While my good friend Dean is working his second job for a few hours, I am availing myself of some precious internet time. Life sans internet allowed me to do some reading last week.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch


Crampton Hodnet by Barbara Pym


The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer





Knitting, while slow, is presnt. The Sideways Grande Cloche from Boutique Knits is two seams away from "finished object". I cast on for the Dolores Park Cowl yesterday, and I suspect it will be my quickest knit.

My bags are packed, and I am ready for two full weeks of rest and relaxation.

While I wish my visit was a fortnight at a spa such as the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, it is actually a two-week visit to the city of my birth: Pittsburgh, Pa. Hence the (s).

Some may remember that my parents eschew conveniences such as an ATM card, an answering machine, and internet access; and as as such, it is a bit of a spa vacation for me. I have no choice but to step away from the computer and run at a low-tech pace.

My suitcase is filled with yoga DVDs, books, and knitting needles/patterns; and my plan is to return with a finished knitting project, a finished book or two, and a stronger commitment to my health and fitness. If I return... Today is my final day of work until Monday, December the 8th. How will I get back into the "swing" of the office after such a long break?

Early Thanksgiving wishes to everyone!

I used to think that I was born in the wrong time because the clothing styles of the 1930s through the early 1960s are more flattering to my figure than most "modern" garments. While the fashions may flatter the morays of the time do not. I would have been a crashing failure in the 1930s.

8 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Poor (Failure) Take the test!

I stole this from my fellow Dark Lady, Nancy. Happily, I scored as crappy as she did -- and she is married with children!

In the days leading up to the election, I was not as hopeful as many around me. I was just as cautious about declaring Beryl a winner. While modelling the sleeveless garment for my knitting group -- the Sweater Primaries -- I was assured that it would be adorable with sleeves. I remained skeptical. The short button placket worried me.

It may not carry the same civic weight, but knitting can deliver a crushing defeat. The money, the time, the hard work, and there are no guarantees that you get a winner.

Beryl is not a resounding failure, but it is a bit frumpy-dumpy. Had I made a few modifications, it could be a different outcome. Lengthening the body/button placket, shortening the peplum, and adding bust-shaping darts would have taken this from "hopeful" to "winner".

Beryl by Bonne Marie Burns
12 October 2007 - 4 November 2008
4.24 balls of Cascade 220 Superwash, #6481
US8 Inox circulars, US6 and US5 Denise needles

Is everyone ready for the longest day of the year? Sure, June 21st or June 22nd is the day with the longest amount of daylight, but this Election Day is going to be a long one for all of us -- poll workers, voters, and observers throughout the world.

There was a small line when I arrived at the polls at 5:58am. Spirits were high and moods were good. It was refreshing to see a line like this for something other than the After Thanksgiving sales.

There must be no early birds in my district (several districts vote at the same fire house), as I was able to check in and vote by 6:11am. I hit a momentary snag while waiting for the poll worker to realize that CAR was not on the roster page marked CAL-CAM.

This is going to sound incredibly silly coming from someone as cynical as I can be, but I love voting. I get misty approaching that curtained booth, and I am very near tears by the time I pull the lever to record my vote and walk out.

Buoyed by the voting experience, I drove to work in hopes of making the Early Bird Yoga class. After waiting twenty minutes, I deduced that I was either in the wrong place, or that the class was cancelled for Election Day.

I had prepared myself for the worst at the polls, when in fact the worst was discovering that I had missed the announcement that Early Bird Yoga would be held Thursday this week. Hey, at least I have my lunchtime ERG Rowing class!

Be Prepared

With one full day until the election, my cynicism, distrust and penchant for conspiracy theories are all on the rise. There are unsettling reports of malfunctions, difficulties, fraud and more.

Voters, arm yourselves with the knowledge and the tools to make your voting experience a positive one.

Take nothing for granted. Even if you've voted in the same place for a decade:

Verify your registration. New York voters can verify it here. Print it out and bring it with you to the polls.
Verify your polling place.
Know your voting district.
Bring identification. This is especially important for first time voters, but do not give poll workers any reason to deny you the right to vote tomorrow.

Most importantly, find your state's Voter Bill of Rights online, print out, and bring it to the polls with you. The NY voter's rights info includes fraud hot line numbers, and I believe these numbers are listed elsewhere.