Chocolate - keep it real!

I regularly read Candy Blog as a calorie-free way to enjoy sweets. Through this blog, it came to my attention that the FDA definition of chocolate is under attack. Cybele recently wrote this editorial to the LA Times, Hands off my chocolate, FDA! Since then, the deadline to submit a comment to the FDA has been extended to June 25.

Submit a comment to the FDA!

Does bad luck come in threes?

Everyone is always saying how bad luck comes in threes.... first was my tail bone, then my ankle, and now? My tooth. I was chewing gum at lunch and it started to get crunchy. When I pulled it out, a large piece of filling was missing from my back tooth. Ugh. My dentist is out of town so I will wait until Monday to get it fixed. Luckily it's not painful.

Clapotis
This was my travel knitting for my trip to San Francisco. I successfully knit one skein of Alchemy Bamboo and finished Section 1 and 2. There was some major frustration trying to figure out what the pattern increases meant as some of the terms used do not mean what they usually mean. This chart helped out immensely! Once I had that figured out, it was smooth sailing and pretty easy to knit. I only had to pay attention to which row I was on and when to do the increases where.




Now I need to wind my next skein into a ball before I can resume knitting. Then buy 2 more to finish. The drape of the fabric is lovely, it's so soft, and I love the sheen.

Goodies from SFO

Ankle update
After almost two weeks, my foot is still swollen so I went to the doctor. He thinks I might have injured the ligaments. Ugh. So more prescription meds and a recommendation to go to an orthopedic surgeon. And Max thinks I may be on crutches for the next two weeks or more. Great. My secret pal let me know that another package is on the way - I can't wait! I could use a happy surprise.

California wedding

Max and I just got back last night! It was an unusual trip for us, didn't do a whole lot because of my swollen foot and crutches. Still, we had a good time.

Thursday
Our flight left incredibly early at 6:45am, which meant waking up at 4:30am. I had emailed Continental airlines ahead of time to see if I could get a wheelchair and that worked out great. Max checked in at the airport and soon he was wheeling me through security.

Tip: Walk through the metal detectors if you can. The extra special pat down required if you wheel through is not worth saving yourself a few moments of pain. Trust me.

It's a strange feeling to be wheeled through an airport. Alot faster and easier than if I had been on my crutches but I felt like everyone was looking at me wondering what was wrong with me. I got on the airplane first - also weird being on an empty plane. We had a stop-over in Cleveland and there was a wheelchair waiting for me at the gate. Same for SFO. Max handled the car rental (waiting in line over an hour while I sat nearby knitting my Clapotis). There was major traffic on the way to the hotel so by the time we checked in, it was probably 3pm. And we were hungry! We had lunch/dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. It was very good and so filling. Max talked to Natalia (the bride) and had a beer with Alex (the groom) that night after I had gone to sleep.

Friday
We woke up early (jet lag), had breakfast in the hotel, then drove into San Francisco. Our destination was Imagiknit. It took some effort to navigate the city with the maps we had been given but we made it there and found parking even! What a great yarn store. It is the biggest store I've ever been to and the selection is great. The staff were very helpful, especially considering my mobility issues. I spent an hour and a half there, looking around the store, looking through their binders of patterns and books. Max said I could buy whatever I wanted (within reason). I came away with two skeins of Art Yarns, one skein of Lorna's Shepard's Wool, two hat patterns, 16" size 3 Addi Turbos, a set of size 3 Susan Bates DPNs, a set of four (size 5) bone DPNs, and Viking Patterns for Knitting. That night, Max and I went over to Natalia's Mom's house for a little get together. I got to wear my new green and white summer dress, people came over to talk to me instead of me having to start up conversation, and Max brought refreshments to me on the couch. It worked out well.



Saturday
We were able to sleep in a little. Max didn't want to do anything that would tire me out so after breakfast in our hotel room (Max made a run for me: blueberry bagel and cream cheese from Noah's Bagels and a vanilla latte from Starbucks), I went to Salon Salon. I got partial highlights, a haircut, manicure, and pedicure for $200 without tip. Took about 3 hours and they were all very nice. I would recommend it if you're in the area. Max went to Lee's Comics. The wedding was at 6pm and we arrived at Ralston Hall with time to spare. The ceremony was short, and with a Catholic priest (rogue or not) I was surprised. By the end I was crying and, of course, I forgot to bring a tissue. Luckily Max had one. The photographer, Noah Hawthorne, was very good - never once yelled at a guest for taking pictures at the same time as him. There was dinner and speeches and dancing and cake and more dancing. Max had a great time. I made him go dance with his friends, instead of just sitting with me all night. We both stayed until the end, which was midnight.



Sunday
We slept in and then drove out to Napa for brunch at the Napa General Store Cafe. I had blueberry pancakes and breakfast tea. Max had the Napa scramble. Then we drove through Napa and Sonoma. We stopped at the St. Francis Winery and the Ledson Winery for a wine tasting. On the way back to the hotel, we drove over the Golden Gate bridge and saw this amazing dense fog that ate up the land. For dinner we went to Mimi's Cafe. Then we had to pack our suitcase and go to bed early - we needed to wake up at 3:30am.



Monday
Our flight was at 6:45am. We checked out of the hotel, Max drove me to the departure gate and set me down with all the suitcases, I knit while I waited for him to drop off the rental car, Hertz drove him back to the departure gate so I didn't have to wait for him for so long, he checked us in, and then I had to use my crutches all the way through security and to the gate because there weren't enough wheelchairs available. It took so long. I was tired, I hadn't eaten and I was cranky. Almost made a scene going through security but we managed to get on the plane okay. There was a wheelchair waiting for us in Houston and again in DC. By the time we got home it was almost 6pm. It was a long day. We're both glad to be home!

Shedir

I worked on this on and off all weekend. Between the still healing bruised tail bone and the sprained ankle in a brace, it was difficult to find a sitting position that was comfortable for more than 30 minutes... never mind the pain meds that make me sleepy and tell my body that it is nap time. Nonetheless, here's how far I got:



Then I discovered I had made a mistake and started over. Do you see it? Here's where I'm at now:



I'm using Lion Brand Microspun in silver grey and 24" size 3 needles (because that's the smallest cable available in my Boye needle set and even after multiple pleadings Max will not go to the yarn store and buy me the proper size - perhaps I can do that on my trip). The yarn untwists and splits frequently, which is quite annoying but it's soft and machine washable. I'm enjoying knitting the cables and though I rarely knit from a chart, so far so good. Now. :) The Knitting Answer Book is just there to confirm that I did indeed M1 correctly.

For my trip to SFO travelling knitting, I'm making Clapotis from Alchemy Bamboo. I love the softness and sheen. It's very pretty and light.

I won!

I was the 1000th poster on the Lime Dragon blog. I won a $15 gift certificate to Amazon. I think I'll get a knitting book. Any suggestions?

Baby shower

Erin and Simon's baby shower was today and even a sprained ankle was not going to keep me away. I've been knitting baby bibs for Erin since she first told me she was pregnant. Max bought a wooden rattle at the Waterford Fair in October. And the baby socks I finished just recently! I've been holding off posting about any of it so it would be a surprise but now that the shower is over, I can.

Thank you!

Dear Secret Pal,

Thank you for the lovely package! It arrived just when I really needed a present... opening a package (while sitting on the couch) is one of the few things I'm allowed to do while my sprained ankle heals. I can put a little pressure on my foot and the swelling is down a lot but still a ways to go.

I love the knitting notecard and really love the Lantern Moon needles. I was missing size 6 so I'm very happy! I haven't had a chance to open up the lotion yet - the tin is cute, very knitting meets yoga.

Here's my Saturday sky:


Tomorrow I'm going to a baby shower. I'll have lots of pictures to share after that! Thanks again!

Nicole

Greenery variation

Another hat for another cousin. It's a variation on the Greenery* hat pattern. Next up: Shedir*

In other news, I have been medically diagnosed as clumsy. I was running late yesterday morning and was running to catch the shuttle bus. I tripped and fell, less than a block from my house. I twisted my ankle, skinned my hands and knees. Max came home from work and took me to the ER. They took x-rays and cleaned up my cuts. Nothing broken, just a sprain. They gave me an ankle brace and crutches and pain meds. I'll be okay. But still clumsy.

*PDF files

Red Scarf Thanks

This came in the mail on Friday! How cool. I really enjoyed being part of the project this year and I know my knitting group at work feels the same. Many have asked about when we're starting up for next year's project, which will be as soon as the press release for the 2008 project is released, probably in September. I know I can't wait!

Driving update
It's getting easier. The hard part is not getting frustrated by setbacks or the unexpected... and also letting things happen at their own pace, not getting disappointed that I'm not living up to the high standards I've set for myself. On Saturday I drove over a bridge for the first time, and also drove at dusk in the rain. I didn't exactly handle it like a pro but nothing went wrong either. Sunday, I drove to the grocery store with Max- twice! - to ACTUALLY get groceries. Novel concept! :)

30 seconds to help stop global warming

Dear Friends,

I just sent a message asking my members of Congress to fight global warming by supporting two new bills that could help stop global warming. Will you join me?

Send an Earth Day message about these crucial global warming bills to your members of Congress. The consequences of unchecked climate change could be devastating. If we don't act now, we could face:

• * The loss of up to 50% of all species on Earth. As oceans continue to warm, thousands of species will face extinction - not just the polar bear.
• * More frequent, more intense heat waves like the 2003 tragedy that killed 30,000 people in Western Europe.
• * Increased droughts and wildfires, especially in the Western U.S.
• * Increased flooding in coastal regions as sea levels rise. If seas rise by 80 feet, 50 million Americans could lose their homes.

However, right now Congress has the chance to set us on a better course. Two newly introduced bills -- the Sanders-Boxer Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309) and the Waxman Safe Climate Act (HR. 1590) -- would help to stop global warming by reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency through the use of clean, renewable energy sources. They offer a clear first step to addressing the impending global warming crisis and we must support them. Celebrate Earth Day 2007 by helping to make sure these bills become law.

Urge your members of Congress to take the first step to fight global warming by supporting these bills.

I'm really glad I spoke up, and I think you will be, too. Thanks for your help and Happy Earth Day!

More knitted hats

Finished another hat for one of my cousins for Christmas. Although the Point Lobos Hat* pattern calls for US size 7 needles, I used US size 6 needles (4mm) and cast on 88 stitches. In progress:



Completed! The size is just right and should probably fit my cousin's head the same. And go well with her brown coat. :)


Also completed the Odessa hat for my little cousin:


*Links to a PDF

Athens, GA

My trip to Georgia was short and busy. My flight left early on Wednesday and, after a quick layover, I arrive in Athens (on a teeeny-tiny plane that seats 19) just before lunch. Kristina picked me up at the tiny airport and we went back to her place briefly. I unpacked an assortment of gifts, including this Odessa hat and a washcloth knit from Lily cotton yarn:



We had lunch with her grandmother, who was also in town visiting for Kristina's thesis defense. After lunch we walked around The State Botanical Garden Of Georgia. Then Kristina had to get some work done, practice her presentation, work on her PPT, so grandma went back to the hotel to watch the golf channel and I hung out on Kristina's couch reading Mistress of the Empire. That night, the three of us had dinner with Kristina's boyfriend Bruce. We had leftovers from the Passover Seder that was the night before, beef brisket, carrots, and potatoes. Everything was really yummy.

On Thursday, there were lots of errands to run before Kristina's defense. I went with her to some but then spent a few hours in her apartment by myself baking treats for Kristina's defense (standard procedure I'm told). I made scones and kosher for passover marble cake and brownies. Kristina's mom came over for a short while to help with the preparations. Then there was a flurry of getting dressed and ready to go. Kristina's defense was at 4pm, so all the treats had to be set up before hand. Her presentation was about 30 minutes long, followed by a break for snacks, then everyone but Kristina was shuffled out by her committee so they could grill her for 40 minutes. She was approved with changes! Afterwards, all her friends gathered for drinks and dinner. Kristina's mom made a toast. Then a few of us went to Ben & Jerry's for ice cream (despite the cold). Kristina and I shared a banana split.



That night Kristina's boyfriend came over and we played 3 handed Canasta. It was the first time I had ever played so they had to teach me but then I won on the second hand.

On Friday, Kristina had another presentation. While she was preparing, her grandmother stopped by to say goodbye. After the presentation, Kristina's Mom met us at her apartment and we drove over to Bruce's place for dinner. We had this wine to drink while we were waiting. It is a sweet sparkling white wine and I thoroughly enjoyed it.



Kristina, her Mom and I played Canasta while Bruce finished in the kitchen. For dinner, Bruce prepared Coq au Vin, all on his own, just by following the instructions from the cookbook. Dinner was delicious and I was quite impressed. We played a few more hands of Canasta and then Kristina's Mom went back to the hotel. Two of Kristina's friends came over and the four of us played the expansion version of Settlers of Catan. I won. Then it was too late to play another game so we settled for 5 hands of Phase 10. I finally made it to phase one on the 5th hand. It was late and by the time we drove back to Kristina's and I had packed my bag, it was 1am.

My flight left Athens at 7:40am. I arrived in DC around 11am and Max was there to pick me up. The rest of the weekend, Max and I took it easy. I went driving on Sunday and tried out a new route. Pulled up behind a car at a red light and drove on a curvy road for the first time.

Driving

This weekend was all about taking care of myself and getting better... so lots of lazying around on the couch watching TV (and maybe knit a little), in bed reading a book (Servant of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist), and back again.

Max and I ventured out on Sunday morning so I could practice my driving. I drove to the grocery store - and back this time! The way there wasn't as scary this time, only the way back, but even then I did pretty good. I'm still having a little trouble driving the speed limit, constantly having to monitor and try to go faster. It's getting better though and the plan is for me to practice with Kristina while I'm in Georgia. Good thing she lives in a small town! :)

Heads or tails

I finished the project I was making using Lily cotton yarn. With the leftovers, I made this headband for myself. The cables change all throughout and the edge is double crochet. It's a little bulky but I like it.

Tails
Monday night I was pretty exhausted from my day at the office unpacking... over the weekend, almost everyone in my division was shuffled and redistributed. We all had to move. Once home, I was walking around in my socks and slipped on the stairs. I fell and landed on my tail bone. At first it didn't hurt much but a few hours later, I was in pain. I stayed home to rest on Tuesday. Yesterday I went to see the doctor. It's inflamed but not broken, and only time will tell if it's cracked. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next two weeks so I'm gearing up for a weekend on the couch. Brilliant timing since I'm going to be flying down to Georgia next week.

Weekend review

Knitting

I finished another Odessa hat this weekend. It's intended as a Christmas present. Now I'm working on a basket weave pattern in burgundy Lily cotton on size 6 needles. More than that, I can't say. It's also a present.

Driving
On Saturday, I drove in the rain for the first time ever. It was cloudy but clear when we left the house. As I pulled up to the stoplight outside our community, it started to rain a little. The automatic windshield wipers turned on and the rain was drawn across the glass. It was the first time I drove with my view obstructed and it shook me up a little. I only drove outside the community for one block before returning to my neighborhood. I drove back to the house and the whole thing was over in less than 10 minutes.

On Sunday, it was clear and sunny. I drove outside the community on the main road for two blocks and then took the exit into the park. I did well and was feeling confident, so Max told me to go for it and drive to the grocery store. It's about 3 city blocks from our house, requires three lane changes and a left hand turn at a stop light. I was pretty scared, as much as last Saturday, but I did it! I pulled into the parking lot and parked. I drove to the grocery store. Max drove us home. Next weekend I'm going to try to do that too. It's all very exciting and scary.

The Last Mimzy
We went to see this on Sunday. A great, feel-good movie! It's fun and fantastical. The movie is based on a short story that is based on a line from Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, "all mimsy were the borogoves." Emma Wilder, played by Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, is so cute and has the most entrancing little smile. I definitely recommend it.

Odessa in progress

Third time's a charm! I've been really tired this week so I haven't been working on it alot but here's what I have so far. When I measured last night I had about 3.5" so I can start the decreases in another 2 inches. I'm making this for my little cousin for Christmas, to match the poncho I gave her two years ago. I'm using Red Heart Soft in lavender, size 4 and size 6 needles. All the stitch markers are there because I'm having a hard time paying attention to my knitting while Max is playing Zelda. I can handle each 10 stitch set, so that's how I'm doing it - one set at a time.

Happy Spring!

Weekend round-up

Knitting
I spent quite a bit of time knitting over the weekend (while Max played Zelda) but I have nothing to show for it. I finished a hat but cannot show it because I made it for my secret pal. I started something else but then turned out to not have enough yarn to make anything from it so I unravelled it. I made a cute little dish cloth but also cannot show that since it is a present for someone else. And then there's the Odeassa hat that I started over twice because I wasn't paying enough attention (watching Max play Zelda instead) and twice it came out like crap. I'm on the "third time is a charm" but only made it to the third row of ribbing. So far it's fine. The pattern is not even difficult, only requires a modicum of attention... but apparently I could not even handle that.

Zelda
Max has played for over 60 hours and we're getting close to finishing the game. We always spend a lot of time on side-quests but we're almost done with those, Max doing the actual playing but I help out with figuring out the puzzles and stuff. Just need to get through the Cave of Ordeals and then he can go save the princess.

Reading
Currently reading, for the third or fourth time, Magician by Raymond E. Feist. It's been a long time since I read it so although I remember generally what happened, all the details seem new to me again. I'm reading Max's copy of the author's special edition. Almost all of the fantasy books in our house are his but I have read most of them and have come to really enjoy this genre of books. If I get in a reading slump, it's usually the fantasy books that bring me back. Last year is was Robert Jordan. This year is Raymond E. Feist. I was also considering David Eddings, so that series might be next in line.

Driving
I went driving on Sunday. It was a short drive but into new territory, outside my residential community, stopped and turned at a stop light, and drove on a multi-lane street for one city block at 35mph before turning back into my community. Major accomplishment. My heart was racing and I think I forgot to keep breathing. But after a quick drive through my neighborhood, I drove around and did it again, this time going two city blocks and taking an exit ramp into the city park next to where we live. Max had a minor heart attack when I didn't take the first turn but then quickly realised where I was going. We stopped in the park and walked around in the cold to help me cool down and then I drove us home. So, it's getting better. One day I will be able to subdue (and hopefully rid myself of) my mother's voice in the back of my head screaming "OH MY GOD WE'RE GOING TO DIE!"

Mari's brother's baby's sweater

One of the women in my knitting group at work, Mari A, finished knitting a baby sweater for her brother's daughter. Isn't it cute? Here's the pattern if you want to make one for your brother's baby too.

I'm not sure what yarn she used but I'll update this if she lets me know.

Frogging

When do you decide that an UFO has been sitting around too long? When is it time to rip back and turn your UFO back into yarn?

For me, it seems the time is now. Maybe it's a little spring fever or spring cleaning but last night I decided that my Viking Turid has been sitting around TOO LONG, unfinished, not worked on, not even looked at, languishing in a corner. It hasn't made an appearance since February 2006. The yarn is great and I've been knitting long enough that size 3 needles are no longer scary but I have to face the reality... I'm never going to finish it.

So tonight I'm frogging. Stay tuned for the gory before and after.

Saturday Sky

I can't wait for Spring!! This picture from the 2004 Cherry Blossom Festival, taken on March 24.

Green hat

More cables! Another hat! This one is still in progress.



When it is done, I can add another item to my "gift box" and I'll be one more step ahead for Christmas. It's sized for an adult woman. I bought some lavender yarn to make one for one of my younger cousins. I'll have to guess a bit at the size.

Erin's vest

Erin B is part of my knitting group at work. She finished knitting this vest some time ago but Friday was the first time I saw her wear it. It's her first time knitting cables and doing crochet edging - and she did a good job! I helped by demonstrating a little but all the work was done by Erin B. The pattern is based on Boogie and the yarn is something she picked up at Springwater. Just like my other friend Erin is always telling me that I can do it, I'm always happy to tell my knitting group to go for it. All the scary stuff is not so hard when you get the hang of it. Mostly. :)

Saturday Sky

It's been awhile since I've added my piece of sky... too many gray days lately. This pretty one is from our trip to Disney World, it's the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. You can sort of see the castle on the bottom left.

Online knitting magazines

When I first started getting into knitting, Erin told me about Knitty. Then I discovered MagKnits and a bunch of others. Today I added a new one to my bookmarks: For The Love of Yarn. It's similar to Knitty but smaller and "dedicated to knitting and crocheting." There are three issues in the archives and I had fun taking a look through everything the patterns, articles, and product reviews.

Resolutions update

Resolutions

• - use more yarn from my stash (especially the good stuff!)
• - finish one of my UFOs
  
• - use my new sewing machine
• - use my new ice cream machine
  
• - make a good loaf of no-knead bread
• - lose my holiday weight
  

Update

• 1) Done
  
• 2) Still have not even touched one of my Unfinished Objects.
  
• 3) Still have not even opened the sewing machine box yet.
• 4) Done
  
• 5) Done
• 6) Still working on this one too. Although I've been going to yoga twice a week, since Max started his online classes, our trips to the gym have all but disappeared. Starting today we're going back to the food diary and counting calories. That should hopefully help.