Early Alzheimer's or Xtreme Blondeness?

The jury's out - it could go either way... I had to laugh when I re-read some of my past posts. Clearly I have a mind like a sieve! In my defense: I am naturally blonde (although it is "enhanced" these days, it really is blonde), I have "Mom Brain" (anyone with kids knows what I mean) and finally, the French course that I am taking has eaten my brain. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Actually, after tomorrow, I may be blonder... Now I know that most blondes aren't really dumb, but I love using it as an excuse. Somedays I can just use all the help that I can get!

After a very brrr week here, I'm looking forward to some warmer weather over the weekend. We're a long way from short weather, but I know it's coming... Giddyup Mother Nature!

Baby It's COLD Outside!

And it's not exactly warm inside either! Oh - the fun of living in an old house. Good thing that I have some nice warm socks... And sometimes I even do the laundry and pair them all up! And sometimes I finish a new pair...


I finished the "Falling in Love Socks" a couple of weeks ago (before Quebec actually), but this is the first chance that I've had to post the picture.

I started with the short row heel variation, but didn't like it. There wasn't nearly enough room for my fat heels and ankles, so I said "redo" and tried the gusset heel. Much better! They were fun to knit and the pattern made interesting enough that they seemed like a very quick knit. They are now living in "The Magic Bag" awaiting the decision - wear them or gift them? It depends on which come first - a "down" day or the need for a last minute gift!

I have the mohair shawl about half cast on... again! Also on the needles: Laura Andersson's "Crazy Eights Socks" (a great way to use up some of those leftovers!), Lucy Neatby's "Camelot Socks" (it's been a while for these) and Infiknit "Walking Away Socks" (the cable version), and far too many other sweaters to mention!

Stay warm!

The Mistake of the Day

I trusted the cat today... He normally spends his days bouncing off the kitchen walls, but today, I decided to trust him. I mean, look at him - he's so sweet (when he's sleeping!). I decided to start a mohair shawl yesterday... I've had the yarn for ages. I bought it on sale 2.5 years ago. It is a lovely red - just about perfect for spring. I am CONVINCED that it will be here soon.

I gave Tiger the run of the house today. He promised to be good - honest! I came home after running a few errands, since I'm alone for a few days. I start to go up the front stairs when I realized that there is a fine fuzzy red strand of something coming down the stairs.... I found the started shawl (completely off the needles) in the living room. He had it completely tangled around some furniture. I had to cut it off. With the mohair fuzz, it took more than two tries to get things straight yesterday, so I am not impressed.

Grumble...grumble...dratted puddy tat!!!

March Break Begins...!!!

Unfortunately, I don't get March Break - but the kids do and Dad has taken the guys to visit their Nana. I get three days of peace and quiet - oh, heaven! I'm on VACATION! Son the elder left the house this morning wearing his February socks. Spoilt child that he is (not really), he has an expectation of handknit socks... He really likes these ones because they look rather like the forbidden camoflauge that he would love to wear but Dad won't allow. Sneaky... He would have preferred the cuffs to be a little bit snugger, but he didn't tell me that until after I had grafted the toes. Live and learn! At 11, I am using an adult pattern for his socks. Egads! And in a pinch, I can toss on his jacket if it is the handiest at the back door. Where did my baby go?

What I Knit On My "Vacation"...

Okay, so it wasn't really a vacation. I spent most of last week in Quebec City practicing my French. I was the first time that I had ever been, and I would love to go back! I really enjoyed it and it was a great way to do some "immersion". It was very gratifying to know that I could both understand and be understood (for the most part). Now, with six hours each way in a car, I had to do something... Knitting seemed to be the most reasonable option. I knit the little bag to the left during in the car. It's from Interweave Knits Winter 02/03. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that issue is available any more as a back issue... One skein of Koigu, some beads = 1 sweet little bag

We didn't get to stay at the Frontenac, but isn't it lovely? I took this photo from the Citadel.

Gromit Holds His Yarn Differently...

Question, as asked by Older Son: Why does Gromit hold his yarn differently?

Answer: I don't know...

Yes, we've spent part of this afternoon watching Wallace and Gromit. I'm always surprised by what kids notice, like how Gromit holds his yarn. I *think* that much of the difference is explained by me being a southpaw and Gromit being right handed (a northpaw perhaps?).

The Falling in Love Socks won... I have one sock completed, although I knit the heel probably 4 times! First I tried the short row heel, but it would have been WAY TOO narrow to be able to get my foot into... So I decided that I'd go back and do the gusset heel - a much better choice in my opinion. Coming back to the left handed biz, I had a few issues with the placement of increases and with the heel flap and it took a few tries to get it right.

Now you might be able to tell that I'm having a few technical challenges with Blogger today... So I think that I'll pack it in for now. Happy knitting and stay warm!

Well if we're going to believe the groundhogs, spring will soon be here - yippee!!! Unfortunately, with snow this morning, and many years of experience with Canadian winter, I don't really believe it.

Socks for son the younger are nearing completion. With any luck, they will be done by this evening, so that I can either move onto something new, or finish up a UFO. Considering how old some of them are, it might be like starting something new... I am sorely tempted to start the Falling in Love Socks from Magknits. They are just so yummy and lovely! But then I'm also tempted by Cairi's Sweetheart Socks ... I must be getting into the Valentine's Day spirit early this year.

This year Valentine's Day falls on Teacher Appreciation day. While I will be showering love upon the guys in my life, the teachers will also be feeling the love that day. I actually volunteered to make them lunch and serve it to them. I'm sure that I will enjoy it, but with only 11 days to go, I am feeling a little bit of panic!