Va-Cayman

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted.  I've been busy, busy and busy.  Okay, and I also was on vacation, so maybe I wasn't all that busy.

It's been an incredibly long time since I've been on a real vacation. Honestly, I didn't think I'd be going on one this year, being that I don't have a job.  David decided that we needed a vacation.  We have a big year coming up with his daughter getting married, and knew that our time would be more limited then usual.  As most of you know, we have an every other week relationship, with him working from my home every other week, and out of state the other weeks.  I tend to believe that this makes for an easier relationship, and that absence really does make the heart grow fonder.  On the downside, there have been times when I've really wanted to have him close when things have gone wrong.

We spent a week on Grand Cayman Island, and it was incredible!  I couldn't believe it's been 8 years since I've been on a beach.  I don't think there's ever been a time in my life when I've been away from the ocean for that long a time.  We stayed at The Reef, which is an incredibly beautiful resort.  The staff was attentive, fun and hospitable.  The food was incredible, as were those delicious drinks with the umbrellas in them.  The weather was great, although, because of my meds I am sun-sensitive, so there's not a lot of laying out for me. I feel like one of those little old ladies who needs an umbrella, sun hat and a lot of sunscreen.  Although, I did come home a light toasty brown, which just makes me feel wonderful.

I tested my theory on 2 waters for every one drink.  For the most part it worked out well, although I think I may have gotten it backwards on Tuesday.  There was something rather odd about the way the bed was spinning on Tuesday night.  I've reaffirmed that I love the beach, although I'm thinking I'm suddenly not so fond of sand.  It's beautiful, but it really does get every where, and some places it's just not supposed to get into.

Unfortunately, David's mother was hospitalized on Thursday evening, and we got a call that he needed to get back ASAP.  We left as scheduled on Friday morning, however he had to go directly home, so it was a bit of an abrupt end to the vacation.  We had hoped to spend the time until his flight on Sunday settling into our usual routine.  Luckily, her condition improved, and she has been released from the hospital, and is doing very well.

So, I'm home.  I'm rested, tan and ready to keep plugging away at life.  I have lots of new projects I've completed and can't wait to post them.

In the mean time, a few more shots of Va-Cayman:

What's New?

I'd like to say I've been super busy at a new job.  That isn't the case.  I'm still looking, still applying and still positive.

In the meantime, I've been knitting away.  I have a few UFO's I have to work on.  I hate the finishing step! In the meantime, I'll let you see what I have finished.

It's A Boy!  I've added this set of Rolled Brim Newborn hats to my Etsy site.  They are soft acrylic wool, machine wash and dry.  They sell for $12 for the set of three.  I think they make the perfect shower or welcome home present for the new prince.  You can visit my Etsy store by clicking on the link at the right of my blog.

Our knitting group is donating to our local Caps for Chemo.  I love donating to this cause, as my mom died of cancer 40 years ago.  She was a knitter and crocheter, so I know this is a cause she would believe in and support.  This was knit from Loops & Threads Impeccable.  It was the leftovers from another project and used less then a skein.  The pattern is Meret by Wooly Wurmhead, the pattern gives directions to take this from a beret to a slouchy, which I did by including an extra set of the pattern.  I think it's important to make Chemo Caps as fun and fashionable as possible.

This is my own invention.  I had some extra yarn left over from making a special 2 year old a hoodie.  It's Bernat Chunky Denim Marl.  I was able to make two caps from one skein.  I'm thinking of adding a big button to the seed stitch border.  I just have to get through my button stash and see what works. I'm thinking this will make a fun, warm for winter hat for the Caps for Chemo project.

And finally, this is Hurricane Hat by Andrea Goutier.  I love this pattern.  It knits up really quickly, and although you may not be able to see it from this photo, it has a great swirl pattern.  I will definitely be using this pattern quite a bit.  I'm already working on a grey one for Christopher.  The really wonderful thing about this hat is that based upon the colorway it can be a man's or woman's hat.  This one was knit in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice.  I can't wait to deliver this with the other Caps for Chemo.

So that's what's new with me...what about you?

Happy Birthday Baby!

It seems like it was just a moment ago you were this tiny.  I can't believe it's been 25 years.  We had a rocky start you and I.  You were late, a habit you just haven't gotten over yet.  You were beautiful, and you still are. You were demanding, and that hasn't changed either, has it?  You had a smile that melts my heart, and it still does.  You had a scream that could raise hackles on the dead, thank goodness you got over that!  Your love touched my soul, and it continues to do so. You have told me you love me, and it's felt warmer then the hottest days of summer.  You have also told me you hated me, with all the vehemence and passion of a teenager.  I've held your hand in the toughest of situations.  I've cried tears of joy as I've watched you grow, so many more then those of sadness.  I've laughed at your silliness, jokes and foibles, and you've had the good grace to laugh quietly at mine.  I've watched you learn everything with a grit and determination that broke my heart.  My heart has swelled with pride each time you've pulled yourself up.  

You, my beautiful Christopher are my teacher.  You taught me that unconditional love knows no end.  You taught me that no child is a blank slate, but instead  a passionate, opinionated, determined being from the first moment.  You taught me to be your mother first, and a friend later.  You gave me the gifts of unbridled pride and joy.  Thank you.

Happy Birthday, Christopher.  

What does it mean?

I pulled into the gas station, amazed that the price was down to $3.77 a gallon.  Slid my bank card through the machine, typed in my password, and it said "CARD NOT AUTHORIZED".  What does that mean?  Clearly there was some error, maybe I put in my password incorrectly, so I tried again, same message.  How is this possible?

I could feel my heart thudding in my chest, my hands begin to shake.  I know there is money in my account.  I checked the balance yesterday morning.  What's more I hadn't spent any money recently.  I pulled my car over and contacted my bank.  Thank You Citibank!  

Apparently some guy named Brian Kim had put a transfer through my account in the amount of $100.  Then attempted another transfer for $400.  Citi put an alert on my account and basically shut it down.  I could kiss them for this right now.  After a taped conversation, where I swore I had not transferred money to Brian Kim, nor had I authorized the transfer, there was hope in sight. My money will be returned in 24-48 hours.  I can deal with that, surely it's no time at all in comparison to never getting it back..

I went straight home, used the secured computer to sign on and change my password as well as my ATM pin.  Apparently these are practices that we should all do every 30 - 60 days. I am very pleased with Citi for being so helpful in the whole process.  

The only other thing I want to say is, whoever Brian Kim is, may Karma take care of you.

Darn It! Darn It!

I got a ticket.  What's worse it was less then a block from my house, and I even pulled into my driveway instead of pulling over.  How Embarrassing!  What was the ticket for, you might ask?  My darn seatbelt!  Those of you who know me, know I always wear the stupid thing.  I've been known to refuse to move the car until everyone is belted up.  Yet, there I sat, totally embarrassed, because I didn't have it on...@#%!

Week's Summary

Last week was busy, and I didn't have much time for blogging.  It seems strange that I'm unemployed,  yet I'm so busy.  It is as if the hours fill so quickly with all of the things I had put off.  Now that I have the time, I want to get them done.

So, how did I spend the busy week?  I sent out the requisite resumes/applications.  I actually received an offer! However, I did have to turn it down.  It isn't a full time position, it would be one 40 hour week, and the rest of the month would be 24 hours per week.  It's also a commute, which means that my gas expenses would be increased, and the winter would bring with it our treacherous Tulle fog, which I do not enjoy navigating.  I did the computations, and I would actually make less then I currently do on Unemployment.  The positive side of it all is that "HEY! Someone wants me!"

I took care of some of the projects around the house that needed doing.  I got our carbon monoxide detectors up, and contacted my insurance agent, so that will result in a discount on my homeowner's insurance.  I figured out that the garbage disposal is close to 30 years old, and the part that I need to repair it is no longer available.  I will have to purchase a new one and install it.  I got some of the saplings that had appeared cut down, and the young roots removed.

On the knitting front, I've been equally busy.  I finished this pair of socks, and darn it, I can't remember which pattern I used.  Anyway, here they are:

I'm still working on Chris' birthday socks.  Thank goodness I have almost a month to get them done.  Colorwork seems to take so much longer.  I like the way they're turning out, and I know Chris will love them.

And last but not least, I'm finishing up this sweater for my Etsy site (which, by the way, I fixed the link to on my blog).  I like this pattern, and once I get the smocking done and pick out buttons, I think it will be quite charming.

I'm hoping the new week will bring a little more time for knitting and a little less time spent on house projects

Finished!

Finally!  I'm finished!  I've completed my first design for a cardigan.  I've knit it up and even written out the pattern.  I love it!  I wanted something classic with texture, and I think I've accomplished that.  A special thank you to my knitting buddies, Susan, Clara and Jenny, who helped with the button contrast decision.  The sweaters will be for sale on my Etsy site, and once I make the changes for the larger sizes I will sell the pattern as well.  This sweater is probably a size 1.  I haven't given it a name yet, still working on that, Come to think of it any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  So without further ado....here she is:

Isn't it sweet?

And because I mentioned them several times, here are the Crusoe socks, still on the blockers.  I really enjoyed this pattern, and found it to be a very fast knit.

That's all I've got, back to Chris's b-day socks...