, at a hall, with probably 100 or so women. My problem is, it is a monetary shower. Which means, of course, I am not to bring a gift but give money. Personally, I think these are tasteless. I do not think you should ask for money at a shower, but regardless I must attend but I have no idea what amount to give. Should I give what I would have spent for a shower gift? I guess so but it still rubs me the wrong way. We will be attending this wedding in January and that in itself will be well over $1000.00 when you take into account the money gift ($500.00 to 600.00) plus outfits for three girls and myself well we're actually looking at well over a grand. Okay, I vented. I feel much better now.

Thanks. And have a great weekend. We are going here Saturday night, should I be afraid?

Would these be size 500 mm Needles?

Thanks to the Champagne Bohemian for a great picture. Busy, Busy weekend. Hockey tournament for DN2. The first rink she played at was here. Yes, that is a Chinese Food Court/Plaza. The rink is in the lower level/basement of this plaza. It is one of the most disgusting rinks in the GTA. The bathrooms were so bad, one of the mother's came out and almost tossed her Timmy's, it was so disgusting. She was positively ashen when she came out. How sickening is that. Don't get me wrong here, I know some really horrific rinks. Double Rinks/Vaughan Iceplex is right up there as well. But loos that make you want to vomit? The things we do for our children. Gotta go make breakfast will try and update more soon.

Yesterday was for blogging

You must check out Norma's post on all natural healing. Totally stimulating and mind provoking. She has even recommended a book for me that I have already ordered online. It amazes me how many bloggers take the time out of their busy day to help others. Selfless. It's also nice to know that you are not suffering alone and that you are not crazy and the pain/discomfort is not in your head. So go read. You'll thank me.

Things that confused me as a kid...

I know I saw this on a blog somewheres but I cannot for the life of me remember where. I have been blogging for a good hour now, trying to catch up on all my favs and have read about 20 or so. Seemed like a good subject so off we pop.

Things that confused me as a kid:

1. My girlfriend's aunt. She lived four houses away from me when I was little. She drove a souped up green Dodge Dart with mag wheels. Her hair was cut super short. She wore plain white tee shirts with her cigarette package shoved up the sleeve and always had a cute lady/female with her. Damn, wasn't I like in my twenties before it hit me.

2. All the dogs I knew as a kid would end up running away from home. Mr. Moore's dog Puddles, Poncho, Bebe. It wasn't until I was talking to some neighbours a year or so ago that I found out they all died. Some got hit by cars, others just conked out. How naive is that?

3. Quebec Separation. Not that that subject isn't confusing enough but let me tell ya when you are in grade four and need a current event story this is NOT the way to go. It is my turn and of course I got nothing. Zero. Nadda. I am listening to the radio over breakfast and hear about the "separation" thing. But get this. I don't listen to the whole thing. Get up in front of the class and tell them Quebec is going to separate from Canada. They don't like it here anymore. So they are going to all get a shovel and dig around the border and SEPARATE. And they are going to move out into the Atlantic Ocean. You should have seen the teacher trying to stop me. Talk about a train wreck...

Believe me, there is a tonne more but I cannot completely divulge how utterly stupid and naive I was as a child, lest you think it may have carried over to adulthood (yes Clara, I hear you laughing, shut up). I will update all of you as soon as I can. Much to tell, little time for writing. And no, I have not forgotten Tuesdays are for Blogging, I just had my knickers in a twist this week and should be back to normal soon.

Busy here people

After freezing for six hours in the middle of a soccer field yesterday, I can't tell you how truly wonderful it is to get back to where I belong. Yes, washing floors, clothing and dishes is so much more rewarding than watching your daughter play soccer in 11 degree temperatures with 50 km wind gusts. The life of a princess, I'll tell ya. And tomorrow? I may clean the fridge. Thank God for knitting.

Tuesdays (already?) are for blogging

Knitche

Let's start with this one. She likes buttonhole bags, felted flowers and has a picture of Amy Singer on her site. What's not to like? AND she seems like a Foodie, too! Now if she would only mail me up one of those Target knitting bags...


Nikkishell

Why? Because I love every piece of fabric on her site. Jealous of her talent? Me, no, never.


Yarn

Just in case ya didn't know this was around. You can never know about too many knitting resources can you?


Well, there you have it. I'm starting to think Australia might be an okay place for a knitter. I mean I would if it wasn't for this. Bugs pretty enough to be accessories kinda creep me out. How do you do it Jussi?

I never thought I would say this but...

I think I may be a feminist. Perhaps a quiet feminist but a feminist none the less. Now I don't think I am second wave (that seems to be a 60's and 70's revolution thing) and the third wave seems to consist of those in their 20's and early 30's (and we all know I am on the sunny side of 40, yes?). So I am not sure exactly what I am and that's okay. I am not one to be pigeon holed. The point is I am finding it more and more difficult to teach my girls the importance of self. Self worth. Self love. Self assurance. Now without sounding too cliche, I am experiencing some difficulty finding good (great?) role models for my daughters. For those keeping track, I have three. Two of which are 13 and 16. Highly impressionable and easily influenced at this age. It's the total crap that they are watching, listening to and reading about. Reading about the drunken frivolity of this one, the "should never had been released" sex tape of this one (yes, that's her smoking a joint) and of course the list just goes on and on. I have never wanted to place my kids in a bubble but boy that big plastic dome is looking kinda good about now.

That's why I have this book on order. Of course I am going to read it. And maybe, if it helps get some of my points across, I'll be leaving it in places where they might pick it up. Maybe read it. And maybe understand. Maybe?

Tuesdays are for Blogging

Because I have wayyyy too much time on my hands and I will do almost anything to avoid the pile of laundry, the seaming of sweaters too small for the recipients and the endless dust on the dining room table I am giving you "Tuesdays are for Blogging". Let me take you on a Magical Mystery Tour of some blogs I have discovered and you can let me know what you think if you are so inclined. Ready? (I have translated the pages for you already, but it is still kinda funny reading)

Stricksucht

The fish thing has me mesmerized. Anyone else seen this before?


Mon Tricot

Great purses with excellent colour choices. My type of gal.


Tricotando with Anatricot

I'm not even sure if this is a blog or what. But I love everything on it. The scarf is gorgeous, those hair wrap things are adorable and the shawl is stunning. And yes, I know it is crochet. Definite motivation for me to get my ass in gear and learn how to crochet. The only thing is it took me twenty-five years to learn to knit, I don't know if I'll be around for the Senior year of Crochet 101.


Yarnstorm

Foodie, knitter, great photography. Need I say more?


Juju Loves Polka Dots

A creative canuck living in London. And the bead necklaces are to die for.


Well, that completes the tour for today. Are you inspired yet?

***Added Later:

I have changed the sites to their original link as the translation thing was not working for some people. Feel free to go to a translation page to get any patterns that interest you.

Crafts, Cooking and Canning

Buttonhole Bagging, Pizza Making and Slippery Jacking

Just Need Half Moon Spectacles and a Cape

I saw this at the KW Knitter's Fair and it was stunning. It was at the Village Yarns booth and apparently it took the knitter about 3 weeks to complete. She had done it all in Lamb's Pride. I believe they are offering a class for it as well. The kit for it was $199.00, if my memory serves me correctly. Something to think about I guess. But boy, did it take my breath away. I don't know what the kid's would say if I carried it though. They would probably start calling me "Supernanny" or something to that effect.

Oh, and the beautiful variegated yarn I showed you the other day is called "Guys" by Adriafil. Just in case you were wondering.

The Bus is now departing - Next stop - Kitchener Waterloo

Well, I'm back. Safe and sound and lighter in the pocket. What a beautiful day. We arrived at the Knitter's Fair at about 10:00 and got in before the crush. As you can see I purchased more Briggs and Little. Who can resist $2.99 a skein? I ask you, who? Sorry Elizabeth, damn wish you came. Oh, by the way, I finally purchased a Chibi. And that multi coloured stuff? I don't even know what I'll do with it, just loved the colours.

And the funniest? My SIL came today. She is the least knittiest of us all, just kinda picks up the needles at our SNB and doesn't really knit much in her spare time. Guess who wins the door prize at the fair? You guessed it. A kit for a fair isle hat. I had to explain to her what fair isle was. She's going to attempt a hat with it though, maybe a simple stripe to start her off. And I got her hooked on making a buttonhole bag.

After the yarn orgy we headed to Guelph for lunch. What a hoppin' little town. We ate at Salon de Tea which wasn't bad but we were looking for more of a traditional tea room and this was a bit more on the funkier side. Good food though. On our way out, we passed by this stunning and architectually spectacular marvel. That is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. What a beauty on top the hill and probably one of Canada's most magnificent churches.

That's it for now (had to line up for the damn computer) will post more tomorrow.

This stuff cracks me up, what does this tell you about my personality?

Two women, who had been friends for years, decide to go for a Girls
Night Out, and were decidedly over-enthusiastic on the cocktails.

Incredibly drunk and walking home, they needed to use the bathroom.
They were very near a graveyard and one of them suggested they do their
business behind a head stone or something.

The first woman had nothing to dry herself with she thought she'd take
off her panties, use them, and then threw them away.

Her friend, however, was wearing a rather expensive underwear set and
didn't want to ruin hers, but was lucky to salvage a large ribbon from a
wreath that was on one of the graves. So she dried herself with the
ribbon.

The next day the first woman's husband phoned the other husband and
said, "This girl's night out thing has got to stop right now. My wife
came home last night without her panties."

That's nothing," said the other husband, "Mine came home with a card
stuck to her fanny that said,

"FROM ALL OF US AT THE FIRE STATION, WE'LL NEVER FORGET YOU."

Channeling My Anger

Into face cloths for the Katrina victims. I thought this sounded like a charity that was useful as well as fulfilling for knitters. Thanks to Sue for sending me in the right direction. If you are so inclined, you will find them at Cloths For Katrina (a yahoo group).

Well I'll Be Damned! You Do Learn Something New Everyday

Why isn't U2 showing up in my favorite music?

In Blogger profiles, you can list various favorite books, movies, music, etc. However, each item you list is required to have a minimum length of 3 characters and shorter items will not be displayed. For the most part, this isn't a problem, but unfortunately U2 fans find it frustrating.

The workaround for this is easy. Instead of listing "U2" in your music, list it as "U2." (Note the period at the end.) Now it's 3 characters long and will show up in your profile. Even better, a lot of other members have already worked out the same trick, so your profile will now connect you to all the other U2 fans out there on Blogger.

Note: This workaround applies to any profile item that is under 3 characters, of course, and not only U2.

~From "Blogger Help"

I know you are waiting with bated breath...

To see how far I have gotten on hubby's sweater (that I started, yes wayyyyy back in April? May?). Well there ya go. Now I am knitting this in the round as you can see. It is loosely based on the pattern in the SNB book but the one in there is NOT knitted in the round. And I am soon coming to the part where you need to make holes for the sleeves. Now silly me has never knit a sweater in the round and I am kinda wondering what the heck ya do to do this when working with circs. Otherwise, hubby is wearing a tube top this winter instead of a sweater. Guess I better check my technique websites and get my ducks in a line.

Kids are back in school. God bless them. This will be a very busy year for us. DN2 will be having her confirmation AND DN3 will be having her 1st communion. Then graduation for DN2 from grade eight. Then there is DN1 trying to get her drivers permit. I really should have had them all ten years apart.

***Added Later

A list of these hilarious jokes were in my email box this morning. Here is one I just had to post:

A WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST:

She's sitting at the table with her gourmet

coffee.

Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.

Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.

Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.

And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

Thanks Clara (sadly, Clara is blogless so I cannot link to her. But as you can see, she's a funny gal).