Boston Worker Bee

O, Salem!

2010-08-12T19:35:00.004-04:00

My Salem 'tis of thee,
a city by the sea,
of thee I sing.
Land where the "witches" died,
and ships of the merchant kind.
To each October-time,
many Goths it brings.

This morning I woke up to the smell of sea air drifting in through the windows. Quite inspiring. These days, I am all about things ocean and maritime. I hustle home on the train, grab my bike and head over to Rice Beach, often with DH in tow. (Actually, he bikes faster, so its really me that's in tow. But I digress.) We eat our sandwiches, and watch the Fame sail past. I really don't know how I'm going to cope when summer is over. Please just send the straight jacket to McScratches Industries, Po Box 555, Salem.

My GOD it is a great year for tomatoes. I've been spending so much time over there at the garden, it's hard to keep up with my resolution to blog more.

Not exactly sure who this character is, skulking around Palmer Cove...

hello, again.

2010-07-11T13:30:00.004-04:00

Can you see the goldfinch in this picture?

Welcome to fancy living. What does that mean, you ask? It means I winter in Facebook and summer in blogger.com

Facebook isn't a really good format for musing about my garden. I need something a little more freestyle, if you will. Hence the blog re-activation.

Is there a word for the garden this year? How about "Stupendous"? People, I'm talking about the first successful crop of pumpkins, after three years of crying trying. I'm talking about tomatoes. Of course, something completely horrible could happen before harvest time, so let's not get too excited...

Summer 2009

2009-09-20T09:47:00.008-04:00

There's a chill in the air, and I'm thinking about pumpkins, fresh bread, stews, and apple orchards. But before I go down that path... one last look at summer....

My garden caused me to fall behind on my blogging, and at times my knitting. However, there were many delicious meals prepared this summer using fresh zucchini, basil, eggplants, swiss chard, and other items from my community garden plot. I love hanging out there, amongst the bees and flocks of geese and tiny birds.

Here's my little plot of land:

All summer I labored over a sweater project, which has temporarily stalled, due to some charting issues...

Let's not forget the rainy weekend I spent in NH at my summercamp reunion:

Of course, I've been working on some gift knitting I can't blog about right now, but stay tuned...

Recessionista

2009-07-20T18:27:00.002-04:00

From this

To this!

ooo! Oooo!!

2009-07-19T08:53:00.006-04:00

So I was just sitting here in my PJs, feeling a little bored, surfing through blogs I like. I haven't looked at this one in a while. I love LOVE this lady's work.

So I scroll down, and discover that some of her work is apparently on display at the Peabody Essex Museum!! Which is about three blocks away! Guess I know what I'm doing today!

I would love to collect some of these pieces, but I don't think she really sells them. Well, maybe if you have to ask, they are out of your budget anyway...

I've seen some prints that she makes for sale on her Etsy shop, and she also sells sculptural jewelry.

Mmmyello

2009-07-17T20:09:00.006-04:00

Greetings!

I've been a busy bee of late! I knit two pairs of socks (see "frankensocks" from previous post, plus a newer, better second pair of the same pattern, pictured below)

The socks above were sent away in the mail for a raffle to raise money for my old summer camp. I hope they find a good home! I really wanted to knit a pair of these for the raffle. They would have been perfect. But I've never knit intarsia before, and there wasn't really time to learn. But mark my words, I'm gonna do it. And soon.

Knitting my first two pairs of socks also necessitated having a pair of sock blockers. Since we're in a recession (and I broke the bank on Euroflax!), I decided I'd better make my own. I googled "DIY sock blockers" and came across a simple pattern using vinyl placemats; it was cheap, fast, and effective. I bought a few placemats, so I can make blockers in various sizes now.

I've been hacking away at my Eyelet Chemise. Things are going well, considering I'm usually at crisis this point along in a sweater pattern. I'm truly intrigued by Euroflax and cannot wait to be done, so I can see how it looks washed and dried. The swatch I did is incredibly soft and drapey.

I have to say, though, the Euroflax is tough on the hands. I actually have callouses in certain areas of my fingers from this yarn. I guess this is what happens when I baby my hands for so long with kid silk haze!!

I'm also working on some recessionista-type projects around the house. I bought this sad little bookshelf at a junk shop in Salem, and am busy transforming it into a wall shelf to display my teacup collection. It don't look like much now, but prepare to be dazzled.

Happy July 4th!

2009-07-03T18:27:00.000-04:00

a patriotic puss

Frankensocks

2009-06-28T10:05:00.004-04:00

I have dubbed my first completed pair of socks "Franken-socks". You can't really tell from this photo, but they are kind of baggy and droopy, which I think is party a function of the softness of the yarn (K1C2 "Ambrosia"). The yarn is some of the softest I've ever knit with, and seems geared towards bed-socks, rather than "regular" socks.

This whole heel thing is really killing me. I started work on a second pair of these socks (same yarn) for a charity raffle, and I'm going to have spend an hour today frogging out the heel section. GAH!!

Patches keeps the sock thing pretty simple. Just plain white:

Ummmmm.... not perfect.

2009-06-20T09:06:00.004-04:00

Well, I finished one sock yesterday, and noticed a pretty big mistake.

So I think I'm going to have to back-pedal a little here about how great I am and how easy it is to make socks.....

It IS easy, but there are still some pitfalls, such as, picking up the stitches for the toe and the heel evenly, and making sure you keep the pattern correct when you redistribute the stitches onto several needles after finishing the heel.

I had intended these socks to be for a charity raffle, but with these mistakes, I think it will have to be my practice pair.

ummmm.... wow

2009-06-16T18:50:00.002-04:00

I think I am starting to get the whole sock thing. I tried the "two-circular" method, which bored me to tears, and seemed very slow. Now, knitting "toe-up" on double-pointeds, as awkward as it is, I am amazed at how fast this is knitting up.

Multi-tasking, again.

2009-06-15T18:44:00.002-04:00

No sooner than I get the Eyelet Chemise under way, than I find myself agreeing to knit something for a raffle. PRESSURE, people! Deadlines!

I wanted to make these, but decided instead I'd better do something a little more my speed, especially since I've never done that kind of two color knitting!

Instead, I'm trying out some more knitting in the round with a pair of Lacy Summer Socks, from Lingerie Style

It has been cast

2009-06-12T18:47:00.004-04:00

I'm a couple inches up now on the eyelet chemise. A few mistakes, but so far nothing earth-shattering. A couple of those: "hmmm. there's 7 stiches where there should be 6" kind of moments.

After consulting with finished projects on Ravelry, I think I'm going to add a few inches in length to the overall sweater, as it will shorten a little when I wash/block it.

Something whiskery....

The 'Bee is Back

2009-06-07T08:51:00.002-04:00

After a long hiatus, adjusting to a new job and a new commute, I hath returned.

In the interim, I got a whole bunch of knitting done, learned how to knit in the round on two circulars, bought some books, tried knitting a beginner sock (zzzz), wrote a novel.... oh wait that last one is not true.

DH, god bless him, bought us a new laptop, which I love using. I blog faster on the desktop, but I'm sure I'll learn.

I also tried out posting my knitting pictures (see previous posts)via flickr. It gets the job done, but I think I prefer uploading my pictures the "old fashioned way".

Casting on - Eyelet Chemise

2009-06-07T08:41:00.003-04:00

001
Originally uploaded by bostonworkerbeeflickr

Cast on yesterday for the Eyelet Chemise from
Interweave Knits Summer 2006.

I'm using Louet Euroflax (machine washable!!). Here's my test swatch. I know, I know... I NEVER do test swatches. But this yarn was so expensive, I thought I ought to do things right this time.

Juliet Scarf (Knitting Little Luxuries)

2009-06-07T08:37:00.001-04:00

juliet scarf 1_edited-1
Originally uploaded by bostonworkerbeeflickr

This is another gift. If you recall, I made an attempt with this pattern over the winter, but for some reason, I wasn't in the zone with it. The pattern seemed to make sense this time around!

Lace Hanger Covers (Romantic Style)

2009-06-07T08:34:00.002-04:00

lace hanger cover 1
Originally uploaded by bostonworkerbeeflickr

I am giving these, plus the sachet and dish cloths to a friend as a housewarming present. The hangers were very easy to make. I ordered the padded hangers on Amazon.com, the yarn is Rowan Cotton 4 Ply.

Dish Cloth (Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring/Summer 2009)

2009-06-07T08:32:00.001-04:00

dish towel 1
Originally uploaded by bostonworkerbeeflickr

I knit this using Debbie Bliss Eco. Easy Train knit!

Lace Sachet (Interweave Knits Summer 2009)

2009-06-07T08:27:00.002-04:00

003
Originally uploaded by bostonworkerbeeflickr

I knit these on two circular needles, using left over cotton yarn from the covered hangers.

Onwards!

2009-02-27T22:25:00.003-05:00

Tonite I finished the beaded thingy that goes with Katie's lace stole. It is supposed to have elastic inside, but I couldn't quite figure it out. The elastic loop is so friggin' small, it is not quite as easy as the pattern would suggest.

I'm kind of loving this pattern book. I've already cast on for the lace hanger covers. The pattern is suprisingly easy (when you've had the benefit of private instruction from Mama Bee on how to knit, purl, knit into the same stitch!)

I think I'd better find some padded hangers before this thing gets any longer!

Feeling rather chuffed.

2009-02-23T19:26:00.004-05:00

This Sunday I had a rather nice day. I was quite productive. Not only did I do a bunch of laundry, but I made a nice dinner for me and DH (flu-stricken as he is, poor thing), went to the Library, perused the local junk store hoping to find more interesting objet (found none, alas).... and, oh! I made my own blocking board.

How did you do that, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

How to make a Blocking Board, cheaply:

1. Go to Home Depot, enter Lumber Aisle
2. Ask the guy where the sheets of styrofoam are kept.
3. Purchase a 4' x 8' sheet of 1 1/2" thick styrofoam

[3a. Struggle against the wind, trying to get it to your car without it or you snapping in half
3b. Ignore macho construction guy who makes unhelpful and obvious comments as you try to get across parking lot ("Oooo... that's going to snap.")
3c. Try to fit said foam into car.
3d. Break said foam into 2 or 3 smaller ragged chunks.]

4. Measure and cut styrofoam using your art school tools and gadgets (i.e. 36" metal ruler, mat knife)

5. Cover one side of each blocking board with contact paper (from kitchen aisle at Target).
6. Staple the contact paper in securely in place.
7. Commence blocking! Spritz and spray away! There's contact paper on that sucker, so your board won't get soggy.

What you see here is a finished lace stole, that has been gently soaked in a lavender fiber wash, and pinned out to block and dry. Per pattern instructions, I'm also knitting a beaded loop with elastic inside to use as an optional clasp to hold the stole together when worn. I'm too lazy to take a picture of that right now. All in good time.

Here's a closer look at the zig zag pattern

What you see here is something striped, looking for some trouble.

Of things Green, and Spring

2009-02-14T07:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, to one and all. This morning I awoke at dawn to discover my winter blooming jasimine has finally done just that!

What a wonderful smell. The flower buds take a long time to develop and open. They become so long and white they look as though they might fall off, and then one day, they open! DH took a sniff, and said it smells like Florida.

My banana and blood orange trees continue to prosper....

As does "project green" a birthday gift for a fashion-forward friend:

Sci-Fi Monday

2009-01-26T11:18:00.009-05:00

Give us the access codes to your tuna and kitty litter! Obey our commands!

Or we will unleash our terrible ~~breath~~ wrath..

HA! That is just Patches yawning. Her incessant napping prevents any cat uprising from being successful.

I have been "multi-tasking" (uh oh). Here's a little peek.

"Project Blue"

"Project Green"

Acts of contrition

2009-01-22T19:12:00.003-05:00

Forgive me bloggy, it has been a month since my last confession.

So where have I been, what have I been doing? Why hath the blog sufferedeth? The burning questions of our time!

The past few months have been rather busy! Busy at work, busy job interviewing, busy with friends and family over holidays. Busy feeling psyched that we have a new Prez. The job interviewing has recently led to the successful procurement of a new position, which I am feeling excited about.

I'll be starting in a week or so. Turns out I really do have a little bit of the "city girl" in me, and I am looking forward to getting a lot of knitting done as I commute back and forth to the new job in town.

I'll miss a lot of things about my old job and my old commute: Grace, Marla, sleeping late, seeing Patches at lunchtime, having the time to cook real meals at dinner time for me and DH.

HAVE you been knitting at all, you might ask? Why yes I have! Over the holidays, I managed to finish this scarf as a gift for my co-worker Grace.

It is made with 3 skeins of Frog Tree 100% Alpaca (worsted weight, using a lace pattern from the Harmony Guide: Lace & Eyelets book).

Which brings me to my next thought (I'm freestylin' here)..

My Favorite Knitting Things So Far in 2009:
Romantic Style by Jennie Atkinson (xmas gift from DH)
French Girl Knits (new book published by Interweave Press, which I MUST have)
Kid Silk Haze (still a fave)
Frog Tree Alpaca
Alpaca, in general

I have been queuing up a storm on Ravelry. I'm kind of feeling like 2009 is my big comeback year. Look out world.

Sleigh bells ring

2008-12-07T14:24:00.006-05:00

Are you listenin' ...? In the lane, snow is glistenin'!

I'm deliquent in my blogging duties, I know.

Had a lovely visit on Saturday with Reba and NPR Emily - wonderful to see you ladies! It is terrible that I don't have the pleasure of your company (and baked goods) every work day, as I used to! I tried to convince them to move to Salem, but thus far they have resisted. We'll see. Reba was pretty resistant to being called Reba, at first.

I've been diligently working on my Juliet Scarf which is (hopefully) going to be an xmas present for a co-worker.

Juliet Scarf

Juliet Rosette (to pin on scarf)

I was making great progress on it, however: it is a rather complicated lace pattern. So I had gotten this far on a previous attempt before I made a big mistake, tried to frog, and had a meltdown:

This morning I slept in, and when I looked out the window, it was snowing! Snowing hard! Hooray! Our first snow of the season.

I ate my breakfast, grabbed my camera, and took some photos of Salem in the snow.

Apple trees

Derby House

Big tree

Garden fence

The Friendship

Derby Street Witch

Derby Street Wreath

Festive Doorway

Blaney Street whirlygigs

Daniels House

Tid bits

2008-11-12T08:37:00.003-05:00

I've been knitting up a storm. In fact, I've got so many projects queued up, I don't even know where to start. Unfortunately, I can't blog in detail about it, as some of these items may end up being gifts (if they aren't too messed up looking). Oh, but I wish I could tell you!

And now, a word from our sponsor....

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Act now and we'll also include a roll of deluxe toilet paper. Enjoy hours of entertainment while the humans sleep!

Halloween

2008-11-03T08:19:00.006-05:00

Seeing as I live in Halloween-town, I thought you might enjoy some photos from our big night....

Our pumpkin

when will those trick-o-treaters get here!

Night falls....

Halloween Carnival

Carnival rides

Hey, that guy is dressed up as DH!

Jackolanterns...

... everywhere

Halloween tree. Won't come down until after Christmas!!

She's got good taste in yarn

2008-10-26T15:30:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my readers for the helpful comments in my last posting. I'm looking forward to checking out Rhonda's next class in February!

I decided with the holidays coming up, that one "palette cleanser" project was not enough. I used a gift certificate DH gave me last year to buy this book (I now have the complete set!), and started a lace scarf project. It's knitting up fast, since it is sport weight alpaca (frog tree, becoming a new fave for me), and I'm using size 8 needles. Instant gratification, people.

Speaking of yarn. I think we all know that Patches has a taste for the stuff. DH awoke early one morning recently, and went downstairs to make the horrifying discovery that Patches had broken into my good yarn basket. He found two intact balls of frog tree alpaca under the kitchen table, and the entrails of my really nice (green colorway) Malabrigo wool spewed throughout the first floor.

Its very upsetting to think she was probably planning it for weeks. BAD KITTY!

Palette cleanser

2008-10-20T21:19:00.003-04:00

Well, I finished the sweater. I tried it on, and I kind of like it, but it is just a little bit too short, and just a little bit too boxy in the shoulders for my taste. I'll give it some time, but I'm afraid what we have on our hands is yet another sweater I don't want to wear!

UGH!

I finally used a gift certificate DH gave me for Valentine's, and while I'm waiting for this to arrive, I thought I'd treat myself to a palette cleanser, if you will.

I picked this embroidery up...

Eventually, it should look something like this....

Are you stressed? About the economy? Patches wants you to stop being stressed.

She thinks you should go take a nap. Right nowwwwwwwwwwww....

Almost

2008-10-12T11:19:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it. I'm almost done with Sweater Number Two. It just needs the ribbon at the top of the neck, and a little final blocking, and it'll be ready to go.

The ripping out of things and frogging was definitely worth it. The seams are much better executed, and I think I got a higher quality result by doing things the "right" way.

The sleeves were pretty tricky. I ended up using a mattress seam to sew them in, as the technique the pattern recommended was a bit tricky.

Despite all my grumbling, I think I might tackle my third consecutive kid silk haze sweater, as my next project. I'm contemplating knitting this in KSH.

Progress

2008-10-05T12:21:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my long absence! My blog has definitely been increasingly neglected. However, my plants and sweater have not!

Check out my dwarf banana tree. Yes! It actually produces edible bananas, like the ones you get in the grocery store, only half the size.

My dwarf fern tree lends a tropical feel to the abode:

I've made significant progress with the sweater. After ripping out the shoulder and side seams, and frogging out the neck, things are beginning to look up. I taught myself how to do the the three needle bind off, and the matress stitch seam technique. The difference in the quality of the seams is significant. I have seen the light. I was worried the sweater would be too small, but it seems to fit better now. Although, you can see from this photo that it is desgned to hit very high on the waist.

If its worth doing, its worth doing right...

2008-08-30T21:22:00.003-04:00

After much soul searching, and consulting with the knitting expertise of MamaBee, I've decided to rip out the neck AND the shoulder seams, and try this over again. Instead of doing a matress stitch seam for the shoulders, I will do a three needle bind off. And I'm going to alter the neckband instructions a little.

It's not going to be fun. Ripping out stitches in kid silk haze is like pulling yarn off of velcro.

But its the mature thing to do.

Here's some before photos:

Almost done!

2008-08-26T13:40:00.002-04:00

I'll try to post some photos tonite, but I am ALMOST done with "sweater number two". I seamed the shoulders, and started working on the neck band. I'm afraid to say I may have to rip the neck out and start over, having already done this once. I'm finding it difficult to cleanly pick up the stitches from the bound off edges around the neckline. It's making the neck look terribly sloppy.

Two frustrating things about knitting sweaters:

1. when they don't fit (I'm still holding my breath on this one - it seems a little small!)

2. when the pieces look nice, but your seaming and finishing doesn't.

sigh.

Sleeve

2008-08-14T17:51:00.002-04:00

Ha! See what I'm capable of, when I really apply myself?

I've finished the first sleeve, and may be able to polish off the second one by early next week. Wouldn't tha' be somethin'.

Note to self: all future sweaters shall be short sleeve, not long sleeve!

Sweater Update

2008-08-07T20:35:00.003-04:00

So, I HAVE in fact been knitting this summer. Just look! I'm almost done with the front of the sweater. Then its on to the (short) sleeves.

Today the new fall issue of Interweave Knits arrived. Sweet!

coming back from hiatus

2008-08-02T08:32:00.002-04:00

Ye gods! I just looked at the date of my last post! It's like Rip Van Winkle!

I expect you'll be wanting a full explanantion for this...

I wish I could say I've been in Europe, but sadly that is not the case! I have been enjoying the splendors of Salem in Summer.

Stay tuned!

Who IS this guy?

2008-06-19T19:16:00.002-04:00

One day recently, I once again had that funny "I'm being watched" feeling

... So I look out the window, and I see THIS guy...

He seems to lord it over the window sill now, although I do occasionally see the other one. The only city that has more cats than this one, is perhaps Rome

Hot in the city...

2008-06-08T18:37:00.005-04:00

Hot in the city TONITE!

And yet, I'm contemplating doing a little more work on my knitting. I'm making good progress on the front section of the Maggie Sweater. I've completed the split/divided front opening, and now I work each section of the neck separately.

It was definitely a little cooler here in Salem than in Boston, but the heat finally caught up with us.

Ugh.

Hungry? You might enjoy this photo of the italian feast DH's great aunt prepared for us on our recent jaunt to DC. It was STUPENDOUS!

Spam, Spam, Spam

2008-05-31T21:19:00.002-04:00

How appropriate that at the same time BBC America decides to run its Monty Python marathon (which we taped!), that my computer should also become infected with a "worm". My hotmail email account, which I've had for EIGHT years (wow! that's as long as I've known DH!) became infected, and everyone in my address book received spam messages from me.

If you are one of the recipients of such spam, I do apologize!

I officially shut down the account a few minutes ago. It's the end of an era. Sniff! But getting a worm has made me feel rather violated. DH keeps telling me to relax, but I do worry about if a worm can send spam to everyone in your address book, what else can it do!

While I'm cleaning house, I may decide to migrate my blog to another service, such as typepad, as some other knit bloggers have done. I'll keep you posted to any changes!

Hmm. What to label this post under. I don't have a category for spam or email worms. Guess I'll file this under being irish. What with our luck and all that.. (get it..??!!)

Patches the Grey

2008-05-14T20:19:00.001-04:00

Crops 'n such

2008-05-07T20:46:00.004-04:00

Oh, you didn't know I'm a part-time condo farmer? Aswim in Knits can buy her local produce from me.

I planted these Arugala seeds on Sunday afternoon. Here it is wednesday night. Now that's what I call germinating (!):

Here's a sampling of some of my other crops...

Yes, we have no bananas ~~today~~ yet!

Basil! Essential for fresh tomato sauces.

Blood Orange!

Fresh Kitten, ready for market.

Not pictured: Tomatoes and parsley.

Coming soon: lavender seeds (I know, they'll take a few years to grow), Echinacea, Sage

On order: 1 baby goat and silk worms (kid silk haze)

What have I been doing lately?

2008-04-26T15:38:00.003-04:00

Sorry for my absence! I've been very busy at the new job (going well), and taking advantage of the warm weather to get a few things done around the garden.

Last sunday I began Rhonda's crochet class at my LYS. I never learned to crochet, and there have been many times I've chose not to work on a knitting pattern because it had crochet finishing. No more! We are working on a scarf that will have a wave pattern.

Lest you think I've been neglecting my knitting... I'm still plugging away at the
Maggie Sweather, aka "sweater number two". Here's a peek:

Ice Queen e finito

2008-04-03T21:05:00.001-04:00

I finally finished it! The picot cast off was a bit of a challenge. But, when you stop and actually follow directions, its not so bad!

Here's a few preliminary pics. I'll eventually put some better ones on ravelry. But for now this is what I have.

Cycle of Shame: Patches' Private Journey

2008-03-26T21:25:00.004-04:00

Last night DH and I came home from dinner out, flicked on the kitchen light, and discovered Patches in the act of shredding some toilet paper. It'd been weeks, nay, months since her last attack. Why the relapse Patches? Why?

To better understand her desparate situation, I've outlined the five steps of toilet paper addiction.

Step 1: Rebellion.
Step 2: Wallowing.

Step 3: Codependence.

Step 4: Aggression.

Step 5: Shame.

First day

2008-03-24T18:39:00.002-04:00

Survived my first day at my new job! My new coworkers are really nice, and it was a pretty easy day over all. I'm enjoying it, because I'm sure I'll have a ton of work by the week's end!

I'm almost done with Ice Queen, and also getting back to work on Sweater Number Two

I'll try to post some pics later this week!

2008 New England Flower Show

2008-03-17T17:29:00.005-04:00

I thought you might be needing a dose of flowers and spring. Here are some photos from the Flower Show I went to on Saturday. Enjoy!

How'd you like to have this in your backyard?

Another view

Frilly daffodils

Foxglove

Moss

Bonsai

Tropical houseplants

Dog of Ivy

Birds of Ivy

Orchids under water, arrangement

Deleting comments

2008-03-16T10:57:00.002-04:00

Friendly public service announcement... You may notice some weirdness in the comments section of my posts... I've been getting hit with some weird "spam" comments the past week or so, and have been deleting them.

JUMP!

2008-03-14T21:56:00.003-04:00

OMG. When I came home tonite, from my last day at MIT, DH had a funny surprise waiting for moi. He's been taking classes on video editing at the local access TV station. He made a short video of Patches calle "JUMP!", and it was so funny. I'm hoping we can get it up on google video or YouTube.

It really made me laugh, and I was feeling sad about leaving my buddies at MIT.

Spring has sprung....

2008-03-12T20:43:00.005-04:00

The tomatoes are riz....

Umm... I better call Mom and tell her we're canning tomatoes this summer!

I finally put new batteries in the digital camera. It's been BUSY lately. Winding things down at work, getting ready to gear up for the new job, DH's 40th b-day... Whew!

I did find time to order some seeds. I signed up for a space in the local community garden, but I'm on the waiting list. My neighbors ok'd the idea of putting some plants in our yard though, so these will have a home one way or another. I also broke down and bought a few plants by mail order. Would you like to see...?

Dwarf Banana Tree. Grows to about 3 ft tall, and produces regular sized edible bananas, like you'd find in the grocery store!

Blood Orange Tree. Tastes like a regular orange (the really good ones are more tart)but the flesh is dark purple-red.

Northern Patches. Needs full sun, often grows wild. Difficult to cultivate.

Ice Queen and other matters

2008-02-29T13:19:00.002-05:00

I'm making real progress on Ice Queen. I've been knitting this at home and on the train. The latter can be a bit difficult, so there have been times I've ended a row and discovered too few or too many stitches, and had to increase or decrease to keep the lace pattern correct. Here's a sneak peak:

And a close up:

And how I keep all my beads together:

Pre-beading the yarn is both convenient and a hassle. It's great, because I don't have to worry about spilling beads on the train. However, constantly having to stop, and push the beads down the yarn on the rows I don't use them is a pain, and has created some tangles here and there.

I haven't been at SnB lately, because work has been incredibly busy. I'm barely keeping up with what I need to do. And, matters are complicated by the fact that I have a new job!! That's right! I just accepted a new position at a non-profit in my very own town of Salem. My last day at MIT will be in two weeks.

Things I'll miss about MIT:
My officemate and office friends
MIT SnB
Danielle, Femiknit, the Wanton Seed Stitch, and Rhonda the Stitching nut
My iMac and PhotoBooth
Having my own office with a door
A great boss

I'm thrilled about my new job, and my new commute (ten minutes anyone?). I'm looking forward to making news friends there and the exciting work that lies ahead. But all the same, I will really really miss MIT. Change is hard!

I think in the future, Rhonda can expect to see me more often at Seed Stitch!

you get the picture

2008-02-20T09:34:00.003-05:00

My digital camera at home is out of batteries, and I'm too lazy at the moment to do anything about it. Here's a photo update of Ice Queen courtesy of my on-board computer camera. Not the best quality, but you get the idea.

No SnB for me today

2008-02-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

:-(

I was out of the office yesterday, so I need to catch up on some things today.

I made some progress on Ice Queen yesterday while I was at home... It has beads! It has beads!

It definitely seems to resemble the Ice Queen as depicted in the photos on knitty, so I think I'm on the right track.

We'll see. Bead placement/chart reading could be an issue!

Ice Queen update

2008-02-12T14:55:00.000-05:00

I finished doing the picot cast-on for Ice Queen. Here's a rather sketchy photograph that doesn't do it justice.

It's incredibly soft and fluffy!

I hope to get a few more rounds done, with beads, so I can see how it's going to look.

If I get this done in time (ya RIGHT!) I might give this to a friend who has a b-day coming up, and break the cycle of selfish knitting.

Ice Queen commenceth

2008-02-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Rhonda, I finally cast on for Ice Queen (version B)

She recommended I do a "picot cast on" rather than a provisional cast on. Thanks again for teaching me how to do that! I finished the cast on over the weekend, and this morning on the train started translating the chart into a notebook for easier knitting.

Stay tuned for a photo....

Aimee Sweater - critique

2008-02-06T09:50:00.001-05:00

I'm wearing the Aimee Sweater - in public - today. I feel kind of lukewarm about the final product. The douceur et soie brand yarn I used, which is a blend of mohair and silk, is very droopy. Plus, I think I could have gotten away with doing a size smaller. The net result is a sweater that looks/feels kind of baggy to me. I also think its a bit too long. I much prefer things that are fitted.

I might someday try this again, in KSH and a different color. and shoulder pads. HA! just kidding!

The Ice Queen stalleth

2008-02-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

Well. I tried to cast on for Ice Queen. But the provincial cast on that Rhonda recommended is proving to be a little challenging. I printed out the directions for the PC that knitty.com linked to, but I'm all thumbs and elbows with this one.

I strung all my beads onto the kidsilk haze, though. This seems to be an acceptable technique. The idea being that everytime the pattern calls for a bead, you just slide one down the yarn, and presto!

We'll see.

Rhonda, if you're out there, and planning on being at SnB this week, I may beg your indulgence for another cast on demo.

Finished object! Aimee Sweater

2008-02-03T14:35:00.001-05:00

I've finally finished the Aimee Sweater! I just need to add the ribbon thru the waist. I'll pick that up on my lunch break tomorrow. I thought I'd wait to do the official photo of me wearing it until I got that squared away. I also need to find a new short to wear with it. Most peope who've knit this wear it with a collared/button down shirt.

Here's a preview:

Gargoyle

2008-01-29T19:58:00.001-05:00

A gargoyle has been camping out on top of our laundry machines.

Finished Object!!

2008-01-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

Home sick today. I don't know how I managed it, but I caught some kind of viral throat/cold thingy. Not pleasant!

On the bright side, MIT SnBers will be extremely surprised to hear that I actually have a finished object to show off!

This weekend I finished the Debbie Bliss Cross Over Jacket, for Lady S's new baby. I hope it fits the baby, but if not it should make a good sweater for a doll. I posted my comments/critique on my ravelry page, as well as project specs, for those interested.

Rhonda will be pleased to know that I am seaming my lace sweater that has been languishing for a while. I'm about halfway done seaming it, and stopped since I'm kind of delirious at the moment!

ummmm... DO OVER!

2008-01-10T15:10:00.001-05:00

I frogged my poll. Check it out.

so I should explain

2008-01-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

The reason for my new mini-poll.... I've noticed an abundance of cat references and photos on knitting blogs and ravelry. So far, things are leading to dogs. Very surprising.

I won't be in SnB today... I have to run to whole foods on my lunch break to get the ingredients I need for the annual bake off in my office, which is tomorrow!

This weekend I am determined to finish my secret project, so I can mail it and finally get to some other things, such as seaming my Aimee sweater, and casting on for ice queen.

stay tuned!

check out my new poll

2008-01-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I polled you.

Tis the season, eh?

scroll to the bottom of my blog for the poll!

branching out

2007-12-26T15:06:00.000-05:00

I have yet to assemble my Aimee Sweater, my secret xmas project I can't blog about, OR my Sweater Number Two.

And yet, I'm having crewel thoughts

I've always liked how visually bold and expressive this kind of embroidery can be. Does anyone have other "cool" sources for iron-on patterns/kits? The crewel community doesn't seem to be quite as organized as the knitting community. Online embroidery pattern searches yield a lot of stuff that is (I hope I'm not offending anyone here) very cutesy and old ladyish.

I suppose I could design my own...

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a wonderful christmas and a happy new year!

The Friendship, Derby Wharf, Salem, MA

multi-tasking

2007-12-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

At the moment I am:

1. blogging
2. making lasagna
3. doing 3 loads laundry
4. thinking about finishing my xmas wrapping
5. "supervising" DH, who has started re-painting our bedroom and bathroom
6. admiring my updated ravelry page. check out the projects and stash sections. I added some photos.
7. drinking a beer.

DANG! I forgot to take a "before" photo. Our bedroom ~~has~~ had purple barney walls and magenta wainscotting. from the previous owners. Throw in some velvet and you've got yourself Prince's "Purple Rain".

I'll be back!

holiday greetings!

2007-12-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

I've been a lazy blogger lately. Bear with me! There's been a lot to do at work and at home, and I've had a few secret projects I've been working on for DH and others that I can't blog about yet.

I won't be able to make it to SnB this week. Lots of work, sadly. Have fun ladies!

I hope to get more up on my blog this weekend, and I'm looking forward to organizing a post-holiday knit-a-long with Rhonda, my kid silk haze enabler!

Farewell Emmy.

2007-12-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

My friend, The Rev lost a very dear four-legged friend this week. I'm thinking about you! I tried to send you an email, but I got some weird error message, so I thought I'd send you a message via blog instead.

hih, hih, hih!

2007-12-05T12:31:00.000-05:00

That's the sound of me hyperventilating. I just went online to Knitty, an online knitting mag that for some ~~insane~~ reason I don't really read that much, and I saw ICE QUEEN.

I must make it.

It would be the perfect pattern to learn how to do beads on a lace pattern. Maybe I should try this before attempting Butterfly? Eh?

oof !

2007-12-03T19:56:00.000-05:00

There's hardly been any time for blogging!

This weekend I had to take patches to the vet (annual checkup, and NO she's still not speaking to me!), then caught a movie with DH (Dan in Real Life). In between, lots of errands and chores. On Sunday, I joined a few new friends in Salem for the annual Christmas in Salem walking tour of historic homes. Some very fancy places out there. I got a few decorating tips.... monogrammed silver goblets, for instance! They go with everything!! ;-)

On the train I've been working on a knitting project I can't blog about at the moment as it will ruin someone's christmas if I do!

I've also embarked upon a top secret xmas project for DH.

This HARDLY leaves time for working on my ravelry page, now does it!

what a busy weekend!

2007-11-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

My Ravelry invite finally arrived. I have a lot of work to do to get my page together, but if you are on ravelry, check me out: bostonworkerbee

For those of you who aren't familiar, Ravelry is a new website for knitters/crocheters/fiberists. It allows users to create an online notebook with details and photos of their projects, yarn stashes, patterns, you name it. That is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of really cool "sharing" features. If you need pattern ideas for a certain type of yarn, for instance, you can search the websites of other ravelry users for ideas. It would take a long time to explain all the endless ways to use it, so I'll stop here. Ravelry is in the Beta testing phase, but eventually, everyone will be able to sign in and use it!

I finished the back section of Sweater number two. But the instructions for the shoulder shaping decreases were really difficult to understand (its supposed to be an easy pattern!!). I'm pretty sure I screwed it up, as the shoulder shaping on my finished piece doesn't resemble anything like a shoulder shaping.

The long wait is nearly over

2007-11-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

I've been checking the ravelry waiting list checker for days now, and my long wait is almost over:

You signed up on November 1, 2007
You are #51757 on the list.
1885 people are ahead of you in line.
8252 people are behind you in line.
83% of the list has been invited so far

I think in 2-3 days I should have my invite. Yahoo!

Over the Thanksgiving break I will be:

Ravelry-ing
Home improving
working on a secret-knitting-project-I-can't blog-about yet-lest-I-ruin-the-surprise
working on sweater number two

Oh, by the way, I finished frogging those effing rows I messed up. I think I managed to eff up the frogging as well, because I was off by two stitches at the end. But you know what? It all works out in the end.

Close encounters....

2007-11-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

... of the CAT kind!

This weekend, DH and I had a lovely new storm door installed. It was not cheap, but we think it is going to save us big $$ on our heating bill. The front door is old and very pretty, but lets a big draft in. We're also putting in new "sweeps" along the bottom. Hermetically sealed is the effect we're going for.

I was showing DH the features of the new door, when out of nowhere that rough looking orange tabby came running up the steps and nearly squeaked in. Patches happened to be loitering nearby, and they locked eyes.

Let's run that photo again, so folks can get a better look.

Whoaaaa! I guess Monsieur L'Orange isn't quite ready for his close-up. Simmer down, buddy.

Here's a peek at sweater number two not-fully-frogged. I frogged one row, and have five more to go, which I think I'll tackle tonite after dinner:

To frog or not to frog

2007-11-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

That is the question. On the train home last night, I was counting stitches and realized I really effed up on armhole decreases when I translated the pattern for sweater number two, otherwise known as "Maggie" by Rowan (of course!)

Fixing this (unless I find more pattern translation mistakes) would involve frogging (ripping out, for my non-knitting friends) 5 rows. But I am actually contemplating ripping the whole thing out, and rewriting the WHOLE PATTERN so I can knit it completely in the round, as opposed to flat. I've discovered that my "knit" rows are way tighter than my "purl". It doesn't look so bad, but it bothers me....

The wee one

2007-11-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

A special blog posting to my friend Lady S, who today became the proud mom of a baby girl! Congrats!

I doubt that she will be reading this anytime soon, but DH and I send our good thoughts and best wishes nonetheless!

I went and did it

2007-11-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

I finally caved and signed up for the mysterious Ravelry

Here's my vitals:
You are #51757 on the list.
13061 people are ahead of you in line.
0 people are behind you in line.
68% of the list has been invited so far

When my invite comes, first order of business will be infiltrating the grey-tabby-loving-kid-silk-haze-worshipping community. Sometimes known as GTLKSHW

Vacation photos

2007-10-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

If any one is interested in checking out my photos of Rome, Perugia, and Assisi, look no further!

An update on sweater number two will be forthcoming later today.

What's the buzz ?

2007-10-24T16:26:00.000-04:00

I'm baaaaacccckkkk!

Man I'm tired! italy was terrific. I woudln't describe it as a relaxing vacation. Daily hikes of 12+ kilometres (uphill) is tiring. We saw so many beautiful things and ate so much great food. I'm hoping to post some photos online this weekend, so stay tuned.

I got some serious knitting done too. I'm almost half way done with the back section of my latest Rowan sweater project (kid silk haze!) that I started right before I left.

DH and I came to some realizations on this trip... mainly that we are getting too old and too soft to stay in really dive-y accommodations (like our hotel in Rome). We need things like a soft comfy bed, a hot shower, and clean clothes. We were away long enough to really appreciate the luxuries we have at home. Such as a soft bed, a hot shower, and laundry machine. Oh, and Patches!

Speaking of... How did she take us being gone? Pretty well. Gramma and Grampa (Mamabee and BabboBee) came over to hang out with her. Additionally there was the pet sitter, and another friend who stopped by to socialize. I think she didn't even notice we were gone! There's a saying that dogs have owners, and cats have staff. This is particularly true of Patches. Gramma reported that there was at least one toiletpaper attack, but sorry, no photo.

I'm trying to adjust back into work. Lots of work piled up. Stay tuned for vacation photos.

Benvenuti di Roma!

2007-10-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

Ciao amici!

Boston worker bee is bloggin to you live from Rome! DH and I got here this afternoon, starving and tuckered. We're not quite up to speed yet, meal/time wise, but we're planning on getting into that tomorrow.

The weather here is terrific. Its cloudy and looks like it may rain, but warm enough to wear sandals and skirts. I got quite a bit done on sweater number two. I wish I could upload a photo. I managed to get thru security at Logan and Frankfurt without getting my knitting needles taken away. Hurrah!

Tonite we going to wander around and stay awake as long as we can. Tomorrow is a big day of eating and soaking in the atmosphere!

Can I just say?

2007-10-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

I LOVE kid silk haze.

I haven't started blocking the first sweater yet, but in the meantime thought I'd get things up and running with sweater number 2

The difference between Douceur et Soie and kid silk haze is pretty noticeable. KSH seems to be considerably more springy and fluffy, without being scratchy. Already it seems to be holding its shape better and I think will block very nicely.

Here's a sneak peak

Vacation count down is on

2007-10-03T13:49:00.000-04:00

If I'm blogging at work, that means the Vacation Count Down is ON!!

I just took down my vacation web-poll. Hey, you had plenty of time to vote! The results were as follows:

Total votes: 25

Where should Worker Bee go on vacation in October 2007?

China 12%
Japan 0%
India 24%
Greece/Turkey 36%
Sicily 28%

I'm surprised not a single person voted for Japan. Where's the love? Didn't anyone see Lost in Translation? I'll get there one day....

I'm embarrassed to report we are not going to any of the above destinations. And after all that voting! Very considerate of us, I know! On Monday, DH and I are flying out to Rome! For two weeks! Hooray! Our travels will include a week in Assisi, Umbria, and hopefully some day-trips to other Umbrian towns nearby and Napoli, south of Rome. I look forward to reporting back. The MamaBee and BabboBee will be checking in on Patches while we're away.

On a completely different note... do you want to see something really cool? do ya? My co-worker sent me a link to this really interesting and creative knitter's site. Damn, wish I'd thought of that!

A Cold War Has Begun

2007-09-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like you're being watched?

2007-09-23T16:15:00.001-04:00

This weekend, I was sitting on my bed, in a Hopper-esque manner, contemplating my plan for the day, when I got this uncanny feeling someone was watching me.

Then, staring out my window at my neighbor's house ~~you know, the one whose hideous boyfriend revs his harley motorcyle every morning at 4:30AM~~ , and locked eyes with this:

You probably notice that he/she looks like a mini Patches. Dammit. Stop haunting my dreams, kitten.

Lady S swung by for a visit. What a nice day we had! Oh, and just as she was pulling into my driveway, I.... ummmm... finished the LAST SLEEVE. I KNOW! I can't believe it either. This week, I'll be buying a blocking board so we can get this puppy put together. Here's all ze parts:

Patches has pretty much taken over the command center. Notice the permanent cat-dent she's made on the upper right part of the back cushion?

a little advice

2007-09-12T21:32:00.000-04:00

when you are teaching yourself how to knit socks, don't make the mistake of thinking that a baby bootie would be easy, because hey, it's so small, it'll knit up fast! And then you discover that knitting something tiny in the round with double-pointed needles is like, virtually impossible with your Andre the Giant fingers.

And then, you get half the bootie done, and discover that suddenly your knit stitches are showing up as purl, because somehow you've twisted the bootie the wrong way. Because while you were trying to figure out the F***ing pattern, you were transported into an alternate reality that also turned your knitting inside out. Which wasn't a problem before, but now it is.

And then your half-a-bootie is so sad that even the cat won't give it the time of day.

Frig.

But you know, I don't give up easily. I'll be back.

Her shredding technique is unstoppable

2007-09-01T19:20:00.001-04:00

Her ...filing technique leaves a bit to be desired, but when it comes to shredding, you know who to call:

There goes the neighborhood

2007-08-26T17:21:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago, I was sitting in my living room, minding my own business and I hear the sounds of horses going clip-clop. That can only mean trouble. We've had a LOT of problems with rough gangs of historical re-enacters harrassing the elderly, etc. They get loaded on their sassafrass beer, and roam the streets. It's ghastly. So, I look out my living room window to see this:

Hayrides? Didn't I tell you the world is gone to hell in a hand basket. Well, don't say I didn't warn you.

Idleness also leads to trouble, so MamaBee and I rolled up our sleeves, and made this summer's batch of peach jam.

This weekend, I went up to NH for a friends wedding. The wedding was terrific and I had a great time reconnecting with old friends and swimming in Laurel Lake. I was sad to leave you! I wish I was jumping off the dock right NOW. Safe travels to you all, and I hope we see each other again soon.

A little nonsensical P.S. for a few summercamp friends spotted this weekend who may be lurking:

Howdy Lady S, and The Rev! Hey... that sounds like something out of Smokey and the Bandit. I'll listen for you on the CB, lil' buddies.

and [welcome back] "Mz. Cotter" (pronounced Mizzzzz Caahhhht-TAIR), also occasionally called Jenn. For god's sake, stop lurking and leave a comment, woman!

Speaking of DH....

2007-08-17T15:55:00.000-04:00

The guy never ceases to amaze me. He just alerted me to the fact that the Harvard Wellness Center will be offering the following new course to staff, students, etc.:

MINDFUL PRACTICE:
LEARNING TO KNIT FOR WELLNESS
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm
CWHC Resource Room, 75 Mt. Auburn Street, 2E, HUHS
Oct 3 - Oct 24

Who knew? I wonder if knitting also counts as exercise!

The course isn't yet posted on the University Health Services website, but I'll keep an eye out and post a link when it is, just in case we have any potential Harvard knitters lurking that need encouragement.

How many times has your DH told you this?

2007-08-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

This week's New Yorker has something we knitters can relate to:

chewin' the fat

2007-08-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

I got my latest issue of Interweave Knits, but I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Not many of the patterns jumped out at me. Although, I did really like these two projects:

I have enough on my plate for the time being. I worked on my last sleeve some more last night, while DH read aloud to me from a book of short stories. I'm hoping I can get the sleeve done by the end of August, so that I can get it blocked and sewn togather, and move onto my next project.

The way Friday nights are supposed to be

2007-07-27T21:27:00.000-04:00

Tonight I took the Salem Ferry home from work with a co-worker. It leaves from the dock right next the aquarium. While we waited, we took a gander at these beauties, which is one of my favorite things to do when I'm around that neck of the woods. I really want two or three of these for myself. Of course their faces and plump bellies reminded me instantly of Patches.

Lo and behold, when we got to Salem, I gave my co-worker a tour of our place, and she noted how much Patches looks like a seal.

Now that's what I call a win-win.

Huffle me Puffle

2007-07-24T14:08:00.001-04:00

I got this quiz from Rhonda.

I'm
a Hufflepuff!

Here's what she's been doing

2007-07-23T20:11:00.001-04:00

A few of you have inquired as to how Patches is handling the move.

Well, basically, she's ~~become completely feral~~ life is good. There's an abundance of stairs and carpeting, and she has claimed the third floor as her private lair. I mean it... Don't go up there!!

I thought I'd post a few photos of me place, matey:

This used to be an oven once upon a time! It's called a beehive oven. It now contains a litter box, and recycling. How glamorous.

This is how we get in and out.

This is where I over cook the %$#@! chicken. #@!$!

It's like Disneyland, every night at 9PM, a fireworks display goes off. Actually, this is July 4th. But you can see it from our place!!

Gathering strength for nocturnal activities.

Knitters are nice.

2007-07-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

They're really friendly people. Last night I stopped by SSFY for community knitting and had a very nice time. I hope to be back again next Thursday night. They have a rather nice selection of Rowan yarns, including kid silk haze. I couldn't resist picking up the latest issue of Rowan Magazine.

Yarn kitsch, and other good things

2007-07-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

My friend Betty Crocker sent me this funny link. Check this out. I laughed my head off. Mama Bee still has some old knitting magazines with some crazy patterns like those featured here. I think I saw one that had a pattern for a crocheted lampshade, and matching vest.

I'm opting out of SnB again today, this time to trot over to the Kendall Square farmer's market. If they have some decently priced basil, I may try making some homemade pesto this weekend.

Tonite, after work, I'm heading over to Community Knitting at SSFY. Keep an eye out for me Rhonda!

Moving Day, from Patches Point of View

2007-07-06T19:01:00.000-04:00

Uh. Muh. Gawd.

2007-06-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

I'm really tired. Salem is AWESOME!!!

Our closing went well, and DH and I officially own our place. Which we LOVE.

I'm blogging from the local library, because our place is in such a state of chaos, I don't dare describe it. No phone, no email. Patches thrives on chaos, however. She has a lot more room to roam around.

Long story, short: movers didn't finish unloading until 11PM. Most of heavy furniture cannot fit up our staircase to the 2nd and 3rd floors, so we have some problem solving ahead.

Must. rest.

Movin' on Up!

2007-06-28T09:26:00.001-04:00

Home selling and home buying can make the most reasonable, rational person completely superstitious. Which is why I haven't said much about my moving plans. But I think I can finally tell you that DH and I will be moving TOMORROW to our new home. We're closing AND moving tomorrow, so please send us your good thoughts for things to go smoothly.

The best part? I'll be living about a TEN MINUTE WALK from Rhonda's favorite yarn shop!

Is Salem ready for this 50% left-brained, 50% right-brained, blue-aura'd, cat-lovin' fool? Just look what I did to Quincy:

Oh wait, sorry, that's DH at closing. HA!

DH was here...

2007-06-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

Busy weekend

2007-06-17T15:43:00.000-04:00

Didn't this used to be a knitting blog?

Why yes! For the first time in a while, I found the where-with-all to work on my sweater. According to previous posts, I'm on the second sleeve. Quite frankly, it has been so long now, I can't remember! Here's a pic:

I don't want to say too much just yet, but DH and I have made considerable progress on our housing thing. There's still some paperwork to wrap up, but we've begun packing and are getting ready to close on our condo and move to our new home! Mama-Bee and Babbo-Bee came down to help us get rid of an old kitchen cabinet, while DH waited around for the glass repairman. Oh, yeah, some punk smashed our windshield early last Sunday morning.

Mom entertained Patches... or was it the other way around?

Wait, is that our Tabby, or a harbor seal??

Happy Friday!

2007-06-15T08:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday people.

I hope everyone has a mighty fine day.

Look at how bad I am

2007-06-02T16:35:00.000-04:00

My kindly caretaker just spent an hour mopping the entire apartment, to cleanse it of the tumbleweeds of grey and white fur I have shed everywhere. But do I care? No.

I was asked nicely to remove myself from the kitchen table, but I chose not to respond. Because that's just the way I roll. It's friggin' hot.

... and guess what else?

2007-05-24T08:28:00.000-04:00

You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.
Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.
If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.
Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.
Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.
If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.
Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?