purlpaw

New year month 2

2012-02-03T11:26:00.000-06:00

CURRENT GOOD NEWS
Well at least the general state of health is improving.

CURRENT BAD NEWS
Last month I lost my dear car due to flooding streets. So a lot of dealing with the insurance company.

In medical insurance I am now dealing with a very $$$ plan, I owe my family so much in the ways they have helped out.

Job hunting is not very promising. This week while volunteering with a library system I sent in a resume to, I was told by one of the librarians told me the position I had applied for was being re-posted "because the administration was not happy with any of the applicants." It is hard to hear this second hand and in a rather tossed off manner. Topping off the job searching effort was getting an email from a different library informing me I was not being considered for a part time reference job. I just wish I could have been good enough to have been asked for at least one interview.

All in all not a cheerful start to 2012.

A time for graditude

2011-11-21T14:20:00.001-06:00

During this week I plan to focus on being thankful for family, friends, and yes returning back to a healthier life. I have been alert & pain free enough to start sending out resumes & cover letters. I am using all the tools I can, Linkedin, Monster.com, WorkinTexas, and the TLA Jobline. Given the current financial times librarian jobs are not very plentiful. But I am still putting my name out where ever possible.
After this week it is time to climb back on the medical merry-go-round. Scheduled for my amusement are a CTscan, a MRI, & a MRA(what ever that is). At least I will have time in various waiting rooms for knitting up some yuletide gifts.
Wishing one & all a joyful Thanksgiving.

Still bogged down in the medical swamp

2011-11-11T20:52:00.000-06:00

This week was not very fun. Had to have another colonoscopy on Thursday. This of course made Wednesday a real challenge. You would think someone could figure out how to make the preparation fluid more palatable. It is currently like drinking from a toxic waste site. Although I REALLY like the medication that puts me in dreamland during the procedure, I always come out of it weeping and confused. Today I went to my oncologist at 10:30 & because my potassium was so low he needed me to have an immediate intravenous drip of the stuff. This had me finally leaving for home at 4 pm. During the visit with him he did state that I am in remission but because of the on-going problems with my liver & spleen I will need to be checked over on a regular basis for sometime to come. I have this sinking feeling that I will never be free and clear of the medical profession again.
I am knitting again on a more regular basis. I've finish 2 scarfs and just about done with a pair of socks. Besides Xmas gifts, a friend recently told me she is expecting twins so soft baby yarns are in my future.

Still moving forward

2011-07-06T13:46:00.000-06:00

Lots of changes since February:

There have been a few more stays in the hospital due to fevers and infections.
The removal of my direct port and the end of the liquid feedings that went with it.
My weight is now fairly stable.
I can now go up and down stairs on my own as well as walk without my legs shaking.
The latest twist was dealing with kidney stones. One large stone was in a very bad position that required me to undergo a hospital procedure to have it pulled out of me.

I am hoping that I will soon be strong enough to focus on getting a new job. Currently I am not really up to facing an all out effort of job searching and interviewing. I just don't have the energy level needed for these activities.

Day by day

2011-02-13T17:58:00.000-06:00

The title of this entry has become my life motto.

   Since last June life has been piling up a wide selection of challenges. One of the saddest is that the job in Laredo slipped away. I had been approved by the city & even passed the pre-employment tests. But I did not count on dealing with a real nasty challenge.
   Before heading for the lower part of Texas I had decided to take advantage of the medical coverage I currently had and went in for all my yearly checkups. This went from top to bottom literally. When one of the test showed I was very anemic I then got to have "scopes" go down my throat and up the colon. This is when life changed. A very nasty cancer was found just below my stomach. Very quickly I was scheduled for surgery. So quickly that I was actually between jobs when the surgery took place. No need for a blow by blow account but due to  3 different infections and problems with chemo, my job in Laredo could not be held. This is something I completely understood.
   Life just keep happening. I had to give up my apartment, and store most of my things. I have been very lucky as well. My dear sister has taken me into her home and has been my source of strength when dealing with all things medical. My father has helped me through some unplanned for expenses and my brother & sister-in-law turned out to be wonderful cheerleaders
    Next week I go for another scan and I am hoping for good news, although the last visit with a doctor was not a source of happy news.
     I was very happy to see the end of 2010, and I still hold on to the hope that 2011 will be better.

Busy, busy, busy

2010-06-11T08:47:00.001-06:00

The time for leaving my current job is almost here. I am trying to add vacation days to my cut off date so that I can get a follow-up visit to the doctor covered by BCBS. Also I still have to find a new place in Laredo, get a moving company lined up, pack, get background check sent to new employer, change mailing address, notify utilities, and get sleepy time pills for the Cat of cats.

This morning I took a break & watched the opening ceremonies for the World Cup on Spanish language TV.

Very impressive. Lots of music and dancing. I am hoping this gets the day off to a good start. At least no medical tests today.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T17:42:00.003-06:00

Milestone time

2010-06-01T19:46:00.000-06:00

It seems this poor old blog only gets an update when big events or major holidays occur. This time it is time for change. I am leaving AiH and will (I hope) by the end of June be hard at work at the Laredo Public Library.The up coming challenges will be finding a new apartment and moving me and the Cat of cats five hours south of Houston. I am very happy and a bit nervous. Laredo PL seems like a very exciting place to work and the staff are very welcoming and friendly.

Blue moon blues

2009-12-31T19:37:00.002-06:00

Christmas was very different this year. I came down with a wicked head cold 2 days before Christmas. Stuffed head, running nose, slight fever the whole package. Because of this I bowed out of the family gathering. I really did not want to give my cold as a Yuletide gift. At least now I can breathe out of both sides of my nose & can now focus enough to both knit and read.
One of the nicest gifts of the season was from a very dear old friend. It was a marvalous rocker and foot rest. What was really niffty was that my Dad had just given me a new floor lamp. The only downside is that a certain cat has now claimed it as her own.

It sort of fits in that the year & the decade is ending in a blue moon. I will be very glad to see the end of 2009.
I am also very happy to get rid of this decade. All in all the turning of the new century was not a success. It brought life changes that were on the whole most unwelcomed. I am continually doubting several choices I made over the last 10 years. I do not seem to be better off in any aspect of my life that truely matters. Day to day survival is my only goal most of the time.
No the last decade will not be missed.

A smile for the day - "The Last Knit"

2009-12-05T16:36:00.000-06:00

Snowfall & sneaks

2009-12-05T13:08:00.009-06:00

Well a few surprises yesterday.

The first was a snowfall in Houston. It turned out an very nice early Christmas surprise. I managed to actually snapped a bit of proof. Snow on the banana tree. It is a bit hard to see but it happened.

My second surprise was not a nice one . Some one without much holiday spirit walked off with my Christmas catus. The plant, the pot and the water dish were all taken. I ask the apartment management promised that they would keep an eye open but there is little hope of it turning up. All that is left is a few broken of stems and old pictures.

After 8 plus years I will really miss that plant.

I finish off the multi colored Donatella wrap. What's really nice is that I have a lavender shirt that just matches the part of the yarn.
Now I just have to finish off some more scarves for the garden fund.

Here And There

2009-11-13T13:11:00.005-06:00

100_0974
Originally uploaded by libraryminion

Actually it is just plain catching up.

Main event over the last 2 months was heading off to Ft. Lauderdale to attend a week long training workshop. It was all about the new circulation/cataloging system the library is changing to by the end of November. It has taken over 2 years of delays to get this far. The training was held at our sister school. It was both an exciting & frighting experience. It will take all of re-grouping to make this switch work.

At least the location was great. On my last day I had breakfast by the beach. This was the view as I ate a wonderful shrimp omelet.

I topped off the morning by tip toeing through the surf & sand.
It was difficult to get back to the daily routine after that taste of vacation. I am not sure when I can take the trip, but I am thinking that sun should be in the mix.

As to knitting, I have at least 2 pairs of socks in progress. I did finish the multi colored vest and one garter stitch scarf. I really have to set up scarf production if I am to earn any money for the garden next month.

Working days start again

2009-09-08T10:59:00.004-06:00

Well the long weekend kept me busy. Took Dad to the airport & relived Mr. Toad's wild ride.

Did laundry as well as cleaned up a few surfaces in the apartment. Yet it is still a mess.

Downloaded pictures from my camera, & wrote up some projects on Ravelry.

Here are the projects currently on the needles. Neither really impress the cat.

Same song as ever

2009-09-07T12:46:00.003-06:00

Well I took my own sweet time again in keeping up with this blog.

But I am here now.

I would like to share a few pics of the items I made for the school's Alumni Auction.

In all there were 3 hats, a scarf, one bib, an Alpaca vest, & a ribbon wrap.

The auction went well and all my items received bids!Currently on the needles is another version the vest. This time in a multi-color yarn I found a few years back at a Big Lots store. I am also starting a pair of yellow socks for the KAL Sock Anonymous group in Ravelry.

Time to start again

2009-05-19T09:24:00.010-06:00

Hi There,

Well I really let this blog slip away for a while. Time to hop back on & try to make a go of it.Lots of things to catch up on and it may take several entries to accomplish this task.

Biggest new items:

Trip to WDW with sister & sister-in-law at the end of March start of April.

We had a blast. More on that to come.

Work has been a challenge, but change is in the air I get a new boss after Memorial Day. I am keeping my fingers cross that life will be smoothing out in that enviroment soon.

Knitting has been hit & miss. Mainly missing time or energy to pick up the pointy sticks and start pushing yarn around. Next month is Knit in Public Day & what luck I won't be working. That should act as motavation.

I am now throughly hooked on Simply Audio, the NetFlicks of the listening world. Currently I have Dead Witch Walking & a Daniel Pinkwater book.

Most current news is the increase in "family." My sister just added a new puppy to her home.

A very active Chow mix called Rocky.

He is a bouncing ball of energy, and a real challenge for Lucy, the older cannie in the house.

Well that's it for now, more will follow soon.

Another year

2008-05-03T13:08:00.006-06:00

I can now claim a half century + one, years on this spinning planet.

To celebrate I'm going off to the Astros game tomorrow with my Dad.

It's the Stitch & Pitch event at Minute Maid park.

Loud women with pointy sticks. Should be fun.

Feline Demands

2008-04-27T18:59:00.001-06:00

Feline Demands
Originally uploaded by libraryminion

What has kept me from my blog?
This is a clue.

Life - don't talk to me about life . . .

2008-03-09T23:03:00.003-06:00

There are days, no weeks, that just make you want just give up on it all.

Work has been less than spectacular.
I seem to be running into walls with everything I do.

There is still no web access to the library's catalog(one month & counting).
I also discover more missing data daily.
At the start of this month, one of my co-workers has decided the high road.
This came out of the blue, since they had lately told me how much they liked working at the college.
As a added bonus this action is being done in a slash & burn fashion.
Forget about a professional one month notice, nope just barely a two week warning and out before the quarter is done.
It gets even better - to top it off I have to produce a job evaluation before the departure.
Of course, the lack of one would not affect the soon-be-leaving one, but would get yours truly in the hot seat if not done.
This situation also opens a whole world of headaches as a replacement must be hired.
Every day I walk into work I keep getting the feeling that "something wicked this way comes."

Second biggest worry is the wonderful world of finances.
I have to sit down and work out exactly how much money I need to keep body & soul together. If I know that I maybe able to consider other options.
But to be honest I am just to depress to even think about changing things.

At the home front there are even more unsettling developments.
Since the changing of management companies it seems that a number of my neighbors are leaving the apartment complex.
My dishwasher is acting strange.
And the cat is acting more weird than ever.

Knitting has not been much of a solace either.
I have been in a scarf rut.
It has helped raise money for the school's herb garden, but it almost feels like I'm just coasting along.
I was trying to locate some inspiration on the web, but even that was a no go.
It seemed like everytime I found something, it was connected to a Ravelry link.
Boom! I'm blocked.
It seems that I just don't qualify to be added to this elite group.
I have tried at least 3 times to sign up, but I can't even confirm that I'm on the waiting list.
Guess you have to be a steady blogger or a knitting celebrity to be accepted.

Well this little knitter will just have to make do, keep her head down & accept her place in this world.

Wishing others a better time - purlpaw

Off to a flying start . . NOT!

2008-02-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

This week is not off to a good start. I arrived at the library today at 9 and was informed that our circulation system is down. That also means no printer. There are a growing number of upset students. We also are being blasted by waves of cold air from the vents. I am told this is because they are trying to regulate temperatures on the 6th floor. HA! Tell that to the students and staff who have to stop typing because their hands are too cold. I should not have come in today. It seems everyone is hard pressed and very touchy about it. I think the Norse myths had it right h*ll is a cold place.

Is the week over yet?

2008-01-25T09:37:00.000-06:00

This is how I should have spent this week - sleeping!

Lots of character building experiences at work and in general.

On the home front the Cat of cats had to be secured twice due to pest control & apartment repair issues.

The weather has been awful. I am bummed out about my lack of financial health.

The price of gas is making me consider walking to work.

But than weather issues & my lack of fitness makes that plan laughable.

To top off the joy, I am now frogging my mermaid gloves due to a knitting meltdown.

The one bright spot is an upcoming knitting retreat in Rockport and the dark chocolate I have stashed away a kitchen cupboard.

I hope everyone has a peaceful and restful weekend.

P.S. I am trying to focus on pleasant thoughts today. To share the happy thoughts here is where you can finally see my Nashville vacation photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/purlpaw/MyNashvilleVacation

Come one come all !

2008-01-17T11:39:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was the day for various student clubs to push for membership. I was given a table to promote the quarterly Book Club. The selection this quarter is "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" by Philip Dick. The thought being that with the popularity of the Blade Runner movie, a few students might want to give the book a chance. After 2 hours I felt like Charlie Brown on Halloween. Other clubs has signed up lots of student, but I only got 3 names and one did not count because it was a staff member. At least it wasn't a total bomb. I brought along my knitting and got a few inches done on a new sock. (Can you spot the yarn behind the candy dish?) I also took advantage of having my needles in my hands and hawked the club to passing students by telling them to check out the dangerous books and pointy sticks.

Two sided January

2008-01-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

January is becoming very busy and rather annoying.

The new quarter started this Monday and all of our students are back in force.
I am trying to get the last 2 textbooks added to the reserve collection. One of which I discovered won't even be published till next month. My poor sweet reference librarians are being swamped with orientation tours. And big surprise some were asked for at the last minute. Currently my most pressing projects are yearly job evaluations. One is due this month and two more next month. This is not my favorite activity as it always results in sleepless nights and lots of anxiety.

I all fitting in some knitting. I only have to work on a thumb hole to finish a pair of hand warmers, and I am attacking scarf production once more. I hope to have enough scarves finished to have a pre-Valentine's Day sale to rise money for the school's herb garden.

My other distraction was going to see the Houston Charity Cat Show last Sunday. Sweet and cuddly bundles of fuzz were everywhere. The show is no longer the massive production that it was a few decades when I was active, but it's great fun. It is still one of the few cat shows that is dedicated solely to charity. Best of all I was able to snag a new feather toy for the Cat of cats. It is the one with a detachable clump of feather that you can whirl around by a string. The dear girl needs the activity. Compared to the others of her breed I saw at the show, my gal is a chunky monkey.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-26T15:37:00.000-06:00

I am a very lazy blogger.

I have a few lame excuses ready.

I had eye surgery. It went very well & I can now see out of both eyes.

I went on vacation. Had a wonderful time in Nashville. Saw the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman 3 times! Visited the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cheekwood Gardens, Dickel Distillery, Opryland Resort, Ai Nashville, the Hermitage, and only got really lost twice.

Family visiting from Wisconsin. Okay, its only one person , my brother. But he is family.

Finally, I forgot.

I do want to post some holiday cheer. I have had a Christmas cactus for about 8 years. It is a huge plant. Nearly every year the blooms have changed color from the previous year. It has been red, bight pink, striped, and white. This year I made a point of snapping a few picture as the blossoms developed. So here are the results;

Ready:

Steady:

Bloom:

Best wishes to one and all.
P.S. Happy Boxing Day to my knitting friend in Wales.

2007-11-29T10:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Happy Me!

Thanksgiving was very nice.
I went to my sister's and ate entirely too much turkey.
Unfortunately my Dad was down with a cold, so did not join us.
But my dear sister took him out a load of leftovers the next day.

The Sunday after the big feed I went up to the Texas Renaissance Festival.
It was cold, wet, and windy, but I had a nice time with a good friend.
The day ended with a warming meal at Macaroni Grill - Yummers.

Yesterday two great things.
The first I survived my annual job evaluation & will be getting a pay increase.
The second I got confirmation for my vacation to Nashville in December.
I have never been there before.
I plan on taking in all the holiday events & shows I can.

High Stepping

2007-11-16T15:48:00.000-06:00

This is the amazing sight I found this week.
The intersection is of two major roads.
It just makes you wonder how & why.

Open wide!

2007-11-02T12:58:00.000-06:00

For a big surprise. A very sweet(heehee) student and one of our chef instructors gave this wonderful & yummy little cake last night.

I work in a very special place.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

Something for the day. Our school held a pumpkin painting contest. After the contest the pumpkins were taken to our local Ronald McDonald House, to help decorate for the children & families.

I'm on the far right holding Jack.

On the subject of yarns

2007-10-30T19:58:00.000-06:00

I have actually gotten some knitting done. Mainly I have been working on the mermaid gloves.

Not too far along, but I'm beginning to get the pattern.

In fact I even have a very dedicated friend to encourager me.

I have also pulled together my yarn for my November sweater project. I will be using Berroco's Calico, The colorway has green, yellow & blue.

The real challenge is still trying to remember where I safely put the pattern. If I can't locate it soon I will wander through my knitting books & magazines. I hunt down patterns the old fashion way since I am not in the Ravelry club. One last picture today. I'm ending with her ownself - the Cat of cats.

It all adds up

2007-10-27T12:29:00.000-06:00

Time is slipping away.
I can't believe the year is going by so fast.
It seems every time I blink another deadline or event is sneaking up on me.

I decided to take the plunge and take part in NaKniSweMo 2007.
This is challenge to knit a sweater of at least 50,000 stitches in one month.

This will help to whittle down my stash, and if I'm lucky give me a confidence boost.
I have enough yarn, & I thought I had a pattern. Unfortunately my lack of organization is working against me. The pattern was not where it should have been. Looks like I will be ransacking all my boxes and drawers. Dust bunnies be warned!

That is about all for now.

A nip in the air

2007-10-24T16:10:00.000-06:00

Houston has finally gotten a cold snap.
I may actually be motivated to really knit again.

I have been busy thought gathering up more goodies for my spoilee. She does charity blankets. I am planning to send her a large box of washable yarn and a wonderful baby blanket pattern I found. To keep smiling I have also gotten some chocolate treats.

No pictures today. My camera's batteries are dead, dead, dead.

Boo - It's a new look

2007-10-11T14:58:00.001-06:00

I've change the template on the blog due to chronic sidebar drop.
Hopefully this will allow some stability. Unfortunately it also resulted in losing my SP11 button link. But since my mind can't handle any more html, I am stopping now.

Looking for an above average treat for Halloween.
I have to recommend the chocolate ghosts from Burdickschocolate.com

Last year I sent my sister their penguins for her Christmas goodies.
They were the big hit with all the family.
This time I maybe getting the ghosts for my own self.

Filled with spooky goodness

2007-10-07T10:54:00.000-06:00

My dear SP spoiler is the champion of holiday themed boxes.

Here's the box. And look what's inside.

This gal put a party in a box.
First there is a great set of cookie cutters and Halloween sprinkles:

Then the right party flare to set the mood. A mug (must buy some cider), party napkins (who's been reading my blog) and very clever dish towel:

For party 'games', DIY pumpkin kit with yarn & pattern:

Finally a card with scary sounds and a special pumpkin ornament:

What else can I say but - THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Gifts from the Great Pumpkin via my Secret Pal

2007-10-06T08:51:00.000-06:00

It came Friday. Sporting a sassy and cute pumpkin on the label.
A box of wonderful surprises from my dear SP11!

Unfortunately I am at work this Saturday - so pictures and details of all the goodies will not be posted till this evening.

Friday also brought the good news that my spoilee finally laid her hands on the package I sent. I tried to be cleaver and used FedEX, so that there would be less worries. Ha, Ha, Ha. I ended up playing junior detective via phone in tracking down its touch down site.
Let me warn everyone phone calls to FedEX will cause your mind to numb up. In the end it turned up in an apartment complex's front office. I plan to send out a bonus gift to my spoilee to make up for all the upset she went through.
More on the box of joy later.

Who are You

2007-10-04T20:10:00.000-06:00

Normally I don't take any of the 'Who are you' quizes, who can pass up an Jane Austen one?
I turned out to be:
Take the Quiz here

At least I'm not Mrs. Dashwood.

Toasty Cat

2007-10-03T09:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I mentioned Katrina's new trick.
This morning I played paparatzi and caught the girl in the act.

She had no comment for the press.

Change will do you good

2007-10-02T10:06:00.000-06:00

What a way to start a day.

I had to wrangle my cat into the bedroom. My landlord is inspecting all the apartments today so the Cat of Cats had to be confined for her own good.

She has been quite a handful lately. I got a new rug for the living room & she does not like change.

Nor is she happy about the fact that I am finally getting around to the last boxes from our move. They made up her cardboard tower.

She surprised me with a new trick. She plays peek-a-boo from behind the toaster. I guess it’s nice and cozy there after my breakfast.

On the knitting front, I am only bringing "potato chip" projects to work. Just light no thinking knitting. This week I'm working on a scarf of soft and fluffy novelty yarn. I am still using my baseball needles, even if I am heartbroken over the Astro's season. Ah well, there is always next year.

Swap-bot joy!

2007-08-21T15:34:00.000-06:00

These are the wonderful stitch markers that came winging their way to me from Down Under!
The colors are just perfect for the current projects I'm working on.
I am just about ready to ship off goodies to my two spoiliees.
Isn't amazing how one small package can brighten a day?

SP11 Questions

2007-08-15T15:23:00.000-06:00

I racing just under the wire with this entry.
I had to deal with blog layout issues. So I switched back to the classic set up.

So here are the Qs and As for SP11

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My stash is open to any and all items in the yarn universe.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
About a 3 or four tin boxes and a large plastic container.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I describe myself as a six year knitter with an intermediate skill level.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No

5. What's your favorite scent?
Vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
A very well developed sweet tooth. Almost all chocolate goodies, I am also extremely fond of caramels.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Origami, and puppet making.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Jim Brickman, show tunes, classical. MP3 is no problem. Not only for the computer but I seem to be developing a small collection of players.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like greens and blues.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me & the cat of all cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Oh yes. But Houston weather limits the amount of time I can wear mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Currently I am on a sock binge. My other favorite items are scarves and hats.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Gryffindor socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Oh yes, please.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
No preference, I usual decide based on the yarn & size of project.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
A shameful four years old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Milk glass chickens, Donald Duck, and wooden Easter eggs.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don’t subscribe to any publications.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Socks are GREAT! I usually fit a women’s medium.

23. When is your birthday?
May 3

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
No, I am not one of the chosen.

Now I am going to zip this off to my spoiler, so that all bases are covered.

Life rolls on

2007-08-02T10:28:00.001-06:00

I'm part of the gang! Just got my confirmation for Secret Pal 11!
No assigned pal yet, but I am browsing through the participant list. Looks like a lively group.

This weekend I will be keeping my eye out for nifty stuff to send off.

My main mission Saturday is to get material for making 10 stitch makers for a swap-bot group I'm in. I think I will track down some luck charms. Four leaf clovers, horseshoes, and the like. I figure every knitter needs a little extra luck now & again. Maybe a Las Vegas theme?

I was very sad to read about Tom Synder's death. He was always one of my favorites. Not only for his TV shows, but his call in radio show too. I especially enjoyed his stories about his Mom. I think I'll mix up a colortini this weekend.

On the needles right now are Horcrux socks in red & gold. I'm doing them toes up. The yarn is a wool/alpaca blend. They are definitely winter socks.

It came from far far away . . .

2007-07-26T14:21:00.000-06:00

My swap-bot package from Singapore arrived!

The napkins have a very cute bunny busts (statues) on them. I was very tempted to brew up the tea right away. But now I plan to consider it a reward to be looked forward to after a hard task or bad day. With that plan I may have some tonight. I spent a good part of the morning in the dentist chair. My jaw is sore but I have a shinny new crown in my mouth.

I have decided to sign up for Secret Pal 11. I hope this time I have better luck in a match. The person who was to send me goodies when I was in SP8 sent me a few emails and one package and then disappeared. After some digging I believe I found her blog. The last entry on it announced: “I am a rubbish blogger, I am sending myself of to blogcamp to try and rectify this. I may be a while.” Nothing on the blog stated that she had mailed out a last package. Ah well, I had great fun sending off surprises, so I have said I would be willing to be an angel if needed for SP11.

I am also making plans for some fun in August. I am going to attend a science fiction event in Austin, Armadillo Con. Some good friends are going to be there along with a few of my favorite authors. I also plan to go to a "Stitch & Pitch” at a Houston Astros game. Summer fun here I come.

Take care & keep cool.

Happy Birthday USA!

2007-07-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is having a glorious fourth.

Instead of grills & fireworks, its rain & laundry here.

Having the holiday in the middle of the week is very different. Slept in till about 10 a.m.

Last night went out to celebrate my Dad's 78th birthday. Joined my sister, her partner & Dad at a French restaurant. Had some wonderful lamb chops and a sinful bread pudding.

Dad's bday was the day before, so I surprised him with a gift after work. I got him one of the large square Euro pillows and a nice sham. He had been thinking of getting one so he could sit up more comfortably in bed. He was very impressed by the gift wrap. It was done by the shop I got the pillow from. The gift looked like one of his favorite blue stripped shirts. It even had a pocket with a button for the gift card.

Heard for my swap partner - she really liked the package. As of yet I have not gotten my swap gift. But its early days yet. The mailing deadline was June 30th, so it is probably on its way.

The good, the bad & the chicken.

2007-06-28T15:35:00.000-06:00

The students are still on break here, so weeding and reports rule the day.

I cheered up my indoor view with some glittering window flowers.

They are getting a lot of smiles from co-workers. Had special delivery today, an item I got on Ebay. I have increased my flock of milk glass chickens. Isn't she a beauty!

I also managed to send off my swap package. With one glitch - the card I had planned to enclose managed to leap out. I will send that on separately & include a bonus gift as well.Oh, here's what the mosaic socks are looking like:

I' m very glad the yarn is not a heavy as it has gotten rather warm. In fact the cat act like she wants to store her fur till fall.

That's all for now. Take care. P.S. The bad new is that I am now facing cataract surgery & getting a crown for a cracked tooth.

It's swapping time again.

2007-06-20T14:42:00.000-06:00

It's the quarter break at the college where I work. That means the library is actually quiet.

I am catching up on reports and cataloging. But best part is that with fewer visitors, I can set my own pace.

So in between paper pushing, I'm clean up my office space. Tossing out dated materials, scrubbing down desk & computer surfaces, & hauling home some of the "stuff" that has piled up.The cat has been very entertained by the bags of strange things coming through the door.

I have just signed up for a new swap on Swapbot. This one involves hot beverages and paper napkins. Yes really. It should be fun. I know a great store for unique napkins.

On the needles right now is a pair of socks in a multi colored yarn of purples, greens, & blues. It is knitting up almost mosaic like.

Take Care.

Look what the cat dragged in!

2007-06-13T15:10:00.000-06:00

No, I am not gone for good. Unfortunately my dedication to this blog has not been very good.

Since October last year:
I have a new apartment
Went back to WDW
Said farewell to 2 co-workers
Hired 2 new librarians
Presented 2 puppet workshops
Acquired a new computer
Attended 2 seminars
Survived a nasty birthday

All in all rather busy.
On the other hand I have also been very lazy on the knitting front. Only one or two projects finished, several floating in limbo, and others remain only a twinkle in the eye.

So with the steady nudging of the cat herself, I am gearing up again.

Hot Socks Swap Package

2006-10-17T14:04:00.000-06:00

Look what arrived!

Shall we peek inside?

Once, I must have done something very good. Karma is great.

The yarns are overwhelming, Cherry Hill, Fleece Artist, & Lorna. Teas from Adagio, SerendipiTea, & Stash. Caramel cookies, honey sticks & a tea bag rest. She even sent along some 'greenies' for my cat. But wait the finale is a pair of addiTurbos!!!

Kerry, thank you so much. I am very lucky to have gotten matched with such a thoughtful and gracious person

Take Care - Libraryminion

The flowers that brighten the fall - Tra La

2006-10-11T13:52:00.000-06:00

Ever had a morning that lasted too long. From the commute to work onwards. Well this morning was endless in my opinion. I needed a treat. So to avoid the calories that linger, I went for flowers.

I went for an autumn colorway* with deep maroon dahlias and two sprays of orchids for some yellow heat. The rose was tossed in by the florist. Good people are out there. My co-worker Paul, seems to be having a slow start today as well.

I just got a email yesterday that my Hot Socks pal has already shipped off her package to me.
That is one very together lady. What a wonderful thing to look forward to - yarn & caffeine!

I am still inching along on my purple & gold socks. I think I will be avoiding using size 1 needles for awhile.

Have a good day - Libraryminion

*She always tries to get some knitting related term squeezed into her posts. In reality she should just be trying to get in some knitting - Purlpaw

Its Alive!!! (Maybe)

2006-10-04T15:03:00.000-06:00

Where have I been? What happened to me?
Well it is a story involving books, computers, carpet and lack of motivation.

This last month my life centered around Project Carpet.
The library I am in charge of finally got new carpet. Which meant I got to acquire a lot of new job skills. From developing a pre-project organization plan, to a post movers clean up campaign. In between I tried to keep up with monthly paper work, book/film orders, renewing the majority of our periodicals, juggling staff schedules and yes, completely ignoring my poor little blog.

To show you some of the fun here are a few pictures of our Project Carpet.
Oh, as a side show we had our front door removed & then pushed back about 3 feet.

It was quite a project to get the whole library cleared, carpeted and than bring everything back in one week. I am very grateful for all the special people who work with me, and my family who just smiled and patted my head. The cat of course had no pity.

That is about all for now. I will have knitting news, including the Hot Sock Swap next time.
Take Care - Libraryminion

As the pages turn . . .

2006-09-07T13:53:00.000-06:00

Well, here goes the second entry based on the questions from Booking Through Thursdays

Comfort Zone or Not?
1. We asked last week about what draws you to your favorite kind/genre of book. This week, we want to know--how often do you depart from that comfort zone? If you love mysteries, do you ever read fantasy? If you primarily read cookbooks, do you ever read a good romance?
When I was a librarian at a public library, I did a lot more cross genre reading simply as a survival skill. These days I don’t jump around as much. One reason is I just don’t seem to have the time to invest. There are some times that I have no choice in reading materials. For the most part I have not had many pleasant surprises in required reading. I still don’t care what happens to either mouse & their smelly cheese.

2. How MUCH variety is there in your reading? Do you mostly stick to one type, with just the occasional toe-dip into a different style? Or do you generally read a variety of things, just, maybe more of your favorite style than anything else?
I tend to get into ruts. For a long while it was just science fiction or fantasy. This was followed by my mystery period; which was divided into police procedures, cat mysteries, & historical mysteries. I then spent a lot of time devoted to Anthony Trollope. ‘Tony' was than replaced by breezy non fiction & biographies. There are also writers I revisit on a regular basis, some yearly and a few every three months or so. These include Frank Herbert, Douglas Adams, Norton Juster, John Bellairs and Charlotte Bronte. The one element all these books have in common is strong characterizations.

Round Them Up & Bring Them In

2006-09-01T21:21:00.000-06:00

Thursday night the Yarntopia Sock Posse met for our "Show & Tell" pizza party.
It was very good fun. What was truly amazing was the way all of our socks were both the same and different due to the color variations found in each dye lot of this custom made yarn. The best news was that the Posse will ride again. The twist this time will be that all the posse will use a custom pattern but have our choice of colorway from the sock yarn of Hill Country Yarns.

This week also was hightlighted by the news that I have won some yarn! I entered a 'name that yarn' event announced on Angelia's Knitting (angeliasknitting.blogspot.com). And low and behold one of my suggestions was chosen. Here's a photo of the newly named fiber - Mosaic Mayhem

I was also lucky in my blog searching this week.
I found a great blog called Booking Through Thursdays (http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com).
Posted each week are a series of questions about reading. Just what a librarian needs - the perfect blog fill.
So here goes my first pass - and yes it is starting two days late.

Motivation
1. What is your favorite kind of reading? Novels? Biographies? Mathematical textbooks?
More often than not I am reading fiction. I can further break it down in that mysteries and science fiction compose the bulk of this, with a some 'serious' novels tossed in. But I do enjoy a good non-fiction title for a change up. The more recent of these have included Bring Down the House by Ben Mezrich, and Krakatoa by Simon Winchester. And needless to say knitting books!
2. What do you like best about your favorite kind of reading? What keeps you coming back to that kind of book? Following a gripping story? Watching characters develop? Being educated about things and places you didn't know about? Letting your mind relax into someplace completely different?
What draws me to a work of fiction is usually the characters. If it is a personality that is one with an unusual perspective on their world, I want to know that person. Even if the reviews declare that the book's message is suppose to be life changing or the plot gripping, if the characters are not complying I put the book down. To see how someone will deal with a problem but coming at it from 'left field' is what I enjoy.

Today I played gift elf. I dropped off some yummy baked goods as well as a plant & card at my sister's house. Her birthday is Monday and with her busy schedule having the birthday goodies given today, she can have her 'cheer' when it is easiest for her.

Have a happy holiday - Libraryminion

2006-08-27T16:00:00.000-06:00

BIT BY BIT
Finished the first of the posse socks. And even more amazing I got the toe done on the second.

Last night I started a new project. The Button Wrap from the Louis Harding Accessories Collection.
I am using pink/purple color way. So far so good. That Sari Ribbon is a challenge to wind up.

Tomorrow I have to finish a difficult project at work. So today I am going to spend the day knitting and watching the Midsommer Murder mysteries on the Biography channel.

Have pleasant day - Libraryminion

2006-08-26T10:44:00.000-06:00

LAZY MORNING

A Saturday off! And I got to sleep in. Instead of getting up at 5 a.m. I rolled out a a quarter to 9. The Cat of cats was not pleased - her breakfast was shamefully late.
I have been popular this a.m. The Blood drive people called ( I go in on Monday evening) and a good friend rang. Unfortunately it was to make sure I was okay. The title of my last entry worried her. As a librarian I should have referenced it. It was a shorten quote from a song from Disney's Alice in Wonderland - not a cry of unrest. I am bad.
My sister's birthday is coming up and my Dad & I might go in together with a gift. So today we will put our heads together and try to think of something wonderful. It is very hard to choose a gift for a legal eagle.

On the knitting side I have also been bad. I got the HP socks & bag wraped up but forgot it Friday morning - so delivery will be Monday. And the posse socks are mocking me. Missed the party and the 2nd sock is still a only a yarn dream.
I am at the point that my mind has started to plan out another all together different project.

That's about it for now. A day of utter laziness awaits.
Libraryminion
P.S. Here is a pic of the poor hungry (HAHA) cat.

2006-08-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Hello - Goodbye
I am very pleased with myself. Yesterday I got the 2nd of the 5 packages off to my SP8 yesterday. Just 3 more (or rather 2 since someone else is sending one of them).

Tonight I will get the HP socks together for turning over.

Work has been a pain. I got a few things done but there are still evil jobs laying in wait for me.
I got a real clue to the whole of it when I was called into the President's office this morning.
Very much the weak knee moment.

This is just a quick note - I am off to merge into traffic.
Libraryminion

2006-08-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

Show and Tell Time

Here are the pictures from yesterday.

The package is carefully put together.

What do you think?

But wait it has to be inspected.

It passed!

As to the current project the pose socks are very slowly coming along. These are my first toes up socks.

Glad I finally got the images up.
At lunch today I am sending off the next package to my SP8. The 'theme' is touch. It has six balls of Plymouth Bamboo and a pattern for a camisole/ shrug combo. I also made some stitch makers and popped in a few clover knitting notions.

Bye for now - Libraryminion

2006-08-21T20:39:00.000-06:00

Monday Off!

Well I had Saturday duty at the library so Monday is mine. I am off to the UPS store. Yes I really did get a package put together for my SP8. It is the Taste of the 5 Senses series I am sending off. It has a tortilla soup mix, dried blueberries, biscotti, lavender chocolate, a fruit & nut bar, dipping spice (for adding to olive oil), and a large bag of See's sugar sticks. I was carefully supervised while packing it up.

The best news to day is that the flowers actually got to my SP8 only one day after her birthday. Hurrah!

I am making some progress on my posse socks but it is slow going.
Well I am off to deal with shipping - maybe later the pics.

Some time later ......

Well, I have sent off the package run several errands & still can not load pics to this entry. So I will post as is and add them Tuesday.

Libraryminion

2006-08-18T10:21:00.000-06:00

Here we go. A bit of a time delay - but purlpaw all the same.Now appearing the amazing techno cat!

2006-08-16T14:53:00.000-06:00

PLAYTIME

I have been playing with a new toy!

The bright new treasure is a Creative Zen Nano Plus mp3 player.* And itÃ’s RED!

I enjoy listen to audiobooks from the library and in order to play them I needed something other than my little Disney Mix Stick player. I can download the books from Netlibray through the public library's site. The only problem is my home machine is a Mac and so I have to use a computer else where to get started.(I bet you all can guess where).

Back to the player; it is great so far. My only challenge is the controls are much smaller and the digital view screen for the menu has very tiny type. What is really neat is I can import directly from a CD player as well.

On the knitting front I have been a lazy lazy girl. Ah well, tonight I go to get my hair done so I will be able to knit on the LYS sock pose project.

I am trying to sort out a way to send my SP8 spoilee some flowers for her birthday. British florists speak a different jargon on their sites. And it seems that no matter which site I try it will arrive after her BDay. I am trying to use Flora2000.com ; so cross your fingers & wiggle your toes.

Have a pleasant day - Libraryminion

*Really the woman can barely use her work phone - purlpaw (There was to be a cleaver iof me. Unfortunately for you it is playing hide & seek. / purlpaw)

2006-08-07T07:56:00.000-06:00

Feeling Hot - Hot - Melted

Houston weather seems to have settled into 3 categories - unpleasant, uncomfortable, and unbearable. Oh, it looks wonderful from the indoor side of the window. But the moment you step outside your underwear is bonded to your body. This climate does not encourage much activity. So I am going to use it as my excuse for no recent blogs. Okay it is a lame one but it is the one I am sticking with. Besides as I have mentioned in Houston you stick to just about everything.
I have been doing a few things in the realm of SP8. The last week of July I sent off email cards to both my spoiler & my spoilee. I found some neat “virtual vacation” cards so we all could take non-reality trips at our respective work spaces. My wonderful spoiler was quite surprised. From her message she has been leading an interesting (read challenging)life. I also arranged for a years subscription to a knitting magazine for my spoilee. I did a bit of research and found one that promises regular bonus gifts through out the year. I just got the email saying that my spoilee has received her announcement from the magazine about the subscription. I am also collecting goodies for the grand finale. Since the package has to travel across the pond I need to mail it out soon.
I finally finished the Harry Potter socks. I also knitted up a small draw string bag to put some extra yarn in. I just have to print out the sock sleeve and turn it over. The baby blanket has hit a speed bump. Heck, it has fallen and can’t get up.
Hope everyone has a good week.
Libraryminion

2006-07-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

Summertime and this blogger is lazy . . .

It seems ever time I sit down to up date this I get pulled away. Of course another problem is that I have not actually sat down at the keyboard that often. My school has just started the new quarter so the library has been filled with dazed new students or returning students who sigh & sigh. And nearly ever one has a choice comment on our purple walls.

And yes gentle readers, I can now report there is life outside of work. My Dad just celebrated his 77th birthday. My sister arranged for us to gather at a very nice restaurant for a Sunday jazz brunch. This year he was actually surprised by his gift an Olympus digital camera, with a re-chargeable battery kit, memory card & carrying case. As you can see it was all smiles.

More smiles came my way when I got a very gushing email from my SP8 spoilee. It seems that packages do eventually get to where they are sent. It was great fun putting that box together. I raided my LYS and included some handmade yarns, then tossed in a special item for her cat, a display calendar for her photography and a few other goodies. I also added 2 packages of Pop Rocks - the candy of urban legends.

My Harry Potter socks are coming along very slowly.

The baby blanket has also hit a speed bump.

As for my Sock Pose project . . .HA HA HA

But I nearly finished a new mouse. Until the Cat of cats came by.

That's about it for now. Try not to melt- libraryminion

2006-06-30T14:41:00.000-06:00

I never saw a purple cow ...

Now I know that purples of all hues are the favorites of many a knitter. Yes I too have knitted some sweet items in this color. And I am a fan of lupines, passion flowers and lavender. But I have to say that it is not a color that I have associated with libraries.

Yet this last Monday when I walked into my library and found it was now sporting random walls of Barney purple. And folks we are not talking subtle. This is in your face purple. I am now working in a purple fog. True there are a few walls now in tan but they haven’t a chance against the purple.

Our students should have some interesting comments as they come back. I guess it will just take me a while to adjust. And in September when new carpet is installed, my own office will be painted tan. So the library will be in the color of royalty and my office will have a nice bland color, for a bland librarian.

On the knitting front I have been working on a pair of socks in Gryffindor colors, and a baby blanket in pink, blue & white for a co-worker. Tonight I plan to settle in with a nice bottle of wine, a pizza and the 3rd season of Father Ted.

Have a wonderful Fourth – Libraryminion

A royal purple cat bed sound good to me –purlpaw

2006-06-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

This has been a roller coaster week.

It really started last Saturday.

My Aunt Helen was in town and I was going to join her and my Dad that afternoon. But first I had to go into work so that the librarian on duty could get a lunch break. And since I was going to be free in the morning I would ship off the next surprise to my SP. At least that was the plan. About 9:30 I get a call from the librarian that the security guard would not let her open the library. She was told that the building had been declared closed. So that ended the morning trip to the post office.

The afternoon was a raining mess so we did not leave Dad's place. That meant the surprise package sat in the car.

Sunday was also a no go with the package

Next possibility for mailing was Monday at lunch. But the Saturday closing resulted in a series of complications that changed my lunch plans. Again the surprise package was still in the car.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - a whirlwind of activity that ended up in the new carpet for my library not being installed in the next two weeks but is now postponed till late September. Boo hoo. And of course the package stayed in the car.

Now it's Friday and I must admit defeat. My dear SP will have wait a bit longer. But she will like - eventually.

Take care - Libraryminion

The girl has 3 shipping firms with in 5 miles of both work and home. And she thinks I'm lazy because I nap - purlpaw

2006-06-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

Oh Goody, Goodies
(And on National Doughnut Day)

Thanks to a package from across the pond I am ending this week on a high note.
My sensational Secret Pal has turned out to be a true master of the art of surprise.
Even the Cat of cats agrees.

Let me give you a run down of the haul:
One luxurious Glitter Bubble Bar from Lush.
One tempt-a-lious bar of organic chocolate - - with caramel.
Not one but two, two hanks of Lasso from Colinette.
A multitude of sweet confetti pigs.
Plus a heart warming note from her ownself.
Now who is the luckiest Texas girl in SP8!!!! Now don't take my word for - I got pictures.

Getting this package just seem to start the Karma ball rolling.

At lunch I was able to download a new show from one of my favorite knitting pod casts.

Later on I was a part of a successful birthday surprise for a coworker. He never saw it coming, and all the gifts & food were a hit. I gave him an electric ice cream maker. If I am lucky I will be receiving a sweet reward down the line.

The topper for the day was when stopped by the ever dependable traffic jam, I ended up next to a whole field of wild sunflowers. As I have mentioned its the small things that can get you smiling.

I would like to end this entry with special thanks to my Secret Pal & a wish for
each gentle reader out there to have a wonderful weekend. - Libraryminion
P. S. I have muzzled purlpaw - no smart remarks today. Instead here are pics of my recently finished socks -
ALMOST DONE. . .

2006-05-31T09:58:00.000-06:00

I finished my equilateral socks!!! And there is enough yarn left that the Cat of Cats may just be getting herself a new catnip mouse. (Shhh don't tell.) I got the news that my secret pal receiver her first package. So far so good. There is a second one traveling to her as I type. If the knitting gods are kind it will be waiting for her when she comes back from her vacation.
I am about to start my Sock posse project with my LYS - Yarntopia. It is new shop in Katy. It's been such a nice treat not to have to travel cross county to get a yarn fix.* Although I make a point of taking a good look at my stash before going over.
My lunch time is just about over so I have to leave the post short today.
Take care - Libraryminion
*Better yet it's not far from a discount liquor store. Nothing goes with knitting like a Mimosa . . . purlpaw

2006-05-20T12:54:00.000-06:00

BUSY PAWS ARE HAPPY PAWS
Have you discovered my new co-hostess. She is just off to the right and slightly below this entry.
My wonderful Secret Pal arranged to have this sweet girl sent my way. This is beginning to look like a real blog.

And in that spirit - I'm going to try to have my own little show and tell. A certain person asked what I have been up to - knitwise.

So here goes:

SOCKS
I do keep churning them out. Unfortunately some have developed size issues, so I don't wear them too often.
But that just makes them more eligible for permanent display. I got this basket when I visited Branson, Mo last year.

Just to the right of the basket are 2 pairs of slippers. These are thank you gifts for some co-workers,

SCARVES
The college I work at teaches the culinary arts and to aid that there is a small kitchen garden. It is taken care of by the students and has herbs as well as vegetables. I have tried to help fund the effort. This quarter I have been knitting up some scarves I will sell off to our faculty and staff.* The one problem I have is how to price them.

WASHCLOTHS
I was the lucky recipient of a mini stash of cotton yarn. I decided to put it to use in whipping up some washcloths (sometimes called facecloths). Since they get softer with every use - they have become a popular gift. I usually combine the cloth with a bar of handmade soap. On the second picture the blue & white items are another pair of slippers.

OTHER PROJECTS
Here are some of my bigger experiment. A striped bag, blue shouderette shrug, and a fuzzy triangle shawl made with Allure yarn.

Hope you liked the show. Have a great weekend. Libraryminion

*All that effort - you would think a few catnip mice wouldn't have been too much trouble - purlpaw

2006-05-16T07:54:00.000-06:00

SHOPS & A SHOCK
I treated myself to some fun after work yesterday.
First I went shopping for my SP8, and second went to Yarntopia for my ownself.

I now have a good number of fun items to ship off. I have set up a mini production line in my living room. The cat of cats was very diligent about her inspection duties, but in end all got her approval. (Thanks fuzz bucket.*) Today I will pick up some postal friendly boxes and the supply line will be up and running. Now don’t be concerned about SP8 having to wait too long - I am posting some very cool cards today.

The trip to my lys was to pick up the yarn for the sock posse the shop has started. It is a beautiful colorway made just for the shop. I still haven’t quite decided on the pattern to use. I would like the color to be the focus of the socks and not the pattern.

I had a bit of a sit com moment last night. While I was watching TV (CSI Miami) suddenly it sounded like someone was trying to open my front door. I went to check and heard more sounds of a key being poked around. Opening the door I discovered my new upstairs neighbors had miscounted their floors. All 3 of us were some what embarrassed. What a way to meet. Later that night I definitely knew they had “found” their place from all the thumping and furniture moving sounds.

Well, time to earn the money to keep the cat. Keep a kickin’ chicken
Libraryminion
* Cats gotta do what cats gotta do - purlpaw

2006-05-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

Sweet And Sour Saturday

I have had a very different kind of day. I enjoyed having Saturday off from work but unfortunately I had to attend a funeral.

This last week one of the faculty suddenly passed away. We were told that he had a heart attack in his sleep. This has been very hard on everyone, since it was quite unexpected and the instructor was well liked by both the students and the staff.

I am glad I went but it was very hard. I lost my mother just 2 years ago and this Sunday being Mother's Day has added to the feelings of sadness.

After the service, I was determined to keep busy. I did in fact have a project to focus on. I am trying to master a digital camera.* First thing I had to do was get through all the instructions. I then grited my teeth and started the process of uploading programs followed by downloading images.

In choosing my first subject I went with an inanimate one. The socks I am currently working on. They are a pattern called equilateral socks, from Joslyn Fiber Farm. It was from their sock of the month club, I believe it was the March 2006 selection.
Here's the picture . . .(I hope)

I'm not sure of the name of the yarn, but it has a wonderful feel to it. A very soft wooly quality. In fact it got a multi-sniff approval from the cat of cats. (get ready for the 2nd picture.)

The other bright spot of the day was a double blast from Secret Pal 8. I not only got my match, but heard from the sweet soul who got me.
Take care - Libraryminion
*Should have been mastering the vacumn cleaner - purlpaw

2006-05-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

GREED IS GOOD
It’s adventure time. I am venturing into the exciting world of Secret Pals. I mean to have the full blogging experience, so I have signed up for a knitters secret pals group.
Today I am posting the questionnaire. The reason being (and I quote), “By filling this out you will help your pal get to know your likes and dislikes a little better.” But fear not gentle readers you will not be getting too much information. I will be maintaining a solid G rating.
So here we go ----
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don’t really have a favorite brand or type. I am very fond of anything soft. I am not a fan of anything twine like.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I use a very large lidded plastic bin. The smaller needles(dpns) and crochet hooks are keep in a recycled Hershey’s soft caramels tin.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Serious knitting started about six years ago. I would place myself on an intermediate level.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla &/or lavender.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Big time. Caramels and soft peppermints.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I crochet, and have tried my hand at beading some stitch markers. I do not spin or dye.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Soft jazz, soundtracks. Lately I have been getting my music fix through podcasts. My computer can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I really like blues and yellows.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me and my very demanding Abyssinian cat, Katrina.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Three out of four – Houston is not a mitten friendly city.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I am on a sock kick, but hats and slippers are frequent projects.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A pair of socks using the Equailateral sock pattern from Joslyn's Fiber Farm.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
DPNs (bamboo) for socks and circulars for most other projects.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No.

17. How did you learn to knit?
I am told my mother & Grandmother tried to teach me when I was small, but it only really sank in about six years ago. I used books and one knitting class.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
Five years old. An horrible square throw.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
I am a fan of anything that will get me a day off work.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
I’m a push over for most things Disney.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
The new book “One Skein”. I only pick up an occasional magazine.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Knitting socks on circular needles.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Bring on the double points! I have a shoe size of 8, and most women
medium sock patterns fit.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) May 3rd.

Well now that wasn’t too bad. And it is very easy to scroll through if bored.

With my next entry I hope to be adding some photos, if I can figure out the digital camera.
Take care, Libraryminion

P.S. Looks like I’ll be getting some new packing toys to play with. I love the way the styrofoam peanuts squeak – purlpaw

2006-05-08T22:23:00.000-06:00

Honk Honk - Beep Beep
As people will often point out life happens. At the moment it isn't small things that I am focusing on but two rather large items. One is a new car and the other (coming along for the ride) is the loan to go with it.

Just before Easter, my sweet Prizm was turned into a piece of metal origami.
Since I live in a city that considers public transportation a passing fancy, a replacement was required. Especially with what it costs to get a rental car on short notice.

My new acquisition is a silver gray Toyota Corolla. I am going to call her Minnie(as in Mouse).* The loan will have no name, only a gloomy presence lurking in my financial life.

Take care and drive safe - Libraryminion

* Sounds like it's time for a road trip!
I'll bring the snacks. - purlpaw

2006-04-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
It's that time of year again, and I am facing yet another birthday.
This year I keep thinking that perhaps I should make some
effort to show the world that I am present and accounted for.
Nothing grand.
My level of ambition is well below sea level.
A plain vanilla blog should do nicely.

I have a small life. This is fact that I am content with.
A small life is not a bad thing.
A small life can be filled with both charm and moments of wonder.
Among them are a purr of a cat, the scent of jasmine, getting a small refund rather than paying the IRS, or unexpected call from an old friend.*

This blog will be of small things.
They provide a sense of stability that can get us through when large events over take our lives.

Take care - Libraryminion

* Don't forget the charm of a well mixed cocktail at the end of a long week - purlpaw