KNIT LOUNGE

Summer Reading

I finished off Hybrid on Friday evening though I did not care for the ending it was a good read. 

 

Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer Mcmahon was next in my que because the description caught my attention. 

    "On a soft summer night in Vermont, twelve-year-old Lisa went into the woods behind her house and never came out again. Before she disappeared, she told her little brother, Sam, about a door that led to a magical place where she would meet the King of the Fairies and become his queen."

My impression was that it would be similar to The Spiderwick Chronicles, which Tech Boy and I throughly enjoyed reading together.

The first chapter was vulgar and obnoxious. I found myself wondering what this had to do with the story.  I tried to get past it but the second chapter left me annoyed too, so I dumped it into my archive. I'll delete it from my Kindle later. I'm glad I did not pay for it.

I moved on to another previously free book  Elisha's Bones by Don Hossel. This one hooked me right away. It is an Indian Jones type of tale. That I can live with.

So tell me what you are reading in beastly heat of summer?

P.S. Houston, we have a sleeve.

Copy Cat

So I find this fabby sweater in Ravelry and the pattern is from 2003. 

 

The chances of locating the gem would be a hassle and not worth the effort when I could be knitting or reading or both this past weekend.

On Thursday I spent a bit of time studying the notes and pictures in Ravelry. I felt confident that I could recreate it without the pattern.

The original calls for each section to be knit independently and from the bottom up. Yuck.

Why do people continue write patterns this way? This is terrible for new knitters who have not developed the skills or patience for finishing work and advanced knitters don't want to be bothered with seaming. I would be the later. I have better things to do with my time.... I digress. 

A plan began to form in my wee little brain. 

I'm going to work it from the top down and use short row shaping to give the boat neck a graceful curve whilst giving my neck a little more comfort.  

 

As for the cables I don't care for the asymmetrical placement on the original. It would bother me to no end so mine are going to be symmetrical and retain the triangular shape.  

The back and lower body will be done in a 8x2 rib.

When all is said and done I'll only have two little seams to graft at the shoulders. That I can live with. And look, it's done already and took 10 minutes of time.

 

Once the front and back are done, I'll begin working in the round.

The sleeves will be "set in" similar to a short row heel and I'll carry on with the 8 x 2 rib. 

Well the plan seems to be working and the first sleeve cap is in. 

Woosh!

This week went by so very fast that I shall recap in bullet fashion....

* Stonewall Jackson and I quietly celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I am amazed - that's a whole lot of crazy shared between two people. I want 20 more. Yeah! I like him that much! 

* By a strange course of events I managed to purchase a Nook for my Mother which included a fancy red leather case for 50 dollars!!!! Her signature color is red too. I gave it to her for her birthday. God is very good indeed.

* Ellie got a micro chip on Tuesday and her yellow id tag is huge.

* On Wednesday Ellie got into something on her 3 o'clock walk and her poor little face swelled terribly. Off to the vet we went. $75 bucks and one allergy shot later the swelling began to reduce. The doc thinks she might have been stung by a bee. There's no surprise since she chases them. Silly puppy.

* Ellie has gained almost a pound since her arrival making her a heavy weight at 6 lbs. even.  Her coat is shiny and she shed her puppy coat which has been replaced silky black wavy hair.  

* I finally finished my Plain Jane commission knit. Worked in Comfy Fingering. Love that stuff.

 

* Do you Lendle? My handle there is Knit Lounge. Feel free to friend me.

* J.K. Rowling announced that Harry Potter is coming to e-books! I can't wait. Though I'm sure it's going to cost a fortune to purchase the entire set. It's a good thing I have a job.

* I started a new sweater for my winter collection. Comfy Sport in Black. Lots of cables. Pictures to come.

* Somehow or another 20 lbs. of excess weight has attached itself to my petite frame. Scandalous. I have eaten every bit of junk food in the house and vowed not to buy anymore. I'm renewing my walking and bike riding again. Wish me luck, strength and determination. Mostly determination.

* I got a lovely bonus from my first and favorite Fetch and Carry Client and the money went straight to Knit Picks. Stonewall says money just does touch and goes in our bank account! I say that I am being a good citizen by keeping the money in circulation! After all it is good for the economy. I did my part, did you?

Kismet

Like I said I've been doing my best to stay away from Ross because I really don't need another thing. My closet is beginning to bulge.

Well last week I had to go in there because a *Client of mine needed a few things from there.

As I was walking toward the check out line I spotted a terrific dress hanging on the rack for 12.99. It was hard to keep going without the dress but I did.

The remainder of the week was so full that I completely forgot about the dress.

Saturday morning rolls around and I decided to take Techboy out for breakfast at Goldman's Deli  which happens to be on the other side of the parking lot from Ross.

As we were eating I remembered the dress. On a whim, I thought if the dress is still there I'll take it home with me though I did not expect it to be and if I had to hunt for more than a few minutes I'd give up the chase. 

I go in. The dress is still in the same place on the rack!!! I slip it on in the fitting room. 

It fits. And I found out that it looks like a tunic over my white linen pants that I just happened to be wearing. Two looks for the price of one. How cool is that??!!!

 

On my way out I took a side trip to the shoe department and picked up a pair of $6.00 black flats that complimented the dress! 

In less then 15 minutes and 20 bucks later I scored two new outfits.  I love it when things come together like that!

 

* I am the proprietor of Fetch and Carry Concierge. I run those pesky errands for clients.

 

 

 

 

Got Books?

I do enjoy a good medical tale especially when it involves bizarre mutating viruses and the CDC.

Hybrid fits nicely into this category and so far it has been a good read that was free at one point. 

 

As soon as I finish that I'm going on an Indian Jones type of adventure by reading Elisha's Bones that was also free at one point in time.  

I do try my best to live on free books but every once and a while one comes up that is worth the sacrifice of a few bucks. 

A few weeks ago Through the Bible Commentary with J. Vernon McGee was on sale for $6.99! I was thrilled! He was a brilliant Bible teacher and I've listened to his radio show quite a few times.

Now the list price is a whopping $71.99! Stunning!

Signing up for daily email alerts at Pixel of Ink, Inspired Reads etc.,  has saved me a fortune.

Island Time

I am thoroughly convinced that Key West is permanently encased in a twisted time warp continuum. Very few things get done around here quickly or efficiently because Islanders have a very relaxed and casual attitude about everything. 

Personally, I think its the relentless and constant heat that causes this phenomenon.

The Locals or Conchs are people who have lived here for a very long time have brought this behaviour to a completely new level. 

When new comers to the Island inqure about this they are told that  "This ain't the mainland and we do things on "Island Time".  

It makes me crazy. 

 
 

Most Conchs appear to be oblivious to the fact that some people would like to take care of business and errands in a timely fashion and prefer not camp out in the Post Office, K-Mart, Wal-Greens, Ross, Bealls, Ben Frankling etcetera, etcetera.

Even if there is only one person in line ahead of me, there is always something that slows things down, especially when the employee is  acquainted with the customer, which happens more often than not. Then it becomes "Social Hour" and I have been privy to a great many conversations that I could have lived without.

For example : The other day I learned that good old Uncle Bob, who lives in Big Pine, had a nasty boil on his bottom and had to be taken to Dr. Norris to have it lanced.

It was so bad that he could not even drive himself to the Doctor's office. Poor pitiful Bob had to lay in the back seat of the car, while his ex-wife drove him there and back. Ewwww!

I have learned to cope with this infuriating Island Time behaviour by ensuring that my Kindle always goes into my purse before I leave the house. Yes, my knitting is in my purse too but sometimes the Kindle is easier to manage. Scandalous I know.

You can be sure that I make a big deal of pulling it out of my purse.  Then I'll unsnap the cover and begin to read. Of course I'll  hold nice and high so everyone can admire the pretty red leather case. 

It does not do make things go any faster but I feel that it does make a rather bold statement to those who might actually notice or care. 

Quite often I usually recieve  a few comments from others who are stranded in line with nothing to do. They are envious.

Yes, indeed I have gotten my moneys worth out of the Kindle and it's barely two months old. However, it is the only thing that keeps me from loosing my mind in Alcatraz.

Highlights

I survived graduation. The weather was so muggy and hot that it kept my mind distracted from the realization that my baby has grown up though I did tear up during the National Anthem.

My camera decided that today of all days that is was not going to cooperate and this is the only picture I have.

 

Cest la vie! I have the memories in my heart.

* * * * *

In honor of raising a teen boy who has never been arrested by the police or gotten himself into assorted amounts of horrid trouble, for which I'm truly thankful,  my brother in law Harley Man gifted to us a bottle of Jam Jar wine to celebrate!

Typically, I do not appreciate sweet wines but this one is a winner! It is not overly sweet and has a pleasant tartness to it as well. The balance between the two is spectacular. I see a few more bottles in my future. 

* * * * *

To keep my mind off of all the graduation drama this past week, I immersed myself in the book Bubba and the Deadwoman by C.L. Bevill.

It is a wildy humorous, fast paced read that was free in Kindle format. Totally worth 5 stars.

Bubba is my hero! 

Then I splurged and paid $1.99 for Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas. I'm saving that for a rainy day.  

I hope she has more Bubba tales in the works. 

Changes

Somehow or another my only baby is graduating High School later on this evening.

I really don't know how it happened.

The other day he was an annoying middle school brat who really made me nuts then he somehow transformed into a pleasant responsible young man.  

He looks like Neo from the movie Matrix in his Liz Claiborne Suit. 

 

At 7:30 p.m. surrounded by family and friends he will done his Scarlett Cap and Gown and receive his diploma. And with that, one chapter in his life will close.

In the fall he will either enroll in college or be joining the Air force. His long term goal is to work for the CIA specializing in human intelligence. He is well suited for the task.

For now he is taking a much earned breath and I'm enjoying our time together because I know in my heart that it won't be long before the next change comes around.

Yes, indeed I am proud and honored to be his Mother.

God knew what he was doing when he put Techboy in my life.

Pass me a tissue. I think I'm going to cry.

That's my Story

Ask anyone who knows me personally, what is my signature color is and they will tell you without hesitation, Red. Not that orangey red but a true proper British Redcoat Red.  

With that being said I've been trying to avoid Ross because I almost always find something fabby there in my signature color and I really didn't need to purchase anything else. My wardrobe does not need another thing. 

So when Judi called and said she was going to run a few errands including popping into Ross and wanted to know if I would like to join her.  Of course I never pass up an opportunity to have some girl time and off we went. 

As we were walking by the size 6 1/2 shoe rack in Ross her eyes landed on a sweet pair of 20 dollar Bandolinos!!!!

I was choosing not to look. Shoes make me rather giddy and I was trying to exercise self control in the face of temptation.

Judi practically shouted in excitement, "Oh Abigail, look at these! They are perfect shade of red! You just have to try these on!" In that moment I powerless and took a quick look. I should not have done that.

She had my undivided attention. I examined them more closely, quickly reviewing in my mind what I could wear these with.

 

Of course they would look great with my almond, taupe, gold, and black linen trousers and not to mention my collection of assorted skirts in the same colors. I also have a few tops that would compliment the East Indian Flavor as well.

Then I looked at the soles. It is almost a crying shame to walk on them but I think I could make the sacrfice.

 

I caved.  So it's Judi's fault that I brought home yet another pair of red shoes.

And that my story and I'm sticking to it!

Hi

Hi blog peeps, this is Ellie. Mommy said I could say hi.

 

Since I came here Mommy has kept me very busy. The very first day she put newspapers all over the floor. Did you know that tearing them into a million bits is really fun? This makes Mommy laugh.

She also got me a posh basket so I can ride in the car with her. Every day she takes me out so I can go for a ride. I like "go for a ride" but sometimes I don't want to stay in the basket. She say that is the only way I can ride in her truck and I have to "Stay" no matter what.   

Mommy put a funny red thing around my neck with a tag that jingles when I eat. She said it helps her find me so I don't get into trouble. I don't know what that is but Mommy clearly does not like trouble.

 

I learned how to walk with this red thing on my neck and Mommy says I'm doing very good when I go outside. I like walks. There are so many things to find like discarded wine corks and moldy pizza. I especially like Bees. Mommy said Bees can sting my nose and it would hurt. I like to chase them anyway.

On Thursday I went to this place called the Vet and this funny man made me open my mouth to see all of my teeth. I don't know why he wanted to do that and I did not like it. He said I was healthy and weighed 5.06 lbs. That made Mommy happy.

I'm told that I need to be socialized so Mommy took me downtown for lunch with her friends. It was boring and I slept underneath the table. 

One day she took me to her friend Patricia's house and I met Gray the 20 lb Tom cat. He was so big and he kept swishing his tail at me. I wanted to play with the tail but Gray hissed at me every time I got too close.

Techboy gave me a really cool toy and he puts this stuff in it Peanut Butter that tastes really good. I like it when it bounces.

When I'm extra good Mommy gives me Ice Cookies (Ice Cubes)  and they are really fun. They slide all over the tile floor.

I'm getting really sleepy now and Mommy say's its time for a nap. I like naps.

 

Iced Coffee

Jewelry is the spice in every gals wardrobe, including mine. My simple chocolate machine knit tank top was just begging for some.

Typically,  I pair it with crisp Ice White linen trousers and a bold silver bangle watch but something was missing at the neckline. I was lacking the right piece of jewelry.

Poking through my minuscule bead stash yielded up quite a bit of Mother of Pearl chips, with shades of shiny chocolate and white. They remind me of my favorite summer drink Iced Coffee. Perfect.  In a little while I strung up a nice three strand rope, with a sparkly silver toggle clasp.  The effect was alright but I knew it could be better.

My friend Sydney agreed. She added some unique sliver lined clear glass discs and Swarovski crystals to the mix and removed one plain strand.

Well, she bumped it up a notch and I now have an smashing Iced Coffee inspired choker, which is positively refreshing in this endless heat.

 
I get compliments every time I wear it. Thanks Sydney!

Two Bucks

The scenario:

You enthusiasticly fill up your Knit Picks shopping cart and your two bucks short to claim the coveted free shipping prize.  Arrrggg!

Then you desprately look for something that puts you over the fifty dollar mark. The problem is there is nothing else you need or what you truly covet will put your budget sailing over the edge and besides you really don't want to spend any more than what you planned for. 

But you go poking about anyway determined to spend the two bucks so you can save on the ridiculous shipping fees. 

Sounds familiar?

I found myself in the same place the other day and wound up getting the new Steeking Scissors. My old pair has gone missing so in the cart they went. I may as well get the best and they really are.

 

These little scissors are wicked sharp. Please be exceedingly careful and mindful of little children and men folk who like to examine every new thing that comes into the house or a blood sacrifice will be sure to follow! Ask me about that someday.

And whatever you do, do not take them near Dementors aka Airport Security.

They will confiscate them before you can explain that you are only a harmless traveling Knitter and only become dangerous when they take your needles away.  

They won't believe you!