Monday, October 09, 2006

Going strong

Starting week three and still having a good time. I come home the good kind of tired. Family life is better too. We all arrive home around the same time, actually sit around, have dinner and talk about our day.

Rachel recently had her 17th birthday. She celebrated with her friends and received beautiful gifts. Its been a good year. Kevin, her skating partner, has brought her tremendous happiness.

Yesterday the weather was perfect for sitting on the deck and knitting. Rachel started a pair of wristlets using hunter green heathered, chunky, alpaca. I'm on the sleeves of her birthday sweater.

Well, off to get my day going. Have to drop some clothes to Good Will

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Work is Fun

Lots to learn about the clothing line, transactions, stocking etc. The people I work with are really nice too. Most have poodles and children and are still training their husbands! I do come home tired and my feet are sore but I'm sure after a few days I will adjust. I will be experimenting to find out what are the most comfortable shoes to wear. I have not knit a stitch and will eventually figure out how to balance my day. Working has already helped my sanity!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Off To Work

My new job starts today. I'm a little nervous. Its been almost 17 years since I held a job. I hope I do well. Rachel gave me a refresher course on applying make up and helped me figure out what to wear. That is the tough part..I am a bit chubbier then I was so many years ago and have no fashion sense. I am going to be a challenge!

I am done with the back of Rachel's sweater and have started the front neckline shaping. So far so good. Just two sleeves to go.

OK, I'm off to transform myself into a working woman!

Off To Work

My new job starts today. I'm a little nervous. Its been almost 17 years since I held a job. I hope I do well. Rachel gave me a refresher course on applying make up and helped me figure out what to wear. That is the tough part..I am a bit chubbier then I was so many years ago and have no fashion sense. I am going to be a challenge!

I am done with the back of Rachel's sweater and have started the front neckline shaping. So far so good. Just two sleeves to go.

OK, I'm off to transform myself into a working woman!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Mission still underway

I am making progress on Rachel's sweater. Back is done, front is underway. Garter stitch can be boring, but a switch to addi turbo needles makes the process easier. Gedifra Akona is nice yarn to work with.

Still a few more punchlist items on the house.

Feels like Fall is in the air. I am ready for that.

No word about the job yet. If I hear nothing by the end of the week, I'll look for something else.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

On a Mission

I'm working on a birthday present for Rachel, but can't divulge details yet. This is always a risk because she is very sharp when it comes to fashion and style. Hopefully I will get this job and that will help my dilemma of "What Not to Wear."

Its going to start raining sometime today and linger through tomorrow. I've been thoroughly cleaning all the bookshelves. Tossing old stuff, dusting and trying to get some control of the house.

I picked up the new IK Crochet issue and KnitScene, but haven't had a chance to really look through them.

Back to the birthday present.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Somber day

It doesn't seem like its been five years already. 911 feels so recent. The date will always have a powerful tug and an inexplainable emptiness. We have friends who were close by the towers on that fateful day, who survived. Thank God.

My husband is actually in NYC today. Rachel went to classes and is now at the rink. No one will be home until at least 9PM tonight. I'm home cleaning, but its quiet as it should be on this day.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

MEDALS!!!!

Yesterday was a spectacular day. Rachel and Kevin won bronze medal in compulsory dances, The Starlight Waltz and Midnight Blues. And THEN, they wowed the field with a fabulous Original Dance to a tango from Vanessa Mae's Choreography CD and won their first GOLD MEDAL as a team. They have worked so hard since their return from Lake Placid... trying to understand and apply the requirements for the new judging system. Its a work in process. But for the next day we are enjoying this feeling. Then they are back to work to make things even better!

Maybe I'll knit today!

Also hoping to have a part time job soon at the local mall. I should know around Sept 18...

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Gloom

The weather is plain weird. Mostly rainy and gray, except for Sunday which was a beautiful, sunny day with comfortable temperatures. Today its back to gloom.

The little red vest is done except for the neck, arm bands and side seams. Quite cute. Have to see what to tackle next.

Rachel started classes today and then goes directly to the rink. At least she let me pack up some lunch for her and Kevin.
They have to figure out their fall schedules so they can juggle, school, skating, off-ice and work. Busy two kids.

The handyman came to put the blinds back up. Just a few more items to go on the list. Then, the gardener can tidy up the landscaping.

Time for more coffee.

Friday, September 01, 2006

In limbo

Amazing, but the punch list stuff is getting done..especially the gutters and caulking which is kind of necessary with the remnants of Ernesto expected to arrive this weekend.

I lucked out and found a nice outfit for the Bar Mitzvah at Chico's. That saves me from sewing. I wasn't really in the mood.

Tonight I plan to cast on for the little kid's red vest and look through the new issue of "Knit It." The rest of me is in limbo.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Flat

Klaralund sleeves are sewn together. I have to attach them to the body of the sweater. Rachel is on the ice forever, so I may just try it myself.

Back Lopi tote felted beautifully. It is the perfect shape, size and texture.

I started a cute little Yankee Knitter child's, sleeveless vest using some Schaefer, bright red, yummy, aran weight alpaca. The back is done and I have to cast on for the front. Lately I've been watching some old spy movies that are perfect for mindless knitting.

The house stuff is dragging because the weather has not been cooperating. Its been,muggy, stormy and plain yucky.

I have not done any sewing yet but ordered a nice dress and hopefully it will be OK for the Bar Mitzvah. My diet has its ups and downs.

Overall, I am making knitting progress, and just in one of those flat moods. This post is too boring to continue. Bye for now.
Wish for sunshine and blue skies.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Felting

Today is another day of waiting around for a contractor to appear. I just tossed the black lopi tote into the wash for felting. I have to finish seaming the Klaralund sleeves and then will need help with placing them properly on the body of the sweater. The shoulders flow into the V-neck. Clever construction, but I'm feeling spatially challenged. Rachel to the rescue.

Soon I have to start sewing the dress for the Bar Mitzvah. Hopefully my knitting motivation will spill over into my sewing life!

I have to fess up. I snitched a little PB last night. At least it was natural with no preservatives. Its so hard to change behaviors!
Maybe I should decide on a project that I pick up to work on when I get the urge to eat the wrong foods. Sabotaging myself is not a good thing. I'm going to give this some thought.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Elf Cap

I did return to Weight Watchers...one and a half days in. So far so good. Every minute that passes without snitching the Skippy is a good thing. Having the water bottle within reach is helping, as is aerobic gum chewing.

Last night I continued sewing together Klaralund and then scooted to Borders and bought "Simple Chic" by Jil Eaton. There are lots of cute, quick knits. In fact, I just finished the 'Elf Cap" using some purple Gedifra Donatella. Its adorable and took exactly one skein of the yarn using size 13 needles. Good use for stash yarn.

Back to the Black Lopi Tote and a cup of blueberry coffee, with non-fat H&H!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Assembly of the Noros

I did it! Rachel showed me her seaming technique and I completed the "Tista" sweater. She delivered it this morning to Eva's daddy who is also Rachel's coach. He absolutely loved it and could not wait to bring it home. It felt so good to finally complete a garment and have it so well received. My motivation is back. Tonight I've been sewing together my "Klaralund." I am a Noro fanatic.

The pups finally had a good time running around in the backyard. They've been restricted due to all the construction debris in the yard, as well as the horrible heat. They rediscovered all their favorite spots and smelled so good from sunshine and grass.

Tomorrow I hope to do some sewing, run a few errands and maybe consider officially rejoining WW.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Knitting progress

I actually finished knitting a baby sweater yesterday. Rachel offered to sew it together, or at least show me her technique. The "Tista" pattern is from a recent Noro book. I used Noro Blossom and Kureyon in combination. The colors are not typically used for a little person - beiges, browns, oranges, purples and specks of green, but this little girl is one classy child and her parents are very fashion savvy.

I also have a black Lopi tote going that will need to be felted. I comp'eted a Noro Kureyon, "Klaralund" sweater for myself in a pretty, vibrant blue colorway. Again, I need Rachel's assembly assistance.

Off to an afternoon barbecue.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

At Peace

Frank is at peace. His funeral was a wonderful celebration of his life. The day was glorious. The church was comfy, family and true friends paid tribute to a beautiful man. He was laid to rest in the church cemetary. Frank is less then a mile from his home so we can easily go visit him anytime....especially when we all need some fixing!

I'm in the mood to knit again.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

How ?

How do I adjust to a world without Frank? How does anybody? He passed away last night about 10PM. Frank gave that damn melanoma a brutal fight. Frank has never been weak. I just hope he did not hurt. That would be too unbearable. I'm so glad Stanley my white poodle pup was there for me to cuddle with. Animals know just the right thing to do. Stanley met Frank a few months ago and the two hit it off. This man was so absolutely wonderful in every way. Frank's family too...just amazing people. He really isn't gone and will always be in my heart.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Tough Week

Its been a chaotic, worrisome week. Finishing up the house repairs is always a pain. Everyone is on edge and wants to be done. One of the pups became ill with a severe GI bug which required two nights at the vet. Rachel is flying home from NC tomorrow. Hopefully that will not be too nuts for her. Frank is being kept comfortable.

This world needs to return to a simpler, less chaotic life with no gadgets..except of course knitting needles.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

It can't be happening

Frank went into hospice yesterday. They found more brain mets, no doubt the melanoma spreading rapidly. I can't pretend its not happening, it is. We all privately knew it would. Its too difficult to fathom. But, I have no choice. Frank will not turn the corner and come home now. I don't want him to hurt.

Back from Lake Placid. This competition in reality is definitely not a "championship event". It should be called a "Season Opener Critique," for all the teams planning to enter the qualifying events that could determine if they go to US Nationals in January. Judging is inconsistent, not all the teams compete at all the events, the new system is still in its infancy and rule changes are slapped on about 45 seconds before the teams skate. There are always emotional highs and lows and its awfully expensive to be put through this ringer. Despite it all, LP is a ritual and considered a requirement in the sport of ice dance...well I think its a sport??

Rachel went to NC for a change of scenery. Kevin is around, sort of...maybe skating, maybe going to visit his friend in MD. They both needed a break from skating and each other.

I went to Adirondack Yarns in LP. Saw Susan and marveled at how beautiful her shop is. A few of the moms and grandmoms frequented the shop during competition down time. I bought the Berrocco tank pattern that Rachel wanted.

Today Main Skein is hosting a charity knit out. I may go. It might be good for me.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

The road back

My friend Frank is out of ICU and making progress. I admit I was petrified about seeing him, but once I was by his bedside, he knew I was there and squeezed my hand with incredible strength...my fears subsided. Recovery will be slow and tedious, but Frank is in charge now and he will find his way back.

The mud pie is taking shape. Painters have been in and out touching up window moldings and repairing damage to drywall.
The pups are worn out because their activities have been restricted.

Rachel and Kevin returned from a fun time and successful exhibition in CA. Kevin's mom arrives tonight. They have a warm-up competition tomorrow, then we pack up this weekend and leave for Lake Placid International Ice Dance Championships on Aug 1.

Lots to do. Thoughts of Frank will carry us through. He is amazing.

I have a few days to think about a knitting/crochet project to take with me. Be back in touch when we return.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Detour and Mudpies

Had an unexpected, heart breaking detour. My dear friend who is aggressively fighting melanoma and Parkinson's Disease suffered a stroke the other day that required emergency brain surgery. We spent the day with him and his family. This sweet man is hanging in there, making baby steps toward progress. Its too unbelievable. I love my friend so much. I want him here forever.

The house looks like a huge mud pie as they apply the different layers of stucco. Can't wait until this is over.

I haven't knit a stitch.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Inventory

I just splurged a little. I need to learn how to do the photos but that means I need to learn to use the other computers. Lately, I'm too brain dead for that. The show was small, but nice. Knitting still overpowers crochet. Lots of local vendors with handspun.

Here's my list:
Habu textiles www.habutextiles.com - 1494 yards of jet black super fine merino wool. Its on a cone, like a thread. I must have been nuts. Its screaming, " I want to be lace." Very scary!

Dzined "Onesies" 1 oz of wool/hemp blend in a variegated mauve, gold, green, denim blue...just to play. Also, 300 yds of Irish Linen in a mauve. I can probably get a nice lace scarf out of it. The owner was nice. Accountant by day, mom, knitter, spinner, dyer by night.

Skaska Designs..the Russian Orenburg Shawl place. My favorite stop. 1 skein of laceweight silk/yak in a gorgeous, shimmery
gray. 1675 yds with a pattern for an Orenburg Lace Triangle by Galina A. Khmeleva. I bumped into her in the ladies room..she is incredible. I definitely want to take a future class with Galina to take the fear out of my lace knitting.

Rachel bought some Schaefer Yarn from Adirondack Yarns, the shop from Lake Placid. We'll see Susan in a
few weeks when we are there for the competition. 100% pima cotton in the Shari Lewis colorway..purple, blue,
pink,orange, golden yellow, lime green for a textured tank top. Very colorful, very Rachel.

A pattern for a Persian Lamb Jacket using heavy mohair boucle. www.knowareland.com I didn't buy the mohair,
but the pattern is a simple, top down and would make a nice, warm, flumpfy jacket at a guage of 2.5 sts/inch. I've got lots of stash for that.

Also liked www.BWBA.com Buckwheat Bridge Angoras, but did not splurge.

So, today I will stare at my stuff, wind the skeins and look through some lace books. I do that
alot...look. Maybe I should actually considering doing!

Friday, July 14, 2006

off wandering

Let's just say its been a week of ups and downs. House stuff, costume crazies and sewing has inspired me to return to knitting. I'm going to disappear for part of the day and wander aimlessly at the Knit and Crochet Show Market.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

noisey Sunday

Its a not a typical, quiet Sunday morning. The workers are taking more windows out. The pups are safe at the kennel. Keeping them out of mischeif was exhausting.

Rachel came down with a fever, sore throat and GI upset. She's better today, but may need a check-up on Monday.

I started some sewing, but am a little rusty with the techniques. So far I have a skirt going and plan to cut out a pants pattern. Also have Kevin's boot covers ready to sew...but after I practice a little more.

No desire to knit lately. Off to sew.

Friday, July 07, 2006

In deep

We are deep into this house project. The weather has been ideal so they guys are making lots of progress. The next few days they will be working inside taking windows out, replacing flashing and reinstalling the windows correctly. The pups are completely out of wack. I keep cleaning out closets and tossing stuff.

Rachel and Kevin are working hard. Costume stuff is getting hairy. The kids will head to CA soon for a few days for a much needed change of scenery, skating in an exhibition and to celebrate Kevin's 21st birthday!

Knitting??? Crochet???? How about some sewing?. That's on my agenda. My weight loss is not happening, so I need to make some simple, comfy dresses for Lake Placid...that fit!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Back up

The chimney is going back up, block by block. Seems the dreaded noise is over for now...until the next stage of this project gets underway. The weather has been cooperating.

My brain still feels like a bouncing ball. Can't settle down to decide on a project. Last night I walked into my knitting room, looked at two wicker baskets brimming with brightly, colored, assorted, scrap yarns and started to crochet a ripple afghan. Rachel was baking muffins when I came downstairs with my project and quickly decided this would be fun for her to do!! That's OK. Maybe I'll start another one, but in a knitted pattern. There is certainly enough yarn to go around!

Well, time to get moving.

Friday, June 30, 2006

DDDDRRRRRRRillingggggggggg

The chimney is coming down, block by block. The jack hammer noise is annoying. Almost like being inside an MRI tube. Pups are tolerating it fairly well. They burrow under blankets and amazingly, they sleep. I am not having the easiest time concentrating, so I've been folding laundry, looking through magazines and trying to just get through it. A few more days of noise and then onto the next stage of the project.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!

Finally! Sky is cloudy, but there are breaks of blue. Hopefully we will get a reprieve and the soggy ground will dry out. Maybe they can resume the house stuff. Yesterday I did cast on and purled the first row for the Brea bag before Stanley interrupted me.

OD and FD costumes have arrived from Russia. They are magnificent and fit the kids well. Everyone is pleased. CD dresses are just about done too. I've been doing inventory and organizing my Swavorski stone stash to be sure I have replacements. Russian glue is usally like concrete, but with all the gyrations and lifts, stones do pop off. I also plan to sew boot covers for Kevin's CD outfits. Looks pretty simple, but we'll see.

I ordered a pattern for a ribbed corset from Mode Knits. Looks challenging, but if I can do it, Rachel will look fabulous in it.

Think I'll check the garden to see how well the weeds have done!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Gray blurs

Rain, wind, rain, wind. That's the extent of it. The days are becoming gray blurs. I feel very soggy. Pups just sleep. No work is getting done on the house. Yesterday I cooked, went through my clothes and collected three hefty bags for Goodwill. I haven't watched TV at all. I should really ride the exercise bike. OY..where should I throw myself? OK, enough nonsense babble. I'm going to cast on for the back of the Brea bag. Gee, didn't I say I was going to do that yesterday???

Monday, June 26, 2006

DUCK

The rain has been relentless. Perfect for being a knitting/crocheting duck. Yesterday I got sidetracked and started to crochet a bag using the mohair I planned to exchange at Yarnings. Well, I thought it would felt up nicely, but the result was disappointing. It looks like a torpedo cover! I'll find something to use it for. There was one skein left that I swapped for some Rowan Kid Silk Night in a creamy ivory. Today I'll cast on for the front of the Brea Bag and think about what to do with the Rowan yarn.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Good knitting weather

The weather has been horrendous. Perfect for knitting, but not great for the house construction. I wound up at The Main Skein in Ambler. Marie has a beautiful assortment of all types of yarns. The atmosphere is cozy too. I bought some Araucania Nature Wool in a cavern color to try another bag for Rachel. Also went through my stash and found some bright red Cascade wool. I have one side done of the Brea Bag from the Berrocco free pattern section. Rachel likes it. Today I hope to finish the front. Still have to head to Yarnings to swap my mohair.

OK, now to cast on for the Brea Bag.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Getting a break

Its a dismal, rainy Saturday morning. Looks like we get a break from the construction. The house stucco has been stripped away. So far the inspection reports accurately detected the problem areas. The crew has been very good. Not one lazy person and the place is cleaned up nicely at the end of the day. I've been cooped up here by choice. The pups are tolerating the process well, but both came home stressed out and with some GI upsets. Nothing a little pepcid and flagyl won't cure!

I crocheted a small digital camera sac for Rachel to slip her new camera in. Dug into my stash and found some Classic Elite Mayan alpaca, or was it llama, in a vibrant purple and turquoise and purple soft, nubby, novelty yarn to fashion a flap. Its cute. Rachel likes it. Took about an hour to work up.

Not sure what I'll do today. Maybe head over to Yarnings and see about swapping two unused skeins of Wool in the Woods mohair for a different colorway. Rachel and her dad may take a drive in her new car to NJ to visit her grandparents. Good distraction from an intense week of skating.

I'm really blowing my WW program. Not proud of it either.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Isn't this fun???

So far the back of the house is down to the plywood.
Water damage is what we expected and a new
discovery...framing that holds the sunroom together
and where the the family room ballons away from from
kitchen area, is separating. There are huge gaps which
is obviously causing chronic drywall cracks. They are
working their way around to the front and a big
question is what they will discover under the
stonework covering the garage area. The front outside
entrance and archway area has to be replaced. Entire
chimney is coming down. Back windows will be removed
next week, flashing installed and the alarm rewired.
The workers are nice, respectful, neat and clean up
everything. Isn't this fun?? We are not shocked by
anything! While the process is a magillah, having a
good cast of characters really eases the stress.

Rachel is driving herself to the rink. First week skating at the
crack of fog is exhausting for all the kids. I will
go later to watch and help out with a costume fitting.

Yesterday I reorganized my knitting room and have more
yarn for seven lifetimes. I am going to try really
hard to use what I have. Last night I knit up a quick bag using turquoise mohair.
Have to make the strap and then I'll felt it.

I'll pick the boys up today. Hopefully RP's
pancreatitis has calmed down and will not become a
chronic problem. Stanley is with him so that should
help.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

NOISE

They are cutting open my house with buzz saws and crowbars. It doesn't sound too good. Its gonna be a long day.
Rachel is skating, the pups are at the kennel. I may have to find a place to go if my knitting room isn't soothing.
I was geared up for this yesterday, but today I don't know. I better go.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Adjusting

Its almost 8AM and its unusual not being at the rink. Even more strange to vaguely hear Rachel wake up at 5:15AM and leave for the rink, by herself, in her little red car. Stanley and I just stared at each other, but we did not get up. Rachel wants to do this on her own now. Its time. She is capable and competent. RP is bent out of shape about this too. A new adjustment for all of us.

I am waiting for the contracters to get here. Today they do the prep work and install the scaffolding. I want to continue straightening up and moving infrequently used books to the basement shelves.

The new shawl book has some interesting patterns. Hopefully things will settle down soon so I can decide on my project. Its awful not being able to make a decision.. My brain is in a spasm!

I miss Rachel. So do Stanley and RP.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Feeling Scattered

Today we make the final interior preparations before the house repairs begin tomorrow morning. I have to go to Target to buy flat bed sheets to cover furniture, must move skating costumes into other closets and take pictures off of walls etc. Dust will most likely permeate the house through the process. All of our shrubs were removed and placed in the back garden. Sadly, we will lose our birch tree and possibly our holly tree. The noise from concrete saws, the pounding...oy. The pups will be groomed on Wednesday. If its too noisy, they will stay with the vet for a few days. Stay far away from this builder, Gambone Brothers. ....Ranting does not make me feel better. We have no choice but to get through this.

I'm sort of doing OK on my WW program. I did lose a couple of pounds, but need to really adhere to the rules if I am going to establish some better eating habits.

Last night I puttered at B&N and found a small book on Shawls. Think I'll pour a cup of coffee and go look through it before my day really gets going.

Friday, June 16, 2006

She's driving

Rachel is driving. She passed her test in a record ten minutes, about the same amount of time as it took the dentist to insert my new crown.

Well, she's about to leave for the rink, buy herself...guess i'll take a few deep breaths and retreat to my yarn stash.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Progress in small steps

I'm making progress. Had another good day on WW. I'm already feeling better...less bloated and squishy. Last night was very stormy. It put me in the mood to work up the sleeve on one of the children's sweaters I have going. Its called "Tista" and is from one of the new Noro books. I'm using Blossom and Kureyon in a rather odd color combo..browns, beiges, purples, oranges and greens. I may actually get this done before the little one its promised for grows out of it.

One more day before Rachel takes her driving test. More preparation for the house stuff. Still marinating about a special project.

Off to pack lunches, knitting and skate gear.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Successful day

I made it through a WW day successfully. I knew I could do it. Now to get through today. One day at a time. Baby goals are best for me.

Still waiting for an inspirational knock on the head so I can get a knitting/crochet project underway. Something involved...like the house magillah.

The handy man came last night and took down all the mini blinds in preparation for the construction. The rest of the week shrubs will be removed, etc. This weekend we'll organize the interior to project furniture. I expect lots of annoying dust.

Rachel has two days before she takes her driving test. She's excited. Her car is radiant red. Maybe my knitting project will be that color. hmmmm...

Now for another cup of coffee and 2 tbsp of reduced fat milk!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Almost

I almost got through an entire first day on my diet until I weakened and snitched some PB late last night. That is my major weakness, peanut butter. Especially Skippy, but Jif will do. I have to do better today. I will get there. Just heard from a friend who is down 49 lbs...I can do this.

Not much knitting or crochet yesterday. Still looking through books for inspiration. Lace/ cable project, crocheted child's coat ? Who knows? I need to find a project that I really want to do and one that will consume me. The house renovation is starting Monday. I will be getting up at 4:30Am to pack lunches and get Rachel out the door to the rink. The poodles will be out of wack for a while too.

Transitions are always tough and lately everything non skating related is faklempt. Plowing some muddy fields, but eventually we'll get through it.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Finally

Finally, Grandma and Grandpa came to watch. Aunt Susie and Brian too. Rachel and Kevin skated well and were very impressive. It was hard to believe this was only their fifth run through. Many people expressed amazement at their performance for such a short time being together. Rachel was thrilled they came to watch. They were thrilled to be there. I was all butterflies inside....happy, very happy.

I tried to make a few granny squares to get familiar with the directions for this adorable coat I would like to make. Crochet directions confuse me sometimes.

This is the last week before summer skating and house repairs start. It will be a busy time and I hope to feel less disconbobulated once things get going. I need to take some control of me, so I've made a commitment to return to Weight Watchers. I have the home program as well as a month subscription online to get me organized and keep me accountable for my actions! I really need to do this and stick with it.

Rachel has her last driving lesson this morning, then we are off to the rink.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Introduction to Rachel's World

Today is Exhibiton day at the rink. We will see a mix of beginners, ensemble kids, free style skaters and a few competitive ice dance teams doing very early run throughs of their Free Dance programs. Rachel is excited because family is coming for the first time to watch her and Kevin "live." Scheduling conflicts and travel distance to events have made it difficult for them to come, but today is local and low key. I hope all goes well and everyone enjoys themselves.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Crochet bug

Its been a relaxing day. Rachel and her dad went into NYC to visit a friend and see some sights. I caught up around the house, took a trip to Yarnings and purchased "candytots" by Candi Jensen. I have the crochet bug and fell in love with a hooded coat made from Granny squares using Noro Kureyon, my favorite yarn. Lots of brilliant color. I have lots of Noro in my stash, maybe enough for this project. Think I'll mosey upstairs with the poodles and check it out.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Steady Progress

Birds start chirping outside the window way before dawn. Stanley and I listen, wondering what all the excitement is about.
The weather has been rainy and cool. I've been working steadily on the crocheted baby sweater while I watch Rachel and Kevin skate. Each day they make progress. They have beautifully choreographed programs. Its so satisfying to see Rachel completely happy with her partner. Kevin is a rare treasure. We feel very fortunate he came into our lives. Kevin definitely ups the fun factor!

Time to pack the knitting and crocheting and get on with the day.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Back to the blog

Wow, its been quite a long time since I blogged. Maybe I'll try to get back into it. Today its supposed to rain. A good day to knit or crochet. Recently I completed a felted buttonhole bag using medium blue and orange Cascade Yarn. I am crocheting a child's sweater from the Interweave Knits recent Crochet issue using lime green Berrocco cotton twist from my stash.

In a few weeks Rachel will be driving. Her summer skating schedule also starts and if she is not too tired to drive to the rink at 6AM, she may make this trek by herself. Rachel has a fabulous new ice dance partner and they are training hard in preparation for the new season.

Most of my summer will be dealing with major exterior house repairs.

Well I am a bit rusty with this writing so I'll end for today and try again tomorrow