The State of the Snickers Address
Thanks in no small part to an economic stimulus package, the state of Snickers is a good one.
After numerous vet visits and consultations, she spent two full days with her regular vet who managed to reset the hip while Snickers was sedated. However, there was still the issue of the blown ligaments in the knee, and only knee surgery or amputation could fix that.
Neither of us were keen on amputation, so we sort of ignored the situation, and it paid off! Within three weeks, she appeared to be putting more weight on the leg and limping less. Joe did not notice a difference until she treated him to a special late-night spree of rambunctious galloping through the apartment.
She is getting around quite well, and she still pleads to go outside. I am considering a kitty harness and leash to give her a taste of the outdoors. While she will never sit in full Sphinx pose again, that jutting leg is kind of cute!
Thank you all for your generosity and support!
After numerous vet visits and consultations, she spent two full days with her regular vet who managed to reset the hip while Snickers was sedated. However, there was still the issue of the blown ligaments in the knee, and only knee surgery or amputation could fix that.Neither of us were keen on amputation, so we sort of ignored the situation, and it paid off! Within three weeks, she appeared to be putting more weight on the leg and limping less. Joe did not notice a difference until she treated him to a special late-night spree of rambunctious galloping through the apartment.
She is getting around quite well, and she still pleads to go outside. I am considering a kitty harness and leash to give her a taste of the outdoors. While she will never sit in full Sphinx pose again, that jutting leg is kind of cute!
Thank you all for your generosity and support!
28 January 2008
Got The Knack!
A package arrived at work today addressed to me -- that was for me.While this sounds strange to say, one typically does not expect to receive personal mail at their place of employ. I did not recognize the originating company, but I assumed it was a package catering to some channel of our business. I assumed wrong.
In fact, the package was from the darling Rona, and it contained various bath goodies and a much beloved Bloc Rhodia No 08. Rona and I share a particular weakness for both pens and paper. We agree that they possess magical and powerful healing properties. Thank you, Rona!
'Tis the "state of the..." season, and I owe everyone a State of the Snickers Address. Stay tuned. The outlook is more promising than what we are bound to hear tonight.
Labels: misc
24 January 2008
Preview
With the end of freezing temperatures nowhere in sight, I was particularly pleased to find a link to the IK Spring Preview at Rose-Kim Knits.
The Holly Jacket (left) reminds me very much of the belted tweedy cardigan Winter 2007 Vogue Knitting (right), which reminded me very much of ChicKnits Beryl. I am not suggesting anything untoward; I know all about magazine publishing lead times.Beryl is my favorite, but I am drawn the sleeves on the Holly Jacket. As I have yet to set-in Beryl’s sleeves, perhaps I should reknit them to the specifications of the Holly Jacket.
While I am hatching grand and delusional knitting plans, I must say that this issue a very strong issue for inspiring knitting dreams. I do not think there is a dud in the bunch, although some styles spoke to me more strongly than others. From those, I culled the list to highlight those that would both flatter my figure and convey my personal style.
The Auburn Camp Shirt is surprisingly sweet and feminine, and it is a definite consideration. I particularly like the look of the wide seeded ribbing.
Mary Jane Muckelstone's Banded Peasant Blouse conjures up images of a young and sexy Sophia Loren sporting bare feet and a peasant blouse. I had been considering the use of belts to play up my waist, and this knit would be perfect for that. Without the belt, it is far too blousey for my figure and my style.The Aleita Shell will be added to my Ravelry queue post-haste, and Kat Coyle's Linen Trumpet skirt may well get me to the gym post-haste.
The absolute standout for me is the Mirabella Cardigan. The detail and the shaping at the waist makes me want to cry. In a good way. All of those buttons make me want to cry. In a bad way.Which styles will be added to your project queue?
22 January 2008
City Lights
As my silence may indicate, I am suffering from a distinct lack of blogging material. Which is not to say that all is as it should be or that nothing is happening. In fact, there is quite a good deal happening, but it is largely happening in my head.
Personal matters, self-reflection, introspection and jumbled thoughts do not make for good blog fodder. As I read this, it all sounds a bit too cryptic and rather worrisome, but I assure you there is no cause for concern.
Quite simply, I need to make some changes to be true to myself. Work and geography are getting me down. The full power of my love for Joe is not enough to change one simple fact: I love a city!
This is my motivational soundtrack:
If you cannot stand to watch, lyrics are here.
The little old lady sat on the porch of the farm-house.
The little old lady rocked back and forth and crocheted.
"Oh, listen to the cricket, look at the rooster, smell the hay," I told her.
"And see the pretty little egg that the hen just laid."
The little old lady took off her glasses and squinted.
And how she responded literally had me floored.
She said: "I'm glad to meet someone who appreciates
the beauty that nature initiates.
It's sweet to hear, but me, my dear, I'm truly bored.
I miss those city lights, those sparkling city lights,
those twinkling city lights blurring my eyes.
I love those city lights, the color of city sights
that shine under city lights tinting the skies.
New mown hay gives me hay fever.
There's the rooster, where's my cleaver?
So laid back, my mind might crack,
and when the thresher's up my pressure's up.
City lights, oh, I long for those city lights,
the bulbs of those beaming brights beckoning me there.
Be there.
Take the crickets and go shove 'em,
urban crises, how I love 'em!
Grime and grit and pretty city lights.
Walking lanes to pick a daisy,
that could drive a person crazy.
Home-made bread lies here like lead,
and Polly's peach preserves--
oh, please, my nerves!
City lights, how I long for those city lights,
the bulbs of those beaming brights beckoning me there.
Be there.
Sties and stables sure are smelly,
let me sniff some Kosher deli,
brightly lit by pretty city lights.
Pluck your lillies of the valley,
let me sally up some alley
dimly lit by pretty city lights.
Country air means zilch to me,
I won't breathe nothing I can't see.
So let me quit and hit those pretty city lights.
Hit them city lights!
Love them city lights!
Fairs and socials ain't no pluses,
I saw more on cross-town buses
brightly lit by pretty city lights.
Hold that udder and churn that butter,
me, I'd rather shoot some gutter
dimly lit by pretty city lights.
Slop those sows, go on and fill your pails,
Honey, just let me plant my buns down in Bloomingdale's.
Yes, let me quit and hit those pretty city lights.
Love them city lights!
Personal matters, self-reflection, introspection and jumbled thoughts do not make for good blog fodder. As I read this, it all sounds a bit too cryptic and rather worrisome, but I assure you there is no cause for concern.
Quite simply, I need to make some changes to be true to myself. Work and geography are getting me down. The full power of my love for Joe is not enough to change one simple fact: I love a city!
This is my motivational soundtrack:
If you cannot stand to watch, lyrics are here.
The little old lady sat on the porch of the farm-house.
The little old lady rocked back and forth and crocheted.
"Oh, listen to the cricket, look at the rooster, smell the hay," I told her.
"And see the pretty little egg that the hen just laid."
The little old lady took off her glasses and squinted.
And how she responded literally had me floored.
She said: "I'm glad to meet someone who appreciates
the beauty that nature initiates.
It's sweet to hear, but me, my dear, I'm truly bored.
I miss those city lights, those sparkling city lights,
those twinkling city lights blurring my eyes.
I love those city lights, the color of city sights
that shine under city lights tinting the skies.
New mown hay gives me hay fever.
There's the rooster, where's my cleaver?
So laid back, my mind might crack,
and when the thresher's up my pressure's up.
City lights, oh, I long for those city lights,
the bulbs of those beaming brights beckoning me there.
Be there.
Take the crickets and go shove 'em,
urban crises, how I love 'em!
Grime and grit and pretty city lights.
Walking lanes to pick a daisy,
that could drive a person crazy.
Home-made bread lies here like lead,
and Polly's peach preserves--
oh, please, my nerves!
City lights, how I long for those city lights,
the bulbs of those beaming brights beckoning me there.
Be there.
Sties and stables sure are smelly,
let me sniff some Kosher deli,
brightly lit by pretty city lights.
Pluck your lillies of the valley,
let me sally up some alley
dimly lit by pretty city lights.
Country air means zilch to me,
I won't breathe nothing I can't see.
So let me quit and hit those pretty city lights.
Hit them city lights!
Love them city lights!
Fairs and socials ain't no pluses,
I saw more on cross-town buses
brightly lit by pretty city lights.
Hold that udder and churn that butter,
me, I'd rather shoot some gutter
dimly lit by pretty city lights.
Slop those sows, go on and fill your pails,
Honey, just let me plant my buns down in Bloomingdale's.
Yes, let me quit and hit those pretty city lights.
Love them city lights!
16 January 2008
Back From The Bowels
Quite literally. A nasty stomach virus knocked me out of commission early Monday -- 3:41am to be precise. Why do I always note the time when I awake at an unusual hour and/or in an unusual manner?
Stephanie's "as goes the (New Year's) day, so goes the year" statement is haunting me. I ushered in 2008 way under the weather, and I have yet to make a full recovery. Can I clean the slate and re-celebrate New Year's Eve on January 31st?
It is been all books and no yarn with me lately.
If you watch BBC America, you may be familiar with Dr. Gillian McKeith and You Are What You Eat. Her focus is simple: eat a nourishing, organic and largely vegetable-centered diet. The section on the physical manifestations of mineral deficiencies is interesting. I am pondering a raw food diet come spring. Winter requires warming foods, but spring is detox season -- perfect for going raw for a limited time.
Skip Hip Tranquil Chick if you are searching for a yoga reference book -- do these three poses to relieve insomnia -- as this is more about approaching life with the same intent as yoga practice. It is motivating. Last week, I applied for a job, I took four yoga classes and I "sat" for two Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) sessions. Today, I took action on a some languishing investments.
Just call me Hip Tranquil Sick Chick Raring to Go Raw.
Stephanie's "as goes the (New Year's) day, so goes the year" statement is haunting me. I ushered in 2008 way under the weather, and I have yet to make a full recovery. Can I clean the slate and re-celebrate New Year's Eve on January 31st?
It is been all books and no yarn with me lately.
If you watch BBC America, you may be familiar with Dr. Gillian McKeith and You Are What You Eat. Her focus is simple: eat a nourishing, organic and largely vegetable-centered diet. The section on the physical manifestations of mineral deficiencies is interesting. I am pondering a raw food diet come spring. Winter requires warming foods, but spring is detox season -- perfect for going raw for a limited time.
Skip Hip Tranquil Chick if you are searching for a yoga reference book -- do these three poses to relieve insomnia -- as this is more about approaching life with the same intent as yoga practice. It is motivating. Last week, I applied for a job, I took four yoga classes and I "sat" for two Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) sessions. Today, I took action on a some languishing investments.
Just call me Hip Tranquil Sick Chick Raring to Go Raw.
Labels: books, health and fitness
05 January 2008
A Mission
How nice to have allies this year as I purge the unsavory remains of my stash. Jen and Claudia are hosting an "along" for 2008 that is right up my alley: Mission Possible 2008.
Shortly before the New Year, I took advantage of 10-cent listings on eBay, ridding myself of the following:
10 balls of Tahki Linguinie - no project planned
6 balls of Lang Viva - Cabaret Raglan
6 balls of LB (original) Cotton Ease - Cabaret Raglan second contender
6 balls of Jaegar Albany - Arctic Circle
6 mangled balls of Louisa Harding Fauve - Coachella survivors
My surviving stash is largely bags of yarn without a project and one-skein orphans.
SALVAGED YARN
880 yards Cascade 220, #8400 Charcoal Gray //Tubey
Minimalist Cardigan (body), IK Fall 2007
450 yards Bemidji's Original Homespun Oxford Grey //Retro Redux Shrug
Minimalist Cardigan (front piece), IK Fall 2007
540 yards Classic Elite Classic Silk, #6950 Buttery Yellow //Molly Ringwald
reknit Molly Ringwald
700 yards Rowan Calmer, #462 Chiffon (lilac) //Ribby Shell
Lorelei, Yarn Play
875 yards Rowan Calmer, #464 Laurel (green) //Elspeth then CeCe
no project planned
558 yards YarnArt Jeans, #JN-21 (pinky peach) //Rebecca #33 Sweater w/ Frills
no project planned
368 yards Rowan Handknit Cotton DK, #254 Flame //Sizzle
no project planned
YARN
2 balls (420 yards) of Berocco Comfort, #9730 Teaberry
Lorelei, Yarn Play
2 hanks (956 yards) of Cascade Eco+, #0958 Cinnamon
Cozy V Neck Pullover, Fitted Knits
6 balls (654 yards) and 981 yards frogged Jakobsdals Bahamas, terracotta
no project planned
8 balls (1108 yards) Diakeito Diacouture Silklame, #QL909 Dark Olive
Chocolate Creme Square Neck Top, Knitting Lingerie Style
10 balls (792 yards) Muench String of Pearls, #18 Olive
Farrow Rib Cardigan, IK Winter 2007
10 balls Rowan Silk Wool DK, #307 Velvet (purple)
no project planned
10 balls Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo, #1605 (lilac)
no project planned
10 balls Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 Ply, #714 Moss
no project planned
20 balls (1980 yards) Filatura di Crosa Elena, #17 Copper
Corset Pullover, IK Spring 2003
ONE SKEINS only one project planned
1 ball (220 yards) Cascade 220 Superwash, #824 Yellow
1 ball (98 yards) Karabella Aurora 8, #705 Heathered Pumpkin
1 ball (1460 yards) Prism Lace Wool, ?
1 ball (560 yards) Schaefer Yarn Anne, ? - Montego Bay Scarf
1 ball (93 yards) Katia Celian, #85855 Muted Sage
1 ball (93 yards) Katia Celian, #5869 Muted Peach
1 hank (55 yards) Year of the Goat Handspun Merino/Alpaca, Banana Split
1 ball (? yardage) multi-colored green mystery yarn
1 ball (100 yards) Great Adirondack Yarn Co. Sequins, Paprika
Shortly before the New Year, I took advantage of 10-cent listings on eBay, ridding myself of the following:
10 balls of Tahki Linguinie - no project planned
6 balls of Lang Viva - Cabaret Raglan
6 balls of LB (original) Cotton Ease - Cabaret Raglan second contender
6 balls of Jaegar Albany - Arctic Circle
6 mangled balls of Louisa Harding Fauve - Coachella survivors
My surviving stash is largely bags of yarn without a project and one-skein orphans.
SALVAGED YARN
880 yards Cascade 220, #8400 Charcoal Gray //Tubey
Minimalist Cardigan (body), IK Fall 2007
450 yards Bemidji's Original Homespun Oxford Grey //Retro Redux Shrug
Minimalist Cardigan (front piece), IK Fall 2007
540 yards Classic Elite Classic Silk, #6950 Buttery Yellow //Molly Ringwald
reknit Molly Ringwald
700 yards Rowan Calmer, #462 Chiffon (lilac) //Ribby Shell
Lorelei, Yarn Play
875 yards Rowan Calmer, #464 Laurel (green) //Elspeth then CeCe
no project planned
558 yards YarnArt Jeans, #JN-21 (pinky peach) //Rebecca #33 Sweater w/ Frills
no project planned
368 yards Rowan Handknit Cotton DK, #254 Flame //Sizzle
no project planned
YARN
2 balls (420 yards) of Berocco Comfort, #9730 Teaberry
Lorelei, Yarn Play
2 hanks (956 yards) of Cascade Eco+, #0958 Cinnamon
Cozy V Neck Pullover, Fitted Knits
6 balls (654 yards) and 981 yards frogged Jakobsdals Bahamas, terracotta
no project planned
8 balls (1108 yards) Diakeito Diacouture Silklame, #QL909 Dark Olive
Chocolate Creme Square Neck Top, Knitting Lingerie Style
10 balls (792 yards) Muench String of Pearls, #18 Olive
Farrow Rib Cardigan, IK Winter 2007
10 balls Rowan Silk Wool DK, #307 Velvet (purple)
no project planned
10 balls Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo, #1605 (lilac)
no project planned
10 balls Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 Ply, #714 Moss
no project planned
20 balls (1980 yards) Filatura di Crosa Elena, #17 Copper
Corset Pullover, IK Spring 2003
ONE SKEINS only one project planned
1 ball (220 yards) Cascade 220 Superwash, #824 Yellow
1 ball (98 yards) Karabella Aurora 8, #705 Heathered Pumpkin
1 ball (1460 yards) Prism Lace Wool, ?
1 ball (560 yards) Schaefer Yarn Anne, ? - Montego Bay Scarf
1 ball (93 yards) Katia Celian, #85855 Muted Sage
1 ball (93 yards) Katia Celian, #5869 Muted Peach
1 hank (55 yards) Year of the Goat Handspun Merino/Alpaca, Banana Split
1 ball (? yardage) multi-colored green mystery yarn
1 ball (100 yards) Great Adirondack Yarn Co. Sequins, Paprika
Labels: destash, Mission Possible 2008
Calorimetry Complete!
It is Friday, and I have my first Finished Object of 2008. No, it is not Beryl. Those damned sleeves!Calorimetry
Knitty Winter 2006
1 ball Reynolds Odyssey (salvaged from Mary Jane's
#7 US Denise Needle
01/03/2008-01/05/2008
I ran out of yarn, so I ripped back a two rows and cast off. In spite of that, I think I could have 10 rows less and the result would have been a perfect width for my head while still covering my ears.
Similarly, I could have knit this on a #6 needle for a tighter fit around my head. Given the shitty knitting year I had in 2007, I am pleased that I was able to complete something. Finally!
Labels: FO 2008, Projects - Calorimetry
02 January 2008
Ring, Rang, (W)Rung
The New Year has me wrung out. Allergies, hives, asthma, a sinus headache, PMS and a migraine all showed up in force for the New Year's Eve celebration.By 12:01am, I was in bed and slept until 3:32pm, awakened by the roar of my stomach. The day consisted of some benign and forgettable food, several naps and as much of the America's Next Top Model Marathon as my migraine would allow.
I managed to convince myself that I was due back to work January 3rd. Alas, I was due back today. Given my migraine "hangover", anything beyond sipping tea in my nightie and napping is out of the question. Thus, January 2nd is my first official sick day of the new year. I do not waste time!
As for cleaning my knitting slate, Beryl is still sleeveless, but I am determined to do them myself. I ripped out the Montego Bay Scarf because I wanted more drape. If knitting the Schaefer Anne on #8 needles doesn't produce the desired drape, I may consider the Handmaiden Sea Silk (or something comparable fiberwise).
Labels: Clean Slate 2008, health and fitness